NEXT DAY
Lestrade woke at his usual early time; he got up and went to make breakfast. Sherlock awoke quite early also, his body ready to start the day. He was a little bewildered, once again, by his surroundings, and judging by the duvet half off the bed and himself being wrapped in the double bed sheet, he was very restless during the night. He unwraps himself and pads his way to the kitchen to find Lestrade making breakfast in his pajamas. Lestrade hears him get up and turns to smile, "good morning Sherlock, sleep well?"
"Mmm, yes thanks. Haven't slept in a proper bed for three hundred and ninety two days. Was lovely, thank you." Lestrade blinks but quickly recovers himself, "right well."
He hands Sherlock breakfast. Sherlock looks at the breakfast. More food. Oh well, he thinks to himself, can't hurt. He takes the plate from the Detective and makes his way to the table.
"Thank you Detective Inspector, I haven't been this well fed or had this much food in a very long time. I am very grateful."
"Yeah the thin limbs and the fact that you look like you were about to faint might have tipped me off about that," Sherlock frowns.
"Yes," but Lestrade smiles, "you're not the first drug addict on the street I've seen and definitely not the worst"
"Hmm, I know. But I'm hardly attractive, being so skinny and pale. The state of my clothing doesn't help either."
Lestrade is silent. Hardly attractive? That was not, he realized with a start, how he thought of Sherlock. Mentally shaking himself of those thoughts he looks at Sherlock, "well I'm sure I can get you some new clothes."
"No need to worry, Detective, I have funds I can draw on, I just choose not to. How else do you think I would be able to afford cocaine? I am not partial to trading favours for drugs. But if you would come with me to buy the clothes," Sherlock stuttered, "I would like that… I mean… uh… the company."
Lestrade grins. "Of course, it's been awhile since I've been shopping with anyone. Oh, and call me Greg, please."
"Yes, right. I guess it was a bit awkward me calling you detective all the time! Greg it is then! But… uh… don't you have work?" Sherlock wanted Greg to come with him, his opinion could well prove important when it came to the clothes Sherlock wore. Maybe not so much on the price tag though.
"I'm on two days leave, they had to pay me overtime on the last case and so have given me time off"
"Well that's okay then. Didn't want you to take time off just to look after a recovering homeless drug user." Sherlock felt ashamed, more so than before.
"Why do you always think so little of yourself Sherlock?" Greg asked as he walked over to him.
"Because I am used to others doing the same. I am weathered to it."
"Well I am not one of those people. I do actually think you are worth something, anyone who says differently is a fool"
Sherlock can feel a brush creep up his neck and flourish at his cheeks. "Thanks... I guess" Sherlock said hesitantly. "I'll just… uh… go get dressed now." He wandered off to the guest room, not looking back at Greg. It could not be that he had feelings for Greg, or vise versa for that matter!
Greg didn't move from his spot in the kitchen. He was stunned. Could it be that Sherlock felt that way? About him? He wasn't completely sure he felt that way; he was certainly fond of Sherlock, and protective, but that?
Sherlock got dressed slowly, mulling over the idea of his and Greg's feelings. At least once he had some new clothes he would be able to look for somewhere to live. Having thought that, though, Sherlock was not sure he wanted to leave.
Greg got up and went to get dressed. He knew that soon Sherlock would be moving out and finding his own place. But do I want him to leave? Greg thought. He had to admit to himself, he didn't want Sherlock to go.
Sherlock emerged from the guest room ten minutes later to find Greg leaning against the kitchen counter, tapping away on his phone. Greg looked up when Sherlock entered and smiled, "ready to go?"
"Uh, yeah…sure"
They made their way out of the flat, Greg hailing a cab as soon as they got outside. It pulled up to the curve and he opened the door for Sherlock. "Thanks, Greg." Sherlock sat on the far side of the cab.
"Brompton Road," Sherlock instructs the driver.
Greg nods and relaxes back into the cab. He noticed how far Sherlock sat from him u the cab, still nervous about physical contact he thought. Greg used the silent cab ride to analyze his feelings for Sherlock. He was definitely attracted to the young man. He had always known that he was bisexual, but he was worried that if he made his feelings known to the younger man that he would scare him away.
Meanwhile Sherlock was surprised that Greg did not question their destination. Brompton Rd. was the upper class shopping district, home to Harrods and surrounded by brand name boutiques. Sherlock could almost hear Greg's thoughts whizzing away inside his head. Greg's breath caught slightly when he saw the shops they had stopped at. Sherlock certainly had taste.
"Where to first then?" he asked having paid the driver. Sherlock nodded to Harrods, knowing they had the shirts he liked.
"I've always shopped in this area, having come from a wealthy family. I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."
They passed the guards at the entrance to Harrods and swiftly made their way to the men's section. "Its not that, its just unexpected," Greg replies following Sherlock into Harrods, he can't help himself from staring around having never stepped foot there. Greg accompanies Sherlock to the men's section as he starts to look at clothing. "Okay then," Sherlock replies as he casually walks over to Dolce and Gabana shirts.
"What do you think," he asks Greg, holding up a deep blue silk shirt. "These are the cut I usually buy."
Greg is momentarily speechless. The shirt is a stark contrast against Sherlock's alabaster skin. "I think it looks good. Maybe try it on to make sure it fits..." Greg adds awkwardly trying hard not to appear obvious to the younger man. Sherlock nods and walks over to the shop assistant. He's then ushered into a changing room where he changes swiftly into the blue shirt. Once changed he walks out to the full-length mirror, admiring the colour and cut.
Greg is speechless as he sees Sherlock in the shirt. Christ get a hold of yourself he mutters. Sherlock can see Greg's expression, "so, you approve?" Sherlock chuckles.
"Uh..Yes..yes it looks..um...good," Greg finishes, blushing.
Sherlock smiles and retreats back to the changing room, redressing. He walks back out to Greg "Care to help me choose some other colours?"
"Sure" Greg replies, though he is internally shaking at the thought.
They pick out three more shirts, a lighter blue striped shirt, a white shirt and a dark red shirt. Once they sorted that out Sherlock moved on to suits. "What type of suit do you think Greg? I'd quite fancy buying two."
Greg runs a critical eye over the many suits and finds a dark black one he holds it up for Sherlock. "What do you think?"
"Hmm.. lovely. You have an eye for tailoring. I like a slim legged suit." Sherlock proceeds to try the suit on, as well as another, a velvet suit.
Greg is still unsure what to do, so he stands awkwardly trying to pointedly ignore the stares from the sales assistants. Sherlock tried both suits on, walking out of the dressing room to show Greg both. The reactions were good, to say the least. "I'll just grab a scarf and then we can go. I'll need to pop in to the dry cleaners to get my coat cleaned. A present from my brother, but my most favourite belonging."
"Of course" Greg answers, trying to get the image of Sherlock in a velvet suit out of his head. They walk out of Harrods carrying two large suit bags and two other bags containing all of Sherlock's clothing. He was mostly set, just needed to drop off his coat at the dry cleaner down the road.
Greg hailed another cab, he felt slightly bittersweet now. Sherlock would surely be leaving soon.
"You don't mind if I put this stuff in the guest wardrobe do you Greg?" Sherlock asks hesitantly during the cab journey.
"Of course not Sherlock, who's going to use it?"
"Right. I just didn't want to think myself intruding on your space..."
"No, no its nice having a companion again after the divorce...well its nice having companionship. Again."
Sherlock is happy Greg is speaking his thoughts. "I would love that, but please tell me if I get too hard to handle, now that I am well again" Sherlock smiles... a rare occurrence.
"Don't worry I will" Greg laughs.
"Good."
The cab rolls up to Greg's flat, Sherlock pays the driver and they make their way back upstairs. Greg unlocks the flat and helps Sherlock in with the clothes. Sherlock makes to move the clothes to the guest room, quite happy to get himself settled. Greg goes and makes tea. Sherlock is in the middle of hanging up his clothes and arranging his shoes in the wardrobe when Greg knocks on the door.
"Come in"
Greg enters the guest bedroom, standing in the doorway, "Sherlock I was wondering whether you would uh like to join me for lunch later?"
Sherlock turns around, shirt in hand "Of course! I would love that. Call me when you're ready to go, I'll just finish putting this stuff away"
"Okay," Greg nods and turns around walking out of the bedroom, now where to go he mutters. Sherlock smiles as Greg leaves. Hmmm, he's finally made the first move then. Might as well try on one of these new shirts and suits. Sherlock goes to get changed into one of his new purchases. Greg changes into a casual shirt and jacket, not owning anything particularly fancy. Sherlock comes out of the guest room at around quarter past twelve. He feels much more human in this clothing, much nicer. "Are we ready Greg?"
"Yes,yes," Greg emerges from the kitchen.
"What type of food do you like Sherlock?"
"Any type of food suits me, as long as it's good"
Greg nods, "Okay I have a place you might like"
"Hmm, Soho. Looks promising," Sherlock chuckles looking at Greg.
Greg grinned, "You'll love it"
"I'm glad," Sherlock says as the taxi pulls to a halt.
Greg gets out with Sherlock and they walk up to the restaurant. "This looks very nice indeed. Thank you Greg. I haven't been out to eat in a very long time. And when I did dine out it was always at these ridiculous silver service restaurants. I don't care for someone waiting on you hand and foot." Sherlock takes his seat opposite Greg at a window seat.
"Yes well I can hardly sympathise with you"
"I don't expect you to Greg. I must sound rather snobby. I do apologise." Sherlock looks at the menu "So much to choose from, why don't you order me something"
Greg called a waiter over, "Umm We'll have the lamb cutlets with alioli and herb salad, the cured ham and chicken croquettes, hand made goats cheese with honey and pan fried little Galacian peppers thanks."
"Sounds delicious. I hope it is as good as authentic Spanish tapas"
"Will that be all sir, would you like a candle for your date?" the waiter asked.
Sherlock lets out a small giggle, Greg was flustered what did he say? Sherlock can see Greg is flustered "that would be lovely, thank you."
Greg says nothing, still embarrassed.
"A bottle of your house red also thanks, and that will be all for the moment," he waves the man off. " Greg, are you okay, you seem a bit… Uh… flustered."
"Uh...I'm fine...fine..."
"Right. So, I don't know much about you Greg," lies, "tell me about yourself."
"Uh there's not much to know, I've always worked at Scotland Yard and have only just recently got the position of Detective Inspector. My wife has recently left me, not really that much to know I'm quite dull really."
"Not at all Greg!"
"Your life is probably more interesting"
"That is really dependent on what you find interesting. I've told you already most of the important stuff, everything else in rather boring to be quite honest." Sherlock doesn't like talking about himself.
Greg could sense that Sherlock was reluctant to talk so he changed the topic. "So what about I dunno girlfriends, boyfriends?"
"Well it's been a while," he was being honest, "I've had a few, of both, but nothing particularly serious. Lately there's been no-one"
Greg nodded, "Well, my wife left me as you know, I had one boyfriend but that didn't last terribly long"
"Guessed as much" No, I deduced as much, but…
Greg smiled, "was I that obvious?"
"You underestimate me Greg, I am able to deduce from the smallest things." Sherlock returned the smile. The waiter brought the food to their table. "Looks delicious."
"Bloody hell" Greg mutters at Sherlock's explanation. "Yes it looks delicious doesn't it."
"No need to be surprised, you remember the leads I gave you whilst I was incarcerated" Sherlock digs into some of the peppers.
"I know, I know, but you never cease to amaze me Sherlock"
"Thank you," Sherlock smiles. Greg tucks into some of the lamb, "This is really good."
"All of it is very tasty, very authentic. I would definitely like to come back. And by the way, thank you for this, it's lovely. You've done so much over the last few days, this was the last thing I expected for you to do."
"What did you expect me to do?" Greg is curious
"I didn't expect you to."
"I did arrest you."
"Yeah, well… that was inevitable, all things considered. But I don't think many Detective Inspector's would take in a drug addict and look after them, unless I'm mistaken"
"No most don't, but I couldn't live with myself leaving you on the streets." Sherlock is puzzled, "why's that then?"
"Because Sherlock quite frankly, I find you quite attractive and think I might have fallen for you" Greg finished looking highly embarrassed, flushed pink.
Sherlock smiles, "well... I wondered when you were going to say something. I sensed you were interested, so to speak. No need to look so flustered." Sherlock places his hand on top of Greg's on the table, gently rubbing it. "It's okay."
Greg let out a breath not realizing he had been holding it, "well that's good to know, thank you Sherlock"
"I'm glad you've calmed down. I must admit that I am attracted to you also, I've felt this since that conversation we had the other day. I just didn't want to make the first move in case I misinterpreted your feelings. I'm not as good with feelings as I am with facts."
"Guess that makes two of us," Greg laughed. He smiled at Sherlock.
"Are we finished eating? I quite fancy a walk in the park if you'd care to join me?"
"Yes that sounds lovely" Greg finished and called the waiter over to pay.
"Its quite a pleasant day out"
"Yes it is isn't it" Greg grinned it was a good day indeed.
"So how long has it been since your divorce? " he hopes he doesn't sound too callous in his questioning.
"A year, found out she was cheating on me"
"Oh... I'm sorry" Sherlock truly was, as much as he wouldn't usually care, Greg was different.
"No, it had been rocky for a while"
"Well I'm glad you seem to have moved on alright."
"Yeah, when you know something isn't working its best to give it up."
"Hmm... Indeed. I'm afraid I cannot empathize, I've never been in any particularly serious relationships"
Greg shrugged, "Doesn't matter." Sherlock turns his suit collar up against the wind. Without his beloved coat the chill tends to be worse. "Would you like to walk back to yours? Or would a cab be better?" Sherlock new full well that either would suffice, having a map of London in his head, but thought he would give Greg the option.
"Cab then tea at the flat, you look cold"
"Sounds lovely" Sherlock hails a cab. Greg climbs in with Sherlock relaxed and content. "Yes, without my coat I'm afraid I freeze in the cold winds"
Greg cautiously pulls Sherlock closer to him in an effort to warm him up. Sherlock stiffens for a second before relaxing into Greg's embrace, "thank you Greg."
Greg gently strokes Sherlock's hair, "it's fine, you're very cuddly you know."
Sherlock is surprised, "I'm all sharp angles, how can I be cuddly!"
Greg laughs, "when you relax all the tension leaves you, you almost look like a child that is just asking to be cuddled. What can I say?"
Sherlock chuckles, "far from a child I'm afraid, but I'm glad you find me cuddly, that's a good trait I guess"
The cab pulls up at Greg's flat; he pays the cabbie and unlocks the flat, stepping back to allow Sherlock to enter.
Sherlock walks up the stairs and into Greg's flat before plonking down on the sofa with a huff. He grabs a rug and pulls it around himself. Greg locks the door and follows Sherlock. He smiles at the sight of Sherlock swamped by the rug.
"What? I'm warm!"
"You just look very funny that's all"
"Point taken" Sherlock smiles at Greg
"Tea?"
"Yes, I'd be grateful for something hot to warm my hands up"
Greg made tea handing Sherlock a cup, "thank you. Are you joining me?" Sherlock pats the empty side of the sofa.
"Sure" Greg sits down on the other side of the couch. Sherlock shuffles up to lean into Greg's side; cupping his tea carefully in his hands Greg places his free arm around Sherlock holding him. "This is... nice"
"Yes it is"
"Shall we watch some TV? I must admit I haven't watched TV in a long while"
"Sure" Greg switched the telly on still hugging Sherlock. Despite Sherlock's usual boredom, he was quite content to sit like this watching mindless telly. It had been a long time too, since Greg had simply watched telly with someone, enjoying his or her company.
"Greg? How long can I stay? I know you said I was welcome to stay..." Sherlock trails off.
"As long as you want to Sherlock, I haven't got anyone else living here."
"Okay" Sherlock smiles and nuzzles closer in to Greg. Greg smiles, Sherlock was cuddly even if he didn't admit it.
Before Sherlock knows it he's drifting off to sleep on Greg's shoulder, his body still needing rest. Greg could feel Sherlock falling asleep, but knowing that he needed rest decided not move. He too falls asleep on the couch.
THAT EVENING
Greg woke and felt something warm and solid lying on his shoulder. He froze and looked round, it was Sherlock still fast asleep from that afternoon.
Sherlock didn't wake until Greg made to move from under him "Hmm... I fell.. asleep?'
"Yes but its fine you needed it"
"mmph.." Greg smiled, "tea?"
"Mmm yes thanks" Sherlock lifts himself up so Greg can move.
"Did you sleep well?" he calls from the kitchen.
"Hmm, I think so, you are very comfortable" Sherlock chuckles.
"Thank you, can't say I've been compared to a pillow before"
"Hmm surely not. What shall we do for dinner? I can't have you feeling I take but don't give."
"Umm ok, why don't you get tea and I'll organise dinner"
"Right. Shall do" Sherlock didn't want Greg to feel he was just freeloading, especially if he wanted their relationship to move any further.
Greg started on dinner; he made simple pasta with sauce.
"That smells delicious Greg, even I didn't know you cooked and that's saying something"
"We all have our little mysteries Sherlock"
"Hmm, indeed we do."
Greg voiced a thought that had been puzzling him, "you seem quite nervous about physical contact, do you dislike being touched?"
Sherlock honestly thought Greg hadn't noticed. "I'm just not used to it. All the relationships I've had were of a purely sexual nature, so touching without that sexual level is different. I don't dislike it, I'm just not used to it. Don't let that put you off though."
"Well as long as you're comfortable with being touched, I'm fine, I don't want to do anything you're uncomfortable with."
"I feel comfortable with you, Greg. That will certainly not change, I can assure you."
"That's good, I don't want to lose this"
Sherlock can't believe Greg's words, "really?"
"You really are one of a kind Sherlock, whatever we have right now I am enjoying it and I really don't wish for it to end"
"I'm glad" Sherlock moves over to Greg and hugs him, feeling it necessary to the situation. Greg wraps both arms around Sherlock holding him close, this was one of the first times he had initiated physical contact with Greg and he was enjoying it immensely.
"This is nice, but I believe pasta is waiting? We can watch a movie and cuddle afterwards," Sherlock thought that sounded vaguely normal. Greg pulled away from Sherlock and went to serve dinner. "A movie sounds nice," he agreed as he handed Sherlock a bowl of pasta. "This looks delicious Greg, I really am astounded at your cooking skills. Statistically, considering you have been married, I thought it highly unlikely you would cook, normally a female's job in the household."
"My wife was a hopeless cook, if I wanted to survive on something other than takeout I had to learn how to cook"
"Well you learned very well!" Sherlock smiles.
"Well I'm just happy I've got you eating again, you're a little skinny"
"Yes. I am rather. I tend to neglect eating, I don't tend to have 'withdrawal' symptoms when it comes to food"
"You just needed someone to remind you"
"Yes, that I did" Sherlock cleared the plates from the table and placed them in the sink. "What shall we watch?"
"Hmm, I have a couple of movies what are you in the mood for?"
"Anything, just feel like cuddling I guess. Gosh, that's weird to say..." Sherlock was slightly embarrassed. Greg rifled through his collection. He pulled out 'Love Actually'.
"This looks... interesting"
"Trust me its funny" Greg put the movie on and returned to cuddle up with Sherlock.
"I trust you. The cast looks alright." Sherlock snuggles up to Greg, resting his head on his shoulder.
Greg enjoyed the film more than he usually did; he was enjoying feeling Sherlock against him. Sherlock gets a bit frustrated with the film, unable to see how these people could not simply deduce the situations. However he did surprisingly enjoy spending this time with Greg. Greg laughed, he could see Sherlock getting frustrated, and he was very funny. By the time the movie had finished, Sherlock had moved to rest his head in the older man's lap, drifting in and out of sleep. Greg had taken to slowly stroking Sherlock's hair, falling asleep on the couch seemed to be a regular thing. But knowing that he would regret this in the morning, Greg carefully picked Sherlock up and carried him to the guest bedroom, placing him gently in the bed. Sherlock awoke slightly when the warmth of Greg's body was absent. "Mmm, stay," he said in his half sleep, "warm." Greg shrugged and climbed into bed behind Sherlock wrapping an arm around him keeping him warm as he fell asleep.
littleredfez & luvmyangelofmusic
