Chapter Nine

"Well, I think we have had way too many interruptions," said Jim.

Sherlock turned away from him, no longer making eye contact, but Moriarty did not miss this and slid his arm around Sherlock.

" I know, but I promise it's not as bad as it seems," said Jim.

" What did you put on the ring?" said Sherlock, still not looking at him.

" Just a little glue," said Jim.

" Great," said Sherlock.

" Isn't it?" said Jim, "Now how about we have some fun?"

Sherlock flinched as Jim's arm took a tighter grip on him.

" I finally have you at last," he had put his other arm around Sherlock so that he was completely helpless, "You can't escape my grasp. Now the fun begins."

Sherlock felt the grasp around him but still he did not make eye contact. Finally Jim had enough and moved closer.

" What are you doing?" asked Sherlock.

" Trying to get your attention," said the criminal mastermind.

"Please stop!" demanded Sherlock. Jim smiled and leaned closer to Sherlock's ear.

" I will stop when I want to... I think I could get use to this." Jim moved his hand to Sherlock's hair. Sherlock tried to get out of the grasp again.

" Now, now. You are not going to get what you want that way," said Moriarty.

"Fine. Please let go of me," said Sherlock.

"Oh, fine," said Moriarty, and he finally let go of Sherlock, "You're looking a bit down tonight. Maybe a glass of wine will help," said Jim.

"I don't drink," said Sherlock.

"Don't worry. It's non-alcoholic wine. I'll be right back," said Jim, and he left the room. Sherlock felt he could breath better now that Moriarty left the room. He really did not want to spend the rest of his life with Jim. Sherlock took another look at the ring on his finger and his brain started working again. I know exactly how to stop him, thought Sherlock. He went into the kitchen.

"Got lonely without me, did you?" said Moriarty.

" No. I was wondering if I could make the drinks myself?" asked Sherlock.

" I can handle this," said Jim.

" Well, it's just that you've done a lot for me lately, and I've been acting selfish.

I wanted to make up for it."

" Well, it's nice to see you finally coming around. I will let you do this," said Jim, and he went back into the other room.

Once Sherlock was alone, he began getting the wine set up. As he was doing it, he saw some small pills.

So, that's what you were up to. Well, two can play that game, thought Sherlock. He began pouring the wine into the glasses and whispered, "John, I'm coming home."

He took one of the pills and and put it in one of the glasses, then he grabbed both glasses and went into the other room and handed Jim a glass. He sat down next to Jim.

" I know how bad this must look right now; I've been really hard on you lately, but I promise it won't be like this for long," said Moriarty, sipping his wine as Sherlock watched him.

"So, um, what about children?" Sherlock said.

"A little early to be thinking about that, isn't it? We aren't married yet," said Jim.

"Well, it's just, I'm trying to make conversation," said Sherlock.

" Let's talk about something else," said Jim, drinking his wine.

" Okay, um, How soon do you want to get married?" asked Sherlock.

"Oh, I was waiting for you to ask that. The sooner the better. I've waited a long time for this, Sherlock," said Jim, taking another sip of his wine.

" Well, I mean, I'm anxious too, but as they say in Cinderella, 'even miracles take a little time,' said Sherlock.

" Oh, I hate that movie. It is really depressing," said Jim.

" Really, I actually find it quite interesting," said Sherlock.

" Can we go back to talking about our wedding again?" said Jim, but then, suddenly, he stopped speaking. This was the moment Sherlock had been waiting for...

" No, I'm bored with that. Let's talk about how long it takes a drugged person to pass out," said Sherlock.

" What did you do?" said Jim, as he dropped the glass.

"Only what you were going to do to me. Next time, don't leave pills out where everyone can find them," said Sherlock.

Jim attempted to stand up, but ended up falling on the floor.

" I wouldn't move around too much if I were you," said Sherlock, walking to the front door, "Well, I will see you around, said Sherlock, and walked out.

" You will regret this, Sherlock!" squeaked Moriarty, still on the floor. But it was too late; Sherlock had already left.