The Games Afoot
Chapter 1
Disclaimer: I own nothing here.
"The games afoot Watson!"
I jumped, startled as I hadn't heard him enter the room. I swear he's like a cat, that man… I thought. He could sneak up on me in complete silence, and I of course am startled every time. Just a few nights ago I sat at the desk writing a report when cold hands clasped around my sides, sending shivers down my spine.
"and what game would that be, Holmes?" I inquired.
"This game," Holmes replied pulling a deck of cards and a bag full of poker chips from his jacket.
"Holmes…" I started "you know I do not gamble anymore."
"Ahh, now, now, Watson there is no money at stake here just pride, what could it hurt?" Holmes winked.
I wondered if he realized how he sent my heart aflutter when he looked at me like that. How his eyelashes appeared to be, if possible, even longer whenever he spared me a rare wink. But, of course he didn't realize, Holmes had never shown the slightest hint of being attracted to… men. And of course, I had never told Holmes that I was! If I ever did it would surely ruin everything. It could not be risked, he was all I had, I needed him.
"Well…" I stalled, pausing to look into his pleading deep brown eyes, "alright, alright, I shall play then Holmes."
"Excellent!" Holmes exclaimed his face lighting up into a grin.
We began to play, and I to my pleasure received a full house. I kept my face blank, slipping back into my old routine easily.
"Two pair," Holmes said laying his card down on the table.
"Too bad old boy, full house." I said returning the wink he gave me earlier, and pulling the chips toward me.
"Why I suggested we play a gambling game is beyond me.." Holmes grumbled.
Then, to my surprise Holmes bent down under the table, and reappeared a moment later, holding his sock up deliberately and dropping it on the floor. I gaped at him, speechless.
"You, you never… We… we're playing STRIP poker?" I stammered, my mouth hanging open.
"As I said Watson, only our pride is on the line" he replied, a slight smile playing on his lips.
