"Thunder, I have to go to town, I'll be back around five ok?" Mary frowned at the wolf who had been in a semi-trance for the past two days, he had barely moved other than to do what was necessary for staying alive.

"Right then, I left some rice in your bowl if you get hungry and I'll leave the radio on so you don't get too bored." Mary frowned again and picked up her purse and left hoping that Thunder was alright it had been three weeks since the constable had come by and Thunder had been getting a faraway look in his eyes every once in a while but nothing like this.

John barely heard Mary's words he was so lost in his thoughts, should I shift back into a human? Is it even worth trying to live as a human again? Would she accept me? I don't know if I could handle a rejection, but I think she knows I'm not normal. Even if she does know would she accept me? Would she understand that I'm broken but slowly healing? She's seen the monster I can be, even if it was only a glimpse, I don't know how she'll react if she realizes I'm human.

John snorted and rolled over, of course she knows, I couldn't be more obvious if I tried. I've done things no normal animal could do, I act like a moody human, oh wait, I am. It's so much easier to live as an animal though. I don't have to do anything major, I'm basically a well-loved pet, and I'm bored out of my mind. Maybe she would accept me.

A song came on and caught John's attention, the song seemed to be talking about a girl who died suddenly and didn't want anyone to mourn over her because she'd be in a better place but she also seemed to be saying that she wished she could have savored life a little more. For some reason it struck a chord with him and John felt the urge to shift back to a human form for the first time in two weeks.

Why not? It's not like I can lose too much if I shift now, besides, she'll be gone for a while.

Within a few moments of concentration John Watson sat where Thunder had laid and he stretched upwards. At first he was a bit unsteady on two legs but after a few moments of walking around he glanced around the kitchen.

I'm in for a penny in for a pound at this point, I might as well do a bit of cleaning.

John dusted and swept the tiny house then mopped and cleaned up the kitchen before deciding that he was going to cook dinner for two. A glance at the clock he noticed it was four o'clock already.

I'd better get moving if I'm going to get cooking.

It was only a few moments later that John realized that if he did go ahead and cook that would mean he had resigned himself to an awkward evening of explanations and possible rejection.

I've already cleaned everything, and she seems so nice to me all the time...but will she accept me?

John's thoughts went round and round before he forcibly stopped himself, "I will cook dinner, and I will try my best to explain everything to her."

"Well that's good, although you could start with your real name." The softer voice made him almost jump out of his skin, he had debated so long and so intently with himself that he hadn't heard her come home or notice the passage of time.

Mary was leaning casually against the dining table like she wasn't bothered at all by having a strange man in her kitchen. "Oh, you're home." John felt the beginning fluttering of panic as he tried to keep from bolting out the door.

"Yes, I've been here almost five minutes." Mary smiled at him, "It's alright, you can talk to me, I promise I'll listen through everything you have to say."

"Really?"

"I promise."

John took a deep breath, "My name is John Watson, I was Sherlock Holmes closest friend..."

A/N: Well John is back in human form, and for those of you who don't know the line "in for a penny, in for a pound" basically means since he's already done as much as he has there's no point in turning back now.

Hope you're enjoying this story,

^_^ KB