A Hero Named Oliver Fitzroy (a Miss Scarlet and the Duke fanfic)

3 - An Uncommon Want

"Sadly we don't have proper beds here, except for the ones in the infirmary and in the cells".

Clara followed Detective Fitzroy through the corridors of Scotland Yard.

"I bet I'll feel safer in a cell" she said, getting a surprised face from him.

"What? No" he chuckled nervously "We won't let you sleep in a cell. We didn't arrest you".

"But what if I'll be safer locked in a cell until those...criminals get caught?".

He looked at her blinking in confusion. She actually meant it, but he took it as a weird joke.

"You are safe here. You're in Scotland Yard" he opens a door, inviting her to step in "This is the Inspector's office. You can stay here until he comes back. Would you like something to drink for breakfast?".

She agreed and looked around intimidated, not daring to touch anything.
Some people walked past the office and her anxiety grew, beubg unused to be away of her house unchaperoned, until finally Fitzroy came back.

"Playing the babysitter, son?" an older officer addressed him in the corridor, snickering. He was about to say more when he spotted the girl into the office. He closed his mouth and greeted her bowing his head before going his way.

"Here's some tea" Fitzroy offered her a warm cup "I hope it's alright if I added some sugar".

She flinched when her fingers touched his hand before grabbing the cup.
Shyly she took a careful sip.

"It's perfect, thanks".

He beamed and pulled a chair for her "Please, make yourself at home".

She sat down and watched him looking around disoriented, realizing that the only other chair was the one at the other side of the desk.
He took the seat rigidly, like it wasn't something he was allowed to do.

"Why is that man so rude to you?" she asked to talk about something and forget for a moment how unusual it was for her to be in a room alone with a man she barely knew.

He brushed a hand on the back of his head with uneasiness "Let's say that I'm the younger here. So men like Phelps enjoy teasing me".

"He's bullying you" she blurted.

"I can deal with him. I'll break his nose again if he disrespect me again" he showed his fists, making her laugh.

"You deserve everyone's respect. You're my hero" she confessed, catching him by surprise.

"I'm what?" he chuckled nervously "I was just following my duty".

"You saved my life" she corrected him "I'll never forget it. And you're the bravest man I've ever seen. That kidnapper could have shot you, but you disarmed him and punched him in the face".

She gasped, realizing that after all she'd been through, she was still capable of being that talkative. But he needed to know it.
Seeing him so surprised proved her that he undervalued himself.

"I'm used to be told the opposite" he admitted gesturing clumsily "But all that matters is that now we are all safe. Well, almost everyone".