Police!England x Thief!Shapeshifter!Reader - (5/?)

Police!England x Thief!Shapeshifter!Reader - (5/?)

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Note:  Ok, I'm not too sure how good this came out, but I hope you guys like it
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Chapter 5: The Plan

The rest of the day and the few days that followed went by far too slow for you.  You could hardly sleep. Your mind kept turning back to how you wanted to see Arthur again.  The feel of his lips on your cheek still clear in your mind.  They were so soft and gentle.  Although, You kept asking questions like why would he do something like that?  After letting you escape, did that mean he truly believed you?  You were so unsure, but you knew that since you started this you had to see it through.

However, when your mind was not on those thoughts it was on the thought of seeing your parents again.  Your dreams turned into nightmares the second they showed up.  If you had to say you feared anything, it was them.  If they caught you now, they would probably make sure you'd never see daylight again.  The hatred that you saw on their faces as you flew away burned into your mind.  

You knew you could just leave this city and start over in a new one somewhere far away, but leaving Arthur behind was not something you would so easily do.

You started out the window into the gray morning nothingness.  The rain had decided to come back again and it battered the window mercilessly.  Thunder boomed within the clouds above every so often, but the lightning never struck.  In your eyes it was as if mother nature herself didn't like the current events going on.  However, you had blocked out the noises as your mind kept coming to the last words Arthur spoke to you.

Just promise you'll contact me again soon.  Promise me!

That had been at least 3 days ago, and you had promised to see him again.  You could only hope that your parents weren't sitting in Arthur's office raising hell with him because he had let you slip away.  The image of him being slapped by your mother made you both angry and guilty.  Angry that your mother had hit the person you cared for, and guilty that Arthur had to take that slap for you.

Sighing, you got out a notebook you had acquired and began writing a note to Arthur to meet you at the park.  He still didn't know your secret, and you couldn't just go waltzing into a police station saying 'Hi, I'm here to see Arthur.'  That was like turning yourself in right then and there.

After you finished writing the note, you folded it up, placing it in a sealed little container, and set it down before shifting into a pigeon.  You didn't like being a pigeon too much because of the hawks and falcons that liked to pick them off sometimes.  You then grabbed the container in your beak and took off in the direction of the police office.  Thankfully it wasn't too far from the warehouse.  Maybe about 5 minutes or so?  You couldn't really tell, but as you got closer to the window to Arthur's office your heart sank.

Your parents were there speaking with him.

Unfortunately, they were facing the window, so you had to fly around to the side of it to make sure you weren't seen.  Arthur had left the window open so you were able to hear what they were saying, but their voices, except for Arthur's, were raised and angry.

"How have you not captured her yet??  She needs to be put in jail!" Your mother half shouted, her face red and her eyes glaring.

"I've already told you we are doing that best we can, ma'am.  She has this way of just vanishing from a scene like she was never there," Arthur tried to explain, though the annoyance was barely hidden in his voice.

"I bet your not even trying.  The head of the police department told us you were the one who has been on her tail and trying to catch her for the past almost half year.  He says you're the best they have, but you haven't caught her.  Something tells me you're letting her escape on purpose!"

Arthur had probably snapped as he stood and banged his hands on the desk, making both your parents jump slightly in their seats.

"I am not letting her escape!  Do you know how much sleep I'm losing trying to pick up leads and trying to figure out how she just vanishes?!  More than I can count.  I have been close on her heels, but as soon as she runs into an alleyway she vanishes into thin air!  How am I supposed to catch a thief that just vanishes and leaves nothing for me to find??"

He seemed to have silenced your parents because they didn't respond.  You knew they couldn't; or rather wouldn't.  They didn't want to be associated with you at all, but kept your secret from everyone.  They could them how to catch you right now, but they didn't want people knowing that they had a shapeshifter child.  

"Why do you want us to catch your child so badly?  You act as if the worlds going to end if we don't," Arthur asked, his voice going back down to a more professional one.

Still they didn't answer.

Arthur seemed to have given up with a loud sigh and neatly stacked his paperwork back up on his desk.

"If you have no further questions or any advice we can go off of I'm going to have to ask you to leave.  I have other cases I need to get through today."

Without another word you heard footsteps walking away from the window and the door close.   You peeked into the office to see Arthur slump back into his chair and groan tiredly, rubbing the bridge of his nose as if to ease a headache.

'He must have been dealing with them these past few days,' you concluded.  That or he wasn't getting enough sleep again.

A door from below opened and closed with a loud bang, causing you to glance down out of curiosity to see your parents walking back to their car.  Your father opened the door for your mother and then got into the driver's seat.  He took one glance around the building and his eyes fell on you.  You quickly pretended to be some ordinary pigeon, but your father seemed unconvinced.  He knew you could be any animal, and that included the most plain of ones.  

He just didn't know when or where you could be one.

He kept his eyes on you as he put the car into reverse and drove away.  You sighed in relief and turned your attention back to Arthur.  He was going through some papers but you could tell they were about you.  Was he worried?  You didn't know but you knew you had to give him the note.

Ever so carefully, you flew into the room ad onto Arthur's desk, successfully scaring him.

"Bloody hell!  I knew I shouldn't have left that window op - wait.  What's that you got there?"  Eyeing the container in your beak with interest.

You hesitantly stepped towards him and held the container out, hoping he would take the hint and take it.  He did, and slowly opened it up.  Once he saw your name on it his eyes hastily read its contents.  You could physically see both the relief and joy spread across his face as he finished reading the note.

"Thank goodness, she's alright.  Thank you little fellow," petting your head and picking you up, causing you to slightly blush.  

He brought you to the window and held out his hands for you to fly away and you did, beating your wings hard to fly higher.  You then took off towards the park to wait for Arthur.

--------------Arthur's POV-------------

I sat there for a moment to watch the pigeon fly off through the now drizzling rain, but quickly went to pick my things up and leave my office.  It had been 3 whole days since I last saw her, but those days felt like an eternity.  I wanted to see her again and make sure she was alright.  

Her parents had come by my office everyday of those 3 days demanding that I catch her.  They gave me no hints as to how to do that, and seemed even quieter when I asked what they knew about (Name).  I knew they were her parents, but they didn't seem like parents.  They wanted their own child in prison like she was a monster.  When I asked why they wanted her locked up they stayed silent.

They knew something, but seemed unwilling to tell.

As I raced down the stairs, Francis took notice of my presence and stopped me.

"Ah, and where are you of to, mon ami?"

"None of your bloody business you frog.  Now let me pass."

"Ah ah ah, I know that look," he said before making sure no one was in ear shot, "You're going to meet the fille aren't you?"

"N-No I'm not.  I just remembered I had something important to do, so if you don't mind I need to see to it," I stuttered, but I could clearly feel my face heat up.

"Yo Iggy!" A all too familiar voice boomed from behind me.

'Not him too...,' I mentally groaned as an arm fell across my shoulders.

"Dude where ya headed to in such a big hurry?"

"As I have told Francis here, it's none of your business," I said in annoyance as I tried to walk forward, but that git's arm held me back.

"Aw don't be like that.  Let me guess, you're gonna go see (Na - ) Mmph!" Francis clamped a hand over his big mouth.

"You idiot, if the others hear then Arthur will be in trouble," he scolded.

Alfred's eyes widened in realization before closing and give a sheepish, apologetic smile. I rolled my eyes and groaned.  This man could be the most oblivious person sometimes, but there were times that he was actually quite bright.

"Dude, go," he said in a hushed tone, making my eyes widen in surprise.

"He's right, mon ami.  We will cover for you here and tell the boss that you had some important matters to attend to.  Now go, before I make you regret not getting the fille first," wiggling his eyebrows.

I smiled slightly, but just nodded my head in thanks as I dashed out the door to my cruiser.  Hopefully I didn't keep (Name) waiting too long.

---------Reader's POV--------

You were sitting on a bench in a secluded part of the park where not many people walked around.  Luckily, the overhanging trees kept out most of the rail so you didn't get too wet and the bench was dry.  You were watching the sky and noticed a rainbow in the distance.  You took it as a sign that everything was going to be ok; one way or another.  

You had been sitting here for awhile now, but you knew Arthur would come.  The sparkly look in his eyes was your confirmation.  

But what was he going to ask this time?

What would he do now?

'Probably give me a piece of his mind after what he went through,' you laughed at the thought.

The splashing of footsteps on the stone path snapped you out of your thoughts.  Your head snapped in its direction to see Arthur running towards you with an umbrella.  He seemed out of breath and physically anxious even from this distance.  You stood up from your spot to greet him, but were instead greeted with strong arms wrapped around you as the umbrella fell to the ground.

"Thank goodness you're ok, love," he panted out while he tried to regain his breath.

All you could do was blush and not move.  Your body was stiff and confused at this sudden action, and you had no idea what to do.  Arthur seemed to feel your insecurity and quickly pulled away with a blush on his face.

"S-Sorry!  It's not what you think.  I'm just glad you didn't get caught by hose people who call themselves your parents," he stuttered, scratching the back of his head.

"I-It's ok, Arthur.  You just startled me is all," giving him a small smile.

He smiled back and went to pick up the umbrella, shaking it a little before folding it up.  You both then went to the bench you were sitting on before and sat there together.  You sat there in silence for a few minutes, just enjoying the sound of the rain hit the trees and concrete path.

"I'm sorry," you said, finally breaking the silence.

"For what, love?"

"I'm sorry you got slapped by my mother and had to deal with them these past few days.  It must have been torture for you."

"I will admit it was torture.  I blame you for it, but I will willingly take another slap to the face if it means keeping you away from them," he admitted, looking away from you slightly.

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why do you all of a sudden care what happens to me?  Before you just wanted to catch me and throw me in jail, but after one talk you suddenly start being friendly and say you want to protect me."

"Because I now believe that all of this isn't your fault, and you had no way around doing what you needed to get by," he answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

You just look at him with a shocked expression.  He wanted to protect you, but you could tell he felt more than he lead on.  You felt it too, but you knew he would never accept you for what you were.  

It broke your heart, but you had to keep your distance.

"Thank you, but what are we going to do now?  Continue our little game of cat and mouse?  Cause now you know I have nothing to get me by, so I'm steal going to have to steal," you asked sarcastically.

"No, I....I had another idea.  I-If you're willing to try," he offered slowly.

You raised an eyebrow at him, but stayed silent to let him continue.

"Y-You could stay with me... and -,"

"No Arthur," you cut him off.

"B-But why?  You'd be safe, and not have to worry about stealing food and getting in trouble with the law."

You sighed, "I have a place I'm staying at.  Sure it's not the best of places, but it keeps me warm and sheltered.  I just need to worry about food."

Arthur stayed silent beside you, trying to figure a way to get you to change your mind.  He then thought up a deal.

"May I see this place you are staying?"

"And why should I show you it?  You'd probably tell the office where I'm staying the second things turn bad on your end," giving him an accusing glare.

"I swear I will not tell a soul unless I deem it absolutely necessary," raising his right hand and staring into your eyes.

"...Fine.  But how are going to get there without people noticing me?" you said hesitantly.

This made Arthur pause, clearly not expecting that dilemma.  He put his finger under his chin, deep in thought.  You just rolled your eyes.  You knew a way but wanted to see if Arthur could think of it.  Though, even if he didn't you'd tell him.

"Think of anything yet?"

"No, love, can't say that I have."

"Well~, I could always tell you and I could meet you there," you offered.

"I didn't think you were going to do that willingly or else i would have said that," he retorted.

You just laugh and tell him about the warehouse.  He seemed shocked that that was the place you were staying, and how you were so close to the police office.  You just giggle and tell him to go and get a head start and you'd meet him there.  He made you promise, which you rolled your eyes and did.

You watched him as he left, taking glances at you every 5 seconds in hopes to see you vanish.  You didn't vanish, at least not till after the third time of turning around.  The fourth time he did you were gone.

You had taken to the skies.

-------Mini Time Skip to the warehouse--------

You had gotten to the warehouse at the same time as Arthur because you wanted to make sure he got there without getting lost.  You flew to the side to switch back so that Arthur wouldn't see you.  Once Arthur got out of his car and walked through the gate, you met up with him.  

"This is where you've been staying?" he asked in disbelief, eyeing the run down building.

"Yeah, not much I know, but with no money and the cops chasing me I figured this was one of the last places they would look."

You led him to the side opening, telling him it was the only open way through as the others were either barred shut or padlocked.  You both then squeezed through the opening with little difficulty and you began leading him to the back office rooms.

Arthur continued to eye the place with distain and disbelief; outraged that a beautiful woman like you was forced to live here.  She was right about the police overlooking this place.  They had all deemed it too dangerous to live in, but Arthur had some doubts.  Although, his boss forbid him from searching the place, because he didn't want to risk losing his best officer.

Soon you came to the office that you converted into a semi bedroom.  The mattress, pillows, and blankets were on the left side of the room, and a box with your small variety of clothing was on the right.  You had a few sketchbooks and pencils that you had managed to save from when you got kicked out sitting on the mattress.  All in all, the room was rundown and not healthy to live in despite how much you tried to make it livable.

You turned around and sheepishly spread your arms out.

"Welcome to my home~," you said sarcastically.

Arthur only took a glance at the room before his eyes landed back on you.  You could see the sorrow, disbelief, and .... was that pity?  Or sympathy?  He slowly walked up to you till he was about a foot away.  Something flashed through his eyes but you didn't catch it as his armed wrapped around you in a tight, almost apologetic hug.

"U-Um Arthur, are you alright?" returning the embrace and rubbing his back.

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

"Arthur, you did nothing wrong, and you couldn't have done anything to prevent what happened.  Don't apologize for something you didn't do."

"I'm apologizing for what's happened to you.  I'm sorry you had to go through all of this, and I'm going to help make things right," he said with determination.

"And how do you plan to do that?"

"If I can find evidence of abuse, or even film an act of it happening I can set a trial against your parents."

"Even if you do that they'll still put me behind bars for multiple counts of theft, Arthur."

"The reason you have been stealing is the result you having no money and the fact your parents outright kicked you out with barely any money at all.  And if what you said was true, they have been preventing you from acquiring a job to earn money.  I think the judge will at least take these into account."

"But they'll also ask me how I just vanish Arthur.  I don't want that to be known by everyone."

"Can't you at least tell me?" his eyes pleading with you.

"No....at least.....at least not until this is all settled.  Maybe then I'll tell you, but for now I have an idea of how to get evidence for the abuse from my parents."

He gave a sad smile but nodded in understanding.  His emerald eyes looked deep into yours for a few moments before he hesitantly began to lean in.  His eyes sent you into a trance, but through a large amount of willpower you pushed against his chest when your lips were only inches apart.  He looked at you confused, rejection written all over his face.

"I-I'm sorry Arthur, but.....I don't think I'm ready for something like that.  Just give me some time after all this goes down and I'll give you my answer then, ok?" you said apologetically, looking down at you feet.

He smiled in understanding and patted you on the head causing you to give a laugh.  He wasn't about to force you into anything because that would be ungentlemanly of him.  He also knew deep down that you were right.  You both needed to see this through to the end before anything else could happen.

"So, what did you have in mind for getting evidence?" he asked, back to his serious tone.

"Easy and simple.  Just me showing up at their doorstep, or anywhere in front of them would set them off.  I don't know how we would get it on camera though."

"We have small cameras at the office we can use.  We use them for undercover cases."

"Perfect.  Now, when do you want to start this?"

"Sooner the better, but I don't like the fact that you might get hurt from this, love."

"If it gets us what we need then I'll do it.  Bruises and cuts will heal, Arthur.  And I'm willing to accept punishment for my own actions.  I should have gone to the police, but I was too afraid of what they might do if I did."

Arthur looked at you wearily but nodded.  The last thing he wanted to happen was you getting hurt.  

"Alright, we'll set this plan into motion the day after tomorrow.  However, I want you to stay at my home till then.  I can't bare the thought of leaving a lady like yourself in this horrid place."

You think for a moment before sighing in defeat.  You knew he wasn't going to let that slide, so you figured it was for the best.  And hey, you'd be able to sleep in a more comfortable bed, so it was a win-win situation.

You both left the warehouse and headed towards Arthur's home, not knowing that in the next few days your life would be thrown into disarray.



To be continued~