A/N: You thought that I wouldn't finish this, didn't you? (grins, then winces) I'm SO SORRY that it took me this long to reach the end of this story! But here it finally is. The very last chapter. I can't believe it!

THANK YOU, for your absolutely fantastic reviews! They seriously make my day. It's thanks to you guys this story's finally about to reach the end. (HUGS)

Awkay, before I get any sappier… Let's go! I really hope that you'll enjoy the long awaited ride.

Epilogue – Because Today the World Doesn't End

The wakeup call Operative Elizabeth Johnson received wasn't a pleasant one. Her head throbbed as though she had a very bad case of hangover. And the bed she lay on certainly wasn't her own.

Her eyes flew open and she sat up far faster than would've been advisable. For a few moments the world spun. Then, finally, settled to reveal a grim faced man sitting on the floor in front of her. Dr. Owen Harper, her mind supplied quickly.

"Where am I?" she hissed venomously, although she had a fairly solid guess.

"This would be Torchwood", Owen revealed tightly. "One of the holding cells, actually. It's been a while since we had someone occupying this one." The doctor pursed his lips, then remembered. "A Blowfish, that's right. It was a Blowfish."

"This is a kidnapping", she growled. For the time being fighting the urge to attack him. "I could have you…"

"Actually… This isn't a kidnapping." Owen's eyes flashed. Or was it just the room's light? "Remember Dr. Rupesh Patanjali? We did a little background check on him when he seemed suspiciously curious about Torchwood. And how about that, it seems that he's your new best friend. He was pretty happy to tell us absolutely everything about your little… arrangement to avoid charges of planning a terrorist attack."

"A terrorist attack?"

Owen gritted his teeth, hard. "Johnson… Right now the threat of 456 is looming on Earth. And your task is to destroy the only people who may be able to save it?" Seeing her surprise, the doctor smirked. "Yeah, we know. A neat new rule, with the wee one around and all. When it's something important, we share." The man's expression then became a lot more serious. Almost threatening. "Are you honestly telling me that destroying Jack and Torchwood to keep that secret is more important than saving the world?"

She was seething. Absolutely livid. "You won't get away with this."

Owen lifted his chin. "You may know and work for some important people. But tell me… You know how long Jack's been around better than I do. Do you really imagine that he doesn't know people who could squash you and your bosses like bugs in every single way?" The doctor nodded towards the cell's door. "Besides, it's open. The only thing keeping you here is you. But before walking out you should know…" There was something hazardous about the man's aura. "The police found equipment fit for creating an extremely powerful bomb from your possession. If the attack had succeeded, you might've ended up destroying this entire neighborhood. Believe it or not the public takes stuff like that seriously. And I don't think the government would be too happy about being pulled into the mess. Because one of us is a brilliant hacker with the perfect connections and found solid evidence as to who pays you for this shit. How much value do you think your life would have if the whole truth came out?"

"So if I leave I die?"

Owen rolled his eyes. "Don't be so melodramatic. There's an alternative. We're not the monsters prepared to blow up innocent people just because they know too much." The man pushed a phone towards her. "Call your contacts. Tell them that the plan's changed. That you'll stop being in our way and help us instead. If we by some miracle succeed in saving this planet you'll be a hero, too." The doctor looked around and wrinkled his nose. "It's gotta beat spending the rest of your miserable life if a place like this."

Johnson refused to answer, instead just glared at him.

Owen shrugged. "Suit yourself. Just remember… You're the one of us who still needs to eat, drink and sleep. And you don't seem like the type willing to die for their cause."

Jack found Ianto from the rooftop. He approached slowly, almost hesitantly. A not very small part of him fearing the reception he might receive. "I thought that roofs were my thing", he joked weakly.

Ianto's back was to him so he couldn't see his fiancé's expression. "I blame you on getting me hooked on them. I don't look even nearly as good on them as you do, though."

Jack scoffed. "Nonsense. You're beautiful." And he meant it, with every bit of him. Encouraged by Ianto's reaction thus far he made his way to the man and planted a soft, nearly shy kiss to the pale cheek. Something intimate reserved for just the two of them. The appreciative hum he got as a response made him feel warm all over. "Ianto… What I did, back then…"

"… was what you imagined was the best." Ianto's tone was firm, sincere. The man met his eyes. "I may not like it, especially now with Serena. But… You did what you could under impossible circumstances. It's high time you stop punishing yourself. Let's save the children this time instead."

Jack honestly didn't know what to say. How to respond to that fiery passion, to that faith. Oh, how far they'd come… Unable to stop a small, thin smile he began to lean towards his lover's lips.

And that was when they saw the bright light.

Ianto's eyes widened and the archivist shivered. But he held his place right beside Jack. "What was that?"

Jack didn't answer, couldn't. Instead he took Ianto's hand and squeezed tightly, desperately. As though afraid that the Welshman might disappear if he as much as blinked too slowly. Ianto held back with fierceness that nearly brought tears to the Captain's eyes. The message was clear.

I'm not going anywhere.

Jack was willing to do just about anything to make sure that the promise wouldn't be broken.

Tosh. Sweet, brilliant Tosh. With her gentle negotiation skills, they were able to get a scared yet determined pair of eyes into the eye of the storm. What they discovered was even worse than they'd dreaded.

It was time to act fast.

After two days of tireless work Tosh's wide, shocked eyes stared at her computer screen. Her whole body was shaking. It took a mighty while before she managed to look at the team. "I… I think I've got it. This…" She nodded towards the computer. "This is the best Torchwood technology is capable of. The frequency this sends… If my calculations are correct it's going to destroy the 456."

The silence that followed was filled with eager anticipation. Jack cut it with an unexpected kiss to the top of Tosh's head. "Toshiko Sato, you're a marvel!"

"So…" Ianto swallowed, staring at the screen. "How, exactly, are we going to transmit it to them?"

This silence was different. A great deal more solemn. "Killjoy", Owen muttered.

The about last voice they'd expected spoke next. Loud and clear. For the first time since their tumultuous encounter it was unafraid. "I… I'm just as connected to them as the children." Clement McDonald's eyes shone, clearly those of a man on a mission. "I haven't done much valuable in my life and I'd never get another chance to. So, please… Let me do this."

None of them liked the idea. "You… wouldn't make it", Owen pointed out uncharacteristically cautiously. "And it might not even work."

"It will." Clement's eyes were desperate. "I… I feel them, all the time. To get to the children through me… It'd be irresistible." The man exhaled and inhaled several shuddering breaths. "My… My head feels like it's going to explode. I don't have long, I can tell. So… Let my death be a meaningful one."

Of course they hated it. But how were they supposed to deny that request? In the end Jack stepped forward, his face grim. "Right. Let's get ready. Owen, you're coming with me. Tosh, show him how the system works."

"What?"

"The 456… They may not be the brightest beings but they're brutal. And when they realize what we're about to do… They won't react kindly." Jack gritted his teeth. "The two of us can handle a death or two." Ianto moved to prepare himself for going as well and the Captain shook his head sharply. "Ianto, no. I can't… I refuse to risk you like that. Serena needs you." The 'I need you' was loud and clear.

There were very few things Jack and Ianto were able to deny each other anymore. Let alone their daughter. And so, in a rare display of public affection, Ianto approached his Captain and straightened the man's beloved coat with eerily steady hands that lingered longer than necessary. When he spoke he was careful to keep it quiet, even if the others were more or less discreetly busying themselves with other matters. "Come back and marry me."

The reception the bizarre trio got at Thames House was far from friendly. They'd known to expect as much. Especially when the second they entered Jack delivered an evacuation order from high authorities.

Sometimes having lived as long as he had brought some perks, including powerful allies.

Their duty was a dark one. Clement was incredibly brave in the face of his impending doom, opting to face it with his head held high. It was the doom of the 456 as well. Apparently that was enough. The man only screamed once, just before the end.

Jack's prediction proved to be the correct one. When the 456 got a hunch of what was going on they responded instantly. While the monsters shrieked in death the room's air filled with poison. Jack had died too many times to be afraid of it. It was over and the children of earth were safe once more. None of them had been sacrificed. That thought, along with Owen's hand squeezing his shoulder as the doctor sat uncharacteristically quietly beside him, comforted Jack on the way into the dark.

Ianto was there when Jack came back. Alive, warm and safe. They didn't make love or even kiss. Instead Jack sat up and wrapped his arms tightly around his fiancé, holding on tightly, desperately. He wasn't sure why tears of joy rolled down his cheeks.

Staying on Earth after that… It just didn't feel right. There'd been too much death and darkness.

Besides, Jack wanted to show his little family the universe.

And so, months later, Tosh, Owen, Rhys and a very pregnant Gwen were there to see them off. The girls didn't have dry eyes. "… and don't stay away too long!" Serena giggled when Gwen tickled her. "I don't want this little cutie pie to forget about me."

Jack's eyes were almost fond. He pulled his family closer with one arm. "Like she'd ever be able to forget any of you." The Captain looked at the team they were leaving behind. "Take care of each other. And Torchwood."

Owen's salute was only half a mock. "Ay, ay, Captain. Now get going already. This is getting ridiculously sentimental."

There was a one more round of goodbyes. Then, a flash before the family disappeared, Jack placed a kiss on Ianto's nose. Serena's brand new giggle was left echoing into the air.

Tosh was the one to cut the silence that followed. Her gaze was still aimed at the sky. "Do you think we'll see them again?"

"Of course we will." Gwen wiped away her tears. She relaxed into Rhys' embrace. They all began to walk away. "And they'll have amazing stories to tell."

If Gwen and Rhys noticed that Owen took Tosh's hand, they didn't have the heart to point it out.

Jack and Ianto got married on a planet that had two moons. One of them emerald green, the other a brighter blue than any sapphire. The night was full of magic and promises.

Hours later, sated and dressed in thin night gowns, Jack and Ianto watched their daughter who was sound asleep in her tiny bed. Ianto's eyes softened. "She's going to be beautiful."

Jack chuckled and kissed his neck. "And you're surprised? She's our daughter."

Ianto huffed and rolled his eyes. His fingers entwined effortlessly with his husband's. Gosh, it'd take a while before he'd get used to that word… "It looks like she'll have my eyes and nose. And your smile and hair." He sighed and leaned against the Captain, finally feeling at peace. "And all the love in the world."

"Of course she will." Jack turned him around and kissed him softly, sweetly. "And so will you."

Jack was under no illusions. One day, hopefully in a very distant future, both his husband and his daughter would be torn away from him. Before that he'd have to watch them become old and gray. If they were lucky. But he'd make the most of every single day he had with them. And maybe one day he'd see them again, after all. Because was anyone ever truly immortal?

Their path together wouldn't be easy or painless. But that night, as they slept tangled in each other's arms, for a few stolen moments everything was absolutely perfect. They both smiled in their slumber.

End.

A/N: And so it ends. On a happy note! (grins) I just couldn't resist twisting around the most bitter 'CoE' parts when I had the chance. And I bloody hate that Operator so giving her a bit if hell was a true joy.

Sooooo… Was that worth the wait? Did any of that make any sense? At all? PLEASE, do let me know!

And THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, for sticking around through this! It's been a long ride, made even more so by unnecessary updating gaps. It means the world to me that you've stayed around and I REALLY hope that it's been a good ride!

Awkay, I really have to go. Maybe I'll see you again one day…?

Take care!

Dibart: I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the chapter! AND Gray's punishment. (grins) Ah, now there's the question. How did John know indeed…? Quite suspicious. But oh well, the important thing is that evil deeds have been punished.

Huge thank yous for the review!

Steve Merchant: Deserved indeed! Gray was basically asking for it. LOL, high time those two decide to make it OFFICIAL. (grins)

Massive thank yous for the review!