The Third Holmes (𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘁 𝘅 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗬/𝗡)

CHAPTER 6

While their older brothers were huddled over the corpse, deep in their latest case, Y/N Holmes stepped closer to the youngest Moriarty sibling.

"Louis-kun," Y/N said, his voice low and casual, "why don't we leave them to it and find a place to talk?"

Louis turned his scarlet eyes toward him, narrowing slightly. "I can't just leave, Nii-san."

Y/N gave him a mischievous grin. "They both look far too entertained by that body. I doubt they'd even notice if we were gone."

Louis hesitated.

"Don't you want to have fun too?"

A sigh left Louis as he adjusted his glasses. "Fine."

Delighted, Y/N grabbed his arm without hesitation. "You won't regret hanging out with me, Louis-kun."

Louis blinked, slightly stunned, as Y/N pulled him away down the corridor of the train.

***

Their new compartment was quiet—free from interruption, save for the rhythm of wheels against the track. A bottle of expensive red wine had been served, the kind usually reserved for first-class passengers.

Y/N leaned back in his seat, swirling his glass. "I'm glad you agreed to talk, Louis-san."

Louis took a sip, his tone cool. "Why are you so adamant about conversing with me, Mr. Holmes?"

"Please, just call me Y/N." Y/N smiled. "And the reason's obvious—I want to know more about you."

Louis raised a brow. "And why is that?"

Y/N winked. "Because you interest me, of course."

Louis scoffed. "If you're trying to fish for information about my brothers, I suggest you end this farce now."

Y/N gasped, one hand to his chest in mock offense. "You wound me! Can't a man just try to be your friend?"

Louis regarded him quietly before replying, "Then let's get to know each other."

A grin broke across Y/N's face. Before he could reply, Louis added with his usual calm, "I'd like to know you better too."

The intensity in his gaze made Y/N feel like prey—yet, he welcomed it.

I'm probably just overthinking. I've got the upper hand here.

"Shall you start, Louis-san?" Y/N asked, taking another sip.

Louis nodded. "What would you like to know?"

"You're adopted, right? But you look so much like your brother William. Why is that?"

Y/N expected a flicker of discomfort—but Louis remained unfazed. "Isn't that reason enough for them to take me in?"

Before Y/N could respond, Louis's fingers gently brushed over his hand.

"You have the hands of a writer, Mr. Holmes."

Y/N froze. He cleared his throat. "That's because I am. I'm a journalist for a newspaper."

"I see. Then I've probably read one of your articles."

Y/N slipped his hand back, grinning. "Using my own move against me? How low."

Louis tilted his head. "Whatever do you mean?"

He looked annoyingly beautiful while pretending innocence.

"You're dodging the question," Y/N said. "What secrets are you hiding?"

Louis's scarlet gaze held steady. "If we're talking secrets... You seem to be hiding something as well."