Title: Everybody Wants the Same Thing
By: minimumstitch
Pairing: Jack/Ianto
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Torchwood is not owned by me but is owned by the BBC and RTD and I am just enjoying playing with their characters.
Summary: It doesn't matter who you are, everybody wants the same thing; to be loved.

***

Ianto lay on his back; eyes closed, fingers ruffling Jack's hair. The older man was snuggled up against him, head over Ianto's heart.

"Love you." Ianto murmured. When Jack began to speak, Ianto shushed him. "I know you don't love me, you can't love me and that's ok, I can accept that."

Jack tilted his head and frowned at his young lover. "Why on earth do you think that I don't love you? Of course I do, don't be an idiot!"

Ianto began to shift, but Jack held him in place, refusing to remove his head from Ianto's heart. "No you don't, you're not going anywhere until we get this sorted out. Now, why the hell do you think that I can't love you?"

Ianto exhaled slowly "Jack, you're immortal, I'm not! You'll live for ever and I won't. How can you love me when you know that you are going to watch me die?"

Jack raised his head, looking Ianto in the eye. "So you think I shouldn't love you because you'll die before me? That's lunacy! Do you think that because I'm immortal I'm the only one who has to live with the fact that someone they love is going to die? There are hundreds if not thousands of people living with the knowledge that their partner is dying."

Ianto snorted. "Yes, but they have fallen in love before illness has hit them. It's different for you. You knew from the start that you are going to outlive me."

"People have an amazing capacity to love, and a brave few just happen to meet someone that is dying, yet they fall in love with them and treasure every single day they have together. And yes, they hurt when their lover dies, but they live with the knowledge that they have loved and been loved and that brings a modicum of comfort; not a lot, but enough to get them through. It doesn't matter if you are a mortal, immortal or Time Lord, everyone wants the same thing, they want to find someone that they can love and who loves them back. So, Ianto Jones, I love you." Jack tilted his head for a kiss and when they drew apart he settled back down to the rhythm of Ianto's heartbeat. "Now, stop being an idiot and go to sleep."

***