A 221b ficlet for @discordantwordsā, who was so excited over this @sherlockkinkmemeā prompt, I decided to write my first ever fic to fill it. Well, that didnāt 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!
āThere is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.ā
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. āJesus, Sherlock.ā He shook his head. āHave you come to torment me?ā
He reached over and tugged at the white beard. So fake, Sherlock, really.
It didnāt move. John pulled harder. And oh Christ, it wasnāt coming off. It wasnāt coming off. He yanked one more time, in disbelief.
The old man cried out in pain. āWhat are you doing? Stop that, stop!ā
John backed off, horrified. āOh my god, oh god. I am so sorry.ā He was wrong. It wasnāt 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. āNo, doctor. I am the one whoās sorry.ā
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.
āHello again, John.ā Sherlock smiled.
Adrenaline rushed through Johnās body, replacing his anxiety with a combination of exhilaration and fury.Ā āYou utter bastard.ā