-Four years prior-

"Can we talk?" Ianto wondered as he came into Jack's office at the end of the day. Jack wanted to tell him no. He wanted to tell him that there was no need for any discussion because he knew why Ianto was there. It had been a week since he moved the Doctor to his home and he could feel the young Welshman drifting away from him. They no longer made love all over the hub and Ianto had avoided speaking directly to him about anything than work. Jack told himself that Ianto just needed space and time even if he knew in his heart that his time holding the man was over. He motioned to the chair in front of him, his heart caught in his throat as Ianto took a seat. He sat with his back straight and sadness in his eyes that Jack hated to see. Jack swallowed hard before speaking.

"How can I help you, Ianto?" Jack wondered.

"I have been giving us a lot of thought recently," Ianto started and Jack held up his hand to stop him.

"I know what you are about to say and I just want to know why," Jack interrupted.

"Things have been different between us since the Doctor's return, and you found out that he was pregnant. You want to have a family and I don't know if I am ready for that. I like kids but I have never seen them as part of my future while working at Torchwood and don't feel I could love the child like you do. It wouldn't be fear to any of us if I stayed anyway just to walk away later so it is better if we end this now while we can still be friends," Ianto explained.

"Of course we can still be friends. I want you to know that regardless of what happens between us, you will always have a place here at Torchwood for as long as you want it," Jack advised him.

"Thank you, Sir. I will see you Monday," Ianto told him standing. He smiled at Jack as he stood and Jack got to his feet as well. He wanted to wrap his arms around the young Welshman and hold him close but felt it wasn't the appropriate moment. So he held his hand out to him, taking his hand. He shook it briefly then watched Ianto walk away. He watched until Ianto closed the door behind him then flopped down into his chair. Reaching into the cupboard beside him, he pulled out his bottle of whiskey and a glass. He ignored the glass for a moment as he took a long drink of the whiskey, just feeling the alcohol warm his chest.

Ianto and his relationship had developed slowly since he started at Torchwood. It had been rocky at first as he had been adamant that he wasn't going to hire anyone from Torchwood one but Ianto had worn him down. He had even forgiven Ianto for sneaking his cyber girlfriend into the basement so that he could try to save her. After he killed Lisa, Ianto had pulled away from him for a while but they learned to trust each other again and then fell in love. He had been Ianto's first time with a man and he had been gentle when guiding him through it, showing him just how much he cared for the Welshman. After that, their sex life had become prolific and fun as they found new ways to explore each other's bodies. Now, that would come to an end but at least he hadn't lost the friend he gained.

He sighed as there was another knock at the door, knowing the Doctor was on the other side. While the Doctor had come along way since being forced back to the hub and no longer was required to be in his cell all day, he wasn't allowed to be alone. He had spent his day with Mickey or Martha but they would be heading home soon once more making the Doctor his responsibility. It was one he didn't want tonight as he just wanted to drink and forgot.

"Come in," he called out instead. The Doctor entered with Mickey beside him. He didn't look happy with the young man as he moved to stand beside Jack's desk with his arms crossed.

"Martha and I are done with our work and heading home for the weekend," Mickey informed Jack ignoring the Time Lord's attitude. He had been unhappy with Mickey ever since he had been forced to log off the rift computer for the night. He hadn't been ready to quit but Mickey had dinner plans with Martha and was eager to leave before the rift decided to make them work late.

"Have a good weekend," Jack told him. Mickey hurried out and Jack turned his attention to the Doctor. "I'm about done here and then we will also head home for the night."

"Fine," the Doctor answered. His tone was flat and he didn't move from his place by the desk as Jack finished cleaning up his work. It didn't take very long and soon, he was standing again. He retrieved his coat, pulling it on before starting out the door to his office. He was about halfway down the stairs before he realized the Doctor hadn't followed him. Confused, he went back to his office to see the Doctor was standing in the same place next to his desk.

"Are you coming, Doc?" Jack wondered.

"Am I allowed to follow you?," the Doctor questioned softly.

"Of course you are allowed to come with me. Why do you think you wouldn't be allowed to follow me?" Jack asked.

"Because you never told me I could. I mean that's what you want isn't it, for me not to do anything unless someone is there to watch me and tell me that I can," the Doctor hissed softly.

"I am really not in the mood for this at the moment, Doc. If you want to stand there and throw a fit than fine. You can stand there, all night for all I care. I, on the other hand, am going home and if you want to come with me then I suggest you pull your head out of your ass get over your tantrum and come with me," Jack snapped at him. The Doctor glared at him as he turned following Jack out of his office. Jack walked quickly out of the hub door making his way to the SUV. He unlocked the vehicle getting into the driver's seat and buckling in as the Doctor climbed into the passenger side.

"Are you alright, Jack?" The Doctor asked. He had Jack yell at him before but something about the look in Jack's eyes told him that the man was hurting.

"Ianto broke up with me," Jack answered.

"I'm sorry," the Doctor told him sincerely.

"Yeah," Jack sighed. He felt the Doctor's hand slip into his and he squeezed it briefly. Letting go, he started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot, heading for their home.