Jack paced around the Hub. He was still shocked by his confession to Rhys. Did he love Ianto? Well…he seemed to… But…love was something Jack couldn't experience on a regular basis. It hurt too much. They always died, while he always lived on. He imagined life without Ianto…him dying at the hands of an alien…him dying in the pub…who was he kidding? Of course he loved Ianto! And hopefully he felt the same way…but…this was terrible. When feelings got this strong…Jack couldn't keep it going! It wouldn't be fair to Ianto…or to himself.

"I've got to end it." Jack murmured to himself, wiping a lone tear from the corner of his eye.

---

"T-t-tell your boyfriend, if he says he's got beef, that I'm a vegetarian and I ain't fucking scared of him!"

"Are you a vegetarian?"

"Shut up Ianto."

"No, no…I liked it. Now, Owen…have you got beef?"

"OWEN PUT THE PLANT POT DOWN!"

"Yes, Captain." Owen said. "Side with lover-boy why don't you."

Jack swallowed. "Ianto, I need to talk to you."

Ianto followed Jack into the Hot House and turned to face him. "Yes, sir?" he said with a cheeky smile.

Jack smiled weakly; why did he have to make this harder than it already was?!?!

"Umm…Ianto…"

"This doesn't sound good. Is Janet sick?" Ianto asked with genuine concern.

"No-no…Janet's fine." Jack answered distractedly. "Look, this, us, we I mean, me and you…it…"

"Yeah?"

"I can't do it any more."

Ianto's smile faltered. "Wha- I mean…why?"

"I just…can't."

"Is it Gwen?"

"No! No…it's not you or her or anyone…it's me."

"Pfft! Good clichéd answer there! Well done! First normal thing you've done ever!"
"I'm sorry." Jack said and left.

---

"SHIT!" Ianto said as he broke his second glass that night, it splitting his hand open.

"Tom, Tom, Tom." Manager Jack sighed. "I'll take it off your pay check."

Ianto nodded, holding back tears that were threatening to spill.

"Is everything ok, mate? You haven't been your usual self."

"Mmm."

"Y'know, you can tell me. Creates a better relationship if we trust one another. Is it Jacq?"

Ianto's head shot up. "What about Jack?" he said quickly.

"Oh Tom. You've broken up haven't you?" The manager said, unable to keep the glee from his voice. Ianto suddenly clicked.

"Oh right. Yeah. How did you know?"

"I can see into your soul!!!" the manger said mystically, chuckling to himself. "Look, it'll be alright." He said, patting Ianto on the shoulder and walking off.

Ianto picked up his phone. "Gwen? You can't come in here any more. I had to tell him me and you broke up."

"What?! Why?!"

"Cause he asked if me and Jack had broken up…and…I didn't think…"

"Oh. I see. Ianto, is everything alright with you and-"

"So I guess Tosh or someone will have to come in and keep an eye on me."

"Yeah. Or Rhys can. I'll ask him. But…Jack was due to come in tonight with me…do you want me to tell him-"

"It's fine. I have no problem with Sven."

"Ok, I'll see you tomorrow." Gwen said and hung up the phone.

Ianto silently cursed. How was he going to survive this?