Chapter Seventeen: Blushes and kisses.

                                    

                                          
Even though Sherlock brought a pile of them, the tickets where gone by the time they'd moved into the North section. Jim was a bit disappointed that they didn't manage to get through all the sections but three out of four wasn't too bad, he supposed. Besides, if Sherlock annoys him again, he can just demand that the funfair be an apology for whatever he does - because, no doubt, there'd be a time Sherlock pissed Jim off.
                          
Now that the tickets were gone, they find themselves walking back through the 'candy' stalls and even though Jim wanted to tell all the stall owners that they're called sweets here, he does indulge and buy an arm full of the various things they had on sale.
                          
He'd had a great time tonight and had this been a date, it would have been the best date of his life.
                          
Despite being given permission to do so on the Waltzers, Sherlock hadn't tried to kiss Jim again. Much to his annoyance. Although, the flirting - or teasing or whatever you want to call it - had gradually increased throughout the evening.
                          
Jim was more than sad when the time came for them to climb back into a cab for the long journey home. The cab ride was probably an hour or two (Jim never had been good with time) and it had to nearing eleven o'clock now. So Jim was fairly sure that if he allowed himself to lean into Sherlock like he very much wanted to, he'd end up falling asleep.
                          
Sherlock's arm somehow ends up around Jim's shoulder and instead of resisting it, Jim snuggles closer and closes his eyes. His temple rested comfortably against Sherlock's shoulder and his nose pressed against Sherlock's blazer. Jim may or may not have sniffed and like what he smelt and snuggled closer again but even if he did, you have no way to prove it and so he will deny it.
                          
It was odd, really. Not long ago, Jim would have sat as far away from the detective as possible but now... now he curling against him like a kitten and absolutely loving it.
                          
Funny how things change like a switch being flipped.
                          
Inevitably, Jim falls into a light slumber as Sherlock's fingers stroke through his hair. Before he drifts off, Jim feels a pair of lips press to his forehead and he prays that's not the only kiss he gets tonight. A nice goodbye kiss outside his flat would be perfect.
                          
Jesus. He hadn't even kissed the guy yet and he was already obsessed with his kisses.
                          
There must be something wrong with him...
                          
This time when Jim wakes up in the cab, it's to Sherlock gently shaking him and softly whispering that they were at Jim's flat now so he needed to wake up.
                          
Whining, Jim pulls Sherlock close again, cuddling him. "Sleeping."
                          
Sherlock chuckles softly before he forces him to sit up and shakes him harder this time.
                          
Jim shoves him away, awake - well, more awake - now. "Jesus. Okay. Stop. I'm awake. Look, my eyes are opening and I'm getting out the cab..."
                          
He climbs out as he says he is and closes the door, quickly rushing around the car to the pavement despite the lack of cars. Really, it would have been smarter to wait for Sherlock to get out so he could get out straight onto the pavement and avoid the possibility of becoming road kill.
                          
Sherlock pays and Jim thanks the cab driver. It's not until the cabbie drives off that Jim realises that was Sherlock's ride home.
                          
"And how do you plan to get home?" Jim asks, raising both eyebrow as they head towards the building entrance.
                          
"Not inviting me in for tea?" Sherlock asks and Jim can hear the smirk.
                          
He smiles too, willing to play this little game.