"It's too late," Ianto said, realization filling his blue eyes. "I've already breathed the air."
Ianto's eyes darted around, taking in his surroundings.
Huge tank with some awful alien in it.
A desk.
Vaguely he heard Jack yelling, "No, no! There's got to be an antidote, or something!"
"You said you would fight," the alien rumbled.
"Then I take it back! But not him!"
Ianto swallowed hard and his legs turned to jelly.
He collapsed.
But Jack was right there, catching him and setting Ianto's head in his lap. Jack was silent for a few seconds, his eyes growing damp and red.
"It's all my fault," Jack said, looking down at his Welshman. Ianto shook his head.
"No," he said quietly. He was terrified. Something was pulling him away from Jackā¦
Jack's hand gently caressed Ianto's face.
"I love you," he said, a tear escaping his eye. A tear dripped onto Ianto's face.
"Don't," he pleaded. Ianto understood. Ianto's eyes rolled back, and his mouth gaped open, like he was gasping for air.
"Hey," Jack said, tapping his hand against Jack's face. "Stay with me Ianto, please," Jack said, tears choking him.
Ianto's eyes rolled back and Jack swam back into his eyeshot. For a few precious moments, the two men were silent.
"In a thousand years' time, you won't remember me," Ianto said, tears rolling down his cheeks.
"Yes, I will. I promise," Ianto gave Jack a tiny, tiny smile and his eyes rolled back, his mouth open and gasping for air.
The alien and Jack were conversing about something, and the last thing Ianto felt before oblivion took him was Jack's shaky lips against him, a kiss so passionate it almost hurt.
And suddenly, someone's holding him; their lips smashed against Ianto's, their fingers linked. And Ianto knew it could only be one person. Ianto precariously opened an eye and saw they were in Jack's bed in the Hub, tangled in sheets. Jack was holding him, murmuring comforting words against his lips.
And in that moment Ianto Jones realized it had only been a dream.
