62

He had fallen asleep.

How the hell could he have done that, he love fighting for his life and he fell asleep like he was waiting for a tire change.

Owen was sitting there, holding his hand, the rings squeezed gently as Owen unwittingly clasped his two hands over Ianto's fist.

Gods, he was talking.

Focus.

"… another ten minutes or so, then we can take you through, OK?"

Ianto blinked and knew he looked stupid.

"Yan. Mate. He's still here." Owen said softly, "He's lost about a quarter of his liver, was shot clean off and was free floating but they managed to stop the bleeding, clean and close the wound."

"Blood loss?" Ianto's voice was gravelly and he swallowed, grimacing as his throat complained.

"Here" Gene said softly, handing over a bottle of lemonade and Ianto wondered when he had swapped with Connor.

"I'm … er … I'm a bit … loopy" Ianto admitted and Owen nodded.

"Your sugar is a bit low, you've not eaten in a while" Owen said calmly, rubbing his knuckles, "Drink your lemonade."

Ianto nodded and accepted it, taking a swig and enjoying the sweet wetness as it slid down his throat.

"I can see him?" Ianto said, finally focusing on the conversation.

Owen nodded, "I'll go check if he's in recovery yet."

"Are the kids OK?" Ianto asked and Gene nodded.

"Stephen and Walter are being great, especially Stephen. He's terrified, the poor boy, but being the big brother carrying Ton about in his front pack like a pro" Gene smiled, "Little tyke doesn't understand what is happening, just that everyone is upset so he keeps offering them his Binky and then getting pissed at them for taking it."

Ianto smiled as Gene had hoped he would, relaxing as he tried to calm down.

Owen came back and gestured, Ianto rising to follow as the rings weighed heavily and he let a sob escape as he saw his handsome man lying surrounded by machines and wires.

Jack was asleep.

Ianto took the time to slide the rings back onto his hands, taking deep calming breath as he felt the warmth and strength in those hands.

Still here.

"I am so proud of you" Ianto whispered and he nuzzled Jack's neck under his chin as he sought that scratch and sniff spot that was his alone, "I love you."

Jack sighed, filling the room with sound and Ianto closed his eyes as he felt that pulse against his cheek.

Still here.

"We have to stop doing this" Ianto whispered, "We are going to need to build a bloody wing for all the shit they have to put up with from this family."

A huff.

Soft, small and obvious.

"Still here" Ianto said softly, "I hear you darling, sleep."

Still here.