The curious case of Sherlocks Heart (closed)

[Asa]

Clarence is a sweet little old man, isn't he?

Mrs. Hudson smiled as Iara walked back over and sat down.

Yes. Seems so sad he has become too old to shift any longer.

John looked up at those words.

He... He is like you? How tall is he when... Human?

He was trying to wrap his mind around all of this still from a medical angle and only seeing to give himself a headache. Iara smiled.

About your height actually Dr. Watson.

Please call me John.

He nodded to her.

Very well. I will have my answer at the visit if anyone else should know but just in case I may need one of you to do with me and bring a robe or something.

She smirked. She knew Sherlock's reaction but couldn't wait to see if she would be allowed to watch Mycrofts head explode at what she was. She knew that few outside of the royal family knew about her kind and took great care in giving her a list of who knew about her and no Holmes had ever been on the list till now.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock folded his newspaper and set it down. "I suppose that is your way of asking me to come along to this clandestine meeting with royalty. Then, so be it, I will accompany you to this meeting, complete with robe in tow, though something in me tells me that you wouldn't mind strutting about without it." He says, lust burning in his eyes, despite his attempt to look and sound like the old Sherlock.

"Royal decorum being what it is, I'm sure Her Majesty would appreciate it. Will there be anything asked of me at this meeting or will you cover all the details of the case?" Sherlock asked, curious about his part to play when they meet the Queen later.

He did have more questions about the crow, but didn't want to give Mrs. Hudson or John more ammunition to use against him. He must remain distant; he must not show obvious affection. They must not know that Iara has already worked her way into his heart despite all his protestations about relationships after Ms. Adler fled the country.

 

[Asa]

Actually, any of you could go but your presence as we as John's could make it all the funnier. As for what you would be doing. Waiting for me with the robe blanket or whatever in the sitting room.

She smiled not wanting to give it all away that she was timing this so that she would make Mycroft have to wait as well for his weekly report only to have him find Sherlock and or John sitting there waiting as well everyone becoming "annoyed" with a cat running around the room till the palace aide gold her it was okay.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock nodded. "Seems like a relaxing way to spend an afternoon then. What day are you planning for this visit or is it something that is set by the Queen?" He asked, curious about the timing. It also made him grin to think that the Queen might have to work around Iara's schedule. What a power play that would be.

 

[Asa]

I have to arrive no later than tea Friday according to Clarence.

She shrugged with a sigh. She would have to dress up not something she liked doing but she would make sure that her dress was handed over to Sherlock in a box while he waited.

You will dress up for this won't you. You know you have to.

Mrs. Hudson smiled like she was personally winning some victory with Iara having to dress up for the palace visit.

Yes, I know. I will need to go find one. Not that I am used to buying such things but I am sure I will figure out something.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock listened to the conversation around him, trying not to blush at the thought of Iara in a proper dress. Still, he did see a chance to assist. "Alright, I've done a few of these royal things. Mycroft insisted on a few against my wishes, so I have some ideas about what is expected during a royal visit. If you'll allow me, I can take you to find a dress that appropriate and worthy of the Palace. It shouldn't take more than an afternoon; these places tend to stock for ladies of your... dimensions."

Sherlock didn't want to admit that he'd already sized her and committed her measurements to memory. He already knew her dress and shoe size, but he didn't want to let on how much that mattered to him to know. He swallowed his lust a moment and returned to his newspaper as the breakfast continued around him.

 

[Asa]

Yes have Sherlock go with you.

Mrs. Hudson nodded almost urgently.

What's wrong with the last dress I wore when she wanted me to attend some infernal "little get together"

With that Mrs. Hudson was on her feet and went and got a picture of Iara in the dress from a previous royal visit.

https://canary.contestimg.wish.com/api/webimage/5e86971d12e11e030078bf62-large.jpg?cache_buster=f6d58b25657bf61c82d4cdc59a4940e6

It was a lovely dress dear but perhaps Sherlock can help you find something... Different.

She handed the picture over. John getting a glimpse of the picture and nearly choking on his coffee.

Leather....for a royal visit... Sherlock, what do you think? I mean it is a stunning dress and...

John was at a loss for words but then again if the Royal family knew what she was they could have certain allowances they make for her.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock felt his mouth dry for a moment as he looked at the photo of Iara in her leather dress. It fit her perfectly and showed off her lithe curves perfectly. He hoped he might see it in private, but that might be a discussion for later. He sipped his tea and cleared his throat, resuming his usuall calm demeanor.

"While it is the perfect look to encapsulate your predatory nature, I feel that it would be out of place within the halls of Buckingham. Something a bit plainer, made of finer fabric rather than leather would be more in keeping with a formal meeting with Her Majesty," Sherlock explained. "Although, a certain part of me would relish the look on Mycroft's face upon seeing it..." He added wit ha smirk to himself.

"It would be my pleasure to take you out shopping for the event, Iara, if you would agree to such an appointment." He offered, not realizing how much it might sound like a date.

 

[Asa]

She looked to Sherlock and nodded.

That will be fine. I know I cannot wear the leather dress there twice.

She smiled eating her food finding humor in the scent of arousal around the room and Sherlocks comment about his brother seeing the dress.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock smiled across at her. "Very good. I suppose I should get to it then. Sounds like I'm about to have a busy day." He said, folding up his paper and leaving it at the table. Gathering up his dishes, he placed them in the sink for Mrs. Hudson before hustling off to his room to clean up and shower for the day. Once he was done, he stepped out, blazer over pressed pants and looked about, wondering if Iara was ready for their shopping trip for the day.

 

[Asa]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7a/bd/96/7abd965633b666e7356237193c516704.jpg

She stood there waiting for Sherlock with a smile. Mrs. Hudson was laughing slightly as Iara had pointed out that technically the lace part of her outfit was a skirt and John was not sure how to argue either point as the lase did go all the way around just more visible in the back than front.

So where should we go first Sherlock?

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock swallowed as he saw Iara. He wasn't prepared for her to wear something so alluring just go go shopping, but given her choice for her last visit, perhaps he should have been. He walked over to her, offering her his arm. "I'm not much for high fashion, if I'm honest. I was merely offering my expertise in the finer points of decorum and etiquette. While silly, it is expected and don't need to add to the flames that burn in my brother's stomach for me."

Turning to Mrs. Hudson, Sherlock asked. "Mrs. Hudson, where would you shop if you had all sorts of money and were feeling rather daring?" He asked, figuring that "daring" for his landlady would equate to "acceptably formal" for Iara.

 

[Asa]

Tha punk rock clothing shop in Picadilly but for this I would suggest perhaps that dress shop in the nice stone front shop in the little market park a couple of blocks east of Piccadilly. They also have a lovely cafe there perfect for a nice meal while you pick out which of their quaint little shops to go to next.

A smug smile graced her lips knowing he was playing her age a a suggestion.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock could see he had underestimated Mrs. Hudson's knowledge of fashion in the area, but wouldn't dare show her that she had gotten one over on him. He merely pulled on his jacket and looked at Iara. "Then we have our first stop of the day. After you," he said, gesturing to the stairs. Following her down the tight steps to the door onto Baker Street, Sherlock moved to walk beside her as they made their way along.

"For someone who claims to work secretly, you certainly have no trouble drawing the eye," he observed. It was also his way of complimenting her outfit; he dare not simply say it. It was his way to hide behind his reputation and aloof character. Also, they were in public now. He had to be aware of people that might be watching him. After all his cases, he was sure he had enemies unrevealed around him. He learned how loved ones could be used against him with Irene; he was careful not to give his enemies a weapon to use against him.

 

[Asa]

I may work in the shadows and secret but it doesn't mean that I remain there all the time plus who would suspect someone like me of any of an evil or dark murderous path?

She winked at him

There is nothing better hidden than someone no one would ever expect.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock could see the logic in her coy answer. If you were looking for a stone cold killer, you'd look in the shadows for someone hiding from investigation. Iara was too keen to be seen out and about for someone to suspect her. "It is also an approach that allows you to live your life unhindered." He adds, walking along beside her.

The shop in question wasn't too far away. Sherlock hoped they might get there without further chatter, but he had a feeling that Iara was under orders from Mrs. Hudson to not allow that to happen. So, Sherlock took the offensive. Rather than waiting for her to needle him, he tried a seemingly innocuous question. "Does Mrs. Hudson keep a cache of clothes for you here? I can't remember seeing that outfit anywhere and I thought I was rather thorough in exploring my quarters."

 

[Asa]

You clearly did not explore them that well to think that the studio apartment was simply a closet. There is even a little closet in there for the things that I leave here. So what other questions do you have for me away from their ears since you seem almost terrified for them to know any real feelings you have.

She smiled at him with a devious smirk.

Don't forget to my kind emotions have individual scents.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock frowned, sighing out a little as Iara called him out. He should have known better; animal aspects probably provided a wider range of sensory perception. It's not unheard of for there to be different organic excreta depending on mood. Some might call them pheromones, but it was more complicated than that. Still, it was clear that Iara could read him like a book unlike other people.

"It's my way, Iara. It's not personal. My brother and I weren't blessed with the most emotive parents so emotional intelligence has lagged development in other area. Relationships and attachments are also dangerous in my line of work. If people were to know how deeply I cared about you, it could be used against me, just as it could be used against you. It's part of why I don't talk about Irene anymore. It's not a switch I can flip, Iara. You're working against many decades of living my life a certain way. I can only hope for your patience," Sherlock confessed. He didn't talk like this with people. He can't remember having a moment like this with anyone other than John recently. His hands were shaking slightly so he shoved them into his pockets as he continued forward, head down.

 

[Asa]

Sherlock we can protect each other and I can help you protect Mrs. Hudson and John. Hell I can help you protect your brother with or without him being any the wiser to my true existence.

She smiled to him grabbing a jacket sleeve to stop their walking. It wasn't another demon but there was fear... Nearby... And very strong.

Follow me.

With that she took off down a side street weaving easily through the scattered people till they neared a small shop. Elderly owners at gun point from two gunmen that could be seen.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock lifted his head, curious what could be happening. This neighborhood wasn't really an issue aside from the usual neighbor drama, but he knew better than to argue with Iara. If she was picking up a scent, it was probably worth investigating. Fear could be caused by all manner of things, however. Hopefully, it was merely people watching a movie; Sherlock hadn't really been prepared to intervene in anything more than that.

However, seeing two gunmen accosting the owners of one of his favorite curio shops, Sherlock changed his mind immediately. "Blast, can't ever be a sleepy day of errands, can it?" Sherlock groused as he looked at the scene before them. "Since you're the one prone for dealing with dangerous demons and such, do you have a plan? Preferably one that doesn't include staining the interior of the the shop. Many of those knick-knacks are devilishly hard to clean."

 

[Asa]

I will do what I can you call your officer friend.

She paused looking around before zeroing in on a car.

Get away driver little grey car on your right.

With thet she grew claws out on her hand and walking past the car acted like she dropped something and punctured the tire while bent down out of sight of the driver who was locked on the door of the shop. Then crossing over she walked into the shop.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock glanced where she mentioned and nodded. "Got it," he muttered as the registration plate was logged in his Mind Palace. Slipping into cover, just in case, he produced his phone and hit the speed dial for Lestrade. He may not like the Inspector, but he had his uses.

"Lestrade. Bit of bother on Baker Street. Robbery in progress at the curio shop where Baker meets Waltham. Grey-colored getaway car, registration AZA 0631 idling across the street. I'll keep an eye out... No, no sirens, we don't want to tip them off." He admonishes the Inspector for his response. "Block Waltham and Hyde Road and come in foot. I'll be out of sight in the alley south of the car.... Quicker than that if you can." he says, hearing the response time.

Sherlock peered out again, curious where Iara went while he was on the phone.

 

[Asa]

Iara had changed forms and dound a way in as they tiny house at. Strolling this cat seemed to me it's way through the isles till she heard the fear in the old man's voice talking about his wife letting strays in to feed them that it was nothing. Mewing a few times as if calling out to other strays in the building and a couple more seemed to answer. Hearing all she needed she made her way to the couple and their attackers and seemed to demand attention. When none was given she leaped at the gunmen who had their attention knocking the gun from his hands. A painful yeowl from one human gunman then on to the next one as the first gun hit the floor discharging into it's owners leg as it hit the ground.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock spun his head back toward the shop as he heard the gunshot. "Oh no... nononono..." he murmured, his thoughts going to the sweet old couple that ran the shop. He burst through the door to see one on the ground holding his badly shot leg while the other was laying on the ground with Iara standing over the both of them. Sherlock quickly secured the gun and aimed it at the two gunmen, looking at Iara. "Police are on the way. Thank you..." He said, glad that Iara could save the sweet couple now cowering behind the counter.

He could see the thankfulness in the husband's eyes as he cradled his crying wife to his chest. It was harrowing for them both, but he was so thankful it was ended without hurting either of them. Sherlock simply nodded. "Why don't you and Clara head into the back for now?" He suggested to the husband. There were about to be so many police and others in and out of here that it might do to have some privacy for now.

 

[Asa]

Iara still in her little house at form tried to calm the old woman as well. Circling them purring and nudging them as if agreeing with Sherlock.

Such a strange little cat. Is it a stray? We could use a good cat around here.

The old man mused.

Distract young children away from pricy items.