Title: 84T
Author: Shen
Show: Torchwood
Character/Relationships: Ianto, Owen, Jack, Gwen, Tosh
Rating: PG
Summary: Owen needs Ianto's help. Warning: Crack.
Author's Note: Written for Round One of the Livejournal community/contest, "whoverse_las" (that's Whoverse Last Author Standing).

84T

With a well-practiced motion, Ianto's mobile was smoothly grasped and answered before it had finished even one ring. His free hand flattened on the tourist information center desk, belying an otherwise-hidden tension.

"Yes?"

"Ianto," Owen's voice came low over the speaker, just brushing the top of a whisper, "mate, I've got a bit of a situation here. Code 84T."

"Right," Ianto stated briskly. "Your location? ...Got it. I'll be there as soon as possible." The phone slid into his pocket as he stood, and then he hesitated - just a second or two to contemplate and confirm his plan of action.

Moments later, the cog door rolled shut behind the Welshman as he spoke into the room, calmly but with some force, "Everyone. Owen needs backup." He focused on his teammates faces, watching that subtle but distinct transformation from eyes glazed-with-boredom to shining-with-adrenaline.

"Owen?" Gwen asked, wonderingly. "I didn't know he'd left."

"He didn't. I'm afraid he's run into something unexpected downstairs, but I know where he is. If you'll follow me?"

A minute later, Ianto led everyone to a door.

"He's in there?" questioned Tosh in a whisper.

"He must've been chased. Quick now; who knows how long he's been cornered in there!" Jack ordered before boldly kicking the door open. He and Gwen rushed in, barreling through any obstacles, with Tosh and Ianto standing back to cover them.

"GAAAAHHH!" came a less-than-manly scream.

"Owen!" Tosh yelled in concern, and then she was following Jack's and Gwen's path into the room. "Oh!"

"Jesus, Tosh, turn around! You too, Gwen, and what are you lot laughing at?" The last exclamation apparently ruined Jack's and Gwen's efforts to stifle their hilarity, because guffaws immediately started echoing off the water closet walls.

Ianto, still in the hallway and safely out of viewing range of Owen's bits, allowed himself an understated smile.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Now I remember; I'm completely in the wrong here. '84T' isn't 'hiding from an unknown alien,' is it? It's 'I'm out of toilet paper.'"

"You did this on purpose, you slimy bastard!" Maybe he did, but maybe Owen would think twice the next time he decided to switch Ianto's coffee with decaf.

END