I swear I am going to finish this story if it is the last thing I do. We are starting to get to some interesting stuff. This is always where things go downhill in a lot of stories, I noticed. I am trying desperately to stay in character and to not go too fast with anything. I am still going to show their friendship developing. I would love to hear feedback. Please review and let me know if you have any ideas, suggestions, constructive criticism, or praise.
Victoria washed her cup in the sink, Sherlock sitting on the counter beside her, watching her as she washed and spoke. "Let me get this straight, and just humor me because I think best when I talk," Sherlock nodded once in an uncharacteristic amount of tolerance, allowing her to talk, as she added, "You would like to partake in, for lack of a better word, an intimate-"
Sherlock spoke up, "It's only thought of as intimate because society has deemed it intimate."
She rolled her eyes and stopped her washing to look at him, "That is why I said 'for lack of a better word', Sherlock. I am completely aware of your, and I admit my as well, point of view on sexual relations."
"I am merely assisting you as you get things straight," Sherlock said innocently but Victoria snorted.
"You just like to hear yourself talk," she told him, placing her cup upside down on a towel to dry and then picking up his cup to wash. "Anyway, like I was saying before, you would like to partake in, for lack of a better word, an intimate relationship with me to alleviate your ridiculous sexual frustrations."
Sherlock sighed impatiently, "Honestly, Victoria, you're not thinking out loud. You're just repeating yourself."
Victoria ignored him, "Without the hindrance of feelings, romance, or the duties that are usually accompanied by being intimate-"
He snorted, causing her to grin.
"-you expect," she continued, "your attitude and problem solving skills to increase, your angst and moments of puzzlement to decrease, etcetera, etcetera, among other things." She placed the second washed mug down to dry as well. She turned to face him, "And this is an acceptable proposition because when societal standards and expectations are taken away, nothing is limiting us from doing what is convenient and beneficial for both parties involved."
Sherlock looked at her, unimpressed, "Congratulations on being able to think in a cohesive and coherent manner. Are you able to think independently and make a decision, now?"
She sighed and leaned against the counter, "I don't know, Sherlock. Isn't it weird? Like I understand that it's mostly weird because of what I've been told my whole life about sex… it's supposed to be this precious, secret thing-"
"Sex is often talked about, you know,"
"I come from a conservative family," She explained quickly with a wave of her hand before continuing. "And people do have emotionless sex but there is usually still some form of unnecessary romance or vulgarity to it," she chewed on her bottom lip in contemplation.
Sherlock watched her lips, transfixed for a brief moment, before narrowing his eyes and looking back up at her, "Nothing would happen between us without a fairly thorough outline of what is and isn't acceptable, of course," he said quietly, letting his mind wander to the possibilities of what would be acceptable before he narrowed his eyes once more and focus back on her.
"Such as?" Victoria raised an eyebrow.
"Reasonable hygiene."
"Body hair?"
"Optional."
"Protection?"
"Non-optional, must. On that same line of thought, periodic STD and other medical tests must be taken as well."
"Of course. Flu shot?"
"Optional but encouraged. I am aware that some people negatively react."
"I am one of those people."
"Of course you are."
"Sleep overs?"
"Acceptable if needed."
"Really?"
"I like your blankets."
"Public etiquette?"
"No change than now because our relationship has not changed."
"Kissing?"
"In public or private?"
"Private. You already said no change in public etiquette."
"Acceptable. Kissing helps strengthen immune systems which you need since you don't get a flu shot, anyway."
"John?"
"What about him?"
"Would he know?"
"I prefer complete discretion. It is no one's business except ours."
"And if he finds out."
"Then he finds out. It's not my problem nor is it yours and it will not affect our actions."
Victoria stood in silent contemplation before looking back up at Sherlock. When had they gotten so close to one another? She could see his eyes flicker from her eyes to her lips and then back again and she knew what he was thinking.
"Kiss me," he told her, his voice not changed at all from how it usually sounds other than a slight strain that was only detectable to those who knew him well. He started leaning down toward her only to be stopped when her hand pressed against the middle of his face.
"I'm not done thinking, yet." She told him, her hand moving from his face to his chest, causing him to stare at her in unimpressed frustration silently for several moments.
"There is nothing that can logically convince you to not accept my proposition," he pointed out.
"I know," she admitted quietly.
"Kiss me."
She did.
The kiss was unfamiliar and both of them were out of practice. His lips were warm, though, and hers were soft. Soon, as any logical person of science would, they tested the waters tentatively. She moved her tongue with her lips as well and gently caressed the velvety skin just inside his lips as she kissed him. The feeling was not at all unpleasant and caused her belly to warm in excitement and enjoyment.
Never did she feel doubtful or fearful or nervous and, when she felt him respond to the kiss in much the same way that she did, she knew that she had to give his proposition a chance. It was only logical after all.