Off Duty
Ianto scooped up the empty cans and tossed them neatly into the recycling box. The scrunched up balls of paper followed swiftly thereafter. Soon there was little evidence of the party the Hub had just witnessed.
They'd had a terrible day, even by Torchwood's rather low standards, and Jack felt his team needed cheering up. Someone ordered pizza and Owen dug everyone out a can of beer from a plentiful supply in the basement. Gwen and Tosh set the computers to work churning out an endless stream of upbeat music. Alien technology provided some slightly improvised lighting. Ianto organised the seating and Jack stood about smiling at everyone's efficiency. With a bit of imagination, the Hub was transformed into something vaguely resembling a late bar.
Between mouthfuls of pizza, they discussed and debated everything from the Scissor Sisters to Simon Cowell. Who'd win X Factor? Which Beatle was the best looking? (Gwen reckoned Paul, Tosh agreed. Jack and Ianto went for John. Owen declined to comment). In a matter of minutes all thoughts of aliens and out-of-space wars had been forgotten.
Owen and Gwen had started off the dancing. After a few songs, Jack had worked out whole routines of ridiculously complicated movements and began teaching them in earnest to anyone who was listening. Owen pulled Tosh to her feet and they danced an elegant waltz to Who Let the Dog's Out? Even Ianto wiggled his bum a bit!
It was almost half past four in the morning when the party finally fizzled out. Tosh was exhausted and Owen's stomach was yearning for more pizza. They left together, Owen supporting his slightly tipsy colleague whilst tucking into the final slice of meat feast. Gwen, after kissing both the boys firmly on the mouth, left minutes later. For the first time that day Jack and Ianto were alone.
Jack left Ianto tidying up as he went down into the basement to look for another bottle of whiskey. When he returned, he snaked his arms around the younger man and pulled him into his office.
"Good night?" Jack asked, sitting upon the desk with a cheeky grin on his face.
Ianto nodded.
"Want to stay?"
"Obviously."
"Night cap?" he poured Ianto a glass, then leant back suggestively.
"Oh yes." Ianto took a sip of whiskey, then kissed his lover.
"Do you know?" Jack mused as Ianto undressed. "I really do love being off duty. We should do it more often."