1. Dear Darling - Olly Murs

-

Dear Students,

Your task over the next two months is to exchange letters with a student that will be picked for you according to the interests you list below. This Pen-Pal project will make up 25% of your coursework grade for PSHE/Human Studies. You are to get to know you pen-pal.

No limits are put on the amount letters you can send and you will be supplied with 25 stamps. Additional stamps needed can be brought at school for 40p per strip of five.

While we encourage you to be yourselves when writing we do ask you to keep the swearing to a minimum and not to make sexual advances. 'Flirting' is acceptable, suggesting a 'hook-up' is not. The rules will be explained in further details. Please fill in the form below so we can choose someone suited to yourself.

Good luck!

*

As a member of this school you will be the first to write a letter to your pen-pal.

Name: Jim Moriarty

Teacher: Miss Smallwood

Target Grade: A

Interests: Death

Preferred Gender of Pen-Pal: Male

*

As a member of this school you will be the first to receive a letter from your pen-pal.

Name: Sherlock Holmes

Teacher: Ms Hudson

Target Grade: A*

Interests: Detective work, Death, Crime, Violin.

Preferred Gender of Pen-Pal: Either.

*

Sherlock,

So. You're the guy the school chose for me as a penpal? I'm sorry but what the hell were you parents thinking when they named you, were they high?

Apparently, you're the only one you shared my interest of 'Death'. Does that mean you're some Gothic boy with long black hair that covers your eyeliner rimmed eyes?

Okay, I'm done taking the piss now. Seeing as I'm the first person to write that means you don't even know my name.

I just spent fifteen minutes trying to think of a witty name or something as interesting as your own - you have to tell me about that - but I think it's best we being truthful and professional about this.

I laughed so much at that. I'm never professional about things like this. How the hell can you be professional when you're writing to a complete stranger? Seriously, our schools are just weird. Apparently your head teacher and ours are together and they want their pupils who are 'like their own children to bond'. Know anything about that?

Right. I should probably get round to telling you about myself. That is, after all, the purpose of this letter.

My name is Jim. Although it does say James on my birth certificate. Call me Jim, please. Or Moriarty, if you prefer. That's my surname, by the way.

Jim Moriarty, hiii!

So, stranger, the floor is yours. The curtain has risen. The ball is out of my court. Yeah, you get the point.

...I'm almost tempted to rewrite this.

Ah. Fuck it.

- Jim xx

*

Dear Pen pal,

They weren't high when deciding to name me, no, and seeing as I was just a few minutes old I can't possibly know what was going through their minds when they officially named me. Sadly, I can't tell you about the origin of my name as I don't know myself.

My interest in Death is nothing to do with my fashion choices or hairstyle. In fact, my hair brown and curly. However, I'll admit, it does occasionally flop over my eyes. I'm reluctant to cut it. It's my favourite aspect of my appearance.

As for the rumour of our headteachers, I can tell you it is just rumour. Our headmistress is currently unhappily married and a compulsive cheat, however she turned your own headmaster down as she's currently in the process of receiving treatment for an STI.

If it's alright with you, I shall be referring to you as James. Partly because you don't want me too. So even if it's not okay with you, I'm calling you James.

As for rewriting your letter, I disagree. It was perfectly charming and even made me give a small smile towards the end. All facts considered, you did well in writing to a complete stranger.

Although now introduction at out of the way, what are we supposed to discuss?

Our shared interest in death, I suppose.

-SH

*

Sher (I refused to call you by your full name until you call me Jim),

Curly hair, huh? Are we allowed to send pictures? Because I want a picture of you, now.

God, that sounds like I'm coming onto you.. Sorry if that makes you uncomfortable but I'm naturally flirty. At least, so I'm told.

An STI? Um.. I'm deciding to not ask about that. Or how you know.

You don't sound.. write?.. like a sixteen year old. You sound like a middle aged arrogant twat, if I'm honest. All your fancy ways of writing makes me feel like you're looking down your nose at me.

Oh God. Have I been lumped with a rich posh stuck-up guy?

As for that shared interest, I kinda put it as a joke. I always overly serious about this project to begin with. Although, I certainly am interested in what made you put death as a subject of interest.

I have a feeling it's story time.

Oh, and what does the H stand for?

- Jim xx

*

James,

Your side note of that delightful nickname would imply I care what you call me. In case it isn't clear, I couldn't care less what you refer to me as. I have been called far worse than 'Sher', which if we're honest sounds like an endearing pet name given by a partner.

Not helping your apparent attempt at an advance towards me.

You must be truly desperate if you'll flirt with someone you've never even met or spoken to save a few letters.

As for your worries. No, I am not sixteen. I'm seventeen. Yes, I am arrogant and frankly I look down on almost everyone immediately. Earn my respect and I shall show you it. I am also what you may consider wealthy but money has no appeal to me. Posh and Stuck-up? I'm not sure if that's how I'd describe myself. Others may.

Before I go on to answer your other questions I must tell you I find it ridiculous that you actually write 'um'.

I agree. It is something of a story. One that has yet to earn me more than one friend. So before 'story time' I'll answer the other question.

Holmes. Sherlock Holmes. The H stands for Holmes.

Now. The story...

I like murders and murderers.

They interest me. I think the challenge of finding out how a murder was committed and how the murderers mind works to be fascinating. It took much convincing but I am now allowed access to crime scene and such. I help the current Scotland Yard on cases free of payment.

Right. Feel free to never reply. I doubt your letters will be missed, nor will the grade that I don't care for.

-SH

*

Sher,

Our letters often start with us insulting the other. I'm breaking that pattern.

What you described to me was not a person who deserves nothing but one friend. You described a person who is helping the world to catch criminals and murders, scum of the earth, and even if that isn't your motivation it's still what you're doing.

No. I think your apparent lack of friends is more to do with the fact you're an arrogant sod. But for all I know, you have reason to be.

And that concludes the therapy session on self loathing or whatever issue I just addressed.. if any.

I'm not desperate, for your information. Just last night I was out with someone who's interested in me. If I were desperate, I would have took them to bed when they tried to leap at me.

I'm flirty. Not desperate.

And I'd still like a picture of you. I'd like to be able to visualise you when I'm writing.

Sherlock Holmes, eh? Got a ring to it. Just rolls of my tongue. Sherlock Holmes, pen pal and detective.

Tell me about a case. I haven't got anything remotely interesting to tell you. Unless you find an internet-addicted sixteen year old eating spaghetti while watching reruns of F.R.I.E.N.D.S to be interesting.

- Jim xx

*

James,

Consulting Detective, actually. I invented the job. When the police need assistance because they are all incredibly stupid, they come to me for help.

You want to hear about a case? I didn't expect that, in all honesty.

I'll stick with a short one. My first solved, in fact 

I was fourteen at the time. The DI only let me help because I told him about his own life, proving myself to be far more superior than the force he'd put together.

There was a serial killer on the loose. He was killing females between the ages of 20-40. It was clear, even to the police, that they had a Jack the Ripper copy cat on their hands. He killed only women who sold their bodies. He copied the killings to the best of his ability and then continued to kill women afterwards.

It was finding him that the police were having trouble with. By this point, I wasn't interested. He killed exactly 30 women before he switched his targets. He began to kill men. Nothing appeared to connect the men, at first.

It soon became apparent all the men were bankers. He killed fifteen of these men.

I still wasn't interested. He was dull. Clearly just a man desperate for attention, perhaps neglected as a young child. Most of these type are.

Then it got interesting.

He started to randomly kill. But he left messages. One or two lines at a time.

I broke into the station, irritated by the lack of information given in the news and the way my brother would smirk each time the news appeared. He works with the government and it was clear he knew something more than I.

I stole the file and found out that the messages were lines and stanzas from poems. He was playing a game, he was giving the police clues and just waiting for them to figure it out.

I loved it. Figuring out his next steps and catching him out, outsmarting him.

So much fun.

You might have seen some of it on the news. In fact, the killing were closer to your area of London than my own.

-SH

*

Sher,

Is it weird for me to say that I think it's cute you get so excited by it all?

If it is, I don't care. You're cute.

You forget the picture, Sherly (Yup, another 'endearing' nickname for you, my dear)

I did see it on the news but I didn't know about the poems. I feel like I'm not commenting on it enough but really all I have to say is that it's really interesting and you're pretty amazing for doing all that.

You caught a murder. Got into his head. Figured out how he worked and his motive. Then before you know it you understand him and can predict where to go next. I have no flipping clue how you do it but the fact you do is really great.

Great wasn't the first word that came to mind. But I don't want you thinking me desperate ;)

I was talking to others today and it seems all they're talking about at the moment is basic stuff like birthday, siblings, likes, dislikes, birthplace and so on. And here we are talking about murders.

I think you might be the most interesting human being I've ever met, and I haven't even met you.

- Jim xx (I've given you lots of kisses now, where's mine?)

*

James,

I've put a picture in of myself. It's recent, taken this morning. I expect one back in return.

Again, cute isn't a word I'd use to describe myself. I am interested in what was your first choice and why you choose great instead. Also, I forbid the winky face.

That other rubbish is so dull but we may as well get it out of the way.

Birthday: 02/02

Siblings: One older brother, complete pompous git.

Likes: Murders, Death, Science (Chemistry mainly), Playing the violin, Annoying my brother, Generally telling people how stupid they are, Outsmarting others and Long walks in the rain.

Dislikes: Being too hot, Stupid people, My brother. There's likely a lot more but I'd be here all day writing.

Birthplace: London.

Your turn.

-SH (I don't do kisses)

*

Sher,

When I first saw your picture, I admit I did think you were rather odd looking. Then I really started to really look, it bordered on staring creepily, and you became more and more beautiful as I looked at it.

Before I knew it I was thinking of you as sexy. ;) - I'm a rule breaker.

Which you are. I showed the picture to my friend Molly and we were drooling over you together.

You said your favourite feature of yourself is your curls. I see why but I think your eyes are a great competitor for the trophy of 'Sherlock's best feature'.

As requested, I've also sent a picture of myself. Since you were kind enough to do so, I also took a picture this morning especially for you.

I think this rubbish is dull too but for the marks required we may have to exchange this dull information. Plus, I want to know about you.

Birthday: 31/08

Siblings: None

Likes: Computers, the internet, hanging with my friends, old TV shows, jigsaw puzzles, swimming, cooking (tell anyone that last one and I will kill you)

Dislikes: Rain, football, loud/crowded places, Flappy Birds.

Birthplace: Dublin. I moved to London two years ago.

Don't laugh at any of that.

I can image you laughing. I bet you get cute lines on your face. Damn, now I want to hear you laugh...

- Jim xx (But I want your kisses, Mr Holmes)

*

James,

I'm truly flattered by your description of me. You're the first to find me attractive and to state it. Most, even if they like my looks, stick to being the cruel beings they are. More commonly I'm called 'Freak' rather than 'Sexy' and 'Beautiful'.

It's a welcome change. Thank you.

As for yourself. I like your eyes, and the lovely snippet of your Channing Tatum / Magic Mike poster. Not that I needed more evidence but it certainly compliments my theory of you being gay or at least bisexual.

Do you have a strong accent despite being here for two years? Did you know that the Irish accent is one of the most adored in the world?

As much as it pains me to admit so, I myself have something of a weakness for the accent. I can't explain it but sometimes it just sends a shiver down my spine.

I do get horrid lines on that face when I laugh. Although, I rarely do so.

I shall keep this short, as I am currently investigating a murder.

-SH (If you want them enough, you'll come get them)

*

Sher,

Whoever calls you a freak is an arsehole and I'd very much like to punch them square in the face. I may not know you well but I know you enough to say you don't deserve that.

I am gay, you're right. I didn't realise the poster was in the background. My head was blocking it but I've pinned your picture beside it. It's no longer Tatum I stare at like a hopeless lovesick teenage girl.

A fan of the Irish accent, eh? Didn't see that one coming.

I do have an accent. Not fading at all. All there for you to swoon over and get shivers all over.

I bet the lines aren't horrid. They'd be cute, like I said.

I'm looking at your picture right now and imagining you frowning down at this letter as I gush about your gorgeous self. Have I ever made you blush? You don't seem like the type to blush easily. If I have made you blush then I can die a happy man.

Just a warning. This next comment is going to sound like I'm coming onto you but I'm sure you're used to that by now. It's been two weeks of my flirty little letters.

Are you single? Got yourself a girlfriend?

I may as well tell you now, so you don't need to ask, I'm single.

Not many decent blokes at school.

And as I read over this I can see why you think I sound desperate. I can't even bring myself to care. More to life than boys.

School, for example.

You going to tell me about this case? I'd like to hear about it.

- Jim xx (You're cheeky. I like that. Be prepared to pay those kisses when I come to collect - and I will be collecting)

*

James,

Pretty eyes and an Irish accent. I think I'm starting to like you.

Ugh. Your flirtatious ways are infecting me.

I'm man enough to admit that your 'beautiful' comment did make a small amount of heat to rise to my cheeks and flood them with colour. My brother sent me an odd look but said nothing.

I'd claim it was due to the fact I'd never been called beautiful before but that doesn't seem truthful to me.. It seemed to be more the fact that you told me so.

I'm not sure how you did so but in these past short weeks you've got me to open up. Perhaps it's easier to write it all down. If we met in person, things would undoubtfully be very different.

The fact you have my picture on your wall should be odd but considering yours is sat in my bedside table draw I think it'd be rather hypocritical of me to say it's creepy you have my picture visible when you're in bed.

I think we both know that I am indeed single. Girlfriends are not really my area.

The case was fairly simple, in all honesty. Stolen jewels, follow the clues and you quickly have your murderer.

I'd like to apologise for the week wait you've had for this letter. My dog was put down recently and I was rather attached to him. I shut myself away for a week, in my room, and didn't go to school so I didn't get your letter.

I can be a tad dramatic at times, I've been told. It was your letter that had me dragging myself from my bed.

-SH (You except me to just give you my first kiss? Isn't that considered something of importance to most people?)

*

Sher,

I was grinning for hours once I read your letter.

I'm glad I'm starting to grow on you. I get the impression not many people do and I can tell you now that I'm proud to be one of the few that do. I'm also ridiculously proud that I made you blush. Wish I could have seen it.

I never thought about how I could see your picture when I'm in bed. Huh. I think it's be too dark during the night to properly make it out but if there's light then it'd be easy to see.

I read somewhere once that one keeps their most prized possession close to them at night. Does that mean you value my picture highly? Or do you just shove things anywhere in your room?

You're the type of person that I could see having a spotless room but I could just as easily see you in chaos.

Single. Girlfriends not your area. Seems my chances with your gorgeous self just skyrocketed ;) 

I'm sorry to hear about your dog. I'd say I understand and know how you feel but I don't. I just hope you're okay.

- Jim xx (Hm.. First kiss? I'll still collect but only if you give me permission to do so)

*

James,

My room is organised chaos. It's messy but everything has it's place and I know where it is. My bedside table draw is usually bare, as I dislike having to root around inside for my phone. So I suppose that would suggest I value your photo highly.

I still forbid the winky face and am therefore ignoring all comments made on the same line as the face.

Please excuse my writing. I can't stop my hands from shaking.

I'm still upset over Redbeard.

Redbeard, my dog, was my best friend. Even more so than John. I've had him since he was a puppy. I was six when my mother and father decided that a pet may help me open up. As a child I made a habit out of shutting myself away, getting lost in my mind. Naturally, they worried.

Redbeard made me stay in reality more so than ever before. It did wonders for my health and the whole family's sanity, really

He had to be put down though. If not, he'd have died an extremely painful and slow death. I could never be selfish enough to bring that onto him.

Sometimes it's rather easy to forget these letters are going to be sent off. I've written things to you that I'd say to no one. Not even my own mother.

If I'm truthful, it scares the hell out of me to know how simple it seemed for you to get me writing about my thoughts and feelings. You didn't even try and yet here I am telling you all about how my dog was my best friend. I haven't even told half of these things to John, who is the person closest to me.

Well, except you, it seems.

Maybe part of me still sees you as simply letters, not a person. I doubt it, though.

When I open and read your letters I can almost feel the tension, the emotion coming off them in waves. It's an odd thing to say but I can. It's almost like a heated force.

As I write, I try to imagine your expression as you read. Do your eyes light up when you smile at my words? Do you even smile at my words?

I have a feeling you do.

-SH (If we ever meet, I give my permission for you to take my first kiss)

*

Dear Students,

You are now half way through your projects.

We know many of you will be very pleased to find out we have organised a meet-n-greet/party for the end of this project in two weeks time. You well get the chance to meet your pen-pals in the flesh. Hopefully, this project will bring you new friends.

Continue the hard work!

*

Sher,

You don't need to be scared. I understand that. I've also said things I've never planned on telling other people, friend or not.

But you don't have to fear the connection, or force, that you feel when reading my letters. Just for the record, it makes me want to jump in joy that I have this affect on you but back to the point for now. I get an odd feeling too, when reading your words to me. I've said before that I get the impression you don't often take to people and yet it's clear you've taken to me.

I didn't think it was possible to create tension over letters but it seems we have.

When I read about you blushing because of me, it just fills me with this bubbly feeling to the point I feel like I'm either going to flow up into the sky or burst.

I don't mean to be sappy but it's true.

I don't even know what it is we're describing here but it's real. Whatever it is.

I do smile at your words, all the time. I love your letters and I'm sad this project will end in a week and a half.

At least we get to meet, right? At the party. Will you go?

I honestly hope you do choose to. After all, you owe me those kisses...

- Jim xx

*

James,

I'd like to stop the conversation of our connection now, if you don't mind.

All I will say is that I have indeed taken to you and I have all the same feelings when reading your words to me.

I want to know more about you. What do you do in your spare time? You said a week ago that you'd been on a date other the weekend, do you go on dates often? You also mentioned a Molly. Is she a close friend?

There's more I want to know too. The TV shows you watch, the music you listen to, the books or magazines you read, what you plan to do when you're older. How tall you are.

Would it be considered creepy for me to say I searched you on the internet?

I didn't find a lot. I found your Facebook. That's it.

Your profile picture is.. cute. I like the hat... Your flirting is definitely having a bad effect on me. I'd never have said anything like this to anyone under two weeks ago. In fact, I'd scoff at those who did flirt and try to start 'relationships' as their desperation to not die alone overwhelmed them.

I wish I had a solid, logical reason for it being so bloody different with you.

As for those kisses you need to collect, I will say this: I am a man of my word.

-SH

*

Sher,

You searched me...

You saw that hat...

Oh my God.........

Well. I'm deleting every single picture of me on internet.

I just spent 15 minutes searching you. I found your website. 'The Science of Deduction'. I'm guessing that's how you know all the stuff you do, like the head teacher having an STI and then, of course, all your cases.

It's really amazing, Sherly! Seriously.

Hm. I should make a sister website of yours. I'll call it 'The Science of Seduction'. Most of my entries would be about seducing you through letters for a school project ;)

That's a rather lot of questions, Mr Holmes.

QUICKFIRE!

I'm sorry... I'm in a weird mood. I've had lots, and I do mean lots, of energy drinks.

Right. Molly. She's been my closest friend since I was five. We met in nursery and bonded over the fact I undid the plait her mother did wrong and redid. I can practically sense you judging me for that. Well, shut up. I wanted to be a hairdresser. Anyway, from there we were joined at the hip. She was there for me when I came out to my family. I was so scared.

My weekends... They consist of coursework and rewatching old movies/ TV shows. Sometimes, I'll go out with friends. Anyway, the TV shows I watch are varied.. Mostly just whatever's on but I follow a few like HIMYM. I lied. It wasn't a date. I went out with a friend, a girl, and she thought it was a date.. Awkward..

Music. Again, varied. Again, whatever's on and sounds good really. I can't even think of any artist right now.

What else did you want to know? Oh, right. Books. I don't really read all that much. I'm more into music and TV shows. Occasionally I'll do one of those stupid quizzes in a magazine.

I don't really have plans for when I'm older. I once took one of those quizzes that said I should be a stripper. What do you think, Sher? Should I become a stripper?

I'll give you a special show, free of charge ;)

Oh. Two winky faces in one letter. I feel rebellious.

My height. I can tell from your picture you're tall... I'm only like 5"9.. or something. I don't know. It's been a while since I measured myself.

Ugh. The things I do for you. *inserts winky face*  Ha! I got around your rules!

Anyway, I went and measured myself for you... and that sounds dirty. I know that measurement off the top of my head. Oh my God... The innuendos. I'm going to stop now..

So. My height. I'm 5"10. Huh. I was close

Right. What about you, Sherly? Tell me about yourself.

What's that quote? If you have no reason to love them, it's true love. Something like that. I feel like there should be another winky face here...

This letter has so many ellipsis...

Just for your own knowledge, I blushed like crazy at that last sentence of your last letter.

I'm counting down the days to the party <3

- Jim xx

*

James,

I'm not sure where to start.

It could be the fact you actually did go and delete all those pictures.

It could be the heart you drew at the bottom of the page.

It could be how short you are.

It could be your blatant disregard for my forbidding of the winky face.

It could be the fact I made you blush.

It could be the fact you lied to me.

Or it could be HIMYM.

Okay. I have to ask. What does HIMYM stand for?

You want to be a hairdresser. Is it bad that I can so see that?

I can imagine you just chatting away to some woman while doing her and you'd be going on and on and on and the woman would either be ignoring you or rolling her eyes every two seconds, giving replies like 'mm' or 'hm' and 'yeah'.

You know. I'm not sure you're going to be tall enough to collect your kisses..

The temptation to add a winky is high..

I'm not going to though. They're forbidden.

Oh God. Your weird mood has rubbed off on me.

We only have a week left of sending these letters. Going by our average that probably only around four letters. The schools need to get better postage services.

I feel like I'm just jumping from top to topic now.

You should read more. Sciences books. I like reading science books. I often get a newspaper too, but that's to look for cases.

I don't watch TV, nor do I read magazines.

My weekends consist of arguing with fat-arsed cake-eating brother and experiments. Most of the time I get body parts from the hospital and test on them. No dating, obviously.

I like classic music, really. The violin mainly. I play, as you know.

My answer is no, by the way. Do not become a stripper. I'm a very possessive person and I don't want to share ;)

Yes. I caved and added a winky face. I can feel your smirk from here. Stop it.

-SH

*

Sher,

Ha! Winky faces rule. Proof. Even the great, and only, consulting detective uses them. I feel like a proud mother sending her child into school for the first time. Just standing in the playground, sobbing dramatically into handkerchief.

HIMYM: How I Met Your Mother

I think you insulting your brother is the first time you've swore in these letters. You rebel.

I like a bad boy. *inserts winky face*

... ;)

Possessive, huh?

Don't worry, baby, I'm all yours.

Well. The teachers are going to have loads of fun reading our letters. Marking them.

Science is suddenly sexy, Sherlock. That sounds like a tongue twister. Actually, no. It doesn't. Just a whole load of alliteration.

I keep pointing out writing devices that I'm using. I'm doing the marking for the teachers.. I should get extra marks for that.

Four days left. We'll get two more letters in that time, hopefully.

I don't want this to end.

- Jim xx

*

James,

Well, this is going to be the last letter I send. According the the teacher your the ones that need to finish the letters off. However you do that. I assume how you normally do, signing it with your shortened name and two kisses.

Do even know how many kisses I 'owe' you?

I searched HIMYM and it came up with tons of pictures of Neil Patrick Harrison and the word 'bro'.

And yes, I am possessive. I dislike sharing. Strong dislike it.

I hate how this is ending and our letters are getting shorter.. but I have no clue what to write about.

I'm counting the days now too.

I'm looking forward to meeting you.

I can't believe you called me baby. This time my brother did ask my I was gong red. That got my mum interested. Now they're badgering about who 'Jim' is and so on. I told them it was just a school thing, which Mycroft (my brother) bloody knows it is, but mum is convinced your my secret boyfriend.

So. There you go. A little story for you.

I'm reluctant to end this letter.

It feels so short.

I can't end it like this..

Just a few weeks till we meet.

-SH

*

Sher,

I owe you 22 kisses. And yes, I did go back and count all the damn kisses in the letters. Eleven letters. Twenty-two kisses.

I'm hurt. You haven't even told your Mummy about me! I thought we were more than that, Sherlock. You're killing me here. Hehe. Joking, baby.

Yes, baby. You're my baby. And considering you are all sexy and possessive, I am your baby as well. All yours, honey.

I feel like I should be weeping over the page and yet I'm spouting flirty comments like a sprinkler does water. Yup, my amazing simile. And there I go again, point out the devices and marking for the teachers..

I can't wait to meet you either.

Can I touch your hair? It's all curly and cute and it's your favourite part of yourself. I just want to run my hand through it, to see if it's soft and if it bounces back.

Last letter and I'm talking about your hair.

My inner hairdresser is creeping.

I'm going to miss your letters...

Okay. I'm not even sure if I'm allowed to or not but I'm putting a slip of paper in this letter with my phone number on. Text me!

- Jim ;) <3 xx (24 kisses now)

*

Dear Students,

You've now finished your projects. Details for the party are listed below.

It will take place at a local venue, yet to be decided. You will be able to arrive as early as 8pm and will be sent home at 1am. Alcohol tokens will be provided. If anyone is found with alcohol on there person that is not provided they will be sent home.

Enjoy yourself and have fun!

*

James. -SH

Sherlock!

Sign your messages. -SH

I can't believe this is our first topic of conversation.

Sign them or I'll stop replying. -SH

Fine. -JM x

Do those kisses count? -SH

Do you want them to? -JM x

Depends how good the first 24 are. -SH

Cheeky ;) -JM x

I forbid the winky face. -SH

;) -JM x

;) -JM x

;) -JM x

;) -JM x

;) -JM x

;) -JM x

;) -JM x

;) -JM x

Are you done? -SH

Nope. -JM x

;) -JM x

Okay. Now I'm done. -JM x

You're annoying. -SH

And you're beautiful -JM x

Not what most say when being insult. -SH

Oh honey, I'm not most people. -JM x

I nearly added a winky face to that. -JM x

I forbid it! -SH

;) -JM x

You're a dick. -SH

But you like dick. Therefore you like me. -JM x

Who said I like it? -SH

'Girlfriends are not my area' -JM x

That doesn't mean I don't like girls. -SH

Are you just being annoying and trying to prove me wrong or are you serious about liking girls? -JM x

I'm gay. -SH

Praise the Lord! Sherlock stopped being cryptic! -JM x

Funny. -SH

You love it. -JM x

Not really. -SH

Hello? -SH

Have you fallen asleep? -SH

... -SH

*

What will make you want to kiss me more: a blue shirt with no tie or a white shirt with a tie? -JM x

And yes, I did fall asleep. I'm sorry. -JM x

It's fine. What colour is the tie? -SH

Grey, like my dress trousers [Image913.PNG attached] -JM x

Go with the white shirt and tie. -SH

Okie Dokie. What are you wearing? -JM x

Now or for the party? -SH

Hmm.. -JM x

Both. -JM x

I am currently in nothing but a white towel. I was showering. And for the party I'm wearing a purple shirt with black trousers. -SH

Just a towel... -JM x

You are currently dripping wet and naked as you text me? -JM x

I am. -SH

Jesus. -JM x

You make me laugh, James. -SH

And I make you blush. -JM x

And smile. -JM x

And feel floaty. -JM x

True. -SH

So you blush if I call you beautiful but you can easily tell me your dripping wet and naked? -JM x

Correct. -SH

I'd hate to think what you'd be like naked and if I call you beautiful. -JM x

Wait. What am I talking about? I'd love to think about seeing you blushing AND naked ;) -JM x

I can't believe I want to kiss you.. -SH

Neither can I, to be honest, but I'm very glad you do. -JM x

See you tonight. -SH

Yup! -JM xx (Letter kisses: 24. Text kisses: 41. Overall kisses owed: 65)

*

"James, I'm assuming?" A deep masculine voice reaches Jim's ears.

He turns to face the seventeen old with that damn voice. A smile automatically spreads over his lips at the sight of Sherlock in real life. He was taller than Jim, obviously, and his curls looked even bouncier than in his photo.

Plus, that shirt should have been illegal.

"Your top two buttons are undone" Jim replies, a twinkle in his eye. Sherlock may or may not have shivered ever so slightly upon hearing Jim's accent.

Sherlock chuckles. "Not quite the greeting I was expecting but okay" He pauses, noting the way Jim's eyes were on his exposed throat and not his eyes. "I'm guessing that wasn't a complaint then?"

Jim's eyes snap up as heat rises to his cheeks, colouring them a crimson pink.

"Sorry.." He mumbles, blushing brighter.

Sherlock laughs again. "You're adorable, James"

With small, almost shy, smile, Jim pushes up onto his tiptoes and presses his lips to Sherlock's for approximately a second. It was barely even a peck but Sherlock's eyes flutter close briefly.

The taller of the two exhales gently "I'll take all the kisses"

Grinning like a madman and giggling like a school girl, Jim connects their lips again. For much longer this time.

Jim hoped there'd be far more than 63 more kisses with Sherlock in the future.