John reclined in Sherlock's arms, his eyes were closed but he was not sleep. He was trying his best to let go and just be. John could feel Sherlock's eyes on him as he lay there; and he knew that Sherlock was aware that he wasn't sleep. "John we are here. I hope you're feeling better."

Sitting up and stretching John looked at Sherlock and smiled. Sherlock the ever stoic statue, simply stared back. Turning to look out the window John saw they were back at Clos Maggiore. John smiled to himself. Turning to Sherlock he asked, "So, is it a date this time?"

"Of course John. You deserve the best." John kissed him quickly on the cheek as the driver opened their door.

Sherlock moved past John, stepping out of the car first; turning he offered his hand to John to help him out. Sherlock noticed the flicker of pain run across John's face. He didn't comment on it, just made a mental note to make sure he didn't hurt him. Sherlock tucked John's hand into the crook of his elbow and lead John to the door. When they walked in the restaurant, it had a different atmosphere. The lighting was even more subtle than before. There were candelabra's lining the walkway leading to the Maître d'. But Sherlock lead him upstairs to the rooftop dining instead. There were flower petals scattered artfully along the stairs as they ascended them. Coming out at the top John was surprised to see the top was completely empty of other patrons, making for a very intimate dining experience.

Sherlock inclined his head to the bartender as they made their way over to the only table made up. Sherlock pulled out the seat for John, pushing it in behind him and then walked around to sit across from him. There was a bottle of wine sitting on the table chilling, Sherlock took the bottle, opening it and started to pour their drinks.

John looked around. Mouth slightly agape. This place was just beautiful. And with the added touches he knew to be Sherlock's idea, the place was ethereal. John looked across the table at Sherlock, "Thank you for bringing me back here Sherlock."

Sherlock glanced up quickly from his wine pouring. "You've been thanking me a lot John, maybe you should just save all your thanks and thank me later tonight." Realizing how that sounded Sherlock turned beet red.

"Alright, I could do that."

Their appetizers arrived. Sherlock wasn't talking, and he was eating very little. John took in the scene around them to try and ease the tension. The bartender approached their table.

"Good evening Dr. Watson, so nice to see you again. I hate to interrupt, but Mr. Holmes you have a phone call at the bar. Enjoy your evening Dr. Watson."

Sherlock got up followed the bartender over to the bar. "I don't really have a call do I?"

The bartender looked over Sherlock's shoulder at John. John's back was to them so there was no threat of John seeing them conversing. "Nope. Sherlock, I was tickled pink when you contacted the restaurant earlier wanting to set this all in motion. But you are not having a good time and your mood is bleeding over to John. Bless his heart he is trying, but he sees something is wrong." Sherlock looked away. "What's the problem? Is there something I can do to stop you from acting as if you are on a blind date with someone you find totally appalling?"

Sherlock sighed heavily looking back at John and then back to the bartender.

"Oooh Shit. That bad?"

"Liam, I appreciate all your help with tonight. But I don't think this is something you or anybody else can help me with."

"Uh un. I know John is over the moon about having this chance with you. And you, you love him! What are you allowing to scare you away? I know it's not that man over there." Liam continued to scold Sherlock while pointing at John.

"That's just it. He deserves so much more than me. I'm not easy to live with."

"Yet he has already been doing it."

"I am arsehole from the 9th circle of Hell. I speak without thinking. I'm arrogant. I'm-"

Liam cut him off. "Stop. Stop. Stop. Did you just start being like this in the past, let's say month?"

"No."

"No. So John has already been subjected to your worst and he still loves you in spite of it. The least you could do is get your head out your arse and give him your best."

Sherlock looked at Liam long and hard. "Thank you Liam. It appears I may have needed that...talking to."

Sherlock returned to John in slightly better spirits. Sitting back down he noticed John hadn't touched anymore of his food.

"I was waiting for you." John said answering Sherlock's unspoken question.

Sherlock reached across the table taking John's hand. He couldn't find the words so he said nothing just stared at John, hoping his heart was in his eyes. And to think, moments ago he had been willing to let this all go. He really was an idiot.

Releasing John's hand Sherlock picked up his fork and started eating.

"Everything okay?" John asked.

"Yes. Everything is better."

As the men finished their appetizers their entrees were brought out.

"John, I'm sorry."

John looked at Sherlock smirking. He couldn't resist. "You've been apologizing quite a bit tonight Sherlock; perhaps you should save all your apologies for later and show me how sorry you really are." John winked at Sherlock and was awarded with the first genuine smile from Sherlock all night.

They began eating again, John closed his eyes savoring the taste of the food. Unbeknownst to him, he'd let out a small moan when he had tasted the food. Opening his eyes, Sherlock was staring at him in the most peculiar way. Sherlock stood, crossing over to John looking down at him. John turned slightly in his chair to enable him to look up at Sherlock.

"Um, Sherlock-" John began but was silenced by Sherlock bending down, burying a hand in John's short hair and kissing him senseless. Sherlock rolled his tongue around John's in an intimate dance, tasting their dinner and wine. Pulling back on the intensity, Sherlock ran his tongue along John's bottom lip, sucking it into his mouth as he pulled away.

Sherlock rested his head against John's catching his breath. Straightening and smoothing his clothes out Sherlock returned to his seat. Once again picking up his fork.

Suddenly a high pitch noise rent the air. Both men looked around slightly startled. Not seeing anything to be concerned with they turned back to each other. Sherlock had started to eat and John stared openly at him. There was a noticeable difference in Sherlock now. John wasn't complaining, but he would love to know who was on the other end of that call he had took. He needed to thank them. Turning back to his food he began to eat as well.

"Do you realize you're doing that aloud" Sherlock asked several minutes later.

"Doing what exactly?"

"Moan. Every time you taste that chicken."

John normally not prone to embarrassment, turned red. "No. No I wasn't aware. Sorry about that. That's rather embarrassing."

"John." John looked up at Sherlock, "Don't be sorry. I rather enjoyed hearing it." John picked up his wine and was taking a healthy sip when Sherlock continued, talking in a very low tone, "I wonder if I can make you duplicate that same sound." John started choking on his wine. He sat the glass down so not to spill any.

John glanced up at Sherlock. Good heavens, where did that come from.

John chose to ignore the statement.

The men finished the rest of their meal in silence, stealing covert looks at one another.

When their table had been cleared. Sherlock leaned back in his seat. "John, would you fancy working some of those calories off?"

John froze in place, "Excuse me?" Light violin music filled the air. Sherlock stood up, extended his hand towards John.

"Would you like to dance with me?"

John placed his hand into Sherlock's relishing the feel of his long cool fingers wrapping around his.

They heard stomping and clapping behind them. Sherlock looked over John's head. He smirked and shook his head almost imperceptibly. Leading John out to a cleared area of the restaurant, he rested one hand on John's hip and the other continued to hold his hand.

John rested his free hand on Sherlock's chest and he allowed Sherlock to lead him around the floor. After several perfect minutes, John asked Sherlock if it was him that was playing.

"Yes. I wrote it for you."

John was so shocked he stopped moving altogether, forcing Sherlock to do so as well. "Tha- I'll tell you later."

John's mobile rang. Looking down he saw that it was Dr. Julian. He never did call him back. "It's Dr. Julian, I need to take this real quick. Sorry."

Sherlock walked away from John and towards the bar. "What on earth was that?" he asked Liam once he reached the bar.

"What? The clapping and stomping?" Sherlock nodded. "That was just me fangirling."

"Fangirling? I repeat, what on earth is that?"

"It's when you are so happy or ecstatic or whatever that you can't physically contain it. You just have to let it out. I admit it's usually reserved for famous people, famous relationships, fandoms and so forth."

"Mmm, and you were fangirling why?"

"Well initially it was because of the way you took charge and kissed the bejesus outta John. And the-"

"Wait! That high pitch whatever it was, that was you?"

"Why do you sound so surprised?"

"It was very high pitched."

"Honey, I am as flamboyant as they come. Outside of work of course."

Sherlock just watched Liam. Then he smiled.

"Incoming." Liam said in a sing-song voice.

"Dr. Watson, how are you enjoying your night?"

John sat down, Looking at Sherlock he answered Liam. "Very much so."

Sherlock cleared his throat. "John this is Liam, Liam this is John. It's about time you two were formally introduced.

"Pleasure." John reached out and shook Liam's hand.

"Likewise sir. I'm really glad to see you two back here again and under different circumstances as I suggested last time."

"Thank you, so am I. This place is absolutely wonderful. And the company is good."

Liam leaned forward and in a stage whisper he said to Sherlock, "I like him Sherlock, I think he's a keeper." He winked at John standing back up.

"Liam here helped me set this all up. I'm afraid I was a bit out of my depth."

"Oh really? Well then I owe you another thank you."

"It was my pleasure, really. I was practically salivating to help. Besides, Sherly here did all the heavy lifting. He told me what he wanted and I made it happen."

John looked at Sherlock grinning, "Sherly?" Sherlock shrugged.

"Yeah, why not. You have been dubbed. I dub thee, Sherly of London."

John and Liam laughed good naturedly.

"Well boys, now that you have a friend on the inside you can come back and visit me anytime. Any-time."

Sherlock inclined his head and John thanked him yet again.

"Alright. Enough of me yapping, you have a schedule to keep. Move along."

Sherlock stood up pulling John with him back to the dance floor; pulling John in tightly against him. "Let me know if I hurt you."

A slow beautiful melody started up. Sherlock started to sway with John in his arms, turning in small tight circles on the floor. John closed his eyes, listening to the melody and words to the song. It was Etta James' 'At Last'. John gave into temptation and laid his head against Sherlock's chest. Hearing his heartbeat a rapid staccato.

It was very romantic. The whole date was. And that didn't seem anything like Sherlock. But from what John could gather, Sherlock has never had any relationships. So maybe he was only doing what he thought was expected, it was nice, but not necessary.

The song ended and Sherlock stopped dancing. He held John for a moment longer. Letting go of John, he saw Liam right behind John, silently 'fangirling'. He smirked. It was kind of nice to have his own little cheer squad. "Liam."

"Mr. Holmes I'm sorry to intrude, but your driver has arrived."

"What happened to 'Sherly'?" John asked, voice full of humor.

"Well Dr. Watson, we were having a moment earlier, the 3 of us. But while I'm at work I try to maintain an air of professionalism."

"I don't think I like the professional Liam." Sherlock pouted.

"Oh stop! Pouting like that I bet you always get your way. Come'on give me a hug so you can be out." When Sherlock went to give the other man a typical one armed man hug, Liam pulled him into a bear hug and whispered in his ear, "Your best." Letting Sherlock go, he turned to John. "Your turn hot hot stuff." John gave Liam a friendly hug. Liam whispered to him as well, "You're a fighter, fight for him." Liam smiled nearly at the men as they walked away.

Sherlock took John's arm in his and escorted him downstairs and out to the waiting limo.