Work Text:
John walks into the lab in Mike’s wake. The first thing he notices is all the newfangled equipment. The second thing he notices is the lab’s current occupant.
The man sits at a computer, intently at work, but looks up at their entry. He is dark-haired and handsome, with piercing eyes that move quickly over John and leave him feeling almost as though he forgot to put on his trousers today. Then he opens his mouth, and words come pouring out, and John is more exposed than he’s ever been in his life. It’s terrifying. It’s thrilling.
There’s something a little… off, about the man, but he’s magnetic all the same. The striking looks, the commanding presence, the intense focus. The way he sees everything about John and, against all odds, still seems interested.
As the man concludes his monologue, he logs off the computer with a flourish and collects his things. On his way out, he throws an address over his shoulder at John.
John feels like a tornado just blew through. That’s it? They’ve only just met. “I don’t even know your name,” John points out, astounded and charmed despite himself.
“Of course, silly me,” the man says as he sticks out a hand to shake. “James Moriarty. Hi!”
John gets his fingers crushed, and he’s never felt better.