The Wrong Side of the Bed
Sherlock awoke the next morning in Janine's bed and in her arms, feeling incredibly dirty. Not that they'd done anything more than kiss on the sofa and sleep besides one another in the large and decidedly too soft bed, but still Sherlock felt uncomfortable.
Perhaps it was guilt, for leading her along so heartlessly when he in fact felt little for her, though he didn't dislike her, like he did so many others. But why should that bother him now, he hadn't had such a problem with it last night, when he was lip-locked with her for a rather obscene amount of time on the sofa. And he had never felt guilty for manipulating others feelings for him in the past, as he had with Molly Hooper many-a-time.
Perhaps it was more physical. He had misused and abused his body in many ways over the years, but never this way before. He had always been a little stand-offish physically, not much of a one for hugs, though he put up with them from some. And of course he made exceptions for physicality where dancing was concerned. But he had never done this before, for a case or otherwise. Why would he need to, when usually a charming smile and compliment was all it took to have most women tripping over themselves to please him? But he had calculated it would take more than that with Janine, so that was what he was doing. It was logical. And his body was only transport after all. Why should it bother him?
Whatever the reason for it, he definitely felt in need of a good shower. He gently peeled himself out of Janine's arms, heading for her en-suite.
"I assume there are fresh towels in here for me to use." He threw over his shoulder.
"Uh-huh" Janine assented from the bed, still half-asleep.
In the bathroom, Sherlock turned the shower on, waited for it to warm up, and then increased the temperature to almost scalding. Stepping in he let out a groan of relief; nothing helped focus a racing mind like a little physical discomfort. He just stood for some time and let the hot water wash away the dirty feeling he awoke with before turning the water down to a more comfortable level to wash with, trying to select the least girly of the many shampoos and soaps laid out.
He was right in the middle of washing his hair when the door swung open, and Janine strolled in, casting him a smile before rummaging through the cabinet.
"Don't mind me, just getting a few bits."
There were times when Sherlock was very grateful for his ability to maintain a strict poker face, his features not betraying his alarm. Forcing his features into a soft and hopefully genuine looking smile was a bit harder, but somehow he managed it.
"No problem." He said. And why should it be? She'd already seen most of him, as not wanting to crinkle his shirt and suit trousers he had had no choice but to strip down to his boxers to sleep last night. What difference did one piece of clothing make?
"Don't take too long, I need a shower before work too y'know." Janine told him as she left again.
Dropping the fake smile, Sherlock turned up the temperature of the water again, and scrubbed like he had never scrubbed before.
Janine felt like she was floating. She had since Sherlock's confession last night. She wondered how many people knew about the sweet and innocent interior hidden behind the arrogant intelligence and emotionless mask. He was everything she could possibly want, and he was hers. Was it too early to say she loved him? No, she decided, if this wasn't love, then what was?
"What time do you need to be at work?" That luxurious voice rumbled behind her, and she turned to see him emerging from the steamy bathroom, a towel wrapped low around his skinny waist, as he ruffled his hair with another, drying those glorious curls.
"Nine O'clock." Janine replied, with feigned nonchalance as she went to pass him on her way to the bathroom.
"I'll escort you." Sherlock offered, his eyes warmly following her and capturing her waist as she tried to pass him, dropping a quick kiss to her lips.
"You'd better let me get ready then." She playfully rebuked him, slipping out of his arms and into the bathroom. As soon as the door was closed she leaned back against it, cheeks glowing and grinning like an idiot.
Oh yes, she was in love.
AN: Bit of an angsty one that one, but there you go. Sorry it was running a bit late today. Thanks again, you know who you are ;P