Hi... Miss Taken here... Sorry this has taken so long... Um, all the way up to chapter nine have been done for a while...
Sorry guys! I'll post more, I promise! I just...
I'm kinda cheating on my first love (Fanfiction. net) With my true love (Ao3)...
You can catch me over there updating more often... I'll still post here for the time being though.
Enjoy this chapter!
John woke up, ready to embrace the boringness that accompanied the weekend… Then he remembered what had happened last night. He looked over at his new companion who was sleeping peacefully. It was rather quiet in the flat. That silence was shattered a moment later when John heard Sherlock shouting from his room.
"I don't care if it's not your division." A thunk, signalling Sherlock probably threw his phone down.
John meekly got up from the couch, stiff and wholly unrested. He checked on the cat, still dozing on the soft blanket it had been laid on the night previous, not stirring at Sherlock's yelling.
John shuffled to Sherlock's door and raised his hand to knock, only to have the door flung open and a tall figure nearly pummel him. John quickly sidestepped to avoid being stepped on.
"Apologies. Did I wake you?"
"No. I was up. I just heard you on the phone and wanted to make sure everything was okay."
"Fantastic." Sherlock was very curt, walking into the kitchen to check on a petri dish… only to be frustrated a moment later and storm into the living room. John watched silently. He sighed and put tea on for the both of them.
"So… that was Lestrade on the phone?"
Sherlock grunted in what John took to mean 'yes'.
"What's not his division?"
"A break in."
"Well, he is a-"
"No, John. This pertains to murder. It is definitely his division."
"Oh… Are you going to look at it in his place?" John asked in hope of Sherlock taking him along.
"Maybe."
"Can I go?"
"No."
"B-but-"
"You have to tend to your new parasite."
"I thought you didn't mind him staying here…"
"I do. However, I will allow it because you live here to."
"I-I can find a new home for him if you want me to…"
"No. If you get rid of that creature, I will hunt him down and bring him back."
"But… you don't like him."
"You do."
"W-well-" John picked up the tea, making Sherlock's first, then his own. He did this fluidly and efficiently.
"It's not safe, John. I'm not putting you in danger. You attract enough as is." Sherlock stared pointedly at the kitten, who picked that moment to start stirring.
"I'm leaving now."
"Call me if you need me." John said, still hoping Sherlock would change his mind.
The door shut. "Or want me…" John was left holding two cups of tea, staring after the door.
He wasn't happy about it, being left behind again. He looked at the Leo, who was quietly looking back up at him.
"Oh, hello. Um, I'm John." John felt a little odd introducing himself to a cat, but at least it was something to do while he checked on the cat's stab wound.
"I- um, fixed up your injuries. You're going to stay here… If you want, that is." John could not believe he was freezing up around a cat. In his defense, though, the cat seemed to have an awareness that one doesn't normally see in animals.
"Well, I, um, I've decided to call you Leo, you know, like a Lion… I hope that's okay?"
The cat seemed to nod.
"Is it okay if I check on your bandages?"
Another nod.
"… You're really intelligent." The cat preened at the complement. John smiled, giggling slightly. "Maybe I should've named you 'Sherlock'."
The cat tilted its head.
"Oh, you'll meet him soon… He left right as you were waking up."
John went about checking and cleaning the wounds. They looked much better without the blood caking the surrounding fur.
"These look actually pretty okay. Does it hurt."
The cat looked at him like he was an idiot. John winced. "Yeah… Sorry, question of habit, I guess."
The cat huffed. John picked up and started to get ready for the day. It was nearly eleven and he'd done nothing.
"I need to get some things for you… I don't think you'd like not having food… I'll go to the store in a few minutes. I just… I don't want to leave you alone… And I really don't think you should move right now…"
Just to spite him, Leo picked that moment to stand up and walk to the kitchen, limping terribly, but determination in his step.
"You are… really stubborn." John mumbled to himself. Leo meowed and John got up to see what he was so concerned about. It was the stove. Something bubbled on the top… It looked like water, but as it splashed out of the pot, it sizzled and burned the stove… best not to touch it… John did, however, turn the stove off. Sherlock needed to stop leaving it on. John wrote a post-it note and stuck it on the knob.
"Yeah, that would be Sherlocks… He's a mess, really. Though he'll never say so. Good job catching it… wouldn't want an accident, would we, now."
Leo seemed content with the exchange, stretching slightly and going back to the living room.
"I think I'm going to go to the store… Want to come along?" Leo cocked his head. As if to say 'how?'
"I have a hoodie with a very large front pocket," It was actually Sherlock's, but Leo didn't need to know that… neither did Sherlock. "…I think you'll fit. But you have to stay in there… They don't like pets at the store…"
Leo understood. John was still intrigued by that. He'd have to ask Sherlock… when Leo wasn't around… He didn't want to insult him.
"Well, let me get out of my pajamas… Do you think you'll be alright for a few minutes?"
Leo went back to the makeshift bed made of towels, snuggling in.
"Okay… Back in a jiffy." John sprinted up the stairs, not wanting Leo to be kept waiting. When he was wearing his standard street attire, he walked back down, sneaking into Sherlock's room to get the hoodie that was much too big… and smelled like death and drugs. Sherlock hadn't wore it in a very long time and it was buried deep enough that you couldn't smell it until you pulled it out… but it was John's only option unless he put Leo into a backpack… and John knew that would end badly.
Plus, it didn't smell that bad, did it?…John smelled it again deciding that using some of Sherlock's cologne to cover up the smell wouldn't be a bad idea. He would use his own, but that would be even more suspicious if he put it back into Sherlock's closet and it smelled like John… And John just liked Sherlock's better.
John had no delusions that Sherlock wouldn't know, but he could at least delay the inevitable…
He walked out, pulling it on over his head. Leo looked up at his as if to say 'You're kidding, right?' John shook his head and sat on the couch to pull his shoes on.
"Listen, it's the only way if you want to go… If it wouldn't get me weird looks, I'd put you in one of Mrs. Hudson's purses… but that's basically asking for trouble… I'll wash it and make sure it's clean next time." Leo looked offended at John thinking there would be a 'next time', but with an exasperated sigh, well, what sounded like one, he jumped in and crawled into the pocket. His head poked out one side, only to poke it back in and promptly close his eyes and nap.
"See, like a hammock." John decided he didn't need a coat because of the hoodie, and grabbed his keys, wallet, phone and an empty bookbag. He didn't want to carry plastic bags anymore.
John put his hands in the pocket, slightly cradling Leo. He got a nibble on the fingers, but John decided it was loving enough, so he left his hands there. The walk to the store was quiet and peaceful, John hummed to himself, mumbling song lyrics that were slightly tweaked.
"Sherlock Holmes' jacket, Sherlock Holmes' jacket is falling apart." He laughed, pleased with himself for being so clever.
Leo meowed, signalling to John that the song was as lame as he was.
"You know, you're not very nice to someone who saved your life not twenty-four hours ago." John huffed. Leo licked John's fingers. "Oh no, I can't stay mad at you… you're going to be spoiled rotten." He told the cat grimmly.
When they got to the store, John tried not to look suspicious… it was hard though, he was convinced that everyone was looking at him. He was getting jittery… even though he knew the worst that would happen was they asked him to leave… and even if they did call the police, John was on pretty good terms with everyone at the yard…
"Even so… we should hurry… I feel like I'm being stared at…" Leo nibbled his finger comfortingly.
John grabbed some cat food… he didn't know what else a cat needed, honestly.
"...can you think of anything else…? I'm sure there's more to it than this… I don't want to ask someone though…"
John figured Leo could just use some of John's styrofoam bowls for food and water… "Cat litter! That's what we need!" Leo bit John's hand in encouragement.
"I figure you aren't one to like toys… but I'll get this one just in case…" John picked up a little stuffed kitten that looked strikingly like Leo… But this one had feathers on its back. John giggled a little thinking what Leo would look like with feathers.
A sharp bite and John was convinced Leo could read minds. "Oh, it's funny and you know it."
"Who you talkin' to, kid?"
John must have jumped nearly a foot in the air. He turned around to find Sebastian with a shopping basket.
"N-no one? Hi Sebastian, how are you?"
"I'm fine. Don't change the subject, I know you were talking to someone. You can't fool me."
"Um… I may or may not have a kitten named Leo in my pocket."
"That's the weirdest sentence I've heard today… but it is only noon, I suppose. So, are you just getting things for your Schrodinger cat?"
"...Who?"
"John. I'm so disappointed. How do you not know him? Especially living with Sherlock."
"I think was one of our first lessons… I can't really remember those ones so well…" John took a hand out of his pocket to rub the back of his neck, only to wince when his stitches were pulled uncomfortably.
"John. Did you injure your hand?"
"I laid it in glass by accident…"
"That doesn't surprise me."
"Yeah…"
"It does worry me. Where was Sherlock?"
"Um…"
"You're kidding me. He wasn't there?"
John shook his head, looking down at his feet.
"Why do you smell like a drug den?"
"I borrowed Sherlock's hoodie so I could bring Leo with me… I didn't have time to wash it…" John had gone nose blind, only smelling the stuff he'd sprayed on it.
"Wait, wait wait, back up. Why does Sherlock's jacket smell like a drug den?"
"He used to be an addict…? I, um, we don't talk about that, among other things. He also used it to go under cover a few times. He's not any more, though, I promise. Well, he smokes cigarettes sometimes, but not often because he knows I'll yell at him."
"If I find out he does more than smoke tobacco, I'm not going to be happy."
John nodded again. "Me either…"
"Where is the great detective now?"
"...Out."
Sebastian sighed. "Want to come back to my place to hang out for a while? I have to leave at like half past six, but until then, we can watch movies or play games or whatever."
"Actually, that sounds great… Would it be okay if-"
"I swear to god, kid, if you don't quit being polite, I'm gonna lose my mind."
"...Okay."
"It's settled. Here, that looks heavy." Sebastian could see John struggling with only one hand.
"I got it." John was strong enough to do it himself… And he didn't want Sebastian to have to hold his things.
Leo picked that moment to knead John's stomach, making John flinch and drop the cat food.
"Ow! Leo, you little shit, you did that on purpose!" Leo purred in reply. Sebastian laughed while picking up the bag.
"I like this cat already and I haven't seen the little guy yet."
"You both are going to be best friends, I just know it." John mumbled, then, louder, "I'm going to text Sherlock to let him know."
I'm going to Sebastian's house to hang out. Lemme know if you need me.
-JW
John smiled. "Okay. Let me pay for this and we can go."
"I'll walk with you. I need to pay for my things anyway."
They paid for the stuff and made their way towards the door. John's phone buzzed.
K
-SH
John frowned.
"Something wrong?"
"No, just worried about him."
"Don't. He'll be fine. Let's get going."
They walked. John pulled Leo out and Sebastian held him. Sebastian had always wanted a cat, but with his job that was impossible. He would definitely insist that John brought Leo over whenever they hung out.
When they got to Sebastian's place, John asked for a bowl to put some food in. He was sure Leo was starving, then he realized he hadn't eaten yet either. He still wasn't quite hungry, though.
"I'm going to make lunch. Anything you want in particular?"
"Oh, um, no, I ate already."
"Bull shit. I'm making sandwiches." Sebastian would be damned if he wasn't going to feed the kid. "What do you want?"
"U-um, peanut butter and jelly?"
"I can do that." Sebastian took Leo into the kitchen and got a bowl for the food and another for water. Sebastian made the sandwiches quickly and efficiently, putting slightly more jelly on John's, as Leo munched away happily. John walked in and smiled.
"I knew you were hungry!" The cat promptly ignored him, favoring his food for the moment. Sebastian handed John his sandwich.
"Thank you!"
"Let's eat in the living room. I'm sure we can find something to watch." Right when the were seated, Leo came pattering in, still limping slightly. John picked him up and deposited him on the couch. Leo fell asleep the instant he was put down.
"He sleeps a lot."
"Well, he did get stabbed yesterday… I think he's entitled to a little rest."
"I'm sorry, he what?"
"Oh… I guess that's not really a normal thing… Yeah, the door to our flat was open and letting rain in… I went to shut it when Leo knocked over a vase… That's why I've got a cut on my hand… and I found him covered in blood under the little hall table.
"I couldn't very well leave him there… so I fixed him up. He lives with us now." John smiled softly, rubbing the cat's little head.
"Are you aware of how infuriating you are?" John's heart dropped, he immediately dropped his hand and looked into his lap, back going rimrod straight.
"…I-I'm s-sorry…" John felt like he was going to cry. Sebastian wanted to take it back right away. He hadn't meant it to sound harsh…
"Don't be, I'm the one who should be sorry. Infuriating was a strong word. You just attract so much trouble, it's worrying."
"O-oh."
John's phone rang.
"It's Sherlock!" John said with glee, glad for the distraction. "Hel-"
"Put Sebastian on."
"O-oh… okay…" John handed the phone dejectedly to the older man. Sebastian got up and walked to his room. Force of habit, really.
"Moran."
"I need John to stay with you tonight."
"I have work."
"It's too dangerous at Baker Street right now." Sebastian sighed. John couldn't be alone. He caused too much trouble… He had an idea.
"… I think I know a guy who could keep him company until I get back."
"He doesn't need a babysitter. He needs a safe place for the night."
"And I live in a shitty part of town and he attracts every type of trouble. I don't want him here alone."
"Fine. I have to go. Give my regards to John." The line clicked.
Sebastian sighed again. He walked out to find John looking eagerly at him. "Did he say he needed me?"
"No. You're staying here tonight."
"B-but you have work, don't you?"
"Yes. I have a guy who is going to come over if you say that it's okay. I would really like you not to be here by yourself."
"Um, I-I don't-"
"It's okay. He couldn't hurt a fly. I have no doubt he'll behave himself. You can call Sherlock if you really don't feel comfortable."
"O-okay…"
"Now, we have some time until I leave. Want to play some video games?"
"Only if you go easy on me… I've never played."
"You what."
"Y-yeah. I- um, well, I've never had the chance."
"Well, now's the time to start."
They played again and again. Over and over Sebastian, unsurprisingly, wiped the floor with John.
After the tenth mission John failed Sebastian paused. "Oh, kid, we are going to make a gamer of you yet."
"You're just saying that because you like to win and want an easy person to play against." John accused, crossing his arms and pouting.
"Okay, that might be part of it. But, seriously, I think you'll like them once you really get into them."
John sighed. "I think you cheated."
"You can't call hacks if it's all skill."
"Can you hack a game like this?" John really wasn't as good with technology as someone his age should be.
"Oh, you poor, naive fool, you have so much to learn."
"Right…" John checked his phone. "Bloody hell, how is it nearly five?"
"Time flies when you're losing miserably." Sebastian stretched and got off the couch. He needed to start getting into the work mindset and make a call, much as he hated to do it.
"Hey, I'm going to go call my friend. Feel free to play a single player round."
"...I'll try."
Sebastian walked into his room, sighing. He picked up his phone… This was a really bad idea…It wasn't too late to change his mind. But it might work better in the long run. Maybe. Hopefully…
When he heard the loudness of the telly from the other room, Sebastian steeled his nerves. How bad could it be?
He dialed.
"Sebby! How are you? I didn't think I'd hear from you today. Did you finish your job?"
"No. I'm doing that tonight. I had a… lets say proposition for you. Would you be interested?"
"From you? Sebby, I'm flattered, but you must know I actually-"
"Nope, no way. Not that kind of proposition. Our dear detective has informed me that it's too dangerous for the kid at home tonight. John is staying here."
"You want me to babysit? Sebby, are you sure you're feeling well?" Sebastian could hear the glee in his Boss's voice.
"I left the job off too long. I can't wait another night, but I don't want the kid to be alone… Unfortunately, you're my only option."
"You wound me, tiger." Mock hurt. Sebastian had his Boss on board.
"I'm leaving at six. Can you be here in that time?"
"Sure. I just have to break out of prison and run to one of the flats to get some normal clothes. I'll be there at half past six."
"I'm going to make a list of things to do and not to do."
"Aw, you take away all my fun!"
"Also, I think it would be best if he didn't know it was you."
"Oh, Sebby. You poor thing. Did you think I would show up and just announce all my plans? We've been apart far too long if you can't remember how I am." A fake sniffle this time.
"Best vacation of my life."
"Ouch."
"I'm serious though. One of your personas or whatever."
"I know just the one." The line went dead.
It was almost worse that the Boss was excited. Almost. If he got bored, it could end very, very badly.
Sebastian walked out to find John on the fail screen. He chuckled a little. John was pouting and petting Leo, but when he heard Sebastian, he turned around and smiled.
"I failed… But I lasted almost three full minutes by myself!"
"Improvement, and, for this being your first time, I'm impressed."
John tried to hold in a laugh.
"What. What's funny?"
"I'm an immature high school student… Rethink what you say if you don't want me to laugh…" John lost it, laughing and turning slightly red.
"Oh, ha ha." Sebastian rolled his eyes. "Okay. My friend is coming over soonish. I think we should write a list of rules."
"I promise I'll be good…"
"I meant for him… I know you will. I'm more asking him to come over to keep you company… Really, you two will be, more or less, unsupervised teenagers. Don't let him talk you into doing dumb things."
"Oh…"
"Don't worry, you two will get along, you're both immature as hell."
John laughed. "Okay. What kind of rules."
"I'll write up the basics. Then you and I will go back in and make sure there are no loopholes."
"Loopholes?"
"Yes. He's very good with contracts and bending rules."
"Oh…" John was reminded of Sherlock again. "What kind of rules do we need to be specific about?"
"The list for what we don't have to be specific is shorter."
John nodded. "How about we both start on the basics and then we'll compare notes."
"Good idea."
They got to work. Sebastian wished he didn't have to write things like 'Kitchen utensils are not to touch unless John supervises.' But he really didn't want to come home tomorrow with two dead bodies and a pile of rubble for living in.
John didn't know how detailed he had to be, so he wrote it as if it was for Sherlock. He wrote things that would be common sense for a child, but not for a genius.
Finally, after fifteen straight minutes, they came together, putting their papers side by side.
After they thoroughly went through it, they had about three full pages of loopholeless rules. Sebastian had also written up an itinerary sort of thing so they didn't spend all night playing video games. The Boss was equally as bad at them so Sebastian set out some of the easier games for the two of them. He didn't know if the Boss would even want to play, but just in case. He didn't want John to climb up the shelf again. The Boss probably couldn't catch him. Or even try… Sebastian thought, for the hundredth time, that this was a bad idea.
The itinerary was for the Boss's eyes only. The only things on it were for the Boss to feed John dinner, keep him happy, not make the kid stay up past midnight, not let John know who the Boss really was, not play mind games and keep everything safe and standing. Other than that, the Boss had free reign.
When everything was said and done, they only had about half an hour until Sebastian had to leave.
"I have to get ready. You can play another round or watch a movie, if you like." He got up, walking to the bathroom. He took the briefest of showers then got dressed in his work clothes. When he was finished, he started to get into the mindset, pulling on his boots."
"Okay, John. I'm leaving. He'll be here in about twenty minutes. Call Sherlock if you have any problems. Try to keep the place standing… and don't let him intimidate you. He can't do anything to you, so don't worry."
"Be careful and be safe!"
Sebastian just grinned, but it looked more feral than it had looked before. It scared John a little, but he knew Sebastian wouldn't do anything to hurt him… He trusted Sebastian more than he probably should.
When the door closed, John sat next to Leo, leaning his head on the arm, pulling his legs close.
Waiting for a stranger to knock.
"I hope he's nice…" John dozed off, not quite sleeping but snoring lightly. Leo laid on his lap, pawing and kneading.
John didn't move a muscle.
Since the next chapter is done it will be up fairly soon...
Sorry again for the delay!
p.s. The song John is humming/ singing is 'Jennifer's Jacket' by Presidents of the United States of America
Not impertinent, but it's a nice song...
xoxo,
Miss Taken