just finished watching 2x01 ; spoilers in the comments!

[byherheart]

What is it, that they say?

'The game's afoot.'

How thrilling.

Comments

[byherheart]

Why, to inflate your ego because you're better? I'll happily take your shoes for a day if you take mine.

[Mischievously, but Irene plays along, and settles to staring intently at him, searching, as Sherlock tends to do. Though she requires more of a true look instead of a cursory glance.]

Much of this is cheating -- I've had my eye on you for a long time, but let's try for something I've learned in the past weeks with you --

[And Irene tilts her head.]

There is absolutely nothing well-adjusted about you -- you hardly eat, you never sleep, and as for a normal healthy sexual relationship --

[She draws a finger down his chest with a grin.]

That would require time. You leave no loose ends, and nothing unanswered, but you have yet to respond to a single text from me. Something would tell me that you're afraid of connection, but I don't think that's quite right -- it's something far more complicated and layered than that. You like challenge and any of your associates, be it your landlady or your best friend or your neighborhood friendly dominatrix must be the same.

[And Irene leans forward slightly, to whisper in his ear -- ]

And you've a bit of croissant on your collar.

[lostwithoutmyblogger]

Almond or chocolate?

[He questions, smiling, eyes closing. As though a true detective would be able to know.]

John told you his observations about that. About my non-response being significant. Do you agree with the good doctor's analysis?

[byherheart]

Almond.

[Sounding quite amused, as she settles back on her heels.]

And I'm not certain -- you tell me.

[lostwithoutmyblogger]

True, though I wanted the chocolate.

[He sighs, watching her closely.]

I disagree with him, but then I am predisposed to disagree with all assessments of my personality.

[byherheart]

Then I'm afraid I must agree with the good doctor out of principle.

[Simply agreeing would have let on too much as to what she would like to think.]

And you should have eaten the chocolate if you wanted it. Denying pleasure is only healthy when it quietly delights you.

[lostwithoutmyblogger]

Someone else had touched it.

[He defends, nose screwing up. He can keep thumbs in the fridge, but let someone else handle his pastry and he's completely off.]

There are other reasons to deny oneself pleasure.

[byherheart]

[She grins, at that, completely enthralled.]

Lecture me, then, of croissants.

Why do you?

[lostwithoutmyblogger]

Why do I prefer chocolate?

[Tilting his head.]

Or why do I deny myself my vices?

[byherheart]

Both.

[The latter. But seeing inside that head of his is always a treat.]

[lostwithoutmyblogger]

Because it's darker- sweeter, and better.

And because Mycroft barely tolerates me on my best behaviour. He won't stand for a little brother who is an addict.

[byherheart]

Denying yourself human connection hardly makes you an addict. The drugs, well --

[Irene waves a hand.]

That's what chocolate is for.

[lostwithoutmyblogger]

I don't set out to deny myself human contact.

[They just sort of... tend to become frustrated and move on.]

[byherheart]

[Irene knows that. How attached he is to Watson proves that. But she's not going to point out the obvious to Sherlock Holmes.]

And here we are again, at you not answering my texts.

I'd still like that dinner.

[lostwithoutmyblogger]

I was right not to.

[He reminds her. It isn't fair of her to lecture him about not reaching out, not when she came very close to breaking his heart.]

[byherheart]

Dangerous people were after my blood, Sherlock.

[Quietly, though she does lose that flippancy.]

Being dead was what kept you safe.

[lostwithoutmyblogger]

And I suppose the rest was worth a 'significant dent in the treasury.' Perhaps I'd be more offended if you'd sold my security breach for less.

[byherheart]

As I said.

[Evenly.]

Dangerous people were after my blood.

[Moriarty asks. Moriarty gets.]

[lostwithoutmyblogger]

And that's what I get, for playing the game.

[Recalling her words.]

Yes, in retrospect, perhaps I did try to keep you at arms length.

[byherheart]

You know the risks better than anyone else.

[Pause.]

Why, then? Why did you come after me?

[lostwithoutmyblogger]

I didn't know the risks. I'd never done that with anyone. I had never wanted to. I was reluctant to engage because I barely understood the rules. My inexperience made your success predictable.

But there are very few people in the world I deem to be worth troubling with, and no matter what you had done, you are one of them. I could not allow you to be killed.

[byherheart]

[She is quiet at that, but only for half a breath, before Irene offers him the tiniest of smiles, leaning forward ever so slightly, her tone warm.]

That is the fastest way to get yourself killed, my darling.

[ -- and then, a little quieter -- ]

I am sorry.

[lostwithoutmyblogger]

I won't do it again, don't worry.

[He promises, quietly.]

I have only myself to blame.

[byherheart]

Why, for allowing for the opportunity to enjoy a person's company?

Any woman would be extraordinarily lucky to capture your interest.

[They, of course, pale in comparison to her, but Irene will keep her ego to herself this once.]

[lostwithoutmyblogger]

For what? To be used, like John is, against me? Or to use me in turn?

[byherheart]

I certainly wouldn't date a woman that can't shoot a gun, that's certain.

[Mildly.]

But your life is fraught with danger, Sherlock. Hiding yourself away from people won't change that.