Based on the song "Baby don't' you break my heart slow"

Everything belongs to the BBC. Except the song, this version of which belongs to Vonda Shepherd

You would run around and lead me on forever
While I stay at home still thinking we're together

And I thought nothing could be worse than her not coming home, Rhys thought to himself. The woman sitting beside him on the couch wasn't Gwen. Just her shell. Something bad had happened. Something that had burnt away her spark and left ashes behind. And she was injured. And she couldn't tell him. Or wouldn't.

They both stood it for as long as they could. Finally Rhys rose without a word and headed for their bedroom.

I should follow him, Gwen thought. But she couldn't. What would she say? Sorry love, it's not aliens today. Today I looked into the eyes of humans and was afraid to be part of their species. How could he understand that? How could anybody? At least, anybody who wasn't there…

And then she remembered. There was someone. Someone who wanted her. Someone who she didn't have to hide anything from. Her mind shut down, her body took over - and she went – to Owen.

Weeks later….

The nights she came home before Rhys was asleep were getting more and more infrequent. Sometimes she didn't even answer her phone. Bloody special Ops job. Only now Rhys had to admit there was more to it than that. Running hot and cold. All over him, sweet and loving one minute, cold and remote the next. Over the weeks he began to put a name to the behavior. Guilt.

He put the diamond ring on Ebay.

-XXX-

When Tosh told her about Owen and Diane, something within Gwen broke and hurt. But the pain wasn't in her heart. Just her pride.

She waited until Owen was alone in the medical bay before confronting him.

"Were you going to tell me?" she demanded. "About her?"

"Her who?" Owen countered arrogantly.

"Christ, how many are there?" Gwen snapped.

Owen laughed harshly. "None of your business. You've been going home and shagging Rhys this whole time, so don't expect me to keep it just for you."

Gwen fled. But the scales were off her eyes now. She would end it. She would make it up to Rhys. Make up for her betrayal. Even if he never knew he'd been betrayed in the first place. From now on, bloody Torchwood and everyone in it, would just have to make way.

-XXX-

The Doctor couldn't make Jack better. But Jack knew who could. Who could make him a better man, if not a mortal one. And every drop of poise and charm deserted him as he stumbled out the invitation. But it all returned in a flood when Ianto said Yes.

"Before you left," Ianto said, "I thought…..but then you left. You went to him."

"Jealous?" Jack asked. "No need. I came back. For you. And you're still here."

"I waited. Because I don't do casual." Blue eyes eyed him defiantly.

Jack smiled. "So you said. And as I said. Fine with me."