Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Before they knew it, they were back at Baker Street. John got out of the cab carefully and stood on the pavement staring at the building. Everything was different now. It felt strange to be home but in a whole new capacity. Sherlock, meanwhile, gave the driver directions about their luggage and keys to assist them and then came to stand beside John on the pavement. 

“Slow. Very, very slow,” Sherlock instructed as he grabbed hold of John’s arm. “I don’t need you popping a stitch, your guts spilling out all over the landing. Mrs. Hudson will have your head.”

John snorted. “You really are an idiot, for a scientist who deals with crime scenes,” John teased. “My guts aren’t coming out. I was just taking a moment. The last time we were here… things were different. So very different and now it feels so strange.”

“It’s probably the medication,” he teased. “It’ll feel much better once you’re inside in comfortable pyjamas. I’ll put you under a warm blanket on the couch and order a takeaway.”

“Oh my, that sounds bloody good!” John said, as he relaxed against Sherlock. “Let’s go then.”

Sherlock laughed, helping John inside and very slowly up the stairs. He brought John down his pyjamas from his room and helped him change. 

“I don’t let just anyone take my clothes off on the first date,” he joked. “Actually, who am I kidding? That’s pretty much all I seem to do.” He rolled his eyes at his own stupid behaviour.

“As long as it’s just me from now on, I don’t mind.” Sherlock chuckled gently, making sure nothing rubbed on John’s bandages.

John nodded and smiled. “I think I can agree to those terms. Until you get sick of me, that is.”

“Mmm, the Tuesday after never?” Sherlock kissed John on the nose. “Besides, I’ve known you for too long, to be calling this a first date. It sounds perfectly ridiculous, John.” 

John snickered and groaned from the pain but ignored it, to pull Sherlock tighter to him.

“John…” Sherlock kissed him a few more times first. “Come on now, sit.” He got John comfortable on the couch. “Now, what do you want for dinner?”

“Indian? From the place down the road we like?” he sighed, not even hesitating.

“The usual?” Sherlock asked and pulled out his phone. 

John smiled and nodded. “Uh-huh.” He gave Sherlock a ridiculously goofy grin. They had a usual. They had places they ate at and got takeaway from and everything. Like an old married couple. He was right, this was hardly a first date really.

Sherlock ordered and then went to put his own pyjamas on before moving the tv and getting the movies set up. 

John was already leaning gently against the couch, gently dozing. “Thank you,” he mumbled.

“Rest. I’ll wake you when the food gets here.” Sherlock tucked a blanket carefully around him and John hummed gently and closed his eyes.

It felt like no time at all and suddenly he felt a gentle kiss on his forehead. For a moment he was confused again. Who was kissing him? And then he opened his eyes and there was Sherlock’s face, right there in front of him. “Well, hi,” John said, his voice groggy. 

“Hi.” Sherlock smiled softly. “Food is here.” 

John grinned. “That is the… strangest… and most wonderful… waking up I’ve ever had. I could get used to that.”

Sherlock chuckled. John was adorable when he was all sleepy and hopped up on his pain meds. “I’m glad.”

John ate happily, enjoying just being beside Sherlock like always but with the extra buzz of knowing it was permanent, or at least, different. Sherlock Holmes was an incredible kisser and was suddenly showing a very gentle, caring side. It was strange and wonderful and John was so happy right now. He couldn't imagine ever wanting to change it.

“You keep looking at me,” Sherlock observed. 

“I do. Problem?” John looked at him again, blushing slightly at being caught doing it.

“Not at all.” Sherlock smiled. 

“Sorry, I just… I am not used to this – getting to see you up close in a completely non-professional, non-platonic way,” he smiled. “All this time thinking things and not being able to… act on them and now here you are and it feels so strange that I’m allowed to…” He reached up and stroked Sherlock’s face affectionately.

Sherlock blushed, the beginnings of a smile gracing his face. “It is a bit… odd. To get to touch you and be close like this. It’s good. But different. I understand.”

“Yes, exactly. What am I going to do with my time if I’m not being grumpy and angsty about hiding how I feel all the time?” John joked.

“Mmm, hopefully kissing and touching me.” Sherlock smirked.

John giggled gently to himself. “Yes. Exactly that,” he sighed happily. “Exactly that.”

As they continued eating, Sherlock curled himself up against John, careful not to hurt his wound. 

“Hmmm, do you think... I mean, I don’t want to be presumptuous but I think I’d like to do this a lot… with you. I like being like this. All this time being strong and protective and stressed and cranky and confused and now I just want to be snuggled by you.”

“I’m hoping this is how we spend most of our time from now on.” Sherlock nodded. 

John laughed. “Owwww. You promised no more laughing!” But he settled back into Sherlock. “You’d get bored doing this all the time. You know you would.“

“Fine, fine. We’ll spice it up with cases and sex,” Sherlock announced. 

John snorted. “God. That sounds amazing.”

Sherlock smiled and kissed John happily. 

“Mmmm, I’m torn between wanting to kiss you and needing to eat,” John sighed.

“Eat. You’ll need your energy for the kissing part.” Sherlock winked at him. 

John smiled. “Brilliant as always,” he commented and straightened up to tackle the eating more seriously, with a slight grimace at the effort. “You’ve surprised me with how well you’re looking after me, you know?”

“Really? I always thought I took exceptional care of you.” Sherlock snorted and shook his head. “I’m teasing. I know what you mean. I was worried about getting too close. Worried you’d see how I really felt.”

John smirked. “I know exactly what you mean, actually,” he agreed.

“Oh yes?” Sherlock smiled. 

“Absolutely, I was doing the exact same thing. Worrying about you when you were injured on a case but not wanting to go overboard. I think I have a terrible poker face.”

“Apparently not, since I never caught on. Then again I was worried about reading too much into your looks. I was trying to convince myself I’d maybe see something and then think it wasn’t there. Turns out it was there all along.” Sherlock smiled. 

John nodded. “Busted,” he said, leaning over to kiss Sherlock’s nose affectionately. “You know at first I thought maybe I was being so clever and subtle, and then I reminded myself that clever and subtle is definitely not my zone. And then I was terrified that you absolutely knew and were horrified or embarrassed and wanted me to just stop it, so you ignored me. In hopes that I wouldn’t raise it with you. Because, after all, you’re Sherlock Holmes. Of course you must have known! Which meant that you didn’t want me like that and I was being an idiot. It seemed the most likely of the options. What do you always say? After you eliminate the impossible… I just assumed… the most obvious solution must be the answer.”

Sherlock shook his head. “I didn’t know. I wish I did, because I would have tackled you with kisses long before now, that’s for sure.” 

John couldn’t help laughing and then groaning. “That… would have been hilarious and probably terrifying and unexpected.”

“Probably.”

“To be clear, it’s not hilarious now. It’s kind of wonderful,” John added, suddenly aware of what he was saying. “Kissing you isn’t terrifying at all. It just feels… right.”

“It’s alright, John.” Sherlock reached out and rubbed John’s thigh. 

“God, it’s all just going to take time to adjust to, isn’t it?” John said with a crooked smile.

“Indeed, but we can kiss in the meantime, can't we?” Sherlock asked with a cheeky expression. 

John looked at Sherlock with fresh eyes. “All this time, Sherlock. All this time I had no idea you were going to be so…” John put his fork down and shook his head. “If you had asked me what kind of partner you’d be? I would have assumed you’d be, you know, absent, or inattentive. Kind, but sort of distracted with your work. I would have never expected you to be all about the kissing and physical contact,” John commented.

“I don’t like touching or being touched by people… except for you. And Mrs. Hudson. She’s usually the exception to most of my rules, like you are,” Sherlock said matter-of-factly. “I suppose, I may have been that type of partner, with someone else, if I’d bothered to try, or wanted to.” 

John smiled. “Well. I’m glad. Surprised, but glad. I don’t want anyone else touching you anyway. Not now that I know… now that I can.”

“Just you.” Sherlock nodded. 

John paused, looking at his partner. His new, real partner. “Good,” he said.

When they had polished off their plates, Sherlock cleaned up and returned to the couch to relax against John again, carefully. John kissed at Sherlock’s curls. 

“We don’t have to watch any movies. I’m happy to just rest. Let’s just… go and lie down and rest. It won’t take much for me to fall asleep now that we’ve eaten. And it’s been a big weekend for us both,” John said.

“Alright.” Sherlock nodded. “Do you want a dose of pain meds so you can sleep?”

“Mmmmm,” John hummed, indecisively. “I suppose I should, although I’d like to enjoy my time with you. It’s all new and I don’t want to end up sleeping through it.” His body took over and he yawned loudly. “But maybe you’re right – some meds and rest. I’m exhausted. Who knew walking up a flight of stairs and chewing could make you tired.”

Sherlock got up and fetched John’s medicine and a glass of water, before helping him to the bedroom. “The inner sanctum,” he said with a grand hand gesture as they entered his room. 

John giggled and then moaned gently at the pain that caused and leaned slightly harder into Sherlock as they negotiated him onto the bed. “Wow,” he said as he looked at the ceiling and took in all the well decorations. “It’s… quite nice in here.”

“Have you really never looked inside?” Sherlock asked, pulling back his luxury silk sheets so that he could put John to bed. 

“I mean, I’ve dropped your arse into bed a couple of times after cases, and I’ve talked to you from the doorway but no, it’s always seemed a bit… private?” he suggested. It suddenly felt so ridiculous that he had never really been inside. Sherlock never even flinched before crossing personal boundaries and getting in John’s way. John had woken up twice with Sherlock sitting cross legged at the end of his own bed, watching him sleep, supposedly for ‘science’ and yet John had always stayed well and truly out of Sherlock’s way. The door was often closed, or slammed, and Sherlock spent so much time out of his room anyway. John had never really had the opportunity.

“You’re part of my private now,” Sherlock said and helped John lay down. 

John smiled gently. “Mmm, yeah. I am,” he said happily, sinking into the very comfortable bed. He’d never laid in a bed this nice before.

“Good.” Sherlock gave him a ridiculously kooky grin all of a sudden, apparently highly satisfied at having John lying in his bed. He tucked John in and moved around the other side, getting in next to him. 

“Sherlock?” John asked, looking at his now partner as they settled in.

“Yes, John?” Sherlock asked as he fixed the covers. 

“Thank you… for… this,” he said quietly. “For looking after me, and for telling me… and for letting me be here with you in your space and… just thank you,” he said, settling into the soft pillow and sheets, already feeling himself drift off. “I don’t want to fall asleep. I want to lie here and look at you, up close, without feeling silly about it. Because I can now.”

“You need rest to heal, John.” Sherlock gently caressed his cheek. “I’ll be right here when you wake up,” he promised. “And there will be plenty of other opportunities. This isn’t like the train. This isn’t a one-off moment.”

“I don’t…” He felt stupid saying anything. “I don’t want to close my eyes. What if I wake up and I’m in the hospital and I imagined all of this?”

“I’ll be right here.” Sherlock cuddled up against John’s side, holding him. “Does this feel imaginary?”

Before he could answer, John had crashed into a deep sleep filled with weird, confused dreams of masquerade balls and murder and running away from danger. He was so completely confused but it felt so good to close his eyes and stop moving finally.

Sherlock held John close, watching him sleep for hours, finally falling asleep himself. It was hard to sleep with his arm in a sling and it hurt still, but he wasn’t allowed pain meds so broken sleep was what he got. At least it was warm next to John.

______________________________

When John woke, he was confused. The bed felt… wrong… different.  It took him a moment to register why, and where he was. Then his nose picked up the scent of Sherlock and then his body felt the warmth and pressure of Sherlock wrapped around him and he heard the sound of Sherlock’s gentle, sleepy breathing. He knew this sound already. He had sat in the lounge reading in his chair, listening to Sherlock doze on the sofa after days of not sleeping before. The sound was comforting and he smiled to himself, his eyes still shut, a part of him hoping to stay like this a bit longer. When he finally let his eyes flutter open he smiled to himself. Sherlock seemed so comfortable, curled around John and sleeping. He really needed to get up and use the bathroom but he didn’t want to wake Sherlock or disturb his rest. He certainly didn’t want to wet the bed on Sherlock’s posh sheets, though. He squirmed a little as he tried to decide what to do.

Sherlock grumbled softly, clinging closer to John and wrapping one of his legs around John’s. Octopus mode was fully engaged. 

John couldn’t help chuckling gently, his stomach protesting from the jiggling. “Hey,” John said gently, kissing his head. “Sorry I just need to…” He shuffled out from under Sherlock. “Don’t wake up.”

“Need help?” Sherlock mumbled, his eyes still closed. 

“No, you sleep,” John said, as he manoeuvred his way out. He gave Sherlock a gentle kiss on the head and walked around the bed, pausing in the doorway, his eyes drifting back to take in the room. I slept in Sherlock’s bed! he thought happily to himself.

“Mmm, fine… I’ll hold it for you later…” Sherlock mumbled as he curled up in John’s vacant spot. 

“You’ll… you’ll what now? ” John asked, nearly choking on the words.

Sherlock was already back to softly snoring. 

John stood there staring at Sherlock. Did he just… was that Sherlock flirting? He grinned to himself. The idea of Sherlock with his hand on… John shook his head to clear it. Fuck. If the kissing was anything to go by this might actually be some incredible sex. But he’d never had sex with someone he’d actually been friends with before. In fact it made him a little nervous all of a sudden. What if it wasn’t good? Surely not. The man kissed like a bloody expert. But what if it wasn’t? What if it went badly and then they couldn’t even go back to being friends? God, he was now overthinking sex with Sherlock Holmes. He wanted to crawl back into bed but now his brain was awake and his stomach was churning with nerves. When he finished up in the bathroom, he went to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. He needed to just calm his brain down a bit. 

When the bed cooled Sherlock got up, pulled on his robe, and went to find John who was sitting at the table. He bent down behind John. “You didn’t come back to bed,” he mumbled against the back of John’s neck. 

John sank back against Sherlock, drawn to the feeling of those lips close to his skin. “Mmmm,” he hummed happily. “I could definitely get used to this.”

Sherlock wrapped his arms around John. “You’re tense.” He mumbled. “Why? Shoulder or stomach pain?”

“I’m okay,” John said quietly. He turned carefully around so he was facing Sherlock and gave him a smile. “Just thinking.”

“About what?” Sherlock tipped his head to the side. 

John sucked in a breath. “What if…” He looked at Sherlock’s expectant expression and didn’t know if he could say it. “Nothing. Never mind.”

“What if… what, John?” Sherlock frowned. 

John searched Sherlock’s face, trying to decide whether or not to say anything. He let out a sigh and stood up to look at Sherlock properly. “What if we do this… and…” He looked away. He couldn’t look at Sherlock. “What if we do this and it doesn’t work out? And then…”

“If we break up?” Sherlock asked him. “I think if we can stand each other as roommates then we can definitely do it as romantic partners. At least as partners there’s make up sex instead of just grumpy tea making,” he teased. 

John’s eyes snapped to Sherlock’s. “Grumpy tea making?” John said through a curious grin.

“Mmm-hmm.” Sherlock nodded. “After we fight or have a disagreement we don’t usually apologise or anything. We just make tea and then it’s all better.” He smiled gently to himself. 

John smiled back. “I do like our post-argument tea,” he agreed.

“I know you do. You relax after, because it’s like an apology. An affirmation that everything’s normal again.” 

John nodded. “Well, this is… very… not normal right now.”

“Shall I make some more grumpy tea?” Sherlock smirked. “You need to eat so you can take your medicine. Pain meds and antibiotics this morning,” he instructed, with his best bossy voice.

John nodded. But instead of moving he pulled Sherlock down for a kiss. A slow, satisfied kiss. “Now we have more than just grumpy tea, though.”

“Mmmmmm…” Sherlock pressed close to John and kissed him back, now distracted. When the kiss settled John was already talking again.

“I just… Sherlock, we’re terrible at this, like you said. We’re terrible at talking. So if things get… if this gets messed up – and let’s face it, I have a shocking reputation when it comes to relationships of any kind – we’re going to be terrible at this. I don’t know if grumpy tea will be enough to fix things when we’re in a relationship.”

“And most of your relationships failed because of me, whether directly or indirectly,” Sherlock pointed out. “I really think you’re overthinking this, John.”

“Me? Overthinking?” he teased, and kissed Sherlock’s nose. “You really were a pain in the arse, though.”

“Yes, but now I’m your pain in your arse.” Sherlock grinned. 

“You are indeed,” he sighed. “All mine.” He finally smiled.

Sherlock kissed John again as a reward. “Much better. Now, what do you want to eat for breakfast?”

“Hmmm, I’m hungry. I’m really hungry but also I don’t know if I can handle food.”

“How about we start with some toast and jam? Just a little something in your stomach so the pills don’t upset it,” Sherlock kissed John’s forehead before going to make toast. 

“Yes doctor,” John teased. “You’re in charge of me today.”

“Good. Go and sit on the couch and relax. You’re using too much core sitting up at the table and your stomach muscles are going to fatigue,” Sherlock directed John. “Or.” He paused. “I can get your favourite breakfast from downstairs if you prefer?” 

John shook his head. “Maybe another day. Today I don’t want you to go anywhere. Toast and couch,” he said, already heading to lie down.

“Sounds good to me,” Sherlock said and started on the toast. 

John watched him from the couch, smiling to himself. “You’re magnificent to watch, you know,” he said.

“I’m just making tea and toast, John. Don’t be ridiculous.” Sherlock chuckled. 

“I know. It’s unfair really. That one man can look so incredible while just making toast, straight out of bed, no less. No wonder people don’t like you.”

Sherlock snorted. “Sure. That’s why they don’t like me.”

“Well it’s gotta be part of it. Look at you. You’re pretty intimidating and stunning.”

“I can be when I want to be.” Sherlock carried over John’s fresh cup of tea and then the plate of toast and his medicine separately since he only had one functional arm still.

John gave him a goofy appreciative smile and ate the toast straight away. “I was hungrier than I realised,” he sighed and blew on his tea a bit before taking a sip. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Sherlock smiled. “One pain pill and one antibiotic.” He sat the bottles in front of John before going to get his own tea. 

“Yes sir,” John said with a mock salute, and a little grin, taking his tablets.

Sherlock came back and sat down next to John, holding his tea gingerly. 

“You better be eating too,” John said sternly.

“I will. Eventually.” Sherlock sipped his tea. 

John shook his head. “Beware. You thought I was a naggy flatmate before. Now the nagging boyfriend mode will be engaged. I’m going to be insufferable.”

“I’d expect nothing less,” Sherlock agreed with a cheeky expression on his face. 

John nodded. “So long as we’re clear,” he replied. “How’s the shoulder?”

“Sore.” Sherlock pouted. “Mostly annoying that I can’t take anything for it and I can’t use it properly either.”

“I ah… here…” John said, moving his position on the couch. “Scooch closer. I have a trick I learned. In the army.”

“Alright...” Sherlock moved closer to John. 

John put his hands on Sherlock’s neck gently and for a moment he flinched slightly. “Sorry. I hope my hands aren’t cold.”

“Oooooh...” Sherlock melted into the touch a bit. “That’s good. Cold is actually good.”

John chuckled gently. “Now tell me if it hurts too much…” he said, a little nervously. He started some gentle massaging on Sherlock’s neck. “It’s just to release the tension. A large part of the pain will come from the tension in your muscles. Your body responds to the pain and it will be tense everywhere. This just begins to release some of that tension.” John worked his fingers gently into the skin.

Sherlock took a few deep breaths and tried to relax. “Who knew I was getting a boyfriend and a personal masseuse.”

John grinned. “I had a few patients in Afghanistan who couldn’t have pain meds either. This seemed to help.”

“It’s helping,” Sherlock said, as his muscles finally started to unwind and the pain definitely began to subside. 

As John worked gently down the neck, he gained in confidence at being able to touch Sherlock’s body. “God, I want to be able to… I want us both to be well so I can…” He knew now was not the time and he had promised to relieve the pain. This was not a sexy moment, but even so, he leaned down and kissed the delicate skin right where Sherlock’s neck joined his shoulder. “You’re so beautiful,” he sighed.

Sherlock shivered, goose flesh covering his skin all of a sudden. “Every time you kiss me, it makes me dizzy,” he admitted.

“Well it’s a good thing I’m a doctor then, isn’t it?” John teased. Now that he had kissed Sherlock there once, he needed to do it again… and again. He couldn’t stop himself from repeating the gesture.

“Very… very good,” Sherlock sighed happily. 

John kept massaging his neck and shoulders gently to relieve the pain but interspersed the touch with more kisses. “Helping?” he asked with a half smile. Sherlock had little goosebumps on his skin and John could feel him relaxing like putty in his hands. He had to admit it gave him a sense of power he had never felt before. The great Sherlock Holmes, unable to be swayed by anyone, was melding to his every move and John could not get enough of it.

“Very much.” Sherlock was nearly drooling, his voice lowering almost to a quiet, deep purr which resonated deep inside John as well. 

Sherlock was enjoying it and John wanted more. So much more. He gently pulled at Sherlock to lean his body back against him. He reached one hand under Sherlock’s good arm and rested a hand on Sherlock’s chest to hold him in place as he continued kissing at his neck and shoulder. He couldn’t get enough of the taste of Sherlock’s skin, the feel of Sherlock bending to his touch.

“Oh John,” Sherlock groaned softly. 

John smiled. He had never expected to get to do this. To touch him and kiss him like this. And now here he was. He slowly moved his hand up and down on Sherlock’s chest, gently. “Relaxing?” he purred against Sherlock’s neck before kissing it again.

“Relaxing. Verging on… exciting.” Sherlock blushed a bit. 

“Is it helping the shoulder? The tension?” John checked. “Don’t… please just let me know if I’m hurting you,” he sighed, all the while continuing his gentle onslaught.

“It’s helping all the tension.” Sherlock nodded. 

“To be clear… I did not do this bit with my other patients,” John suddenly said, realising what had happened. “Just the neck massage… only that. To relax their muscles. This… the rest of this is all your fault entirely.”

“You’re quite good at it so I don’t think you’d get any complaints, even if you had done it.” Sherlock chuckled. 

“Slightly inappropriate, though,” John teased back.

“Mmm, is it though?” Sherlock prodded. “I think you could make it a whole lot more inappropriate if you put your mind to it...”

“Are you…?” John was shocked, chuckling along, but moved his hand slowly down Sherlock’s front, edging it carefully lower. “I can’t believe I’m allowed to…”

“I’d let you do whatever you wanted to me, John,” Sherlock mumbled, resting his head back against John’s shoulder, his entire body laid out against John now and at his mercy. 

“That’s a very…” John edged his hand down over the front of Sherlock’s pyjamas, “very dangerous thing to offer,” John added seductively now, his voice lowering.

“It’s a good thing you run head first into danger, then.” Sherlock gasped as he licked his lips. 

“Oh? Danger huh?” John asked, as he grabbed Sherlock’s bulge in his hand and squeezed ever so gently. “You’re… God, Sherlock. I can’t even believe this is real.”

“Very, very… dangerous,” Sherlock moaned and arched into John’s hand. 

John sighed against Sherlock’s ear, unable to resist taking Sherlock’s ear lobe into his mouth and sucking gently. He moved his hand back up slightly, and then under the elastic waistband, sliding beneath the fabric so he could put his hand against Sherlock’s cock without fabric interrupting his touch. As John’s bare skin touched Sherlock’s warm, soft skin there, John groaned in delight. Sherlock gasped at equal volume, from the warmth of John’s hand, his cock already throbbing for it. 

John reached up with his other hand and gently turned Sherlock’s head to the side. “Is this okay? It doesn’t hurt?” John checked nervously. He needed to see Sherlock’s face.

“It’s good. It’s so good.” Sherlock kissed John. “Don’t stop.” 

John kissed him back firmly, holding Sherlock’s head in place as he started to use his other hand to work on the aroused cock. He ignored the protesting scar on his side, but made sure his movements were gentle. No sudden moves, no over exertion but he wasn’t stopping this for anything. He wanted to give Sherlock attention. Real attention. “All this time, we sat on this couch, watching television, reading a paper, discussing cases,” he gasped out, the excitement getting to him too. “And finally… finally I get to do this.”

“So many times I wanted to crawl into your lap and snog you senseless,” Sherlock panted, his skin felt like it was on fire, his hips writhing with John's touch. 

“I’ve got you. Now, I’ve got you,” John said into his ear. “Just relax. Relax everything.” He added pressure with his hand, making his intentions more clear. He wanted so badly to see Sherlock, to hear him tip over the edge.

“John...” Sherlock moaned, rocking against John’s hand instinctively, his voice a mix of excitement and nerves. 

As Sherlock moved more, it caused John some pain so he put his other hand down, to hold Sherlocks hips steady. He pressed Sherlock back slightly into his own arousal. Sherlock gasped at the change in contact. It would certainly be less painful to his stab wound if he kept them as still as they possibly could be, despite how much he wanted to writhe and throw Sherlock around in passion. They needed to stay as mobile as possible. But he didn’t want to stop his hand pumping Sherlock. He couldn’t stop that . He needed to hear Sherlock’s noises, feel the strength of Sherlock’s arousal in his hand, feel the pure ecstasy of that gorgeous arse pressed into his own arousal. God, he wanted to do more to that… He stilled, stopping himself for a moment. He had nearly come just from the pure image of getting to… “God,” he sighed. “God I nearly… you’re magnificent.”

Sherlock’s eyes widened as he felt John’s bulge pressed against his arse and the mere feeling of it making his cock leak over John’s hand as his breathing increased dramatically. 

“It’s okay,” John sighed gently, against his ear. “It’s okay. Just… enjoy it. Just let it… let your body decide,” he said softly as he moved his fingers up to use the leakage to lubricate him more. He had to work hard to only move his hips slowly, carefully. He did not need to pop his scar open and have to explain it at the hospital. He hissed a breath between his teeth and leaned his head against the side of Sherlock’s as their very restrained, very careful movements elicited big feelings from them both.

“Don’t… hurt… yourself,” Sherlock whined as he got closer to his climax. 

“Shhhh,” John whispered harshly before gasping. “Just… shhh,” he said more gently, focussing his energy all on Sherlock, on speeding up his hand, on working the length of Sherlock. The very nice, glistening length of him. Not to mention working himself slowly as well, as he gently moved, as Sherlock gently writhed against him.

“John… John… John.” Sherlock chanted his name, to warn him, but he couldn’t get any more words out before coming over John’s hand with a loud gasp. 

The minute he felt Sherlock coming John slowed his hand but kept it moving gently to work him through it as he pressed Sherlock’s hips hard against him with the other hand. The excitement of Sherlock saying his name like that, and feeling him come, sent John over the edge too. “Jesus, Jesus. Sherlock,” he groaned, his mouth biting down gently into the top of his shoulder, as he held them both firmly in place.

Sherlock groaned, absolutely melting against John. 

“I guess it’s official then,” John laughed into his neck.

“What is?” Sherlock sighed, his voice slurring a bit. 

“That we’re a couple,” John giggled. “No backing out now. That was definitely behaviour unbecoming of a platonic flatmate.”

“Mmm, yes, a couple.” Sherlock turned and kissed John happily. 

“Good?” John checked.

“Better than I ever dreamed.” Sherlock nuzzled him. “Oh! Are you okay! Your stitches!” Sherlock hissed and moved to inspect John. 

“I’m okay,” he nodded gently. “I was careful. I wanted to wait. But I just… I couldn’t. I didn’t mean to attack you like that for your first… God, you just made me a little crazy. Getting to be this close to you like that. Sorry. Did I… was that okay?”

“It was brilliant.” Sherlock kissed John again reassuring him. 

John couldn’t hide his proud grin. “You’re…” John hesitated to decide whether to say anything. “You’re impossibly hot,” he sighed.

“Me?!” Sherlock threw his head back and laughed. ”You’re the hot Doctor-army captain-surgeon. You’re a walking, talking fantasy!”

“Pfft,” John scoffed. “Your opinion is completely biassed. You just had an orgasm!”

“Yes, I’m sure it has nothing to do with all the army recruitment posters I had on my walls as a teenager.” Sherlock blushed. 

John tilted his head to look at Sherlock better. “Are you… serious?” he snorted with delight.

“Embarrassingly so,” Sherlock groaned. 

“Not embarrassing,” John said, rubbing his hand on Sherlock’s chest affectionately. “But it does explain why after deducing my history you offered me a room in your house on day one, without flinching,” John said, chuckling gently.

“I couldn’t help myself.” Sherlock smiled shyly. 

“Apparently,” John said happily. “You managed to keep it all a bit top secret though. The feelings and all.”

“I tried. Didn’t exactly work.”

“Oh I don’t know. You managed to keep it under wraps for a fair while,” John said, kissing the side of Sherlock’s head. “Sorry… for messing up your posh pyjama pants,” he added. “Perhaps it’s time for a shower?”

“Sponge bath for you so your stitches don’t come undone,” Sherlock announced. 

“Seriously?” John asked, frustrated by his inability to look after himself.

“You can wash yourself. I just don’t want your guts spilling out everywhere.” Sherlock explained. 

John snorted. “We’ve already established that won’t actually happen. Idiot.” He leaned in and gave his partner a light kiss again. “If only everyone else knew how often you aren’t a genius.”

“I just don’t want to lose you, now that I just got you.” Sherlock pouted. 

“See? Idiot. I knew it.” John hugged him tighter. “You won’t lose me. I had a tiny stab wound and some bleeding. I’m sore but fine.”

“Mmm… alright,” Sherlock said, sounding unconvinced as he nuzzled John. 

“Now come on, you can shower yourself first and then I’ll let you run me a bath.” John kissed his cheek.

“Do I need to tape a plastic cover over your bandages?” Sherlock asked before getting up. 

John smiled. “It’s ok. I have waterproof stuff to put on. So long as the water isn’t too hot and I don’t stay in too long it will be fine.”

“Alright.” Sherlock moved to the bathroom to get things set up.

“I really… you’re… I’m so lucky… to have you,” John called out, pulling himself up slowly and following Sherlock.

“Be careful!” Sherlock called back. 

“My, you’re bossy when you want to be,” John chuckled.

“You’ve taught me well.” Sherlock laughed. 

John unbuttoned his shirt as he laughed back. He sucked in some air at the pain. “Right, you first,” he said. “Get in that shower. I’ll go and get you some clean clothes and my wound dressing. Wait, let me unhook your sling. And no using that arm. Just get under the water to rinse off.  If you want a proper wash you can get in the bath with me and I’ll help.”

“Bath.” Sherlock said immediately and nodded enthusiastically. “With you. Bath with you.”

John burst out laughing and then grabbed his side. “Your face,” he sighed, calming himself. “God, the look on your face. So happy. Okay then get going.” John walked out again to the bedroom and found Sherlock some fresh comfortable clothes. Then he went to the lounge to find his stuff from the hospital and get his new dressings for the wound, quickly heading upstairs to grab his own comfortable clothes to change into. By the time he got back, Sherlock had rinsed off and was running the bath water as he stood there completely naked. “God,” John sighed. “You’re more gorgeous than even I realised.”

“You’ve seen me naked before.” Sherlock turned and faced John. 

Full Frontal Nudity. And John felt his knees go weak. He rushed forward and grabbed at Sherlock’s face. “You’re going to be an absolute nightmare,” he growled before kissing him fiercely.

Sherlock groaned and held onto John, kissing him back. “As if you’re not.” He nipped at John’s lips. “You’re not nearly naked enough, though.” He smirked and kneeled down in front of John. He bit John’s waistband between his teeth and smirked, pulling them down. 

“Jesus Christ,” John gasped in surprise. “You know, I have seen you naked but I’ve never… it’s just different now. Everything is different now.”

“Yeah. Now you get to touch me.” Sherlock grinned sheepishly and gently helped John out of his clothes. He knew exactly what he was doing. “How about I get in first and then you can lean back against me?”

John nodded in silence. He was rendered entirely speechless by this stunning man. How in god's name was he allowed to do this… with him? How?

Sherlock got in and sat down before offering his hand to John to help him in. 

John looked at him openly for a moment. “God you’re really… stunning,” he sighed and stepped in.

Sherlock blushed. “I am tall and lanky and pale. If I sparkled I’d be a vampire from that awful movie you showed me,” he scoffed. 

“Jury’s still out. I’m not convinced you aren’t a vampire yet. You always look beautiful. And you’re fearless. You never sleep or eat. You can tell me… you are. Aren’t you?” he teased, as he leaned back against Sherlock with a sigh. The feel of their bodies pressed together was… incredible.

“Mmmm, I vant to suck your cockkkk!” Sherlock said in a bad vampire accent and laughed so hard water nearly splashed out of the bath. 

John laughed then groaned. “Oh my god I can’t believe you just said that! And you’re not meant to be making me laugh,” he grunted, not really annoyed. It had definitely been funny coming from Sherlock. “And sure. You can do that later. If you still have the appetite for it.” He rolled his eyes and relaxed back into Sherlock.

“I’m starved for it. Thirsting. Absolutely parched,” Sherlock teased, holding John with his good arm. 

“You’re a menace, that's what,” John sighed, as he dropped his head back so he could kiss Sherlock along his jaw.

“Perhaps, but I’m all yours.” Sherlock grinned stupidly. 

“I’m a lucky, lucky man,” John said. He lay there enjoying just being still, in Sherlock’s arms. But he couldn’t help nagging suspicion pulling at him. “You’re sure, Sherlock? You definitely want to do this?”

“It's probably a bit late now, John. But yes, I’ve wanted it for years and I want it now, and I’m going to want it for the rest of my life.” Sherlock grinned confidently. 

John raised his eyebrows. “Right.” His heart rate picked up at the idea. He wasn’t sure if that was excitement or fear. He hadn’t thought that far ahead yet.

“You alright?” Sherlock asked, feeling John’s heart slamming fast in his chest, fluttering against the hand he had resting there. 

“For the rest of your life, huh?” John asked quietly.

“Yes.” Sherlock nodded. 

“Confident as all get up, aren’t you?” John asked, but grinned at that.

“When it comes to you? I’ve never been more nervous and unsure in my life because I don’t want to lose this. I’ve never done this before. I’ve never been in a relationship before or loved someone before. But I know that I’ve never been more excited and committed to anything before like this, either,” Sherlock said completely honestly. 

John twisted as best he could, wincing at the movement. “Hey. You don’t need to be… nervous. Not with me. I’m going to…” John had to twist back and it frustrated him. He let out a frustrated sigh as he lay back against Sherlock again. “I’m not going anywhere and I’m going to take care of you. I’m going to try really hard not to bugger this up like I do with everything else. I don’t want to mess this up. Not with you. You’re too important to me. So you don’t need to worry. I’m going to give it everything.”

Sherlock held John against himself. “You don’t mess everything up. If anything I blew up all your relationships with women because I was blindingly jealous.”

“Blindingly jealous, huh?” John asked, surprised. “I’m enjoying this. You’re giving lots of information away. I think I like knowing you were blindingly jealous.” He grinned and let out a little giggle at it. No one had ever cared enough about him to feel that before. At least not enough to share it with him too.

“How do you think I just showed up on your dates, John? I followed you. Or snooped through your phone to find out where you’d be. And then I’d just… make things weird. Make the women uncomfortable. And then I’d get to have you all to myself again.” Sherlock blushed at his admission. 

John’s grin broadened. “I knew I liked you for a reason,” John sighed. “You’re just the right brand of crazy I like.”

Sherlock laughed and kissed John’s head. “Two peas in a pod.”

“Mmmm,” John hummed happily. “That is definitely true. No one else seems to get us.”

“I don’t need anyone else to get me, but you,” Sherlock stated firmly. 

John smiled. “Absolutely.”

After a little while just relaxing together, Sherlock helped John wash and they finally got out when the water was too cool and their fingers had pruned up. He helped John change the bandage and get into fresh clean clothes carefully.

“Better?” he asked.

John grabbed Sherlock and pulled him in for another kiss. “Now, I’m better.”

Sherlock blushed and nodded. “Much better.”

“I could get used to sharing baths with you,” John sighed. “I’ve spent far too many nights listening to you have your own bath without me.

“I’ll share a bath with you whenever you’d like.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” John replied with a stern look.

“I’m sure there’s plenty more you’re going to hold me to,” Sherlock smirked. 

“Oh, you better believe it,” John teased back.

Sherlock smiled happily, finally feeling at ease with John safe, and in his arms for good this time.