Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters used and am not making a profit from this story.
The Longest Thirty Seconds
For almost thirty seconds Sherlock Holmes believed the only real friend he ever made had betrayed him. After the initial shock, his first thought was that it all made sense. He'd always had trouble connecting with people, and yet he had fallen for this new friendship very quickly. John saved his life, and he never doubted him after that.
From that point, John fit into his life quite perfectly. He'd been useful on cases and always amazed at Sherlock's deductions. He'd been kind and patient, and Sherlock found he didn't mind the company as much as he once thought he would. In fact, Sherlock liked having him around.
Not only that. He had, if unconsciously, allowed John to have a great deal of influence over him. When he continually nagged him about the Bruce Partington plans, he took time to investigate the death of the civil servant. After John showed disappointment in him over his lack of concern for the victims, he became more invested in the little boy's safety at the museum. After John expressed amazement at his lack of knowledge about the solar system, Sherlock took the time to notice the stars. He could win any argument against him, but the doctor's opinion mattered more than anyone else's. John always got everything he wanted from Sherlock eventually.
It truly was the perfect plan. John had slowly worked to shape Sherlock's character, and the consulting detective never even realized it. He had stayed by Sherlock's side so that he would never suspect him. He had made Sherlock care about him. Yes, it was perfect.
This man had become deeply ingrained in his life. He had become his friend. The idea that it had all been a lie hurt more than anything he could remember. Even now if this had all been part of the game, Sherlock knew he could never use the gun on John.
And so it was almost a relief when his friend opened the heavy jacket and recited the line, "What would you like me to make him say next?"