Things seem to settle down as the weeks pass. The rift activity was slowly increasing keeping the team busy. Ianto and Jack had not been able to take their vacation: Gwen was complaining about not seeing enough of Rhys, Tosh was a little more quiet than usual, and Owen was even more edgy than normal but the team was assuming it was because of all the sleepless nights they were accumulating from the constant increase in rift activity. Everyone was about to reach their breaking point after facing a particularly aggressive weevil which managed to escape twice before Jack finally shot it. As they walk into the hub Owen goes ballistic focusing all of it on Jack as the pent up rage inside him began erupting.

"I had the situation under control the weevil was about to give in, then you come running in screaming and waving that stupid gun around setting the bloody weevil off. The bugger lunged for you but it could have been anyone of us. You Captain may not be able to die but the rest of us certainly can. Oh sure you will take a bullet for us, but that's cause you know in the morning you will wake up next to "nancy" boy there", He points at Ianto," and everything will be all right."

Jack is yelling back. "Enough Owen, you have said quite enough!"

"Oh no I haven't I haven't said near enough, and maybe if you were not always so busy playing rumpy pumpy with tea boy you just might have the time to stop and listen for a change. Not everyone thinks you are so great. There are times we question why it is we follow you; I am not the only one who thinks you are just a self-centered wanker all high and mighty; so tell me who died and made you King of everything?!"

Emotions flood the room; anger, rage, jealousy, confusion, and then things went from bad to worse. Jack responded to Owen not in words but with actions. First the shoving contest begins, Jack using his body to try and intimidate Owen who just shoves his small chest right back at him. Shortly after that the punches start flying Owen getting in a few good hits including a groin shot before Jack over takes him and slams him to the floor. Everyone else is standing seemingly glued to the floor; watching; frozen in shock at what was happening right before their eyes. As Owen is knocked to the ground Jack jumps on top of him and hits him several times in the face. Ianto, coming back to life, springs into action wrapping his arms around Jack and dragging him away.

Tosh runs over to Owen. "Are you alright?" She tries to help him up.

Still enraged Owen words are filled with hostility. "Get away from me bitch." He pushes Tosh to the floor. "Of course I ain't alright. Just sod off all of you! This isn't over Jack, not by far." He stands rubs his hand across his face seeing blood there he spits it on the floor. " You hold on to him tea boy I don't want to hurt him anymore than I already have. " Jack breaks free from Ianto and heads for Owen but Gwen steps in.

"Stop Jack enough of this Owen go downstairs and clean yourself up", Gwen is yelling.

Owen stops off but not before one last evil glare at Jack. Jack who now notices Tosh crying goes over to console her. Gwen starts to walk over but Jack indicates with his hand to stay back.

"I am sorry Tosh are you alright?" Jack holds her gently.

Tosh still crying, "Yes I just don't understand."

Jack speaking calmly, "I am not sure what is going on with him lately. I mean I knew he had a bit of a temper but it's never been this bad. I know things have been pretty hectic around here and all of us have been under a lot of stress. Owen has never reacted to any situation like this. Last time I saw him this angry was when he decked me after his wife's funeral, Jack grins. If he ever needed another job he should take up boxing he has one hell of an upper cut." He laughs trying to diffuse the tension. "Owen is a very emotionally powered man. Do you know that of all the people I have had to retcon that he and Gwen were they only two who managed to outsmart the drug. I still don't understand Owens outburst especially towards you. One thing I was certain about Owen was that he would never allow anyone on this team to be hurt. Except me maybe," Jack smiles broadly, "I have always known I could trust him to look out for everyone. He proved how capable he was of managing this team while I was away. I knew when I asked him to join the team I was taking a chance with him even then he was a bit broody and had some anger issues. It always amazes me how determined he is. Do you know when his wife died I thought that letting him see what had killed her would ease his mind and give him closure but it didn't he still chose to blame himself and to discover how it happened. I think that's what I admire about him and why I wanted him on my team. He cares sometimes I think too deeply. He can't accept defeat he will do anything to win; when it comes to a patient that's a good thing; when it comes to other things, then not so good. He can be like a bulldog once he latches on to something he won't let go."

They both laugh and Jack can see Tosh is feeling better. Jack uses his thumb to brush away her tears. " I am not really sure what to do. It's ironic that the only 2 people he loved were both lost because of the rift and he fights that same rift now. I must admit he is a fierce fighter and the burden he bares is a heavy one. He blames himself for their deaths he always feels he could have done more." He looks at Tosh stands then helps her up. "I believe I may know how to help him but first Tosh I need you to decide what you want your relationship with Owen to be. I know you care a great deal for him and we both know that love may never be returned. He's on the track to self-destruction and I am about to derail that train. He's going to need a friend; you must decide what kind of friend you are going to be. A platonic team member with a good ear, or will you offer him more?"

"Jack I do love him and I will give him whatever he needs. I will take him anyway I can get him."

"Are you sure about this? "He grabs her gently grasping each arm just below the shoulder.

"I have never been more sure of anything. "She knew in her heart this is the right thing to do.

"Alright I can't promise you anything but I will urge him to take your offer. He really needs someone he can confide in and I don't seem to be that person." He hugs her. Gwen and Ianto come over and hug her as well then Ianto offers to fix her a cup of coffee and leads her towards the kitchen.

Gwen stands there looking at Jack. "Are you sure she can handle him?"

"Yes, despite his temper tantrum tonight he would never hurt her. I don't believe he ever hurt you or took anything from you that you weren't willing to give. "

Gwen looks at him as she squints her eyes and wrinkles her nose at him. "No he didn't and we have put all of that in the past. Besides he wasn't the only one out of control tonight."

Jack nods his head. "You are right I might have overreacted a little myself. Why don't you join Ianto and Tosh in the kitchen. I need to go down and have a talk with Owen."

"I should come with you; you might need my help." Gwen looks at him and smiles

"No I need to do this alone."

"You aren't going to kick him out or retcon him are you Jack?"

Looks at Gwen with a reassuring glance," No I don't think it will be necessary."

"Don't be too hard on him I know he can be a real prat sometimes, but he does have a good heart."

Jack laughs hugs Gwen pats her on the back then turns towards the stairs." Don't worry it will all work out."

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