Chapter 8: Knowing Ianto

There will always be that one person that you trust that betrays you. I just never thought it would be Suzie Costello, she didn't seem like the type. She was so dedicated to her work and her team, I think even her and Owen had something going on.

But here she is threatening Gwen's life on the side of the road and attempting to steal Torchwood property. That glove was always going to be trouble; too much power for one person.

I was about to step off the perception filter to try reasoning with her or, at the very least, get the gun pointed at me and away from Gwen. Until Suzie's rambling caught my attention.

"You've got to get inside this stuff. Surrender yourself to it. I did, with the knife and the glove, and that's why the perception filter isn't gonna work on me."

Before I could react she aimed the gun and shot. Everything went dark before I even hit the pavement.

X

Then it was bright again and I was lying down but not on the pavement, on a bed. With Ianto sitting beside me.

"Hello sir."

"Ianto? Ianto! Oh god! Ianto!" I practically yelled as I hugged him close.

He looked very confused as to why I was screaming his name but I didn't care. I couldn't do anything but hug him tighter.

"Are you okay Jack?" Ianto asked sounding slightly panicked.

"It's you! Ianto, I know you!"

"I don't understand."

"I actually know you. You're Jones, Ianto Jones. You worked at torchwood one and we caught the pterodactyl and you named it Myfanwy. You make amazing coffee; I've known you for months!"

He smiled like I had just told him the best news in the world.

"And what do you think of me now that we've met?" he asked shyly.

I put my arm around him and guided him so he was laying beside me in the large bed.

"I think the world of you." I paused to kiss him gently "you are the most amazing man I have ever met and ever will meet."

I didn't realize I was crying until Ianto brought his hand up to wipe away one of my tears.

"Why are you crying?" he asked so softly I barely heard him.

"A couple reasons, one being what happens now? Now that I know who you are do I still get to see you when I die?" I asked nervously.

"You don't have to worry Jack I will always be here for you and I will always wait for you, no matter what; I promise. Why else are you crying?" he asked brushing more tears away making me realize tears were still streaming down my face.

"Something you said to me before..."

He tilted his head to the side like a confused puppy; he's such an adorable man.

"You said that you're here because you died, that you were murdered. We work at Torchwood Ianto it's not hard to figure out that you can't have much more time! It isn't fair!"

"Shhh Jack honey calm down I know it's hard to accept but I'm not gone yet and I promise it will be okay." Ianto said soothingly running his hand through my hair.

"How will it be okay if you die? I already feel so connected to you and I'm guessing there's more to come if we end like this." I gesture at where we are.

"Yes there will be more for us. You just have to trust that it will be okay. Believe I felt the same way when the first time you died! I thought I lost you! But I didn't and you won't lose me. Not really cause I'll always be here waiting and when you're alive I believe that somewhere deep down you know that I am."

I couldn't do anything more than smile at him. Sometimes I remember little things about my time here with Ianto but its all quick fuzzy memories that can't quite remember. But I'd never take his hope away so I nod and mumble the words "deep down".

"You stopped crying sir." He points out with a satisfied smile.

"You make me too happy to cry Mr. Jones.

He smirked slightly before attacking my lips. He is still the most amazing kisser no matter how long I go in between deaths that will never change. But I can't help but wonder if this is what it will feel like when I kiss living Ianto or if I'll feel more because it will feel more real. Well more real for me, this is his reality and he already knows how we end, I mean how we keep going…

"How long do we have left?" I ask realizing that the knocking should happen any second.

"Only moments. Can I ask a favour of you?"

"Anything." I say automatically. And I mean anything, he could ask for the moon and I'd find a way for him to have it, he deserves it.

"Kiss me."

So I do, though it's an odd request considering he can kiss me whenever he wants.

"Not now," he pulls away "I mean you can now too, if you want, you always can. I meant when you're alive again, even if it seems like bad timing or like it could be your only chance. Please just do it."

"Alright, whatever you want." I accept the odd request knowing if he wants it this badly it must be important.

The knocking started faintly and grew louder within seconds. I waved goodbye, knowing it's upsetting to leave him mid kiss and very confusing when I wake up.

"Also don't be too mad at me, please."

"Mad? Why would I be mad?"

"Because of Li…"

XX

I use all my strength to slowly open my eyes. I have a blinding headache that's slowly fading, probably because there is still a hole in my head. Why didn't it heal? Not the time, Suzie is still here and still wants to kill Gwen so I couldn't have been out for more than a few seconds.

"Put down the gun." she faces me and I continue "Suzie, it's over. Now come with me." I say sternly.

She changes the guns position and before I can react she's shot herself. She falls to the ground and I'm standing here helpless while Gwen goes on about how she remembers us now.