Here's the next chapter of Comfort for a Friend.

A thank you and a cookie to Lesleigh, ronnygirl, and PCJanto for their reviews.

Torchwood is the property of the BBC and RTD. I own nothing but the plot.

Some Gwen bashing as well. Can't stand her.

All mistakes are my own.

When Ianto walked into the hub the next day, he noticed he was once again the first one in. Which, with Jack gone, made him even lonelier. But, not use dwelling on that now. Work to do and all. The first thing he did was go to the kitchenette and start the coffee, needing it to do his work.

While the coffee was brewing, he fed Myfawny and their guests in the cells, finishing just as the coffee finished. He went and got himself a cup, taking it with him down to the archives to begin working.

When he heard the Hub alarm go off, he grabbed his cup and headed back up, smiling when he noticed it was Tosh who had come in. He made her a cup of coffee as well as refilling his own. When it was ready, he took the cup to the tech.

"Thank you, Ianto." She said, smiling at him.

"You are very welcome, Tosh." He replied, smiling back before heading back to the archives.

He returned once again when he heard the alarm going off, Owen arriving, shortly followed by Gwen. He made them both coffee before retreating back to his lair, not returning until it was time for lunch.

Entering the conference room with the Chinese, he rolled his eyes when he heard Owen and Gwen arguing again. This was really starting to get on his nerves.

He exchanged a look with Tosh as he served the food. And he knew it was time to settle this, once and for all. Also, before UNIT called again. He wasn't sure how long he would be able to keep lying to them.

"All right! That is enough arguing!" He exclaimed, slamming his hand on the table. Surprised, both Owen and Gwen shut up.

"Oi. Tea-boy. This has nothing to do with you." Owen stated, annoyed at Ianto for speaking up like that. But, also a bit impressed. Not that he would ever say it.

"It has everything to do with me when your arguing isn't getting anything done. Its time to settle this like the adults I know we are. You are both going to state your reasons, without interrupting each other. And then, we will decide, as a team, who will be leader. Is that understood?"

It took a few minutes, but eventually, they all nodded.

"Owen. You go first."

"Well. First off, I've been here longer than she has. I have more experience. And I know how things need to be done." The medic stated.

"Gwen." He said her name reluctantly.

"Well. I was in the police force. So, with me as leader, I can get them to help us with helping people. Like we should be doing anyway. Plus, I'm a great leader. Everybody in the force always looked to me for advice." She stated, not knowing how wrong she really was.

"Tosh."

"What? Me? But I don't think-"

"Everybody is going to give their reasons."

She sighed and nodded, thinking. She didn't really want to be leader. But, the more she thought about it, the better idea it sounded. Not for the power, no. But so that she would have more time to work on her programs if she didn't have to go into the field. And those were the very reasons she gave.

"Alright, now that everybody's said their part-"

"What about you, Ianto?"

Gwen snorted at that. How could Tosh even think that the stupid tea-boy could even be considered for leader? The only thing he was good for his making coffee, after all.

"Its fine, Tosh. I really don't want to be leader."

"But, you always did part of Jack's job anyway."

"Only because it was the only way it would get done. And all that was really was talking to the other organizations. Jack was terrible at that. Always pissed them off." He said, smiling slightly at the thought of Jack.

Tosh was silently communicating with him, but eventually back down after a few minutes. Which made Ianto relieved. He really didn't want for her to push the subject. It wasn't like Owen or Gwen would want him to be leader anyway.

"Now, we vote. Whoever gets the most votes becomes leader until Jack's return. No more arguing. Understand?"

They all nodded in agreement. And all thinking that they would win. Especially Gwen. She was about to get a rude awakening though when they all voted for themselves. Except Ianto. He thought about Tosh's and Owen's points. There was no way he would even consider Gwen. After a few minutes, he decided on Tosh. She has been here the longest, after all.

Gwen was outraged! How dare he vote for her! She was nowhere good enough! But, nobody listened as she tried to get them to change their minds. They just continued their lunch and then went on their separate ways.

Ianto went over the few things Tosh would need to do as leader, assuring her that he would actually handle most of it. It would be better anyway. Now, she could focus on her programs and get a lot more work done.

Gwen spent the rest of the day complaining about the choice and that Jack wouldn't approve. She just knew her captain would fix things upon his return. And he would return for her, she knew it. Then, everything would be right in the world again. With that happy thought in mind, she left the Hub, once again not realizing how wrong she was.

Tosh and Owen left together, intending to get a pint at a nearby pub. Ianto was invited, but it was made clear he wasn't welcome by Owen. The medic wanted time alone with Tosh, after all.

So, Ianto stayed in the Hub to get a bit more work done. He was cleaning the kitchen when he heard a voice behind him. A voice he knew very well.

"Ianto."

He spun around when he heard his name.

"Jack?"

Well, that's the end of this chapter. Took a while, but I got it. And yes, I left it with a cliff-hanger. I'm thinking, one more chapter. Maybe more, if I can be convinced.

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