Chapter Summary
Sherlock settles into life with John + Angst at a cafe
CHAPTER 2: The Cafe
For the next few days, Sherlock gradually grew accustomed to John's routine. He'd get up around eight, have breakfast, tap away at his laptop for an hour, watch some telly, read a bit, then make lunch. After lunch, he liked going for a walk, usually at a park or somewhere quiet where there wasn't a lot of people around. John said it helped him think and sort his thoughts out. Sometimes on his way home he'd stop at the supermarket to get groceries. After that, he'd come home, clean the flat a bit, maybe help Mrs. Hudson with some repairs if any were needed, then set about making dinner. Once the dishes were washed and put away, he'd settle down for more telly, check his emails, and shower before heading to bed around ten or eleven.
It was a simple schedule and Sherlock quickly adapted himself to it. He got up just a bit before John would, making breakfast and having it all ready for John by the time he comes out of the bathroom dressed and washed. The doctor had told him it wasn't necessary, he could sleep in if he wants, but Sherlock enjoyed cooking for John. It felt nice to do something for the man, and the rewarding smile and praise he got always sent a thrill of pleasure through Sherlock. They took turns making lunch and dinner, however, and John had been impressed with the large variety of meals Sherlock could prepare.
John found he had a lot more free time with Sherlock around. The hybrid would help clean the flat as he tapped away on his blog, or when he's cooking, although he stayed away from the vacuum. He hated it, the sound too loud for his sensitive ears, so whenever John brought it out Sherlock would scurry upstairs to the spare bed room to hide.
Watching telly had proven an unusual experience with Sherlock around as the hybrid would roll his eyes and make remarks under his breath. It amused John beyond words the things his hybrid could pick up on. A misplaced thread, a subtle twitch, the heaviness of makeup, it seemed no detail escaped Sherlock's eyes, and he could deduce the meaning behind every one. Before now, Sherlock was mostly confined to crawling, the most he could see of others were from below the knees. He had had to deduce things about humans based on their voice, their smell, their touch if they touched him and whatever part of them he could see. Now with the option of watching telly with John, and going on walks with the doctor, Sherlock was able to fully flex his deductive skills. He seemed so happy at the chance to show off that several times John had taken him out to sit on a park bench for an hour or two, just letting his hybrid rattle on about the passerbys. This man was having an affair, that woman just got a new job, these boys are on a trip from Cardiff, that elderly couple had just bought a house out in Sussex. It never failed to make John smile, hearing how Sherlock came to these conclusions and he marveled at the intelligence of his hybrid. Surely with such a brilliant brain like that Sherlock's skills could be put to more productive use than entertaining John, and he wondered if Sherlock had ever thought about a job where he could make use of his skills. Probably not, the hybrid probably never considered he'd ever have a chance to work anywhere...except a hybrid house.
Initially John kept the walks short for Sherlock to get used to walking around. Gradually, he noticed the hybrid dragging his feet when they were heading home and allowed the walks to last longer and longer. Sherlock really seemed to enjoy being outside. He mentioned that he so rarely got the chance before, and now he seemed determined to make up for it. Everything held interest for the tall hybrid, the wind through the leaves, the bustle of the city, the cars racing by, the clouds floating in the sky. Whenever they went walking, as John walked along the paths, Sherlock would bound off, exploring. He never went far, and always within sight of the doctor, but he'd attempt to chase birds, or sniff the grass, or pull down leaves to examine. One time John had even caught him climbing a tree that had low hanging branches, trying to poke at a bird's nest to see if anything was inside.
Aside from listening to his deductions, John loved having Sherlock try new foods. After every walk, John would take Sherlock somewhere for a quick snack before they headed home. He liked sweets, cakes, tarts, ice cream all made him mewl happily, his tail flicking back and forth behind him as he ate. John did feel bad when there were other hybrids around, most of whom were stuck curled up at their owner's feet, but he couldn't do anything. Sherlock often got a distant look in his eyes when he saw those hybrids, probably remembering his own experiences, and it made John's heart squeeze painfully whenever he spotted that expression on his hybrid. At those times, John would move himself close to Sherlock and pull him down for a hug, silently reassuring Sherlock that things are different now. John found that the best way to calm Sherlock down if something upset him was just a simple touch, a hug, his fingers stroking through the silky hair, or even just a brush of his hand against the hybrid's. Sherlock seemed to latch onto him to ground himself and John felt an unspeakable joy knowing that Sherlock trusted him enough for that.
"Yoohoo, boys, I baked some biscuits for you!"
The sing song voice drifted from the stairs as Mrs. Hudson appeared at the threshold. She peeked her head into the living room and smiled as she spotted John sitting on the sofa with Sherlock curled up beside him, head in his lap. Seeing her, the hybrid pushed himself up, blushing.
"Oh, cheers, Mrs. Hudson. Sherlock was just telling me how much he enjoyed your sweets."
The woman laughed and set the tray of biscuits down on the coffee table, patting Sherlock on the head fondly. His cheeks reddened even more but smiled shyly at her. He liked her, Mrs. Hudson, she talked to him like John did, gently and without any trace of disdain. Several times she had dropped by to bring up snacks or tea for them and it was clear she was enjoyed mothering John and now Sherlock.
"Well that's awfully kind of you, Sherlock. I've heard from John you're quite the cook, you'll have to teach me some of your recipes some time," she gave the hybrid a wink.
Sherlock's smile widened and he nodded enthusiastically.
"O-oh, yes, OK, I mean...if John doesn't mind," he glanced over at his owner, feeling relieved to see the doctor was smiling at them.
So far they hadn't been apart anymore than absolutely necessary, and Sherlock's not sure he's ready to go anywhere without John, but maybe, someday in the future, maybe...
"Sure, yeah, that's a great idea. Sherlock's meat pies are absolutely delicious, Mrs. Hudson, way better than any I've ever eaten at any restaurant."
Sherlock's hands fidgeted in his lap and his ears twitched in embarrassment. He wasn't used to being praised so much although it did make him feel good that John's happy with something he can do.
Mrs. Hudson stayed for a bit longer, chattering away with them before she made her way back down the stairs. John picked up one of the biscuits and held it up to Sherlock's lips, smiling as the hybrid took a bite without any hesitation. Even though Sherlock had gotten used to eating at a table and no longer tried kneeling on the floor, he still enjoyed it a lot when John would feed him. It brought all of the doctor's attention on him, and when John cuddled him on the sofa to feed him Sherlock could let himself be surrounded by John's smell, his touch, everything. The short haired man had sensed his hybrid's preference to be fed instead of having to eat on his own, so he tried to indulge Sherlock as much as he could. Truth be told, he too enjoyed those times when he had an arm around the hybrid, watching the pretty mouth eat the food he offered.
The biscuits were still warm, fresh out of the oven. Sherlock purred softly as he swallowed, opening his mouth for more. John pulled him into his lap, continuing to feed him and eating a few himself.
"My therapist was telling me that I should start looking for a job soon. Get back into working again. Do you think that'd be OK? If I started working?"
John's words made Sherlock mewl in distress. John, gone for hours every day? He'd be all alone, what would happen? What if someone comes to try and take him away? With his previous owner it had been a relief when he left him alone, a chance to recover, but Sherlock didn't want to be away from John and especially for hours at a time. Sherlock's slender fingers gripped John's shirt tightly, afraid to say what he's really thinking, but hoping desperately that John would understand.
The doctor had expected the reaction and he calmly placed his hand over Sherlock's, leaning forward to press a sweet kiss to Sherlock's ear.
"Hey, hey, it's OK. It was just a thought. If you're not ready to be on your own then I don't have to. It's OK, Sherlock."
The hybrid wrapped his arms around John's torso and pressed himself against the man, burying his face against his neck. The move caused John to shiver, feeling Sherlock's warm breath breeze over the sensitive skin. He gently stroked over the hybrid's back, feeling the bumps and grooves along his spine even through the material of Sherlock's shirt. The doctor settled back into the sofa, letting himself sink into the cushions.
After a few minutes of silence, John suddenly felt the press of soft lips against his throat. It was so soft that he thought he had imagined it at first, but then Sherlock shifted in his lap to reach easier. It was tentative, unsure, the same way Sherlock did anything he wasn't quite positive he was allowed to do. His mouth moved a bit, kissing up along John's neck lightly, not daring to press too hard. As he starts mouthing along the short haired man's jaw, John made a small noise.
Surprised, the doctor pulled back a bit so he can look down at the hybrid's face. Sherlock's ears and tail were tense as he cautiously gazed up, eyes darting over John's face.
"Sherlock?" John's voice was curious, but he carefully made sure it held no hint of disapproval.
The hybrid dropped his head, his hands fidgeting in John's shirt.
"I...I want to thank you...for, um, well for everything," vaguely Sherlock motioned towards the flat.
Everything that John's done for him, the way he treats him, the way he goes out of his way to ensure Sherlock's comfort, the hybrid wanted the doctor to know how much he appreciates it. He wanted to do something for John too, anything, and this was the only thing that came to mind. What else could he do? He didn't have anything else to offer besides his body. Sherlock knew John wasn't adverse to him being male or a hybrid. He had noticed the slight dilation of the doctor's pupils sometimes when they sat in front of the fireplace. He could hear the slightly irregular beating of John's heart sometimes if he pressed his sensitive ears against the man's chest. A few times he had discretely taken John's pulse when they held hands, and if Sherlock pressed a little closer, or breathed lightly over John's neck, he could feel it speeding up. Sherlock's pretty sure even John didn't know he was exhibiting the signs, but clearly the doctor's body wasn't disgusted by Sherlock or his touch. If John wanted him, then Sherlock's willing to submit. After everything John's done for him, it was the least he could offer in return.
John was torn between a flood of emotions. He felt moved that Sherlock would offer himself, but sad that Sherlock would consider using his own body as a way of showing thanks, along with anger and disgust at the bastards who had made Sherlock feel this was OK and expected just because John had shown the hybrid some kindness.
He swallowed, trying to wet his suddenly dry throat. The doctor knew he had to take this carefully. It wasn't that he wouldn't be willing, but not like this.
Physically, Sherlock was beautiful, his pale skin almost ethereal at times, the mess of curls on his head soft and contrasting beautifully against his skin. Sometimes Sherlock would ruffle his hands through it, messing it up even more than usual and John found it most endearing. His eyes were sharp, observant, widening in wonder or narrowing in thought. He was tall, lean, cutting a striking figure wherever they went. His ears were sleek, the fur shining when the light hits, complemented by the sleek tail that flicked and or swished behind him, communicating his mood. Then there were his hands, expressive when he talked, fingers slim and long. John loved when those fingers clung to him, or when they held hands. Sherlock's hands were large, much more so than his own, and always so warm. When Sherlock would squeeze his hand John always felt a little thrill run through him.
If Sherlock had shown interest in him out of his own free will, then John would certainly have returned his advances, but presently Sherlock was doing this out of a sense of repayment and probably obligation, as pet to owner. No, John couldn't take advantage of that.
Gently, John placed a hand under Sherlock's chin to make sure he could see those beautiful eyes. He didn't want to make the hybrid feel like he was rejecting him, but he needed to make it clear that Sherlock should not consider his body as a something to be used in such a way.
"Sherlock, listen to me. You are amazing, intelligent and beautiful. So please, don't ever use your body like that, for any reason. Don't let people touch you for any reason except if you want it, if you desire that person to, OK? You're too precious to be used like that."
Sherlock's brows furrowed uncomprehendingly.
"But...I want you to, John. I don't mind if you touch me."
John smiled, trying to think of a way to get Sherlock to understand.
"But you want me to touch you because you want to repay me, yeah?"
The hybrid nodded in response.
"Sherlock, there are other ways of repayment. Your body should not be used in exchange for something."
Sherlock worried his bottom lip between his teeth, trying to grasp what John was saying.
"But...but I don't have any other way to repay you..."
The blue eyes dropped sadly as his voice quieted to a soft whisper. It nearly broke John's heart to watch and he tightened his arms around his hybrid, hugging him close.
"Oh, Sherlock, don't be silly. Of course you do, you've been doing it all along. Having you here has already been wonderful, the days are more interesting and even Mrs. Hudson and my therapist have noticed my mood getting better. That's all you, Sherlock, you and that brilliant mind of yours."
Sherlock felt even more confused. He didn't recall doing anything in particular that could be considered repayment, and yet here was John telling him how wonderful he was. The praises fell from John's lips so easily when Sherlock almost never received them before, the doctor really did make him baffled sometimes. Slowly, Sherlock settled against John once more, mind still going over everything John had said.
"So...you don't want to have sex with me?"
The doctor pressed a soft kiss to his hair.
"What I want is only half the equation, Sherlock. The other half is you. Maybe one day, if you really want to with me, not for repayment or any other purpose except because you want me, then we'll see."
John smiled down and let his lips brush against Sherlock's temple.
"For now, though, we should let you heal up. You still have those bruises, remember? And I still have lots of food I need you to try. Anything in particular you want after our walk today?"
The distraction tactic worked and Sherlock immediately latched on to the idea of more yummy food for him to experiment, rambling on about the choices he had.
...
...
The afternoon air was cool, ripe with the scent of rain. It looked like a storm was coming and will probably hit in the evening.
John sat at the little table in the cafe, drinking a cup of coffee as he watched Sherlock across from him. They had decided on some cheesecake for an after-walk snack, and John drank his usual coffee while Sherlock tried a cafe latte. John hid a grin behind his cup when Sherlock hissed at his own drink after taking a tentative sip. His tongue was more sensitive than humans but in his haste to try things he often neglected to let his food cool enough. Sherlock growled and glared at the drink as if it was the most offending thing in the world at the moment, his ears flatted and tail tense. John used a cough to cover up his laugh as he reached over and took the cup, blowing over the surface to help it cool faster.
After a minute he set it back down in front of Sherlock and watched in amusement as the hybrid cautiously tried to drink it again. It seemed the temperature was more to his liking this time and he happily took a bigger gulp.
"Mm, it's good. A bit thicker in texture too, from the added milk I imagine, and not as bitter as the coffee. Although it's still...bitter."
John smiled, the hybrid really didn't care for the bitter drinks and had dumped in a few spoonfuls of sugar to his coffee when he first tried it to sweeten it. He nudged over the little jar of sugar sitting on the table and Sherlock grabbed it in delight, adding some to his drink once more.
Being with Sherlock made John appreciate the things he so often took for granted. He didn't realize how many luxuries he had, even simple things like being able to buy the food he liked, getting to eat and sleep whenever he wanted to, enjoying the fresh air at his own convenience, he never thought about the hybrids that lived among them who were deprived of these choices. It struck John as extremely shocking that Sherlock never complained about the treatment he got from past owners. He would tell John what they did if the doctor asked, but only stating them as facts, as if that was just the way things were and although he clearly disliked it he accepted it. Never did he ask why were humans allowed to treat their pets in such ways, or as a matter of fact, why were hybrids considered pets in the first place. If anyone ever tried treating John in such a way he knew he certainly wouldn't tolerate it and would fight tooth and nail until either he stopped breathing or the other person did, but then, perhaps that was just what hybrids were conditioned to believe. Ever since their birth they are simply taught that this was the way things were and that's that. One of those, 'life is unfair, deal with it' situations.
A gasp of delight from Sherlock drew John out of his thoughts. He looked over and saw that the hybrid had taken his first bite of his cheesecake and was staring at his plate like he had struck gold.
"Sherlock? Everything all right?"
The sharp ears twitched and immediately his tail started swinging behind him in excitement.
"John! John this is astonishingly delicious!" He took another bite and John actually saw his eyes flutter with delight.
"Yeah? Well good, I'm glad you like it so much."
Sherlock finished his piece in record time and sat back in his chair, patting his stomach.
"We can get a few slices to take home. Maybe Mrs. Hudson can teach you how to make some yourself," John smiled at the hybrid.
Sherlock was more or less purring as he drank the rest of his latte feeling refreshed from their walk and now quite content with his snack. John reached over the table and wiped a few crumbs from the corner of his hybrid's mouth, thinking how adorable Sherlock looked when he got excited, like watching a child explore a new world around them for the first time.
After resting a bit longer, the two got up to leave. John went up to the counter to get some extra slices of cheesecake to take home when suddenly he heard a loud crash behind him. He jerked around and saw Sherlock standing, half turned towards a man who appeared to have came up behind the hybrid. Behind the man, a male hybrid followed on hands and knees, trying to cower back from the commotion as much as his leash would allow. Sherlock's expression was one of shocked horror, while the man looked livid with rage. Within seconds John understood what had happened. When Sherlock pushed his chair back to get up the man must have come up behind him causing the hybrid to crash into him. Fortunately the man hadn't been holding anything hot, but unfortunately it looked like he had had a sandwich and drink which were now spilled all on the floor.
Before anyone could react, the man had brought his hand down across Sherlock's cheek causing the hybrid to fall back with a pained cry, crashing into the table and falling to the ground.
"You stupid animal, look what you've done! Why are you standing? Know your place, get on the floor!"
Immediately John rushed over, he grabbed the man's arm just as he lifted it for a second strike. With a quick flick of his wrist the doctor pinned the arm behind the man, almost growling as he twisted it until the man let out an angry roar.
"Shut up. It was just a sandwich and drink, I'll pay for them. How dare you raise a hand against my hybrid? Apologize."
The man gave a huff of disbelief, turning his head and glaring at John.
"Who the hell are you? Apologize to it? Are you crazy?! Get off me before I call the police!"
John snarled and pressed against the arm harder.
"I. Said. Apologize."
The man yelped and John took the chance to kick his leg out from under him, bringing him down on his knees hard.
"You're going to break my arm! FINE! I'm sorry, all right?! Fuck, let me go you crazy lunatic!"
John released him and calmly stood, walking over to Sherlock. The hybrid hadn't moved from where he had fallen, cradling his cheek and looking terrified. John gently placed a hand on his back and the other covered the hand Sherlock had over his cheek.
"Sherlock? Are you OK?"
The doctor's voice seemed to snap the hybrid out of his terror and he blinked, eyes immediately filling with tears. He scurried back away from John's touch and lowered himself down on his hands and knees, head lowered and visibly shaking.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, I'm sorry, please, please, forgive me..."
The apologies fell from his lips and slammed into John. By now everyone in the cafe was watching, some whispering to one another. It made it even worse, Sherlock having all these humans watching him. John was at a loss, what could he do? If he tried to touch Sherlock again, it might just make things worse, but he was not having Sherlock crawl out of here. He will physically pick Sherlock up and carry him back to the flat if he had to, but he was not having the hybrid crawl. Just as John was about to throw caution to the wind and attempt to lift the hybrid when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked back and saw the sales clerk from the cafe. She gave him a sympathetic smile and leaned down to whisper in his ear.
"Bring him to the back, it'll be easier to calm him down away from all these people."
John blinked in surprise but quickly smiled gratefully at her before turning back to Sherlock. Carefully, he carded his fingers through the silky hair, pressing a soft kiss against one of his ears.
"Sherlock, come with me, OK? It's going to be OK."
The hybrid didn't say anything, pliantly allowing John to take his hand and pull him up. The clerk directed them around the counter and into the back, showing them a small, empty office they could use. John sat Sherlock down in the chair and crouched down beside him, reaching a hand up to brush his fingers against the reddened cheek. The short haired man looked sadly at his hybrid when they came away wet from tears. Sherlock winced a bit at the touch but didn't react otherwise.
"Sherlock? Sherlock, it's John, can you hear me? Can you say something?"
Silence.
John sighed a bit, frustrated at himself for not knowing what to do. The door to the office opened and the clerk returned, holding a cup of warm tea.
"Here, this might help."
John accepted the drink and gave the girl a questioning look. She smiled at him and shrugged.
"I think it's nice that you treat your hybrid so well. It's rare to see. And I could see your hybrid really likes you a lot. I'm sorry this happened though," she made a motion towards Sherlock who didn't even acknowledge her presence, "I kicked that other guy out, told him we don't serve customers that physically assault other customers."
The doctor stood up and smiled in reply.
"Thank you. I'll pay for any damages you got."
She waved away his offer, shaking her head.
"Nah, no worries. You just take care of him, he seems like an interesting hybrid," she peeked over at Sherlock.
"Yeah, he is. An absolute genius," John turned back to Sherlock as he talked.
He placed one hand at the base of the hybrid's neck, massaging gently as his other hand brought the tea up, tasting it a bit to check the temperature before bringing it to Sherlock's lips.
"Sherlock, will you drink some tea for me? Just a little bit."
Automatically the hybrid's mouth opened and allowed John to pour some of the beverage into his mouth. He didn't say anything nor did his expression change as he swallowed.
John sighed and put the cup down on the desk. He moved to face Sherlock directly, cupping his hands around the hybrid's jaw. He felt a chill at how empty Sherlock's eyes looked, the usual excitement and curiosity completely gone.
"Sherlock, can you hear me? it's John. Please, say something, Sherlock, let me know you're OK."
Silence fell on the room for several minutes. No one moved or said anything. When John was sure Sherlock was just not going to talk, the hybrid's eyes suddenly focused and he seemed to realize it was John's face in front of him. He blinked several times, mouth opening then closing although no sounds came out.
"Sherlock? Sherlock, are you OK?"
"J-John...?"
The hybrid's voice was so soft John almost missed it. He gasped in relief at the recognition in Sherlock's voice and leaned forward to hug him. Behind him, he heard the clerk give a happy little sigh of relief as she quietly slipped out the door again, leaving the two of them alone.
John pulled back from the hug so he can see Sherlock's face again. The hybrid seemed to be slowly coming out of his stupor as he looked around before focusing on the doctor once more.
"The...the man, what happened? Where is this?"
John's let his fingers trail through Sherlock's hair.
"He's gone, don't worry about him. This is an office in the cafe, Sherlock. We're still at the cafe."
Sherlock's gaze turned pleading as his hands suddenly clutched John's shirt.
"J..John...I want to go home...please, can we go home?"
The voice sounded so desperate that the doctor couldn't help enveloping the hybrid in his arms again, as if trying to hide him from all the bad things out there.
"Yes, of course, Sherlock. We'll go home right now."
Sherlock stood up shakily and John took his hand, leading him out of the room. The clerk was putting some dishes away as they came out and she waved, coming over with a small box.
"Here, your cheesecake. I put in a few extra slices."
John nodded and thanked her, asking for her name before they left. Isabelle Daylen. He'll have to come back and thank her properly some time, she really helped them out today.
Sherlock didn't say anything during the exchange, keeping his head down and almost gluing himself to John's side. Once outside, John hailed a cab to take them back to the flat. He was relieved Sherlock seemed to be recovering, but it's going to take some time and lots of care before he can put this episode behind him.
John let Sherlock curl up beside him, petting his hair. He'll be patient. He'll be as patient as Sherlock needs him to be because in those few horrific moments when he thought Sherlock had forgotten him, John suddenly realized how important the hybrid had become to him.
CHAPTER 4 END
Thank you for reading! All comments, reviews and suggestions much loved! 3
