The Science of Sentiment (BBC Sherlock x Reader)

Chapter 8: Experimenting

The two of you rode home in calm silence. Sherlock was completely lost in thought and you admired the evening view of London from your window.
Once back at the flat, Sherlock politely walked you back to your flat, reminding you somewhat of a nervous teenage boy on his first date. You stopped outside your door, turning to look at the man. He peered back down at you, making you realize just how much taller he was than you.
"Thank you for tonight," you said in a hushed voice.
He hesitated before answering, "My pleasure."
He seems like he wants to say something else, but can't find the right words. You give a knowing smile and turn to leave into your flat. At the last moment, his foot stops the door from closing.
"Wait."
You open the door again. "Yes, Sherlock?"
"I...I had a good time tonight. The most fun I've had socializing in a while. Will I see you tomorrow?"
You couldn't help giggling at his childish behavior. "Of course, Sherlock. I had a great time too. Goodnight."
He smiles and let's you close the door. Once you hear him mount the stairs, you lock up and disappear into the bathroom to get ready for bed.

---

Sherlock climbs the stairs slowly, taking time to think with every step. Why did he feel this way towards you? He felt that he genuinely enjoyed your company, which was more than he could say for anyone else, except perhaps, John. But even then, his patience wore thin with his flatmate. But you- you were different. He just couldn't wrap his head around it. You two had only known each other for a few days, but he felt like he already knew so much about you after tonight.
Thoroughly conflicted, Sherlock entered his flat. John was sitting in his usual chair, watching something on the telly. He turned to look at his flatmate, switching off the television.
"You okay?" John asked nervously. It wasn't often that he saw the detective with such a forlorn look on his face.
"I don't know. I hate not knowing."
Now this was quite unusual. John quickly stood up from his chair, but Sherlock motioned for him to sit back down.
"What happened?"
"I went on a date with (y/n)."
John breathed a sigh of relief. "Bloody hell, Sherlock. You scared me. I thought someone died-"
"Why would you think that?"
John just laughed, too tired to explain his reasoning to the socially-ignorant detective before him.
"How did it go?"
"...Surprisingly well."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I had an odd feeling about her. I was just going to test a theory. But..."
"But what?"
"...I rather enjoyed myself."
John chuckled, turning back to the television.
"What?" Sherlock snapped.
"I think you fancy her," John replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Don't be stupid."
"Oh come on, Sherlock. What's the matter with liking a girl?"
Sherlock just stared at the floor. The events of the night continued to play in his mind on repeat. The way you looked when you laughed. Your embarrassing stories. The kiss. It all flashed behind his eyes at rapid speeds.
"Have you, uh, ever had a girlfriend? Ever?"
Sherlock considered this for a moment. "A few. Usually just for cases, though."
John laughed. "No wonder you're being such a child about this. If you like her, you should just go for it. I've seen the way she looks at you. I think she'd like to give you a chance, too."
Sherlock tore his eyes from the floor. "You think so?"
"Sure. What'd you guys do tonight, anyway?"

For the next two hours, Sherlock recounted everything he could remember about the date to his flatmate. John offered as much advice as he could on the subject, but it was difficult when dealing with the utterly ignorant Mr. Holmes.