Disclaimer: I don't own them. Duh.
Special thanks to screamtoheaven- for getting me off my butt to write this! And a shout out to Spark Writer, who was my wonderful beta!
Friends protect people.
It had been easy, really. Sherlock had been too busy 'thinking' to see John slide his phone away and read the current messages. Too busy to see his shoulders straighten as the soldier John was came to the forefront, stepping out of the memories.
When John's phone rang, it provided him the excuse he needed. Declaring Mrs. Hudson had been shot and dying, he quickly grabbed his jacket and ran for the door, half expecting Sherlock at his heels. And when he wasn't, John knew. Praying that Mrs. Hudson really was fine, and that his own counter ploy would work, John yelled at his friend and flew out the door. In a brilliant feint that fooled the world's greatest consulting detective, John Watson didn't run home. Because friends protect people, and John Watson protects Sherlock Holmes.
When he reached St. Bart's, he had been pleased to note that his actions surprised Moriarty himself. A quick explanation had set the man into a laughing fit, declaring he always knew Sherlock Holmes was an ordinary man. He then fired off a text, politely informing John that he and Sherlock were playing a little game. One where Sherlock had unknowingly taken John's place.
Simple terms. Jump, and everyone—Sherlock, Lestrade and Mrs. Hudson—all walked away free and safe. A leap of faith, Moriarty had manically called it. John's mind leapt through the possibilities, not nearly as quickly as Sherlock's would have, and settled on one thing. John Watson was not going home tonight…and he'd be damned if Moriarty was either.
Buying a few precious minutes, John pulled out his mobile and made one last request. The consulting criminal graciously agreed, withdrawing as John punched off an apology to Sherlock—knowing the man would take this badly, and that one text would never be enough. As he pushed send, Moriarty returned.
A cab pulled up below, and they watched as a familiar, lanky detective raced out, ignoring the buzzing phone in his pocket. The madman casually commented that John's time is almost up, he had better make a move before the game is over. John glared at him, and slowly set one foot on the ledge.
"I want you to know one thing James Moriarty," He growled, grabbing at the man's collar and pulling him close "Sherlock Holmes is ten times the man you are."
"Loyal to the end then, John?" Moriarty laughed "The game will be so much more boring without you!"
John tightened his grip and grinned menacingly "Really? Then let's play."
He heard the door to the roof slam, and gracefully pushed off the ledge, Moriarty screaming in John's grasp. His one regret was that the only witness to his victory was the horrified Sherlock Holmes.
