The walk to the cinema was a quiet one. Jim felt strangely dazed. He couldn't take his mind off the way Sebastian's shirt clung to his muscular torso. The rich emerald silk had a fascinating effect on the colour of his eyes and soft sandy locks. Jim felt almost glad that they would soon be plunged into the darkness of the cinema; perhaps then he wouldn't get so distracted by the dangerously handsome man beside him. It had been foolish to ask Seb out on a date. How was he ever supposed to concentrate on the important matters when the blond was stood next to him? A voice in the back of his head reminded him that he'd been able to concentrate perfectly before any of this nonsense had occurred.
'Jim?' He heard Moran's voice cut through his own distraction.
'Hmm?' Jim replied nonchalantly. He couldn't bring himself to form a proper response, far too distracted by his own thoughts.
'Something wrong boss?' The assassin's voice was strained. Sebastian was obviously making an effort to sound light-hearted but he couldn't fool Jim. The criminal mastermind turned abruptly to face his friend. His dark brown eyes bore into Seb's green ones. Sebastian looked nervous. Jim could see that he was struggling to maintain eye contact. The emerald irises kept flitting down towards his feet and he was shifting his weight uneasily. Jim felt a familiar smirk grace his features. He did enjoy watching people squirm. He sighed. This was his friend, his only friend in the world; feeling smug about Seb's discomfort crossed a line for him. Instantly he felt a wave of guilt wash over him. He couldn't lose Seb. That would be too much. Even an insane criminal mastermind needed a friend.
'Yeah. I'm fine Sebastian.' He tried to flash a smile but it felt forced; hopefully Seb wouldn't notice. He was trying but he honestly had no idea how to do this dating lark. He'd seen other people achieve success in the realm of dating and he knew the theory. He had a intricately detailed section in the spider web of his mind which had proven useful many times when he'd had to flirt and seduce victims for intel. This was the first time he'd ever meant it though. The first time he didn't want to fail, for personal reasons. It was horrible and he felt so vulnerable. He walked a bit faster; pushing the muscles in his legs into a longer stride. He felt Moran stop behind him. The effect was almost instant. His body reacted before his brain could stop him. His legs halted and he felt the muscles in his neck stiffen. He was being an arse. He was acting like the cold psychopath that everyone thought he was. It was an easy role for him to play.
'If I didn't know better, I would think you were thinking of a plot to kill me.' Seb's voice was strong now. It wasn't hesitant or shaking. He had also put on the mask of lethal killer, cold-hearted assassin. They weren't Jim and Seb anymore. They were Moriarty and Moran. Suddenly Jim felt more relaxed. This was familiar. He knew this. He could do this.
He turned around to face his partner; spinning on the heels of his feet. The smirk was back and he felt his eyes light up. Seb had the decency to be momentarily shocked at his sudden change in demeanour. Quickly, he rearranged his expression into a cool and confident facade.
'How do you know I'm not plotting to kill you? You know what happened to the last girl who wanted to date me.' Jim let his natural accent fall out. He knew Seb preferred the Irish accent to any other.
'You couldn't run the business without me. Let's face it, Jim. You need me.' Sebastian was grinning cockily now. Jim was once again struck by the blond's rugged handsomeness. Dark blond stubble was brushed across his chin. His bright green eyes glowed with excitement and Jim couldn't help but run his gaze over the sharp cheekbones.
'You're playing a dangerous game Moran.' Jim's legs involuntarily took a step closer to the striking Englishman.
'I'm on a date with the world's most deadly criminal. I live for danger.' Moran closed the gap even further. There was now less than an inch between them. Jim felt his heart racing in his chest. The air felt thin and he was struggling to breathe. His mind was grasping to think of his next retort but it came up blank. So he did the next best thing. He pulled his friend down into a heated kiss. Seb didn't even hesitate in his response. Jim felt his cheeks heat up and his eyes fluttered shut as he was overwhelmed by a blissful haze. He felt Seb's tongue brush against his lower lip. The kiss quickly deepened and his hands tugged against the green silk of Seb's shirt. He felt his friend's fingers moving up the back of his neck and begin to pull at his hair. The sensation was remarkably pleasant and he felt a flood of warmth through his body.
'Go to hell!' A voice ripped through their lustful bubble. In an instance, the two men pulled apart. Sebastian whipped round like lightning, Jim noticed he'd gotten his phone out of his pocket and snapped a photo of the offending citizen. Seb's green eyes met Jim's brown ones; questioning him sliently. Jim grinned as he felt an adrenaline spike; finally an excuse to have some fun. He nodded and Seb matched his smile. It took less than a second for Sebastian to send a text. The photograph of the man was sent to the phones of every new applicant to Moriarty's network. Whoever got to him first would be award a place as one of Sebastian's newly formed sniper team.
Jim was furious that the moment between them had been shattered. He had only just began to feel comfortable on this date and now he was contemplating whether to talk about what had just happened. It was Jim's first kiss. It wasn't Moriarty's. Moriarty has kissed hundreds of men, women and everyone in between for a variety of scams and schemes and interrogations. It was part of the game. Every new conquest added a silk thread to the ever growing web of his mind.
This kiss had been different though. It sent shock waves through the entire network. Jim could visualise the lightwave fly across every twist and turn of the intricate design, burning new intel into every thread. For the first time he could see why people did such stupid, idiotic and reckless things for love. He concentrated on the blood rushing through his veins; every heartbeat echoed in his ears. He counted for a moment. It was faster than usual but not unpleasant. He felt moderately out of breath but without the ache in his muscles from a work out. Jim recognised the effects of adrenaline which was coursing through his body. The excitement of a new target had caused that but there were other chemicals, ones he wasn't familiar with. He felt an inexplicable happiness. His brain was replaying the kiss over and over in his head and Jim felt his cheeks heat up once more at the memory. His head felt foggy and his deductions weren't coming as quickly as he was used to. He vaguely recognised that he had spaced out on his friend, or boyfriend, or whatever they were but his brain was whirring around the new feeling the kiss had brought out in him. All the symptoms he was feeling suggested a spike in the chemicals Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Phenylethylamine. The strange joy and excitement was a classic symptom of Dopamine. The racing heart and adrenaline could easily be caused by a subsequent release of Norepinephrine and the blissful haze and dizziness he had encountered during the kiss was an obvious sign of Phenylethylamine. After quickly putting the pieces together in his mind, Jim swore under his breath. The love hormones. He shook his head and returned to the street. As his eyes finally focused on Seb's rugged face, he wondered how long he'd been out for.
'Welcome back, Boss.' The Englishman said with a wink. Sebastian was smirking at him, his green eyes were sparkling as they watched the shorter man return from the spiderweb of his mind. Jim glanced casually at the space their heckler had been standing. There was no sign of the man.
'Any news?' He enquired softly, letting the natural Irish lilt takeover his speech. With the amount of applicants he received everyday for his empire surely someone had taken care of the nasty homophobic piece of dirt that had interrupted them.
'He didn't make it past the block. Apparently someone bumped into him and slipped some sausages and dog food into his backpack. Next thing he knew a starved dog had been let loose by a passerby. It was really a tragic and misfortunate accident.' Sebastian passed his phone to the Irishman. A video had been sent by a young girl known as Cecilia. It showed each step of her plan and the slow torturous death the man had endured at the paws of the canine. Jim frowned. The dog would be put down if it was captured by authorities. It had obviously been neglected quite viciously to encourage such a ruthless attack. Cecilia was savage.
'The dog?' Jim tried to remain calm but as much as he hated humans, he'd always found comfort in animals. The were cleverer than people gave them credit for. His tone was clipped and he couldn't help the iciness that laced his voice.
'Turner managed to get to it before the police. She's safe. Turner and his partner are rehabilitating her at their apartment.' Seb grinned at his friend. The brunet was always so concerned about the dogs. A small amount of the empire's income would go towards dog shelters and rehoming strays each month. Of course none of the minions knew this; only Sebastian.
'She's in. I like her creativity and out of the box thinking. Take someone she cares about. She's a loose cannon right now and I want her controlled.' Jim drawled. He was glad the goldfish had been taken care of but now he was bored. He wanted to kiss the blond next to him again that was infinitely more exciting. He noted that the Englishman sent a quick text before putting his phone back in his pocket. 'Now if you don't mind I'd like to get to the cinema before the film starts. Enough business.' His voice was firm. Nobody argued with Jim Moriarty. No one that is except Sebastian Moran.
'Hmm… did our real life American Psycho not put you off the film?' Moran smirked at him. Jim just rolled his eyes and pulled the Englishman towards the cinema.
'Sebastian..' Jim let the other man's name roll off his tongue 'I just want to see some murders. You wouldn't want to disappoint me would?' He turned to Sebastian and did he best pout; staring deeply into the other man's beautiful emerald orbs. That dark blond stubble really did suit him. It made the assassin look dangerous and ruggedly handsome. The scar on his face didn't help. The pink puckered skin shouldn't look so sexy on anyone but Moriarty couldn't help but adore the battle wound of the Englishman. Sebastian could pull off any look and the Irishman was convinced he'd love it.
Seb took a step towards him and once again the tension rose between them. The air seemed to be full of electricity and Jim felt his pulse quicken once more as he was unable to break eye contact with the gorgeous blond in front of him. He reminded himself to breathe; a fatal mistake. As he inhaled his senses became overwhelmed with the musky scent of the other man. Sebastian's shampoo was rich and reminded Jim of the rainforests of Brazil. It had been one of the first missions they'd been on together back when Jim first killed his father and their first abroad. Jim had found the thrill of the mission invigorating; planning every moment so they were always ahead of the game. He'd found the terrain harsh and uninviting though and had decided and that moment to leave Seb in charge of missions that were away from the cities. Sebastian had thrived in the environment, with his scar and rugged looks the Englishman had looked like he was born to live in the Brazilian Rainforests. Jim had always denied that he'd been turned on watching his friend back then… it was laughable that he'd ever believed the lie he told himself. The musk washing over him now had taken him back in an instant. He felt the familiar arousal as Jim remembered watching his friend track down their target through the untrodden paths of the jungle, lighting the fires from nothing but the resources around them. His stubble had grown out more in those days but Seb hadn't shaven today for their date. Maybe he'd always known what Jim's looks in the forest had really meant.
'I wouldn't dream of disappointing you…' Seb's voice was husky, almost a growl in Jim's ear. Jim fought to remain in control of his senses but he was drunk on the lust that was flowing through him. He pulled the blond into another kiss. Less hesitant this time. He knew what he wanted and Sebastian was more than happy to comply. Jim felt the stubble scratch across his cheek as he moved his lips against his friends, no lovers. He could no longer think of this blond siren as his friend. Seb's lips were rough and chapped. Jim felt Seb's tongue brush across his lower lip and he parted his lips so he could explore the other man's mouth. He tasted of a delectable mix of smoke and expensive whiskey. So Seb had needed some Dutch courage before the date. Good. His hands roamed the blond's body. He could feel every muscle under the soft silk fabric of the shirt. God he loved that shirt. Seb's hands were at once back in his hair, tugging a little too roughly at the strands. Jim couldn't help the moan that escape his throat at the sensations filling his body. His skin felt on fire. It was overwhelming. Too much. He ripped away from the kiss. His cheeks flushed and his eyes unfocused. The Irishman desperately tried to take a breath. As the oxygen flooded his lungs he was able to regain an element of control; clearing his throat he was able to speak.
'Yes… well. Good. Chemistry. Good start. The films about to start' With that he strode quickly towards the cinema; leaving the Englishman stunned on the pavement him. He cursed again. Jim Moriarty turning into an idiotic mess by a simple kiss. Stupid. In eloquent. Foolish. The dark of cinema would help him come to his senses. Dating was a completely idiotic idea. He had always noticed things beyond the norm of any other human. Everyday life was a struggle for him when he was being overloaded with information but he'd managed to find a system to control it. How could he do that when this irrational flood of feelings were completely battering his entire being. He heard Moran's thumping steps behind him as the Englishman was obviously running to catch up.
'Too much?' The assassin sounded uncharacteristically vulnerable. A pang of guilt went through the criminal mastermind. He sighed but kept his eyes ahead. They quickly reached the cinema and managed to book a couple of tickets. They barely reached their seats before the movie started. The cinema plunged into darkness and the sound system drowned out the quiet whispers of the audience.
Jim tried to focus on the film, every kill should have sent a thrill of delight through his veins, every blood splatter should have him giggling with glee but it was no use. The only thought going through his head was that he'd ruined everything. He could have pushed the feelings down. He didn't need a friend. He didn't need a lover. He didn't even need an archenemy. He was good on his own.
Then why did this glorious man next to him affect him so much.
He'd spent years perfecting a way to block out the unnecessary distractions of the world. No he didn't kill all of them. Just the really annoying ones. His brain hurt from all the new information he was processing. Turns out it was a lot easier to act in love than to feel it for real. He sighed. Try to relax Jim. Feelings aren't bad. You aren't scared of anything.
He laughed darkly to himself. That was utter crap. He was scared. He was scared of losing Sebastian Moran. He was a serial killer and the head of the world's biggest criminal network. He of all people knew how easily a life could be snuffed out. He was too young for this bullshit. He needed to finish his fucking degree. It was just soooo dull. Maybe Sebastian could spice his University life up. Make it less mundane. They'd be back to missions soon enough and they could be rid of the petty menial tasks he was currently in charge of. Maybe they could take on the Russians. His father had always been too weak for that but not him. Not Jim Moriarty Junior. He was 100 times better than his father. The lights came up in the cinema shaking the brunet from his reverie. The end of the credits were rolling. He'd missed the whole film. He glanced over at his date. Sebastian was staring at him in concern. He owed the Englishman an explanation. He nodded to the exit and got up to go. Might as well talk over the unsophisticated slop that his friend enjoyed so much.
They walked in silence to the pub. Neither man made any attempt to communicate with the other and they stayed an uncomfortable distance apart. When they got to the pub Moriarty barely glanced at the menu.
'I'll have what you're having. Make sure there's cake.' The first words he'd spoken in hours. His voice was unusually gentle. He hadn't meant for that. He meant to sound passive and disinterested but the broken look on the assassins face made his heart twinge. Stupid feeling. Ordinary feelings are for ordinary boring people. He huffed.
But Seb was not ordinary person and he certainly wasn't boring.
'I see things everywhere.' The Irishman started. He needed to fix this. 'My mind can't help but analyse the smallest detail of every single element in the moment. The smell, the taste of the air, the colours, the wear and tear, the sound that surrounds us. If I let my mind go and I can hear almost every individual conversation in this pub. My brain is capable of listening and analysing so much at once. It's what makes me so good. I can tell you by just glance what someone's weakness is and how to exploit it. It's why I love music so much. It focuses me. It helps me think and block out the world.' He allowed himself to look into Seb's sparkling green eyes. They were focused and he could see the other man was trying to understand where he was going with this speech. He knew all this already. Jim paused, wondering if Seb had anything to say, but the blond stayed silent.
'I process it all so fast and store the information in the web. The web helps to process the world otherwise I would be overwhelmed by the information that's thrown my way every second. I block out the background noise.' He was probably rambling at this point but what's the point in being a criminal mastermind if you can't make incredibly long speeches. It's a trademark. Villains like to hear themselves speak.
'Then when we kissed it all went blank. I saw nothing but you. I heard nothing but the blood rushing through my head. I could smell nothing but you and God do you smell good.' Moran chuckled at that and Moriarty grinned at the blond. The light-hearted remark was successful. With a newfound confidence in his words, the Irishman continued.
'I could feel nothing but your lips against mine and heat of your body. My brain shut down. My body was on fire. That never happens for me. It's always a game. What's the best way to get information, what are their insecurities that I can use against them, what are their weaknesses. There is always a plan and a motive. With you there's nothing. Just fire.' Jim looked up at Seb through his eyelashes hoping he could see the regret and vulnerability that he never showed anyone else.
'It scared me. I'm sorry.'
The wait was agonising. Why hadn't Seb said anything? He'd just poured his heart out and the stupid handsome blond idiot had nothing to say. He really hoped that he wouldn't have to get Carl to repeat the Red-Head incident. He really loved Seb. As a friend and valued co-worker of course. You love him you idiot just admit it! He frowned. Now was not the time to argue with himself. His fingers twitched towards his phone in his coat pocket.
'I really thought I was gonna end up as road kill.' The smooth English accent broke through Jim's thoughts.
'Excuse me?' Jim mentally kicked himself. He should have been paying attention.
'Well I thought that's how you dealt with unwanted romantic attention. Tragic accident. Drunk driver.' Jim laughed at the memory. The blond was smiling broadly at him. He hadn't fucked up.
'You're far too delectable to end up as road kill. Maybe a well cooked steak or liver pâté' Jim smirked. This was familiar easy chatter between them.
'I thought you were Jim Moriarty not Hannibal Lecter' The blond chuckled at Jim's reference. They had both enjoyed The Silence of the Lambs and read the books together in their spare time.
'And which Jim Moriarty is that my dear Moran?' He grinned darkly. Jim loved how quickly he could switch personas. It made life so much more thrilling! 'The shy chemistry student from Wales' He slipped easily into a Welsh accent and his posture changed. His shoulders hunched and he curled into himself. Jim from Uni was a pushover. Moran chuckled. His laugh was deep and the brunet was proud that he was able to elicit such a delightful sound from Seb. The mood had previously been so dire. 'Or maybe the cocky art student from New York?' His accent changed once more as he became very flamboyant and camp New York boy. He straighten his back and ran his hands through his hair giving the brunet lock a ruffled look. He tossed a loose strand out of his eyes and winked at the blond opposite him. Seb's eyes softened as he gazed fondly at him. Jim had never seen that smile on his new lover's face before. He decided that he would do all in his, very vast, power to make him smile like that again. It was beautiful and genuine and caring. Jim had no idea his best friend was capable of that. 'Or maybe I'm the dangerous Irish mastermind who kills without a second thought whenever someone gets in his way' His accent returned to his natural Irish but it was darker. He could hear the danger in his voice as he smirked at the blond. Seb's eyes dilated and a blush coloured his cheeks. So the Englishman was attracted to his dangerous side. Jim filed that information away quickly. He moved closer across the table so he could whisper in his lover's ear.
'Who would you prefer me to be, gorgeous?' He nibbled gently on Moran's ear before he pulled back slightly. He gazed into the blond's eyes. There were almost completely black and he could hear Moran's breaths were shallow.
'I want…' The assassin's voice was breathless and unsteady. Moriarty couldn't help but grin at the effect he had over the other man. 'I want you to be who you are' Seb continued, shocking the Irishman. Seb kissed him once more. This time was different. There was no heat or fire explosions. He felt butterflies in his stomach and he smiled into the kiss. It was soft and gentle. No urgency. There weren't Moriarty and Moran anymore.
They were Jim and Seb. Two young adults on a first date and falling in love.
Jim, for the first time since he found out about his father, was ok.