Okay, before I start I just want to say sorry to anyone reading this wondering what happened to my other fics. At the moment I've just lost all inspiration with Bones, but I do hope to continue them in the future. Second thing is, don't expect this to be regularly updated. I am taking my exams at the moment and will only write when I have the time and inspiration. Thirdly, enjoy!
Gwen stifled a yawn, holding a loose fist to her mouth, while rummaging through her pockets with her other hand. Pulling out her keys, it took Gwen longer than usual to find the right one, place it in the keyhole and open the door. Her eyes kept blurring from tiredness, and she had no idea how she managed to drive and get home in one piece.
There was a meteor crash just outside Cardiff, something Gwen found infuriating. After all, they had all the shit that came out of the rift, why did they have to get the occasional meteor on top of all that? Nevertheless, the Torchwood team trudged up to the crash site, beating the army, and spent hours chipping away at it, collecting the meteor before the army arrived and lay claim. However, the work wasn't done. More hours were spent in the hub. Owen was running tests on some organic substance found, Tosh was scanning the rock to see if anything was inside it, Jack was trying to find out where it came from, Gwen was running tests on the rock itself, and Ianto was supplying his wonderfully strong coffee to everyone. Gwen didn't realize that night soon turned in to the wee hours of the morning until she felt Jack place a hand on her shoulder and persuaded her to go home, reassuring her that the team had everything until control. Bless them.
With this thought in mind, Gwen faltered on the doorstep, a wave of guilt hitting her. She was supposed to have had a romantic dinner with Rhys in the evening, but Torchwood once again pried her away. In the past he had been very understanding, but lately his temper was getting worse and she could see how much she was hurting him. Despite this, however, she secretly preferred to be slouched over her desk at Torchwood, Jack by her side, than having pointless arguments with Rhys. Another wave of guilt shot through her.
"Hello, Gwen." Gwen jumped at the cold voice that said her name, and she reached out to turn the light on with one hand while her other hand fluttered to her gun. When light flooded the small room, Gwen let out a small sigh of relief and gave a smile when she saw it was just Rhys sitting on the sofa with no alien threat. Gwen bounded over to him, but her feet slowed when she took in his hard and angry face, and the empty bottles of beer that surrounded him.
"Hey, Rhys," Gwen said cautiously with an apologetic smile on her face. Slowly joining him on the couch, Gwen noticed how Rhys shifted ever so slightly away from her. Pain coursed through her, but she tried to tame it; after all, she deserved it. "I'm really sorry, Rhys. There was an emergency. A meteor, didn't you see it? Anyway, Jack phoned and I had-"
"You didn't have to go anywhere, Gwen! You could have refused!" Rhys suddenly shouted, throwing down the bottle he was currently cradling in his hand and leaping to his feet. For a moment Gwen shrank in to the back of the sofa; she had never seen him this angry, or this drunk. "We were supposed to have a night together for once! But of course Jack phoned and you run off with him!" Rhys screeched, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
Gwen's fear didn't last long. Of course it was still there, in the back of her mind, cautioning her to be careful, but Rhys' anger spread to her, and before she knew it, she was on her feet facing him, her finger jabbing at his chest. "Don't you dare talk to me like that!" Gwen yelled, not appreciating Rhys shouting at her, despite the fact that she probably deserved it. "I was doing my job! Keeping people safe!"
"I've been thinking about that," Rhys said, his voice suddenly quiet and cold. This voice scared Gwen more than the shouting, and she had no idea what he was talking about so she raised her eyebrow and folded her arms across her chest. Rhys continued, "You always say that you're job is important but what about us? Aren't we important?" Gwen opened her mouth to retaliate, but Rhys held up his hand, wanting to finish. "I can't live like this anymore, Gwen. I never know when I'll see you next, and I never know if you'll be dead or not when I do." Gwen flinched at this but Rhys carried on, "You need to decide. Me or Torchwood?"
For a long moment Gwen just stood frozen in shock, her eyes wide and rapidly blinking. Did he seriously just ask her to choose between her job and her relationship? She loved Rhys so much, but lately she did notice them growing distant, but would that stop if she quit Torchwood? But how could she quit Torchwood? They would have to retcon her, and how was she supposed to willingly forget all her experiences and friends? Forget Jack? With Torchwood she was saving people's lives every day and without her, Torchwood would be missing its heart. Really, there was no choice, and Gwen hated it.
"Rhys, please don't make me choose," Gwen begged, dropping her eyes to the carpet. She wanted them both in her life, but if she had to decide she would pick Torchwood and she didn't want to let go of Rhys and admit that he came second in her life.
"Sorry, Gwen, but it is either Torchwood or me. You can't have both anymore." Gwen's eyes flickered up to his face and it was hard and confident. He thought that she would pick him and that broke her heart. Her eyes started leaking but she refused to sob. Suddenly Rhys' hands shot out and grabbed the top of Gwen's arms and started shaking her. "Gwen!" Rhys screamed at her.
Taken by surprise, Gwen forcefully pushed him away and obviously surprised him with her strength. He stumbled back and rage filled his features and before either of them knew what he was doing, he raised his face and harshly slapped Gwen across the face. "My God... Gwen, I'm sorry..." Rhys muttered apologetically, stumbling forward, his arms raised. But there was no way Gwen was letting him touch her again. Now she couldn't stop the sobs as they racked her body, making her arms shake as she quickly whipped out her gun, holding it to Rhys' chest. Suddenly she stopped and raised his hands slowly. Of course there was no way she would ever shoot him, but if it was the only way to keep him away from her then so be it.
Sprinting to the bedroom Gwen grabbed the duffel back and suitcase that the kept under the bed. She made sure to lock the bedroom door behind her before Rhys caught up to her and started packing all the clothes her hands touched, ignoring Rhys' apologies and his fists pounding on the door. Filling the bags to their capacity, Gwen stood up and faced the door for a long moment before unlocking it and stepping out.
"Gwen!" Rhys said in relief, thinking that she had come back out to talk to her but then his eyes found the suitcase and bag in her hands and his face crumpled. "No... Gwen... Please..." Rhys said between gasps, his own tears starting. But Gwen ignored them, just like he ignored her tears. Her chest ached, her face stung and her eyes were blurred from the continuous flow of tears, but still Gwen pushed past Rhys silently, her decision already made.
When she reached the doorstep she turned around to face him and said in an emotionless voice, "I'm come back tomorrow when you're gone and get the rest of my things." She realized that he would stay in the flat until she arrived but she could always bring Jack as moral support. Turning her back on him, Gwen was about to step out of the door when something else flittered across her mind. "Oh," Gwen said in a matter-of-fact voice, "I choose Torchwood." Her voice cracked on the last word as she broke down again, but she still walked out of the flat confidently, never once looking back.