Disclaimer: I don't own Torchwood or its characters

Chapter 11

It was evening according to the still working clock. Jack and Ianto had decided to leave 8am the following morning. Ianto fixed them a last meal of toast, crisps and chocolate, using up all the remaining food. Jack took his plate gratefully.

"First thing I am doing when we get back is giving you an unlimited amount to buy a decent coffee machine! We didn't buy one for the rebuilt hub. Didn't feel right. Problem is once you have had a taste of your delicious brew nothing ever tastes good enough again" Jack said. Ianto laughed.

"Well sir I hope I don't disappoint!"

"No chance you will. Gwen will be relieved she won't have to depend on Starbucks now. So will her bank balance!" Ianto laughed again.

"And once we have sorted that we shall start flat hunting for you. In the meantime we will set up one of those rooms you stayed in. Make it feel as homely as an underground base can be."

"Thank you Jack. I really appreciate it."

Jack watched the young man closely as they ate. Looked to see if there was any sign of doubt about his decision but couldn't see any. He was a bit concerned at how quick Ianto had made the decision but he looked like a bit weight had been lifted off of him. Ianto caught Jack watching him.

"You ok Jack?"

Jack nodded. "Just thinking about how good it will be to have you around the hub again"

Ianto gave a small smile and they continued eating in silence.

Jack was doing some final checks. Everything seemed to be ready to go. He looked round and couldn't see Ianto.

"Ianto!" he called. "Ianto!"

After hearing no response he started to panic and went looking. He finally found him in the cold storage area, standing between 4 open drawers. Jack suddenly understood. Ianto jumped as he saw Jack approaching.

"Sorry Jack. I needed to come here. I need to-" Ianto gave a sob and put his head in his hands. Jack strode over and drew Ianto into his arms.

"It's understandable Ianto. Of course you want to come and see them before we go." Jack waited a few more minutes before pulling apart and lifting Ianto's chin up so he could look him in the eye.

"Ianto is this definitely what you want? Once we leave there is no coming back. You will leave this universe forever."

"There is nothing here for me any more Jack. If I stay here I might as well be dead." Jack flinched. Ianto immediately felt guilty.

"Sorry I didn't mean to say that. But what do I have here? Everyone I care about is gone. The only blood family I have I am dead to them. I have lost my home, my family, my job, my life! What have I got to stay for Jack?"

Jack nodded, satisfied. He could see no doubt in his eyes. And he knew if he were Ianto he wouldn't want to stay.

"I'll leave you to say goodbye. Everything is ready when you are" Jack turned and left.

Ianto looked down at his dead friends and lover, his family. He kissed Owen, Tosh and Gwen on the foreheads. Then he turned and kissed Jack on the lips.

"Jack please don't worry about me. I'm going with the other Jack to his universe and to his Torchwood. He will look after me, help me get back on my feet. I won't be left on my own. So where ever you are, if you can even hear me, don't worry, I will be ok. I love you." Ianto closed the four drawers and walked away, wiping away the tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Are you ready Ianto?"

Ianto looked around and nodded. "Everything looks set Jack. We can switch it on when you are ready."

Jack looked at the screen on the manipulator. It all looked ready. He took a deep breath and prayed this would work. Jack looked at Ianto who nodded. Jack wrapped an arm round Ianto's waist. Ianto raised an eyebrow.

"We need to hold on to each other, otherwise we could end up separated as we go through the rift"

"Hmmm, if we don't get ripped apart first" Ianto said ruefully.

"Think positive Ianto! We will be back before it's coffee time!" Jack hoped he sounded more confident than he felt.

Jack leaned forward and pushed a button. All the lights suddenly came on, numbers started appearing on the screen. Jack pushed some more buttons to increase the power. The machine started making noise and sparks started coming out from various areas. Ianto clung to Jack like his life depended on it, fear evident in his face. Jack pushed some more buttons and the screen started going crazy with numbers. The noise grew louder.

"It's starting" Ianto whispered, voice trembling.

Jack looked down at him. What if this was it? What if this wouldn't work and they were torn apart from each other? He knew he would regret it if he didn't do this. His potentially last moment. He grabbed Ianto's face and passionately kissed him. He poured all of his love into that kiss. Then there was a flash and everything went black.