The Exception // SHERLOCK x READER //

Chapter 8

"I suppose so," Sherlock bluntly stated. He then looked on into her eyes with an icy stare, sending a chill up her spine. But, wanting to actually work towards making amends between himself and his neighbor, he chose to engage in conversation further. "(Y/n), tell me about yourself."

She only scoffed. "Well, what's there to know?" (Y/n) fidgeted with the loose string at the thin, lilac sweater she wore. "I'm just a lady wanting to get her life on the right track; start a business selling books and pastries, and finally getting some peace and quiet for once."

Sherlock snickered. "Though you say that, me and you both know that's not exactly true."

(Y/n)'s heart nearly stopped. 'What is wrong with this man?' she thought, almost in an internal panic. 'Why must he think I'm hiding something?' Though she asked herself this, she hated knowing that Sherlock's suspicions were true. She was hiding something from the word; her past.

But, before (Y/n) could answer, Angelo had reappeared with a note book and pen in hand to take their orders while also dropping off two waters at the table. Sherlock ordered a simple lasagna, while (Y/n) picked her favorite food offered on the menu, (f/f). Afterwards, Angelo left the two alone once again, winking at them both before heading back behind the kitchen doors.

"You didn't answer," restated Sherlock. He was persistent in his interrogations.

While bringing her water to her lips, (Y/n) almost choked on her drink. She was getting rather annoyed with his insistent questioning. "Oh, Sherlock, why does it matter?"

"because you matter," he quipped.

The both of them sat in silence. Sherlock's expression faltered at his own words. A part of him wanted to take back his words, his partial sentimentality, but the other piece of him meant it. He did not quite understand it himself, but there was a feeling of concern growing for his neighbor. Though he wasn't usually one to care for other's affairs, (Y/n) seemed different. She seemed alone, not too dissimilar to himself in a way, even if he wished to deny it.

As for (Y/n), she could only look down at her hands folded on the table. After having the few seconds to process what was said, she spoke again. "... I wish I did." (Y/n) looked up again to see the face before her. She tried to read if there was any sincerity on his expression, but she could hardly tell. She was numb to everyone's words; she had learned a long time ago how worthless they were.

It was then that Sherlock felt something in his chest shift about. He disliked his growing sympathy for the woman at the table. But, no matter how hard he tried to lie to himself, Sherlock could see how evidently broken (Y/n) really was. She tried to hide it, maintain her composure, but sooner or later, she'd break. He knew the way it went.

How long had (Y/n) felt like this?

"Sorry to keep you waiting," said Angelo with a tray. "Here's the lucky lady's (f/f), and here's that lasagna you ordered, too." He stood back with his hands on his belt, happy to see the two customers sitting together. "Well, call if you need anything else," he said, waving with a generous smile.

Sherlock nodded in reply with a smile that wrinkled the corners of his eyes ever-so-slightly. Once Angelo was out of sight, Sherlock picked up his utensils and began to dig into his meal. He didn't know what else to say. The last thing he wanted was to upset (Y/n) again after trying to hard to make it up to her for his terrible behavior over the course of her arrival.

At this, (Y/n) had noticed. Though it was hard to pick up through the expression on is face, she could sense his remorse. She swallowed her bite of food, and spoke. "Sherlock, I'm sorry I got so defensive," she turned to look out the window, hoping he would not be able to see the water building in her eyes. "In fact, it seems like I've been defensive over everything as of late. Please, I'm trying to be more open to others," (Y/n) then reached over and delicately placed her hand over Sherlock's that had rested on top of the table. "You've actually given me more strength than you realize in the last couple of days, so thank you for that."

"...you're...welcome," he replied, startled by her response. Sherlock could not wrap his head around what (Y/n) was going through exactly, but he was happy to hear his presence had made some difference for the better. If anything, he was worried about causing (Y/n) more distress than before. Somehow, despite his blunt nature and eccentric behavior, he made her more at ease. It was a result he was more than willing to accept.

(Y/n) smiled, and then gave his hand a light squeeze before pulling away, leaving Sherlock's hand feeling colder and exposed. He cleared his throat and set his plate aside with (Y/n) following along doing the same. The two of them thanked Angelo for his hospitality and walked out the door into the chilly night.

The day was nearly done, and the streets were close to vacancy. Most people had already gone to sleep, except for someone parked at a stop, watching Sherlock and (Y/n) as they walked along the side walk.

"What do we have here?" they asked to themselves, watching with a close eye and a curious mind.

Across from their parked car, Sherlock and (Y/n) could be seen briskly walking back to their apartments. The pavement beneath their shoes scuffed their soles within every few steps and the air felt colder by the second.

Sherlock looked down to his side to observe his companion. She was starting to shiver and, though the lighting was weak, he could see the darker shade of red brush over her nose. Without hesitance, he said, "have my coat."

"What?" said (Y/n), holding her arms into a hug to keep warm. "You keep it to yourself; it's freezing out here."

He blinked several times, processing what he had just offered. 'Did I really offer my coat just now?' he internally questioned, sinking in the information. But, he quickly accepted his own words and reaffirmed his offer once more. "I said take my coat. Clearly, you're shaking and I can here your teeth chatter. It's annoying." Sherlock slid off one sleave followed by the other, shoving it into (Y/n) for her to take.

But, being the considerate person she was, she threw back the coat to Sherlock. "And I said for you to keep it! It's your own coat to keep you warm, not me, so use it for yourself." She really didn't want to be a bother and leave Sherlock to freeze for her sake. It would leave her feeling nothing but guilt.

Though she didn't realize how stubborn Sherlock was either.

He pulled off the coat from over his head and slipped it back on himself while giving his neighbor the side-eye. "Alright then," he said, walking ahead of (Y/n) to stand in front of her.

"What are you doing – oof!" Quickly, Sherlock took off his scarf and snuggly wrapped it around (Y/n).

"There!" said Sherlock as he displayed one of his infamous cynical smiles. "Now, leave it," he commanded before turning around to walk forward again.

(Y/n)'s face began to heat up. She stood there dazed before regaining her composure and catching up with Sherlock a few steps ahead. "I said I didn't need anything for you to keep it for yourself!"

"And I'm saying that I don't care," said Sherlock without bothering to look at (Y/n). He smugly walked back to the apartment building feeling victorious as (Y/n) accepted his kind gesture. Afterall, though he said that he did not care, (Y/n) knew words were cheap. His actions so far had shown her differently.

Once they reached their destination, Sherlock opened the door and allowed (Y/n) to walk through.

"Hm, so you've got yourself a new acquaintance, I see," said the man in the car. He had discreetly followed them from the restaurant to the apartments without notice. "I suppose I should pay this new friend of yours a visit," he said, turning the keys to drive away. "Perhaps it would be best to see her soon."