About time?

Sherlock pulled away, looking deep into her eyes he looked for any sign she was about to back away or tell him she didn't want him. Joan smiled slightly, running a finger across his stubble.

"Sherlock."

"I." She rested her forehead against his."Joan."

"Did you mean that?"

"What?" He was hypnotised by her eyes and the touch of skin against his.

"That I have you?"

"Yes. Yes I meant it." He sighed. "Every word. Joan Watson, you saved me. I'm not just talking about how I seem to have a prederilictiion towards illegal narcotics. I mean." He sighed, uncharacteristically lost for words. Joan smiled slightly, knowing him well enough to know he had to find the right words. She closed her eyes as he kissed her forehead before tilting her face so he could reach her lips more easily. Suddenly the kids became urgent, his hands tugging against her oversized top. Her hands found her way to his tight buttoned up shirt. In seconds they were on their feet fumbling and feeling their way to his bedroom.

Xxxxxx

"He was gay?" Kitty asked as Bell fell into step beside her. "Does Joan know?"

"No idea." Bell shrugged as he sipped his carry out coffee. Kitty raised an eyebrow. "Ask her."

"I will, later." She smiled at the memory of what she had inadvertently witnessed. She loved Joan and Sherlock as if they were family - almost like surrogate parent figures but she knew Bell and Gregson would probably think she was insane.

"Why not now?"

"She's." Kitty smirked slightly. "Busy."

"Ok, ring Holmes."

"Sherlock is busy too." She raised an eyebrow. "With Joan."

"So? He can give her the message." Kitty gave him a pointed look.

"Joan and Sherlock are busy. Together."

"So?"

"You're a detective! You work it out!" She nearly burst out laughing as Bell seemed to realise what she was trying to tell him. "Oh Marcus what am I going to do with you?"

"I."

"Hi Captain Gregson." Kitty waved as the older detective approached them.

"Kitty. Sherlock and Watson not with you?"

"Nope. They're busy."

"I ain't gonna ask."

"See? Bell? That's the correct response." She smiled broadly. "Now, have we found the killer yet?" She rocked back on her heels as Gregson shook his head. The young woman sometimes reminded him of the girls his teenage daughter hung around with. Full of enthusiasm and constantly rushing.

"No, but we have the address of the intended victim. Care to join us?" He asked as Kitty nodded before following the older men towards the car.

-;

"Joan?" Sherlock ran his fingers through her long black hair as she lay with her head on his chest. He closed his own eyes. He waited a moment, listening to her breathing. When he had determined she was asleep stilled his hand.

"I meant everything. You mean everything." He paused. He knew he would probably never say what he was about to had she been awake. "Joan Watson. I love you," he whispered, not realising she had opened her eyes smiling as she heard every word.

Xxxxxx

A/N please review