Spoilers: A Scandal in Belgravia.
Ch 17 where our hero Sherlock decides to stay covered and expects to be punched without hesitation
Sherlock felt comfortable in Buckingham's Palace all wrapped up in his sheet. His mind was all that mattered, but the disrespect the authority so bluntly was just satisfying. Having Mycroft witnessing it was even better. But the best part was to giggle some with John on the sofa while they waited. John just had that kind of humour in him, a way of viewing things that made world laughable, not despicable place. That was the true value of John Watson, he made the world more bearable place for Sherlock, maybe even fun because he enjoyed Sherlock's victories.
This could have been one of those victories, John would surely like it, but it seemed like too much work for nothing so he got up to leave. Mycroft, of course, didn't stand being denied. He stepped at Sherlock's sheet and Sherlock cursed himself for being naïve, forgetting that Mycroft was spiteful and simple in his revenge. He would walk out on any other occasion, he wasn't shy about his body, but John was there, and he did plead to them to behave, so Sherlock complied. Not to Mycroft, but to John, there were things he wouldn't forgive so easily.
Annoying Mycroft dodged all question challenging him to deduct knowing all too well that in a cleaned place like this, that had no personality, he couldn't just deduct away. But they talked and finally, he got the hold on the situation.
"Dominatrix," said Sherlock thoughtfully re-examining what it meant, it was intriguing enough.
"Don't be alarmed. It has to do with sex" said Mycroft mockingly.
"Sex doesn't alarm me" Sherlock was offended.
"How would you know?" Mycroft was more direct. Sherlock stared at him knowing he will revenge for this. His private life doesn't affect his deduction skills, there's hardly necessary to try out every single thing to know how it works.
When he got hold of information suddenly he forgot his grumpiness towards Mycroft. The power play should prove to be interesting. A woman who uses her brain to play with the most powerful family in Britain. He was interested now. Interested enough to consider a different kind of armour. But after while he decided for his most trusted one, his coat that flattered his features.
On the way out he placed an ashtray by John's chair. He smiled on a side satisfied if nothing that will cheer John up when they look back at this.
For the dominatrix any old disguise won't do, she likes pain, nothing will be more interesting but a man that is bleeding all subdued and scared.
"Punch me" Sherlock indicated where to John without a doubt that he'll comply.
"Punch you?" John was baffled and Sherlock got irritated, how slow everyone is catching up.
"Yes. Punch me, in the face. Didn't you hear me?" Sherlock was confused, he explained the need for an armour; if he's hurt she won't immediately try to make him compliant.
"I always hear punch me in the face, when you're speaking, but it's usually sub-text" John was staling and Sherlock realized it won't be easy to persuade John to really hurt him. The action seemed quicker route to success than arguing.
"For God's sake" Sherlock cried out for the stubbornness of people and punched John just to irritate him, despite his hesitation, there was enough anger in John to awaken easily.
And as expected John reacted quick enough hurting his face just the right amount, using his right hand instead of left.
"Thank you" Sherlock tried to clear away the pain that was there despite preparation "that was, that was…" he couldn't find a word for it, kind and nice seemed out of place, John's attack prevented him from finding the right word.
John fought him and Sherlock tried to avoid fighting back.
"Okay," he said while John tried to strangle him. "I think we're done now."
But John's anger arose and he refused to stop fighting declaring himself of being a soldier.
"You were a doctor," Sherlock replied trying to get him off his back.
"I had bad days," John yelled in his ear but soon after that he released him.
As they parted John straightened himself up and Sherlock dishevelled his looks some more.
"So, the play of a man in distraught," John said finally and Sherlock smiled to a side. He was catching up quickly, Sherlock liked when John run beside him, it was fun that way.
"Yes, and a vicar too," he buttoned his shirt and added a frock.
"Nice touch," said John clearing his throat.
Sherlock knew that's the closest to apology and acknowledgement that he'll get in this situation so he stifled a smile and rang the bell starting to look scared.