[video]

[was_a_soldier]

Sorry, this is so overdue, I was dealing with an... incident.

[If anyone notices him brushing his fingers against his neck absently, pay that no mind... he's just remembering where his neck was slashed open.

He clears his throat awkwardly, drops his hand and continues, expression growing concerned.]

...In any case, I'm looking for a young boy named Conan. He was injured quite badly the other day and I was... interrupted while treating him.

Has anyone seen or talked to him? Is he alright?

I owe him an apology.

Comments

[Action]

[was_a_soldier]

[He frowns, turning to finally look at the other man again. Because the kettle's boiling and he just has to wait, not because he wants to look at Sherlock or anything.]

Initiate what?

[Action]

[not_a_hero]

[Sherlock leans in and kisses the corner of his lips as he did once before, when he was a twenty year old version of himself.]

[Action]

[was_a_soldier]

[His jaw unhinges slightly and he braces one hand back against the counter as the other one comes up to grasp Sherlock's shoulder--unsure yet if he wants to pull him in closer or shove the detective away. He swallows thickly, nose brushing his friend's.]

...You remember that?

[Action]

[not_a_hero]

Yes. And that makes it my fault. I was the first to call things into question. I kissed you first.

[Action]

[was_a_soldier]

No, it's not--

That wasn't--

[He pauses, pressing his lips together and staring up at Sherlock, only continuing after he's cleared his throat.]

It's not like I hadn't thought of it--

[John licks his lips.]

You kissing me just... And then the Hogwarts event... and after that... made it actually seem...

[He's not making much sense and realizes it with an awkward cough.]

Ignore that. What I mean to say is... It was fine. You weren't yourself when you first kissed me. You were... well, you were 20 years old and high, so...

[Action]

[not_a_hero]

I was working off deductions same as I always do but with the benefit of an objective perspective. Still an idiot, granted, but… not stupid.

[He pulled back from John, leaning back against the counter.]

The truth of the matter is, no matter what decisions we make, due to the nature of Wonderland, we have to be at least somewhat prepared for events like the Hogwarts one in which these decisions are made for us. I don’t mind—not when it’s you. And I… enjoyed… our relationship in the magic world. Were occasion to arise where we were put in that situation again, I’d be fine with it. The only thing I’m put off by is my own short comings in these matters which events have been kind enough to spare us thus far. Should things progress past snogging and clothing irritation in future events, you can consider it one hundred percent consensual as far as I’m concerned. These aren’t things I seek but they are things I can accept. So for myself, it’s all fine--as you so eloquently put it.

And if it’s all fine inside an event, logically it’s all fine outside of one.

[Action]

[was_a_soldier]

[John's hanging jaw drops even more and he gawks at the other man, brain taking a bit of time to process what he's just said.]

asdfhasd--

[He shakes himself out of the stupor, running a hand through his hair.]

Christ. Okay. Yeah. Okay then... Uhm...

[See his face? It's turning a few shades redder as he realizes what Sherlock's said.]

So, wait a minute... You're saying you liked the snogging and everything... and wouldn't mind it happening in an event or... otherwise?

[Action]

[not_a_hero]

To paraphrase yes.

[He raises a brow.]

Not good?

[Action]

[was_a_soldier]

[He licks his lips, gaze locked with Sherlock's.]

...'d be a bit pointless to say so, considering I was the one to properly snog you a few weeks ago...

[Action]

[not_a_hero]

Well, if we agree then things are fine, aren't they?

[Action]

[was_a_soldier]

Well, I guess, I just...

[He shakes his head blearily, like he's been daydreaming.]

Wow, that's going to take a bit to register, I think.

Re: [Action]

[not_a_hero]

[Sherlock nods, pulling down some cups for the tea John was making.]

Understandable. Honestly, nothing changes just because we're open to the possibilities. There's just less room for misunderstanding, I hope.

[Action]

[was_a_soldier]

Yeah, right... Of course.

[He licks his lips, watching the other man absently before stepping forward to put the tea and boiled water into the pot.]

I'm just... surprised, I guess.

[Action]

[not_a_hero]

[Sherlock gets out of his way.]

I shouldn't think you'd be too surprised. Why should you be surprised?

[Action]

[was_a_soldier]

[He drums his fingers against the counter as the tea steeps, feeling his ears flush.]

I really shouldn't be. It's an odd arrangement, but... I guess it makes sense. In a Sherlock sort of way.

[John licks his lips and starts pouring the tea.]

I guess part of it was that I figured you weren't interested at all after I kissed you.

[Action]

[not_a_hero]

Ah.... Well, I had other things on my mind at the time. Like the initial argument that began the meeting and the facts which were part of the discussion. I can't convince you this is madness anymore than I can convince myself it's not worth a slight indulgence, though. Wonderland wins. I concede to the possibilities.

[Action]

[was_a_soldier]

...Alright. I can take it at that. One step at a time.

[John said softly, offering the detective his cup of tea.]

[Action]

[not_a_hero]

[Sherlock accepted, smiling gently.]

Steps would imply progression towards something finite. I'd say we're more on an even playing field now. Should make things interesting.

[Action]

[was_a_soldier]

[John cocks an eyebrow at his friend as he takes a sip of tea.]

'Could be dangerous'?

[Action]

[not_a_hero]

Could be. Could put a wrench in everything. I'd much rather it didn't. But ignoring this has been edging on that in itself so... rather the danger of the unknown that the surety of what's in front of us.