The Game is on - BBC Sherlock Holmes x Reader

Chapter 4 - Shenanigans

DISCLAIMER: I do not own and have not created the following characters mentioned within this writing, also I do not own and have not created any links/parts to the book 'Alice in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll which also includes the first chapter shown 'Down the Rabbit Hole'

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The rest of the day consisted of you and Sherlock lounging about (when I say this it really means you spent the day lounging about while Sherlock paced about solving multiple cases). You watched as he prowled around the room in such a dark demeanour it seemed that he had become possessed, of course the man was just in his 'mind palace' waving multiple gestures as if swiping certain words away from his vision. It was an entertaining sight to start with, his multicoloured eyes darting around in surprise before narrowing once more, the repetitive groans and hums which emitted from his chest. Of course such actions did get rather boring to watch after a good few hours, even if Sherlock did look somewhat 'cute' doing them. Rolling off your numb behind you decided to check for any worthy reading material, the pair surely had to have some sort of novel or exciting story hidden in all the clutter. Weaving around Sherlock's path of thought you eyed the shelf beside the music stand hidden within a coating of dust and shadows, the spines of books messily protruded from the separate shelves where the musky smell of leather was at its strongest. You trailed an index finger across the smooth surfaces with a curious squint, some of the titles were harder to pick out than others, a range of old dictionaries and thesauruses took up most of the aged shelves but one specific book took your attention completely.

'Alice in Wonderland'

With a cheshire grin, you cautiously released the white leather bound hardback from its blanket of dust while settling into the nearest chair. The book was evidently stunning, raven italics stated the title while golden leaf embedded into the slivered ends of the thin pages, such a beautiful thing, yet it seemed to be left untouched considering how much dust had collected onto it. Spluttering a few coughs you gradually opened the book before staring in awe at it's contents. Moments passed before a familiar sense of being watched began to kick in, peering over the white leather you spotted Sherlock in his usual stance; hands clasped behind his spine with a cold gaze locked onto yours.

You sighed before moaning "What have I done now?"

He remained silent as usual watching your every move, like a predator awaiting to attack it's prey. You quirked a brow at his silence before going to speak once more, only to be interrupted.

"What is so 'special' about that book? I remember being shown it as a child, the book is filled with nonsense about fantasies and illusions which are clearly, no 'pun' intended. Mad." He sneered the last part as if it was venom resting on his tongue, how could someone show such a hatred to one of the most well known original children book? Blinking away his unbelievable comment you suddenly flashed a devilish smirk, Sherlock reacted with an uneasy look stepping backwards.

"(y/n)?..." His tone was low and full of caution while your features still hosted that dark mischievous smile.

"Would you like me to read it to you, Sherly?" You held back a row of snickers by the use of his new found nickname, Sherlock wrinkled his nose in reaction to the sickly sweet title before responding in a monotone "No, thank you."

"Aww c'mon you'll love it. Sheeerly" Sherlock began to frown before adamantly stating "No. (y/n) do not read that book aloud. I am not a child" At this comment you scoffed privately to yourself earning a dark glare which only amused you more.