Chapter 2

Captain Jack Harkness hid his guilty smile behind his coffee cup as he stared out at four faces each doing a smashing impersonation of a dear caught in headlights. These were four brilliant, brave souls who fought aliens and cannibals and yet they were each clearly frightened of having to dance in public as part of a mission.

Owen finally broke the strained silence "Wait a minute Jack, why do we even have to go through all the trouble of an undercover rouse to get at the device? Why not just go in there copper-style, clear the club, and confiscate it."

"In this case I think the more subtle approach will be best. They have several security guards, stun gun equipped, and there are lots of club patrons. Too many variables for a team our size to manage. Then there is the device itself. When I say it 'appeared' around midnight I mean it looked like it just kind of phased into existence. I don't think it was cloaked like the invisible lift. Judging by the looks on the faces of the Brookfields when it showed up, kind of an expectant relief, I don't even think they have control over it. My best guess is that they don't and are just the fortunate benefactors of being in the right place at the right time when that thing hits our corner of space and time. They figured out how to conjure the genie from the bottle and now it is making them rich."

"Ok, so what's the plan when we get close to it then?" asked Tosh, peering over the top of her sensible spectacle frames, problem-solving face now replacing the shocked expression of moments prior.

"I was hoping you had some ideas on that Tosh. We either need to disable its abilities to pull these needed objects through time and space, or we need to find a way to stop it from visiting Needful Things all together. What do you think?" questioned Jack hopefully.

Tosh dropped her eyes a bit nervously and she tucked herself behind the cover of her laptop screen as she replied slowly "I think...that it's a good thing I took those dance lessons because, no offense Gwen, but I think my skills will be needed when we get close to that thing. If I can figure out how it is making its way in and out of our time/space location then maybe I can block its return...make us less palatable at least..."she trailed off.

A brief but noticeable wave of relief washed over the only other female team-member when Gwen realized she was off the hook, followed quickly by a warm smile and the question "Tosh! You took dance lessons? You have been holding out on us, love!"

Toshiko's cheeks blushed sweetly in a manner that even had Owen smiling in spite of himself. "I, umm, well it was after the whole thing with Mary actually." Her voice dropped a little at the vocalization of the human name of the alien that had manipulated Tosh. "I knew I was at risk for falling into a bit of a depression so I thought I should try something different. Something that did not involve Torchwood or staring at a computer screen. So I started taking partner-dancing lessons at a studio in my neighborhood. I still go about once a month or so when I have the time. The instructor and I are friends. Greg says I am quite good and we show off a bit for his newer students."

Owen audibly cleared his throat. "Greg, hmm?"

"It's nothing like that. He is happily married to a lovely wedding-cake baker named Ted." she said with a pout.

"SSsssooooooo" Gwen teased, her wide smile showing off the gap between her front teeth, "that leaves the question of the lucky gentleman! Who will it be boys" She drummed her hands on the table, drum roll style.

Tosh's enamored eyes briefly flitted over Owen, disappointed to find him scowling at his folded hands.

"That's easy!" interjected Jack in a matter-of-fact tone "Ianto, you're going in."

"What? Why me?" Ianto asked, a little louder than he planned to.

"Because you fit the age and look of the men that the Brookfields usually hone in on...mid twenties, attractive, well-groomed and well-dressed..."

"Not that I'm complaining mind you but what am I, Quasi Moto over here?" Owen piped in.

Standing up to signal the meeting was coming to a close, Jack gestured with his mug at the two younger men in the room. "Can you dance like the couples on those video clips Owen? That isn't just drunken grinding up against one another that catches the eye of our discerning club owners. It's the real thing. You up to it Dr.?"

"No, but how do you know the Tea-boy is? Oh, don't tell me...all those times you say you are going weevil-hunting together you are actually out hitting the local ballrooms, eh?" Owen dared to venture as he was picking up his binders to go.

"Nope. No clandestine ballroom excursions. We actually do go weevil hunting, more or less" punctuating his innuendo with a patented Capt. Jack Harkness smirk and eye brow wag. "I just...know."

The rest of the team filed out with pointed glances and hushed giggling. Ianto was suddenly concentrating very hard on placing all the cups back on the silver serving tray, his ears tinged with red.

As Jack crossed behind him to exit also, Ianto quickly turned and stopped him with a hand on his chest.

"Jack? How did you know I could dance? We've never been out dancing and I never told you about the lessons I took when I was at University." Ianto shyly questioned, his hand lingering longer than need be.

After a quick glance assured that their coworkers were out of sight and earshot, Jack stepped closer and slipped one hand in between Ianto's suit and waistcoat, stroking just above his right hip. Jack gently pulled Ianto close enough that when Jack whispered in the Welshman's ear, Ianto could feel Jack's breath.

"I can tell by every move you make. If it's holding a gun or passing out papers, everything you do is so graceful and yet strong...it's like you are set to music."

Ianto couldn't help but close his eyes and turn just enough to brush cheek to cheek with Jack, breathing in his scent.

Jack smiled at the favorable response of his modest lover. He shifted his stance just enough that their hips were now nearly flush against one another, Jacks's hands now resting on Ianto's waist on either side.

"But you know how I can really tell?" Jack's voice dropped to a more seductive, raspy tone.

Ianto's eyes were wide with questioning curiosity now. He always felt surprised when he found himself to be the center of the legendary Captain Jack Harkness's affections, even after months of sharing his bed more nights than not.

"How?" He breathily stammered a moment later.

"I can tell by the way you move your hips when we..."

Ianto could feel the smile on Jack's lips as he lost the last bit of that phrase in a kiss.

TWTWTWTWTWTWTWTWTWTWTWTWTWTW TWTWTWTWTWTW

Ooh! That was fun! Love the Janto feels! Let me know what you think! Did I get the board-room banter right? I am always open to comments, questions, observations and suggestions! Reviews make my day! I am currently working out the technical side of how to foil this little device so let me know if you have any thoughts on that matter.