note: sigh ... ok i just heard THE news about David Tennant. And basically, it sucks and i'm gutted. As a results, my next story is basically... depressing with a bittersweet ending. Not to worry, I haven't killed anyone off.

Reviews make me happy. And now, i am not. :(

Goodbye

Gwen, Ianto and Martha are standing outside the tourist office. Martha groans as she picks up her heavy bag and carries it inside the blue box. As she opens the door of the Tardis, the voices of Jack and the doctor drift outside. Ianto winces when he hears the words "It is time".

Gwen shuffles closer to Ianto and softly holds his hand. He looks at her and smiles.

"Thank you." he whispers whilst squeezing back.

"No problem pet," Gwen replies. "Anything for you."

Jack exits the Tardis and just a second before the door shuts, Gwen catches a glimpse of the Timelord. Much to her surprise, he is looking rather anguished.

"It's time to go, Martha." Jack says.

Martha sighs and approaches Gwen and Ianto who are still holding on to each other.

"Gwen," Martha says. "You take care alright? Next time I see you, I want to hear all about your adventures!"

Martha leans in and hugs her tightly. Softly she whispers. "Take care of him."

"I will. And you take care of yourself and our Captain. We'd be lost without him. And you." Gwen responds. Reluctantly Gwen let go of Martha.

Martha moves over down the line and catches Ianto's eyes. She places a chaste kiss on Ianto's cheek and blushes. "You, take care of yourself. Okay? And make sure you keep Gwen out of trouble!"

Both laugh, but neither really meant it.

When she turns from him, Ianto quickly grabs her hand and pulls her into a hug. "Come back soon, alright?"

As she pulls apart from the embrace, she nods. Hesitantly, they let go of each other.

Martha takes one last look at her teammates before she enters the Tardis.

Jack stands in front of his team and for the first time in a long time, he doesn't know what to do or say. Gwen suddenly embraces him. "You … come back soon, okay?"

Tears shine in her eyes but she refuses to let them fall.

"Of course." Jack answers. He places a delicate kiss on her lips and wipes away a fallen tear.

"You make sure you keep yourself safe. And happy."

Gwen nods and takes a step back.

"Ianto," Jack says. "Let's take a walk."

As they walk, an awkward silence falls between the men.

"I'm sorry I have to leave, Ianto."

"Then don't." Ianto sharply replies.

"Please," Jack begs. "Don't make this harder than it already is."

'You want me to apologize for being upset you're leaving?" Ianto snaps back.

"No of course not, love. I wouldn't dream of it. It's hard for me too. But you know I wouldn't to this if it wasn't necessary. The doctor … he needs me. You know, save the world and stuff."

"I know, " Ianto softly said. "It's a shame that my world has to fall apart because of it. We both know you have to go but knowing doesn't make it less painful for Gwen or me."

"Sunshine … please, we said no tears" Jack whispers as he wipes away a tear with his thumb.

"Can't really help it Jack. Who knows if I ever see you again.'

"Hey, don't say that. Of course we'll see each other again. I'll be back really soon."

"Jack. I've already lost Suzie, Owen and Tosh. So don't make promises you can't keep. Now you and Martha are leaving. All I have left is Gwen. And everything seems so … empty."

"Sunshine … I will always be with you okay? I've fought my way through hell and back last time to get back to you. This time is not different. I WILL come back for you."

Jack raises Ianto's chin and looks into those bright blue eyes. "So please, no more tears."

"At least this time … I get to say goodbye." Ianto murmurs.

"It's not goodbye Ianto. This is merely a 'see you later'. Before you know it, I'll be back annoying the crap out of you!"

"Jack. Just in case, let's say goodbye."

Ianto leans in and kisses Jack. A sweet, tender yet passionate kiss.

In the distance, the doctor shouts that it's time for the departure. "Come on Jack."

Jack heavily sighs. A single tear drops from his eyes and Ianto gently kisses it away. "Now who's being emotional?" Ianto jokingly says.

Jack smiles back at him and pulls him into a hug. "Keep yourself safe okay? And make sure Gwen doesn't drift. And feed Myfanwy …"

Ianto holds out his hand to silence his never-ending list. "We've got it covered. We'll just miss our leader."

"And the leader will miss his friends. I will miss you." Jack says.

"Come on. Let's not keep the doctor waiting." Ianto links arm with the captain and together they walk towards the Tardis.

Before Jack enters the Tardis, he takes one last look over the plass and glances at the sad faces of his friends. "One last hug?" he asks.

Gwen and Ianto both eagerly join in the embrace. Gwen kisses Jack's cheek before she turns away and storms off towards the tourist office. As she closes the door behind her, she breaks down in tears.

"I better go after her." Ianto says. "Jack … Cara'ch 'm anwylyd."

Jack didn't speak Welsh but it only took one look into Ianto's eyes to understand the words. "Me too, sunshine."

Jack pulls away from the hug, places a kiss on his fingers and brings it to Ianto's lips. "See you soon. My love."

Before stepping away from the young man, he pulls out a little box wrapped in blue paper. "Open it when I'm gone."

He quickly enters the Tardis and as soon as the door shuts, the engine revs up and takes to the sky.

Ianto stays to watch the majestic space ship blast off into space. As the wind sweeps around his body, he contemplates his faith. Goodbye my lover. I hope to see you soon. If death doesn't take me from this world, I will be waiting for you. Always.

He walks back to the tourist office and enters his office. Gwen sits on top of his desk, looking tear-filled and sad. When they lock eyes, she starts sobbing again. Ianto quickly walks up to her and hold her tight. "It's okay cariad. We'll manage. And he'll be back soon. I promise."

"How can you be so strong? I'm a sobbing wreck and he means so much more to you." Gwen cries out.

"I have faith in him, Gwen." He responds, in a low and sad voice.

"What's this?" Gwen asks when she notices the little gift.

Ianto observes the little box. "Something Jack gave me."

Curiosity got the better of him and he quickly rips of the wrapping paper. Underneath the crystal blue paper was a velveteen black small package. He pushes it open and gasps.

On a light blue silken pillow lies a golden watch. He carefully picks it up and turns it around.

Gwen rapidly pulls him into an embrace as tears finally fall from his perfect blue eyes.

Ianto shows her what had made him break down.

On the back of the watch there was one perfect sentence engraved:

Forever yours