Chapter 2 – Science and Faith

For weeks now, in between cases, Lestrade and John have been texting. A bit of banter and bit of flirting. After some of the smaller cases, John and Sherlock get involved in, Lestrade invites them out with the of the Yard for drinks. Sherlock usually refuses and goes back to find a new case to start working on. John has always agreed. The first time he felt quite uncomfortable, not really knowing the others. All that was soon forgotten when Lestrade talked about him being an army doctor and everything he has done for their country. Then every one soon took a liken to him.

They always went to the same pub. The staff were friendly, it was affordable and a generally quiet pub. After a while John felt like part of the group; they treated him like part of the group. Especially Greg. Greg refused for John to call him Lestrade when they weren't working. John felt like he was finding a good friend in Greg but oh God he wanted more than that.

Neither of them have really tried flirting face to face with each other yet. Over text it was easy. You could blush and not have to worry about what the other is thinking. In person however it was different. As much as they both wanted to get up the courage to do it neither one of them had achieved it yet.

Moriarty left the swimming pool leaving just John and Sherlock. Sirens filled the air and before they knew it they were both being treated for shock. Lestrade walked over, laughing and shaking his head.

'Can't leave you guys alone for one moment.' John laughed, Sherlock just stared.

'We could have handled it Lestrade.' Sherlock said sternly.

'I'm sure you could have, but yet here we all are.' Lestrade said looking around at all the Met officers.

Lestrade asked them some questions. He asked Sherlock first as he knew he was itching to leave. As soon as he had answered everything he needed Sherlock got up and said he was going home. John and Greg just looked at each other before Greg started asking him similar questions. When Greg has finished asking him questions John stood up.

'Well, I best be off then.' John said smiling, but still not moving. Greg smiled back and John took it as a goodbye so started to walk off.

'Unless...' Greg said stopping John, causing him to turn on his feet. 'You want to go grab a drink, not with the others. Just you and me?' Greg continued.

John smiled. 'Love too!'

Greg went over to Donovan and said she was in charge. After all he wasn't much use there, so him and John started walking to the local. It was nearly autumn. The evenings were gradually getting darker and started to cool down. It was already dark by the time they left the pool. Street lights lighting up the pavement they were walking along. They chatted about the incident most of the way there.

It was really quiet in the pub so went and sat down in the corner. Greg walked up to the bar and got them a beer each. He sat opposite John.

'Right, no more talking about work. I've had quite enough for one day.' Greg said sliding a beer towards John. John smiled before taking a sip of his beer. Greg did the same not taking his eyes of John. He was still staring and smiling at John when John put his drink back on the table.

'What?' John laughed.

'Nothing.' Greg said holding his hands up.

'No, come on! What were you thinking?'

'Really want to know the answer to that?' Greg said raising an eyebrow.

'I think so.' John laughed.

'It's just, how the hell is a guy like you still single?' Greg exclaimed. John shook his head a laughed.

'I could say the same for you!'

'Seriously though, your a really nice guy and not to mention hot.' John blushed and turned away momentarily before looking back into Greg's eyes. 'Okay, I'll stop it. I'm making you uncomfortable.' Greg said grinning.

'Not uncomfortable, just... I don't know. It's flattering.' John said. 'But again, I could say the same for you.' Greg just shook his head taking another gulp from his drink.

More and more people starting arriving at the pub now. Little crowds of people, sitting in groups, dotted all over the place. John and Greg just happily carried on chattering. This time, both of them managing to flirt better with each other. It was getting to nearly 9pm and someone came over to them.

'Either of you going to do the karaoke? It starts soon.' Said a member of staff. John and Greg looked at each other bewildered.

'It's all right mate. We'll be heading off in minute.' Greg said to the man and drinking the last of his second beer. John finished his as well.

'Right, shall we get out of here before it all starts?' Greg said standing. John nodded and followed Greg out the pub. They walked out the entrance of the pub. A couple of smokers were outside. Greg inhaled in the smoke as he walked out. John shook his head, laughing at him.

'What?' Greg asked.

'It's bad for you.'

'I know that Doctor but old habits die hard don't they?' Greg shrugged. John just nodded.

They started to walk down the road towards where they both turn to go separate ways. 'Well, I guess I will see you soon.' John said smiling.

Greg just looked at him for a moment. 'Sure you don't want to have another couple of beers at mine and maybe watch a DVD?'

'No way I'll refuse that offer!' John said walking next to Greg, heading towards his flat.

It was a very quiet road where Greg lived. Very few cars passing down the street. They walked in companionable silence until they reached Greg's flat. Greg reached into his pocket to get his key out. He unlocks the door and holds the door open for John.

'Choose a DVD and take a seat. Beer?' Greg said to John as he shut the door. John nodded selecting a DVD and placing it on the coffee table.

Greg returned with a beer for John and himself he hands it to John.

'Thanks.' Greg smiles back putting the DVD on. Greg walks back to the sofa and takes a seat next to John. Both of them sat in silence watching the film. It was nice, John thought. He liked being in Greg's company, he just felt as if his troubles just fade away. It was around three quarters of the way through the film and both men were starting to get uncomfortable. Greg slouched back down the sofa as did John. They were now both shoulder to shoulder and they both knew it. Neither of them commented but both equally enjoyed how it felt.

The credits started to roll across the screen just as John started to yawn.

'Right, you can have my bed. Don't get many taxi's down this way, at this time. Not unless it's pre booked anyway.'

'And where would you stay?' John answered raising his eyebrow, with a school boy smirk painted across his face.

'The sofa, it is quite a nice place to sleep actually.'

'I'll sleep on it then.' John said looking at Greg smiling.

'No, no. Your my guest and I have offered you my bed.'

'And I'm turning it down...' John started.

'Not the first time I've heard that.' Greg said with an embarrassed smile. John couldn't help but smile and pat him on the shoulder.

'If you had let me finished it wouldn't have sounded so bad! I'm turning it down as I don't mind the sofa.' John said. Greg rolled his eyes.

'I'm not gonna win this am I?' John shook his head so Greg pushed himself up. He went upstairs and returned with a duvet a pillow. Greg threw the duvet down next to John, where he was sitting previously, before throwing the pillow at John. John looked at the pillow for a second while Greg was facing the TV turning the telly off. John hit Greg with it causing him to fall on the sofa.

'Uncalled for, John!' Greg laughed.

'It was when you did it to me too!' John said punching Greg lightly on the shoulder.

He rested his hand there for a moment. John looked in to Greg's chocolate brown eyes, smiling. Greg looked back into John's. They stayed like that for a moment before Greg placed his hand on the back of John's head and pulled him in for a kiss. John happily accepted it eager to explore Greg's mouth. John had his hands on Greg's shoulders. Eventually, it lead to just little pecks as Greg tried to speak.

'I don't think either of us will be on the sofa tonight...' Greg said gasping for breath. John still had is lips placed on Greg's when he said this. Greg felt John's smile against his lips and the warm breath as he laughed.