a lovely date for a murder, don't you agree

[deductivedetective]

Neither of them called it a date. Sherlock may not have been the most socially up-to-speed person, but he knew what this was; what John was asking. He humored him and agreed, not pressing the matter. It wasn't unusual for them to to be together anyway, even before this. In fact, catching them without the other was even more odd.

It wasn't too fancy, anyway. The Chinese place down the street was good, and authentic (according to Sherlock's verification), and reasonably priced for two men sharing money. The atmosphere wasn't romantic, at least. Sherlock imagined the pressure on John would be lessened if just for that reason, even if he didn't understand the big deal.

"Eating in today for once, eh, Sherlock?" the host asked with a polite smile as they entered. "Two, then?"

"Yes, thank you," Sherlock said, looking at John. "Any plans after this, by the way?"

Comments

better stop him john

[deductivedetective]

He looked to the door, then to Sam. It lingered on the fallen butcher, his eyes narrowing. The police would be flooding into the shop in about five seconds...

[deductivedoctor]

John put his hand on Sherlock's wrist, hobbling to a stand. He winced slightly as the pain in his shoulder flared up. "Come on, we're done here."

[deductivedetective]

Sherlock halted, glancing back at John after a hesitant pause.

"Right."

-----

The surgery itself didn't take long. Some cleaning, stitches and bandages later and they were done, but John was finally allowed back home the next day. Given the nature of the crimes, they wanted to be sure he didn't get infected or, worse, poisoned.

They caught up with Mrs. Hudson, who naturally had a fit over the two, saying she would be up with tea soon and some extra pillows to make John comfy while he rested. Sherlock was rather silent, actually, letting John handle a lot of the talking. He kept an arm hovering behind his back up the stairs, in case it was too much. Now and then he could swear he saw a glint of metal from above John's shoulder - just his imagination. Of course it was.

The flat was quiet and untouched since they left it. Good, because it was always a hassle when Mrs. Hudson decided to move things.

"Are you all right, John? Do you need anything?"

[deductivedoctor]

"Yeah, I'm fine," John said, dropping down into his chair. He sat a little stiff in his shoulder brace. "I can't believe you managed to stay the night at the hospital without going insane. Hey, um... I didn't say anything weird, did I? When I was on the pain-killers?"

[deductivedetective]

Sherlock raised an eyebrow.

"Only something about cucumbers."

[deductivedoctor]

"Cucumbers...?" John echoed in question, but ultimately dismissed it with a shrug. He'd been more worried about accidentally blabbing something about his current relationship status to someone he knew.

[deductivedetective]

With the cucumbers deemed unimportant, Sherlock made his way to John's chair, sitting on the arm. But, concerning their 'relationship status' (Sherlock really saw no difference, still), there was something he was wanting to do since having to wait in the god awful hospital for John. It was a fluid motion that brought their mouths together, Sherlock carefully cradling John's head as not to stretch his shoulder too far, bending down to put even less strain.

[deductivedoctor]

The kiss was welcome, and John closed his eyes and fell easily into it. When midway into the kiss, however, they were interrupted by Mrs. Hudson, John immediately pulled away. So quickly, in fact, that he ended up pulling his shoulder. The prick of pain caused John to swear under his breath. He had apparently missed the sound of the door opening.

"Oh my, don't mind me," Mrs. Hudson said, sounding no more surprised than if she had walked in on a private chat between friends. She set down some tea and snacks on the center table and then turned back towards the door. "I'll leave you two alone. Be safe, now."

John was red as a tomato.

"I, It's not what it looks like," it was exactly what it looks like. "I'm not gay."

"It's alright dear, I won't tell anyone," Mrs. Hudson said. "But you really should consider coming out. I saw on a program that keeping all that inside can lead to all sorts of stress. And stress can lead to headaches and back-pain, I know that firsthand."

"I'm not gay," a tad more desperately.

But Mrs. Hudson had already left the flat.

[deductivedetective]

Sherlock was helpfully silent, and had helpfully left himself hovering over John during the exchange. He just watched Mrs. Hudson place the tray down, leaning over to take one of the cups, sipping quietly at the tea.

"Thank you, Mrs. Hudson," he called out before she disappeared down the stairs. Then he frowned at John. "You should be more careful."

[deductivedoctor]

"I should be more careful?" John shot back. "You just outed us to Mrs. Hudson!"

[deductivedetective]

He looked confused.

"Your shoulder, John," Sherlock corrected.

[deductivedoctor]

John looked a bit exasperated, but nodded, leaning back into his chair. "It's fine."

[deductivedetective]

"Besides, she already knew," he added, handing John his cup of tea.

[deductivedoctor]

"What? Since when? You told her!?"

[deductivedetective]

Sherlock sighed, rolling his eyes.

"You really think her two favorite boys could start snogging right under her nose, and her not notice? Women are keener when it comes to that sort of thing. Must be that emotional side. I think she knew before we did."

[deductivedoctor]

John just reddened again. "Does... does anyone else know? You haven't actually told anyone, have you?"

[deductivedetective]

"Why would I do that? And who would I tell, anyway?"

[deductivedoctor]

"I don't know," John said. "Greg, your brother... I mean, I can't imagine why you'd tell any of them but I might as well ask since I'm left out of the loop with most of these things."

[deductivedetective]

"No. No point." Sherlock lifted himself from the arm of the couch. "Though I'm sure no one would be surprised."

[deductivedoctor]

"You know, you could at least let me have the illusion of being discreet about this," John quipped shortly before taking a drink from the cup in hands.

"And if you don't eat something soon you're going to be in worse condition than I am."

[deductivedetective]

"Not hungry," he answered.

[deductivedoctor]

"Sherlock you haven't eaten for four days," John returned. "Take one of Mrs. Hudson's cakes."

[deductivedetective]

Sherlock was frowning again, looking down at the cake.

"Aren't I supposed to be worried about you in this situation?" he asked, taking a small treat off the tray, throwing it in his mouth as though it was a hassle he wanted over with. It was hardly a substantial meal, but it was something.

[deductivedoctor]

"I'm going to be fine, Sherlock," John reminded, a laugh rolling off his lips. He couldn't recall Sherlock ever being particularly gripped by worry, so Sherlock's fretting came off as a bit silly. "A little time and some physical therapy and I'll be as good as new. The knife had been in a freezer, so it's really not likely there will be be any kind of infection."

[deductivedetective]

It didn't erase his frown right away, though. He reclaimed his spot on John's chair, the thought of Sam Jr. haunting him. Sherlock wasn't one to depend on the past, but he couldn't help but think he should've shot sooner. Should've shot lower than his shoulder. The only reason the young butcher was still living was because John was as well.

"How about a movie?" And probably to John's satisfaction, he took another cake, looking less displeased about it.