This isn't meant to be johnlock, but I guess if you want you could see it that way. Please enjoy and don't forget to review!
"Mycroft Holmes." Sherlock flashed his brother's all-access identity card as he walked past a few soldiers at the station in Afghanistan. He was on a case there, unbeknownst to Mycroft- or anyone else.
Sherlock swiped the card before walking into a room and making his way over to a secretary's desk. "Restroom."
The secretary glanced up, looking confused. "Sir?"
"Restroom, where is your restroom?"
Sherlock didn't have to go to the bathroom. He was rather there to look for any evidence of illegal activity.
"Oh, yes sir." She nodded down a hallway. "Right down the hall and to your left."
Sherlock's attention, however, had turned elsewhere; more specifically, to the next room, which had covered windows and a sign on the door which said 'correctional area'.
Major Stanson paced in front of his men, his hands folded stiffly behind his back.
"I asked a question. Who was Corpral Jackson's partner?"
Captain John Watson glanced at the young man whom he knew was Alex Jackson's partner, and noted his trembling hands. He watched as the boy took in a deep breath- about to speak. About to tell the strict Major that it was him.
John couldn't let it happen. Somehow, he couldn't. He couldn't bear to watch the 24-year-old admit it and then possibly watch his punishment be carried out.
"I was his partner, Major."
Major Stanson's attention turned to John as soon as he spoke, slightly surprised, but more angry than anything. "Captain Watson?"
The Major made his way over to John before stopping directly in front of him, making eye contact. "You were Corpral Jackson's assigned partner?"
John gave a stiff nod, forcing himself to keep eye contact. "Yes sir."
Raising his eyebrows and looking quite annoyed, the Major seemed to take a moment to think.
John could feel Alex Jackson and his partner staring at him, probably wondering why he was taking the blame, but not daring to say anything.
The silence was broken with Major Stanson's sharp voice. "Very well, Captain. You will receive thirty licks on your back with your own belt. I need two volunteers to hold Captain Watson's arms, and I will need you to hand over your belt and jacket."
John lowered his head as he moved his shaking hands to his belt buckle to comply.
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Sherlock studied the door. There were clearly people in there as there was light coming from under the door as well as a consistent smacking noise. Suddenly interested, Sherlock made his way towards the room. Ignoring the secretary's protestations, he walked straight up to the door and attempted to turn the knob, but it was locked. Swiping Mycroft's card once again, Sherlock turned the knob and walked inside. He tried to decide if he was surprised or not. He looked at the two younger soldiers holding what looked to be an older officer by the arms while another man seemed to be using unnecessary strength to bring the belt down on the restrained man's back.
Sherlock watched the man's face as the belt was brought down on his back, over and over. His lips were pursed in a desperate attempt to keep quiet. Sherlock could see the struggle in his face as well, he was trying so hard not to pull away. So, after a couple more licks, Sherlock wasn't surprised when he lost the struggle and pulled free, breathing heavily.
"Captain John Watson!"
Major Stanson was furious at this point, and brought the belt up to bring it down across the panting Captain's face, but was stopped by a hand.
"That will be quite enough, Major."
Major Stanson glanced at the man who had stopped his hand, fuming. "Sir, I'm not quite sure what kind of operation you think i'm running here, but this is-"
Sherlock stuck Mycroft's ID in Stanson's face, letting out an exaggerated sigh.
Major Gerald Stanson stared at the ID for a moment before blinking and looking back to Sherlock. "My apologies sir. But I must inform you that I do need to see this- correction through. Captain Watson has only received ten of the thirty licks he is going to receive FOR abandoning his partner."
Sherlock looked back at John for a moment. Something wasn't right.. he looked back at Major Stanson for a moment. Just as Sherlock was about to speak, the Major cut him off. "He will receive twenty more."
Sherlock squinted his eyes in what seemed to be concentration before speaking. "Three."
The Major was quick to argue back. "Fifteen."
"Five."
"Fifteen."
"Ten."
"Fifteen, Or I can go back to twenty."
Sherlock groaned in defeat and looked back at Captain Watson before giving Stanson an annoyed look. "Fine. BUT, I will deliver the final five. Is that clear?"
Major Stanson gave a quiet groan before nodding and pointing to the two officers that had restrained John before. "You two, grab ahold of him again."
Sherlock watched John's body tense in anticipation as the two soldiers made their move towards him, and quickly turned back to Stanson. "No Major, that won't be necessary. Captain Watson needn't be restrained."
"Sir he was struggling before, we couldn't keep him still! He needs-"
Sherlock cut him off.. again. "I said he needn't be restrained. I will give all the restraint he needs." he gave the Major a sharp look before turning to John and taking a step towards him.
The Captain's eyes locked with his, and immediately Sherlock knew he had just been given permission to move closer. No words were said, but there didn't need to be.
Sherlock walked up until he was standing in front of John, looking him straight in the eye.
Sherlock's POV:
As Major Stanson- the bastard- walked around to be behind my friend- new acquaintance, John looked me in the eye, his expression questioning. I could almost hear him. He didn't know why I was doing this. I'm almost positive he's asking some sort of permission with his face, so I give it to him by nodding my head ever so slightly. I'm almost surprised when he rests his head on my shoulder, but I'm even more surprised when I wrap my arms around his neck and over his head. It's not uncomfortable though. I'm protecting him in a way. From the Major, from the belt, from the world. This way his neck is protected as well. I can see Stanson having no hesitation in hitting him there. I feel the Captain's arms curl under mine. I feel his hands on my shoulders, gripping, clinging, desperate. I close my eyes and rest my chin on top of his head as I see Major Stanson about to begin.
I feel John's body tense under me as the belt came down on his back, and felt my eyes close tighter in response, as I'm sure his did as well.
As we got to the seventh lick, I can feel John's breathing becoming more labored, his hands gripping my shoulders. I can feel some form of liquid forming in my eyes as he clings to me. Why though? Surely I'm not- I couldn't be crying. Why do I feel so strange? It's like I'm hurting because he is, and I don't understand it.
I count the tenth-and hardest- smack under my breath and feel myself relax, and feel John's labored breathing begin to turn into slower, shakier breaths as he starts calming down.
"Captain Watson-"
I know Major Stanson is about to lecture John, so I cut him off. "Major, if you don't mind, I'll need you and the rest of your squad to exit the room now." When he gives me a confused look, I roll my eyes in frustration. "For the final five blows that I will be delivering to Captain Watson."
Stanson seems to remember and nods, dropping the belt and walking toward the door, gesturing for the others to do the same. I wait until they are all out to speak-for the first time- to John. "Captain, would that be alright if I let go now?"
I feel him nod against my shoulder. "Yes-" he clears his throat and attempts to steady his voice. "Yes sir."
I feel him pull away and watch as he steps back, looking me in the eye. "I-I don't believe we've officially met, sir. I'm John- Captain Watson. Sorry."
I nod and take his hand, shaking it. "Sherlock Holmes. And it's not sir. Just Sherlock."
I see the slightest hint of a smile form at the corners of his lips, and feel my lips tugging upward in response. My eyes wander to the floor and I see John's belt- the vicious thing- laying there, and am reminded of what I'm supposed to do. I let my sort-of-smile fade as I bend over, reaching to the floor to pick it up.
I stand up straight, gripping the belt as I look back at John. "Captain Watson I'm afraid I must-"
I see John's eyes look at the belt warily before he looks back at me and forces himself to nod. "I understand- of course."
I watch his face as he turns around to turn his back towards me, his eyes giving off the slightest hint of disbelief. He didn't think I would go through with this. But his eyes showed another emotion- one that was much stronger than the disbelief. Gratitude. I watch his back tense as he hears me shift the belt in my hands, and I reach out and put my hand on his shoulder, feeling his entire body relax at my touch.
"This will be loud. Brace yourself." I warn him. "And Captain, I want you to remain facing the wall until you hear the fifth blow. Clear?"
He nods, and I can see him close his eyes in preparation. I feel that wet liquid in my eyes again. Why? Why now? Stop it Sherlock, get ahold of yourself.
John's POV:
I hear him fold the belt in half in his hands and swallow hard, forcing myself to stay standing where I am. This man has done so much for you, John. Don't screw this up now. The first blow is loud- extremely so. But then- I didn't feel anything. Why didn't I feel anything? I turn slightly to see behind me and watch in shock as Sherlock proceeds to hit the floor once more with the belt. He sees me turned, and probably notices the look of confusion on my face. "Captain Watson, I did ask you to remain facing the wall."
I quickly turn and face the wall again, cursing myself for ignoring his instructions. I listen as he hits the floor with my belt one, two, three more times, then nothing. Just his panting. I stay facing the wall, not wishing to disobey him again.
His breathing slows, and I can almost feel him trying to regain his composure before he speaks. "You may turn around now, Captain."
I turn to see his tear-streaked face and his trembling hands as he lets the belt drop to the ground. I want so bad to comfort him now, to embrace him. But I don't know if it would be appropriate. I take a deep breath. "Thank you.."
In a second he is next to me, pulling me close to him. I quickly return the embrace and close my eyes as he rests his chin on my head again, and I feel his warm tears falling into my hair. I allow myself to smile as he whispers, barely loud enough to hear. "I won't ever hurt you."
Please review this! To think I might leave it as a one shot? Idk I just had it in my head and had to post it here! Thanks for reading. -Sadie
