For John, it had been such a mundane and rainy day, which, although it was a usual day for London, was a boring change for John. Instead of chasing down criminals with Sherlock, he was diagnosing and giving out prescriptions for the common cold and other routine viruses.

'Dull' thought John, reminding himself of Sherlock 'Oh geez, people are right, he really is beginning to rub off on me.'

Throughout the day, Sherlock hadn't texted John, which was only odd thing of the day. 16 common cold, 3 ear infections, and 1 unexpected pregnancy later, John had finished with all of his patients and headed home to 221B.

When had John entered the flat he noticed the symbolic umbrella.' Oh jeez, here we go again.' Assuming Mycroft was here to make Sherlock do the leg work he didn't feel like doing, John began to prepare tea and braced himself for their usual childish arguments. However, as John began distributing the tea, he noticed the unusual complacent aura around the brothers.

"John, how would you like to meet the famous American heroes, The Avengers?" was Sherlock's greeting.

Knowing this would cause complications that could change his life as he knew it; John interjected "I have work"

"Well, Mycroft can get you off easily enough" replied Sherlock

"I was planning on visiting Harry" was John's next excuse "

You hate being around her" stated Sherlock

"I was going to meet Lestrade at the pub?" tried John

"Dull, I'm certain our DI can live without your presence at the pub for another week or so." Retorted Sherlock

During this argument Mycroft's eyebrow had risen at John's surprising reluctance to go. "Honestly Sherlock, you might at least explain to him the case before you drag him around the globe

"Fine" said Sherlock " John, Mycroft wants me to act as sort of diplomat between The Avengers and The British Government, in order to get some answers as to what has happened as of late and to perhaps make it possible for The British Government to defend itself against future attacks."

"You?" John asked with humor "Mycroft, how is this even a remotely good idea? You do know Sherlock gets with other humans, right?"

"John, my past attempts have failed due to The Avengers…..personalities." said Mycroft. "Since then it has become apparent that we need someone with similar…..eccentrics for this to work. Sherlock is the most logical choice."

"It also doesn't hurt that I'm THE British Government's brother." Muttered Sherlock

John, still surprised by Mycroft's decision didn't realize Sherlock was still ignoring his protests and was telling Mycroft that they'd be ready any day the escort decided to appear.

"Excellent, an agent should arrive within a few days to escort you to their headquarters. John, you'll mind Sherlock won't you?" ordered Mycroft. Then, without waiting to hear John sputtering out more protests, left the flat.

** Page Break**

Oddly enough, the agent decided to appear at one of their crime scenes.

Sherlock and John had just arrived at the scene of what appeared to be a blood bath. Everything in the victim's room was bloody. It was during Sherlock's usual rant of police incompetence and how obvious everything was that John noticed her. It was hard not to, it had been a few years and she had changed her hairstyle but, she stuck out like a sore thumb and was easy enough to identify in her usual uniform.

John walked up to her and began with "Hey Natasha, been awhile, eh?"

"Since you flew off the grid and haven't been heard from in 3 years? Yea, I'd say so." She replied in her usual tone

"I'm assuming you're the one taking Sherlock to his next case? Unless you just so happen to be a witness. Again." said John

"Oh not that again, I play that card once…" replied Natasha "But, I thought you were coming with."

"What? Oh no, Sherlock wasn't listening to me again and just decided I was. I'd rather stay here and…avoid any situations that may arise."

Lestrade, having noticed John's easy conversation with the unknown woman, walked over. "Lo' John" He said "Mind introducing us?"

"Sure, Lestrade, this is Agent Romanov, she's taking Sherlock to his next case." "Natasha, this is DI Lestrade, the man who somehow got conned into letting Sherlock consult for him" said John

"You're Sherlock's next victim? My condolences." said Lestrade with a smile."John, you're not going with him this time? Jeez what'd he do this time?"

"Nothing" John assured him "He just picked a time when my schedule wasn't open"

During this conversation, Sherlock had finished insulting the police and had headed over to them.

"John! We're done here; we're on our next case." Sherlock's declaration was met with shared grins from John and Lestrade.

"Ah, Sherlock just in time, this is Agent Romanov." "Natasha, this is of course, Sherlock Holmes." Once again John was playing wing-man. "Sherlock, I had hoped you'd remember. I'm not going this time.

"Natasha?" asked Sherlock "Hmm intriguing, so you have met before and are obviously close, where do you two know each other from?" inquired Sherlock.

'Shit' thought John. Quickly coming up with an excuse John said "She was a friend of one of my patients from the army."

Natasha raised an eyebrow questionably but, said nothing. The excuse of how they knew each other seemed boring and acceptable to Sherlock, so he moved on.

"John, of course you're coming! You need to blog about this and 'mind' me as Mycroft elegantly phrased it."

"Sherlock, I'm fairly certain this case will remain classified for at least 50 years and you can text me when the fists begin to fly."

"But I already packed your things for you! I made Mycroft get you off work. I also told Harry and Lestrade about our newest case, so you have no legitimate excuse to miss this….Unless there's something else you haven't told me."

John said nothing, not wanting to cause anymore drama. Sherlock, taking this as John's submission, turned to Natasha and said "Miss Romanov, we'll be ready to go as soon as we can pick up our luggage at home."

"It's already in the car I brought." was Natasha's reply.

"Well, at least you haven't wasted my time yet." replied Sherlock, always needing to get the last word in.

**Page Break**

After departing the crime scene, they headed straight for the airport and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s private jet. At the sight of the jet John stopped dead in his tracks.

"Oh come now, you've gotten this far." stated Sherlock as he grabbed John's wrist and proceeded to drag John to the jet.

When the jet took off John looked out the window as if he wanted to jump out and fly away. Throughout the ride, Natasha had begun asking questions about John's current life, as a decent way to distract him. Despite John's questions they mostly talked about John's life seeing as Natasha's was classified but, she at least let him know how Clint was doing. She also told him all about Stark and his annoying childish personality, which made John laugh.

She had tried debriefing Sherlock on the other Avengers as well, but he was in his mind palace and when they attempted to bring him out, he declared he didn't want them ruining the surprise and opportunity to show off. He did however, pay attention to John and his reactions.

'Interesting, Mycroft didn't mention John's history with Romanov and he misses nothing…' thought Sherlock.

He noticed John was somewhat warming up to the idea to meet everyone but, when the name Thor came up, he paled and became less eager.

'Hmm, I'll have to file that away.'

When John had heard that Thor, Thor! The brother of the guy that made him flee from Asgard, would be there, he nearly demanded the jet be turned around and that he return home. Heck, was almost willing to open the emergency door and fly back. But, that would cause Sherlock to ask questions he didn't want to answer and for him to possibly have to leave Sherlock. John didn't want this and decided he would simply avoid Thor like the plague. Perhaps Thor wouldn't recognize him, he did look somewhat older and different than when Thor had last seen him. Sherlock would also be dragging him around as usual and he could hide in his room….. While these hopes were distracting John, he hadn't realized the jet had landed and that there was no last minute escape possible.

**End**