10
Ford let them formulate, speculate and generally make childish plans.
He was touched that they were trying and afraid for them, what if one of them was hurt?
He quietly spoke to Jack in the safety of their bed.
"You know they will need to try" Jack said softly, rubbing circles on his back, "They will need to feel like they are doing something worthy for you."
"Staying alive would be worthy enough" Ford grumped, then sighed softly as he heard his own voice.
"It's OK" Jack assured him, "You think I don't know that you will leave them in the dust rather than let them come along."
"Come along?" Ford raised an eyebrow, "Like you are?"
"I have the flappiest coat!" Jack pouted and Ford snorted softly.
"I don't want you in danger" he whispered in the dark.
"I don't want you in danger either" came the reply.
Ford was drifting, almost asleep when he felt it.
His hackles rising.
He reached out and touched Jack, finding him awake as well, laying still as he listened to the flat.
A floorboard creaked.
Both men moved with silent grace as they rolled off their respective sides of the bed, feet sliding into slippers as they moved towards the door.
Jack watched with open awe as Ford crouched and began to transform, his face elongating as his body hunched and twisted.
A creature rose.
Unlike the werewolves, Ianto was tall enough to stoop at the doorway, Jack sure that if fully erect, he would touch the ceiling. His fur was not black, more of a dark blue and it glistened as though it was wet. He looked almost catlike, like a feline version of a wolf, somehow delicate and lean.
He was beautiful.
There was no time to admire as another creak was in the hallway, the first intersection in the den.
Jack stood back, letting Ford take the lead as he padded forward on all fours, scenting the air.
He stopped.
He crouched, belly low as he stalked forward again. Then to Jack's immense delight, Ford pounced.
The scream was high pitched and another voice yelled as Jack spun around the corner to set his gunsights on a small man with short hair and a cane.
Jack relaxed and looked over at his mate, still holding his brother down as he growled into his face.
Sherlock had the decency to at least try to look sorry.
Finally, Ford released him and Sherlock sat up with a groan.
"You are bigger than me!" Sherlock grumbled, "That hurt!"
Ford snarled, then turned and headed back to the bedroom as Jack continued to eyeball the small hobbit-like man.
"John Watson, this is Jack Harkness" Sherlock said absently waving a hand between them as he looked after his brother.
Both men snapped at the same time.
"Captain."
"Doctor"
Jack blinked, then laughed.
Owen was going to eat him alive.