Masked Things, Part 1
Title: Masked Things, Part 1
Author: stevwil
Rating: There are always adult concepts with these two so let's call it an overall NC 17 just in case. This part is probably a hard R for Owen's mouth and some in the pants groping.
Disclaimer: They're not mine. I'm just playing with them.
Characters: Jack/Ianto, Owen, Tosh, Gwen/Rhys, and whatever original characters I deem appropriate
Summary: It's Halloween and the team is going out to a pub in costume. Unfortunately, thanks to the Rift, Cardiff can be interesting on any night and Halloween isn't just any night. This ties into my Dark Man 'verse.
A/N: No one else so much as looked this over so any and all mistakes are totally mine.
The pub sat next to a barrister's office in the middle of row of businesses, most of which were closed this late in the evening. It was called The Corner Cottage which amused Jack since it was neither on a corner nor a cottage. The SUV was parked in the lot behind the pub and he paid both his and Ianto's cover. Flinging open the door, he and Ianto were assaulted but a cacophony music, lights and writhing bodies. Everywhere he looked people festooned in outlandish costumes were dancing in the flashing neon lights to some sort of techno music that he didn't recognize.
A cheek-splitting smile appeared on his face as he glanced sideways at his lover. Ianto was nearly bouncing to the music. “Do you see the others?” he shouted trying to be heard over the music.
Ianto leaned in close raising his voice, “Follow me.” He took Jack's hand and pulled him through the crowd, body swaying as he navigated across the dance floor.
Jack, still grinning, danced along behind him grinding into his arse every chance he got.
Ianto, scanning the crowd and moving to the music, turned. He and Jack danced, moving to the heavy beat. Arms circling Jack, he pulled the older man to him sliding a leg between Jack's, rubbing against him.
A flash of fire shot through Jack and he jumped. Grabbing Ianto around the waste, he pulled him to him and they swayed, grinding together oblivious of the tangle of bodies around them. “Can we go home? Now?” He shouted to be heard over the music. He punctuated the last word by thrusting his hips against Ianto's.
“I want to dance a little more first,” Ianto shouted back.
His breath hot in Ianto's ear Jack shouted, “I'm not wearing any underwear.”
“Damn,” Ianto muttered sliding a hand between them, gripping Jack's cock through the rough material of the trousers. He wasn't lying. “You did that on purpose!”
“I know- ”
“Jack! Ianto! You made it!” Tosh shouted, materializing out of the crowd, hot pink pig tails bobbing to the music. “We're over here. Gwen got us a table in the back.” She took each of them by a hand and towed them through the crowd behind her.
Jack's brow was furrowed and lips a thin line when he caught Ianto's eye. Ianto laughed, pursing his lips. Blowing Jack an air kiss, he mouthed the word, “Soon.”
Gwen and Rhys had gotten them a table in the far back corner. The music was limited to a dull roar and they could at least hear each other speak without shouting. Owen sat alone nursing a drink.
“It's about bloody time you showed up. Wasn't this your idea anyway?”
“Actually, it was Gwen's,” Jack answered. “Speaking of which, where is she?”
“Why am I not surprised?' Owen muttered. Ianto grinned, tipping his head at the medic.
“She's dancing with Rhys. Wait until you see them.”
“Oh, I can't wait,” Ianto smiled, showing entirely too many teeth.
Jack looked sideways at him. “Are you up to something?”
Ianto was the picture of innocence. “Me? Why would I be up to anything?”
“Ianto...?” Jack didn't sound convinced.
Ianto raised an eyebrow and grinned. He turned to Tosh and Owen. “Who wants a drink? This round is on me!”
Tosh and Owen told him what they wanted and he said to Jack, “Come on. You can help carry.” Taking Jack's hand, Ianto pulled him along into the crowed swaying to the music.
Owen slid close to Tosh, putting an arm around her. “They've been stranger than usual since Ianto came back.”
Tosh giggled. “Silly man, they're in love. Jack thought he'd lost Ianto and now they're enjoying each other. In every way possible and some that technically aren't.”
Owen nearly choked on his drink.
* * * *
“Come here,” Jack pulled Ianto away from the end of the bar and shoved him against the wall. Ianto had waved the bartender down and ordered drinks for all of them but it would be a few minutes. The bar was standing room only, everyone shouting to get the bartender's attention.
Ianto grinned, “Yes?”
Leaning close, his lips barely brushing his lover's, he said, “I'm hungry.” He grabbed Ianto's shirt and yanked it open, sending buttons flying in every direction, revealing the gore-spattered undershirt. He pressed the Welshman against the wall, kissing him hard, his tongue sliding past his lips. His hands roamed Ianto's body, touching and teasing, as his tongue explored his mouth.
Ianto's hands found their way into Jack's coat. One hand rested on his chest and he slid the other one into the front of Jack's trousers, finding his warm, thick cock. Turning his head to the side he groaned, “Christ! You know what that does to me?”
Jack laughed into his ear, “The same thing it does to me when you're not wearing any.”
“Hey! Loverboy! You blokes want to come get these?” A bartender wearing an orange Jack-o'lantern t-shirt indicated the drinks setting on the end of the bar.
“Fuck,” Jack grumbled and rested his chin on Ianto's shoulder.
“Just a moment,” Ianto moved to the side, extricating himself from Jack's arms and pulled some money out of his pocket. “Sorry about that. Keep the change.”
The bartender took the money and nodded his thanks. “Mate, you've got...” he pointed at his face. Ianto raised an eyebrow and a smiling Jack stepped next to him. “Aww, forget it.”
Jack looked at Ianto and laughed. He brushed his lips across his cheek saying, “You know I love you.”
His smile was slow and intimate, “I love you too.”
They gathered the drinks and Jack pushed his way through the crowd, leading Ianto back towards their table. He slowed. Brow creasing, he looked into the crowd.
“Jack? What is it?” Ianto asked, shouting to be heard.
Jack shook his head still looking thoughtful. “Just my imagination. A few of these people look...off.”
Ianto cocked his head questioningly.
“I know, the place is full of adults dressed up in Halloween costumes. Everyone is a little off including us.”
Moving forward, he shoved his way through the crowd and back to the table. Gwen and Rhys had joined Tosh and Owen. Gwen was dressed as a slutty Maid Marion, her breasts spilling over the top of her bodice and Rhys looked surprisingly good, filling out his tights in all the right places, as a beefy Robin Hood.
“Drinks for everyone!” Jack shouted.
Gwen stood up, beaming at Jack and spun around, “Do you like my costume?”
“Yes, I do! It looks great!” Jack answered, looking her up and down.
Catching Jack's eye, Ianto winked. “Good to see you Rhys! Stand up and let's have a look.”
“Hey boys.” He stood, a sheepish look on his face.
“Very nice. You look fantastic!” Ianto looked him over and placed a hand on one of his arms and squeezed, “Oooo! Very butch.”
Jack's eyes went wide and he stifled a bark of laughter.
Rhys's face colored and Gwen sputtered, “Shall we?” She pulled Rhys down into the booth next to her.
Jack sat down and Ianto slid into the booth next to him grinning.
“Thanks!” Tosh said, raising her drink to Ianto. She peered at his face. Pointing at her own mouth she said, “Ianto, you've got...”
“What?”
Jack draped an arm over his shoulder possessively and snickered. Owen, Gwen and Rhys all looked closely at him.
“On your mouth...”
Ianto's blue eyes were guileless and innocent. “What about my mouth?”
“Oh, for Christ's sake! You've got Jack's make-up all over your face!” Gwen nearly shouted.
“Really? I would have never guessed.” He had yellowish green grease paint smeared on his lips and across one cheek along with a little fake blood on his chin.
“Give it half an hour and it'll be all over his dick too,” Owen grumbled, just loud enough for everyone to here.
“Owen!” Tosh shouted smacking his arm. He winced, winking at Tosh, obviously enjoying himself.
Jack shrugged. “He's probably right.”
Ianto waggled his eyebrows and grinned, not saying anything.
Rhys took a sip of his drink. “You lot take some getting used to.”
“They're doing it on purpose,” Gwen said sourly, glaring around the table. “They could at least try to behave for one night.”
“Sorry, Rhys. Behaving isn't one of my strong points,” Jack pointed out.
Tosh shook her head smiling ruefully, “Forgive us. It's been a while since we've been out.
“Don't look at me. I'll behave when I'm dead,” Owen said from across the table.
“Sorry. Just having a bit of fun,” Ianto added, not looking sorry at all.
A new song started and a teeth rattling beat thundered through the pub.
“Let's dance!” Tosh shouted. “I want to misbehave some more” She stood, dragging a grumbling Owen to his feet and they moved off into the crowd.
Rhys stood and took Gwen's hand. Ianto nudged Jack and glanced at Rhys's arse appreciatively. Jack whistled and Gwen whipped her head around, glaring at Ianto. He gave her an innocent smile and then blatantly looked Rhys over again. Her eyes flashed and her face turned scarlet as Rhys guided her onto the dance floor behind him. Jack laughed and pulled Ianto in for a quick kiss and they melted into the crowd following the other couples.
* * * *
“Come on,” Jack whispered into Ianto's ear, “we don't have leave, we can just go to the SUV. We'll come back.” He had an arm across Ianto's shoulder and was all but sitting on his lap.
The corner's of Ianto's mouth twitched. Turning his head, he caught Jack's lips in a quick kiss. Sliding a hand under the table, he gave Jack's cock a squeeze through his trousers, “Let's go.”
Jack abruptly stood. “We'll be back in a little while.”
Ianto tried to look sheepish but failed utterly. He nodded around the table, catching Tosh's eye and winking. Catching hold of the back of Jack's coat, he followed him through the crowd.
Her voice petulant, Gwen said, “I thought we were going out as a group?”
“Are they always like this?” Rhys asked looking embarrassed.
“They never stop!” Gwen cried. “This goes on all bloody day every bloody day!”
“Gwen...” Tosh said, giving her a meaningful look.
Owen pulled out his phone. “Dammit! Off by four minutes!” The others all looked at him like he was mad. “What? Like I was the only one that expected it.”
Jack led Ianto through the front door into the cool night air. Telling the doorman that they'd be back, he let Ianto get a step ahead and practically chased him around the corner of the building, laughing and grabbing at him. He shoved Ianto up against the pub, pinning him with his body and soundly kissing him, soft tongue exploring his mouth. Ianto's arms snaked around Jack's neck, hands threading through his hair. He collapsed into his embrace.
A shoe scuffed the walk and someone asked, “What are you?”
The voice had a hissing, sibilant quality that raised the hackles on the back of Jack's neck, cutting through the fog that enveloped his brain. Jack spun, stepping between Ianto and the couple standing between them and the street. The man was dark-haired, dressed as a mime in a black and white shirt stripped shirt and the woman was a blonde, wearing a jester's hat and tight purple t-shirt.
“What did you say?” Jack asked sharply.
“Not you,” the woman hissed. “The other one. Itss smellsss wonderful.”
The man cocked his head to the side sniffing the air and hissed, “Deliciouss!”
They stepped towards Jack and Ianto, the female hissing, “We wantss it.”
Jack staying between them and Ianto said, “You'd better leave -”
The man reached out, grabbing Jack's shoulder interrupting him. He held onto to Jack for a brief moment, frozen and then shrieked. He stumbled back, drawing his hand against his chest and hissing, “Abomination!”
“Oh shit,” Jack muttered. The man's features melted, nose sinking into his face leaving two slits and pink skin paling to ash white. His hair retreated and his skin formed fine scales, ears shriveling into nubs on the side of its head. Turning, Jack shoved Ianto towards the back of the pub, “Go! Weapons in the SUV!”
The woman's features shifted, becoming pale and reptilian, similar to her companions. Two others had joined them, still wearing human faces.
Ianto ran down the side of the building towards the parking lot with Jack following close behind. As they turned the corner, two more men blocked their way. The closest swung at Ianto, catching him in the stomach, driving the air from his lungs. He collapsed to the ground, curling into the fetal position sucking air and trying not to throw up.
Jack, a step behind, dodged a swing from the other man, coat flaring as he turned round and round lashing out, trying to give Ianto time to regain his feet. Five of them formed a loose circle around him, features all melting and reforming, revealing pale reptilian faces. The female stood back watching, directing the others,still wearing the jester's hat and purple shirt.
Jack had heard rumors of the creatures when he worked for the Time Agency. His colleagues had simply referred to them as Doppelgangers and they were so rare as to be thought a myth. A couple of agents that had claimed to have actually seen one but no one else that he had ever talked to claimed any first hand knowledge. They were rumored to be nomads who sailed the Void, basking in its energy, revering it as if it were a living thing.
Two of the creatures moved in on Jack driving a wedge between him and Ianto. Dodging to the right, he avoided the first but was caught in the jaw by a roundhouse blow from the second. The blow rocked him, knocking him to his knees. He landed hard, next to Ianto but the creature stumbled back, screaming. “Itss burnss,” the creature hissed in its sibilant voice. “Itss isss wrong!”
Ianto rolled to his hands and knees and clambered to his feet. Drawing on his connection to the void, his features darkened and he surged forward, radiating terror. To his surprise they were unaffected by it and three of the creatures surrounded him, separating him from Jack. He hit the closest in the face with a quick open handed punch, knocking it backwards. It landed in a heap, unmoving, at the feet of the female. The other two grabbed at him, catching him by the arms. He stumbled at their touch, a wave of dizziness crashing over him leaving him weak, barely able to stand.
“Enough!” the female called, “End thiss. Kill the abomination. Take thiss one.”
Shaking his head, Jack tried to regain his feet. “Ianto, get away -”. The creature in the striped shirt, the first one to label him 'abomination', reached behind its back with a scale covered hand and drew a pistol. The shot struck Jack in the temple, his lifeless body toppling to the ground in a heap.
“NO!” Ianto shouted tearing himself from his captor's grasp and reaching for Jack. Fire lanced through his skull as hard blow struck him in the back of the head. He saw blood pooling under Jack's lifeless body on the concrete walk and then he knew only darkness.
tbc