The case with the missing stamp

by Idilia

A rare stamp has gone missing from a safe deposit box at a large bank. Sherlock is employed to find the guilty party and bring back the stamp. But there are no clues to the theft.

6. Chapter 6

John was sitting in his armchair when Sherlock came home. He looked worn out. It had been a strange case, luring Sherlock in with the promise of a locked room mystery just to end up being just another family feud. And now Sherlock had been with Lestrade arresting Mrs Gordon for forgery. Telling Mr Bryce that there had been no theft that the stamp had been given as an early inheritance to a sister he didn't knew he had. And that his sister that he knew about had known and tried to hide it. Lestrade had asked some of his detectives if they could look into Mr Bryce senior's death just to be sure Mrs Gordon didn't help her father along to get the money.
- How did it go? John asked, closing his book.
- As you would expect, caring is not an advantage, Sherlock said and leaned against the wall. John picked up his book again, thinking the conversation was over.
- John. Sherlock had closed his eyes as well.
- I need you to tell me what made you upset the other night. He opened his eyes when John didn't answer.
- So you know how your experiment went? He asked sourly.
- Please, Sherlock said. He looked honest as far as John could tell.
- Only if you tell me how you did it. Sherlock seemed to think for a moment. Then he nodded.
- But you go first. John didn't fight him about that. He didn't like the idea of telling Sherlock about his feelings the last couple of days but he knew when he was beaten. If Sherlock said please there was no way he was letting this go.
- First of all I don't like it when you conduct your experiments on me. I'm your friend, not your lab rat. John took a deep breath that was the easy part. Sherlock was still standing at the door leaning against the wall, his eyes closed. He showed no sign of hearing John.
- The second thing is that... hm... You got to me. Sherlock opened his eyes and fixed his gaze on
John.
- Got you how? John rolled his eyes.
- You know how, don't make me say it. Sherlock shook his head but John didn't budge.
- I don't believe you couldn't see what I was feeling. Sherlock continued to shake his head.
- I don't trust my observations. He said quietly, straightening up.
- Why would the great Sherlock Holmes doubt his senses? John taunted. Sherlock frowned.
- Sentiment, he said. Almost spitting out the word. John raised his eyebrows in a question. Sherlock took a deep breath then continued in a voice void of almost all emotion.
- I love you.
- I love... John started answering, and then he saw something in Sherlock's eyes.
- Wait, you men love? Like lovelove? Sherlock rolled his eyes.
- Yes John, I lovelove you, he said sarcastically. It was the first time John had someone confess their love for him one second and then calling him stupid in the other.
- Well... hm... Why haven't you said anything? Sherlock shrugged his shoulders.
- I was coping.
- Coping? Is it that hard loving me? John tried to make his question into a joke but failed. He could see anger flare up in Sherlock's eyes.
- Well you don't love me back do you? He spat.
- I was dealing with it and I was doing fine. John felt dumbstruck. Both by Sherlock's words and his anger, Sherlock rarely showed anger.
-okay, okay, then what was the other night about?
- I slipped up, sorry about that. John opened his mouth but couldn't find an answer.
- So I need you know John. Did you get angry because I tried to kiss you or because I said it was a game? Were you disappointed? Sherlock stepped a bit closer, his gaze burned into John. He could feel heat rising on his cheeks.
- I... I don't know. I think I was disappointed but... he raised his voice a bit. He didn't want to say things to Sherlock that got his hopes up.
- You are, well you are an attractive man. I think a stone would be affected if you looked at it the way you looked at me. Sherlock gave John a weak smile.
- So you're saying you wanted me to kiss you but it wasn't because of any romantic feelings towards me, it was my looks?
- You do look good you know. Sherlock laughed as John had hoped.
- Honestly Sherlock, I don't know. Sherlock went out into the kitchen and sat down at his microscope. John took that as a sign that the conversation was over. He didn't see from his vantage point if there even was a slide under the lens but he recognized Sherlock's "leave me alone" pose well enough. He looked down at his book, knowing he would not be able to read more tonight. He went for the door instead.
- I'm going for a walk. He said. Sherlock didn't reply. The air was cool when John stepped out onto the pavement, rain hung in the air. He took a deep breath, feeling like he hadn't taken a proper breath since Sherlock came home. His thoughts kept on spinning. Sherlock loved him, was in love with him. And had been for a while by the sounds of it. And John was... flattered, he had to admit. Even he who had never looked at men like that could see that Sherlock was attractive. And it was nice having someone wanting you. But he didn't think he wanted Sherlock to want him. Even though he had felt things these few days, he was pretty sure those feelings would abide. Even if they didn't, did he want a relationship with Sherlock? A relationship that involved cuddles and kisses and sex. John stopped dead in his tracks by the thought. Sex with Sherlock was a thought that made him equal parts terrified and aroused. He was in trouble.

Over the following weeks Sherlock acted like nothing had happened and John took the cue. It felt strange going on cases, watching TV, eating dinner, acting like nothing was different. Sherlock acted so normal he made John think he had dreamt the whole thing. The only thing he could say for sustain was that he was different. Sherlock had planted an idea in John's head and it grew. More and more of his thoughts was filled with Sherlock. Wondering how it would be like kissing Sherlock, touching him. How would it be being close to him? Sherlock was all angles, bone and hard muscle. Nothing John usually found attractive and still. Sometimes his hands would itch from the yearning of pulling them through Sherlock's hair. Would Sherlock be as bossy in bed as he was in everyday life? John thought about previous lovers that had gotten soft in his arms, would Sherlock do that? John was driving himself crazy with all his questions. Until one day when he had enough. He couldn't go round thinking more; he was a man of action. He picked up his courage and went to Sherlock who was sitting at his microscope. John stood in front of Sherlock waiting for him to acknowledge John's presence, that didn't happen.
- Sherlock, John tried. He got a murmur for an answer.
- I was wondering if you would like to go on a date with me? John felt silly, like he was fifteen years old. But after much consideration he had come up with the date-idea. It was either that or ambushing Sherlock and surprising him with a kiss. And that could set things in motion that John wasn't prepared for.
- A date? Sherlock finally looked up, his face was blank.
- Yes, I was thinking we could go to that new Italian place down the street? Sherlock still looked at him like he was talking a foreign language and John was beginning to regret his question.
- You mean a real date? Sherlock sounded like he was asking about the weather but John could hear the hope in his voice.
- Yeah, you know: food, drink, talk, candles at the table, maybe a kiss at the end if the date is going well. John felt he was talking too much and too fast but he really wanted Sherlock to say yes.
- I have never been on a date, Sherlock said.
- Okay, do you want to go on one with me?
- Is this just to humour me? Are you feeling sorry for me?
- I'm feeling a bit sorry that you've not been on a date before but I didn't know that when I asked. Sherlock looked at John for a moment before he nodded, relief flooded John's body.
- So, tomorrow at eight? He asked. Sherlock nodded again and John left the kitchen, trying to hide his smile.

John dressed with care the following night. It felt strange to dress up for someone who saw you in your pyjamas now and then. But he still chose a pullover Sarah had bought him because she said it looked good on him. It was a fifteen minute walk to the restaurant and John was ready and walked down to the living room at twenty to eight. Sherlock was sitting in the sofa but rose when John walked in. John could feel the butterflies in his stomach, it was clear that Sherlock also dressed for the occasion in the purple shirt that always made John's eyes linger. Even before this whole business, did Sherlock know that? Highly likely John thought. He tried to act calm through the nerves and smiled at John.
- You look nice, he said. Sherlock looked down in his body like he had forgotten what he was wearing.
- Thanks, I took your favourite. Question answered John thought while he put his jacket on. Sherlock did the same and they went out in silence. The silence stretched as they walked down the street. John tried to find something to say but his mind was blank. Sherlock seemed just as lost for words, or maybe he was calm with the silence.
- I don't know what to talk about. I already know what you do in your spare time, or what your favourite TV-show is. John looked surprised at Sherlock.
- Did you Google things to talk about on a first date? Sherlock rolled his eyes.
- Of course I did. I don't have your experience. John opened his mouth to disagree but closed it again. He was experienced compared to Sherlock.
- How come you haven't been on any dates? Haven't you been curious?
- I haven't. I don't see why I should sit and do Smalltalk with a stranger just so we might have sex afterwards. John could see Sherlock's logic, but it raised more questions.
- If you don't have any experience in dating, does that mean you don't have much experience in...? You know... Sherlock looked at John with a look of humour.
- Are you trying to ask me if I've had sex? Is that really a question for a first date? John blushed.
- Well no, but this is not an ordinary first date. And yes, I'm wondering if you have had sex. Sherlock smiled a bit, looking forward.
- Yes, I've had sex, with men and women. But only while I was using. And before you go all doctor on me, I've taken the entire test since I got clean. John kept silence. He didn't know what he had expected, but he was surprised. Luckily they arrived at the restaurant a moment later. When they were seated Sherlock started to deduce the other guests and the conversation was effortless after that. John was reminded of how nice it was to spent time with Sherlock when there wasn't a case to distract them. He was surprised to find that they soon were the only two guests left, time flew. He took the bill and Sherlock didn't argue. He had probably read up on etiquette on a first date. They decided to walk home as well. John felt it was a chance to clean his head. He had a lovely evening and he didn't want it to be over just yet.
- If we didn't live together, I would ask you if you want to come up for tea. John smiled at Sherlock who looked a bit concerned.
- Isn't that a code for sex? You only mentioned kisses before. John had to stop; he took Sherlock's hand to make him stop as well. Then he let go because it felt too familiar, but he regretted it as soon as he let go.
- Sherlock, you must know I won't do anything to you that you don't want to. And I expect the same treatment from you.
- John, I've already told you, I want all of you. It's you that need to make up your mind. With those words Sherlock continued walking and John had to run to keep up. They walked in silence the rest of the way home. John was mentally kicking himself, he felt like he had messed up. He wasn't sure about much these days, but he was sure he didn't want to mess this up. He didn't want to hurt Sherlock. He was still thinking about what to do when they entered the apartment. Sherlock took of his coat and headed for the living room. Then he stopped and turned around.
- What happens now John? You said there was usually kisses after a good date, was this a good date? John felt an overwhelming feeling of affection for Sherlock. This man who claimed to be a sociopath to keep people away showed himself so vulnerable to John. He felt it was an honour. He stepped forward, reached up and put his hands on either side of Sherlock's face and kissed him soft on the lips. He could feel his heart race, feel his body aching for more. But he tried to steady himself, tried to savour the moment. Sherlock stood still, frozen, but he couldn't hide the tremble that ran through his body. It made John want to hug him. So he ended the kiss and folded his arms around Sherlock. Now he could feel Sherlock's heart beating against his own. Sherlock's hands were gripping the back of John's shirt, his forehead rested on John's shoulder. They stood so for a while, none of them seemed eager to move. Then Sherlock released his grip on John.
- I think I need to be alone for a while now. He said and John nodded. He could understand that. Felt a bit relieved that Sherlock had made the move.
- Do you want to do this again? The date I mean? He asked before Sherlock disappeared.
- Yes, I think that would be nice, Sherlock replied.
-Saturday?
- Saturday is fine. Sherlock gave John a hint of a smile before he disappeared into his room and closed the door. They went on three more dates, all initiated by John. Sherlock accepted the invitation, seemed to have a good time and kissed John at the end of the evening. But he didn't try to take things further, didn't even try to kiss John with an open mouth. And he always trembled when John was near. It made John uncertain. He was falling for Sherlock, he could not deny it. But Sherlock almost looked like he was falling out of love with John. It made him second guesses everything. After the fourth date he didn't ask if they were going on another one and Sherlock didn't seem to notice. Until the next morning when John was sitting in the kitchen reading the morning paper. Sherlock came in and stood by the counter.
- Is the dating over now? He asked. John looked up from the paper, surprised by the question.
- What do you mean?
- You didn't ask yesterday if we were going on another date. I wonder if that means that you don't want to date me anymore. Sherlock spoke matter of factly.
- No... No it doesn't mean that, John replied setting the newspaper down.
- It just means I am unsure if you still want to date me. John could see that Sherlock was about to object so he continued.
- I know what you said. But actions speak louder than words and you don't seem that interested in taking things further. Sherlock straightened up a bit and when he spoke he sounded angry.
- Do you know how hard this has been on me? Being your little experiment so you can find out if you like me or not? John felt a pang of guilt, it was true he was using Sherlock as a labrets.
- You say that I don't want to take things further, how can you be so blind? It's taking all my willpower when we kiss to not throw you over my shoulder, taking you into my bedroom and not letting you go for days. Sherlock spat the words out. They were words of anger, not of seduction. Still John could feel himself responding.
- Well, that, I... He closed his mouth trying to think of a coherent answer.
- I love you, was the words that came to mind first. Sherlock eyes him suspiciously.
- Lovelove? He asked which made John smile.
- Yes Sherlock I lovelove you. John looked on as Sherlock took the two steps it took to close the gap between them. He had pulled his chair back and risen without thinking about it. Sherlock stepped even closer, laying one hand on John's back and the other one gripping the nap of his neck. John tried to remember how to breathe but he found it difficult. First Sherlock kissed him in the same way they had kissed a few times now. Then he moved away, just an inch.
- Is this what you want?
- I want more, John replied without hesitation. Sherlock's grip on John tightened, and then he kissed him again. But with force this time, letting John know what he had been holding back. John felt his mouth being forced open by Sherlock's tongue, feel his teeth scrape against Sherlock's as he leaned into the kiss. He stood on his toes for better reach. He gasped when Sherlock's hands moved to pull at John's sweater. His hands were hot on John's skin. John couldn't stifle a moan as Sherlock's hands caressed his chest and back.
- Take it off, Sherlock demanded between kisses. John started to help Sherlock pull his sweater off. For a second he felt cold and exposed but then Sherlock's hands were on him again. He was thinking they should move to the bedroom before things got further.
- Sherlock, should we... he was interrupted by Sherlock.
- John, if you're not going to say "no" or "oh god, yes please more" then shut up. John realized that being bossed around like this by Sherlock was a big turn on so he did shut up and focused on the buttons of Sherlock's shirt. He kissed Sherlock's chest and grinned with satisfaction when Sherlock gasped for air. He didn't have time to savour the feeling for soon Sherlock was pushing him down onto the kitchen chair. At the same time we was working at the fly on John's trousers, pulling them down. John could feel his pants going the same way. Sherlock fell down on his knees pushing John's legs apart so he could get closer. It took a moment for John to realise what Sherlock was about to do.
- Sherlock, he said, pulling his fingers through Sherlock's hair. Sherlock sat back on his heels, giving John the first chance to see him since they started kissing. He took John's breath away. Sherlock's hair was in disarray, his cheeks were red and his lips were swollen. He was breathing hard, John could see his chest rising and falling with every breath and if he let his gaze fall he could see Sherlock's erection straining in his trousers.
- Is it a no? Sherlock said, scrutinizing John.
- No, John said. He didn't know if he would ever be able to say no to Sherlock when he looked at John with such want in his eyes.
- I just... John lost his train of thought as Sherlock started licking Johns cock.
- Oh god, he said as Sherlock put John's erection into his mouth. He almost came from the sensation alone. His fingers grabbed the side of the chair and held tight. He could feel his orgasm building up fast.
- I'm close; he tried to warn Sherlock and got some murmurs as a response. But Sherlock didn't stop or slow down. Just a few moments later John came in Sherlock's mouth. John shouted, gripping the chair tighter so he didn't fall off as the world spun around him. Like he was far away could he feel Sherlock releasing him, putting his head against John's knee. Then John could hear a zipper being pulled down and soon he could hear Sherlock groan. All was still and quiet for a few moments. Then John opened his mouth.
- That was amazing. Sherlock chuckled as he sat down, wiping his mouth. He tried to untangle his legs to get his trousers and pants of in a not so gracious move. In one way it made John feel even more affectionate. This was a Sherlock only he could see, sitting dishelmed and almost naked in his kitchen floor.
- Worth the wait, Sherlock said with a sheepish grin. John felt himself smile just as sheepishly.
- Just wait until I can get my hands on you properly, he said. Sherlock's grin widened.
- Is that a promise? He asked. Then rose and planted a kiss on John's lips.
- I need a shower, he said. He walked to the bathroom and opened the door. He stopped and turned to John.
- Interested in coming with? He asked. John just laughed and followed. He didn't want to fill Sherlock's ego anymore by saying he would follow the man to the moon if Sherlock asked.