Notes: Happy Easter to all that celebrate. Thank you to everyone who has been commenting and reviewing; it is greatly appreciated. Enjoy part 1 of 7.

Chapter Spoilers: Episodes 2.01 (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang – slight/references) and Doctor Who 3.12, 3.13 (Sound of Drums, Last of the Time Lords – slight/references)

The team needed to avoid themselves for the next 48 hours. Jack decided to use this time to treat his team to a well-deserved and well-earned break. He made arrangements for them to stay at the swankiest hotel in Cardiff.

Jack booked five rooms under his name, one for each of his team members and himself. He had hoped that he and Ianto would spend the upcoming nights together; however he did not want to make the younger man feel pressured or obligated. Jack also called in a few favors and had a variety of clothes, and in Ianto's case, specific outfits, delivered to the hotel from each members' living quarters.

As he was handing out room keys, he explained their situation. "When the explosion occurred, it set all the areas affected by the rift back 48 hours. So you're all out chasing the Blowfish right now, and soon we will be investigating the murder at the parking garage. We were not affected and can remember everything that's happened, though, since we were at the center of the shift, which is why we need to stay here for the next 48 hours." Jack paused to see if there were any questions. He also had the sense of déjà vu again considering he just returned from the year long paradox that ended in its own time shift. Those memories needed to be squashed.

When he surprisingly received no questions, "So... relax... have fun... Use any services you'd like, my charge. Oh, and some clothes and other necessities from each of your flats have been delivered to your rooms already."

The team was still and quiet. There was a plethora of unanswered questions, but no one knew how to break the ice to ask them. Tosh, realizing no further light was to be shed for the rest of the night, broke the silence. "Well then, I'm exhausted. Good night, Gwen. Good night, gentlemen." She gathered what she had with her and began leaving the group. Owen, without a word, joined her, escorting his colleague to her room before heading a few doors down to his.

Gwen didn't want to make a retreat. After having almost lost her life, she felt she was owed answers. She dared to give Ianto a stern look, meaning he was to leave next.

Ianto, having received the look and understanding its meaning, decided he'd better take his leave before things became even more awkward. Besides, I need time to think things over before talking to Jack. He gave his silent nods and turned to leave, but stopped as a hand grabbed hold of his arm to keep him still.

It was Jack. "I'll walk with you," he said and once Ianto nodded his consent, he let go of the younger man's arm. He noticed the look Ianto received from Gwen and he wasn't going to let her push his, hopefully still, lover around. "Gwen, I booked you a lovely suite. Call Rhys and invite him over to have some fun."

Gwen frowned, but nodded. "I'll do that." She turned away as if she was going to call Rhys that second, but she didn't. She waited until Jack and Ianto had walked far enough away that she could follow them without being caught. They better not stay the night together. After Jack's bloody ex-whatever almost cost me my life, it's me he should be staying with!

Jack and Ianto rounded the hall corner and continued until they arrived at suite 108. Ianto fumbled for his key as they stood in silence, neither noticing that Gwen was watching them from back around the corner.

"So... um..." Ianto was ruffled. "...Thanks for walking with me..." He looked at Jack hoping the older man would take control of the situation. But Jack offered nothing. "...I... uh... want to clean up now..."

Jack was disappointed but tried not to show it. "Sure, of course," he said and began turning to walk to his suite.

Ianto grabbed a hold of Jack's arm, similar to how Jack grabbed his in the lobby. "Then I can come over?" he asked, not bothering to hide his insecurity and uncertainty that both men equally shared.

Jack turned back towards Ianto, smiling wide on the inside, but only small and sweetly on the outside. He didn't want to seem too anxious. But then Jack's smile fell.

"Because we need to talk," Ianto ended. He then turned toward his suite, unlocked the door, and entered, letting the door shut behind him, not even giving Jack another glance.

[The next 35 minutes – Jack]

Jack was beyond nervous and completely caught off guard. Whether in the 21st century or the 51st, the phrase "we need to talk" never brought anything good along with it. By the time he entered his suite, he was lost in his thoughts.

What does Ianto want to talk about? Will it be about me being gone? Will it be about us? What if he doesn't want to go on that date? Does he still want to be with me? Oh no! What if he found someone else while I was away? Could he be engaged, too?

His thoughts went around in circles for 20 minutes before a knock at the door startled him. Finally! He quickly headed towards the door and swung it open just as fast, not bothering to look through the peephole. Jack froze.

"Gwen?"