Again so sorry, it's been what, almost two months. This chapter was so hard and it's not as long as I think I said it would be and it's kind of two chapters in one. The next one though should come easier and should be longer.

Anyway this chapter starts a little differently. It's from Jack's POV 1st person, it was the only way I could get started on the dang thing, to distance myself from Remy and Ianto for a little awhile. See I figure that somewhere down the line the boys are telling this story to someone (occasionally using third person when they weren't the focus) and Jack decided to jump in at this point.

I hope you like it and please review.

Review goal: at least 5 (pretty please)

Oh and you may want to have a tissue handy.

"Confrontation"

Jack

I cannot even begin to tell you how much I hate dying. It's not so much the pain I hate but the darkness. I never see anything when I die. Ianto reckons it's because I'm not supposed to till I actually die—if that ever happens and according to the Doctor it probably never will. I keep aging though, ever so slowly but I do find a grey hair every now and then, so the Doctor said that I might stay dead one day, just not for a very long time. With that to look forward to I still hate dying, especially when I have no idea what hit me.

When I woke up, the battle was over and Ianto was cradling Will's body in his arms, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Ianto was too young to have suffered as much as he had; he had to grow up fast. I knew what that was like. What I didn't know was what made me want the boy so much. No, that's not true. I knew what made me WANT him. I wanted him since that night we met in the park, he was so sexy in those jeans and he saved my life (unnecessarily but still)—that in itself was enough. I would have had him that night too if he hadn't mentioned weevils so casually like he did. I was determined to stay away from him but he was just so persistent and that coffee…But I admit, it was the suit that did me in. And he freely flirted with me and I swear, tried to turn me on with his accents. So I knew why I wanted him but what made me love him?

After the last time, I had sworn not to go down that path again especially as it had been getting so close to the time the fortune teller had said I would see the Doctor again. I had every intention of being cured and taking off. Those plans of course were blown to hell. I could still take off I suppose but what was the point? Besides I found that I really didn't want to leave my team, especially Ianto.

I realised I was starting to fall for him when the cyberwoman thing happened. I was furious with him though, I felt so betrayed. But at the same time I was angry at myself for missing the signs. And thinking about it, I probably would have done the same thing he did and I couldn't really be mad at him for lying to me. I hate being accused of being a hypocrite almost as much as I hate dying.

Anyway, it was in New Orleans when I realised that I couldn't deny my feelings for Ianto to myself anymore. I loved him and it scared me to death. It felt so right, him being in my arms. But I knew I couldn't pursue anything with him till he got over Will. And I certainly hadn't planned on telling Ianto I loved him that night in the kitchen, after he found out Will was being controlled but it sort of just came out. I had a feeling he wanted to say it back but I had him hold off, I wanted him to be sure. No sense in breaking both our hearts.

I was about to go to Ianto and ease him away from Will's rapidly decaying body when I saw Daemon. I could have sworn someone had taken him out. I think I was the only one to see Daemon advance on Ianto. I only had one bullet left in my gun; I had to make it count.

Mine wasn't the only shot to ring out.

But wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me go back to the start of the night.

…

By the time we had gotten back inside and met up with the others Ianto was in full Endgame mode. I found it very impressive how he transitioned so quickly—that was a desired trait of a second-in-command. Perhaps it was time to make that decision.

We had all met in the War room. As I spoke with Torchwood, Charles spoke with the X-Men. Ianto stood between the two groups listening to both.

"So what do we do?" Gwen asked. If I had a dollar for every time she's asked that…but I digress.

Ianto stepped next to me "I think you three should stay here" he said to Tosh, Owen and Gwen "help Jean and the Professor look after the kids."

"I agree" I nodded "that's an order." Those three were regular humans after all and I didn't want them near the action.

"You want us to baby-sit while you all go out and shoot things?" Owen said.

"You can shoot things if they come here" Ianto told him, "Owen, we need a doctor stationed away from the action. I am sorry but you're skills are better suited away from the front lines." He looked at the girls "the same goes for you two. Gwen, you're good with kids, you can help calm them down 'cos I'm sure the alarm is terrifying some of them. And Tosh you can help the Professor monitor the computers."

The three of them looked at me for confirmation. It was time to make that call.

I nodded "Ianto's right and if you're thinking he can't tell you what to do, think again. I have an announcement to make" I said to the room "I'm making an executive decision; Ianto Jones is now second-in-command of Torchwood 3. No arguments" I looked at Owen and the girls.

Owen held up his hands "Hey the less work I have to do, the better. I was gonna suggest it to you anyway." Was he really?

"I think it makes sense" said Tosh "Ianto has more experience and he would be CEO of Torchwood 1 if they were to rebuild."

Gwen looked like she was going to say something but wisely thought better of it. In all honesty I would have preferred she stayed home with her boyfriend and continued to think about what she wanted but I couldn't trust her to do that. She had gotten addicted to Torchwood faster than anyone before. Was it the thrill of Torchwood or was it me? I'm not sure if I want to know.

Ianto stared at me "I thought you were only thinking about thinking about it."

"And I've thought about it" I clapped his shoulder "now suit up."

"Suiting up, sir."

…

We made it down town quickly. The city centre was on fire and the time agents were there blasting at things and by all appearances having a grand old time. I swear I was never that bad. Maybe that's why they took two years of my memories. The four remaining time agents were there and so was Daemon himself—and more of those giant ankle-biters. I was pleased to note all five of them looked surprised to see me—my old flame especially. For all intents and purposes, let's call him John.

Daemon shot John a glare "You said you killed him."

"I did" John sputtered "I swear I did."

Not wanting to reveal that I couldn't die to them I just grinned and said "You always were a terrible shot."

Meanwhile Storm had called up some rain to put out the fire and the others began the fight. Except for Gambit and Endgame who were staring at Daemon as if not quite sure what to make of him. I was that way when I first met him too.

"Director" I said, using his formal title "I'm sure you know who they are. Remy, Ianto, you're grandfather, Daemon Le Beau. Finally decided to show up yourself, Daemon? Got bored with your lackey's failure, did you?"

The brothers snapped themselves out of their daze. "Where's our mother?" Remy snarled at Daemon.

"Being punished accordingly" Daemon sneered, "neither of you should exist and it is time to eliminate you." He held up a gun.

I shot it out of his hands "If they shouldn't then they wouldn't. They're no threat to the future, Daemon, leave them be."

Daemon shoved John towards me "Make sure you kill him this time. You" he pulled Will from the shadows, kill the young one." He looked at Remy "that leaves you to me."

Remy smiled "Oh the pleasure's all mine."

I had to focus on John after that "When were you promoted, did you cheat?"

"You could talk" he sneered.

"I worked my way through the ranks" I slugged him.

"I imagine the ranks were very grateful" he hit me back. For a moment it was like our old sparring sessions (and I admit, sometimes foreplay) but Ianto was right, I wasn't very good but fortunately John was only marginally better. He'd win in long bouts of combat but I didn't plan on keeping at it that long.

However John was just about to get in a decisive blow when a thin glowing red object landed at his feet. I quickly leapt out of the way. The small explosion sent John into the air and he landed on the ground with a thud, knocking him out.

"I was handling it!" I shouted at Gambit.

"You're welcome" he responded and then he jumped at Rogue, rolling her out of the way of a laser blast. I automatically shot dead the time agent who had fired at her. I may have pumped in a few more bullets than was necessary.

I then saw that Daemon was on the ground, dead or unconscious I wasn't sure and didn't have time to check. I fired at another agent who seemed to be getting the upper hand on Cyclops while he was fighting a dog thing. Storm was throwing lightning at the creatures now the fire was out and Wolverine, Beast and Jamie were fighting them too. The remaining time agent clearly saw he was out numbered and he disappeared in a flash. Smart man.

I looked back over at Remy and Rogue, they were on the ground, Rogue on top and they were kissing quite heavily. Isn't that sweet? She learned control or Gambit built up an immunity to her. Whichever, I was happy for them.

I found Ianto who had knocked Will to the ground.

That was when something hit me and I died.

…

Remy

As much as I wanted to keep an eye on Ianto, make sure he was all right facing Will, I knew I had to focus on this psycho grandfather of ours. Talk about bad luck, our other grandfather had been violent too.

"Why do you want to kill us?" I asked. It was a perfectly reasonable question.

"You do not belong. Time agents are not supposed to procreate in the past."

"Love is a funny thing, grand-père. Your daughter fell in love. That's not a crime."

"It is wrong, dangerous to the future" there was a wild look in his eyes. This man was definitely insane.

"The future isn't set in stone, it's always being written—"

He came at me but I held him off. He clearly didn't know what he was getting into. Stupid bastard.

Suddenly he was pulled away from me and dropped back on the ground, unmoving.

Rogue landed in front of me "He had a knife."

I looked and sure enough there was a knife still clutched in Daemon's hand. I looked into Rogue's eyes "I love you, Anna."

She grinned at me "I love you too, Remy." She looked to her left, "looks like Daddy could use some help."

"You're calling him Daddy now?" I refrained from sighing but it did look like Jack was losing. I threw a card at the North Londoner's feet.

Jack leapt away and then shouted at me "I was handling it!"

"You're welcome" I shouted back and then I saw a time agent aim at Rogue. I jumped at her and we rolled out of the way. She ended up on top.

We stared at each other for a moment and then her lips were on mine. I deepened the kiss, not even thinking that I shouldn't. And you know what? Nothing happened, nothing bad anyway. I did not feel like my energy was being drained. Rogue clearly sensed this too as she didn't pull away. I think, somewhere in my head I was doing the Macarena.

It was the sound of gunshots that made us stop.

…

Ianto

I didn't want to fight Will. I really didn't but he seemed intent on doing what he was told.

But then, when Daemon's attention was focused on Remy, Will stopped advancing on me. He looked me in the eyes and said "Make it end Ianto."

I blinked "What?"

"Make the pain stop. I can't exist like this. Get this thing out of me" he indicated the device in his chest "I'm not strong enough to pull it out myself."

Was he actually asking me to kill him?

"B-but Will, maybe there's some other way. We can cure you." I realise the last time I said that it didn't turn out well but…you may have noticed I have a hard time letting go.

"There's no other way, Ianto. You know that. Please do this for me."

"Will, I can't just kill you."

"I'll make you then." He swung at me.

Automatically I blocked him. This went on for a few minutes till I was forced to knock him to the ground.

He looked up at me "Ianto please."

I knelt by him and took him in my arms "Will I love you, I can't…"

He shook his head "Ianto, I love you too but you have to move on now. We can't be together anymore. Please Ianto, it hurts so much." He moved my hand to the device.

I felt tears leaking down my cheeks "But…" I started to argue again but knew I couldn't let him suffer anymore, I'd done that with Lisa and it didn't do any good. I got a grip on the device "I'll miss you."

He nodded "Thank you. Don't cry very long, Darlin'. You have a job to do."

I'd better get this over with, otherwise I wouldn't be able to. My tears were starting to blind me. I gave him one last kiss "Godspeed, William" and I pulled the device from his chest. He died in seconds. He never would have survived that explosion on his own.

I held him, his body decaying, for I don't know how long till I heard gunshots. A body slumped to the ground near me. I looked, it was Daemon, dead, two gunshot wounds in his head.

Jack had fired one shot and the other…I looked, had come from a woman in torn clothes, her eyes glowing red.

…XT…XT…XT…XT…XT…XT

"Thankful"

The Doctor who was standing a little ways behind the woman spoke first. "Sorry I'm late but I thought I'd find Ms Gwendolyn."

Jack was the first one to recover "How ya doing, Winnie? Long time, for me anyway."

"I've had better days" she answered, her eyes locked on Remy and Ianto.

Remy moved towards Ianto and pulled him to his feet and away from Will's body. They both stared at their mother, neither of them sure what to say or what to do.

Tears streamed down Winnie's face "Hi boys" she had dropped her gun to the ground.

They'd gotten to know her through her letters and their father's stories. They couldn't resent her for leaving as they understood, she hadn't seen a choice. And though Remy was the one who'd actually met her, Ianto ran to her first and hugged her.

Winnie wrapped her arms around him "I'm sorry, baby, I'm so sorry."

Remy approached more cautiously and while he didn't resent her per se, he still had some issues with the abandonment thing. But when he looked into her eyes, the same eyes he had, he knew he could forgive her for that too. He hugged her.

The Doctor moved next to Jack "Was shooting him necessary?"

"It was a split moment decision. Is she safe now?"

"Oh yes, I think so. I don't think she'll be leaving them again."

"She looks the same age as Remy."

"Yes well, happens with time travel."

"Yep. You still gonna stay for Thanksgiving?"

The Doctor nodded "I look forward to it and I still need a demonstration of this Danger Room."

Then Ianto approached them. He hugged the Doctor "Thank you for finding her."

"No worries Ianto, happy to."

Ianto looked at Jack, found he couldn't say anything and just hugged him. Finally he managed "I don't think I did a very good job, my first day as second-in-command."

Jack shrugged and pulled back to look at him "Don't worry about it, but how 'bout this? We don't make it official till we get back to Cardiff."

Ianto nodded "Yes sir."

Meanwhile, Winnie was being introduced to the other X-Men.

"And this," Remy saved Rogue for last "is Anna, my…uh…" he wasn't quite sure how to introduce her.

"Girlfriend" Rogue supplied, taking Remy's hand. She had removed her glove to test her hopes and nothing happened. She was able to touch Remy without draining him. "Thank God, it wasn't just a one time thing."

Remy's face broke into a grin and he spun Rogue around.

Despite what he'd just gone through, Ianto found himself smiling "I knew that would happen some day. They're meant for each other, you know. Remy, you gonna tell Mama she's a great-grandmother?"

Remy stopped spinning "Must you always do that?"

…

Remy

We all cleaned up the area as best we could and went back to the mansion. We put the bodies in bags to be dealt with later. That North Londoner vanished by the way—don't know when that happened.

On the way back home, Mama explained that the Agency had caught up to her and put her in a cage, her manipulator hanging just out reach. She didn't say if she was tortured or not, but I reckon she was. The Doctor didn't elaborate on just how he'd found her but implied his Tardis had a mechanism to trace DNA. He freed her and she grabbed her wrist strap on the way out.

There was probably more to it but Ianto and I didn't need anymore explanations just yet. We were just happy to have our mother back. As soon as we got back to the mansion, Remi-Anne rushed into my arms.

"Daddy! You're okay."

I kissed her cheek "Of course, baby, you know me."

She hugged Ianto next and then Rogue and then everyone else till she saw Mama. "Hello" Remi-Anne said.

"Remi-Anne" I said "this is Winnie, your grandma."

Mama smiled at her "Oh Remy, she's beautiful. It's nice to meet you, sweetie" she said to Remi-Anne.

Remi-Anne smiled and hugged her "You too, can I call you Grandma or would that be weird 'cos you look so young?"

Mama chuckled "Sweetie, you can call me anything you like."

"You have to meet my baby, I'm gonna go get him" she ran to go fetch him.

Mama looked at me "So she does have a child?"

I held up my hands "It is not my fault. She named him after Tad." Then Ianto and I shared a look.

Ianto cleared his throat "Maybe the three of us should talk privately?"

…

Ianto

It was hard telling Mama about Tad, she was sad that she'd missed him but she was always prepared for that possibility and she perked up when she met little Ioan.

It wasn't till later that night when I was able to think about Will again. I went up to the roof because, quite frankly it was a good place to think. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do but I knew in the end that it was best for him. He was in pain and I couldn't let him suffer anymore and I knew now that he was finally at peace.

"You gonna be okay?" Jack came and sat next to me.

"I think so" I told him honestly "I'm glad you all were there with me, otherwise I don't know what would have happened. But maybe…in a way I had already been accepting Will as gone. I'm not quite sure."

"I'm sorry you had to do that, Ianto but at least he's safe now."

"I know, he's at peace. It's what he wanted." I leaned against Jack. I would do as Will said, move on but give me a couple of weeks at least. I have to show some level of decency but there was no way I could wait the standard minimum of six months.

Jack put his arm around me "You should come inside, it's cold out here."

"In a minute, I just wanna sit for awhile."

…

To my and I think everyone's surprise, it did not look like Remy had had sex the next morning.

"Oh my God" I said to him "you're being a gentleman."

He glared at me "Of course I am. We just started being able to touch. I'm not gonna louse things up by rushing it." He leaned in and whispered "we almost got to third base though and spent the night cuddling."

"Good for you" I smiled "I'm really happy for you, Remy."

That day we showed the Doctor and Torchwood just how the Danger Room worked. I swear Tosh was drooling and I think Owen wanted one too.

The next day was Thanksgiving.

…XT…XT…XT…XT…XT…

They had to bring in another table to accommodate all the adults but they made it work. Grace and thanks were said and the food was served.

"I think it's time for a toast" Jack raised his glass "to strong friendships and newly forged relationships" he looked at Rogue and at Remy, Ianto and Winnie.

His toast was echoed and drunk to.

"And" the Professor raised his glass "long may Torchwood and the X-Men continue to work together should the need arise."

"Let's hope it doesn't happen often" Ianto muttered while knocking on the wooden table.

That was something they could all drink to.

"Jack," Ianto said "you did leave enough food for Myfanwy right?"

"Don't worry" Jack assured him "she'll be fine."

"Who's Myfanwy?" the Doctor asked.

"Our guard dog."

"I have a toast" Ianto said "to absent friends."

The Doctor stood "Can I do one? I think this should cover everything. Family and friends."

"Family and friends" echoed around the table.

"You know," Rogue said suddenly "I like what they have at Jarrod."

Remy blinked "Isn't that the Subway guy?"

Ianto rolled his eyes "Jewellery store, Remy."

"Oh. Oh" His eyes widened and he looked at Rogue "Already with that,woman?"

Everyone laughed and a few heard Remy mutter "give me some time to plan something for crying out loud."

…

The next chapter wraps everything up and will have a teeny extra epilogue at the very end. I don't think it should take too long but cross your fingers and getting at least 5 reviews will definitely help speed up the process.

Happy New Year!