A/N: annnnnd...I'm BACK! Been a while I know. I sort of lost interest in TW and shifted to HP. Then listened to a couple of TW audio books today and got back into the mood. So hopefully I'll be in it again to finish this fic. Sorry for the long wait and hope you're still interested.


"So when are we going to get together again? It's been so long." Jack was walking through the store looking for the tastier of the pre-made dinner options as he talked to Ianto on his mobile.

"Long? I just had lunch in your office today."

"Which we still need to christen by the way."

"I regret putting that idea in your mind now but tell me, what do you want to get together for?"

"For our third date!" Jack exclaimed and earned an odd look from an older woman in the aisle.

"I thought we already had that."

"No, not officially. Come on, the third date is important. It's sacred."

"Sacred?" Asked Ianto and Jack could practically see the Welshman's skeptically (but sexy nonetheless) raised eyebrow. "And how is it sacred?"

"Because it's when we get to have sex." Jack explained like it was the most obvious thing.

"We've had two dinner dates, both of which ended in sex and phone sex on a number of occasions. There was even that lunch we had- the results of which I'd prefer not to think about as the look of the waiter still makes me mortified. I think we've done nothing to uphold the sanctity. Don't tell me they didn't count."

"They do but I thought we could have an official third date and shag afterwards, therefore upholding the tradition."

"Yes but not necessarily the 'third date' rule?"

"Come on, third date means special sex!" Urged Jack.

"Oh, but it's always special with you, Jack." Ianto replied, his voice huskier and accent becoming a little thicker.

"Yeah, and just imagine how great the third date shag will be..." Jack purred, not realising he had began to rub a finger up and down a can of garbanzo beans on the self. After a few graphic descriptions, giggles brought Jack back to the reality that he was standing in the ethnic foods aisle. Two teenage girls were near enough to hear what he was saying and their giggles became flirtatious when Jack flashed them a grin.

"Well as much fun as that sounds, I'm afraid I'll have to take a rain check. I actually called to tell you I'm going to be out of London for about a month."

"What? When?" Demanded Jack and Ianto hesitated slightly.

"Well, actually next week, sorry. I'm going home to Cardiff. You see I've sorta been putting off telling you and we've both been so busy..."

"So when can we meet up?"

"Um, that's the thing. I can meet up for lunch a few times but with the final night coming up at Cadogen Hall I'm not sure..." Ianto broke off again.

"When are you coming back in London?" Jack asked, downhearted.

"Maybe a couple months? It's still up in the air. I don't have set plans."

"Ah, okay..."

"Jack I do like you, a lot. Sorry...just well I haven't been home for almost seven months now and-"

"No it's fine, I understand. Take all the time you want." Jack said and Ianto sighed.

"I really am sorry. Do you want to meet up for lunch tomorrow?"

"What? Oh, no, I think I'm busy. How about I call you then?"

"Yeah...bye Jack."

"Bye."


One Month Later

As usual, Jack was in his office eating lunch with Owen.

"You're good to be rid of him Jack. A bunch of sheep shaggers the Welsh." Owen stated authoritatively to Jack, who was half listening, half poking at his sandwhich.

"Hm, yeah." The past month had been filled with work, trips to the veterinarian, nightly outings with Owen and other work colleagues, sharp jokes and comments from Suzie and calls from Ianto. The calls were normally full of small talk and long pauses. From what Ianto had said, Jack figured he would be staying in Wales for much longer than a couple of months. Every time Jack thought about Ianto, his stomach sank. Long-distance relationships were not Jack's thing, even if the distance was about a three-hour car ride. While he really liked Ianto, keeping up a relationship over the phone and only on weekends wasn't his idea of romance. The two were drifting further and further apart into their now separate lives and the phone calls proved it.

Besides, two dates and phone sex didn't really constitute a relationship. Realistically, he wasn't sure why he was so upset about it all.

A ping from his computer interrupted his despondent thoughts and ignoring of Owen's babble. Jack looked to find he had a new email...from Gwen.

"Gwen just sent me an email, asking to meet up for lunch this Thursday."

"Why? Does she want to yell at you some more?" Asked Owen, mildly interested.

"It reads, 'Dear Jack, I'm sorry about making that scene a few weeks ago. Can we meet up for lunch this Thursday? I really want to apologise.'"

"Sorry about making a scene but not sorry about what she said and slapping you. I don't know mate, your call on this one. Just keep her contact information next to your computer so the coppers have a lead on where to find your mutilated body."

With a sigh, Jack pushed reply and suggested a time and place. At this point, he didn't really have much to lose. Hell, he might as well make it a dinner.


The two met at one of Gwen's favourite Thai restaurants. By the time Jack arrived, Gwen was already at a table and picking out some appetizers.

"Now, to make this clear, as I said in the email, this is not a date. Just a dinner between two adults." Jack announced as he took his seat.

"I understand Jack." Affirmed Gwen. After their orders were taken and drinks arrived, she started to explain herself.

"So, I wanted to say that I'm really sorry about what I did. I mean, I meant what I said and I still do but I was just-"

"Living in the moment?" Offered Jack and Gwen smiled slightly.

"Yeah, I guess. Well, what I want to say is, I apologise leaving you on such a sour note."

"A sore one too."

"Oh and sorry I hit you so hard. I didn't mean to leave a mark. At least, Owen said it left a small bruise."

"Do I hear a hint of pride there Cooper?" Jack said seriously but the large smile a few pulses after his comment left Gwen relieved.

"Well as a former Tai Kwan Do green belt, it's nice to know that something stuck after those long, grueling hours training after school."

"Why couldn't you do ballet like a normal girl?"

"Because then I'd be forced to kick you with a graceful kick and I'm sure you'd not want to part with that member of your anatomy."

"Me and most of the men in London, I can assure you."

Gwen fell into giggles and Jack chuckled a bit. The spring rolls suddenly arrived and Gwen offered one to Jack, who gladly took it.

"See, I miss this. Us just joking about." Gwen admitted and Jack nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, so, is this an agreement to be friends again?"

"I hope so."

"No more pining after me?"

"You sure you're gay?"

"Gwen-"

"Okay, okay, sorry. I apologise and I offer an olive branch of peace. Friends?"

"Apology and olive branch accepted."

"Good. Now, tell me, how has everything been Jack?"

The two continued to talk about whatever surfaced to mind. It was really what Jack needed, to act like everything was normal.

"Jack, can you talk to me honestly?" Gwen suddenly said after a story about Suzie and her office eccentrics. Although she and Jack appeared to be joking and laughing without a care in the world, Gwen knew there was something wrong. Every so often, Jack's smile would turn down at the corners for a moment or he'd have a sad, far off look. It was a little upsetting for her to not know what was causing him so much anguish that he couldn't hide it like he normally would.

"I have been for the past forty minutes."

"No, really. Tell me what's bothering you?"

"What are you talking about? Nothing's bothering me."

"Jack, you don't seem yourself. Something's on your mind."

"Nothings the matter Gwen! Would you stop it? We're having a nice dinner. Don't ruin it." Bit Jack, leaving Gwen a little shocked.

"Sorry, God. Don't act so upset. I'll leave it alone for now then." They lapsed into a short silence as they finished up their meal. Trying to salvage the previous atmosphere while simultaneously prying more into Jack's life, Gwen asked another question.

"So, how's the love life then? Still seeing that guy you wrote to Suzie about in that card?"

"Him? No. Why do you want to know about him?"

"Just trying to generate fun conversation." Gwen said with a raised eyebrow. From Jack's slight twitching; she knew she had found the source of his agitation.

"Well, it's not working."

"Jack, what's wrong? You're acting like a moody 12 year-old girl! Tell me what's wrong!" Commanded Gwen. They started at each other for a few seconds before Jack sighed. Gwen was impossible sometimes and completely relentless. There was a point you reached with her when you realised it was best just to tell her want she wanted to know.

"His name is Ianto Jones. It was going great until he left for Cardiff. We talk on the phone and all but you know, not the same. I don't see why people make such a big deal about it. We didn't really have a relationship to begin with. There, happy now?"

"Jack, Cardiff is only a 3 hour drive away. You're acting like he left for Africa."

"So? I don't do long distance relationships."

"Is he coming back?"

"I don't know he said he was but-"

"Is he coming back to London, for sure?"

"I suppose, eventuall-"

"Do you like him?"

"Yeah of course."

"Then it's worth working at! God Jack, you're such an idiot. You're supposed to work at relationships! Why do you think I even asked to meet you? Relationships need cultivation."

"But-"

"I don't care! I'm going to visit my parents in Swansea tomorrow. I'm dropping you off in Cardiff and not going to pick you up until Sunday."

"What about Alice?"

"Owen can watch her."

"No-"

"Jack that's the end of this! If you're so upset about it all, then I think you definitely need to at least talk to Ianto. He sounds like a nice, sweet person and I think suits you."

"I didn't really say anything about him. How would you know?"

"I researched him."

"What?"

"You think I was going to let you shag someone behind my back and not know a bit about them? I'm a journalist for Christ sake Jack!"

"Why did you act like you didn't know him?"

"And look like a jealous cow? I'm above that."


At about 9:40 PM, Jack found himself outside of an apartment complex that was a short walking distance from the coast. Gwen had just left with his only form of transportation, so he was stuck. He had to hand it to her though, she was a great journalist. By the time he had got back to his apartment the night before, Gwen called him and said she found Ianto's address. He took a deep breath before buzzing the apartment number Gwen had given him.

"Hello?" A distinctly female and English accented voice asked.

"Sorry, I think I got the wrong apartment. I'm looking for a Ianto Jones."

"Yes this is his residence. Who is this?"

"Jack Harkness." Jack was a little confused about what was happening.

"Jack Harkness? Ianto's told me so much about you! He didn't say you were visiting!"

"Yeah- it was meant to be a surprise."

"Oh. Well Ianto's just popped out to get some wine. I'll let you up before he comes back."

"Who exactly are-" Before Jack could get the mystery woman's name, she cut off the intercom and buzzed him in. Not one to say no to an adventure, Jack walked through the door and got into the elevator. Soon he got off at the 6th floor and quickly found the door marked 608. He hardly knocked on it when the door swung open to reveal a gorgeous dark skinned woman with a large grin. Before Jack could say anything, she pulled him into the apartment and placed a large kiss on his cheek.

"Ianto has not stopped talking about you since he came back. You have no idea how excited I am to finally meet you! I hope he's said as much about me to you."

Still in a bit of a haze, Jack smiled and nodded before taking a look around the apartment. They appeared to be in the small living area. One doorway led to a kitchen, another led to a hall and through the window there was an acceptable view of Cardiff.

The room they were in had quite a few pictures of Ianto, the mystery woman and who Jack assumed where their friends and families. The lump in this throat grew larger and larger as his eyes passed over the pictures of her and Ianto together as well as a few of them with each other's families. He started to wonder what his short time with Ianto meant to the young man, if it indeed had meant anything. From the looks of it, Jack was the bit on the side while Ianto's lovely girlfriend (wife?) stayed in Wales. It made Jack feel cheap, used and an utter fool. Ianto even had the complacency to tell this woman about Jack. What had he said? That Jack was just some guy he became friends with?

"Oh you look confused. Ianto hasn't mentioned me has he?" Frowned the woman as she noticed Jack's daze as he looked around the room.

"I-um."

"Oh no, it's fine. He tends to forget about poor little me, waiting at home until he finally decides to come back. Lisa Hallet is my name." Lisa stuck out her hand and Jack shook it.

"How long do you plan on staying? How did you get here?" She asked as she led him to the couch. Jack had to hand it to Ianto though. A certain warmth and hospitality radiated from Lisa and even if Jack felt that he should feel something negative towards her, the idea seemed impossible.

"Oh um, a friend dropped me off. She was heading towards Swansea. I was considering staying until Sunday but I don't want to inconvenience the both of you. I can always take a train back tomorrow."

"Nonsense! A friend of Ianto is a friend of mine! Now, I'll go put the kettle on, shall I? Ianto always makes a fuss when I touch his precious coffee maker." Smiled Lisa as she headed towards the kitchen. Jack felt like she had just stepped on his chest with a pair of cleats when she said the word 'friend'. Suddenly the sound of a key sliding into the lock made Lisa jump and pull Jack to the kitchen. She told him to stay hidden until she signaled and Jack really couldn't object.

From the kitchen, Jack peaked out to see Lisa run up to Ianto as the door swung open and kiss him on the cheek.

"You're oddly happy to see me. Did you break something?" Asked a suspicious Ianto.

"Nothing! I'm just excited that's all."

"Excited for wine? I knew you were turning into an alcoholic. Suppose all that time we spent apart really depresses you. Have to find something to ease the pain."

"Oh haha sheep man. I know how to wipe that smug look off your face."

"Please keep your clothes on- ow!"

"Watch it you! No I've got a surprise. Come on out!"

Jack took that as his designated cue. Honestly, he wanted to sneak out of the kitchen window but a 6-story drop wasn't too attractive. Taking a deep breath, Jack walked out of the kitchen to see Lisa and Ianto with comfortable arms around each other and his stomach dropped. He should have risked that drop.

"Jack? What are you doing here?" Soon, Ianto had Jack in a tight embrace and Jack wished he could match it as enthusiastically.

"Well though I'd surprise you." Before Jack could add that he would be willing to find a hotel, Ianto kissed him on the lips. Confused, Jack pulled away and glanced at Lisa.

"I'll go next door to Ella's then? I'll give you till midnight then I want to be able to come back in. Oh and no shagging on the couch! It's supposed to be communal."

"Sorry." Ianto mumbled, a little embarrassed. At this point Jack was very lost. Did the two have an open relationship?

"No problem. My offer still stands you two." Lisa said, with a smirk. "I can even bring this wine over to hers but maybe the two of you would rather have it. Set the mood?"

"I think we're civilised enough to wait."

"Yeah wait until I'm in bed then I have to hear you two at it all night. No thank you. I'll just take this and be off. Remember, until 12!" Joyfully stated Lisa as she took her keys and the bottle of wine Ianto bought then walked out of the flat.

"Wait, what's happening?" Asked Jack, pushing Ianto away again when the young man went straight to sucking on his neck.

"Lisa's gone to 604 to give us some time alone. I don't think that needs much explaining."

"No, I mean what's going on? You and Lisa?" Demanded Jack, he now was holding Ianto at arms length.

"What about me and Lisa?"

"Do you take me for an idiot or something? I drove all the way here to surprise you to find you've got a girlfriend and a bizarre swingers relationship. I don't think it's going to work out." Jack was becoming rather angry and Ianto bursting out in laughter only pissed him off more.

"Oh Jack, you really are an idiot sometimes." Said Ianto affectionately while taking Jack's face in his hands. "Lisa and I are not a couple."

"What? What about all these pictures? The flat! It's pretty obvious a couple live here!"

"Lisa and I have known each other since we were 6. That's when she moved next doorto me. We're old friends and our families are close. Because I'm not in Cardiff that often, she lets me live with her when I come back."

"Wait so...she's your flat mate? There's nothing...there?"

"Jack, what did you think? I actually lived as a straight man and was keeping you for some fun on the side?" Ianto joked and his eyebrows shot up when Jack's cheeks were tinged red.

"I've been an idiot haven't I?" Admitted Jack and Ianto chuckled.

"Yes, but its kind of endearing in a way. Now we can stand around and talk the rest of the night or we can use our two hours to it's potential. Lisa can be vicious when her sleep is interrupted."

"Well I planned on staying until Sunday so I'm sure we'll be able to think of other ways to get her out of the flat while she's sleeping." Grinned Jack, finally getting his footing back as Ianto led him down the hall.