m_findlow

Title: Fight for your right to party
Fandom: Torchwood
Characters/Pairings: Jack, Ianto, Owen
Word Count: 500 words
Rating: PG
Notes: Written for Prompt 2 - Office Party at adventchallenge

'Why can't we just go to pub like we do every other year?' Owen complained. Office Christmas parties suck.

Ianto smiled at Owen. How could he even begin to explain it? This was all Jack's idea. He could still remember that very first conversation they'd had, about how Jack found offices exotic and interesting. Ianto hated to burst his bubble. Offices were boring, but Jack seemed to think that anything domestic and ordinary was far more exciting than in reality. Perhaps that's what he should get Jack for Christmas. A four week internship at some horribly average insurance company. The drudgery of it all would have him appreciating the excitement and variety that Torchwood had to offer, not to mention the quality of the coffee.

'Jack wants to have it here this year.'

'Oh, because we don't spend enough time stuck here?' Owen groaned. 'Well, all I can say is that you'd better have some bloody good booze on hand.'

And there was the rub. Not only had Jack decided on the venue, but he'd also taken all of the organisation of the event out of Ianto's very capable hands.

'I've been googling what people eat and drink at office parties,' Jack told him. 'Sausage rolls, party pies, those little curry puff things. A quick trip to Tescos ought to do it.'

Ianto wanted to tell him that he knew half a dozen restaurants that could handle the catering. He'd imagined something a little bit more upmarket. 'I can arrange the food.'

'No need, Ianto. I've got it all in hand,' he said, making a few more notes on a list he was making. He looked up. 'By the way, do you think we could make some paper chains tonight?'

'What do we need paper chains for? You already have the entire hub decked out in tinsel and fairy lights.'

'I know, but offices have paper chain decorations. We've got some of that coloured copy paper, don't we?'

Ianto sighed. 'I'm sure I can find some.'

'We'll need scissors and glue as well.' He turned back to his computer. 'I've just been reading up on all these different games people play. There's this one called celebrity heads, where you have to guess which celebrity you are using only yes and no questions; then there's limbo, but you have to dress up like Santa with the big stomach and everything, Kris Kringle gift exchange, guess the baby photo, and I was thinking about a karaoke machine. Who needs Christmas carols when you've got Katy Perry?'

Ianto wanted to stop him. If not for his own sake then for everyone else's. Jack's enthusiasm over Christmas was going to end in tears. 'Can I at least help you in the drinks department?'

'Yes,' Jack replied. 'That's reminds me to add plastic cups and paper plates to my list, but if you could organise drinks, that would be great.'

Ianto knew he was going to have to buy very strong alcohol this year.