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I: You know, he did more damage than Lisa.
J: She killed two people...
I: As did John. The man on the roof and the woman in the hologram. Of course if you count yourself...
J: Nearly three.
I: Nearly? *raised eyebrow*
J: It wears off. *shrugs*
I: Then there was Gwen, paralysed and left for dead. You know she only had minutes left when we found her.
J: She threw you in the water. Just a couple inches difference and I'd have never got to you in time.
I: Owen- knocked out, or shot this time.
J: Was it the same side?
I: I believe so, sir. The significant difference being we were trying to save the world.
J: *sighs* Yeah. Plus, Tosh was injured. You're right. More damage.
I: So... We let your lover go?
J: *looks at Ianto* That's not the difference. I swear. I... I know what he is. What he's like. *looks down* What I could have been.
I: *raises eyebrow*
J: *looks again* I'm the monster, right?
I: *looks away* *blinks* *looks at Jack again* *softly* No. Not like that.
J: *very softly* Not any more.
I: *comes closer* I just need to understand. He's gone, off your territory... Is that it? Out of sight...
J: No. No, not... Lisa... I'm sorry, Ianto, but she was dead before I ever met her. That's just facts. The living, feeling, thinking being that she was... the Cybermen used her for parts.
I: *bites lip* *can barely say it* I know. But...
J: *interrupts* She was past saving. She couldn't change.
I: *looks at him, no longer confused* He could.
J: *nods slowly* Yeah. Maybe. *rubs face* If he even wants it. Four kinds of rehab... You'd kind of hope...
I: But they didn't take.
J: *sits back* *shrugs* *closes his eyes* But he went. I don't know. Maybe... *looks at Ianto* I'm living on my second chances. Hell, my second thousand. I can't just... *trails off, looks distant*
I: *looks at him, blinks, then leans forward and quickly kisses him*
J: *big eyes of surprise*
I: Speaking as another of the second chance club...
J: *understanding* *takes Ianto's hand* Like you said... trying to save the world. Significant difference.
I: But I wondered, for a long while. Why you let me live. *finger on Jack's lips to still his objections* It was my fault as much as hers. She wasn't responsible, not any more, not after what they did to her. So I thought... But you didn't.
J: *catches Ianto's hand away, now holding both* I wouldn't.
I: You would, if there was no other way. But only then.
J: *pulls him closer* I would find another way. You... you deserve all the chances...
I: *quiets him again, this time with lips*