For Joan

[theodorelasso]

Continued from here.

(warnings: sexytimes. also, panic attacks, brutal violence, attempted murder, discussion of suicide and actual murder... )

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[theodorelasso]

It's strange when he finishes, and his surroundings that had been muted throughout the entire song suddenly returns to full volume.

He smiles and raises a hand in thank you at the audience, a little embarrassed but also very happy. And then Joan is there, meeting him as he comes down, and...

Yeah, of course he's going to kiss her. But not in a showy way, not playing it up for the crowd or anything like that. He's just really happy to be open about his feelings for her, and to share the joy with his friends.

[formersurgeon]

Joan isn't playing it up, but she isn't subtle about it either. She throws her arms around him and kisses him firmly, much to the delight of those around them.

"That was beautiful," she says when their lips part, beaming at him.

[theodorelasso]

"Was it? I'm glad, I wasn't able to pay that much attention to how I was singing," he answers with a deep chuckle. There's definitely a bit of a blush on his cheeks, even if it's not obvious in the low lighting.

[formersurgeon]

"It was perfect," she says, and kisses him again, more quickly this time so that they can return to their seats.

When they get back to the couch Keeley pops up with a squeal and practically tackles Ted with a hug. Joan laughs, glancing at Roy, who looks gruffly amused.

[theodorelasso]

Oh, holy smokes, Ted was not expecting that, but he does manage to catch Keeley somehow, hugging her back while laughing. He catches sight of Rebecca too, who's obviously not quite as outwardly enthusiastic as Keeley, but who's smiling warmly and looking very happy for him.

"I feel bad for whoever has to follow that up," Keeley says quietly to both Ted and Joan, once she makes it back to her own seat.

And, of course, Beard is there to take the bullet for everyone. Though it's in no way a step down, because now Joan gets to see his famed rendition of 'Bad Romance'.

[formersurgeon]

And it is glorious. Joan is laughing and clapping and cheering as Beard absolutely slays. Once he's done and she's done applauding, she slips her hand into Ted's and leans against him with a happy sigh. It feels so good to be touching, to be together.

[theodorelasso]

Ted squeezes her hand and leans over to talk into her ear. "You wanna head home soon?"

He knows several of these people will stay and party and drink long into the night, but he's reaching the point where he'd rather just be somewhere quiet, just him and Joan. There's been a lot of excitement for today.

[formersurgeon]

"Definitely. Your place?"

If they sneak out now they might also avoid too much attention from everyone wanting to congratulate them and wish Ted the best. Joan will have to return to Baker Street eventually to help with the case, but she fully intends to spend some quality quiet time with Ted before she does so.

[theodorelasso]

Ted nods in agreement, draining the rest of his drink and getting to his feet. "Quick, Keeley, create a distraction," he jokes at Keeley.

"You want me to flash someone?" she jokes deadpan right back, though Roy gently elbows her, even as he's smirking with amusement.

"Never mind, I think we'll make it," Ted answers with a laugh, keeping hold of Joan's hand as they head out.

[formersurgeon]

"So nice to meet you guys," Joan says to Keeley and Roy, and they both wave as Ted and Joan make a beeline for the door.

Once they're outside, Joan leans into him as they walk hand in hand.

"This is really nice," she says. "Being able to hold your hand in public."

[theodorelasso]

Ted hums in agreement, smiling happily as they start walking, enjoying the cool evening air, thinking about how lovely the day's been. "Maybe I should've gone Beatles instead then," he quips.

[formersurgeon]

She smiles at that, getting the reference. "Nah. The King was still perfect."

Joan is enjoying the walk as well, the weather perfect, this part of the city just the right level of bustle.

"Keeley is really wonderful. Roy, too, in his gruff way."

[theodorelasso]

"Oh yeah, they're great. And make each other even greater," he agrees. He pauses thoughtfully, considering the time they spent together this evening. "Did Roy even say anything?" he asks, amused at the realization that he can't remember Roy saying anything beyond cheering this evening. He certainly didn't sing.

[formersurgeon]

"You know," she says, thinking about it, "I don't think he did. Not the talkative type, huh? I think I've heard more words from Beard." She smiles, remembering Beard's reaction to the song, namely his lack of surprise. "Beard had us figured out," she notes, amused.

[theodorelasso]

Ted chuckles, having noticed that as well. "Yeah, well, I spend a lot of time with him, and he's known me for a long time. Honestly, if he hadn't, I'd've been worried there was something wrong," he says with a smile. "Also, regarding Roy, he can be pretty vocal when he has something on his mind. Of course, then about every third word out of his mouth is a cuss, so."

[formersurgeon]

"He seems to approve, so that bodes well," she says. The only equal endorsement Joan can think of would be Sherlock, if and when the detective comes around and actually gets to know Ted. It will happen. If just because there's no way for both Sherlock and Ted to be vital parts of her life without crossing paths a lot.

"I can definitely see him swearing up a storm," she says, amused. "It goes with the eyebrows."

[theodorelasso]

Ted is pretty sure Beard has very little opinion on what sort of lady Ted should be with, beyond someone who makes him happy. And Joan definitely does that.

They keep chatting comfortably until they eventually reach Ted's place. "You coming up for a drink, or no?" he asks. "I know you wanted to get some work done." And they've had a lovely quiet chat now, so he wouldn't feel slighted if she left.

[formersurgeon]

"I can come in for a little while," she says. She will have to go at some point, which makes her a little sad, but they left karaoke early, so she has a little more time.

[theodorelasso]

Ted smiles happily at that, leading the way upstairs, holding the door open for her as they head inside. He's just in such a good mood, seeing his friends and Joan liking each other, getting to spend a fun evening together that also turned out to be pretty romantic... He can't remember feeling this happy in a long time.

They haven't even made it to the couch before Ted decides he wants to kiss her again, cupping her jaw with both his hands. Just a soft, loving, happy kiss.

[formersurgeon]

Joan makes a small sound, her hands coming up to cup his face as well as she kisses him back, just as soft, loving and happy, sweet and at first unhurried. After a moment, though, she presses a little closer, a hint of desire seeping into the kiss.

[theodorelasso]

Mmmm, oh boy. Ted reciprocates automatically. There's a tiny voice in the back of his head that says maybe leaning into this is a bad idea if she has to go soon, but that's a voice that's far too easy to ignore right now.

He lets his hand slide down to rest on her waist instead, leaning into the kiss with a happy noise.

[formersurgeon]

Joan has that same voice, the voice that says that this might not be the time, considering she has to go back to Baker Street. But they've been holding back, and now that the dam has burst on being able to be affectionate in public, it's hard not to allow this domino to fall, too.

She answers the happy noise with one of her own, and lets one hand trail down his side to grip the hem of his sweater and tug it upwards.

[theodorelasso]

Alright, well, guess they're committing. Ted is okay with that. Ted is more than okay with that.

He lets Joan tug at his sweater until he has to let go of her and pull back a little so they can get the sweater off him, haphazardly tossed onto a chair. Which is good, because it's suddenly very hot in here, isn't it?

Once he's freed from it he immediately returns his hands to her, but rather continue kissing, he leans down to kiss at her neck.

[formersurgeon]

Yep. They're doing this.

Joan moans softly as he kisses her neck, her eyes drifting closed. She tilts her head a little, to give him more access to her neck. Meanwhile she tugs on his shirt, untucking it a little from his waistband, and slips her hand underneath to touch the bare skin of his side.

[theodorelasso]

Ted draws in a little breath as she actually makes contact with his skin. Hoo boy. He smiles against the side of her neck, and then, well, since they're now definitely doing this...

He pulls back a little to grin happily at her. Then he wraps his arms around her waist and picks her up, kissing her as he makes for the bedroom. Mentally grateful that daily soccer practice keeps him in decent shape.