2
The takeaways were unmolested and still hot so Jack scooped them up as he walked calmly towards Ianto's flat.
Ford caught up in those long easy strides of his.
"You followed me!" he accused.
"I brought food" Jack held up the bag, "I didn't mean to, I just … you know I'm a nosey bugger."
"Yes" Ford sighed softly, "I do know you Cariad."
"So Andy?" Jack asked gleefully, "Who else is lurking beneath the surface?"
"Nobody I would tell you about" Ford laughed easily, "You would just want a furry orgy!"
"Well …" Jack considered, "Yeah. But still, so many secrets dearest."
"Yes." Ford said.
One syllable.
End of.
Jack decided the best change of subject was for another of Ford's favorites, food.
"I got lots, hope you're hungry" Jack waited while Ford unlocked the door and let them into the flat.
Jack walked in and turned to find Ford still on the threshold, hesitating.
"Babe?"
Jack frowned, then dropped the food on the coffee table.
"It'll get cold if you dilly dally Ianto!" Jack said jokingly as he tried not to show any fear.
Jack let his eyes adjust to the dark flat and started to sweep the corners as he walked casually to the kitchen.
He felt it too.
Ford took a step into the flat and closed the door, placing his back against it.
Jack collected plates, fizzy drinks and napkins.
He turned and saw what Ford saw.
The figure was blending with the sofa, invisible until you had the street light shining through the window to cause the silhouette he now saw.
The figure rose and stepped towards Ford and Jack dropped everything.
He didn't hear the loud smashing plates.
He didn't hear the fizzy bounce then roll.
He didn't hear the click of his own gun's safety as he raised it from it holster.
All he heard was his mate's whisper.
"Brother?"