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As soon as the Mathematics professor finished his lecture, he headed straight home. Usually, he would stay a couple more hours at the school to grade his students’ assignments, but today was a special day. He had been looking forward to it ever since the last time they went out. Normally, Sherlock was the one who always invited him to pubs and not-so-fancy restaurants, so when the blond surprised himself in the middle of inviting the raven-haired man out to dinner, he couldn’t help but feeling regretful, as it was obvious he wouldn’t accept. He was returning to Durham to continue giving classes at the university, and he wouldn’t return to London until his next vacation. To his surprise, the detective had agreed and said that he would take the 3-hour train ride just to see him.
Moriarty hurried into his estate to take a shower, as he had sweat all over his body from the warm and humid atmosphere in Durham. He was taking Sherlock out on what he would like to call a date. It was a date, right..? He hoped the blue-eyed individual also thought of it as a date. After the shower, he dressed himself in the finest suit he had and put on his freshly polished shoes. He wanted to look his best for his date.
He had planned the meeting meticulously and even went as far as asking Albert’s boyfriend (Mycroft) what his little brother’s favorite type of food was (although he already had an idea because of the many meals they had shared). He searched for suitable restaurants for various days. He even went as far as to try some of the restaurants he had chosen just to determine in which one they would dine. In the end, he chose a restaurant called ‘La Perle du Chef’; its food was exquisite and flavorful, so William thought Sherlock would definitely like it; after all, the detective had unusual tastes.
The professor arrived a little bit early to their reservation and was very surprised to see that the detective was already there, sitting at the reception. William, who was used to Sherlock´s unpunctuality, couldn't help but be surprised by the sight of him being early for once.
─Hello Mr. Holmes, you look nice today. Is that a new tux, perhaps?─ Sherlock raised an eyebrow, looking surprised at the comment William made, swiftly scanning his attire. The blond man was wearing a very elegant suit, not at all like his. Yes, it was the first time Sherlock had worn that suit, but he had received it as a gift a couple of years back. ─Ah, thank you, Liam, it is a new tuxedo. And you’re also looking rather fashionable tonight if I must say so myself.─ said the raven with a grin on his face ─Well, I do appreciate finer things in life, Mr. Holmes. And you clearly know how to make an impression.─ ─Certainly, attention to detail is crucial to my line of work.─ ─Undoubtedly, but tonight let’s put work aside and enjoy ourselves tonight, shall we?─ ─By all means, I’m looking forward to it. ─
William led the way to the table. The restaurant’s walls were covered in an intricate design with rich colors and patterns that added to the ambiance of the space. The soft, dim lighting cast a warm glow and a quiet and quite cozy atmosphere that was perfect for a conversation over dinner with a ‘friend’.
As they sat down in the oddly-shaped chairs, the waiter gave them the menu and told them to order whenever they felt ready.
─The restaurant is really fancy; I must say I feel somewhat out of place. ─ Sherlock said as he was admiring the restaurant. The menu was full of dishes with names he couldn’t even pronounce. ─Relax, Sherly, you’re fine. ─ Moriarty added with a soft grin, the raven blushing slightly at the nickname. The blond moved his chair closer to the detective’s chair. Sherlock couldn’t help but feel surprised at the sudden gesture, but he wasn’t opposed to it at all.
Once they both knew what they wanted to order, they called the waiter over and told him what they would have for the night. William ordered a raspberry lemonade and a Salisbury steak; meanwhile Sherlock just ordered a black coffee and a London broil. ─ Are you really ordering a coffee at 8 P.M? Are you planning not to sleep tonight? ─ The professor added with a mocking tone. ─ No! I- I mean, yes! ─ the detective said while stuttering at the sudden question ─ I am planning on getting some sleep tonight, but I didn’t know what else to order, it’s just that everything seems so expensive, and I don’t even know how I’m going to pay; back the steak and...─ ─Relax, Sherly. It’s on me. Consider it my treat for our first formal meeting, and also because this is the first time I invite you out to dinner. ─ ─It is! I was actually very surprised when you invited me. But I’m glad. Otherwise it’d seem as if I was just bothering you. ─ ─ You are never a bother, Sherly. I quite enjoy your company. ─ Sherlock blushed slightly at the sudden comment, responding with a warm smile.
The rest of the date went on smoothly. They talked until late, the conversation flowing effortlessly between the two. They spoke of their shared interest in classical music and literature, finding common ground despite their differences.
***
When the restaurant eventually closed, Moriarty and Holmes found themselves outside, sitting on a bench in a park nearby. The night sky dotted with stars above them. They looked at each other and intertwined their fingers, their hands fitting perfectly together as if they were made to hold each other.
They started walking home hand in hand. The streets were quiet, the city’s hustle subdued in the late hours. The blond couldn’t help but steal glances at the raven-haired boy, his mind swirling with a mix of emotions. He felt a sense of exhilaration and trepidation, knowing he had crossed a line and embarked on a path that was uncertain and risky.
Sherlock, on the other hand, seemed relaxed, his usually confident demeanor softened by the tender intimacy between them. He squeezed Liam’s hand reassuringly, his eyes fixed on the path ahead, but a small smile decorating his face.
They walked the rest of the way in silence, with the occasional streetlamp casting a small glow on their faces. As they reached Sherlock’s apartment, they stopped, their hands still intertwined. Moriarty turned to Sherlock to meet his deep-blue eyes.
─ I know this is kind of unexpected and that this is unknown territory for the both of us, ─ The blond said softly, his voice filled with sincerity and nervousness ─ But, I can no longer deny that being with you brings me much joy and I forget all my troubles, even if it’s just for a little while. I love you, Sherlock. ─
The detective’s heart skipped a beat at the confession, his haze locked with Moriarty’s as he waited for an answer. He knew the risks and the consequences, but at that moment, he couldn’t deny his feelings for the other man any longer.
─ Liam… ─ Sherlock said as he tried to keep his composure. ─ I feel the same way. Just talking with you makes me forget all my troubles. I love you, Liam. ─ Sherlock said, almost whispering. His hand reached up to hold William’s cheek in a delicate touch.
The professor leaned into the caress with a smile on his lips. ─ If it’s mutual, then perhaps we can navigate this together, Sherly. ─ he said, also reaching out for Sherlock’s cheek and stroking it gently with his thumb.
Sherlock nodded, a mixture of excitement and apprehension coursing through him. They leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender, innocent kiss. A slow, gentle gesture filled with a promise of something more than friendship.
They pulled away and stood there for a moment, foreheads resting against each other’s, fingers still intertwined. It was a fleeting moment of vulnerability and intimacy, a rare glimpse into a side of themselves they had never shown to anyone else.
Moriarty finally pulled away with a reluctant sigh, slipping his hand out of Sherlock’s. ─ Until next time, my dear detective. ─ he said softly before disappearing into the night.
Sherlock watched him go, his mind still not having processed the events completely. He knew this was just the beginning of a complicated journey, but he was willing to take the risk.
As he entered his apartment, he couldn’t help but smile, heart filled with anticipation for what the future might hold.
Maybe he wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight after all, but it was definitely not because of the coffee.