Jack looked over at Ianto, who was fighting beside him. Tired but resilient, Ianto… wasn't there.

Jack allowed himself a moment to look around, but only when he looked down did he see Ianto.

In a flash, Jack was kneeling by Ianto's side and helping him sit up. Ianto, one hand covering a large wound in his side—courtesy of the aliens' handguns—smiled blearily at him.

"I suppose telling you to leave me is out of the question?" he grinned, breathing heavily.

"Yes," Jack growled.

He had no time to do anything else; the aliens kept approaching, their numbers bigger and bigger. Slinging Ianto's free arm over his shoulder and helping him up, Jack prepared to move them forward. Instantly, beads of cold sweat stood out on Ianto's forehead and he grit his teeth, almost screaming. Jack pressed a kiss against his temple and began to move them back.