Jack could have shot himself right then and there. He flailed around the room pounding his fist against the door of the cell, earning a startled cry from the previously resting Hoix. The immortal had worked so hard to win Ianto back, to convince him that he was worth it, that the Welshman meant something to him. He had been doing so well! And then one slip of thought, one rush of embarrassment, and the Welshman was gone. Jack blocked himself from his lover, not wanting to add to the emotional turmoil that he knew the Welshman would be experiencing now. Yet shutting off that link was painful, nearly crippling. It was as though he had torn away a chunk of himself, and tossed it aside. Jack scrambled up the stairs, just in time to see Ianto and the platoon of UNIT drones descend on the lift to the underside of Torchwood. Owen materialized beside him, a supporting hand on his arm.
"You know breaking a bond with an Empath is really very bad for your health right?" the Captain jerked back.
"What the hell are you talking about." Owen rolled his eyes at the Captain.
"Ianto is in Empath right? And you are the person closest to him. He obviously would have had a sort of emotional bond with you, likened it to being that you didn't hurt him, or maybe he could even communicate with you, telepathically." Jack reeled away, staring at the doctor in horror.
"How could you possibly know all that?" Jack growled. Instantly defensive. Owen looked over at Tosh, who gestured for the dead man to continue.
"We noticed his behavior, looked up his records, and then researched the topic a bit." Jack froze, feeling the miserable pain echoing his suddenly hollow insides. His legs felt unsteady, his head light "Jack, you need to reconnect yourself to him quickly. You really don't look that good." Jack slumped against the railing focusing back in on Ianto, concentrating on sending strength and warmth, trying desperately to erase any doubt in his lovers mind.