For what felt like the hundredth time today, the annoying dying rooster sound broke the world's only consulting detective's concentration. Not even turning his head, he pointed out :
– Your illness would get resolved much more quickly if you actually took medicine for it, John.
– I don't know how it could have escaped your notice, but I *am * a doctor. A cold lasts for 3 to 9 days, whether or not you take medicine. Besides, I'm fine.
Maybe those words would have had a little more effect if another coughing fit hadn't immediately punctuated them.
– For God's sake ! How am I ever going to finish my experiment with you sounding like a death rattle ?
It took a couple minutes for Sherlock to work out that the silence that followed his outburst was not an agreeable one. Looking up, he glimpsed the departing frame of his flatmate, easily reading suppressed anger in the hunch of John's shoulders as he ascended the stairs to his room. Not good...
Closing his eyes, the detective quickly reviewed all past instances of John being offended by something he said or did, cross-referencing them with the few times he had actually tried to make amends. At last, his mind settled on a satisfying course of action. Grabbing his phone, he made quick work of it, then waited. Not a minute later, the sound of John's incredulous chuckles carried down to him, along with the unmistakable notes of the Busy Beavers's "Get Well Soon" song.
Author's note : MorbidbyDefault, I know this is not exactly what you asked for, but... I hope it's still okay.
Also, thank you to Spark Writer for telling me to just try it and go.