Nicotine

Finishings Off

"Where are you going?" John asked from his armchair as Sherlock adjusted his suit in the mirror.

"Angelo's. And you're coming- so get ready." Sherlock said, fiddling with the cuff of his shirt. "Table's booked for eight."

John grinned and set down his newspaper. "Special occasion?"

"Not quite." Sherlock replied, his eyes smiling as he glanced at John. He laughed. "The location of our first date."

"I don't think it was." John laughed.

Sherlock frowned and pressed his hand to his cheek in mock thought. "What was it again? Ah, yes. I remember." He cleared his throat and put on an accent. "Do you have a girlfriend? No, not really my area..."

John's face cracked into a smile.

"Oh...right then. Do you have a boyfriend? Which is fine, by the way." Sherlock continued, still mimicking John.

"I know it's fine." Sherlock said sternly, staring down at John. "So you've got a boyfriend?"

John snorted.

"No-"

"-well, yes." John giggled stupidly.

Sherlock carried on, oblivious.

"Right. Okay. So you're unattached, just like me."

John burst out laughing.

"Fine...good." Sherlock finished, a broad grin on his face. "Now for God's sake get ready so we can go."

John rolled his eyes as he folded his paper and got up, brushing his hand against Sherlock's as he went to get changed.

Sherlock sighed and fingered the ring in his pocket nervously. A simple band of silver. It would fit John perfectly, and it was suited to their situation. Silver now, gold later- hopefully. His heart beat a little faster but he quelled it, composing himself.

"Into battle." He murmured quietly.

Sherlock straightened his suit and checked himself in the mirror one last time.

"Ready?" John said from the doorframe.

Sherlock met his eye in the reflection.

"As I'll ever be."