Notes: After this chapter, only one part left to chapter four. The next chapters based on episodes will be mostly canon until we reach Meat, which is when most, if not everything, will begin to change. Enjoy part 6 or 7.
Chapter Spoilers: Episodes 2.01 (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang – slight/references) and Doctor Who 3.12, 3.13 (Sound of Drums, Last of the Time Lords – slight/references)
Hope you have on your dancing shoes, Ianto thought while eating his cawl. There's not a dance going on at the hotel. Of this he was certain because out of sheer boredom and mild curiosity, he checked the hotel's calendar of events. So if he literally means dancing, and it isn't a euphemism or anything, then we're leaving the hotel. But I thought we couldn't? And if we're leaving, and there's dancing, we're going to a club. That has disaster written all over it, more so than this dinner! However, Ianto was rather surprised at how civil the dinner turned out once everyone began eating.
The table was rather quiet, with each member fully invested in enjoying their meals. It was extremely rare to be treated to something other than takeout.
Jack finished his meal first, as usual, though he did so without making a giant mess, which was rather unusual. He was proud of himself when he noticed Ianto smile at how clean he managed to keep himself and his surroundings. Jack hoped that if anything, Ianto wouldn't feel embarrassed to be out with him when their date came around. This is definitely good practice, Jack thought.
Jack watched as the team slowly finished their meals. No one ordered desserts since Jack made the comment about dancing. They were all rather curious as to what Jack had planned next.
"Okay…" Jack broke the silence once their table was cleared and the meal was paid for. "Ready for a night out?" he asked, glancing around to see the team's reactions.
Owen looked indifferent. He had been used to going out on the pull every other night, therefore tonight was nothing new, except for the fact that his colleagues would be there, too. Gwen was enthusiastic and it radiated off her as she was becoming antsy from still being seated. Tosh looked confused, as if she was trying to work out a complex equation in her head. Ianto looked scared, but Jack knew it was because social scenes weren't really Ianto's cup of tea.
"But Jack," Tosh finally spoke up. "I thought we couldn't leave. Isn't this risky? We might run into ourselves." She wanted to go out, but she was worried what the consequences may be, especially since Jack planned it. He doesn't always think everything through.
"It will be alright, Tosh." Jack began explaining. "I found us a way to and from where we're going that our past selves were nowhere near. It'll be fine."
Tosh just nodded, not wanting to get into an argument over the many possibilities of how his plan could go wrong. Ever the logical one, she is, Jack thought.
The team gathered any belongings they had with them and proceeded to follow Jack. He guided them through a staff entrance in the back of the hotel and advanced through a handful of alleyways before arriving and their destination.
"Really, Jack?" Owen spat out once the team gathered together, looking at where they arrived. "Retro?"
Jack smiled and laughed. "Yes, Owen. I know it's nothing like the bars and clubs any of us normally frequent, but that's what makes it the perfect spot to let loose tonight."
No one could argue. It made sense. Even with Owen's frequent nights out, he never dared to set foot in the "home of the 90's vibe." Therefore the chances of bumping into someone they knew were slim to none.
Once inside, Jack handed them each 25 pounds before shooing them off to have some fun.
Owen immediately headed to the bar, and Tosh followed. She was like Ianto in the sense that social settings weren't her thing. But she didn't want to waste a perfectly good opportunity to spend time with Owen outside of work. Maybe if I show him I can have fun, he'll finally give me a go. She was shocked when Owen handed her a drink since she never ordered. He bought this for me? She tasted it. "What is it?" she asked, as she took another sip.
"Smithy's Secret Agent," Owen replied. He smiled as his colleague took another sip, but this one much larger. I never thought Tosh to be a drinker. You learn something new every day, he mused.
"I like it," Tosh said between sips. She smiled back at Owen. "Thanks."
Silence grew between them, but the music kept pumping, offering a decent distraction. Tosh started moving with the music, and Owen took notice. She has a whole other side to her just waiting to break free.
As quickly as Owen fell into his thoughts, he snapped back out. He looked over towards the other end of the bar and noticed Gwen, Jack, and Ianto. Gwen kept vying for Jack's attention. But Jack wouldn't give in and kept his attention towards Ianto. Ianto, on the other hand, looked so scared and out of place. This won't pan out well.
"How do you think that's going to fare out?" Owen asked while bumping Tosh, making sure her attention was drawn to where his was.
"Badly," Tosh replied. "I wouldn't be surprised if Gwen tried to use the setting to her advantage, even though it seems Jack is holding his own well enough right now."
Owen knew this to be true. Gwen will stop at nothing. We have to be ready to intervene, just in case. Hmm… I could use this to my advantage, too and find out what else there is to learn about Tosh. "So you and I, let's stick together tonight. You know, in case something happens."
That wasn't how I thought he'd ask to spend time with me, Tosh thought, but it's better than nothing. Besides, we do need to keep an eye out for Ianto. "Sure," she finally replied.
Together they headed out to the dance floor, enjoying the music, dancing, having fun. But both kept watch on the rest of the team, taking turns as they moved around the dance floor.
Ianto quickly spotted Tosh and Owen on the dance floor together and smiled. Jack never took his eyes off Ianto. Therefore he noticed Ianto's smile and diverted his attention in the same direction, making sure no one even remotely interesting was capturing his lover's attention.
"It's about time," Jack said aloud once he spotted Tosh and Owen, hoping to start a conversation that would hopefully end with them also heading to the dance floor.
"They're just dancing," Ianto pointed out. "But it is nice." He waved at them and smiled again when he noticed them looking his way.
Gwen, still close by, didn't like the interaction between the two men. Jack should be paying attention to me! I wore this outfit for him! She noticed the looks she received from other men in the club, and wondered, why won't Jack look at me like those guys? I'm highly attractive and way more fun! All Teaboy wants to do is sulk in a corner. The idea of dancing with another guy to make Jack jealous quickly came to mind, however, with the team knowing she was engaged, decided against it. I don't need it getting back to Rhys that I danced with another man. I don't want to lose him until I have Jack.
After settling her thoughts, Gwen ordered herself a Five Iced Tea, hoping to get pissed as quickly as possible. Some men came by and offered to buy her more drinks and she readily accepted in hopes that the offers would make Jack take notice and bring out his jealous side. So far, no such luck.
Jack turned to the bartender to order a drink, getting Ianto's attention in the process. "What would you like?" he asked Ianto, who looked carefully over the list before deciding.
Ianto was more of a scotch or beer guy. Nothing fancy, but he, too, wanted to get pissed in order to make being out less of a hassle. "Umm… I'll try a Retro Refresher."
Jack placed the order, in his typical flirtatious tone, "One Retro Refresher for him and a Retro Sexual for me, please."
That's odd, Ianto thought. Jack usually just drinks water. He usually says it's in case he needs to work, but I guess since we're still stuck at the hotel. Or I guess it's just because 'sexual' was in the name. I know what he wants, but he's not getting anything until I get some proper answers and if he ever proves he deserves a second chance. Ianto let his thoughts trail until his drink arrived. He took a sip and found it quite enjoyable, so he kept it in hand and turned back towards the dance floor. Jack followed suit.
Jack looked around at the other patrons. He knew he wanted Ianto, and only Ianto, but he didn't see any harm in looking. It's not like Ianto's giving me the time of day right now anyway.
Then Jack noticed a young man with blonde hair. His physical build was similar to Ianto's, though not quite as impressive. And his eyes were brown instead of blue. He noticed the mysterious man looking his way and could see the attraction in his eyes, full of lust and hunger.
The man started walking closer and Jack grew nervous. He is attractive, Jack admitted to himself, but I want Ianto. Only Ianto. But as the man grew closer, Jack noticed where the man's attraction truly lied, as his attention then followed to his left. He wants Ianto! He can't have him! Jack was getting angry at the man, and nothing had even happened yet. Whoa, am I jealous? I can't be. I know Ianto wants to be with me, I think. We never did get to talk.
Jack was so lost in his thoughts and insecurities that he didn't realize straight away that the man made his way between him and Ianto. But Ianto certainly noticed.
"Hello," the man said, giving Ianto a look of pure lust. "My name's Emyr. What's yours?"
Jack began listening to their conversation. Well, Emyr. Ianto is mine! You can't have him! Jack noted that Ianto was putting on his butler façade, the one he used while manning the tourist office.
"Hello, Emyr," Ianto politely responded. "Ianto."
"Ah, God is gracious," Emyr replied.
What kind of come on this is? Jack wondered after hearing the response. He waited to see how Ianto would react; hoping he'd give this man the brush off.
Ianto searched the archives of his brain before responding. Then he gave a kind, simple smile. "King," he said and gave a small bow of his head. Jack was utterly confused.
Emyr smiled joyfully that Ianto knew they were talking about the meanings of their names and drew closer to him. "So what are you drinking?" he asked, pointing to Ianto's empty glass.
"Retro Refresher," Ianto stated, seeing no harm in the question.
Emyr turned to the bartender who was approaching their end of the bar. "Another Retro Refresher for Ianto here, and actually, make that two," he ordered. He turned back to Ianto and winked.
Jack was growing angrier by the second. Who does this guy this he is? And why isn't Ianto turning him away?!
"Oh, that's not necessary," Ianto countered. Now I see the harm in the question.
Jack began calming down until…
The drinks arrived and after a few sips, Emyr took both their glasses and set them on the bar top. He placed a hand on Ianto's shoulder and slid it down his arm, stopping at his wrist.
Ianto didn't resist, didn't move away, didn't even flinch! Jack noted, completely missing Ianto tense and become stiff, silently pleading with Jack to help him; save him.
Emyr continued further and laced his fingers between Ianto's and then pulled him out onto the dance floor.
Jack was fully enraged. Why isn't Ianto resisting?!
Emyr now had both his hands entwined with Ianto's and was moving him along to the music. Ianto was hesitant at first. Freezing up, going stiff, was his natural response to uncomfortable situations. But as the alcohol began taking its effect, and Emyr moving him to the beat, he began to unwind a little.
Emyr had certainly noticed and decided it was time to get closer. He gently spread Ianto's legs open and placed one of his legs in between the new space. He let go of one of Ianto's hands, placing it on Ianto's hip, pulling them closer together. With Ianto not protesting, he placed his other hand on his other hip. They began swaying and grinding together, growing closer every second.
Tosh and Owen had been watching carefully since the man approached Ianto at the bar. Neither of them could believe the sight before them. As they watched Ianto get closer to this complete stranger, they both looked towards Jack.
What the fuck?! Jack couldn't believe his eyes. Ianto let him spread his legs! He let Emyr pull him close! His hands are on Ianto's hips! And Ianto's just letting it happen!
Ianto was not reciprocating any of Emyr's actions, but Jack was too furious to notice. Jack knows I panic and grow still when I'm uncomfortable. Why isn't he rescuing me?
Then Emyr leaned in for a kiss.
Jack immediately shot over to Ianto, pulling Emyr off one-handedly, pushing Ianto behind him with the other. Jack was about to throw the first punch went Owen came up behind him, restraining him. Tosh grabbed Ianto and took him back over to the bar.
"Gwen!" Tosh spat out, knocking Gwen out of whatever thoughts she was having. "Go help Owen, now!"
Gwen looked towards the dance floor and the struggle between Jack and Owen. She noticed the man that Jack was going after once she arrived to assist. Between her and Owen, they calmed Jack down enough to walk away and leave.
Jack stormed off first back through the alleyways to the hotel. The team had to run just to keep from losing him. No one talked the entire way back. No one knew what to say.
Back at the hotel, Jack was already in his suite, slamming the door shut behind him when the rest of the team arrived. Gwen, Tosh, and Owen went to their suites not sure what to do, but knowing that it was safer for them to stay out of it, for now.
Ianto arrived at his suite. He mentally reviewed what occurred in the club. How could I be so stupid?! I froze, but I should have done something! Jack must hate me. He'll probably never talk to me again! He might fire me, retcon me, maybe even kill me. Well, maybe not the latter if he truly wants me, but he's so angry now!
Ianto's eyes quickly filled with tears that just as quickly began pouring down his face. He leaned against his door, not bothering to find his key to go inside, and fell to the floor, sobbing.
