Archive of Our Own

William was waiting for his friend outside the detective agency building. It was already dark when both of them finished their work today. It was middle of the autumn and days started getting cooler, wind was piercing bones, and fog was a repeated phenomenon lately. William could feel the unpleasant chilly breeze surrounding him, so he wrapped his coat tighter around himself, wondering why Sherlock wasn’t outside yet.

It was already 20:10 pm, and they were supposed to finish at 20:00 pm. Perhaps it was some insistent customer or coworker. At that thought the exit door opened wide, and a tall figure slipped quickly through it. His naughty ponytail was bobbing on his neck as he ran towards his friend.

“Sorry you had to wait, Liam,” he said, “but a case turned out to be more complicated than we thought. Hope you didn’t get too cold.”
“It’s alright, that was just a few minutes.” He smiled softly. “Besides, some fresh air is good after spending almost all day indoors.”

Sherlock breathed a sigh of relief. “Yeah, you’re right,” he said with an awkward chuckle. William found that reaction cute. Then Sherlock added, “Hungry? We could stop by some place on our way home.”

William was happy to hear that. He wished to finally fill his stomach with something warm and delicious. “I’m starving,” he said with a smile because he knew that the fact of his appetite return really pleased his friend. And he wasn’t wrong.

“Wonderful!” Sherlock exclaimed happily as both of them made their way down the street.

The city at this time was full of people either returning from work or going to nearby bars with an idea to forget about the real world, and drown in a taste of alcohol. You could already see consequences of the mention decision on the streets in the form of staggering people.

William liked walking with Sherlock. It didn’t matter if they were walking home from work or just visiting a nearby shop. He just liked having this man by his side like this, talking and enjoying each other’s company. His clever and amusing comments, his unruly bangs dancing in the wind… That made William’s heart beat faster.

“I hope that paperwork didn’t bore you that much today,” Sherlock said.

“Unfortunately I wasn’t that lucky, but I would gladly listen about the case that made me wait for you that long,” he teased him and put his hand under Sherlock’s arm hoping that such closeness wouldn’t bother him. “Tell me about it,” he added.

Sherlock grinned and his eyes sparkled. “Alright, I’m looking forward to hear your opinion about it.”

And that’s how their way looked like till they arrived to the destination. Sherlock was talking and William was listening curiously. At the end he shared this thoughts just like they always did when one was telling something interesting, and not only that.

Liam would lie if he said that he didn’t wait the whole boring day to finally have his Sherlock like this. Just for himself. To be with a person who understood him like no one else. To be with him so close, but never close enough. He wished to be with him even closer one day but he would never dare to say that out loud. He was too much of a coward. He knew that Sherlock saw him as a friend because that’s how he treated him. That’s how friends behave. William couldn’t see any romantic acts or words from him, everything seemed like behaviors of a best friend. Even touch didn’t seem special. The most they could afford was a hug. And at the end of the day it hurt a little, but he would rather have him like this, like a dear friend than don’t have him at all.

Sometime later they arrived to a place. Sherlock took them to a pretty looking tavern not too far from their flat.

“I have never been here before,” William said.
“You’re gonna like it. They have pretty nice food,” Sherlock replied and winked. Then he pushed heavy door open.

First thing William smelled was of course alcohol, but above it he could recognize a nice aroma of potatoes and spices. When they approached the waiter Sherlock ordered two portions of their dish of the day. Then waiter recommended a table upstairs the tavern where was more peace and quiet. And he was right, the upper floor was indeed more peaceful. There were just a few people there, drinking and talking comfortably, when the lower floor was filled with lots of drunk and loud men.

They didn’t have to wait long for the food. Their dish of the day turned out to be mashed potatoes and vegetables with a curry sauce. Maybe it wasn’t fancy dish, but it indeed smelled delicious. When William took a bite he realized that it tasted as good as it smelled.

They ate primarily in silence, sometimes adding comments about random stuff. When they finished eating they both could agree that they were stuffed.

“How many times have you been here before?” Liam asked, gracefully wiping corner of his mouth with a napkin.

Sherlock rested his chin on his hand and sighed. “Well…,” he started “…three or two times, I guess. Billy showed me this place. We went here few times when you were still in coma.”

“I see,” he said brushing his hair slightly away from his face. “Well, you were right, they really have nice food.”

Sherlock smiled at him fondly. “I’m really happy that your appetite has returned.”

“I know, and I’m glad that it makes you happy, ” he wanted to say but uncontrollable blush appeared on his face, and his heart started to beat faster when he looked at the smile Sherlock gave him. Eventually he just smiled back and said nothing.

Thank God Sherlock didn’t make it more awkward and just asked him if he would like to drink something.

“Gladly,” he replied “and don’t be afraid to choose something percentage.” He smiled.

Sherlock chuckled at the words. “Yeah, it was a rough week. We need to relax a bit, right?” He stood up. “Somethin’ particular?”
“Surprise me.”
Sherlock replied with a wink and went downstairs to order a magical liquid.

Liam watched him go as he disappeared into the darkness of the tavern. Then he also stood up, but chose different direction leading to the balcony.

He stood at the entrance of it and leaned against the wooden wall. He inhaled the chilly air. He really needed to relax tonight. Just like Sherlock said, it was really rough week. They had to work overtime a few times, and didn’t have that much time for rest. Also he didn’t even know why, but homesick has been bothering him a lot recently. He has been thinking about his homeland and family, sometimes even without realizing it. He missed his brothers. He missed their smiling faces, the time they spent together when they didn’t have to work or plan their next move. He missed their carefree time. When three of them were sitting in the living room, having a talk in the evening. Albert sipping another glass of wine, and he and Louis enjoying the tea the younger brewed up for them. He knew that such thoughts would not be good for him in the long run, it was unbearable. He tried not to think about this again.

“Cigarette?” he suddenly heard a feminine voice. He turned his head to the side to see a woman a few steps away from him. Her hand outstretched towards him offering a cigarette.

She was just a bit shorter than William, but as a woman she was indeed tall. She had to be thirty years old. Her brown, wavy hair reminded him of Albert’s. She wore full make-up and dress that showed off her numerous curves to attract attention. Her arms covered with a light scarf. Her appearance indicated that she worked as a prostitute. And her very expensive jewelry showed that she was good at it.

“No, thank you,” he answered after a while.

“What a gentleman. Rejects an offer from such a beautiful woman,” she said ironically and chuckled. Then she lit the cigarette and inhaled the smoke.

“I smoke only in crisis situations,” Liam explained, but the truth was that he was trying to quit permanently, even though he didn’t smoke as often as Sherlock. He didn’t want to poison himself in this new life that he’s been received. He would feel as if he destroyed a birthday gift.

Woman looked at him curiously. “All right, how about this? Wouldn’t you like to spend a night with a company of an extremely stunning and charming woman?”

William chuckled amused. “I am privileged, but I’m afraid I’m not looking for such a company tonight.”

“What a shame. I really like you, you know? Such a pretty boy. How old are ya? Twenty-two? Three?” she asked.

“Twenty-four,” he replied.
“I almost guessed,” she said and chuckled again. “You’re younger than me, but don’t worry, as long as you’re an adult I don’t care. I would chew such a cutie up. You wouldn’t be bored with me,” she winked and exhaled the smoke.

William felt slightly embarrassed by her simplicity even though he knew that she was just joking around. He didn’t know what could have happened for him to engage such a service. Perhaps world could have turned upside down.

She must have seen his slightly red cheeks because she added, “Looks like I’m in a good shape. It is the third such a nicely blushed face tonight,” she said happily.

“And I’m just guessing that with such self-confidence you must have large amount of customers,” William noticed. “Perhaps there’s even some regular ones. One of them seems to like you very much, ma’am,” he smiled playfully when woman’s eyes widen.
“The initials on the bracelet,” he added.

She instinctively brushed the golden bracelet around her wrist. Her cheeks turned red. Then she looked back at William.

“ What a wise guy you are,” she laughed shaking her head.

After a while she added, “you look like a loyal man. I knew right away that you’re not interested in such things,” she exhaled gray smoke. “You really like him, huh?”

That took him from surprise. He was confused at first. “Excuse me?” he said.

“That man you came here with. I saw how you looked at him. As if he was the greatest person in the whole world. Believe me, I can tell when someone has such a deep feelings. It’s useful in my work. So, how long does it last?”

Liam was completely frozen. He didn’t expect to hear that. No one’s ever discovered his obvious infatuation. Well, at least that’s what he thought. He realized himself that the feeling he felt towards Sherlock wasn’t just friendly, but romantic, already in England. That was something new and he never would have expected that living with him under the same roof on a different continent would only deeper that affection. That seemed unbelievable, but the longer he couldn’t be with Sherlock the way he wanted, the more he fell in love. Sometimes that was really frustrating.

Now when that woman knew his true feelings he didn’t know what to do. He has never talked with anybody about affair of the heart, but maybe he would feel better after the confession. Probably he would never see her again, so…

“It’s been quite a while,” he laughed bitterly. “And I don’t think that he feels the same way, so it doesn’t matter.”
“Why not?” she asked curiously.
“He treats me like a friend and nothing more. I can see that.”
“Well, I saw mainly his back so I can’t tell if I believe you.”

William laughed and she smiled. She continued as she stepped with her shoe on the cigarette to put it out.

“My advice is to tell him the truth. Honesty is something that is valued. Even if he doesn’t feel the same, he wouldn’t abandon you if he’s your true friend. Trust me,” she said with a honest smile on her face. William felt warmth inside.

Just as she finished her sentence a young woman appeared right behind them.

“Lily,” she said, “I’m ready, are you finished?”
“Yeah, I’m coming.”

Looking at her scarlet cheeks William could tell that the second woman was probably a person that gave her that golden bracelet. Her special costumer. Liam smiled.

The woman turned around on her way out again to face him.

“Have a good night, sir,” she winked and without waiting for his response, she vanished into the darkness of the tavern.

___

William sat back at their table just the moment Sherlock returned with two glasses in one hand and a bottle of wine in other.

“Apparently, that’s their best wine,” he gently paced two glasses on the table, then sat opposite Liam and struggled to open the wine.

“Certainly,” he announced amused.

When his friend finally managed to open the bottle he filled two shiny glasses with a bloody red liquid with a happy smile. He moved the glass towards him.

“Cheers,” Sherlock said, and the glasses clinked.

When they took the first sip they both agreed that the wine was really tasty. Sweet, just the way Liam liked.

“Hope no drinker bothered you,” Sherlock said half jokingly.

William was playing with his glass. “One woman accosted me on the balcony. A prostitute. They are fast-talking.”

“I bet she was looking for a client,” he laughed strangely nervous. “No wonder, you’re handsome after all.” Then he almost emptied his glass with a big, quick swallow.

William didn’t know what to say. He has never complimented him that way before. That was new.

“Come on… there are more attractive men than me,” was all he was able to say. Red covering his cheeks again. He didn’t know whether it was alcohol or his embarrassment. Probably both.

“Why so shy?” Sherlock laughed. “I saw many times, with my own eyes how people check you out. As if they thought about filing themselves at you.”

William rolled his eyes.

“What?” Sherlock was also amused now.
“Nothing.”

Liam emptied his first glass some time later.

“I also think you are very handsome, detective.”

“Come on, I don’t think so,” his cheeks turned red. Now it was William’s turn to tease.

“Why so shy, Sherly?” he mocked.

Sherlock got that and William heard his amazing laugh again.
“Alright, that’s enough.”

“But really, to me you really are handsome.” He smiled gently and wondered where he found courage from. Thanks to that wine for sure.

“Then you are the only one. But, thanks,” he said, blush still covering his cheeks as he poured another glasses of wine.

Sherlock looked so pretty when blush appeared on his face. Liam loved to see him like that. The truth was that Sherlock despite his manners and habits blushed really often. He didn’t look as such person at all, but he indeed was. And William found that contradiction extremely adorable.

He swallowed a bittersweet liquid and realized that he felt much more relaxed. He didn’t know if he should feel bad or proud about that. Louis always told him to be careful with alcohol, and of course he almost always listened. But now he recalled why his little brother always kept telling him that. William wasn’t Albert. He got drunk faster than his sturdy brother.

“I hope you don’t get drunk quickly,” William said after a while.

“You don’t have to worry about anything, I’m here and you can count on me.” He leaned his elbows against the table and his hand moved towards William. He felt butterflies inside his stomach as Sherlock reached the edge of his jacket and playfully pulled his sleeve.

It was as if he read his mind. He wanted to be sure that Sherlock would have everything under control if Liam drinks too much. And now he assured him that he would take care of him. As always.

William felt so much warmth inside, he could literally melt.

He smiled shyly and responded with a nod.

The rest of the evening passed very nicely. They talked about many things, and laughed many times. Sherlock passed after the third glass, but William poured his fourth. He knew that he’s wasn’t one hundred percent sober anymore.

“Once we had drinking competition. Everyone versus Albert,” he confessed. “It turned out that no one is able to defeat him.”

Sherlock chuckled. “I wonder after how many glasses you lost.”
“I didn’t have to take part. I knew I’d lose in advance.”
“No way! I’d never say so,” Sherlock laughed. “I bet you would win, I’m telling you.”

“How old were you when you first tried alcohol?” Liam asked.

“I think you already suspect that I wasn’t adult yet.”
“Yeah, just look at you,” William joked and Sherlock laughed even louder.

“That was after classes with a group of annoying toddlers. We were fifteen. One kid stole disgusting vodka from his father’s basement. We thought we were so cool.”

William laughed and took a sip. He really should slow down with this.

“How about you, mr. professor?” Sherlock rested his chin on his hand comfortably. His collarbone was visible through his slightly unbuttoned shirt more than usual. William felt dizzy.

“On the day of reaching the age of majority, of course.”
“I didn’t expect a different answer from you,” he said amused and William grinned happily.

“I’m glad you expect only good things from me, Sherly,” he chuckled. He felt that he is definitely drunk right now.

“You’re unbelievable.” Sherlock said shaking his head.

Then Liam reached his hand to take the bottle of wine to fill his fifth glass, but Sherlock quickly grabbed his wrist to stop him.

“I think that’s enough for tonight,” he said.
“But-“
“No buts. You’re gonna feel bad in the morning if you won’t stop now,” he said with a serious face.
“I-I’m fine. I’m okay.”
“Yeah, for sure. You’re more cheerful than usual.”
“That’s because I’m with you.”

Sherlock laughed against his will. “I think we should head back home.”
“Sherly!” he made a face. “Why can’t we stay a bit longer?”
“Because it’s late and you are tired. You barley slept this week. I don’t want you to pass out. And in your current state it’s highly probable.”
“Then you would catch me, right?”
“Yes, but I wouldn’t like such situation to happen.”

William looked at him from under his long eyelashes and blinked. It looked like Sherlock couldn’t resist his pleading look because after a while he let go and said, “Fine. Just few more minutes.”

William satisfied that he won that fight hummed happily.

Sherlock sighed. “You’re almost as stubborn as my brother.”

At these words William got serious immediately. That made Sherlock confused.

“What’s the matter?” he asked slightly concerned.

“I-It’s just… Do you miss him? Your brother.”

Sherlock pressed his lips in a line and then laughed awkwardly. “Well,” he started, “yeah, yeah I do, sometimes. He is my brother after all, even if he’s being annoying and stuff…”

Liam smiled sadly. “Mycroft is really lucky to have you as a brother. I-I…” he started and felt tears gathering in his eyes. He had mood swings under the influence of alcohol.

Sherlock leaned forward in concern.

“I miss my brothers too, and I worry about them,” he said and first tear rolled down his cheek. He didn’t bother to wipe it away. Sherlock already saw it.

“It’s alright. That’s understandable. They are grown-up men, they can handle whatever comes on their way.”
“I know but… I-I’m afraid that they are blaming themselves for my… my decisions.” Tears were falling down quickly now. He continued.

“I worry that they are in a difficult mental state. Especially Louis.” He wiped his face with a sleeve. “He never wanted to accept the decision I made.” He sobbed. “My little Louis… I miss him so much.” He let the longing come up, right with his tears he held back for too long.

He knew that he was showing Sherlock up, but he just couldn’t help himself. Longing felt unbearable.

Then he felt his friend’s arm wrapping around his shoulders and started caressing them gently. He felt warmth all over his body. And it wasn’t because of alcohol.

He glanced at his detective.

“It’s okay to cry. I know it’s hard to believe but trust me, everything will be alright, I promise,” he whispered.

William didn’t know how he ever deserved him. It seemed unbelievable. He felt as if he had his own guardian angel.

Even though he felt miserable he also was glad to have Sherlock by his side, cheering him up. That was like a blessing.

“Sherly,” he whispered and pressed his head against Sherlock’s shoulder. “Hold my hand, please.”

He knew that he could say no. That was a new intimate request, also ambiguous. But he didn’t care. He said directly what he wanted because alcohol gave him that strength.

In surprise he saw that Sherlock without hesitation took his hand into his own and squeezed gently. His thumb massaged his knuckles. Liam’s heart beat faster in his chest.

“I’m glad you opened up to me,” Sherlock smiled tenderly. “Even if you needed four glasses of wine for that.”

William laughed at his words, and Sherlock put out his material tissue from inside his jacket’s pocket. He handed it to William who accepted gratefully. He felt relieved now.

When William blew his nose and wiped his cheeks dry he looked at Sherlock with a weak smile.
“I think it’s time to go back home.”

___

William’s state wasn’t as bad as other drunk men’s in the tavern. He could walk on his own two feet without falling over. Of course he felt dizzy, but tried his best to pretend that he had everything under control. He hadn’t, and he knew deep inside that Sherlock would never fall for that. But that’s how he was. Making believe had been anchored inside him from the moment Albert took him and Louis to his house. And old habits are hard to get rid of.

When Liam lurched slightly to the side again, Sherlock decided to wrap his arm around his shoulders to hold him still.

“I’m fine, Sherly.”
“Certainly.” Despite his overprotective he was indeed amused. And no wonders, it is a rare sight to see steady and dignified man in such state.

It was around midnight and luckily the streets were practically empty. The moon wasn’t visible through the thick fog that surrounded Brooklyn with its claws. Liam felt warmth cased Sherlock’s embrace. He wouldn’t say it out loud, but he really liked how Sherlock took care of him. He liked when Sherlock was giving him so much attention. And now when he was faded he could honestly admit it.

“I think I’m drunk,” he said as if it wasn’t obvious.
“No shit,” Sherlock chuckled.
“I should have listened to Louis’s advice…”
“Was he telling you to drink carefully?”
“Yes, yes…”
“I bet he would kick my ass if he saw that I didn’t stop you.”

Liam chuckled. “I wouldn’t let him.”
“What a relief!”

God Almighty! How much he loved Sherlock Holmes.

And then he recalled a blurry memory from a few hours ago. When he stood on the balcony, and the words he heard from a beautiful woman. She said that Sherly wouldn’t abandon him if he discovered William’s true feelings. Maybe she was right. Women know these things. But still, he didn’t know if he would be able to be this honest with his friend. These are serious things.

He didn’t realize that he suddenly stopped moving when he heard Sherlock’s confused voice.
“Liam? What is it?”

He didn’t answer, just looked at Sherlock with one shiny eye. Sherlock stood before him and grabbed gently his arms, he frowned his eyebrows.
“You alright?”

William blinked and nodded slightly but didn’t move his legs yet.

“I… I…,” he started but didn’t know exactly what to say. He really wanted to say the truth. That he dreams of him almost every night, that he wants to be closer to him, that he loves him…

Sherlock’s gaze was a bit confused. The fog made his dark hair curl, and his bangs was covering his face more than usual. He looked mystically. God, William really was drunk.

He reached his hand towards this beautiful man to touch his clear cheekbones.

Sherlock didn’t expect that move and surprised held his breath. He wasn’t mad that he just crossed his personal space so sudden, he seemed to be curious right now. He was curious of what Liam wanted to achieve. Clever eyes watched him carefully.

Liam stroked his cheeks with his fingertips gently as if he was a sculpture in a museum. His skin was soft and smooth. Perfectly shaved. His heart fluttered in his chest.

He traced his fingers to his nicely jaw. When he reached the spot, his fingers drew a line all along it slowly. From top to bottom, and again, from bottom to top.

He was studding his features like that for some time as if he was in a trance. Sherlock’s skin was warm despite the cool weather. He was still holding his arms and didn’t move even an inch. His breath was irregular and cheeks covered with pink from the chilly air. Or from their close physical contact. William couldn’t tell.

He felt as if he was trapped in time, as if the world stopped breathing. All he could think of was touching Sherlock. He thought what it would be like to press his own lips against that detective’s. He felt even more dizzy, his bravado blinded him completely when his fingertips returned to Sherlock’s cheekbones and then went down. Right to the corner of his mouth. He brushed that spot, but then suddenly common sense returned to his head like a bucked of cold water. He withdrew his hand quickly.

William’s eyes opened wide. Now he realized what just did. And what he almost did. He almost touched Sherlock’s lips. Oh God! What was he thinking? He wanted run away from his sight forever. He wished the ground would swallow him up.

“I-I I’m sorry. I didn’t… I shouldn’t drink alcohol at all,” he stepped back from him. He was scared to look at Sherlock now. He was scared that he would hate him for this.

“It’s okay,” he heard.

Sherlock’s cheeks were also red, even redder than before. At first he looked like he didn’t know how to react. His eyelashes fluttered when he was blinking quickly. He cleared his throat. Then his face softened and he smiled. His smile was telling that everything is alright.

“Everything is well. Now let’s go. You must be tired, we’ll be home soon.” In his eyes charity was visible.

He approached him again and pressed his hand against Liam’s back. He moved unwillingly.

The rest of the way passed in silence.

___
When William finally reached his bed and fell deeply asleep, Sherlock closed his bedroom’s door and went quietly to the kitchen.

He slightly opened the window and sat at their tiny table. He lit the cigarette and inhale deeply. Grey smoke appeared before his eyes. He sighed rubbing his forehead. It was almost 2:00 am but it didn’t matter. He wouldn’t fall asleep anyway.

There were billion thoughts in his head. Thoughts that were swirling like crazy. In all of them was heard his name. Liam.

Liam who almost gave him a heart attack tonight. Liam who was completely drunk and adorable at the same time tonight. And Sherlock who barley stooped himself from kissing him.

Whenever he recalled his gentle touch on his face, his gaze, and the short distance that separated them, he felt as if he could melt.

Christ! He knew that Liam wasn’t sober and all of that could have meant nothing, but there was still a chance. The chance that he felt the same as Sherlock.

Sherlock heard that when someone is drunk then they can show many faces. They can act brutally honest and confess something that they would never say when sober and stuff. Sure, it didn’t have to be that way for Liam, he was aware of that, but the tears that fell down his cheeks when he was recalling his family was indeed true. He was honest with Sherlock then, why would he act fake later? He felt that his need to be this close with Sherlock was honest. And that wasn’t just a result of homesick, he knew that. This is not how you act when you wanna be someone’s ‘just friend’. Right?

He sighed again. If his suspicions were correct, he wanted William to feel safe with him enough to confess whatever he wanted. And he will do his best to show him that it’s true.

He stubbed a cigarette against the ashtray, and waited a while to air the room out, then he closed the window. He headed to his bedroom that was located opposite William’s.

He can at least try to have some sleep this night.

He didn’t know how long he was lying and staring at the white ceiling, but he fell asleep for a few hours eventually.

___

Warm sun rays illuminated William’s sleepy face waking him up. He covered his eyes from unwelcome guest and then stretched out wrapped in a duvet and blanket. He was lying for a while with his eyes closed. His head ached so much, but maybe a cup of coffee would help him somehow. He could already smell amazing aroma. Sherlock will probably insist on making him that coffee. Just like he always does in the morning…

And then, like a bolt from the blue he magically recalled every memory from the last night.

He recalled of how many that damn wine he drank, and how he was acting after that. He remembered that he was crying like a child in Sherlock’s arms, and how shameless he dared to touch him on their way home. Jesus Christ! He told Sherlock that he is handsome!

He felt dizzy again. He sat and grabbed his head in his both hands. He will never touch alcohol ever again.

He felt deep shame. How will he look Sherlock in the eyes? He hoped that he won’t hold it against him. No! He hoped that he magically forgot everything!

He sighed and checked the time on his pocket watch that was lying on the bedside table. It was 9:05 am.

He forced himself to get up and went to the bathroom. He washed himself, brushed his teeth and dressed his hair. Then he put on clean clothes and decided to finally face his fate.

He went to the kitchen when his friend was already making breakfast. William was tense when he entered the room.

When Sherlock saw him he smiled as if nothing happened.

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” he said and went back to stirring something in the pan.

“Good morning,” he replied with a weak smile and sat at the table. He felt awkwardness between them, but Sherlock seemed to feel the same as always. Was he pretending?

“Coffee, tea?” Sherlock asked turning his head a little to face him.
“Coffee, please.” He hoped that he didn’t sound as awkward as he felt.

Sherlock smiled as if he was amused. “Headache, huh?”

Liam laughed quietly, but he wasn’t amused at all. “How do you know?” he asked ironically, and Sherlock chuckled.

A moment later Sherlock placed two plates on the table. There were eggs, some sliced vegetables and bread.
“Eat. You’ll feel better.”
“Thank you,” he said grateful. He felt tense suddenly leaving his body.

William took first bite. Breakfast was tasty. Then his friend placed two steaming cups of brown liquid on the table. He sat down. Liam tried his best to avoid his gaze. Unsuccessfully because a moment later their looks met. Sherlock smiled at him lovely. William’s cheeks turned pink.

“What?” he asked with an awkward smile.
“Nothing,” he just said shaking his head and then both of them returned to their food.

They were eating in silence, but it was pleasant silence. Surprisingly.

When they finished their food they leaned more comfortably against their chairs and sipped the coffee.

William was confused. He didn’t know how to start the conversation. He tapped the cup with his finger and then he opened his mouth.

“Listen, Sherlock, I… I’m sorry about last night.”

Sherlock was staring at him and Liam couldn’t read anything from his expression yet.

“I’m acting strange when I’m drunk. I shouldn’t have been drinking that much. I shouldn’t have been drinking at all. I was being shameless. I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable in any way. I hope you are not mad at me.” His face was burning.

“Liam,” he shook his head, “of course I’m not mad at you. I don’t even know why you’re apologizing in the first place.” He laughed.

“But-“

“Shut it! I don’t want to hear you apologize for such fluff anymore, okay? Everything is alright.”

William blinked and then breathed the sigh relief. God, take care of that man!

“Besides I had so much fun with you like that. That was a new experience.” Goofy smile appeared on his face when he raised the cup to his lips. Liam couldn’t believe his ears. He really didn’t need Sherlock to tease him like that.

“Please, don’t even start,” he rubbed the bridge of his nose feeling embarrassment again.

“I didn’t know your such a cutie when you’re drunk.” Sherlock was laughing loudly now.

“I wonder what you are like when you’re drunk,” William teased. “Maybe we should figure it out the next time, or I could just ask Billy.”

“Billy has no information against me. I’m afraid he will not help you.”

“Is that so? So it looks like you must have forgotten about that memorable night when he took you to the most popular bar in Manhattan after your one mission. Apparently you…”

“Alright, alright I’m sorry! We don’t have to talk about it anymore.”
“Amazing.”

And they both burst into laughter after a moment of silence.

William was glad that everything went smoothly. That everything was the old way again. He didn’t want to bring that topic ever again. That was easier. He knew that he was running away from the issue. But he was afraid to destroy everything they had with that one confession. Everything was well now. At least that’s what he kept telling himself.

Then they heard knocking on the door. Sherlock stood up to open it. It turned out to be their neighbor who lived one floor below them. She said that she heard once from their friend Billy, that above her lives a man who is very good at mathematics.

“My son has an issue with his homework. I’m afraid that I can’t help him. Would you be so nice, sir and help him?”

Of course seeing her concern face William couldn’t say no. Actually, he felt excitement that he could help someone with math issues again. He missed teaching so much, and a thought that he could return to his old habits for a moment made him really happy.

And that’s how he spent afternoon, teaching a young boy he has never seen in his life. It was a pleasant experience.

He was also glad that he could have a break from thinking about his affairs of the heart. He also wanted to give Sherlock some space. He knew that underneath the mask of understanding and chilled man was hidden confusion. He wanted to give him some time on his own. That would be best for both of them.

.
.

He came back some time later with a little box of tea the boy’s mother gave William as a thank you for his help. He insisted that it was unnecessary, but she literally didn’t want to let him go without the little gift.

When he entered their apartment Sherlock was finishing his cigarette.

“How was it?” he asked.
“It was well. We got tea.” He placed a little box on the table.
“Awesome. Our was running out.” Liam chuckled slightly.
“I haven’t seen that boy before,” William sais as he headed to their tiny couch and sat down, “I didn’t even know that that lady had a son.”

Sherlock stubbed the cigarette against the ashtray. “I bet that she’s already planning to use you as a private teacher whenever her kid has some issues,” he joked and made his way to join William on the couch. He sat down and sighed.

“I don’t really mind. You know I like teaching. Besides the boy is learning fast and has willingness to learn, that’s really important.”

“Do you think anyone can learn all that math of yours? Even someone like me, who has zero idea about this?” he asked playfully.

“Indeed, but –“
“Would you make a math genius out of me?” he interrupted him.
“I think that you’re too impatient for this,” he tried not to laugh.
“What a brutal honesty.”
“I wonder who I learned that from.”

Sherlock grinned and sat sideways on the couch. He reached his hand towards Williams’ arm and took a fluff off his sleeve, then he threw it onto floor.

“I have no idea. Maybe from Billy.” Smile didn’t fade from his face. Liam laughed.

He felt warmth in his heart.

“Or from a certain detective.”
“Who knows.” He rested his head on his hand that was leaned against the backrest of the couch. William sat in the same position so they could be turned face to face.

They were sitting in silence for a while. Sherlock’s eyes were shining like the stars.

“You know…” Sherlock started breaking the silence, “when you said that you didn’t want to make me feel uncomfortable…”

William’s heart beat faster. He didn’t want to bring up that topic again. He was afraid of what he could just hear. Did Sherlock change his mind? Or he just wanted to tell him the truth? He didn’t know, but he listened anyway.

Sherlock tucked a strand from his bangs behind his ear. “You know, I… I mean, I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all.”

William’s eyes widened.

He continued. “When you touched me yesterday, I didn’t feel uncomfortable. Actually I…” his cheeks turned red when he shyly reached his hand towards William’s. When he got there he took Liam’s palm just like he did in the tavern last night, and rubbed it with his thumb.

“I wanted it. I wanted it all, Liam,” he said and William thought that he was dreaming.

Is that true? Did he feel the same as William all along? That was so unbelievable. He was speechless. He didn’t know what to do or what to say, he was just staring at the man who was holding his hand so tenderly.

“What do you mean by that?” was the only thing he could say.

Sherlock laughed awkwardly and moved a little closer, still holding his hand. William sat frozen and didn’t move. His cheeks red and heart beating incredibly fast.

Then Sherlock grabbed his wrist gently and stroked the inner part of it, then he looked William in the eye that wasn’t covered with a patch.

“Isn’t it obvious?” he asked with a smile.

At first there were too many thoughts inside William’s head, but they all disappeared when Sherlock got closer to him. Now all he could think of was Sherlock. Sherlock who’s hand was on William’s cheek stroking it. He thought that he was losing his breath when he was getting closer with each passing moment.

Liam couldn’t stop himself and also reached to the other man’s face. His fingers brushed soft skin of his cheek. The memories from the last light returned to him right away. Liam realized that he wants to touch him like this every day.

He looked at his lips which were so close now. He could feel Sherlock’s breath on his skin.

The distance that was separating them was now unbearable, they both felt it. So without wasting more time their lips met with an innocent kiss.

Their lips pressed against each other tenderly. It was a gentle kiss and didn’t last long, because none of them were experienced, but was fulfilled with love and adoration.

When they parted they remained close to each other. William’s hand was still stroking his cheek when he pressed their foreheads together, second hand placed on his detective’s forearm. Sherlock slightly hugged his waist and they remained like that for a while.

“You don’t even realize how much I wanted to have you like this,” Sherlock said.

“Me too. I wanted that since London. Since the moment I met you.”

Sherlock kissed his cheek then, and William literally felt butterflies in his stomach. It all seemed unreal, even now. Even after confession and the kiss. How could he be so blind? When did he miss Sherlock’s true feelings? He didn’t know. But it all didn’t matter anymore. All that mattered was that they both knew the truth now. And they could do whatever they wanted with that knowledge. And William knew exactly what he wanted.

“Stay with me,” he said. “All I want is to be with you, so don’t ever leave me, please.”

Sherlock tightened his embrace. His eyes were like the ocean reflecting the stars.

“All I ever wanted was you. So don’t ever leave me either.”

And then they kissed again, but this time confidently and much longer.