#sanillock

Vanille had to leave first, once again he needed to cover for a co-worker.  

He groggily got ready for the early shift.  Looking over his shoulder, he watched Sansei and Sherlock snooze.  It wasn't often that he was awake before Sherlock, the winter break meant he didn't have to go anywhere for nearly a month.  Which meant he was able to sleep in for a month, something he was very much going to take advantage of.

A problem arose however, Vanille was unable to tie his own tie.  

He gently nudged his sleeping boyfriend, “loulou, mon amour, mon beau loup?”

Sherlock sleepily blinked awake, looking at Vanille and making a grumpy, unintelligible sound.

“help me with my tie,” with pleading eyes, Vanille whispered, making sure he did not accidentally wake wake Sansei.  The three of them had been up late due to some activities and Sansei needed to work in a few hours, “s'il vous plait?”

Sherlock nodded, rubbing his eye sockets while rolling over to sit at the edge of the bed.  Although barely awake, Sherlock's fingers were nimble.  He neatly tied the tie with ease, grabbing it and pulling Vanille down into a sleepy kiss.   “have a good day love,” he yawned, “your lunch is in the fridge, take a muffin for breakfast,” he kissed Vanille again and again, “i love you.”

Vanille pulled back, slightly flustered by his sleepy boyfriend's boldness.  He settled into his usual grin, “je t'aime aussi.”

When Vanille left, Sherlock settled back into bed.  He buried himself in the soft blanket and wrapped an arm around Sansei's waist, pulling them close.  He nuzzled their shoulder as they sighed in their sleep.  This is what he lived for.  Quiet moments of affection, sleeping with someone he loved so dearly.  It would have been perfect if neither of them had to leave for work.  On their day off he'd have to propose a lazy laying in bed day.

Quiet hours passed and Sherlock's sleep was once again interrupted.  This time by can alarm he had set to make sure Sansei woke up with enough time to get ready and make it to work.

“kiiiiitten,” he mumbled into their shoulder before pressing kisses to their skull.

“hhhhaaaaaggghhh,” they groaned out a sound that sounded like it could be used to summon an old god, “no.”

“unfortunately, you need to be a responsible adult,” he chuckled, slipping his other arm underneath them to pull them closer.

“can’t you just go?” Sansei whined, squeezing their eyes tightly shut.

“now, i would if i was not afflicted by what medical experts call 'holiday laziness’,” he grinned as Sansei softly elbowed him in the ribcage.

“you're terrible,” more frustrated groans escaped their mouth as they sat up at the foot of the bed.

Sherlock crawled over, draping his larger form over them.  His hands ghosting along their hips, “i sadly didn't allocate enough time to motivate you better,” his voice a low whisper, “if you are a good kitten and work hard, when you get home we can have some fun.” He slipped his tongue across their shoulder blade, “sound fair.”

Sansei stiffened up at his touch, coriander blooming in their ribcage.  Oh god did they want him.  His tongue made them relax, a slow nod as they agreed to his deal.

“i'll set the alarm earlier next time,” Sherlock untangled himself from Sansei, making sure to kiss them a few times before departing the bedroom.  

Light snow hit the windows, frost created fancy patterns but also indicated that it was horribly frigid.  Sherlock filled the kettle with water and set it to boil, grabbing tea bags and mugs from the cupboard.  The kitchen was quaintly decorated for Gyftmas, his doing the first day he was off.  The Gyftmas tree sat proudly in the living room, decorated in golds and silvers.  A lovely ornament of a human woman with feathered wings and lovely dark hair in a long white dress sat at the top, watching over the living room.  He really loved that decoration, so ornate and beautiful.  Three small wrapped boxes sat beneath the tree, the rings Sherlock had purchased were completed with ample time to spare.  Vanille had already tried to shake the box but could not figure out what his inside.

He poured the boiling water over the teabags, the pleasant aroma of green tea wafted up.  Not a moment too soon Sansei walked in, they were nearly dressed for work, looking adorable as always.

“i made tea and packed your lunch last night, it's some strawberries and a sandwich from the leftover chicken,” Sherlock smiled and sat at the table with his mug.

Sansei peeked their head on the fridge, a small cloth lunchbag with an owl pattern sat at the top shelf, “you're the best loulou.”

“i thought i was terrible?” He grinned as Sansei sat across from him with their mug and a granola bar.

The pair sat there consuming their tea and breakfast, silently enjoying each other's company.  When it came time for Sansei to leave, he made sure they wore their warmest coat.  Sansei looped their arms around his neck and pulled him into a kiss.  It lasted a little longer than either of them anticipated and Sansei had to run out the door.

“love you!” They shouted, as they saved and ran backwards down the hall.

“love you more kitten!” He called out before the vanished down the stairs.

Sherlock softly knocked at the laundry room door.  The last time he had barged in he had been greeted by the hard piercing state of Big Red’s brother as he sat on the bed, gently holding the sleeping fox girl.  That was terrifying.  He still didn't understand why she was so into him.  He seemed to care about her though, if he made her less lonely Sherlock couldn't really complain.  Just… why did he have to be so scary and intense.  Sherlock shuddered at the thought of that scenario.  He took the silence as an 'all clear’ and sure enough the room was empty.  Breathing a sigh of relief, he got to work.

Washing, drying, ironing, and putting the clothes away.

He looked to the hardwood floor.  It had been a while since he had cleaned it.

Sweeping, mopping, making it shine.

While emptying out the mop bucket he caught a glimpse of outside.  Mesmerized by the snow, a fuzzy memory of pine trees and winter's chill.  He had a reasonable amount of time before he had to start dinner, he could go skating at the outdoor rink at the park.  He pondered if he should or not, he could find more housework to do for sure.  Screw it.  He grabbed the pair of skates he had bought for himself and had yet to use and put on his coat and scarf.

The park was nearly empty, it was too cold today for most.  The ice was smooth and pristine.  Sitting on the bench, Sherlock tightly laced the black skates.  Excitement building, it had been so long since he went skating.

He started slow, the feel of the blades against the ice so familiar.  It didn't take long for him to acclimate to the ice.  His favourite trick was flawlessly skating backwards.  Picking up speed, his turns and spins became tighter.  Single axel, he grinned at his success.  He could do better, double axel.  A small crowd of onlookers had gathered around the edge of the ice.

He hadn't attempted a triple in a long time, but he basically had to now.  A deep breath, a few spins and simple jumps for the crowd.  He lept into the air, three tight successful spins.  The landing a little shaky but no one but him seemed to notice.  Sherlock's SOUL fluttered in his chest, he'd need to bring Sansei and Vanille here.  They'd be so impressed.

A couple people had asked if he taught skating, he had to decline.  He was busy enough with the university.

When he got home he was still riding the high of his success.  Potatoes, beef, onions, carrots and celery made a delicious simmering stew.  It would only get better with time so he didn't mind that it was still quite early.  Vanille would be home first, then Sansei much later.

He flopped down onto the couch, he would watch some Netflix.  A show about female prisoners? Nah, not today.  A show about a chemistry teacher? Pass.  Sherlock settled on a three hour documentary about various theories and conspiracies regarding the void.

He barely got an hour in before sleep claimed him.  He snuggled up in the blanket and dozed off.

Vanille was greeted by a delicious smell wafting through the house.  He noticed Sherlock dead asleep on the couch and tiptoed into the bedroom to change clothes.  A pair of Sherlock's pajama pants and a t-shirt? Why not.  Using magic Vanille gently lifted Sherlock's head just enough that he could sit and rest it on his lap.  He didn't stir aside from nuzzling into Vanille's lap.

He deeply inhaled the crisp fall air.  October would give way to November, winter would soon cover the city in a white blanket of slumber and frost.  The last leaves clung to the trees in defiance, trying so desperately to hang on for dear life.

Sherlock checked his watch, just passed six thirty.  He lamented his inability to get out if his office at a reasonable hour.  Midterms would be coming up, students clamoured for extra help to pass the class.  A few of them were unfortunately beyond any help he could offer.  He wouldn't give up on them though, that would be tragic.  

Waiting for the train was agony, he would rather teleport but with a large amount of new arrivals to the city it was dangerous.  Things were shifting around far too much and he did not desire to be stuck in a wall or worse.

“Professor!” He turned to see a bipedal cyan cat race towards him, she struggled to keep her books from falling.

“evening,” he responded, checking his watch once again.

“Professor, I was wondering if you have time to go over some chapters over a coffee,” she fluttered her long lashes and grinned.

“my office opens at eleven am tomorrow, we can go over anything you need help with then,” he forced a smile, all he wanted was to go home and relax.

“But, it might be fun to just relax, I know where a good Muffet’s is at,” She was sure persistent.

Sherlock was about to speak when his phone rang from inside his coat pocket.  He managed to luck out and find it almost immediately.  “Hello?” The girl shuffled closer, straining to hear the voice on the other end.  “ugh i'm sorry love, office hours ran late.  do me a favor and start a pot of water boiling, okay?  no not the dark pot it burns everything, i told kitten to throw it out.  no…. no…. are you sure you want to get takeout? i can cook when i get home… fine fine… i love you too, tell kitten I love them and i'll be home soon. i'm not blowing you a kiss through the phone that's embarrassing, i”ll kiss you properly when i get home.  yes i promise, love you.”

The cat girl sighed, listening to her dreams die as her professor continued to talk cute with the person on the other end.  When the call ended she sighed, “sir was that your wife?”

“huh? oh no no,” Sherlock shook his head and smiled, his demeanor softening considerably, “my ridiculously silly boyfriend wanting to know when i’ll be home.”

The girl wished the void would open up and swallow her whole, how could she be so wrong?  “Oh… you live with him then?”

“correct, i live with my boyfriend and girlfriend,” Sherlock checked his watch again, impatiently tapping his foot.

Completely and utterly defeated the cat sighed and left without a word.

When he looked up from his watch he noticed the student had vanished.  How odd.

The trains had been running late due to a new section of track appearing out of thin air.  Sherlock held onto the pole and watched the city speed by, sun nearly set and the inky blackness of the void sky becoming dotted in pseudo-stars.  He sighed, exhausted with the day's events.  Maybe he could cancel class tomorrow, send a quick email to his students.  He could send them the review for the test too.  Yes, he would do that.

Street lamps lit the way from the train stop to the apartment building, he fiddled for his keys.  As per the usual he was unable to find them on his first try, or his second, or third.  He opened the apartment door to the unmistakable smell of Chinese takeout, how delicious.

Suddenly he found himself tackled by a small skeleton then a larger one.  Their arms wrapped around him in a tight embrace, even as the pile of bones fell to the floor.  They all laughed, kisses to his skull coming from every direction.  He smiled, the pair telling him how much they missed him, how much they loved him.

“i'm afraid i don't understand the significance of these clothes.  they’re nice though, i like the colours,” Sherlock tugged at the dark grey kimono, the silver koi pattern shimmered in the light as the fabric shifted, “also the significance of the event itself escapes me.”

“mademoiselle renarde and minou seem to understand what it’s about,” Vanille replied, completely enamoured by the blue fabric of his own kimono patterned with bright flowers and swirls, “peu importe, you look quite handsome mon loup.”

Sherlock looked away, pink rising to his cheekbones, “shut up.”

“now now, don’t be koi,” Vanille accentuated his pun with an exaggerated wink.

Sherlock raised a brow and shrugged.

“the fish on your kimono, they’re called koi which sounds like coy,” he sighed, explaining a pun was the worst thing.

“oh,” Sherlock looked at the pattern once again, “probably would have been good if i knew what this fish was called, you lose on that one my dear.”

Sherlock’s eyes widened as Vanille grinned, “what did you just call me?” he said sliding ever closer.

“n-nothing,” Sherlock crossed his arms, clear embarrassment killing him from the inside.  He fucked up, he fucked up so bad.  He was saved when out of the corner of his eye he spotted the small and delicate Sansei.  “Sansei!” he called out, silently praising the merciful gods that Vanille’s attention shifted.

Sansei peeked around the corner, not entirely prepared to face them.  Their mind, however, was made up for them by the fox behind them.  She had gently pushed them so they were in full view of the two skeletons.

The pair were silent, typically Sansei wore hoodies and jeans.  Clothing that wasn’t ‘traditionally’ feminine.  Neither of them really complained, mind you, but this was something special to behold.  Sansei’s hands hidden by long sleeves, medium blue fabric accentuated by black borders and ruffles.  It was shorter than their clothing, a different garment altogether.  To cover their bare legs they wore their usual thigh-high black stockings.

The fox appeared behind them a moment later, “you’re welcome fuckos, look at this hot piece of skeleton,” she grinned and patted Sansei on the back.  The fox was wearing a much similar outfit to Sansei, instead of blue she adorned deep reds.  Nine bushy auburn tails swished behind her.

“minou, si belle,” Vanille scanned them up and down, taking in their dainty figure.

“i’m going to agree with him,” Sherlock had picked up a few scattered words Vanille spoke and finally had a reasonable understanding.

“Oh wow Kaze you look amazing! Thank you Kaze I know I do!” The fox rolled her eyes, “you just gonna dick them right here or are you going to the festival?”

“oh my god,” Sansei smacked Kaze in the arm, “you know you look cute.”

“Yeah yeah,” Kaze giggled, giving Sansei a quick hug, “I have to leave ahead of you fucks, there is actually a Inari Kitsune here that I’m supposed to entertain because I’m the only kitsune in this void pocket.”

“oh?” Sansei asked, “are you gonna be okay or do i gotta fite?”

“Should be, I actually asked Papyrus to come with me to do his actual job and be a guard.  Kitsune politics get all fuckin’ game of thrones sometimes,” Kaze shrugged, already making her way out the door, “I’m safe with Pap, catch you nerds at the park!”

-

The evening was surprisingly clear, it had rained earlier that day leaving everything slightly damp and the air smelling clean and fresh.  The trio opted to walk to the park.  It was in fairly close proximity anyway, hardly worth expending the magical energy to teleport.  

Vanille clasped Sansei's hand tightly, swinging their arm gently back and forth.  Sherlock walked beside, looking down at Sansei's empty hand for a moment before deciding he didn't want to pressure them.  This was still new.  To his surprise he felt them gently lace their fingers through his,  their face flushed, but smiling.  He grinned, bringing their hand to kiss mouth to softly kiss it.  They were too cute.  Their expression became flustered so they stares straight ahead.

It was a nice feeling, he looked to Vanille then to Sansei.  He was very fond of both of them.  A kitten and a jackass.

They came to quite a large puddle left from the rain, the two men looked at each other and nodded.  They had become very good at silent communication.  At the same time they lifted the smaller skeleton up, ferrying them across the puddle as they flailed.  They didn't like being picked up without warning, much less being picked up at all.  The men chuckled, setting their kitten back on the ground.

The park was remarkably different, the Void had shifted to suit the needs of the festival.  The fox had explained that some of the monsters were from timelines where this was commonplace.  Culturally different timelines were not uncommon, it was interesting how the Alpha Timeline diverged into hundreds of possibilities.  Sherlock was mesmerized by the hundreds of trees covered in pale pink flowers.  

Vanille turned his attention to the tents that lined the boardwalk by the man-made lake, monsters in spectacular attire selling all kinds of trinkets and food he had not seen before.  

He grinned, a certain vendor caught his eye, “stay here!”

Sherlock and Sansei blinked in confusion as they watched Vanille disappear into the crowd.  Not wanting to stand around he scanned the immediate area.  Still tightly gripping Sansei’s hand he lead them to a nearby unoccupied bench, sitting down and pulling the smaller skeleton into his lap.  He wrapped his arms around them and rest his head on their shoulder.  “you do look quite nice,” he mumbled.

“Aaaaahhh... well, oh gosh,” words failed them as they tried to hide their blushing face, “thank you.”

“hmn,” he sighed in thought, choosing his next words carefully, “i don’t usually get quite so… emotional?  i believe that is the right word, however, it seems you and… don’t tell him but, vanille draw something more out of me.  i seem to have become fond of you both.”

Sansei turned to look at him, watching his face become quite pink as he flashed them a half smile.  Several pansies sprouted from their collar, frantically they struggled to push them back underneath.  A quiet chuckle reverberated through Sherlock’s bones.  “well well kitten, it seems i need to get myself a field guide for flowers,” he grinned, pressing a kiss to the top of their head, gently stroking a petal between his fingers.

“what do we have here?” a sly grin crept across Vanille’s face.  In his hand he held three candied strawberries on sticks.

“are those strawberries?” Sansei’s eyes wide like saucers, “put it in me!”

“oui, like a candy apple but a strawberry,” Vanille popped the strawberry into their open mouth, then handed Sherlock one.

Sherlock inspected it for a moment, it smelled heavenly.  Vanille and Sansei had already started crunching at the hard candy coating to get at the large delicious strawberry.  He opted to take his time, sucking on the candy, melting it slowly.

After they were done, they decided to venture the boardwalk.  Admiring all the people in beautiful costumes performing dances and music none of them had heard before.  The faux sun finally setting beyond the horizon giving away to the sea of stars above them and the lanterns and strings of lights illuminating the park.  Sansei waved to Kaze who waved back.  She was tightly latched onto Papyrus’ arm, he was very well dressed in a floral patterned kimono.  Following her was a grumpy, formal looking male kitsune with stunning white and gold fur.  It looked like she was having fun, despite having to entertain a foreign delegate.

“are they an item?” Sherlock asked, watching Kaze and her entourage disappear into the crowds.

“nah,” Vanille answered, “friends with benefits.”

“i didn’t think red’s brother had friends” Sherlock shrugged, “i suppose she’d be the one to be friends with such a person.”

“i guess the sex is really fuckin’ good,” Sansei chimed in, “he’s huge i guess.”

The wind had picked up, the crowds began to move from the vendors area to the open field by the lake.  The trio followed suit, navigating through the sea of people sitting on picnic blankets with their loved ones under the massive blossoming trees.  They made their way to a bridge overlooking the lake, pink petals slowly began to fall above them, landing in the water to float gracefully on the surface.  A few monsters by the shore sent out boats with candles, a few sent hot air candle lanterns into the sky.  Sansei learned over the bridge’s railing; eyes wide watching the lanterns float into the sky.  Sherlock watched them with a smile, their excitement and happiness made him happy.

“i’m gonna go get one!” Sansei pointed to a Toriel handing out lanterns, “be right back!”  They dashed off towards the line of people waiting for lanterns.

Vanille slipped his arms around Sherlock, resting his head on his shoulder, “this is fun mon loup.”

Sherlock’s shoulders stiffened, the pressure of Vanille touching his shoulder making him uncomfortable in the best way.  “y..yes, quite.” his voice cracked.

The pair remained there until Sansei returned.  They were holding a lit, bright orange lantern covered in floral designs.  The three of them lifted it into the sky, the hot air taking it higher and higher until it was out of sight.  Lost to the inky pool of stars and lanterns.

Sansei locked their arms around both of them, pulling them close.  This was perfect, soft glowing lights and a storm of pink petals falling like snow.  Almost too good to be true, but they’d all enjoy this moment.

-

Sansei had grown tired, energy for the huge group of people running out.  Vanille had so generously offered a piggyback and they obliged, falling asleep before they reached home.

Sherlock swallowed hard, reaching for Vanille’s hand.  To his surprise, Vanille had reached for his at the same time.  They held hands and continued down the street.