Abruptly, Ianto felt like a heel. He knew very well Jack was out of his time, knew that his upbringing for the most part probably didn't involve most of the stories and games kids of Ianto's day and age had been raised on. He opened his mouth to apologize when Jack abruptly changed the subject, and Ianto had to shut it again. He took a moment to mull over his answer, and steeled his courage before speaking.

"No. I don't want to live forever, Jack. I see what it does to you." He placed a hand on Jack's, squeezing lightly in support. "But I also know how much it scares you, to lose everyone. Tosh and Owen... Sometimes you look at me, and I know you're thinking that I could go next. I've no doubt you look at Gwen like that too."

He had to take a deep breath to steady himself. "I admit that when you look like that, I wish there was something I could do. I don't want to be a vampire, or a zombie, or anything like it, but... If there were some way to reassure you I wouldn't die for the next few decades, maybe even extend my life or my youth -- just for a while -- I'd consider it. You wouldn't ever have to look at me with those haunted eyes again."

He smiled a little sadly. "But that sort of thing always comes with a catch, I should think. And I'm not willing to pay."