A Blue String (Janto AU)

10 - Stage 2

3rd POV

"Ianto," Owen tries, "hey, Ianto. Look at me." 

Ianto doesn't move for a second but he slowly looks up at Owen. His eyes have tears in them and he looks so pale. 

It hurts Jack more than anyone else to see Ianto like this. Before, it wasn't that bad. But now, it seems really bad. 

Jack is practically convinced this is stage 2 of the sentifract's little bastard plan to take Ianto from Jack without having to kidnap anyone. This meant time was running out for Jack to save Ianto, so Jack would have to act soon. 

Gwen, confused as fuck, walked over to them to see what the all the commotion was about. "What's going on? Another seizure?" 

Owen shook his head, "no, it seems like Ianto is sick. Really sick. I can't yet tell the sickness or if it's contagious or not." 

"It's not," Jack said quietly. 

Everyone turned to him, seeking an explanation. 

"This is the second stage. It's all the Sentifract's doing," Harkness sighed sadly. "It seems to be making him sick, not sure why and not sure how, it just is." Jack looked over to Owen, "I don't know if there is a way to cure it besides waiting." 

'And trying to slowly cheer him up,' Jack thought to himself, 'but how the hell am I supposed to do that if I can't go near Ianto without causing any pain? Maybe the Sentifract knows about me trying to help him and this is how it reacts? That would mean... I already failed.' 

Ianto let's out another pained gasp before his head falls to his chest. 

And he's unconscious.

Again. 

"Jack." Gwen's voice pulled the immortal from his thoughts. He looked up at her, suddenly alert and pretending like he missed nothing. 

Everyone was looking at Jack. Jack looked back at them, an innocent but confused expression on his face. "What?" 

Owen spoke, "I think it would be best if you maybe went out for a bit. Ianto seems to have the worst reaction when you come close to him. Didn't Tosh say she had spotted rift activity in a restaurant, why don't you and Gwen go check that out?" He suggested. 

Jack wanted to say no. He is the team leader, after all. But he only sighed and nodded. 

"What's that restaurant again, Tosh?" 

"It's called The Gatekeeper. I'll send you the location," Toshiko answered without hesitation. 

Jack nodded, "Gwen, lets go." Jack's voice seemed normal but the team could tell he was forcing himself to act like he does regularly. 

Gwen went with Jack and the pair left the Hub. Jack swiftly made his way to the SUV, not speaking a word. He got into the drivers seat while Gwen got into the passenger's seat next to him. Gwen received the address and gave it to Jack. 

Jack started up the car and began to drive with a clenched jaw. For the first few minutes of the car ride, it was silent. Gwen finally spoke into her com, "Tosh, any idea what we're facing?" She asked, not even sure if Toshiko would answer or not. 

"Not sure yet," Tosh answered after a brief moment of no response. "I'll let you know if I find anything." 

Jack spoke up, his eyes glued to the road in front of him, "Can you access the security cameras? Maybe spot something there." 

This time Tosh takes longer to respond. But she does eventually, "yeah, sure, I can get them. Hold on a moment." 

Through the coms, Jack and Gwen can hear Tosh rapidly typing on her computer. There is a minute or two of silence before Tosh's voice comes through to them. "I'm on the cameras right now. Hold on... there are people in there, tied up! They all seem to be looking at something but I can't see what. You guys'll have to get there quickly!"