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Marching through the corridors, he bit the end of the cigarette he had between his lips before closing his fingers, crumpling that paper that had been able to take away all his peace. In fact, he wanted to throw into the trash can that stupid warning and recommendation that came with a red stamp that said: “URGENT”. The bin was located under a sign reminding that smoking was prohibited on Duhram University premises. That made him even more angry. With the side of his foot he kicked the trash can, bawling.
- Hey, Sherlock!
Turning around, the angry boy found none other than John H. Watson, his best friend, who frowned when he saw him in such an outburst. That guy was the total opposite of Sherlock, like the personified sensibility, being the “Mr Right”.
- Are you crazy?! If anyone sees you doing this...
- Will I be expelled? – Sherlock took the cigarette out of his mouth to question him. - It doesn't matter. I just found out that I'm going to get kicked out even if I don't destroy this stupid trash can!
- What?!
Handing the paper – or rather, what was left of it, completely crumpled – to John, Sherlock sat down on the bench next to the so-called “stupid trash can”. Without understanding that entire outburst, the friend read aloud what the document said.
- “Dear student Sherlock Holmes, due to your poor performance in the Algebra and Calculus subject, the supervision staff is sending you to an intensive one-week reinforcement course taught by the PhD student: William James Moriarty. If you do not attend classes, or fail the last exam in the subject, your enrollment in the Master's Degree in Organic Chemistry will be cancelled. ” – John shook his head negatively before shouting furiously. - This is unacceptable! You are one of the most brilliant researchers in the Chemistry sector!
- But I need to know how to add, subtract, multiply and divide. – he raised his eyes to the sky as if he found all of these math stuff pathetic.
- In fact, you got a zero on all your Algebra tests. – John was still analyzing the document. – But 10 in all the others!
- You don't understand, John! You never had any difficulty in any subject!
Sherlock was right; after all, after his friend graduated in Medicine, he was now specializing and carrying out his residency in Oncology. In fact, they often studied together and John helped him and vice versa, Sherlock helped him with subjects involving chemistry.
- Well, you have to go to William's class...
- Imagine who this guy is! – throwing the blue and wavy strands back, the chemistry student rolled his eyes. – An annoying nerd to be a doctor in Mathematics and a model student who teaches tutoring to failures like me.
- Just because he's a math major?
- A person who likes Mathematics and does a PhD in it cannot be normal.
- We can see his face now. – John sat next to Sherlock and took his cell phone out of his coat pocket. – Let's look for his name...
As soon as John typed in the name of his friend's future private teacher, several results appeared on the device's screen. Sherlock blinked and pointed to the first one.
- Is he this one?
- I don't know. We will see.
As soon as the page changed, extensive text appeared. It was simply the student's CV that had numerous publications, participations in symposiums and lectures offered in several countries.
- He really looks like a genius, Sherlock. – John sighed. – You’ll have to work hard to keep up with his classes!
- There is no photo of him? I bet he wears glasses mega thick and has a strange voice!
- Don't be discriminatory! You're not like that!
- I'm being honest! He'll probably hit my hand with a ruler when I make a mistake! – he laughed until reality hit, bringing concern back to his face. – Oh, John, I'm fucked...
- If you don't try, yes. You better wake up early tomorrow to go to his class.
- Huh? I wasn't going to your house so we could spend the night?! – Sherlock blinked.
- Not even in a dream. I'm going out with Mary tonight. Where did you get that from? No running away, Sherlock! On the other hand, your brother will finally stop sending you money and your purse will not be enough to support your cigarettes and drinks.
- Okay, okay!
Sherlock rushed to get there at time. Even though he lived just two blocks away, he needed to cross the beautiful gardens of Durham University to reach the room where he would receive private lessons from Mr. Moriarty. He overslept; after all, he was incessantly searching for a social network that belonged to that enigmatic name: William James. What kind of person were he not joining a social network in 2023?
He knocked twice on the door before checking the time on his wristwatch. He was half an hour late.
- You may come in!
A melodious voice invited him and the chemistry student turned the handle, pushing the door to poke his head into that small study room that had a second area, being divided by a large bookshelf full of books.
- Mr Moriarty?
- Mr Holmes, good morning!
Then, he appeared behind that immensity of books. In addition, no. He was nothing like the derogatory description Sherlock assumed, quite the opposite. In front of the chemistry student, a boy appeared seeming to be around his age - or was he younger? Chopped light blonde hair fell down the sides of her thin, delicate, almost feminine face. He had a beautiful pair of red eyes, curtained by eyelashes as golden as his hair. He was thin, had a relatively fragile appearance, wearing a long-sleeved white dress shirt and a burgundy wool vest. Brown dress pants and shoes made up the professor from the waist down.
- Mr Holmes? – the rubies twinkled when he smiled and subtly leaned forward. - Are you Mr. Holmes?
He opened his mouth, but the words seemed to stick in his throat. He stood there, spreading out the battered paper of his study recommendation. The blonde let out a chuckle, covering his lips with one hand before, with the other, receiving that paper. He raised his eyebrows as he read the paper.
- Oh, yes, it's you, Mr. Holmes. I'm William James Moriarty. It is a pleasure to meet you.
Sherlock was completely paralyzed as he faced the dreamlike beauty of the one who extended a hand to him. Only then he came out of that brief trance to respond to the gesture. They shook hands and the chemistry student could feel the thinness of the mathematician's skin, so different from his own, calloused, due to the fact that he was also a violinist.
- The... The pleasure is mine. Thank you for having me. – he shook his head forward. Was your heart beating faster? Sherlock felt his cheeks heat up a little.
- I see that your situation is quite complicated. – Moriarty bit his lower lip. - Your grades in other subjects are incredible, but in Algebra...
- I was never good at calculations! – Sherlock sighed, the blush on his face increasing.
- Don't worry. Maybe you didn't have teachers who knew how to deal with your skills and adapt them to teach you better.
He thanked the heavens that William had turned his back and hadn't seen his expression when he heard that. His words were extremely friendly. Sherlock found himself extremely interested in his private tutor.
William removed some books from the shelf and pulled out the two chairs that were side by side, turning on the notebook that was on the table in front of him. He sat on one of the chair, offering the other to the brunette who, even awkwardly, sat down next to him.
- Have you always had difficulty with numbers, Mr. Holmes?
- Err... You can call me Sherlock.
- Oh, of course. – it was William's turn to blush. – I'm sorry... Sherlock.
His name was simply beautiful in the melodious voice of that enigmatic math teacher.
- Yes. I was never good at Mathematics, unlike my brother. So I always ended up getting scolded! – he sloppily threw his back onto the chair and William chuckled again. – I don't know why I need to understand calculations to do chemical experiments.
- To avoid getting wrong proportion of a substance? – William guessed and Sherlock spread the table with both hands. - EXACTLY! But for that I don't need so many complicated calculations that you mathematicians invented! – he was categorical.
- They weren't invented, Miste... I mean, Sherlock. – the blonde couldn't keep his seriousness. – Well, even if you have a point, unfortunately, to graduate you will have to pass this subject.
The chemistry student sighed, crossing his arms over his chest as he faced him again.
- How did you decide to study Mathematics, Liam? – the newly created nickname came naturally and caused “Liam” to open up the rubies he had in his eyes. – Were you forced? You can tell the truth!
- No, no. - he smiled. – I always liked it and... I found it fascinating not only the calculations, but also from them to be able understand the universe, physics, the stars...
William balanced a pencil in his hand as he spoke and his eyes seemed to shine. Sherlock also began to see the stars and the universe in that crimson infinity.
- I think that's it. – he concluded when facing the chemistry student. – Well, let's get started!
It was difficult to concentrate during class, as William's every gesture caught his attention. He wanted to throw away those papers and expressions he demonstrated so intently and just hear more about him. Who was William? Where did he live? How old was he? He wanted to know so many things... But he made an effort to understand the teachings Liam was transmitting – he didn't want to disappoint him now more than he wanted to pass the subject.
The morning passed too quickly. The bell rang and the clock above the door showed noon. As much as he was tired of so many numbers and calculations, Sherlock didn't want it to end.
- Well, I think we have to continue tomorrow. – William smiled sideways. – Don’t forget to do the exercises and, well, I’ll write down my phone number here if you have any questions. You can message me or call me if you need.
If William burned the sheet of paper on which he wrote his phone number, there would be no problem. Sherlock watched every stroke he made and memorized the number instantly. It was like receiving a gift.
- I'll save it on my cellphone now! – he started to help the teacher collect everything on the table. – But… Liam, aren’t you hungry? Don't you want to go to lunch? I want to take you in order to compensate for all the work you're having with me. – the blatant lie. He just wanted to stay together longer.
- Oh, I would love to, but unfortunately I won't be able to today. My brother is coming to pick me.
- Brother? – so he had a brother. Was he older or younger? If he comes to pick him...
- Yes! He cares a lot about my health and prefers that I eat at home.
- He seems like a great brother! – Sherlock's smile was sincere.
Two knocks on the door preceded the voice that called.
- Nii-san, just to let you know that I'm here.
A wide smile spread across the blonde's face. Sherlock registered that new information in his mind. From the way the brother addressed William, he was the youngest.
- Come in, Louis! We’re done!
The door opened and revealed another blonde – in fact very similar to William, but in Sherlock's eyes he didn't have the same angelic beauty. His eyes were a darker shade of red and he wore his hair sideways in a long lock that hid a barely visible but noticeable scar on the right side of his face.
- Good afternoon! – he greeted Sherlock briefly, without making a point of being more friendly than what he considered the minimum.
- Louis, this is my new private student, Sherlock Holmes! Sherlock, this is my little brother, Louis!
- Nice to meet you, Louis.
- Hmm. – the newcomer looked at the chemistry student sideways. – It’s a pleasure too, Holmes.
Sherlock's lips twitched when he saw the hostile atmosphere the brother exuded. But the investigation shouldn't stop there, he thought.
- I thought he was an older brother, Liam.
“ Liam?” – Louis raised an eyebrow, annoyed at the petulant guy’s intimacy. From what William had told him, it was Holmes' first day as his student and he was already giving his brother nicknames? Unacceptable, he thought.
- No, Louis is my little brother. He is a year younger than me. But I also have an older brother, Albert. – he explained .
- I think we're similar ages, right? – was the information Sherlock was looking for. - I am 24.
- What a coincidence! – William seemed strangely happy in Louis' eyes. - Me too!
Bingo! – Sherlock thought.
- Nii-san, Albert-nii-sama is outside with the car. Can we go soon?
How can this guy be more annoying? – Sherlock gritted his teeth when he saw Louis' attack, who clearly glared at him.
- Oh, of course! I'm sorry! Well, Sherlock, see you tomorrow at eight.
- See you tomorrow, Liam!
The chemistry student watched the two leave that room and simply felt ecstatic with that feeling that invaded him. What was happening? Were he in love? He buried his fingers in the bluish strands of hair before taking his cell phone out of his jeans pocket. There was already an unread message from John: “So, how was class? Was he really a boring guy?” . Sherlock felt his fingers tremble and had difficulty typing: “Dude, you have no idea. He is simply AMAZING! <3 “. It didn't even take ten seconds after sending the message to receive the response: “What do you mean?” . Sherlock sighed, threw his head back and laughed before starting to type: “I just fell in love!" .
The week flowed naturally; The meetings became part of the routine for both Sherlock and William. The chemistry student, little by little, began to understand the complex calculations following the guidance and numerous instructions from the attentive professor who, with all his teaching practice and love for the profession, taught for just one week with mastery what Sherlock had not been able to understand in a year.
During classes they talked about their lives and personal tastes, their routines. On Tuesday they studied partial and directional derivatives. On Wednesday they studied the Lagrange Method. On Thursday, while explaining the Implicit Function Theorem, William gave Sherlock a fright. He simply fell unconscious on the table and the student believed he had passed out, however, after taking him to the infirmary and the professor waking up as if he had just dozed off, he explained that this happened every now and then. William suffered from narcolepsy. On Friday they studied Eucledean Space and finally, the mathematician agreed to have lunch with him. But when they were heading towards the college cafeteria, the chemistry student took the liberty of pulling the professor in another direction. They crossed the street, walked a few blocks and arrived at a busy McDonald's. Sherlock couldn't help but notice how apprehensive William looked as they waited in the line that had three people ahead of them.
- What happened? Don't like eating burgers?
- I love! – William laughed awkwardly. – It's just that if Louis finds out that I ate here...
- I don't understand, Liam. Do you have any health problem – you know, other than the sleeping problem? Why does Louis control your diet, your schedule, coming to pick you up every day...?
- Oh, no, I don't have health problems. It's just that Louis... he is overprotective of me and... I don't like to oppose so as not to hurt him. You understand, don't you?
- In truth no. – he scratched the back of his head. – My brother shits on me, Liam. Literally.
William was fascinated by how Sherlock was able to make him laugh. He just couldn't stay serious when was by his side.
- But... – the chemistry student continued. – You are an adult, you are finishing your doctorate. I think your brother shouldn't be fooling you into doing what you want. How long has it been since you've eaten at a fast food restaurant?
The silence was accompanied by the distant look of the blonde who tried to recover that memory.
- I think the last time was on Albert's birthday when we were still children.
- Damn! And tell me, is Albert like that with you too? Does he control you?
- No. Albert is much smoother with me and always gives me the freedom to do what I want. They are two opposites and, well, I need to deal with that.
- You really care a lot about your family, don't you, Liam?
- Yeah . – he nodded. – And, by the way, I told Louis that I was going to teach you until afternoon and, therefore, I wasn’t going to have lunch at home. He made me a lunch box, but I'm going to take it back home and eat it secretly for dinner.
- That's crazy, Liam! He has to let you be more independent!
They placed their order and Sherlock made sure of not only paying, but also that William would eat whatever he wanted, including ice cream and a milkshake for dessert. They sat at a table near the windows and followed the conversation that flowed in a way they both could not understand. It was as if they had a past life connection. They could talk about absolutely anything! What Sherlock initially saw as a nightmare became the most pleasurable week of his life. However, while they were there, talking, carefree, he felt an immeasurable sadness. He would no longer have classes with William nor the alibi to see him every day.
- When is your test? – William asked as soon as he finished chewing a fry.
- Monday.
- You'll do great, Sherly ! – the blonde smiled.
- Sher ... Sherly ? – the chemistry student blushed when he was called that way.
William was immediately frightened by that strangeness.
- I'm sorry! Don't you like being called that? Sorry. – He looked away to the window.
- NO! – exasperated, Sherlock practically choked on the soda he was drinking. - I loved it! You can call me that, Liam! Ever!
William's worry dissolved into relief. He was afraid of being rude.
- By the way... it's time for me to give you your gift.
- Gift?
The professor had seen that, in addition to his backpack, the brunette was carrying a pretty bag decorated with bows. Removing it from the seat beside him, he passed it across the table, handing it to William.
- Sure! It's the least I can do after all the work I've given you these days!
- Sherly ... There was no need! In truth!
- Open! I want to see if you like it!
Quite blushing, William undid the bow and opened the bag. His eyes widened when he saw that thick book that was bound in leather. “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare,” said the cover engraved in gold letters.
-Sherly! Oh, my God! How... how beautiful!
- I am aware that you already know all of his works by heart, you proved that to me. – he let out a chuckle, remembering when William was challenged during his classes. - But... I thought it would be a good gift.
Tears formed in the corners of William's eyes who, completely stunned, didn't know what to do to say thank you.
- Truly, I loved it! Thank you very much! What a beautiful gift!
- I'm glad you liked it, Liam! Oh, and there's another surprise inside.
Opening the hardcover, he reached the page where there was a marker and found a message written in pen: “To my favorite teacher. Thank you for everything. SH”. That message was written next to sonnet 18. He did read half of it. As Sherly said: he knew it by heart.
- “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate: rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, and summer’s lease hath all too short a date;”.
Speechless about that message, extremely confused, William raised his face and stared at the sapphires that existed in the place of Sherlock Holmes' eyes. They were both flushed, nervous. But the navy-haired man was determined, on that last day, to confess his feelings. The mathematician, in turn, was serious, at the same time his lips trembled, he tried to make a sound, but he couldn't. Sherlock interrupted the silence.
- Liam... – he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. - I'm in love with you!
Still without reaction, William tried not to look at him. He focused on the brunette's hands, on that messy tray. His heart was beating so fast that he was scared. He definitely didn't expect that statement – especially using his favorite love sonnet by his favorite author.
- I needed to confess that. Since I saw you, from the first day, I was completely in love! – Sherlock opened his heart. – At first I thought it was something temporary, but as we talked, I realized that I loved you and I think that, perhaps, you can also feel something and...
- Well, you thought wrong, Sherlock.
The cold voice, accompanied by the name that conveyed the distance his nicknames used to break, made Sherlock crumble. William looked at him, his eyes teary, his expression cold.
- I taught you, - he continued. – and we became friends. But I didn't ... I didn't think you would be thinking about this kind of insanity!
- Liam...
Sherlock's heart ached and he could swear it was physically and not in the poetic way that could be found in books like the one that had just ended the relationship he had with William. Had he rushed? However, it seemed like there wasn't even a chance due to the coldness with which his beloved teacher spoke.
- Sherlock, I believe you were confused. – the blonde grabbed the black leather briefcase and prepared to get up. – I wish you all the luck in the world in Monday’s test.
- No, Liam!
Sherlock stood up and grabbed the blonde's arm, who quickly stood up. However, it was as if an electrical discharge hit William's arm, which violently ripped his hand away from the chemistry student’s grasp.
- DO NOT TOUCH ME!
William practically roared; leaving a perplexed Sherlock, simply motionless, who sat back down in his seat. Panting, the man stared, amidst the tears that were forming in his eyes, at the opened book and the dedication that he had prepared with so much care.
Meanwhile, across town, resident John H. Watson, who was finishing a shift, received a message on his cell phone: “I screwed up, John!”
What had he done? How had he been able to do that? Why had he acted that way? William asked himself as he ran through the strong storm that started just as he left that diner. He should have ordered a taxi, however, with the spike of adrenaline that Sherlock's statement caused, he continued marching through the streets, not realizing he had walked more than five kilometers until he reached the condominium where the house he lived with his brothers was located.
Salty tears mixed with rain when he reached the door. He was trying to find the key inside that briefcase when he was surprised by the turning of the handle. The door opened and revealed a worried Albert who was shielding himself with a large umbrella.
- Will?
There was no room to act rationally, nor to control his impulses. Without caring about the fact that he was soaked, William threw himself into his older brother's arms and cried profusely.
- Stay calm, Will! – Albert tried to console, hugging him with his free arm. – Come on, let’s go inside. You need to dry yourself so you don't get sick!
They went inside the residence where Albert placed his brother sitting on one of the sofas in the large and luxurious living room. He left the youngest for a moment and came back bringing a towel, with which he wrapped the blonde's shoulders, who seemed catatonic, just letting the tears fall.
Albert knelt in front of him and touched his face.
- Who hurt you, my angel? – he asked with a heavy heart.
- Nii-san. – William sobbed, capturing the hand that caressed his cheek and dried his tears. – I'm... scared... – he whispered between sobs.
- There's nothing to fear, Will. – the oldest continued comforting him. – Vent to me. Louis isn't home, he should be back later, but I can hear you as always.
- No! I can't say that to Louis! – he looked scared.
Sighing, Albert sat next to William and carefully placed his brother's head on his chest, stroking the golden strands where, at the top, he placed a tender kiss.
- I'm here with you. You know you can count on me!
- Albert-nii -san ... I... I think I'm in love! – he blushed, hiding his face in the comfortable and warm lap of the one who was his safe haven.
- And that's a bad thing, Will? – he intertwined his fingers in his wet hair. – It seems like something wonderful to me! Who is the lucky one? I believe there is no girl in the world who doesn't want to be with you...
- It's a man, nii-san. – he interrupted and sobbed.
The green eyes grew at the same time that the surprise turned into a smile.
- And what's the problem, Will?
- Do... Don't you think it's something bad? – rubies and emeralds met.
- No way. – Albert felt uncomfortable because he had never talked about his relationship with Mycroft Holmes, who was his director, co-worker, and had secretly become his boyfriend. If William knew, it would certainly be easier for him. – And he doesn’t return your feelings?
- Actually... – William tried to compose himself. – I said that I didn’t correspond. He confessed and I broke his heart!
- Will... Why did you do that? It's not like you to behave like that. You were always so mature... – he lamented.
- Sorry to disappoint you, nii-san... It's just that I... I was scared and... Louis talked bad stuff about him all week because they met when he came to pick me up.
- Ah, so… it's Mr. Holmes. – it was becoming increasingly difficult for Albert to hide that he knew full well that William was tutoring, and subsequently in love with, his boyfriend's brother.
- So it is. You know how Louis talked all week about how he hated him and wanted me to...
- Will! – Albert interrupted him. – You must decide your happiness! Whether Louis approves or not, he'll have to deal with it alone.
- Nii-san...
- Do you love this boy?
William just nodded as he sniffled, choking on his own tears.
- Then think and remedy what you did, ok? He must be feeling terrible right now. But take your time.
The blonde nodded, succumbing to tears again and being comforted by the warm embrace of his caring brother. How grateful he was to have Albert in his life. He remained cuddled in the brunette's arms until he gave in to tiredness, falling deeply asleep. A few hours later, the door opened. Louis was surprised to see his brother covered in that towel and hugged, as if he were a child, asleep on the older man's lap.
- What happened, nii-sama? – the distress was written on the youngest son's face who, dropping the grocery bags he was carrying on the floor, ran to the sofa to get closer to the two. – What does William-nii-san have?
- A difficult day, Louis. – Albert whispered. – I’ll take him to his room in a little while, okay?
There were no further explanations. All they told Louis was that a paper by William had been rejected by a major scientific journal and that was the cause of his tears. It was better this way, they decided, at least for now.
Monday came quickly, especially for someone who, since the disappointment he experienced with his beloved teacher, had been drinking alcohol compulsively. He didn't know how many cans of beer he drank or how many cigarettes he smoked. If it weren't for John, who had the key to his apartment, going there when he assumed Sherlock's condition, he certainly wouldn't have even woken up. The next thing he knew, he was in the passenger seat of the doctor's car, at the gates of Durham University.
- Wake up, Sherlock! – John shook him. – You HAVE to take this test, otherwise you will be expelled!
- John... I don't want to know anything else... After Liam, I...
- After this test, you can drink another thousand liters of wine, beer, whatever you want! But now go out there and take this test!
Sherlock could barely stand. He stumbled out of the car, wearing flip-flops, rumpled shorts and a shirt that John picked up from the floor and helped him get dressed. He simply wasn't in a position to take that test. He couldn't use anything William taught him because every time he thought about the mathematician, he burst into tears. He took a few steps, leaning against the wall in the corridors, when...
- Do you need help, Sherly ?
He blinked, completely astonished, turning towards the direction from where he heard that voice. There he found William, who had nothing with him. Were he there just to find him? Sherlock even thought he was having hallucinations, but was surprised when the blonde approached and the student could smell that delicious and sweet perfume he wore.
- You just have to remember everything you learned in class.
- Li-Liam...!!!
Realizing how unpresentable he looked, Sherlock shook his unruly hair and awkwardly tried to smile. He didn't want to look so pathetic in front of the teacher who was getting closer and closer. The proximity caused the chemistry student's eyes to lose focus as he felt William's lips touch his in a sweet and soft kiss.
- Good luck, Sherly !
- Liam!!!!
- When you're done... shall we have lunch together again? I owe you a McDonald's one! – he laughed, a little embarrassed.
- O-OF COURSE!
It was as if the hangover instantly left Sherlock Holmes' body, and he nodded with a determined expression, before heading towards the room where the test would take place.
William remained there, waiting for Sherlock to finish. It didn't take more than two hours to see him appear in that hallway. In addition to the test in hand, he brought with him a huge smile. Without saying anything, he handed it to William.
- Wow! A ten! – William was satisfied.
- All thanks to you! – the man stated. – Thank you very much, Liam. And... I'm sorry
- Shh! I am the one that must ask for apologize! – William was categorical, staring at him. – I was extremely immature and you are completely right in saying that I need to be more independent from my family. - He smiled. – And I also have to apologize for not being honest.
- What? – blinking, Sherlock was confused.
- I wasn't honest with you about my feelings. – the blonde paused. – I love you, Sherly!
- Liam!
There was no time for anything else. Sherlock wrapped him in his arms and kissed William deeply, who decided to give himself over to that love that had appeared as a passion at first sight that not even he could deny.
They loved each other from the moment their eyes met and they wondered why they hadn't meet before to enjoy more and more of that feeling that surely would grow more and more.