Written out of the remaining depression I still have. I know CoE never REALLY happened. I know Ianto just went to sleep, that's all - nothing else. But sometimes I still cry, I wrote this to make me feel better. It didn't work though, I feel even worse now.
Disclaimer is the same as ever: Appart from my own heartbreak, I don't own anything in this story - if I did, things would be different. Torchwood is copyright to the BBC, and what-not.
"Ianto," Jack murmured, almost silently. He brushed his fingers across the sleeping man's cheek. Gently stroking his lover's face, he breathed in his musky smell. Trying to make sure he'd never forget. He had to remember every detail - the touch of his skin, the smell of his aftershave, the shimmering gleam in his crystal blue eyes.
Ianto's chest rose and fell evenly, marking the passing of seconds. But Jack wanted it to stay like this. This one perfect, peaceful moment, for all eternity. If the hands of time were to never move again, he would not care.
It so was strange to him, Jack Harkness, the man who thought he knew all emotions. The man who thought he knew love. But he didn't, this was so different. When he saw Ianto, every atom in his body buzzed with anticipation, waiting and wanting his touch. To be without him made his heart ache, it yearned for only him. He needed him, so much - too much.
What Jack felt right now had no name, the word love seemed trifling - for Ianto, he felt more than that. Promising to be with him. It was the most he could ever offer. He vowed they would be together, forever.
"Forever, forever, forever," Jack repeated the word. His voice so quiet, it could have blow away with a breeze. Resting his head beside his love's, he sighed, quietly and deeply. He fell asleep that way; watching his most adored treasure.
Even with closed lips, the words still whirled around the room. Cooing and crooning them in their sleep. Dancing around their memories, like a lullaby. Encircling, strengthened by their love and passion.
Forever, forever. It swayed across their minds.
Forever, forever. So soft and peaceful, a leaf in the wind.
Forever. It was echoed in Ianto's dream.
Forever. It traced their hearts.
Forever. It flowed through their veins.
Forever. It etched itself into Jack's soul.
Slowly awaking, he looked over to the empty side of the bed. Tears lingered in Jack's eyes. He was still alone. He could never forget. That happiest memory, haunting his dreams. He allowed himself to cry, he was too weak to fight it.
Feeling his heart breaking again, the word reappeared. Stealing his air, he was forgeting how to breathe. It was too much. Terrible, rupturing, shattering, pure desolation. An anguished sob escaped Jack's lips.
Forever. He would remember.
Forever. The pain would stay.
Forever. He would be alone.
Forever never lasts.