The first part of my re-write of the Blind Banker. The next bit should be up soon but it's getting so long that I've had to split it into parts. Still enjoy.

"If you want to be convincing we really should do more things couples do."

Sherlock hummed in agreement. "We do want to make it more convincing. Currently all Mycroft's minions have seen us do is pop into cupboards and toilets and come out looking ruffled. Bit repetitive."

John could barely suppress the smirk that was battling its way onto his face. "Get your coat I have the perfect activity."

"Sure." For someone with such a large IQ he really was oblivious. The detective was following him with a bounce in his step, not even aware of the types of activities couples do. It took to the doors of the nearest supermarket for it to dawn on Sherlock's face.

"I am not stepping into that hell hole."

He grinned, suppressing laughter which wasn't helped by the fact that there follower appeared to giggling at them. At least Mycroft had switched to people that blended in better after the first few days, even if the two of them could still pick them out of the crowd. "You said that you wanted to act more like a couple. Couples go grocery shopping."

"I'm not doing it." Sherlock was obviously channelling his not so inner child at that moment, especially with the slight stamp of the foot. They were even creating a bit of a scene; something he was increasingly used to having spent nearly a month in the other mans company.

It also meant he was working out all the little things that allowed him to get his own way...sometimes at least. "Mycroft might work it out."

The detective didn't deem him worthy of an answer after such a blatant display of manipulation, instead turning on his heel and marching into the store.

Unfortunately it was quickly becoming apparent as to why Sherlock never did the shopping. While he was fine in the quieter aisles as they got ready for paying and were in the busy sections of the store that it became alarmingly blatant.

As soon as someone stood behind them in the queue he felt something grip his lower arm. Turning he'd thought it was an old lady or something only to be faced with a rather pale sweaty Sherlock. All words of concern were brushed off with a glare, admittedly not at its normal strength but still formidable.

If it wasn't for the tightening of the detectives grip on his arm he wouldn't have realised anything was wrong as they were surrounded by more and more people. It wasn't till they were at the front of the queue at one of those stupid new self-service checkouts that he started to properly worry.

Sherlock was pale, sweating and practically hyperventilating. He'd say the detective was on the verge of a panic attack. It took him all of two seconds to abandon the shopping and drag his partner out of the shop promising to never make him go to crowded places again.

As soon as they were out of the crowds he seemed to recover rather quickly, explaining that being in crowded places over whelmed his senses making him panicky. By the time they got back to the flat, no shopping but a sword wielding maniac to greet them Sherlock was back to normal. They even arranged to have a bond movie night after Sherlock admitted he had never seen them. Sherlock of course turned down the case of the diamond, after all they didn't want any more swordsmen in the house and he certainly seemed to be related to it.

It was probably a good thing as the following a university acquaintance brought a rather interesting case to Sherlock's attention.

ooo

"Sebastian, this is Dr John Watson my partner."

The man smiled politely. "Glad to see that he's found someone who can work with him. He never managed to keep a project partner for long at university."

He could see the amusement in Sherlock's eyes as he slid an arm around his waist in a rather intimate gesture. "You misunderstand. We're partners."

Admittedly the look of absolute shock on the man's face was well worth the slight discomfort he felt at their intimacy in public. He was getting used to a rather sudden increase in the detectives in the touchy feely department but it'd always been in the flat so far. He supposed he'd just have to get used to it.

"That's rather surprising...we never thought you were interested in people."

The smile on Sherlock's face was one John was quickly realising was reserved for those that he disliked but was going to use, even if it was for something as simple as to stave off his boredom. "And we never thought you'd be successful enough to fly round the world twice in a month."

Sebastian just laughed obviously missing the barely veiled barb. "You're doing that thing again, that trick."

"It's not a trick."

"Everyone hated him for it of course. You'd come down in the morning and this freak could tell who you'd shagged. Not that he needs to tell with you."

He had to admit that he hated the man at the moment especially that leer that was sent his way. Sherlock might have been a sociopath but he had emotions no matter how shallow and well hidden they were. "It's observations."

There was a slight widening of Sherlock's eyes and his lips tilted a bit. Sebastian wasn't happy to leave it though. "What is it this time then?"

"Your watch is set two days ago, indicating crossing the International Date Line twice and that model of watch is only a month old." He seemed to think for a second before adding in his direction. "I hate that particular brand. Mycroft always seems to be wearing it."

John grinned. "Brilliant."

There was the slight quirk of his partner's lips again. "You're talking out loud again."

There was an awkward silence before Sebastian slapped his hands together. "Any way, I'm glad you came. We've had a break in. You'll be paid of course."

He could pre-empt his partner's next words and reached over to block his mouth with an innocent smile. "If you could make it out in Sherlock's name?"

As he took the cheque in hand and tucked it away a hushed argument about not needing money and the cost of the scanner he wanted commenced.

ooo

"What were you doing in the office, between the pillars?"

The detective was bouncing out the doors looking rather triumphant. "I was working out who it was meant for. You got the pictures?"

"Yes and how?" He sometimes wished Sherlock would elaborate a bit more. Although the times he did it was usually switched round to wishing he'd be a little less blunt.

"The columns John what did they do?"

"Blocked the view...so you can't see all of the office...so it can only be seen from a certain place."

The grin that flashed his way was enough to prove him right. "You're learning. Now to work out the message!" The chaste kiss on the cheek another reassurance, unexpected but not unwelcome.

ooo

The sickly friendly voice Sherlock was putting on was so unlike the real man that it both amazed and disgusted him. The theatre had lost out on a brilliant actor the day Sherlock decided to be a detective. He'd never seen Sherlock act like that to him he was always himself.

As he was let into the flat, watching as Sherlock sniffed around having vaulted down from the floor above, he couldn't help but be glad. This eccentricity suited the man a lot more than the mundane character he had been acting.

He glanced into the bathroom before providing a hand in kicking down a locked door. He couldn't even bring himself to be overly surprised when they found a body inside. Over the last month he'd found that trouble and danger needed only to skim into the edges of his perception and Sherlock would be chasing after them.

The next half an hour was a bit of chaos as they called in the police. Sherlock of course went through everything he needed to before they arrived, something about their idiocy distracting his brain waves.

There was a black paper lotus in the man's mouth. His suitcase had had something wrapped up within his clothes. He was left handed and the bullet entry wound was on the right.

Not a suicide as the police believed when they arrived. Admittedly though they didn't have a brilliant flatmate and 'boyfriend' to prompt them along so it was only to be expected.

He decided to leave the detective to play with the new DI Dimmock who'd been assigned to the case. Apparently Lestrade was busy with the serial double murder cases that had been highlighting the news recently. It wouldn't be long until they were called in to deal with them. Still there was something to play with for the moment.

The DI obviously hadn't met Sherlock before from the looks of confusion he was displaying. He seemed distinctly doubtful about it being a suicide, especially about the prediction of the ballistics report.

He supposed the police force limited those that came into contact with his partner. After all it would do little for force moral if they were constantly being belittled and proven wrong. Dimmock would catch on, eventually.

ooo

John's hatred of Sebastian just continued to grow and grow. Sure they'd cut in on lunch but the man had been so dismissive...oh god. He was gaining the social graces of a sociopath. Harry would never let him live it down; he was the polite one in the family.

It wasn't only that though. It was the fake grief about the man dying. He'd known nothing about him having only been concerned with the victim's ability to make money. At least when Sherlock was uncaring he didn't fake that he was.

The final thing that clinched it was the phrase. "I hired you to do a job. Don't get side tracked." He almost wished that Sebastian was the one responsible. There was another man he wouldn't be overly bothered about putting a bullet in.

Shame he was much too stupid, even if he did appear to have the temperament.

Next part will be up soon.