The curious case of Sherlocks Heart (closed)

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock stood over the gunmen for minutes. When the owners and Iara slid away into the back room, he pulled out his phone to check on Lestrade. Eventually, he gets through. "Yes, Lestrade... no need to set the perimeter. I have things well in hand... yes, things escalated and I had to intervene... I'm sure you'd be just heart-broken if something happened to me. Now you and your officers come along. I'm getting tired of holding their gun... Yes, they are disarmed and laying on the floor. One chap rather stupidly shot himself in the leg. He could do with some paramedics... Well why didn't you call them right away?! Nevermind, both you and the EMS better be here on the double. I'm tired of doing your job for you."

Sherlock hung up the phone and glanced at the door, wondering how far off they were as he still didn't hear sirens.

 

[Asa]

A car arrived shortly. Iara was by that time trying to extricate herself from their grip. It wasn't like she could reveal to them what she really was but she also had no intention of becoming a pet. She could find another stray to take over this seemingly expected job now if she could just get outside.

The officers walked in and one took care of the weapons before they both hauled them into the cars and taking the old couple's statement which got the old woman hugging the little housecat tighter as she told the officer how the cat had saved them. The helpless strsy still struggling to be let go of quite intently.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock couldn't help but be amused by the look of Iara, wriggling in the shopkeepers hands. It was so obvious that the cat was trying to escape her clutches, but she wasn't interested in letting her go. With the police and EMS dealing with the would-be robbers, Sherlock was free to assist Iara to attain her freedom. Sliding up to the Clara, he atampted to trade off the cat to his hands. "Oh, thank goodness. Mrs. Hudson has been looking for her new outdoor cat. She hasn't been around for her latest feedings and she was worried something happened to her. She'll be so relieved to see her again."

Hopefully they would buy the cover story that Sherlock cared about Mrs. Hudson or the cats she might be feeding. He'd made a career of snide comments at her expense, but he'd never go out of his way to hurt his landlady. If he could get her to transfer Iara over to him, they might slip out of this without Lestrade pestering him about why he was here in the first place.

 

[Asa]

The old man helped pry her from his wife hands. Which prompted Iara to leap to Sherlock Shoulder only.to hiss at him.

Clearly she knows you though may not be too impressed with your attitudes old friend sent your dear landlady our regards as well as the good Dr.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock cradled Iara, knowing full well she could see though his tone. He nods to the couple as he carries Iara in cat form outside. As he figured, Lestrade was waiting for him outside. Internally, Sherlock groaned at the thought of dealing with the dim-witted detective. Still, he had to make an appearance. He was the one that called it in after all.

"Well well, aren't we in the right place at the right time? Had a fancy for curios, Sherlock?" The inspector jabbed.

"I happened to be heading to the shops at the end of the row. It does occur from time to time that I require things, Lestrade."

"And here I thought you survived on tea and spite. Whose cat is that?"

"Mrs. Hudson. While she doesn't claim ownership, she's taken to care for this cat and was worried it had gone missing. I am merely bringing her back to show Mrs. Hudson that all is well." Sherlock explained, already moving to get on his way. Hopefully, Lestrade is just needling him because Sherlock was unable to solve the murdered criminals case. Finding the dead perpetrator must be making the Inspector feel rather full of himself.

 

[Asa]

The cat hissed again and Lestrade let him leave. She looked to Sherlock and then to the alley next to the building. She did not want to lose that outfit she had been wearing.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Once they were well away from Lestrade, he caught Iara's glance and nodded just so she could see. He slid over to the alley and dipped out of sight. Once out of the way, he set Iara down on her paws. "Sorry about that; I had to tell him something," Sherlock apologizes immediately.

 

[Asa]

Making sure no one was around she quickly shifted and put her clothes back on.

There much better Inwould hate to lose that outfit. So are we ready to continue our shopping trip?

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock tried not to stare as Iara dressed herself, but it was so hard given how shapely and lithe her human form is. Gathering his cool again, he nodded in answer to her question. "I'd hate to waste the day over such dreadful business. Let's see what the shops have to offer." He says, offering Iara the crook of his elbow. After the attempted robbery, he was less worried about being seen with such a lovely woman in his arm.

 

[Asa]

She slipped her hand into the crook of his arm with a smile.

Well now where was the little market of shops Mrs Hudson told us about?

Leaning up she kissed his cheek before they left the alley.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock grinned at the peck on his cheek. It was so sweet and out of character for him, but it was nice to have that moment. Walking out of the alley, Sherlock had a bit of a spring in his step that wasn't there before. Being able to do some good with a woman like Iara gave the day a different feeling.

Soon enough, they were in the group of shops near Piccadilly that Mrs. Hudson had mentioned. As he hoped, the place had modern styles that had a formal tone. It was just the sort of thing he envisioned to be appropriate to visit the Queen while also allowing Iara to look fashionable. Sherlock walked the store and slowly began to realize how out of his depth he was when it came to choosing women's fashions. He always preferred something utilitarian and durable; he never knew where he might wind up and didn't want to be limited by his clothing choice.

"Anything look acceptable to your tastes?" He finally asked, figuring Iara already had something in mind.

 

[Asa]

She grumbled but sighed looking around till she found the grey dress and shrugged going to try it on.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a8/4d/11/a84d11c5b599c6ecd5280575a991604c.jpg

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock frowned a bit at her reaction. When she walked back out, she did look lovely, but not pleased by the look on her face. "I know it's not your style, but it does look lovely." It felt hollow to say it as he looked at her. "But you're not happy all the same, are you?"

 

[Asa]

This is the least repulsive to me. These materials they do not feel right... They do not feel... Natural.

She shrugged.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock sighed. Like so many times in his life, he was now making Iara appear to be someone she was not. "It does look lovely, but... if you don't like it, what's the point? You'll never wear it again and it will be a waste to get it. I'm sorry... where would you like to go?" He asks, smiling a little as he watched her face.

 

[Asa]

Tapping the side of her nose and smiling at him.

It's fine and I can tell you like it. If all else fails I can donate it to one of the girl's schools around here for one of their dances or theater groups.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock smiles. "Thank you... I still think we should pick up something for you that you'll actually wear and enjoy though. Call it a 'Thank You' present." He adds, smiling as he gives the dress one more look.

 

[Asa]

About that time John texted Sherlock.

Thinking about her clothing choices that we know of leathers and denim. Something of a more nature-based feel scent like cotton or wool or even suede might help her. Even if it is just the base layer with more silk or whatever over it.

Mrs. Hudson also said there is a girls school she tends to donate clothes to for girls that need it. She and her mother both have done so for their entire lives. Mrs. Budson seems to think it is some conscious or unconscious penance for all the killing they have to do.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock read the text from John. He frowned. "Hmm, perhaps you might make heads or tails of this message from John. He has a suggestion for your outfit." He explains as he steps close and leans slightly against her to show her his phone. He lets her read it before looking at her. "Does any of that mean anything to you? I'm afraid I'm at a loss for suggestions."

He didn't want to mention anything about the donation; he wanted that to be up to her to do.

 

[Asa]

Natural fibers. Cotton things like that...

She paused a moment thinking.

I had never thought of it. Mom always did make sure that St least the clothing she and I wore was natural. Then I just drifted into the preference for denim and leather on my own.

She paused when she read about the reason for the donation.

That's right... A human can articulate perhaps the strongest drive for donating to those girls schools.

Shaking her head.

I know you like this one and I like the decor on it but I will find a cotton dress as well perhaps for another time as well.

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock nodded. "Alright, I'll be here when you are done." He said, stepping back and resuming his post on the "boyfriend bench" in every clothing store. Not much he could do other than wait, though he did thumb a quick reply to John.

"I'll have you know, Doctor, that if you ever offer unsolicited advice again, I'll be seeking a new partner. However, in this instance, thank you for your help." He swallowed, feeling a little embarrassed by this hole in his knowledge.

 

[Asa]

John texted back.

Replace me and never find out where Mrs Hudson has that leather dress put away for Iara.

About that time she walked back over from the dressing rooms.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTj499g2aGfCMBk8vAIvQwaoudirBep0WnW1Q&usqp=CAU

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock grinned at John's "threat". "Touche, doctor. You can stick around," Sherlock texted back before Iara walked out in a new outfit. He smiled as he took her in. "Now that is something I see you wearing on a more daily basis." He offered, voicing his approval. "Will that be all or do we need to make another stop?"

 

[Asa]

This should be okay then I hope.

She gets the two and turns to look at him.

Now where to?

 

[such_a_bad_man]

Sherlock offered Iara his arm again as they made their way out of the store. "I'm not sure. Are you the sort to want new shoes for a new outfit? If not, it's too early for lunch so, I'm not sure what else we need to do, but I'm in no hurry to get back to Baker Street. What do you suggest?"