First, let me thank all the favorites and the reviews! Thank you all!

Okay back to business! (laugh) In this chapter, my main question was "to be or not to be". Well, I am sure you don't get what I mean. Pray let me explain. I was pondering over if I should have some "lemon" in this story or not, and if I am, this is the perfect chapter. I would not spoil the story by announcing the conclusion of my tiny problem, but pray do be prepared for whatever is to come. Hope you do enjoy this chapter, and pray do review it if you have some time!

Chapter eight… hours of the dark

Holmes had insisted that we walk to the nearest inn, rather than catching a cab. It was a clear evening, and soon after we were walking slowly in the country side road. My companion was quiet, with his brows knitted, and is eyes bright. He had, I believe, formed a theory and was testing it. I, in the other hand, was busy looking for an excuse to have my own room, for I could not imagine being in the same quarters as Holmes in the state I was in.

"Watson, what do you make out the case, now that you have new data?" Holmes was indeed ignoring the event that kept bothering my mind. I sometimes wonder how he managed to switch off his mind from anything as he pleased. Was it just an act to conceal his real agitation, or was it that he truly did not care about the thing that moment?

"It's still dark to me, Holmes." I said in a calm manner despite all the questions I wanted to scream at him. "I did not gain anything from this trip as of the moment. Though it seems to differ for you."

"Hum! You should observe more and space out less. What is the matter with you to-day? No matter. I have gotten my clues. Faster, my dear Watson. Let us try to get ourselves a room before the clock hits eight."

It was exactly eight in the evening when we reached the nearest Inn available. It was a small two story house, with more or less five rooms. We were meet by a pleasant looking lady who gave us an warm smile.

"I'm sorry Sir, but only one room is currently available. You see, we are the only place you can lodge within a mile radius."

"It's not a problem. We will take the room. It is okay for you, is it not, Watson?" My companion said in a relaxed manner, and sharing a room was not of a great deal for him. Why would it be? We shared rooms several times, and we do live in the same compartment. If it's not for my confusion, I too would have gladly accepted the offer. But now was not the time to spend a night with him. I was afraid for my actions that might take place within the hours of the dark. Before I could voice out my opinion, we were lead to the room, and have already settled down.

The room was of an acceptable size for two to stay, with a big double bed, and a table at the middle. We were served our dinner, which remained untouched by both. Holmes dragged his chair by the window, and leaned back. He pulled out his pipe, and started puffing on it.

"I wish I had brought along my violin. A fine night like this is best accompanied by a song." said he in a disappointed tone.

"Homles." I finally had the guts to utter a word.

"Yes?" he replied indifferently.

"We need to talk." said I, trying my best not to stammer. He just raised a questioning eye brow, and waited for me to continue. "Until when are you going to ignore what has happened today?"

"Ahh, fate has finally taken its toll. Pray do pardon me about this afternoon, my dear Watson. It seems like I had committed the great mistake of acting out of emotions. I thought you would rather avoid the topic, but I do commend you for bringing it up. A problem avoided is not a problem solved, but rather a problem left to tangle more. Since we have all the knots in our hand why not work on untangling it? I would ignore it no more. So pray do say your statement." He answered in a workmanlike manner, freeing himself of all emotions.

"If you put it that way, I will make my statement." I said with a hint of anger. I was both annoyed and embarrassed how sentimental I was over a matter Holmes treated like work. "What is it that you want me to understand?"

"You are indeed quite slow today." said he dryly. But as much as he tried to hide it, I saw the bit of panic in his eyes. It was not that he did not care. He hid all his emotions deep inside him.

"My apologies if I am. Now tell me, with your own mouth, what is it that you would like me to understand?"

"Watson, like I said, I confess that I kissed you that night." His panic was more evident.

"Yes. And what is it from that you would want me to gain?" my voice was firm. I was just too close from screaming at him.

"And I told you that I could do more if it's to make you understand." His mask was almost shattered. His voice started show its distress, and his brows turned to a frown.

"This isn't like you Holmes. Get to your point. Tell me once and for all, what is it that you want me know." My voice was raised and my fist was clenched. Why was I getting so worked up over this?

"Watson…I…desire you. Okay?" This was reason I was worked up. I knew it was coming, but I denied it inside of me. I was not slow today, but rather too sharp that I realized right off how he felt and stayed "blind" about it. My head spine with emotions, and my heart beat was dangerously fast. My faced was hot and I knew that I was blushing just like a lady. Holmes gave a sigh.

"I knew it would do you no good." His emotions too were exposed, and he freely showed how worried he was. My legs lost its strength and I wobbled down to the floor. Holmes quickly came to my aid, and helped me to the bed. I sat their blankly, not knowing what to say. My companion gave a little frown, and then sighed once more. He pushed me down with one hand, startling me. I was about to fight back, both him and my own desires when I realized he was just tucking me in bed.

"Go to sleep, my dear Watson. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. You will serve me no good if you can't even stand straight." We said in his dry voice once again. He had compressed his emotions and went back being the mechanical thinker he is.

"Wait. I hadn't said reply yet."

"You are free to punch me if you wish." He said, talking a step forward. I grabbed his arm, pulled him forward and our lips meet. His eyes grew big, and showed hesitation if he should break the kiss or prolong it. He finally relaxed and choose the latter, grabbed hold of my wrist, refusing to let go. By ears buzzed and my head was filled not with guilt but rather pleasure. Even if it was just a kiss, it was hot and passionate. The law did not matter one bit to me as of the moment, and I would have not mind if they were to hang me for this night.