A 221b ficlet for @discordantwordsâ, who was so excited over this @sherlockkinkmemeâ prompt, I decided to write my first ever fic to fill it. Well, that didnât happen (yet). The story has been sitting in my drafts folder for a long, long time, but I wanted to share a bit for her just because. Thanks for being such a bright light in fandom, friend!
âThere is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.â
Sherlock Holmes, The Boscombe Valley Mystery
John looked at the old man as he held up another DVD and fought the smile threatening to take over his face in vain. âJesus, Sherlock.â He shook his head. âHave you come to torment me?â
He reached over and tugged at the white beard. So fake, Sherlock, really.
It didnât move. John pulled harder. And oh Christ, it wasnât coming off. It wasnât coming off. He yanked one more time, in disbelief.
The old man cried out in pain. âWhat are you doing? Stop that, stop!â
John backed off, horrified. âOh my god, oh god. I am so sorry.â He was wrong. It wasnât Sherlock. He covered his eyes with a shaking hand and steadied himself against his desk with the other. Relief, mortification, and above all, bitter disappointment flooded his body. He willed himself to calm down.
A hand rested on his shoulder. âNo, doctor. I am the one whoâs sorry.â
John stilled. He knew that voice, dammit. He uncovered his eyes.
The old man looked at him closely. The side of his mouth quirked up. He reached up and pulled off the hat and the manky wig with it. He shook out his black curls.
âHello again, John.â Sherlock smiled.
Adrenaline rushed through Johnâs body, replacing his anxiety with a combination of exhilaration and fury. âYou utter bastard.â