After The Wizard

Chapter Three: Progression

AN: Another chapter for you all :) xxxxx

"Good morning, John." Sherlock smiles, bringing two cups of tea into the living room as John enters.

"What's got you in such a good mood this morning?" John chuckles, gratefully taking the brew off Sherlock.

"You have as a matter of fact." Sherlock continues to smile, wrapping an arm around John's waist and kissing him.

"Careful, I could get used to this." John smiles, revelling in the closeness of Sherlock.

"Well, don't. I'm afraid I won't change that much, John." Sherlock replies, moving to sit on the couch.

"I'm not expecting you to, Sherlock, honest. You're mad brilliance is what I fell in love with." John says softly, sitting down next to Sherlock on the couch.

"Good." Comes Sherlock's simple reply.

"Any cases?" John asks, deciding to change the subject.

"Not yet. Obviously Lestrade is coping well for once."

"Oh, well. So what do you want to do?" John asks awkwardly.

"I have a few experiments that could occupy my time." Sherlock replies, continuing to sip his tea.

"Oh." John supposed it was too much to have a nice quiet day with Sherlock after their confessions last night.

"You sound disappointed, John. Have I upset you?" Sherlock says, finally looking at John.

"No, it's fine. You get on with your experiments and I'll read my book. It's fine." John replies, kissing Sherlock's forehead before moving to his chair.

"Did you … plan anything? If you did then … we could do that." Sherlock replies softly.

"I didn't, no, but its fine, Sherlock."

Sherlock knows that he probably did have something planned, especially given his choice of words but the young detective doesn't understand what to do.

"Angelo's?" He says suddenly, making John look up.

"What?"

"Are you hungry? We could go to Angelo's?" Sherlock replies, giving an awkward smile.

"That sounds lovely. I'll go get dressed." John smiles back, ruffling Sherlock's curls as he walks past and John is sure that he hears the younger man … purr.

The doctor stops at the door and turns back to the younger man, ruffling his curls again and this time he is definitely sure he hears him purr.

Sherlock seems to realise what he's doing and moves away slightly, lowering his head as a blush creeps up his cheeks.

John chuckles in reply, resting his hand on Sherlock's shoulder and rubbing his thumb across his shoulder blade before heading off to the bedroom again.

As soon as he's gone, Sherlock smiles widely, placing his hand over the shoulder where John's had just been, realising how much he enjoys John's touch; so calming and strong, keeping him steady, acting as his anchor.

x..x

"Come on then, love. Let's go." John replies, walking back into the living room.

Sherlock's still looking at his shoulder but as John walks back in, he looks up at his partner slowly, taking in his attire; blue jeans that seem to make the short man look taller and a black shirt showing off his still very well-toned chest.

Sherlock gulps in reply, feeling his suit pants tighten greatly.

John looks down at Sherlock and hums in appreciation, "We can sort that out later. If you want?" He adds the last bit in a whisper.

Sherlock murmurs in response before recomposing himself and standing up.

He looks over at his reflection in the mirror, painting on his usual mask of bravado and confidence before turning to John.

As he starts to walk over to John suddenly his vulnerability begins to show and he finally replies, "I … I've never … before."

John quickly puts the pieces together and then remembers what Irene said, "Of course. I'm so sorry, Sherlock. We won't do anything you don't want. And we'll take it one step at a time, okay. I'm a patient man." He smiles, cupping Sherlock's cheek and staring into the younger man's eyes.

"Thank you." Sherlock whispers, tentatively leaning forward and kissing John.

"Let's go, beautiful." John smiles softly, grabbing Sherlock's hand and squeezing it.

Sherlock smiles in return, pulling John down the stairs and out the front door.