The last week of term arrived and that weekend was also Ianto's party. Classes were slowing down the amount of homework given and the excited buzz was spreading around the five friends. Well, four and a damn good actor.

In maths, the only lesson they had together, the final days of school before a week long holiday was causing a major planning session which covered everyday of the holidays. "So Ianto, we're sleeping over your house on Friday and Saturday's your birthday."

Ianto gave a half-hearted hum of agreement and tried to stop all the number's blurring together on the page. "Sunday, we're all going bowling after four because I've got orchestra so…" Tosh got cut-off by Owen who had officially given up maths the day he learnt what it was.

"Why do you bother with that orchestra crap, Tosh? You always complain they aren't advanced enough for you and you're bloody violin."

"Well I'm sorry for enjoying my music and besides they're nice there."

"Mmm, I hear that Tommy is especially nice." Oh here we go, Gwen: The queen of shit-stirring. Ianto thought as he tried to subtly put in his headphones to block out the inevitable argument about to begin.

"What do you mean?" Owen began.

"Yeah, Gwen some-one you're not telling me about." Oh great now Jack's involved. This will only end up in copious amounts of PDA, a confused Tosh and me having to sort everything out. Still better than them being upset, they don't deserve it. Ianto thought as he blended into his music.

*~*~*~*~*~*TW*~*~*~*~*~*

By lunchtime, Jack and Gwen were all over each other (something Ianto really didn't need to see), Owen was pretending not to care that Tosh thought Tommy was "cute" and Tosh was having an argument with herself over whether Owen did care or not. Thanks to this, no-one was noticing Ianto falling apart from grief.

His thoughts had been on his mum all day. The latest from the hospital had left his dad a mess and Ianto had been left to sort out all the bills, cleaning, shopping and cooking. He was broken and slipping from reality every second. But no-one seemed to care.

*~*~*~*~*~*TW*~*~*~*~*~*

Thursday rolled around and Ianto was reaching the end of his thread. Everyone was so happy and so blind; they never seemed to notice what was really going on. None of the pain from his life at home was registered, none of the subtle digs Gwen enjoyed throwing his way were seen as anything more than banter between friends and none of the conflict in his brain was recognised. Not that it's very important the voice at the back of Ianto's head.

The final blow came that lunchtime. Silently floating towards the lunchroom, Ianto heard the words that destroyed his world.

"I love you, Gwen Cooper."

Jack's sincere words reached his ears and Ianto broke down. The dam that had been blocking his tear ducts during the day-time finally burst and he sprinted to the nearest (and luckily deserted) loos. Slumping to the floor Ianto let his emotions run riot.

Fat tears poured down his face as sobbed violently on the floor. He shook to his feet and leant his head against the wall and pummelled it with his fist, not noticing as his knuckle hit a nail that stuck out the wall and made his hand bleed. He punched and punched until exhaustion from anger and grief collapsed him to the floor.

*~*~*~*~*~*TW*~*~*~*~*~*

Jack felt great. That lunchtime he had declared his love to Gwen and had never felt better since she returned his feelings. He was extra hyper that lunchtime and was enjoying the hilarious arguments his friends were having. But something was missing.

Halfway through lunch he left the table to go to the toilets. And as he entered the room he saw what had been missing from lunchtime.

"Ianto?"


A/N Yay cliff hanger! Please tell me what you think and point out any spelling errors as the other day I was told I should buy a spelling book so I can learn words. Tell me if you want more of other people's points of view because I've been considering it. Anyway sorry it's short but I am working on the next chapter now! It will probably be posted soon because I'm currently stuck in the USA because of that volcano and I have nothing to do. Thank you everyone who has reviewed, alerted and favourited this story, it means a lot!!!