Only A Dream

Putting the baby Hoix on the autopsy table, Ianto stood protectively over it, while Owen examined the baby.

"He looks healthy enough," he told them. "No malformation, what I can see. Mother was probably weak after coming through the Rift."

Ianto smiled. "A boy."

"Yep." Owen lifted the left arm. "See?"

Ianto nodded.

Jack stepped forward. "I hate to brake this up, but we need to get it…him down to the cells."

Ianto made to speak, but a look from Jack silenced the younger man.

Jack watched as Ianto picked up the still sleeping Hoix and walked toward the stairs leading to the floors below. He knew the Welshman had a heavy heart. He was taking it hard.

TWTWTW

After the rest of the team had left that evening, Jack and Ianto were sat in Jack's office, drinking coffee.

"It's for the best, you know."

"Mmm, I expect you're right."

"You know I am." He stood up. "What kind of a life would it have, locked in a cell?"

Ianto sighed.

Jack put a hand on his lover's shoulder. "Let's have a nightcap before we go to bed."

Ianto nodded. "I'll wash up in the morning."

"Yeah."

When they finally made it down to Jack's bunker under his office, Ianto was in a melancholy mood. He sighed and rolled his eyes a lot, making the immortal frown and smile.

"I thought a few drinks might loosen you up a little. I can see now, I was wrong," said Jack.

"Sorry," replied Ianto. "I keep thinking about the baby Hoix," he sighed. "Are you sure we have to put him in the vault?"

Jack nodded. "He's not a pet, Ianto. He'll need lots of looking after. We have our hands full with the Weevils, Blowfish and Myfanwy as it is."

"I suppose," he agreed. "Can I…be the one to put him in the vault?"

Again, Jack nodded. "If that's what you want."

Ianto forced a smile. "Yep."

"Okay. Can we go to bed now? It's been a long day."

Ianto looked at his watch. "1.30am!"

"Mmm, time flies when you're having fun.

Ianto finished the rest of the drink he'd brought down with him, and looked at his lover, his eyes twinkling. "Feel like having a little more fun?"

The light shone in Jack's eyes. "Oh, yeah!"

TWTWTW

The Hoix awoke to find itself lying on a soft duvet that Ianto had put in the cell. A fluffy blanket covered him. Kicking off the blanket, he climbed down and walked to the Perspex door. He tried to walk through it and couldn't understand why he wasn't on the other side. Again and again he tried, to no avail, so he sat on the cold, stone floor, banging on the cell door until his small hands bled.

Jaqnet waatched, eyes full of sadness.

TWTWTW

After making love, the two men fell asleep in each other's arms and Jack began to dream...

"Get me out of here, Jack! Don't let me burn! Give my sister something to bury! Please!"

Jack looked at his dead lover , a look of pain and despair etched on his still beautiful face. He moved forward, grabbed the Welshman and pulled him from the wreck, moments before the petrol tank exploded. They were both thrown forward by the blast, Ianto landing heavily.

"Ianto!" cried Jack, feeling for his lover.

"My arm is broken. God, Jack, what are you doing to me?"

Jack looked at Ianto's remaining arm. It was at an odd angle.

"Even in death, you still find ways to inflict pain and suffering on me! Get Away From Me!"

Jack was beginning to lose his temper. "I got you out, didn't I? That's what you wanted. Quite complaining. You're dead anyway!"

"Yes, death by Torchwood! Bloody Torchwood! I wish I'd never met you! I wish I never needed you! I hate the lot of you! Especially you! I hate you! Hate! Hate! Hate….!"

TBC