johnlock fluff - 2

Undercover? ((Part 2))

"Haha, very funny," John laughed nervously. Sherlock rolled his eyes, waiting for the doctor to realize that he wasn't joking. "Wait...are you serious?"

The detective sighed. "Do I look like I'm kidding?"

"Well-uh-um...no?" John stuttered, a deep blush creeping into his cheeks. He was grateful that it was dark, so Sherlock couldn't see how nervous he'd suddenly become.

There was an awkward silence while both men watched the passing lights outside, neither daring to look at the other.

"Do you want to know why?" Sherlock asked suddenly, turning to face his friend. "Why we're posing as a couple?"

John blushed again. Of course. He hadn't stopped to ask any questions, and now he looked stupid

                                                    again.

"Um, sure," he said, still not brave enough to turn.

"Well," Sherlock started, "it's a formal party. Only couples are allowed in. Ridiculous, I know, but partly ingenious. Miss Cheshire is hosting a Valentine's Day Bash in honor of her late brother, who is, as you know, dead. She is aware that soon she'll be wrapped up in legal affairs, and hosting parties is her favorite thing to do during her free time. Not much time to host parties while manipulating congressmen, is there?"

John smiled. Sherlock really could be funny sometimes, without even knowing it. Suddenly he had a thought. "So, why is she inviting us? Doesn't she know about your reputation?"

"Ah, now you're thinking," Sherlock grinned. "Yes, Barbara does know who you are. Oddly enough, though, she doesn't know me. I emailed her - pretending to be you, obviously - and persuaded her to get us an invitation."

"Oh, oka- wait!" John looked at his friend in disbelief. "You're saying Barbara Cheshire knows who I am? And not you? Is that even possible?"

"Oh, look John, we're here," Sherlock said, avoiding John's protests. He quickly got out of the cab, leaving the very disoriented doctor to pay the cabbie.

"Well aren't you a supportive boyfriend," John grumbled sarcastically, walking over to Sherlock and scowling up at him.

"I thought we weren't a couple," Sherlock snapped, glaring down at the doctor.

"Because we aren't!"

"Then why'd you call me your boyfriend?!"

"Because...I...it's...undercover!"

"You just wish I was your boyfriend!"

"Wha- No! I'm straight!"

"Oh really?!"

"Yes!"

They stood staring at each other angrily for a few seconds before John cracked a smile and started to giggle. Sherlock's frown deepened.

"What's so funny?" he asked. "I thought we were in the middle of an argument!"

"Nothing," John laughed, shaking his head. "Let's just go. Aren't we late or something?"

"Right." Sherlock shook his head and swallowed nervously. "Here, take my hand." He extended his hand expectantly. John hesitated, but then linked his fingers through his friends'. His hand was soft and warm, and it seemed to close around his perfectly.