Keep Dreaming

Saved by the Bell - Tosh's POV

Owen, Jack and I had just walked into the pub. It was the same pub we went to, without fail, any time we went out. I didn't mind it, though - I quite liked the routine. Even though it was a bit of a ramshackle, rundown, greasy pub.
We took our usual spot in the corner, and I sat in my usual spot on the tired and cracked red leather sofa.
Owen always sat opposite me.
Part of me wanted to believe that it was because he secretly found me interesting and wanted to hear what I had to say - but the logical part of me persisted in reminding me that it was because that was the seat beside Gwen's.
I looked up at Owen and gave him a small smile.
"So,"
I began.
"Erin seems quite nice, don't you think?"
Owen scoffed and rolled his eyes, slumping further back in his chair to look as uninterested as possible. I could feel myself deflate slightly, even though it wasn't like he had insulted me: I guess I was just reminded that he wasn't the sweet version of Owen that I had him chalked up to be in my head.
I gathered myself and turned toward Jack, mustering a small smile.
"Well, I think she seems lovely. Nice work, Jack."
Jack laughed and ran a hand through his hair.
"Well, I made anything but "nice work" of getting her here this morning-"
I winced as I remembered the tale that Ianto had recounted to me.
"- but hopefully it'll all work out."
I smiled at him reassuringly.
"I'm sure it will. Everyone seems to really like her..."
I paused momentarily as I realised that this was most certainly not true, what with Ianto thinking she was trying to kill him, and Owen holding something against her for - seemingly - no reason.
"Oh. Well, most of us."
At this, Jack shifted uncomfortably and cleared his throat, while Owen's head shot up to give me a disapproving look. I felt my face flush as a wave of awkwardness washed over me. I focused my gaze on the table and tried not to focus on how red I probably looked at this moment in time, in case I became more red from the mere thought. I momentarily contemplated going to the bathroom to text Gwen, telling her to hurry up - when I heard the bell on the pub door's tinny jingling sound and saw a mop of shiny black hair peeking through. I've never been particularly religious, but I silently thanked whoever was up there for the perfect timing.
We all heard a groan from Owen as he saw Erin with Gwen, but made the unanimous decision to ignore it, as you would with a bratty teenager. I saw Gwen usher Erin over to the table and silently begged for them to get over faster. When they arrived, Gwen made herself comfortable, slouching into her usual seat and slinging her keys onto the table; Erin, however, seemed stiff and awkward. She hastily glanced at all the chairs to try and find an empty seat. I managed to catch her eye to indicate that she could sit beside me. The spot beside me on the sofa  was empty - for now - because of Ianto's current circumstances. She gave me a small, almost-sheepish smile, and sidled over, perching at the edge of the sofa.
Owen cackled at her nervous disposition.
"It's alright love, we don't bite."
Gwen looked beyond tired of Owen's bullshit.
"Oh, piss off Owen."
"Ooh. Scratch what I said, she does bite."
He leaned in towards her.
"It's pretty sexy, though."
He hummed, just loud enough for us to make out. I found myself involuntarily grimacing, repulsed by his vulgarity (although, I am ashamed to admit that some gross, deprived part of me wished it was me he was saying that to).
As for Gwen, she looked like she had to physically restrain herself from scratching the skin off Owen's face as her own face turned red with anger. Jack watched all of this unfold with a raised eyebrow. I intervened, feeling suddenly ill from a combination of Owen's comment and the tension in the room.
"I was just going to the bar. Gwen, Erin, will you come up with me?"
Gwen snatched her purse off the table and stood up abruptly.
"Lovely. Jack, do y'want anything?"
"I'd have a straight vodka, thanks Gwen. Next one's on me, though."
He smiled, patting her arm. Erin and I shimmied off the leather sofa and went to go after Gwen, who had already made a beeline for the bar.
"Oi, what about me?"
I heard Owen's voice whine. My brain began spinning, trying desperately to come up with a smart retort in response. I had almost come up with one - just as Erin's voice piped up.
"I'm inclined to do things for people I care about - give me a good reason to care about you and I'll think about it."
She turned promptly on her heel. I stood in utter shock for a moment, gaze flitting between Erin and Owen. Owen looked just as dumbfounded, and Jack looked like he was trying to hold in a laugh. After a moment, I nodded decidedly and followed after Erin. I felt a swell of emotion inside and giggled to myself; I think Erin and I were going to get along well.