Title: Making the Connection
Story Summary: A non-chronological collection of short chapters based on one word prompts, includes (pre-)slash for Johnlock & Mystrade
Chapter Summary: John and Sherlock find themselves having to share a dressing room. Prompt: Anticlimactic
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Moffat, Gatiss & SACD.
A/N: This prompt came from Larilie and this chapter ties in with John's blog entry of 16th June 2011 'The Geek Interpreter'.
John Watson had served in the British Army, he was used to fighting in uniforms, nevertheless it felt quite strange to put on a ninja costume. Sherlock had pulled some strings and organised one of the smaller dressing rooms in the Queen's theatre for them to change into attire they needed to wrap up their latest case. Outside everything was buzzing with activity as the actors and the crew were getting ready for the night's performance.
"I bet if we had taken the case of that international conspiracy we would be travelling in a private jet right now, eating crème brûlée, but no, you wanted the comic books coming true. Look at us, Sherlock! We're dressing up as bloody ninjas!" John huffed angrily as he pulled his jumper over his head.
"Just because you feel it's an anticlimactic case doesn't make it any less interesting", Sherlock replied while he unbuttoned his white cotton shirt.
"Don't get me wrong. I don't mind not having to chase criminals down or looking at disfigured bodies, but this..." He waved into the general direction of their costumes that hung at the back of the door. "... is completely ridiculous." His shoes got kicked off his feet, closely followed by his trousers. When he turned around with his new outfit in his hand he stopped abruptly in his movements. Did he just catch Sherlock Holmes gaping at him while he was wearing nothing but his underwear?
He shook his head slightly. Some might call it wishful thinking. It was impossible and he knew it. But now, here he was thinking of sexual attractions, stealing glances at his friend. Sure, he had seen Sherlock parading around the flat half naked on more than one occasion, but that didn't mean he couldn't use this opportunity as well.
"Don't" was all that Sherlock said when he noticed John's eyes lingering on his exposed chest.
Damn it. That must've been too obvious. How was he going to explain this?
Before he could think of anything to say Sherlock continued: "I know what you're about to say. Don't." He reached past his friend to take his own ninja costume off its hanger. His naked shoulder grazing John's.
"What do you think I was about to say?" He stepped into his ninja suit, desperately hoping that his flatmate hadn't noticed the shiver that went through him when their bare skins touched.
"'Sherlock, you're too slim. Look at yourself, all skin and bones. You have to eat more.'" Sherlock actually did a pretty good imitation of him, complete with the poise of a military captain and a doctor's worried tone. It lasted all but ten seconds before he looked at his friend in annoyance. "I know how much I weigh, thank you very much. I happen to be content with the way I look, so don't bother."
John wanted to protest, but bit his tongue. Sherlock was slender, that much was true, except John knew about the many well trained muscles hidden underneath that delicate alabaster skin. It pained him to see how self-conscious his friend was about his lean figure, why else would he mistake John checking him out for a doctor's scrutiny? What was even worse was that there was nothing he could do to show Sherlock just exactly how attractive he found him.
He sighed. "Alright. Let's just dress up as ninjas and get this over with, okay?"