Q & A (Johnlock)

Chapter 3

"Alternate sharing something you consider a positive characteristic of your partner. Share a total of five items."

John groaned after reading that question out. "Oh God, you are already cocky enough as it is. Do you really need more compliments?"

With a smirk, Sherlock plonked down on the sofa, stretching out the whole length of it. "Ooooh! This damn survey is finally getting to the good stuff. Please get started, John." He looked entirely too pleased with himself.

Rolling his eyes, John sat on the upholstered chair with wooden legs that they rarely used. It was closer to the sofa. "We have to alternate saying things. I'll go first. You always look good."

Sherlock grinned, looking pleased. He always loved getting compliments, especially from John. "Really?"

"Well, you spend a fortune on your clothes and hair products, so at least the results are worth it." John chuckled.

"My turn then." Sherlock pondered a second. "Your jumpers are awful..."

John sighed. "Didn't you hear the instructions? You are supposed to list positive characteristics, Sherlock."

"You didn't let me finish." Sherlock snapped playfully. "Your jumpers are awful...but I've come to like them on you. They are very ... 'John'."

Tempted to roll his eyes again, John pushed on instead. "I've said it before, but here I go again. You are brilliant."

"I never tire of hearing that." Sherlock smile was wide and happy. "You are humble."

John lowered his brows. "Is that a dig?" Was Sherlock going to subtly insult him instead of compliment him?

"No, no...". Sherlock paused, searching for an explanation. "You know yourself, your limits, and you are good at what you do. There's a quiet confidence about you."

"Oh." Well, that sounded better than humble. He would take that. "You have sharp eyes. You see so much detail."

Nodding, Sherlock looked at John closer. "Like how you blush or look away with some questions?"

"Yes." John flushed slightly at previous questions, glad that even if Sherlock saw he was uncomfortable, he didn't always know why.

"I like those reactions. They intrigue me. You intrigue me." Sherlock was still giving him a searching look.

John tapped his leg, thinking. "OK, for the fourth thing I'll say that I like that you aren't greedy."

"You know I just need the work, the money isn't important to me." Sherlock said dismissively.

"You don't flaunt your money, aside from dressing well, and you don't overcharge clients." John said, and leaned back in his chair.

Sherlock looked curiously at John. "Is that such a rare thing?"

"Sadly yes." John said. "You help people without really meaning to, as a result of solving a case. You see beyond the bad surface to the good person below, like with Mrs. Hudson and Angelo, making them very loyal to you. People without perfect pasts."

"I have a far from perfect past as well." Sherlock said wearily.

John gave a half-smile at that. "No doubt cleared off your records by your brother though. The fifth characteristic is...hmmm...that I admire that you have stopped doing drugs and smoking. It's not an easy thing to do."

Sherlock didn't look impressed by that. "I still crave them often."

"Why did you stop smoking?" John asked out of pure curiousity.