Jack stared at the billowing smoke. It twirled and whirled, like the breath of invisible dragons, then escaped through the hole in the ceiling. It hid the stars most of the time; whatever made it fragrant also made it white.
His back ached. He was cold. His mind was adrift. He tried to think, to make sense of it all but in the end, he always lost his ability to focus. He wondered if there were drugs in the burning fire. Before his mind could even start to answer that question, it would elude him.
The pitter-patter of feet on wood took his gaze off the ceiling. His eyes fell on the old man that had welcomed him the first day. He nodded with a smile. Jack propped himself on his elbow, which proved to be easier than he had expected. No drugs, after all. He got on his feet and shivered despite the fire roaring. He got up and followed the elder.
To his surprise, after taking a few steps in the corridor that led to the outside, the man opened a trap in the floor. The craftsmanship was superb; Jack hadn't even noticed it. The stone steps were cold under his feet. They appeared to have been carved within the rock and went on for what felt like an eternity. They walked in pitch darkness, the old man following behind him. Jack thought he should feel fear yet he didn't. So… Drugs after all?
After what felt as long as the time he had spent in that coffin a few years back, he saw a speck of light. As he walked, it grew bigger and bigger. With it, came the sound of what could only be wave. The air suddenly took a marine scent. They finally stepped out into the light and Jack was surprised to find himself on a sandy beach. Never in his travels had he seen sand darker and water clearer. The sun had yet to appear on the horizon, yet his eyes could see it all with perfection. He turned to the old man.
"What is this place?"
"It is just a beach."
Jack turned around to see the source of the answer. He saw his catalyst walk towards him, the moonstone shining brightly on his black garment.
"Then why can…"
"Why can you see so clearly?"
Jack nodded.
"We stand at the frontier between life and death. All this is just an illusion. The stone chose this beach. Ianto had good memories of it."
The catalyst took Jack's hand and led him towards the water.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes." Said Jack
The catalyst smiled and stepped into the water. Immediately, the waves froze. The sand, which had been cool under Jack's feet, warmed up. The boy took his other hand and smiled at him. The old man, whom had been keeping his distance until then, came up to them and tied red strings on their linked hands.
"Whatever happens," he said," do not let go and do not step in the water."
Jack looked at the catalyst. The boy gave him a reassuring smile.
"Everything will be ok. Just trust me."
Jack tried to smile. A grimace is all he could manage.
At this moment, the sun showed a sliver of itself over the horizon. The light touched them. The boy's hand gripped at him as the moonstone started to float between the two of them. It pulsed with light. Jack tried to sustain if for as long as he could but soon had to close his eyes as the light coalesced in a bright sphere. It is at this moment that he heard it. Not the one in his head. Not the one of his visions. The real one. Ianto's voice.
"Jack."
He opened his eyes, wary of the light, but it seemed to have enveloped them both. In this cocoon, there stood Ianto with his best suit and his sweetest smile. Jack couldn't hold back a sob. Tears rolled down his cheeks.
"Ianto. Ianto it's really you."
His voice broke. Of course it was really him.
"Ianto. We don't have much time. I… I wanted to tell you…"
The words got caught in his throat. He wanted to embrace him so much it hurt. Ianto frowned with concern.
"Jack. I know. You don't have to say it. It is already forgiven."
Jack shook his head.
"No, you have to listen. I have to say this. I was reckless. I was stupid. I could have saved you. I could have… This is my all fault. I am so, so sorry. Please forgive me. I…"
A shock went through them. It felt like the ball of light was shrinking.
"There is nothing to apologize for, Jack. I always knew what working for Torchwood meant. There never was any need for my forgiveness."
Ianto's image blurred for a moment then came back.
"The sun is almost completely out. I have to go back. I love you, Jack"
Ianto's image started to fade. Jack pulled on the man's hands, closing the distance between them.
"I love you, too." He said before kissing his lover one last time.
The ball of light collapsed on itself, making the morning light dim in comparison. Jack suddenly realized that he was standing in the stilled waters. He looked up at the catalyst. A blue flame had engulfed him and threatened to cross over to Jack. He tried to pull away but the water was like tar. He stared in horror as the boy burnt, unable to free himself of the string that band them. The blaze suddenly changed from blue to red as it cross over to his arms. He felt no pain. No pain at all. On the contrary, relief washed over him. He closed his eyes and waited. Maybe he would finally get to rest.