For the second time in his life, Boe was waiting for the Doctor. The darkness was surrounding him but he knew he had to wait. He could not succumb to death because this time he would not return and the Doctor must be warned. To Boe it had been over 5 billion years since the Master; the Valiant; the Year that Never Was. But to the Doctor – this Doctor – it was still in the future.

His life force was escaping him. Every part of him hurt. In the quiet moments, Boe thought about all those who had gone before him; all the people he had loved; his children; his Ianto.

Sometimes in the darkness the people of the Under City would hear Boe's song – in a language so ancient it had long been forgotten. They did not know what the words meant. They did not know that it was a song a man named Jack Harkness had learned from his Ianto. They didn't know that Ianto would sing it to comfort him when he came back from death. They did not know that Ianto Jones and Jack Harkness had ever existed. But they knew the song gave them comfort and hope and as Boe would sing, he would feel the presence of his love and that would give him the strength to carry on.

As the days grew shorter, Boe began to feel afraid. He had gone to death so many times and he knew what lay beyond – darkness; nothingness; forever. There was a time when he had longed for it but now it terrified him. What if Ianto was not waiting for him? He had given him the strength to endure. There were so many times when he could have given in but thoughts of Ianto forced him onwards to complete his task; to save the world for the last time. He had never doubted they would be together again when it finally came to an end.

But what if he was wrong?

The Doctor came with Martha. Boe delivered his message. He warned the Doctor. He wished with all his heart he could tell him more clearly – but that would change history. His work was done; the prophecy fulfilled. It was all over. He took his last breath and embraced the darkness. It was there, just like it always was. The darkness was unending. Boe let out a scream. There was nothing. There was nothing. He was alone. Forever.

He brought his hands up to his face to wipe away the tears – wait – hands? He looked down at himself – he had a body. His body was back. He could feel his legs. He had hair again. His greatcoat – he was Jack Harkness again.

He looked around him. There was still only darkness. Emptiness.

And then he saw the light...

There was someone coming towards him. He'd know that face anywhere; those eyes; that smile.

'Come on, cariad. Don't keep me waiting.'

'Oh Ianto.'

Thank you for reading this. All feedback is greatly appreciated.

(If anyone is interested, the song Boe was singing was Ar Lan Y Mor a Welsh folk song).