Being back at the Hub in itself was terrifying. But it was the idea of meeting the new recruits that really scared Ianto. Rhys Williams and Andy Davidson. Two men who were so closely connected to Gwen Cooper, Ianto couldn't help but to wonder if they would be just as cruel.

Jack, Tosh, and even Owen accepted the difficulty Ianto had speaking, the way his face often twitched involuntarily, and the violent tremors he sometimes got in his hands. This was all a part of who Ianto was now. And, while Ianto sometimes resented them for saving his life, only so he could live in this state, he appreciated this acceptance.

But who knew what these new people would make of him? Since his failed suicide attempt, Ianto hadn't seen anyone outside of the team. And he found himself anxious and embarrassed at the very idea.

But then Ianto thought of all Jack had done for him. And he reminded himself that Jack had chosen him over Gwen. He had gotten rid of her before she'd had a chance to wipe Ianto's mind clean. And though Ianto was unclear on the details, he was sure that Jack was far from merciful when dealing justice to Gwen.

So if Jack had chosen Rhys and Andy, after so abruptly sending Gwen away, maybe they weren't so bad after all.

Now that he'd met them, Ianto saw that his fears were unfounded. Rhys and Andy were both kind, funny, jovial and intelligent men. They would make welcome additions to the team, Ianto thought. And Rhys would make a fine replacement for him.

In fact, having spent the afternoon in the archives with Rhys, Ianto was not only impressed by the man's focus and ability to pick up on Ianto's filing system so quickly. But he was also comforted by his empathy and understanding.

Rhys listened patiently as Ianto explained things. Never cutting him off. Never talking down to Ianto, or treating him like he was stupid. Despite Ianto's clumsy speech, and awkward movements, Rhys treated him with kindness and respect. In a way, their first meeting was better than when Ianto had met Jack and the rest of the team. There was an immediate ease between the two Welshmen, and Ianto had a feeling they could end up being good friends.

"So..." Rhys scratched at his arm nervously. "I was wondering...what exactly happened to Gwen? I never got a proper explanation from her. Just woke up one morning and found a note from her telling me it was over."

It was almost too much for Ianto, looking into into Rhys' sad eyes. He seemed so heartbroken and defeated. Did he really not realize what a bullet he had dodged? Did he not know that he was too good for Gwen, and she was lucky to have him for as long as she had?

Ianto wanted to tell Rhys all of this. He wanted to tell Rhys about how Gwen's reckless insubordination had endangered the team and gotten people killed. And he really wanted to tell Rhys about the cruelty and abuse he had suffered at her hands in the time before his "accident."

Instead, Ianto looked at Rhys with a tearful half smile, giving the simplest, most honest answer he could.

"G-Gwen left...while I was r-reco-recovering...fr-from...my accident. S-sorry I can't be more help."

It was the truth. Ianto really didn't know what exactly had become of Gwen. And bringing up any suspicions he might have had about Gwen's fate would only upset Rhys.

Rhys looked a little embarrassed. He obviously hadn't taken into account the timing of events. "Sorry, Ianto. I know you've had a rough go of it."

Looking down at his shoes, Ianto simply shrugged uncomfortably. He didn't want to be pitied. "To t-tell the...truth, Gwen and I w-were never really c-close. I think..." Ianto's voice trailed off, as he realized he was about to speak some truths that Rhys might not want to hear.

"Go on!" Rhys urged, seeing Ianto's hesitation. "If you're worried about speaking ill of Gwen in front of me, don't be. It might make me feel better!"

Ianto looked up, raising a dubious eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yeah," Rhys laughed, his big smile putting Ianto at ease. "Woman left me! Go on now, Ianto! Say your piece!"

Ianto laughed nervously, but proceeded, emboldened by Rhys' good natured encouragement. "I...I th-think she...looked d-d-down on m-me."

Unshed tears glimmered in Rhys' eyes, betraying the smile on his face. But he walked up to Ianto, giving him a sideways hug in a show of support.

"Yeah? I think she looked down on everyone," he said, as if admitting it to himself for the first time.

"Excuse me," Tosh called from the doorway, and Ianto wondered just how long she had been standing there. "If you're hungry, Jack brought back some deli sandwiches and soup."

"Sounds good. I'm starving!" Rhys said, as he and Ianto followed Tosh out."

"Ianto."

Ianto stopped in his tracks, startled by the familiar voice.

"You coming, Ianto?" Tosh asked, looking back at him.

"Yeah...um...I'll b-be up in a m-minute."

Tosh nodded, eyes lingering on him like a protective big sister. But she left with Rhys just the same.

Once he was alone, Ianto scanned the archives nervously; right eye twitching, teeth chattering, hands shaking. His entire body gripped by what his suicide attempt had done to him.

"Wh-who's...th-there?" Ianto asked, telling himself it couldn't possibly be the voice he thought he was hearing.

"Oh, I think you know," the menacing voice replied.

Slowly turning to look behind him, Ianto saw Lisa. She was dressed in a blue silk blouse and black slacks, accented by a pearl necklace and diamond stud earrings. This was the outfit she had worn on their very first date. She looked stunning!

But she didn't belong. She wasn't supposed to be here.

"Lisa...y-you're dead..." Ianto began. "How..."

"How could you, Ianto?" Lisa demanded, stalking over to him.

"I...I..." Ianto wasn't sure how to respond. This couldn't be real!

"Did you even mourn me?" Lisa was now standing just inches from Ianto's face. "Before you took up with the man who killed me?!"

"L-Lisa! Ah...I..."

Before Ianto had a chance to catch his breath, he found himself on the floor; Lisa's hands around his neck, choking the life out of him.

"Did you even care that I was gone?!"