Author note: Torchwood is owned by the BBC.

Chapter Ten

Ianto sighed as the cog door rolled, it was his last day and even though he knew that this was the right decision he still felt sad. The last month had been hard, ever since he had decided to leave Tosh was refusing to speak to Jack and Gwen unless it was Torchwood related, not that he could blame her really he was doing the same himself.

Ianto's thoughts went to Owen, he was the one who tried to act most normally in the hub, still calling him tea boy, but there was an undercurrent of care in his words, Owen was giving him normality and Ianto loved him for it.

Jack kept himself to himself mostly; he didn't even come in the day of their anniversary. Ianto had noticed that Jack was more reckless, getting killed more often; he wasn't sure if it was because he was thinking of other things or because he knew that when he woke up Ianto would sit with him even if it was just a moment. In the end Ianto decided to coordinate missions rather than going out whenever possible.

Gwen wouldn't even go near him, her bitterness at how the rest of the team was treating her led her to shunning Ianto but Ianto didn't care, it was easier that way. He couldn't stand looking at her either, the soft swell of her stomach barely showed, but Ianto knew that it was there.

The hub was quiet, as usual he was the first in, he left Tosh sleeping in bed, he thought of the spa break he had booked for her, a thank you for letting him live with her for the past two months. Ianto sighed, was it only two months ago that his world was torn apart? Only two months ago his mother, someone so solid and caring throughout his life, had been taken away by a disease that slowly ate away at her? Then he lost his home and partner in one swoop, his security and happiness ripped away and with that slowly his job. Ianto looked around the hub, he was going to really miss this place, he used to hate it after Lisa, but the last few years made this his home.

He went over to his coffee machine and stroked it softly, it had taken a while but he had finally taught Tosh how to make a decent cup of coffee, a surprise for the team after he left, although Tosh maintained that she'll always give Gwen decaf, either that or spit in it.

He wandered over to his desk, making sure that he had packed away his things; he had already done all his paperwork and was up to date on everything. He grinned as he remembered the chocolate he had stashed away in one of his draws. He let out a piercing whistle and Myfanwy came flapping down, it was almost as if she knew that he was leaving, she had been moody all week.

Myfanwy cocked her head and looked at him through beady eyes, shifting closer as she saw Ianto unwrapping a big bar of dark chocolate from its foil, her favourite. He broke it in rows and chucked bits at her until she got so close that he rubbed her crest, "I'm going to miss you Myfanwy" she squawked and flew away. Ianto realised that he wasn't alone anymore; he turned and saw that a tired looking Jack was standing at his office.

"You can always come visit you know" Jack said softly, "she likes you more than all of us put together."

Ianto smiled, "it's just 'cause I give her chocolate, I've left a dozen bars in my desk, if you treat her every now and again, she'll like you just as much as well."

Jack's face fell as he whispered, "I can't believe it's your last day," Ianto winced he really didn't need this.

"Jack lets not do this, all that needs to be said is said." Jack nodded and went back into his office, leaving Ianto to appreciate the silence of the hub once more.

Jack was trying to do their usual morning meeting but he was struggling to keep his composure, "is there anything else?"

Ianto cleared his throat, "actually yeah, I've made these."

He handed each team member a thick folder, "obviously I expect to hear from you every now and then so if I find out that this place goes downhill there's no excuse."

Jack looked at the folder he held limply in his hands, he opened it to find a neatly typed contents page, he gulped, Ianto was so organised.

"Basically there's everything there that you need to know, contact numbers for the tourism board, UNIT officials, the PM, alien settlers, butchers for Myfanwy and Janet, dry cleaners that don't ask too many questions, garages, your favourite take-aways, and contacts of mine to get cars, vans, plane tickets and so on. Important officials that we need to keep an eye on, all their details down to when to send a birthday card…it keeps them sweet. There's maps and instructions on how to use the archives and not get lost, I spent years down there so please don't let it get into a state again, there's an in depth explanation of what the filing system is so you can't not find anything. There's detailed break downs of specific policies and paperwork, retcon amounts, bank accounts and contingency plans for most situations. Also silly things like how to keep Janet and Myfanwy happy, and specific alien cleaning products that we use. There's loads of things in here which should hopefully make things easier until you hire someone else, I've also left a copy in my desk to help train them. Oh and I've taught Tosh how to make a decent coffee so you won't have caffeine withdrawal," he gave a small smile, "I think I've covered everything but if you need to ask anything you can just call."

The team were silent, not knowing what to say, they didn't realise how much Ianto had done for them until the three inch folder was placed in front of them and typical as ever he was trying to make it easy and help them.

Ianto looked uncomfortable, "I'll just order some lunch yeah?" he left the boardroom.

Tosh looked at Jack, tears in her eyes, "can't you convince him to stay?"

Jack looked very red as he tried to blink away his tears, "believe me Tosh I would if I could" he whispered.

Ianto took in a deep breath as he slowly shut down his station, he knew that he had to leave but it was harder than he imagined. He hated that he had to leave a place that was a second home to him…although now he thought about it; it was currently his only home. He hated that he had to lose Myfanwy, the coolest pet a guy could ask for. Mostly he hated that he was leaving the team. Tosh had been a godsend the last two months, Owen had been a good mate, taking him to the pub and watching rugby matches with him, showing that he cared in his own way. He hated that he was never going to see Jack again; he didn't hate Jack although he knew that he should. He had been truly happy with Jack and he couldn't see himself in another relationship ever again, he was too numb, he hurt too badly. Ianto had no feelings whatsoever towards Gwen, they had never been close and the thought of never seeing her again was not an unpleasant one.

As he stood he could see the team waiting for him at the doors, all minus Gwen.

Tosh hugged him, beginning to sob, "sshh" Ianto soothed, "we'll still talk." Tosh nodded mutely and stepped back.

Owen pulled Ianto into a hug, "you take care mate" Ianto smiled and said, "you too." He added in a whisper, "look after them yeah?" Owen nodded.

Finally it was just him and Jack; Ianto stood awkwardly unsure what to do. Jack just pulled him close into a hug. They didn't move for what seemed like forever, Ianto sank into the embrace that he missed, took in a deep breath, recording the feel and smell of Jack, knowing that he'd never come near the man again. They pulled apart and Jack slipped something in his pocket. Ianto raised an eyebrow but said nothing; he tried to ignore the tears coursing Jack's cheeks as he barely held onto his own. With a final smile he said goodbye and as the cog door rolled past him, he felt a sense of peace wash over him, the hard part was over.