m_findlow

Title: Dispensing with the formalities
Fandom: Torchwood
Characters: Jack, Ianto
Author: m_findlow
Rating: PG
Length: 500 words
Content notes: none
Author notes: Written for Challenge 456 - After party at slashthedrabble
Summary: Jack has big plans for celebrating this very special occasion.

Jack knew Ianto didn't like to make a fuss or, more to the point, didn't like a fuss being made over him. Still, there was little Jack could do about it. Besides, it wasn't every day your boyfriend was awarded the George Cross, and it was hard to turn down the Queen when she requested your presence.

Jack had almost been driven mad by the hours Ianto spent getting ready, pulling out this shirt and that tie, lying them on the bed and staring at them, before pulling a face and putting them back.

'Just wear whatever makes you feel comfortable,' Jack said, having not dressed up himself except for donning a vest and his faithful pocketwatch. 'I'm taking you out afterwards.'

The idea of a night out with Jack seemed to settle some of his nerves, finally selecting a deep purple shirt.

'Good choice,' Jack grinned, thinking how hot he'd look once Jack had stripped off his accompanying jacket and tie.

The ceremony itself at Buckingham Palace was enjoyable, and Ianto was, as expected, the most humble of recipients. "For acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger," the Queen had recited, carefully pinning the medallion to his breast. Jack had never felt prouder. It was what Ianto did every single day, but now he was being properly recognised for it.

They mingled and chatted afterwards with dignitaries and royalty, sipping champagne and nibbling canapés. Now this was definitely more Ianto's scene than Jack's. He couldn't wait to pull Ianto away, politely making their leave so that they could enjoy what was left of the night.

'Time to go?' Prince Harry asked, shaking Jack's hand and grinning at him.

'Yep.'

Harry clapped Ianto on the shoulder, before unpinning his medal, setting it back in its box.

'You don't want to accidentally lose that,' he said, 'and it's not like you'll need it to pull tonight.'

Ianto frowned, confused.

'The boys are downstairs, Jack,' Harry said.

'Right, let's go then.'

Ianto grabbed Jack's hand, stopping him. 'I thought we were going out for dinner to celebrate?'

Jack chuckled. 'Not exactly. I mean, we most definitely are celebrating, but I had something else in mind.'

Downstairs were a dozen young men, plus the Prince. Ianto recognised some from the ceremony, though having changed out of their military garb for civilian clothes. To look at them you wouldn't have picked them for George Cross recipients.

'Time to go and paint the town red, Ianto,' Jack grinned, tugging off Ianto's jacket. 'We're going to party like it's 2009.'

'Thanks, but I've done the London party scene,' Ianto replied, trying to worm his way out. He still remembered those days, and nights where he'd gotten so mulletted that his hangover didn't kick in until six pm the following evening.

'Trust me, Ianto. You haven't done the London party scene until you've done it with me and the Royal Family. This is one night you'll never forget.'