Epilogue

They left the management of the Rift to U.N.I.T, whilst he and Ianto patrolled the stars, identifying and eliminating threats to earth before they could materialize. Ianto had come alive, really alive. All that potential Jack had seen in the young man had finally been realized and Ianto although still calm and controlled now embraced his darker streak and used it effectively to quell trouble, even if that trouble came from his impetuous partner, Jack.

Neither of them had, had any intention of returning to Earth, at least for any longer than a quick visit to Rhiannon and her family, but then Jack had become aware of strange messages relating to the now deceased Torchwood which had drawn them to America to investigate. They had been drawn into an event on a scale they had never seen before. Miracle Day it was called when all mortals became immortal and he, Jack, had become mortal. Jack had almost died when he had been poisoned and briefly he had wanted to give in to it, to end his immortal life, to be the one who left instead of being the one left behind. But he had looked up into the anguish in Ianto's eyes and had known he couldn't inflict that sort of pain on the young man who had become so important to him.

"I hadn't realized how this must feel for you Jack" Ianto had said when later they had managed to escape from their pursuers and had, had time to talk. "When I thought I would lose you, permanently this time, I thought I would break into tiny pieces. Is this how you feel each time I get hurt"

Jack had only been able to nod and the men had held each other as close and as tight as they could because there was nothing else to say. If they were able to save the world, then one day Jack would be left alone again, it was his curse, his punishment for the things he had done in the past.

"Jack you know this is for the best" Ianto was exasperated, Jack could hear it in his voice.

"But if this works you might die" Jack could hear the whine in his voice.

"If it doesn't work then you will die" replied Ianto, his tone softer now. "Jack I know it is hard, but they won't expect me to be carrying your blood inside me, flowing through my veins. This is our best chance to stop this, to save the world. Someone has to be brave enough to make the difficult decisions and the reason I love you so much is that, that someone is usually you, no matter how much it hurts you. There is no-one braver than you Captain Jack."

"Except perhaps you, Ianto Jones...Tea-boy extraordinaire". The acceptance was in his voice now and Ianto smiled at him. "Fuck me, Jack like it is our last time" he had whispered seductively into Jack's ears and Jack had obliged because he knew it just might be.

They had split up then travelling to either ends of the earth to find the blessing, defeat the three families and reset the template for mankind. It worked and both Ianto and Jack survived but they lost the brave Esther Drummond, who'd been their ally and support. They had both agreed she had been made of the right stuff and would have made a great Torchwood team member. Instead of leaving Earth again straight away they had stayed to pay respect to Esther at her funeral. It was a mistake, after everything they had been through, the risks they had both taken, Ianto was shot and killed by one of three Families undercover operatives right there at the funeral.

Jack knelt at Ianto's side and cradled his head in his lap, inconsolable he refused to be dragged away. 'Why now, why when the danger was over and he was immortal again did he have to lose his Ianto, when he had no choice but to live on forever in his grief.'

Then there was an audible gasp as air is drawn heavily into lungs and the body in his arms jolts and arms are clutching at him in panic. Jack stares down into the blue expressive eyes of the man he loves. "What the fuck…Jack?" Ianto croaks.