Author's Note: This chapter is longer than usual, because the content needs to fit the title. Hope you enjoy reading it … and reviewing! Thanks.

Chapter 10 Conversations

"I'm leaving in 15 minutes to go to the Airport", Scott began "and I just wanted to check that you're hanging in there. It's just a 5-minute drive there and Ianto's plane will be arriving on time in 40 minutes. Good old British Airways! Has the Doctor come?"

"Yes!" Jack replied enthusiastically, "It's good having him here. He's helped me a lot. And he's planning on staying awhile." Jack didn't feel inclined to share exactly what the Doctor had done to make him feel so much better. Nor did he feel inclined to share what the Doctor had told him about Ianto. That could wait.

"That's great, Jack. I'm really glad you have someone there who can support you. How is it going with your team?"

"Better than before. Owen and Toshiko have rallied around. Gwen … well … she's just the same. I can't trust her at the moment. I've had to lock her out of my office to stop her throwing herself at me."

"Well, I'm glad at least Owen and Toshiko are there for you. And don't be too harsh on Gwen. You're as much to blame for her actions as she is."

"Yeah … I guess so. Anyway, I hope Ianto is okay when he arrives. I know he can be emotional at times … he's very sensitive … I just hope it isn't too bad for him."

There was a long pause, then Scott sighed. "He's not very good at the moment. He rang me from the plane about 15 minutes ago. We didn't talk long … he's a mess Jack … he hung up in the end because he was losing control. He … he's really cut up … hurting … but I can assure you, I'll be here for him. Here to help him through this."

Jack was gutted. He had hoped his young lover would have recovered a bit from his long flight across the Atlantic. Hoped that Ianto would want to contact him the minute he arrived in New York. That didn't sound like it was going to happen now.

"I see. I'm glad you're going to be there for him, Scott." Jack's words were wooden and they didn't hide the lie behind them. A finger of jealousy twisted into his mind and tickled the fear in his heart.

"Yeah. Of course I am. Don't worry, I'll look after him." Scott didn't feel it was wise to call Jack on his lie. He could feel the Captain's resentment towards him. But this was Jack's fault, not his and he would make sure he was there for the young Welshman … no matter where that might lead them.

He decided to change the subject. "Martha Jones is an amazing lady. When I arrived here, I went online. I'm staying at the New York Hilton. They provide computers to every room. Of course, I had already brought my laptop with me. Anyway, I emailed her my profile picture and a sketchy outline of Fort Mitchell and invited her to visit anytime she was heading for the States. Within ten minutes, she had replied and included some photos of her and her fiancé. She's one gorgeous young lady, Jack! Of course, her fiancé Tom is more than just a little easy on the eye! She told me a little about her work with UNIT. We don't have much to do with UNIT here in the States. I suppose you could say, we're in opposition with each other when it comes to alien hunting. I'll have you know, Jack, that Torchwood here deals more quickly, more efficiently with alien intruders than UNIT!"

Jack laughed, though his heart wasn't in it. He could play the let's talk about anything else, BUT the real issue game … he'd played it so many times before … with Ianto. In a real way, playing this game with Ianto last night, had triggered these awful consequences. Bitterness welled up in his throat.

"I want Ianto back! As soon as possible! Are you going to help me with that!" Jack snapped, cutting across the polite conversation. Anger was rising in him at himself, Scott and the whole situation.

A hiss sounded in his ear as Scott drew in a deep breath. Jack continued in a steely tone. "I know you're trying to help Ianto and that's fine. For now. Just as long as you understand that I expect you to be working towards getting Ianto back home where he belongs!"

"You expect me to work towards getting Ianto back? To you?" Scott retorted, his own anger rising. "I think, Captain Jack Harkness, you've mistaken me for one of your subservient underlings instead of the leader of Torchwood Fort Mitchell! Regarding my actions towards Ianto when he arrives? That will be for me to decide once he arrives … and I can assess the condition he's arrived here in because of you! You can expect me to help Ianto when he comes, but after your arrogant posturing, don't imagine I'm going to be pushing to have him return to Britain any time soon!"

"Oh well that would suit you just fine, wouldn't it? As if you didn't have it all planned out when you got his first phone call! And what's with the Torchwood Leader getting a suite in the New York Hilton? A bit above your station, don't you think? How the hell can Torchwood justify that expense in their budget?"

"Not that I need to justify any of my actions to you, Captain Harkness, but my travel and accommodation costs have come out of my own pocket! I'm also taking leave due to me and as the Rift is quiet in our neck of the woods, my team is more than capable of handling any alien problems that arise! Unlike your own team which splintered at a mere personal problem turning up at work!"

"Oh, poor little rich boy! Couldn't get funding for your personal project from the Torchwood Budget? Get Ianto into my bed as soon as possible! Yeah, I know what you types are like? Smarmy and honeyed words, but always on the lookout for yourself!"

"Actually, Captain Harkness, I could have justified this rescue mission for Ianto because he is a potential recruit for Torchwood Fort Mitchell! And unlike your own budget restrictions under Her Majesty, we don't have a problem accessing extra funds for unexpected contingencies with the Federal Government! Our paper trail is impeccable because we've learnt the value of there being no secrets when working within Torchwood! I believe you have a totally different perspective on that! Tell the underlings what suits you and never let them into anything you deem personal, even if it impacts strongly on your own Torchwood!"

"You don't know what you're talking about! Besides … the Doctor and I will be coming over very soon to bring Ianto back home! And there's no way you are going to be able to stop us!"

"So … that's how you operate, Captain Harkness. Screw up your personal life through your own fault, then call in the Doctor to bail you out? So what … you're both going to drag Ianto back to Britain kicking and screaming, are you? From what Ianto's told me, I don't believe the Doctor would be capable to taking someone against their will. But you … yeah, I can see that happening quite clearly now!"

"Hey! You were the one earlier today telling me you'd do everything to help me … help Ianto. You also said you wouldn't stand in Ianto's way if he wanted to come back to me. Well, I can guarantee that once the Doctor and I come over to get him, he'll throw himself into my arms without a second thought for you! You'll see that for yourself, Scott!"

"You know what, Captain Harkness? This conversation is going nowhere. You have your Doctor there to help you and that's fine. I'm going now, need to get ready before picking up Ianto. So there's nothing more for us to say."

"Hey, wait! I want your word that you'll help me get Ianto back! Because that's the important thing, isn't it? Ianto coming back home where he belongs!"

A harsh chuckle sounded in Jack's ear. "I only give my word to someone who has earned my respect. You have not earned my respect. And after this current conversation? I withdrew any promises I may have made in helping you get Ianto back. Perhaps if you had told me, or even hinted at, the fact that your priority was for the wellbeing of Ianto, I may have been inclined to help you. But your arrogance and selfishness just now has shown me that all you care about is yourself. Love Ianto? No, Jack Harkness, that isn't love. Sounds like obsession to me. And I'm not going to help you indulge that! Good bye Captain Harkness!

The sound of the phone being clicked off in his ear, sent Jack into an apoplectic rage. He threw the phone at the wall, swearing sulphurously.

"Is there a problem, Jack? I can come back if you need some more time alone." Startled, Jack looked up into the serious face of the Doctor peering down the hatch at him.

"Doctor! No, it's okay. I'll be right up, just give me a minute." Jack vaulted off the bed, running his hands through his hair and trying to calm down. He listened to the distinctive sound of the Doctor walking over to his desk and taking a seat. Forcing himself to breathe deeply and calm down, Jack moved up the stairs.

"Everything's fine, Doctor" Jack began, taking his seat behind the desk. "No problems."

The Doctor said nothing, just steered intently at the Immortal, giving him a chance to retract his words. Jack squirmed under the Time Lord's intense scrutiny.

"Alright. I just had a few words with Scott. Nothing serious. Nothing we can't fix." He admitted, eyes flitting all around his office nervously.

"Tell me what happened, Jack! All of it. Don't leave anything out."

Jack related the conversation he had just had with Scott. He edited out the parts that weren't favourable to him, highlighting how devious and scheming Scott had been.

The Doctor said nothing. Just continued his piercing scrutiny. Jack sighed, then started again, relating the whole conversation with Scott … more or less.

"I see. Let me recap. Just to make sure I've understood what transpired between you and Scott. He rang to check how you were. He then explained that Ianto had rung from the plane and had been in quite an emotional state. You challenged Scott on his intentions towards Ianto, insisting that he co-operate with Ianto returning back here. The two of you then indulged yourselves in a tit-for-tat exchange of one-up man ship which largely, served no useful purpose. You went to so far as to use me as a potential weapon in your argument. The conversation ended harshly, with Scott hanging up on you and then there was your little tirade, just as I came into your office. Did I miss any other important points, Jack?"

By now the Time Lord was glaring at him, making him feel like a recalcitrant school boy being dressed down his Headmaster. Jack shook his head, then muttered, "No."

Without averting his gaze from the Immortal's face, the Doctor said quietly "I believe Ianto would be better off with Scott, rather than you, Jack. Scott would treat him better than you ever have."

Jack looked aghast at the Doctor. "But … b_but you told me that Ianto and I are meant to be together? That you were going to help me bring him back? What the hell do you mean by that statement, Doctor?"

The Doctor replied, "I said the reason I am here is to ensureIanto returns back to you. I said I would go and bring Ianto home. Not you. When the time is right, I'll leave by myself to get him because it is a destiny that can't be denied. Your animosity towards Scott, a man who has amazed me with his care and concern for both you and Ianto, could have just delayed that purpose. And I'm not doing this for you, Jack. Not even for Ianto. My personal feelings don't come into the equation."

"Well, who are you doing this for then? I thought we were friends! I thought you came to help me!" Jack retorted, unable to keep the hurt out of his tone.

The Doctor sighed deeply, then answered Jack. "The Universe, Jack. I'm doing it to fulfil her need. The Universe has her own agenda and I am merely a player in her game … we all are, Jack. Even those of us who fight against her. She doesn't look so much at the injustices or travesties committed within her realm. Rather, she looks at how she can use each negative incident to her advantage. Or positive incident. Large or small. You could say that she was … amoral, if you like. Weeell … makes sense really, when you think about it. Alien races with opposing moral standards whether it be insisting on a code of behaviour towards one another, or planning to take over the Universe! Each incident, large or small, is just a facet of her game which she knows how to use to her advantage. We may disagree with her, but we can't defeat her … not even Time Lords. One of the first lessons we learnt with her, hence the reason we adopted a Watcher attitude. We couldn't risk interfering too much with her grand scheme. Not that we would have succeeded. Her wisdom moves into realms that none of we lesser beings, could ever hope to attain."

Jack snorted. "You have interfered with events in time and space, Doctor! Are you now telling me that's because the Universe allowed you to do it!"

"Yes. That's exactly what I'm saying. All my actions have been because either I've known her purpose, or if it wasn't clear to me, I've guessed at what her purpose would be. A perfect example of acting blindly, was in the year that never was. My feelings towards the Master clouded my vision, but not my purpose. I knew inherently the Universe's purpose would not be to allow the Master free reign in space and time. There was a wrongness about that, so that's why I sent Martha down to walk the Earth. To set the scene for my confrontation with and defeat of the Master's plans. And it cost me. It cost me the only other Time Lord in existence."

Jack saw the deep sadness and regret emanating from the Doctor's steady gaze. But he still couldn't suppress his own resentment of how long it had taken Martha to walk the Earth … and how much it had cost him while the Master 'played'with him to amuse himself in that horrific year.

"I know, Jack. You suffered greatly being tortured by the Master. And I'm sorry about that. You … Mr and Mrs Jones … Tish … even Lucy, his own wife … everyone suffered, Jack. In their own private hell."

"Yeah, I know that Doctor. So what you're saying is that the Universe gave you the chance to set it right? Before having to step in and change it all?"

"Not quite as straight forward as that Jack. But something like that. Anyway, Jack. I meant what I said. I think Ianto would be much better off with Scott. But the Universe disagrees and I'm not going to argue with her."

Those words from the Doctor hurt Jack more than anything else that had happened so far. He could think of nothing to say to that. He looked up at his friend, a fierce determination in his eyes. "Okay. So you're going to help get Ianto back? When do we start? What do you need me to do?"

The Doctor smiled. "We let Scott deal with Ianto … without any interference. I believe he's in the right hands at the moment. For now, we prepare for your dinner tonight. You're not going to cancel it or hide away down in your bunker, are you?"

"No", Jack stated firmly. "Guess I should be helping my team with that. You're welcome to help us if you like." He had definite plans for this evening. One particular plan was an announcement that he hoped would stop, once and for all, Gwen pining for him. Even if it didn't, it gave him strength and hope just thinking about it. He put aside his hurt.

"By the way, Jack. You shouldn't have so much trouble with Gwen obsessing over you. Your team mates supported her, while the TARDIS and I helped Gwen."

Jack look worried. "What did you do?"

The Doctor grinned. "The TARDIS and I worked to clear all the obstacles in her path … the ones that involved her obsession with you. Then I showed her what the Universe's plan was for her life. She loved what she saw and she's grabbing it with both hands! It involves Rhys and not you, Jack!"

"Really? That's fantastic, Doctor! But … I thought you would never show anyone their future. You've never shown me. Why did you do it?"

"Because it was necessary, Jack. Sometimes it's the only solution to a problem. In your case, however, it isn't necessary. Or wise. So I'm not going to be showing you your future any time soon. You just needed to know a small portion of that … the fact that you and Ianto belong together. But that's all, Jack! So don't try and wheedle it out of me."

"As if I would, Doctor! You wound me with your lack of trust", Jack chuckled at his friend.

"We should get downstairs to your team, then. They've been working at the preparations for the dinner. You need to help them."

Jack jumped up with a happy laugh and said "Yes Sir", giving the Doctor a cocky salute. The Time Lord followed Jack out of the office, watching the Immortal bounce down the steps with a new enthusiasm. He knew he had hurt Jack with his words. But he knew he didn't regret it. Jack needed to know the truth, which is something the Immortal always struggled with. Honesty was the double-edged sword he gifted Captain Jack Harkness with … whether he liked it or not.

"Hey team! I've been hearing how hard you guys have all been working! I want you to know how much I appreciate that. But where's Gwen?"

Owen and Toshiko looked up at their Captain, flashing his 1000 megawatt smile at them. Owen rolled his eyes, but the twinkle in them shone out. Our Captain is back … better than ever.

Toshiko answered. "Gwen's gone home to … umm … change before Rhys comes home from work. She and Rhys will return before the dinner to help with final preparations. Owen and I are just going to decorate the Boardroom. And you can help us."

"Everything's finalised then? Catering etc?" Jack queried.

"Yes, Harkness", Owen said, "Everything is set to go. The drinks and snacks are here and have been duly stored. The food is set to arrive half an hour before we start the dinner. The guests have all been notified that they will still be attending. Well, everyone except Rhiannon and her family. And I'm just about to feed our residents, so you can go up and help Tosh in the Boardroom."

Jack beamed at his team, proud that they just got on with everything while he was having his little meltdown. It was times like these that he felt so lucky to have such a great team. The Doctor had reassured him that things wouldn't be so bad with Gwen and they were going to get Ianto back. Life was definitely looking better.

Gwen had just opened the front door and walked through to the lounge, when she heard footsteps in the hallway. Shit! Rhys is home earlier than he should be. Damn!

He walked into the lounge, a huge grin on his face … then stopped, all happiness draining from him.

"What the hell, Gwen? Where did you get that damn costume from? You weren't wearing it this morning when I left? What … did you change into it after I had gone?" he yelled, anger in his tone.

Gwen raised her hands in a placatory gesture towards Rhys. "Look, calm down, Rhys. No big deal. Yeah, I changed my mind and changed into something more Christmassy. No need to get upset."

"No need to get upset?" Rhys thundered, doing exactly that. "You wait until I leave to change into that _ that costume because you didn't have the guts to put it on when I was here! You obviously only wanted Jack to see you in that outfit! And not me, your husband! What are you playing at, Gwen? I thought we were good? But no, look at you! You look like some third-rate hooker from the wrong side of the city! So … are you and bloody Harkness fucking each other? Oh wait … Ianto's gone! Answered my own bloody question, didn't I? Of course you're fucking Harkness! Ianto's not here to distract Jack, is he? And why else would you wear a whore's outfit unless it was your intention to go fuck Harkness!"

"Rhys! Just shut up for a moment! It's not like that at all. You've got the wrong end of the stick. Let me explain." Gwen cried out, desperate to calm the angry Welshman down.

"You mean, let you lie to me, Gwen? Because that's all I'm going to hear coming from you! That's all I've ever heard from you, isn't it Gwen? I love you Rhys … I don't love Jack … it's all you, baby, just you! So what lie are you thinking of feeding me this time, Gwen? Because I can't honestly believe a word you say … not after coming home to you like _ like this! It's disgusting, Gwen. You are disgusting! And I've had a gutsful! I'm going to the Hub and confront Jack with what he's turned you into … a shameless whore!"

With that angry tirade, Rhys turned around and stalked out of the house, jumping swiftly into his car and booting it while Gwen stood at the kerbside, wringing her hands in anguish, tears streaming down her face. She wanted to go after him in her own car, but turning up in the same outfit would just make things worse. Gwen turned back into her home and going into their bedroom, flung herself on the bed and sobbed into the pillows.

Rhys stalked purposefully into the Tourist office, moved to where the CCTV camera was, then began yelling, "Harkness! Get your sorry arse up here and face me like a man! We're going to have a chat, you and me. About you and my Gwennie fucking! Now get up here now!" His face was twisted in rage, his face a deep scarlet.

It was Toshiko who had come to check the Rift after Owen had gone home, leaving the Doctor and Jack to finish decorating the Boardroom. Things had gone well after the Doctor had taken them all into the TARDIS. Between the two of them working their 'power' in Gwen, she appeared to be different. More calm … focused. The wild look of obsession seemed to have left her. She had thanked the Doctor and the TARDIS for helping her, then turned and declared quite adamantly, that her obsession with Jack … pining for him … lusting after him … had come to an end. Gwen stated she was all set to pave the way for a good working relationship with Jack … and any kind of friendship he would allow.

And now this. An enraged Rhys yelling out for Jack. Yelling out for his blood, more like it. Guess he must have caught Gwen before she had time to change out of that damn outfit … the main reason they let her go home early. Oh well, only Jack could fix this.

She stood up and turning towards the Boardroom window where she could see Jack and the Doctor laughing over the placement of some silver tinsel, Toshiko yelled out. "Jack! You better get down here now!"

Toshiko surprised herself with the volume that issued forth from her mouth. Apparently, it surprised Jack as he turned to face her, face wearing a baffled look. She gestured firmly for him to come down. He disappeared from her view … then reappeared down the stairs and striding quickly over to her.

"What's the problem, Tosh?" he asked, noticing her serious look. She turned to her monitor, quickly rewound the section of CCTV from the Tourist office, and then played it back. Jack's eyebrows shot up at an indignant Rhys yelling at him. "Right. Thanks, Tosh. I'll deal with him." And with a purposeful stride towards the cog door, Jack left her staring at him, concern in her eyes.

The Doctor had followed Jack down and ambled over to Toshiko, his eyebrows raised in query. Toshiko replayed the section of CCTV. Then she asked, "Are you going up there to help him with Rhys?"

The Doctor sat himself down in a nearby chair and grinning at her, shook his head. "This is something Jack needs to deal with. It's not something I should interfere with."

"What if they come to blows?" Toshiko asked, worry coating her tone.

"If Jack and Rhys want to resolve it in that manner, then that's for them to decide. Homo sapiens have a looooong history of trying to solve problems with their fists. Especially concerning matters like this. Two Alpha males fighting over a female."

He then proceeded to lean back comfortably in his seat and watch the current proceedings with a bemused expression. "By the way, when is Owen due back."

Puzzled at the Doctor's change of subject, Toshiko replied, "About half past six."

"Oh good", the Doctor replied. "That gives these two time enough to resolve their differences in a civilised manner, or beat each other into bloody pulps!"

Toshiko turned and looked at the Doctor with horror in her eyes. He winked at her, laughing as he turned back to watch.

"What's this all about, Rhys? Why have you come here throwing out accusations at me?" demanded Jack, all business now as he faced the enraged Welshman.

"You know perfectly well what this is about, Harkness! You and my Gwennie … fucking. That's what it's about! I didn't think you were so hot on Ianto and today just proves it! He isn't gone from you 24 hours and you're sticking it in my Gwennie!" he roared, turning a derisory eye at Jack's crotch.

Jack retorted in outrage. "I have never … fucked your wife! If she told you any different, then she's lying! And just you leave Ianto out of this! My relationship with him is my business. Not Gwen's … not anyone in Torchwood … and certainly not yours!"

Rhys spluttered indignantly. "She didn't have to tell me, Harkness! I found her home from work early trying to change out of that whore's outfit you fucked her in! Don't deny it! I've had enough of Gwen's lies … I don't need yours as well! Did you buy it for her?"

Jack's eyes turned red with rage. He had had a gutsful of Gwen today and was in no mood to placate a jealous Rhys. He advanced slowly on the angry Welshman.

Jack's next words were slow and harsh. "Your wife chose to turn up at work this morning, dressed like that! Nothing to do with me! Her decision. I called her on it. As usual, she just ignored me. Ignored the fact that I just had the man I love, the man I had hoped to shape a future with, leave me with a broken heart! All your wife was interested in was getting me to fuck her! Offering me real comfort as a friend would, was definitely not on Gwen's mind. She just wanted to use the situation to her advantage! I don't know or particularly care about any problems you and Gwen have in your marriage, but they're nothing to do with me! Get that in your head, once and for all. Your wife's obsession is all one way!"

Rhys stood shell shocked beneath the onslaught of Jack's damning words. His heart shrieked out that it was all lies; Jack was corrupting Gwen, always had been, the changes in Gwen were all Jack's fault! But his mind saw the truth pour out in each harsh and angry word from Jack's lips … and reach down to agree with the truth hidden in his heart.

He shook his head disconsolately. "Yeah, Jack" he whispered, "I've always known that … deep down. Gwen's obsessed with you. But it's not your fault. It's mine. And it's up to me to do something about that … before I lose her." Without waiting for a response, Rhys spun on his heels and stalked out of the Hub.

Scott stood nervously with the crowd in the Arrivals Lounge. His last conversation with Jack had shaken him up. He had really thought the two of them could have reached an agreement … for Ianto's sake. But that wasn't going to be. And Scott would deal with this new situation as best he could.

The people began streaming into the Lounge off the British Airways flight, which had landed on time. Scott stood head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd and he turned when he recognised a distinctive Welsh accent call his name.

"Scott! I'm over here." The young American looked over into the ashen face of Ianto Jones, his eyes swollen and puffy from his weeping. The two men pushed through the crowd towards each other.

At last, a break in the crowd … and Scott found his arms full of a broken, weeping Welshman. His own heart fractured at the man in his arms. Ianto was worse than what he was expecting.

"Hey, calm down there. I'm here. It's alright. I'm here." He cooed softly into Ianto's hair, rubbing circles on the young Welshman's back.

"Thank you" he whimpered. "Thank you for being here for me. I _ I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you, Scott."

"It's okay, I'm here for you. We'll just collect your bags, then go down and grab a taxi back to the Hotel. No need to talk now. We can wait til we're back at the Hotel."

Ianto looked up into Scott's handsome face, saw the compassion, care and … love … pouring out from the young American's eyes. He smiled weakly, regretful that he couldn't return that gaze.

"I _ I miss him … terribly! Even though I can't be with him anymore … oh Scott, it hurts so much! I love Jack and he's never going to know how much! I love him, Scott, I wish it was all different …" Then a fresh round of weeping ensued.

Scott held Ianto more tightly, waiting for Ianto to calm down enough for them to leave. His eyes had a stony gaze as he thought back to his last conversation with Jack … and his heart broke a bit more at the young Welshman's heartfelt admission.

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