✘ 29

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[Ianto's sat in one of the cinema seats, occasionally flipping the page in his diary.  He doesn't really seem to actually be taking in what he's reading, though, and he seems to have given up on any real pretence of reading it a while ago.

Eventually he just shuts it, placing it on the seat next to him before resting his head in his hands.]

Comments

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

I'd have to be on board the Valiant for that to work.

[saythistostart.livejournal.com]

But that's just it. Would you really? I mean... Has your reality merged with anyone else's, Ianto-san?

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

Jack's, Misaki's, and Firo's that I know of. Why?

[saythistostart.livejournal.com]

I was just thinking... maybe you could use someone else's reality as your own 'eye'.

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[Ianto looks hopeful for a second, but quickly realises the flaw in this plan.] I can't. If I use someone else's reality for that then I'll still be in the same place when things are back to normal. I was in the Himalayas when it started, and if I don't go back there when everything else returns to normal it'll create a paradox.

[saythistostart.livejournal.com]

How would it create a paradox? Couldn't you.. just go back there once things are over?

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

How long do you think it takes to get from Cardiff to Tibet?

[saythistostart.livejournal.com]

... a long time. But...! There has to be a way...

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

If there is I haven't thought of it.

[saythistostart.livejournal.com]

[He goes quiet, now trying to think of something.. anything he can do to help. Because, if he can help just one person remember amidst making so many others forget... isn't that worth it?

Eventually, he starts to speak. Quietly, thoughtfully;]

What if... you didn't go to a merged point of your reality? What if you went to someone else's entirely? If you go to the Himalayas before the Year disappears, then wait in another reality for it to end... you should be able to get back to the same place you left, once you return.

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

Wouldn't you have to be pretty close to someone to do that?

[saythistostart.livejournal.com]

I don't know. The Doctor took me to his reality, back when I'd been stabbed... [He glances over to Ianto for just a moment, before looking back to his lap.] You could try.. before it actually happened. See if it works with anyone. Like practice.

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

It might. With a few people.

[saythistostart.livejournal.com]

Yeah?

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

Maybe. I've been trying not to get too close to too many people, but...

[saythistostart.livejournal.com]

[Ryotarou understands that all too well.] But... There are at least a few people you could try with, right? ... The people whose realities have merged with yours?

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

I could try.

[saythistostart.livejournal.com]

Right. [nods] It's worth a shot. You shouldn't have to forget.

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

No. I suppose not.

[saythistostart.livejournal.com]

[He nods a little, and gets quiet again. It's still kind of awkward, to say the least, but he doesn't want to leave just yet.]

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[Ianto's happy for him to stay despite the awkwardness, even if he isn't really saying anything himself.]

[saythistostart.livejournal.com]

[Something occurs to him.] Ah... How's your arm?

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

It's fine. A few of the people here have healing abilities, so...

[saythistostart.livejournal.com]

That's right... I'm glad, then.

[damnfinecoffee.livejournal.com]

[And here's that awkward silence again...]