Ianto narrows his eyes at the other man’s continued provoking, his expression pinching slightly at the thought of another argument. Back and forth, over and over. He feels as though there’s no defending himself.

“Yes, John,” he replies, his words perhaps sharper than he intends but he cannot help feeling a little defensive in turn. “As a matter of fact, I do. I trust you as a man. I trust you as a friend. And I trust you as... Whatever we still have between us.”

He presses his lips together tightly before forcing himself to continue, “But do I question the truth you give me when it comes to yourself? Do I question your judgment about your own limits? Then maybe yes, I do a bit.” He had watched him die once before, after all.