note: part 2 ... :)

no, i do not own TW!

Chapter 2: The return of the captain part 2

The first thought that popped into his mind when he walked through that door was "Good lord, is that an actual blowfish?". Without hesitation, he fired one single shot.

He wasn't too surprised that the team had coped well since his departure. He had handpicked them and trained them well. However, he did feel a little resentment that they had done so well without him.

Gwen, Owen, Tosh and Ianto all looked stunned at the sight of their leader. Gwen quickly took charge again.

"Owen, how is the father? Will he be ok? " she asked.

Owen responded with his usual "c'mon give me some credit"-look.

"Right" said Gwen " Tosh, make sure you explain everything to the family and do retcon them. No one needs to remember a blowfish getting his brains shot out". Tosh chuckled.

"Ianto … erm maybe we could replace the curtains, or dryclean them?"

"Ianto" Gwen repeated firmly after realizing that he was still gazing at their leader in the opening of the door.

Ianto forced himself to look away, meeting Gwen's eyes and saying: "I'm on it."

Jack had searched for his gaze from the moment he had pulled the trigger. For once he couldn't read him. Was it surprise or anger he saw in his eyes? Was he hurt by his departure? He just couldn't tell. He had only realized how much he had missed him when he had looked into his eyes. Jack felt this strong urge to hold him and kiss him. Just enough to taste him for the rest of the day. He knew he had to settle for sneaking a look once in a while.

But he didn't protest. Right now, he was content just to be in his presence. His past employee, friend and lover.

He could feel the tension in the room. Slowly drowning out all other emotions and becoming louder than every sound. After everything was sorted out, it was Tosh who first went to him. "I've explained what happened and retconned them. They're a bit shaken up but they will be fine." She paused for a few seconds and then went on to say " Jack, it's great to have you back". Those words made Jack's heart jump.

She leaned over, hugged him and Jack just held her tightly. He felt grateful she made the first move. Over the years he had grown so fond of her. His little treasure. Finally, she let go and walked out of the house, towards the SUV.

Owen went passed him and nodded. "Took you long enough, eh?"

Gwen was right behind him and she simply smiled politely. Her lips slightly twitched but it was her eyes that gave away her true feelings. Happiness but with an intense glare of fury.

Jack waited for Ianto to come out of the house. He was still talking to the family and making sure the retcon did his job. After 10 minutes he closed the door behind him and sighted heavily.

"Wired blowfish brains on the curtains … this is going to take one hell of an understanding drycleaner". Jack chuckled but Ianto just looked at him with eyes of steel. Just for one second.

Then he walked past him towards the car without giving Jack any other sign of recognition. And Jack … he just followed.

Jack sighted and he instinctively knew that he had to mend the bridges between him and his beloved team. But he was determined to do whatever it takes.

They were nearly at the doors of the SUV when his wrist strap started to beep.

"Wow that never beeps" said a confused Ianto.

The moment Jack saw the holograph of John Hart, his stomach dropped. No, he thought, not now. Not whilst I have all of this shit going on. And certainly not you.

Jack had kept most of his past a secret from the team and he had good reason to. He'd done some amazing things and he had done some terrible things. Things he could never say and things that can never be undone. No matter how many lives he'd save, it would never be enough to ease his guilt for what he had done. And some he had done with John, whilst being employed by the time-agency. Because of the doctor and Rose he had left that part of him where it belonged … in the past. And now the past was back.

Jack knew that if he wanted to settle this, he had to do it now and alone. That meant leaving his team high and dry again. He got into the SUV and gave them an order:"Don't follow me ". He knew the team wasn't going to listen but he had to try to keep them out of it. If John found out that they were important to him, they'd all be in danger.

And so the newly reformed Torchwood got back to work.