Second Chance at First Love

Oliver

The following morning, Sherlock walked to their special log.  He would visit the spot every time he came to the lake.  Another way to feel close to the person who still haunted his dreams.  He never ran into anyone so he was mildly surprised to see a brown haired man about his age sitting there.

"Hi, Sherlock" the said without turning around.

He was shocked at being addressed without being seen.  There was only one person outside family that could do it. "Oliver?" he didn't mean for the surprise to creep into his voice.

It was then the man turned with a shy smile "Who else would dare sit on our special log?

Sherlock sank down next to him.  In a move that was almost identical to one over 20 years ago, he felt his hand grabbed and held.  The only thing missing was the quick kiss. There was so much he wanted to ask.  He wasn't sure where to even start.

"I've been down here every day for the past week hoping you would come.  Then I saw you arrive yesterday.  I was hoping today would be my lucky day." Oliver kept sneaking shy little glances over at him.

Sherlock kept his gaze lock on the tanned fingers laced with his own.  He was still coming to terms with the fact he was actually holding the hand of the person he fantasized about for the last 20 years.

"I never stopped think a bout you.  I even tried to fin you once or twice." Oliver continued.

"It shouldn't have been to difficult.  Sherlock Holmes isn't that common of a name."  Why was he being so rude.  This is Oliver.  The one that ruined you for any one else, thought Sherlock.

"I know.  I didn't try very hard.  Afraid of what I might find." he replied sheepishly.

He looked directly at his friend for the first time.  He should be talking more. He wanted to see him again, and now that he has, he can't  To afraid.  Of what?  All the signs are there.  "You found me." Sherlock said quietly.

Oliver had thought about how this reunion would go.  He would boldly stride up to the man of his dreams.  Grab him firmly in his arms. Kiss him soundly and declare his undying love.  Sherlock, who had been pinning for him all these years would fall into his arms and t hey would live happily ever after.

Reality bites, he thought.  Sherlock wasn't letting anything show.  He had always been like that.  He was still holding his hand.  There might still be hope.  He wanted to be bold. "Come on, Oliver.  Be bold.  You can do this." he told himself. He leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to those perfect lips.  Before he could pull back, he found himself crushed against a firm chest.  Sherlock's lips demanding entrance.  He wrapped his arms around the slender waist.  Opened his lips to let Sherlock in.  Their tongues met in a desperate embrace.  Searching each other's mouth.  Relearning each others taste, texture.  Not so unlike their first kiss 20 years prior, it was mess and unsure.  As quick as it stared, it was over.  The men separated limbs, but refused to relinquish each others hands.

"Still bold as ever." Sherlock grinned.

Oliver grinned back. "Figures I better take the chance while I had it."

"Did you find what you were looking for?" he asked.

"Maybe."

Sherlock raised his eyebrow in question.  Oliver just laughed.  Feeling confident after their kiss, he decided to plunge ahead. "I hoped to find you again so we I could sweep you off your feet. Pick up where we left off all those years ago.  Pretend we had never been apart."

Sherlock could a gape.  He couldn't be serious. "Oliver it's been over 20 years.  I'm not the same person.  We might not even like each other now."

He looked hurt. "Don't tell me you haven't thought about us over the years.  Haven't thought about the 'what ifs'." Oliver could tell by his companions expression and body language that he had.  Even after all these years, he could still read Sherlock. "All I'm asking is a chance to reconnect.  To explore some of the 'what ifs'.

Sherlock though about it.  He came here to reflect.  Than man of his dreams suddenly appeared and wants to reconnect.  What are the odds?  It can't be coincidence.  The universe isn't so lazy.  Yet it seems to convenient.  Maybe this is he second chance.

"Sherlock! Stop over thinking it.  I"m here for the next four weeks.  Give us a chance." Oliver cupped his cheek, "please."

Sherlock nuzzled into the warm hand, savoring the tender touch.  He turned to place a kiss on the palm.  "Let's go back to my cabin."