The Exception // SHERLOCK x READER //

Chapter 5

1st Person POV

I didn't want to slack off, so I got up and ready for the day. The boxes in the sitting area were about ready to be taken down to the shop and I had stalled enough already as it was. I carefully carried each package and box down the entrance to make the trip easier.

Once that was done, I was finally able to bring my first box of books and supplies into my new café. I began to unpack and set the books inside, carefully planning how to formulate the layout of the cozy little place.

But then, I heard the door's bell ring followed by a man's deep voice.

'Figured you could use some help,' he said.

I looked up with hasty and I felt the books in my hands. A silhouette of a tall man stood at the front, catching me by surprise and a yelp to escape my lips. The books in my weak grasp fell as I jumped on the spot. The man said nothing, but he continued to make his way closer to me. But, when he came into better view, I recognized him to be no actual threat; it was only my neighbor, Sherlock.

"Oh, my word," I gasped with a clenched fist over my heart. "You scared me!"

He held a box in his hands and set them down aside. "I just thought you could use some help carrying these in," he said. "I just...I felt as though we weren't properly acquainted with." He cleared his throat and held out a hand.

Though I didn't know the man for long, I could tell this was quite uncharacteristic of him to do. I stared at him with questioning eyes for only a couple of seconds more before he grew quickly impatient.

"Well, go on," he said. "Take my hand and shake it already, isn't this what you're supposed to do when trying to be friendly?" His jaw tightened after his last remark.

But, I couldn't help but smile at his grumpy nature.

"Yes, of course it is," I said, taking his firm hand into mine with a gentle shake. "Nice to meet you." I chuckled to myself and placed my hands into my pockets afterwards. "It was nice of you to drop by and say hello."

'Maybe my neighbor isn't such a jerk after all.'

* * * 

3rd Person POV

He nodded and simply placed his hands behind his back as his eyes wandered around the room. There were shelves aligned against the wall on one side and kitchen appliances scattered on top of the counter on the other. The selves were half-covered in dust with paper towels and rags doused in cleaning spray nearby.

"So you're the one that bought the place," said Sherlock, finally returning his gaze to the lady in front of him. "You're really changing the aesthetics. You're planning on keeping it a pastry shop?"

(Y/n) wasn't used to her neighbor taking particular interest in her plans. His inquisitive nature took her aback, especially after trying to hide herself away from majority of the people she had encountered. But, it was a nice change of pace. What harm would it be to share with the neighbor anyway?

"Yes, well, sort of," she started. "I've always dreamed of having my own small business." (Y/n) began to walk to the box near the back of the shop, dragging her fingers against the glass counter as she went. Books of different genres filled the box to the brim. She grabbed one and held it. "But, I thought I'd change things up a bit and make it a cozy café where you can sit, chat, have a tea or pastry while you relax!"

Sherlock tilted his head to the side. 'What a...wholesome dream, I suppose...' he thought to himself. 'A little plain, but I guess different than most.' But, his brief silence and furrowed brows caused (Y/n) to fret.

'Maybe I said something wrong...?' She quickly double-checked her words hoping she said nothing to offend. "Oh, but it's silly, I know! I just thought magazines in a café were little over done and underwhelming, I mean, how many cafés are there that specialize on being a bakery and book shop?" Without hesitation, she put back the book and walked past Sherlock to lift another box onto the counter top. "It's silly, I know," she said, finishing up her explanation.

After spending years in the past with her ex-boyfriend, she knew when was embarrassing herself. Everyone including himself would snicker and try to keep their mouths shut just to hear her spew out 'nonsense' as they told her.

But Sherlock walked over to reassure his new neighbor. "Oh, no, it's not bad!" The whole point of meeting (Y/n) again was to bury the hatchet, not create more friction between the two. Obviously, his words had meant something to her even if he had not realized it.

"Really, it isn't?" she asked with a creeping smile on her face.

He looked into her (e/c) eyes that began to twinkle with new-found hope. 'Another emotional, sentimental acquaintance, it seems,' Sherlock mentally noted. Though, he tried to stifle the fascination he had with the woman before him. She seemed to be hiding something or, at least, choosing to portray herself as if there weren't a care in the world.

Sherlock cleared his throat and ripped himself from his internal dialogue. "Yes, it is... different, in a good way, I'll add." He looked around once again just to at least seem interested and sincere with his words. After all, it appeared to be personal to (Y/n).

"That's what I thought! I'd just have to re-paint the place, make a new menu with catchy names and gorgeous presentation and – voila! It'll be the next big hangout spot!" She giggled and her eyes squinted with such genuine joy. "I just can't believe it's actually happening... it's just a little overwhelming."

"Well then," said Sherlock, grabbing the box filled with books with ease. "Let's get to work, shall we?" He feigned a smile and tried to remain calm while organizing and place the books onto the shelf.

As for (Y/n), she nearly gawked like a fish. She didn't expect for Sherlock to be so kind to stick around and help. 'First he's rude, a total jerk that wanted nothing to do with me, and now he's being considerate – or at least trying to be...' She continued to work while stealing glances of her confusing neighbor, trying to figure him out like the plot in one of her favorite books. 'Let's see how long he'll stick around; not everyone is who they seem to be.'