This started out as a New Year story but I then decided to set it after They Keep Killing Suzie and before Random Shoes which is totally the wrong timeframe. However, I'll still post it now. Hope you enjoy it.
A Night Out
It had seemed a good idea three weeks before when she had bought the tickets. A night out for the team when they could forget about aliens, danger and resurrected team-mates and have a good time. The organisers promised lots of drink, a decent buffet and live music. Having to find a fancy dress costume just added to the enjoyment, or so Gwen had thought, especially when she pictured the fun she and Owen could have choosing theirs. Now she was not so sure. Her generous impulse had been criticised by everyone except Jack – who had been enthusiastic from the start. Now she felt like throwing in the towel and not bothering.
"All right, all right, just shut up the lot of you," she said, throwing down her pen and glaring round the Boardroom table at the others. "All you've done is carp on and on about this evening. If you don't want to come, don't. I really don't fucking care any more." With that she stood up, grabbed her papers and stormed out of the room.
"You're bloody ungrateful, the lot of you," said Owen, shoving his chair back. "She's doing this to thank us for looking out for her when Suzie came back from the dead. Can't you at least be civil!?" He stood and followed Gwen and found her at her desk, banging and crashing about as she packed up her things.
"Suppose you don't want to come either!" she accused.
"'Cos I do. You know me, any chance to be with you." He sidled closer. "It's only the fancy dress bit I think's naff. But," he held up his hands in mock surrender, "now I've seen your costume I'm even up for that." He grinned. They had gone to the hire shop together and giggled as they tried on costume after costume.
"What's with that lot?" she said, looking up at the glass-walled Boardroom where their colleagues were still seated round the table. She sighed suddenly. "Let's go."
A few minutes later, she and Owen were walking through to the underground car park. In Owen's car they snogged for a bit, needing the contact, before Owen drove them to his flat. Rhys was away at a cousin's wedding that Gwen had ducked out of at the last minute, lying about the need to work just so she could be with Owen all night. With a couple of hours to kill, Owen didn't need to do a lot of tempting to get Gwen into bed. They made love, slowly and languorously, before sharing a bubble bath and a bottle of champagne Owen had bought specially. By the time they'd finished, they were in a great mood and even a phone call from Rhys didn't spoil it. They giggled as they got dressed in their costumes.
At a little before seven o'clock, they stood side by side in front of the large, full-length mirror. Reflected back to them were two very different people from normal and it sobered them slightly. Gwen was resplendent in a long red gown with a large skirt and very low neckline with showed off her ample breasts to perfection. Her hair was gathered at the back and she had loose curls framing her face. She was pleased with the look but wondered about the colour of the gown; was it too obvious she was a scarlet woman? Beside her Owen was no less resplendent in his admiral's uniform, the gold braid on the navy blue coat glistening in the light while the white breeches and stockings leading down to buckled shoes revealed well shaped legs. He thought he looked a complete twat but was prepared to go along with it as Gwen looked magnificent.
"We're ready then," she said, breaking the silence.
"Yeah." He turned to her and held out a hand. "Would you do me the great honour of accompanying me to the ball, Lady Hamilton?"
She placed one of her gloved hands in his, smiling broadly and giving a small curtsy. "I should be delighted, Lord Nelson."
A few minutes later, the door bell announced the arrival of the taxi and they rushed round to get their things together before leaving the flat, laughing in anticipation of the night ahead.
Across the city, Ianto was waiting patiently for Jack to finish dressing. The older man was taking ages and being very secretive. They had chosen their costumes separately, Ianto in resigned acceptance and Jack in barely suppressed excitement. Of course at that time, three weeks ago, the two men had only slept together once, after Suzie Costello's unexpected return. In the intervening weeks they had got together half a dozen more times and now Ianto was looking forward to the evening, his first chance to be out socially with Jack, providing the Torchwood leader behaved himself. Ianto didn't want their fledgling … relationship ruined before it had a chance.
"What do you think?" asked Jack, emerging from the hatch that led to his quarters. He walked out of the office and did a twirl.
Ianto turned and looked, surprised by the sight of Jack in full highland dress. The snug black jacket and neat kilt that came down to just above his knees showed off his figure better than his usual 1940s' gear. The knee length socks and black pumps finished off the outfit to perfection.
"Very nice," said Ianto, falling back on his usual understatement.
"Very nice!? You could be a bit more enthusiastic!"
Jack walked over to Ianto and took him by the shoulders, turning him round in a complete circle while looking him up and down. The Welshman was dressed as an Edwardian gentleman in frock coat, waistcoat, high collar, fancy tie and narrow trousers. It was similar to his usual suits but this made him look taller and thinner, more distinguished. Pleasant images flashed through Jack's mind as he imagined removing the costume later.
"Sorry. You look great," said Ianto with a smile. "Though I hope you've got something on under that kilt."
"Want to look and find out?" Jack waggled his eyebrows.
"No thanks. Not yet anyway." They smiled, understanding one another.
Jack hugged him, delighted at uncovering more of the young man's sexy nature. "But you, you look gorgeous. Got a hat to go with that?"
"Uh huh." He gestured to the coffee table where the top hat sat in its box alongside a walking cane. "Don't think I need it though."
"Yes you do." He placed the hat on Ianto's head at a jaunty angle and stepped back. "Oh yeah."
Ianto ducked to look in the mirror on the wall and was pleased with how he looked but was determined not to say so. He turned back to Jack. "What's in your sporran?"
"Mobile, credit card, SUV keys. Can't get the Webley in." Jack grinned. "Have to rely on my dirk." He twisted his right leg to show the small knife tucked down his sock.
"Are you expecting trouble?"
"Always. Come on, time to go and get Tosh. What do you think she'll have chosen."
"Geisha?"
"Nah, too obvious."
The two men left the Hub through the garage door and climbed into the SUV. Jack made a great fuss of getting his kilt straight before he was ready to start the engine and drive off. Ianto rested his hand on the bare knee closest him; there was something to be said for kilts. The journey through the early evening traffic was sedate by Jack's standards and they arrived safely at Pontcanna, managing to find a parking space not far from Toshiko's flat in a row of converted terraced houses.
Inside the flat, Toshiko was feeling cross. She did not want to go to this stupid dance where Gwen and Owen would flaunt themselves in front of her. If it hadn't been for Jack shaming her into being there, she would have cried off. She still could, she thought, she could say she was unwell. The door bell rang as she was picking up her mobile to call in, stopping her in her tracks; if that was Jack, he was in the nick of time.
"Hi, Tosh," Jack said when she opened the door. He walked into her large kitchen and living area, Ianto following. "You going in that?" He nodded towards her dressing gown.
"Of course she's not," said Ianto, shutting the front door.
"I'm not sure whether I want to go," she began but was cut off.
"See, that's why I'm here to help you." Jack took both her hands in his and stared deeply into her eyes. "I want you to come. Ianto wants you to come. You can ignore Gwen and Owen all night if you like, but we won't ignore you."
"Absolutely." Ianto nodded and smiled.
"How can I say no to such … handsome escorts." She managed a laugh. "You two look great."
"Thank you kindly, ma'am. Now off you go. I'll be in to help if you're not back in five minutes." Jack grinned and released her hands, pushing her in the direction of the bedroom. "We'll nose around here and see what secrets we can unearth."
"No we won't!" protested Ianto. "But be quick, don't know how long I'll be able to control him."
Toshiko went off to the bedroom to the sound of the two men amiably arguing. She finished off her hair, putting it into two bunches and touched up her make up before putting on the costume. Standing in front of the mirror she wondered if it had been such a sensible choice but in the shop she had been irritated by the assistant's assumption that she would want to be a geisha. She may be Japanese but that didn't mean she couldn't want to be something else, that was the whole point of fancy dress. With a sigh she picked up her small purse with the long strap which she put over her head to hang across her body. This was as good as she was going to get.
Jack and Ianto were on the couch when Toshiko emerged from the bedroom. They looked her over from her bunches, to her pink cardigan over a round collared blouse to the full pink skirt with seemingly hundreds of stiff petticoats and finally to her short socks and sneaker clad feet. She made an adorable 1950s' bobbysoxer.
"Whoa, fabulous!" cried Jack, bounding up and twirling her round. He started to jive with her but she was uncoordinated; dancing was another of the many social skills she had never learned.
"You be careful, sir, don't want to flash her," cautioned Ianto with a straight face. "Or me, come to that."
"Oh no, surely he's …" her voice tailed off.
"He wouldn't say and luckily he hasn't felt obliged to show me," said Ianto with a smile. "Come on, time we were off."
"You don't really think I'd spoil the whole costume by wearing underpants?" complained Jack, following them to the front door.
The hall had been decorated with heavy drapes. Small lights on each table supplemented the elaborate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. A raised dais at one end held the band and the buffet tables – yet to be covered with food – were down one side of the long room. Gwen and Owen walked over to their table, past other couples and groups in varied costumes. Owen thought Gwen outshone all the other women and was proud to have her on his arm. The table was empty - the others had not arrived - and Gwen sighed as she slipped into the chair Owen held out for her.
"Do you think they'll come?" she asked as Owen sat beside her.
"I don't know. But if they don't, it's their loss and my gain. I'll have you all to myself." He grinned at her, resting his arm across the back of her chair.
She closed the gap between them and kissed him on the lips. "You're saying all the right things tonight." It wasn't always like that; the doctor had an acerbic tongue and could hurt without noticing. It was one of the many things about him that were beginning to grate as she spent more time in his company.
They stayed at the table for the next quarter of an hour, watching the other people and sipping wine. The room filled up and most tables were occupied by the time Gwen spotted Ianto across the room. He was instantly recognisable even in his costume and she smiled; if he had come the others would have too. Ianto looked over towards Gwen and she waved.
"They're here then," muttered Owen, having caught the movement.
"Yeah. Let's hope they enjoy it." She saw Ianto start towards them with Toshiko who stood out in her brightly coloured costume. Gwen looked for Jack but couldn't see him in the throng of late arrivals.
"Sorry we're late," said Ianto, handing Toshiko into a seat then sitting between her and Owen.
"No problem. You both look great."
"Jack not coming?" asked Owen. He was studying Toshiko sitting opposite him, surprised at her choice of costume and thinking how different she looked.
"He got a call, just as we were coming in. He won't be long." Ianto smiled, remembering the ring tone emanating from Jack's crotch – very erotic. "Wine, Tosh?" He reached for the bottle of red which he knew she preferred.
"Please. I like your costumes," she said, looking at Owen and Gwen. Privately she thought Gwen looked under dressed – she'd burst out of the top if she wasn't careful – and did she really think no one would see the link between the colour and her promiscuous behaviour?
"I'm Lady Hamilton and Owen's Nelson," smiled Gwen, oblivious of the irony.
"One of the great love stories," commented Ianto, raising his glass in a toast. He only realised what he'd said when Toshiko kicked him under the table. There was an awkward pause as everyone tried to find something non-controversial to say.
"More wine, Gwen?" asked Owen, reaching for the bottle of white.
"Umm."
"Hey, kids, sorry about that." Jack bounded up to join them, his kilt flaring out nicely as he moved. "The PM can't go two minutes without needing my expert help." He grinned at Owen, "Hello, sailor!" Sitting between Gwen and Toshiko he eyed Gwen. "Wow, you look great," he told her, his eyes drawn to the expanse of bosom on display.
"Wine, Jack?" asked Ianto from across the table, irritated by his boss's obvious attraction to Gwen. She was batting her eyelids and simpering and Owen looked murderous, laying a possessive hand on Gwen's bare shoulder.
"Ah … no, thanks, I'll stick to water." He reached to the carafe and poured himself a glass.
"I never expected you to wear that," said Gwen, leaning in close to Jack. She brushed a hand across his jacket, removing an imaginary piece of lint. "You look very dashing."
The evening continued in this vein and everyone but Gwen and Jack ended up either embarrassed or irritated. Toshiko drank too much and tried to ignore the way Owen looked at Gwen; Ianto drank less but retreated into his shell, speaking only occasionally as he watched Jack and Gwen flirt; and Owen fumed as his carefully laid plans for the evening went awry. Gwen enjoyed herself, flirting with Jack and making the most of the dances they had, sure that everyone else in the room envied her.
Of the all of them, Jack seemed oblivious to these undercurrents but was actually the most observant of the lot. He could feel the hostility flowing from Owen and enjoyed frustrating him, knowing that the doctor wanted Gwen all to himself and loving being an impediment. He was sorry for Toshiko but decided she had to toughen up if she wanted to stand any chance of winning Owen for herself. Jack was in two minds about Ianto. He didn't want to hurt the Welshman unnecessarily but he also wanted to make sure he realised that he - Jack – played the field and always would no matter what the pair of them got up to.
At midnight the band announced the last dance. Gwen grinned at Jack, confidently expecting him to ask her for the dance. She was astonished when he turned to Toshiko instead and helped the tipsy woman to her feet and led her onto the dance floor. Recovering her composure, Gwen turned to Owen with a brilliant smile and the pair of them followed their colleagues. Ianto sat and watched them go. He had danced with both Gwen and Toshiko, and a woman from the table behind them whom he vaguely knew, and was not perturbed at being left alone at the table.
"Ianto, come on, join Tosh and me," urged Jack, suddenly at his side. Leaning closer, he whispered, "We could ditch Tosh if you prefer."
"No, don't do that." Ianto stood and joined Jack and Toshiko on the floor, managing a strange threesome around the floor. He was surprised how much he wanted to be in Jack's arms for a really romantic dance.
The music died and the party-goers returned to their tables to collect bags and other belongings. The Torchwood team walked with the crowd to the door, Gwen on Owen's arm and Toshiko discreetly supported by Ianto. Jack led the way and insisted on taking them all home in the SUV.
"Gwen, you'd better get up front. Can't see you fitting in the back in that dress. The rest of you, hop in." He handed Gwen in and pushed her excess skirts in too before closing the door. Ianto and Owen flanked Toshiko on the back seat, her skirts billowing out over their legs.
Owen fumed as they drove through the city streets. Gwen was supposed to be coming back with him, how were they going to be able to arrange that now Jack had taken over? Toshiko rested her head on Ianto's shoulder and closed her eyes, fighting the faint nausea that was threatening to overcome her. Ianto kept careful watch on her, recognising the signs, and cracked the window open so she could get some air.
"Where am I dropping you, Gwen?" asked Jack quietly, his voice low enough to be drowned by the engine noise. "Home or Owen's place?"
Her brief moment of hope that he was asking her to spend the night with him died before she had a chance to make a fool of herself. "Owen's. I left my car there." She didn't need to explain or to feel guilty - Jack would never comment on her choices – but she did just the same.
"Okay." He said no more, just made for Panama Quay and stopped before the modern glass building that contained Owen's flat. "Owen, will you see Gwen to her car?" he asked.
"Sure." The doctor was out of the vehicle and assisted Gwen down, pleased that she had managed to find a reason for being dropped here.
"Gwen, thanks for a great evening," said Jack with a smile. "I've really enjoyed myself."
"Yes, thanks Gwen," came from Ianto.
"Umm, thanks. It's been … fun," managed Toshiko.
"Glad you all enjoyed it." Gwen managed to smile at all of them before closing the door. She and Owen stood and watched as the SUV drove off, waving until it was out of sight then went inside. Both were determined to enjoy the rest of the night.
After dropping off Toshiko and making sure she would be all right, Jack and Ianto got back into the SUV. "Coming back to the Hub?" asked Jack casually.
"Yes, my car's there. And my ordinary clothes."
"That wasn't what I meant." Jack's hand strayed onto Ianto's thigh, squeezed then returned to the steering wheel to negotiate a corner.
"It does seem a bit pointless to go home. I'd barely get in before I had to leave again." He glanced at Jack and smiled. This man may have flirted with Gwen but he was going home with him, Ianto. "Besides, I still haven't seen under that kilt." His hand slid under the tartan and slowly made its way up bare thigh and found … more bare flesh.
Happy New Year, may 2010 be kind to you - Jay
