Work Text:
“Her name is Cecile,” Mrs. Hudson said, beaming as she stroked the light orange fur. “I hadn’t intended to come home with a cat, but she was just so sweet I couldn’t resist.”
Cecile, purportedly sweet, proceeded to attach herself to the kitchen curtains. Watson and Mrs. Hudson both seemed to find this amusing.
Holmes was less rather amused. Although exceedingly fond of animals, he did not ordinarily share his space with one. And in his experience, cats could be quite destructive.
Mrs. Hudson and Watson took to their new roommate quite well. Cecile was soft, friendly, and enjoyed batting their belongings into difficult to reach places. This did not wholly reassure Holmes, for he could not stop imagining evidence being lost in such a fashion.
He had not encouraged her to come up to the sitting room, although he could not resist petting her when downstairs. She did not need encouragement, and one day when he sat attempting to read, she sprang into his lap.
For a moment, he only stared at her in vague horror. Light orange fur did not match his customary attire, and he found himself already subjected to orange fluff upon his black clothing items. It would be far worse if she sat in his lap.
“Oh, sir, isn’t that so sweet?” Mrs. Hudson, who had been pouring tea, paused and watched. “Look at that, Doctor.”
“I am looking, Mrs. Hudson.” Watson chuckled. “It seems she likes you, Holmes.”
Holmes did not respond. Cecile laid down in his lap, but any horror at this continued intrusion into his space was counteracted by the sheer warmth which she radiated. Relaxing, Holmes began to pet the cat.
Mrs. Hudson and Watson exchanged knowing smiles. Holmes ignored them, and continued petting Cecile as she purred and distributed warmth.