The ground shook again, filling the air with frightened cries. The Gravlos – if that was what it was – appeared to be getting closer. Jack took another step forward, flinging an arm out to keep Ianto back.

He strained to hear over the noise from the remaining survivors, but with every step closer they became more frenetic. Jack scowled, knowing that their noise was drawing the alien to them and putting them in more danger. He spun on his heel, glaring at them.

"Silence!" he roared, waiting until they had quieted, turning to stare at him with mixed expressions of disgust and fear.

"And who the hell are you?" one man dared, flicking a gaze over Jack before glancing at Ianto. Jack gritted his teeth at the derogatory expression on his face, clenching the gun tighter.

"I am the only person with even half a chance of fighting this alien and saving your pampered hides," Jack ground out. "So, if I were you, I'd shut up and listen. Your insistent panicking is leading it right to us. Now get back and stay quiet." His expression softened slightly. "I'm going to get us all out of here, don't worry."

The ground shuddered again; Jack checked his Webley, ensuring there were enough bullets to tackle the Gravlos. From what he recalled, the race had very thick skin, and coupled with its thick fur he doubted that his bullets would cause it more harm than a slight irritation. Still, he didn't want to harm or kill the creature. Then again, that didn't mean he wouldn't if the need arose or if it made the slightest wrong move towards Ianto.

He glanced back, alarmed to see the look of fear on Ianto's face. Scanning the cave once again he holstered his Webley and turned, holding Ianto steady, one hand on each shoulder so he could look into his eyes.

"Ianto, listen to me, you're going to be alright. I'm going to make sure of it." Ianto seemed to calm visibly. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you," he reassured Ianto further before grinning slightly as he lowered his voice. "Keep yourself hidden and let me play the dashing hero." He steered Ianto back to the wall, pushing him into a crevasse in the rock. "Stay there until it's gone. It won't see you."

Then, grabbing his Webley again he backed out, putting space between him and Ianto. The Gravlos were not known for their intelligence, but their keen family instincts would clearly recognise him trying to protect something and target his weak point: Ianto.

The footsteps were clearly getting closer and Jack knew that the frightened cries and whispers from the others were going to get harder to contain. He swallowed, planting himself in the centre of the cave and bracing himself for the attack as the pounding footsteps got louder.

When the Gravlos emerged from the mouth of the cave, Jack could fully understand the screams and curses from the tourists. It was huge, covered in thick white fur that made it look even larger; coupled with the curved horns and the sharp claws and teeth it was a terrifying creature. It stared around the cave, eyes lingering on the group of tourists.

"Everyone stay back – and keep still and quiet!" Jack called before switching his attention to the Gravlos. "Hey, over here, why not try a piece of me!"

He bent low, snatching a stone from the ground and throwing it in the Gravlos' direction. It bounced off the wall beside its head, catching its attention. With a questioning growl, the Gravlos turned its eyes to Jack before starting towards him.

Jack ducked beneath the Gravlos' wild swing, dropping into a roll before clambering to his feet again. The Gravlos lumbered forward, swiping at him a few more times. Jack ducked each time, hoping to hold the Gravlos back until the Doctor arrived.

He fired off another few shots, catching the Gravlos' attention then ducking and rolling as the Gravlos slashed out with its claws in anger. When he got up he found he was far too close to Ianto's hiding place for his liking and darted to the side.

"Over here!" he called, tossing another stone. It bounced unnoticed off the Gravlos' shoulder as the alien took a step closer to Ianto's hiding place, clearly drawn by a small noise or movement from the Welshman.

Jack swore, desperate that Ianto shouldn't be discovered, and fired his Webley, striking the Gravlos in the abdomen. With a furious roar, the Gravlos struck out with one clawed hand. It was too quick. Before Jack could move he was screaming in agony as the claws raked across his stomach. The strength behind the Gravlos' swipe was enough to knock him off his feet, flinging him roughly against the cave wall. Hovering on the edge of consciousness, he could see the Gravlos heading towards him and braced himself for death. His last fleeting image was of Ianto breaking cover and rushing towards the Gravlos.

Ianto was terrified; Jack was slumped against the far wall, unmoving and seemingly unconscious. The Gravlos was lumbering towards him, set on the easy meal. A deep rooted panic spread through Ianto at the thought of Jack's demise. He was at a loss to explain it; surely, with Jack's death he would be able to escape – shouldn't he desire that more than anything?

Freedom was truly desirable, but Ianto couldn't accept that it had to come with the death of one if the only people to show him kindness in a long time. If he lost Jack, he lost the protection that he offered and without that he could easily be snatched or even killed by Talomi. Ianto shuddered as he realised that he had no guarantee that the Doctor would even help him without Jack and that would mean the loss of his only way home. He couldn't give that up.

Besides, his conscience added, he wouldn't let you die.

Without really stopping to think about what he was doing, or contemplating the danger he was putting himself in, Ianto broke cover.

"Hey!" he yelled, "Over here!"

His voice sounding strangely loud after so long speaking in not much more than a whisper. He stooped to grab a small rock from the ground and threw it at the Gravlos, as he had seen Jack do, following it with another. It growled, turning to face Ianto and taking a lumbering step forward. It let out a tremendous roar that shook the ground around them and sent Ianto staggering backwards.

At the great noise, Ianto's courage failed him, and he took a faltering step backwards. He knew he stood no chance at outrunning the creature. He swallowed and took another step backwards, crying out as his foot caught on a rock and he fell backwards. He flinched beneath the Gravlos' gaze, scrabbling backwards in an attempt to escape it but the Gravlos continued gaining on him quicker than he would have liked.

As he was beginning to see death as a certainty, Ianto's hand brushed against something metal. He glanced around to find Jack's Webley lying on the ground beside him. It had fallen from Jack's hand when he had been flung aside. Pulling it towards him, Ianto glanced over it; he had never fired a gun before but necessity relied on a good shot. Aiming the gun at the Gravlos he pulled the trigger, squeezing his eyes shut at the last moment.

There was a loud bang followed by a roar of pain. Opening his eyes, Ianto saw that he had hit the Gravlos in its shoulder, but it had caused little damage.

Ianto emptied the Webley into the Gravlos' arm, each bullet only seeming to enrage it further. It roared and raised its arm to strike. Ianto dropped the gun, squeezing his eyes shut as he waited for the killing blow.

A high pitched noise filled the air, Ianto cried out at the assault on his ears, covering them with his hands to block out some of the noise. He was barely aware of the Gravlos roaring in agony then a series of hurried footsteps. When he opened one eye it was to see the creature bounding away into the cave system.

He pushed himself upwards when the noise stopped. Hands grabbed his arms, hauling him to his feet. Terror clawed at him and he pulled away, turning to face whoever had seized him. It was the Doctor, but the sight of him only faced Ianto with a new wave of fear. The Doctor's expression was stern and Ianto knew he had done wrong. He had disobeyed Jack's direct order, and worse he had injured the Gravlos – a creature that might have been killing for no other reason than hunger. He had known Jack and the Doctor wanted to cause minimal damage to the Gravlos; he too hadn't wanted to harm it, but had done so regardless. He felt guilty and hung his head in shame.

"I'm sorry; I shouldn't have tried to hurt it. I accept any punishment you have for me," he whispered

The Doctor's face changed instantly into an expression of shock. "I'm not going to punish you, Ianto." He shook his head. "I don't like guns, but the bullets wouldn't have done the Gravlos much harm. You were only protecting yourself – I can't punish you for that." He tilted Ianto's chin upwards. "Remember, Ianto, no more punishments – not from me and certainly not from Jack. You're safe with us."

Ianto opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by a furious shout from behind. "What do you think you were doing? I told you to stay hidden – you could have been killed." Jack grabbed Ianto's shoulders, giving him a little shake. "What were you thinking?"

Emotions were swirling in Jack's mind. He was furious with Ianto, half brought on from the sheer terror at coming so close to losing him again. He couldn't lose Ianto, wouldn't if he could help it. Ianto's silence was frustrating and Jack went to demand answers again when he noticed the slight tremble in Ianto's shoulders. A proper look told him that Ianto was shaking, head bowed and tears rolling down his cheeks. He felt sick with guilt and loosened his grip on Ianto's shoulders.

"Oh, Ianto..." he murmured, heart constricting at the frightened whimper that was his only reply. With a sigh he reached out, tilting Ianto's chin upwards. "I'm so sorry, Ianto. I didn't mean to upset you..." he said, cupping Ianto's face in his hands. "Please, forgive me – I'm not mad at you. Not at all, you just scared me – you could have been hurt - or worse."

"I'm sorry," Ianto murmured. "It's just... you were hurt and..."

He trailed off, gaze falling to the ground once more. Jack was stunned. When he had seen Ianto emerge from his hiding place, he had thought it to be from fear. He had never imagined that Ianto could have wanted to help him, never even contemplated that he might attempt to save his life if things went wrong. He swallowed, stunned with gratitude but at the same time knowing that a repeat could cost Ianto his life.

"You did it for me," Jack murmured. "Thank you." He paused, biting on his lip as he silently vowed that he wouldn't ever let Ianto give his life in return for his own. "Ianto, as grateful as I am, you can't do that – I'd have been fine... I don't need you to keep me safe..."

It was only partly a lie. Jack had never wanted Ianto to put himself at risk in the field, not even if it would prevent a messy death, but at night, Jack needed Ianto beside him to ward off the nightmares. Ianto's reaction was to look away, chastened, leaving Jack feeling even guiltier than before.

"Come on then, back to the complex before you freeze to death," Jack muttered in an effort to change the subject. He slipped an arm around Ianto's waist and began to lead him towards the rescue car.

"How are you feeling?"

Ianto glanced up at the sudden question, barely managing to stop himself spilling his tea. Jack was leaning against the back of the couch, staring at him with a strange expression.

"I'm fine," he replied quietly, turning his gaze back to the fire. "Thank you, for everything."

As soon as they had reached the complex, Jack had insisted on him having a once over. The medic had treated Ianto's head wound, given him some pills for the pain and instructed him to keep warm. Jack had taken the words to heart and draped Ianto in all the blankets they owned before positioning him in front of the fire pushing a cup of tea into his hands. Ianto would have preferred coffee, but it hadn't been offered so he had to be content with tea.

Jack shrugged, coming round to sit on the other end of the sofa. "It's no more than I'd do for anyone else. I'm sure you'd do the same for me."

Ianto nodded, knowing it was true. If Jack was ill, it was his duty as his slave to tend to him; however, unlike with any previous master, Ianto wouldn't mind the task half as much.

"You know, after all you've been through today, no one would think less of you if you weren't fine," Jack continued. There was something hesitant in his words, almost as if he was nervous of Ianto's reaction.

Ianto glanced across, frowning. "I have to be fine, never anything less. I am only a slave; my Master's needs must be my priority, not my own."

Jack sat up, face ashen. "That's what he said, isn't it?"

It was less a question than a statement, one Ianto didn't know how to answer. It was common sense wasn't it, that a slave's wellbeing should not compromise his Masters?

"Ianto," Jack said, shifting across the seat but not quite touching Ianto. "He was so wrong, so very wrong. I've said before you aren't my slave – but regardless, your feelings aren't something you should hide. They're what make you human, and you have every right to express them. If you're ever feeling less than fine, you need only let me know and I'll do everything in my power to make it right."

Ianto was confused; why would Jack even care? It should have been Ianto's role to make him happy and yet, he was offering to do the same for him. There were no words he could find that would suit Jack's offer when he could hardly tell him that he was wrong. In the end he settled for a simple 'thank-you' before glancing back to the fire, half expecting Jack to leave. He didn't; instead he looked more conflicted, leaning forward in his seat and clasping and unclasping his hands. Ianto thought he was going to say something and after a moment he was proven right.

"You do know, don't you," Jack asked hesitantly, "That what Talomi tried to do to you was wrong?"

Ianto ducked his head in shame, cheeks burning. "I deserved it; I'm just a slave, worthless."

Said aloud - and to Jack - the words stung. It was an acceptance of his position, an acknowledgement that would allow Jack to treat him as a slave if he so chose. When you were something, you didn't challenge the people who said you were something better.

"It's not true," Jack said, his voice sounding strangely hoarse, as if he were trying to stop it cracking. "You are not just a slave Ianto – and you certainly aren't worthless. And as for deserving it – no one deserves that, no matter who they are, what they've done. Everyone has a right to say no – even you."

Ianto bit his lip, wondering if Jack knew how wrong he actually was. He was nothing – how could Jack say any different? Did he really believe it? Did he honestly think Ianto was more than a slave? He chanced a glance at Jack, who smiled reassuringly and held out a hand. "Come with me."

Ianto accepted the hand tentatively and let Jack pull him to his feet. There was a quick squeeze of reassurance and then Jack tugged him towards the bedroom. Ianto froze up as they entered - a movement that was not lost on Jack. Turning around, he held Ianto still.

"I'm not going to rape you, Ianto. I've already promised I would never do anything you didn't want." Ianto heard the exasperation in his voice, something Jack clearly hadn't been able to hold back, and immediately settled into compliance when Jack placed him before the mirror.

"Tell me what you see," Jack probed, standing behind Ianto, an arm across his shoulders.

Ianto glanced up at his reflection, swallowing deeply as he came face to face with a haunted young man. His blue eyes were dead, his face gaunt and pale. He raised a hand to finger the hair that fell to his shoulders. He looked terrible, a ghost, worthless and spoilt – especially in comparison to Jack. He swallowed; it hadn't escaped his notice that Jack was incredibly beautiful – perhaps perfect was a better word to describe the older man's features – his beauty was undeniable and only served heighten the contrast between them.

"I see nothing," Ianto whispered. "I see a worthless, ugly, slave. I'm nothing."

Tears gathered in his eyes and he dropped his head, turning away from the mirror and Jack's gaze.

"Want to know what I see?" Jack asked, tilting his chin up, and Ianto couldn't turn away from the deep blue eyes that contained such emotion. "When I look at you," he said, "I don't see a slave or a worthless whore. I see a young man who has been through so much in his short life - but who's survived it. I see someone who has been surrounded by monsters but hasn't become one. I see someone special, made more so by the fact they don't even know how much. I see a brave, wonderful – and beautiful – man," Jack said, forcing Ianto to look into the mirror again, "And I'm not talking about me."

His grin was infectious and Ianto couldn't help but smile. Jack's grin grew wider at that.

"When we get back to the TARDIS, I could teach you how to defend yourself," he offered, "Just in case you have to – although I hope it never comes to that again. Would you like that?"

Ianto stared at him; his previous master would have punished him for even daring to fight back, and yet here was Jack offering to teach him how. Ianto was not so stupid as to believe that Jack intended it to be used on him, and had a fair idea that Jack would overpower him quickly if he tried to fight him, as would many others, but the offer was meant in kindness and was a sign that Jack really didn't want him hurt.

"I'd like that."

Jack grinned again, reaching out to caress Ianto's cheek - a movement that didn't have Ianto flinching away, like it once would have. He realised with no little shock that he was becoming accustomed to Jack's touch and no longer feared it would cause pain. Trust was still a long way away, but Ianto found that it was no longer the impossibility it had once seemed.

Maybe, just maybe Jack was everything he seemed to be.