Hey, guys! \^_^/ Thanks for reading! I hope you like it!

A/N: So I know that at the beginning of The End of Time: Part 1 it doesn't look like the Doctor just had a heart-to-heart with anyone when he steps out of the TARDIS, so realize now that this is written as completely AU. And I know it happens like a season later, but please, for me, pretend that Waters of Mars takes place really soon after Last of the Time Lords. I just didn't want to have to deal with all the problems Torchwood has afterwards, if I'm being completely honest.

Disclaimer: *Sigh* no. Alas, it has not happened yet; and, while I hate to admit it, I probably never will T_T

As a constant preface: I don't have a beta, so I want to explicitly state that if you see ANY mistakes (i.e. to vs. too, Doctors vs. Doctor's, an extra comma... Etc. *no matter how small!*) just tell me. I'll try to fix it ASAP. Just give me the whole phrase (for reference) and what needs to be changed in it. There's nothing worse when I see a mind-blowing sentence but my mind focuses on the ONE missspelling... ;) Sorry, I'm kinda OCD about those things. Also, I've been editing this for close to a month, and there's only so many times you can read your own writing over and over and over again; so call me on plot inconsistencies too.

And one more thing: Have you ever read or heard someone recite something, but can only think of the original voice (or what you think it would be—like for a book) in your head? ...Wow, okay, that sounds a lot weirder written out. Point being: I do lol so there are a lot of "Easter Eggs" in my longer fics of quotes adapted from books/movies/tv shows etc... Not gonna lie, some are really ambiguous; but see if you can spot any of them and drop me a review! You may find some I didn't even think of! I'll leave my "inspiration" at the end of each chapter. Happy hunting! ^_^

Summary: Waters of Mars AU: the Doctor visits Jack between WOM and The End of Time: Part 1. (Spoilers) NO SLASH

Reassurance

There's no way to know what kind of trouble the Doctor will bring with him until he comes. Though, maybe that's not the right order: There's no way to know what kind of trouble there could have been, until the Doctor comes and stops it. Contrary to the common misconception on Earth, the Doctor isn't a threat any more than a meteorologist predicting a destructive hurricane. But, regardless, you never know what will happen when a 1960s police box lands on your doorstep. Or, in this case, just across the street from it.

It was weird seeing someone in the tourist center. Or rather, it was weird seeing someone in the tourist center who was holding neither a camera nor a box of pizza. And the man standing in front of Ianto was definitely not a tourist. There was something about his persona that gave him the look of a traveler; but not the kind that would show up in Cardiff for its lovely weather and exciting museums.

And, beyond that, he looked anything but energetic to be there: an air of solemn resignation followed in his wake; the red of his eyes detailed—what Ianto could only guess as—hours of crying; and his body language alone screamed his exhaustion and age. The man couldn't have been over 45, but the way he carried himself you'd think he'd lived a thousand years. And all of this in a 10-second window from the moment the stranger walked in. Ianto always was good at reading people. "Can I help you, sir? There's a selection of brochures for attractions around the city on the shelf behind you." Ianto was sure that's not what he wanted—he had almost definitely established that this man's intentions weren't for perusing the sights—but it was worth a shot, right?

"I need to talk to Jack."

Ianto hesitated, "I'm sorry, sir, but there's no one here by that name."

He gave an exasperated sigh, and his demeanor changed to that of impatience. "This is Torchwood Three's base, is it not?"

Ianto stiffened, "You must be mistaken; but if there's any other way I could be of service—"

"I'm sorry, but I'm running out of patience and time—the latter of which is inconceivably* precious to me. Jack's talked about you, Ianto Jones—quite fondly, I might add. But, Ianto, I need to talk to Jack. Now." The man gave a bark of laughter, startling Ianto not only for its suddenness, but for its sheer lack of humor. "You could say it's a life or death situation."

"I—um—I—" he gave up. Despite Ianto having no idea if this man was friend or foe, he seemed genuine in his request. "I think he's downtown. There's a bar off Bute Street—The Packet—he frequents there if he needs a distraction." The man mumbled a thank you and turned to go— "You're him, aren't you? Jack's Doctor?"

The Doctor stopped, mid-step, and tensed. "Yes," he said finally, not even turning to face him, and swiftly pulled the door open and disappeared onto the Plass.

Ianto stood numb for a few moments longer before coming to his senses and pulling out his phone and dialing Jack. But, of course, it went unanswered. Typical. "Jack, if you get this, call me back; it's important. There's someone on his way to see you." He hung up, leaving his message purposefully vague, in hopes that Jack would call him if only out of curiosity.

But, really, it was a five-minute walk; and with the Doctor's long, determined strides, it was cut to just over three. And with how rowdy the bar was, no vibration could compete with seeing the subject the message was about show up in front of you.

Jack wasn't even fully aware of his surroundings to begin with—not the best habit to break, but times were tough—there was a gorgeous blonde capturing his attention... And his girlfriend wasn't half-bad-looking either. But when a ghost from your past shows up in front of you, just a few feet past the object of your (supposedly undivided) attention, you tend to take notice. "Excuse me—Dylan—sorry to cut you off short—but there's someone else I need to see right now." He nodded an apology to both audiences and politely excused himself, walking over to the one person who could tempt him go against any better judgment.**

TBC

* The Princess Bride (1987): Vizzini repeatedly says "inconceivable" when referring to the "masked man" *spoilers!* ;)

** Torchwood: Season 1, Episode 1