It was around half past eight on Friday night. What with it being so late, it was pitch black aside from the limited moonlight in addition to the city centre streetlights. Captain Jack Harkness and Ianto Jones were once again in the centre of Cardiff after finishing work for the day, although this time it was a formal meeting. In other words, they were on a date. Despite Jack's protestations about it being too 'plain' and 'generic', Ianto had suggested they do the old-fashioned thing and go to the cinema together. Ianto was also excited to see the new Batman film, The Dark Knight, since it had only come out in cinemas a week ago, plus the geeky receptionist had always been a fan of the DC comics, ever since he was a kid. Jack also wasn't too bothered about the film, however seeing Ianto so passionate about a franchise was always adorable, and his enthusiasm kind of rubbed off on the stubborn boss. So, that brings us to now.
The work colleagues were heading towards the cinema, Ianto practically bursting with anticipation as he hopped along the pavement while Jack simply strolled along beside him. The Captain naturally offered to pay for them both and also purchased a massive box of popcorn, which he ended up eating most of. Ianto was perched on the edge of his seat for the duration of the film, his eyes bright with excitement; although Jack had to admit it was an awesome film, he was mentally criticizing the outdated technology (Batman's gadgets were so 30th century). Once the film was over, Ianto rapidly reiterated his favourite parts of it to Jack as they exited the cinema, still buzzing from how epic it was. Jack listened politely.
"…Oh, and the part where Lucius Fox planted the phone in the building so he could disarm the security and Batman could get in to kidnap the mob leader – wasn't that cool? And obviously the scene with the Joker stood in the road and Batman driving the bat-bike towards him, that was just amazing. Oh, I almost forgot-" Before Ianto could continue, he was abruptly interrupted by a vicious snarling sound from an alleyway right next to Jack. A second later, a surprise Weevil leapt out from the shadows, latching itself to the Captain in an extremely violent manner, its teeth sinking instinctively into Jack's neck. However much Jack flailed frantically or hit the alien, it just wouldn't let go. When it finally did, the boss slumped to the ground, sliding down the cold brick wall as he clutched at his bleeding neck. There was a giant gaping hole where the Weevil had bit him, and shockingly crimson liquid refused to stop leaking out from it.
By the time the receptionist had broken through his fearful inaction and silence, the alien had scampered away. Ianto then dropped to his knees so he was level with Jack's now immobile body. "Jack?" He yelled. "Jack! Oh my God, don't you dare die on me, not here! Not now…" The Welshman persisted to shake his boss' shoulders, screaming like a lunatic as Jack's eyes went blank. "NO! No, no, no, no, no, this can't be happening. No…"
Ianto cradled his boyfriend in his loving arms as he rocked back and forth, sobbing like a small child. Just when he'd almost accepted what had happened, what horrific event had taken place, Jack's eyes sparked back to life, opening wide as he gasped loudly, inhaling a huge breath. His hands clung to the closest thing to him, aka Ianto's arms. Terrified eyes darting from place to place, the Captain finally rested his gaze onto his colleague's face, who looked equally as petrified.
"Ianto?" Jack questioned, breathless. "What happened?" He was still surprisingly articulate for someone who had literally just died.
"You… You… I… Did you just… die?" Ianto stammered before finally settling on a valid question.
"Ah. It seems I have some explaining to do…"
"Yeah, you think?" Although Ianto's words were sarcastic, his tone was still shaky and thick from his tears. "First, let's, er, let's get you back to the Hub, yeah? I think that's all I can cope with right now." After Ianto had supported Jack as they walked back to the Torchwood HQ (in spite of Jack's insisting he could walk fine), the Captain explained everything about how he couldn't die, although he had no idea why. Ianto claimed it would take a bit of getting used to, though he didn't seem too bad, just mostly shaken up about the fact he'd watched his loved one die horribly right in front of him.
"Ianto, I'm sorry." Jack said softly after a few moments of silence from both men.
"What for?"
"For hurting you like that. I should have told you really, in case anything like this ever happened, I just… I can't explain how it works, so how were you supposed to believe me? Anyway, I promise I'll try not to die again, okay?"
"Okay." Ianto smiled, making Jack feel much better. Ianto also felt better himself, now he knew something about his boss- no, scrap that, his boyfriend – that he'd kept a close secret of. That meant their relationship was becoming more intimate, right? The Welshman didn't really care – all he knew was that he was incredibly glad that Jack wasn't, in fact, dead.