"Hello and Goodbye"
By: Setsuna-X

Summary: Somewhat Ianto character analysis and his love for Jack.
Pairing: Ianto Jones/Captain Jack Harkness
Warning: Spoilers for seasons 1 & 2 of Torchwood
Disclaimer: Torchwood and its characters do not belong to me. I receive no royalties or credit for anything, except this work of fiction.

It wasn't easy, this weird relationship he has with Jack.

The first time Ianto laid eyes on the infamous Captain Jack Harkness, he knew he was done for. The man had a strong chin, glimmering blue eyes, and a coat to die for.

This attraction hurt.

After Torchwood London, he needed to work in another institution that had the same access to advance and alien technologies. Only then would he be able to save his girlfriend, Lisa.

And he loved Lisa, with all his heart. But his heart bled whenever he thought about that roguish smile that made up Jack's face.

The second time he saw Jack he begged. He was willing to do anything for the job. Cook, clean, launder the fabulous coat – he just needed to work for Torchwood again.

Of course, Jack turned him down.

The third time Ianto saw Jack was more of an accident really. He had his own Rift-Analyzer, from the London building, and tracked the rift-activity to the warehouse. He knew sooner or later Jack would arrive, or maybe even one of his employees. Either way he needed to get his foot in the door.

After their brief adventure with the Pterodactyl and they rolled around the ground, laughter ringing in the air, Ianto felt the most shame he had ever in his life.

Jack's "love the suit" quip was the last thing he needed to hear before the tears came gushing from his eyes. He really felt that he had betrayed Lisa. When he was with Jack he felt more alive than he had since Lisa's partial cyberman transformation, and it made him feel guilty.

He had no right to laugh and smile and seek human comfort while Lisa was struggling to maintain her humanity.

And to make it worse, he actually felt a genuine attraction to Jack Harkness. It started off as a game, and Ianto had lost badly.

TBC