Dinner had been long since prepared and consumed, now John and Mary sat opposite each other at the dining table in silence as Mary digested all that had been divulged to her by John.

He had told her almost everything that had happened to him up to the moment when she found him, and was waiting for her to say something in response.

"If you want me to go I will, I understand if this whole thing has made you uncomfortable." John shifted in his chair unsure of how long his welcome would last now that he was no longer 'Thunder' the pet.

"No," Mary looked up from her hands, "John, I knew from the first night you spent here you weren't a real animal, you didn't act like one."

"Then why did you let me stay?" John was confused, she had let a complete and total stranger stay in her home.

"Because I saw the pain in you that I saw in my brother before he died." Mary spoke softly, "And I knew that I couldn't just let you leave, so I decided to take you in as a pet in order to help you heal."

"Weren't you afraid though?"

"A bit when I first saw you, but after you put your nose into my hand I knew you were gentle." Mary smiled at him as she recalled that moment of surprise.

John bowed his head, "I hate being such a monstrous animal when I shift."

"You aren't monstrous John, you're kindness shows through no matter what form you're in." Mary laid her hand on top of John's, "And I like your shift form, its strong, protective, a bit scary, and still you."

"You really think so?" John looked her straight in the eyes.

"Yes I do, and I'll tell you what why don't you stay with me?"

"Really?" John couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief when Mary nodded yes, "Thank you Mary, I appreciate it."

"I'm just glad I can help you out." Mary smiled, "I was worried that you were regressing the past couple of days but I guess you just had a lot on your mind."

John stood up, "I'll take care of the dishes, it's the least I can do."

"Nonsense, its my home, I'll do the dishes since you're the guest." Mary stood and shook her finger at him.

"Not if I get there first." John swept up the plates and turned towards the sink only to collide with Mary as the two of them rushed the sink.

Two hands touched the faucet simultaneously and both of them laughed, "I think we'll have to call this one a draw wouldn't you say Mary?"

"I tell you what, one of us can wash, the other can dry." She smiled at him and he smiled back.

"Sounds good, I'll wash and you can dry."

The two worked in companionable silence for some time before Mary decided to ask a question that had been bugging her for some time, "John, can I ask you something?"

The blonde turned to her, "Of course, what is it?"

"I, well, its a bit personal and if you don't want to answer don't, but were you and Sherlock shiftmates?"

There was a long silence before John replied, "Yeah, we were. It was purely platonic but we were shift mates alright." His voice was laced with emotion, and he seemed near tears suddenly.

"I see..." Mary put the dish down she had dried and gently wrapped her arms around John, "Do you think it would help talking about it?"

"Maybe..." John let the tears that had gathered in his eyes flow, "But not right now, the grief is still too raw for me to handle."

Mary nodded, "I understand, I'm sorry." John patted her arm awkwardly.

"It's alright, I understand being curious." John gave her a weak smile, "I'll tell you another day ok?"

"Whenever you're ready." Mary pulled away from the hug, "Now I'd better go get a couple of spare blankets from the closet, you'll want them tonight on the couch."

"Thanks." John finished washing the last dish and dried his hands before helping her make the couch into a semi decent bed.

"I'm going to bed, night John." Mary gave him another quick hug before retreating to her room.

"Night Mary." He sat down on the couch feeling exhausted both physically and mentally.