A/N

Hey guys!

Sorry I haven't updated in forever but I've had three mock exams, a hell load of coursework and oh, I'm also still technically still in recovery from a major operation, so, yeah, sorry about that. I hope everyone's having a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all a great new year! Sorry again for not updating (Even though I've been vomiting blood for the past week, just to give that wonderful mental image), and I'l try to be quick next time!

Thanks.

Sphinxy

Chapter 7

I sigh and lean back against my front door, letting the adrenaline finish its course through my veins. My body feels heavy, detached almost, like I'm watching myself from afar. I drop my keys in their bowl and hang my coat by the door, the Indian summer is nearly over and the air is turning chilly.

Once everything is put away in its rightful place, I head off into the kitchen to make tea. Letting the kettle boil, I run through today's events in my mind; from seeing John, to walking into my front door just moments ago. Once it's boiled, I take the kettle and swiftly make the tea. Then I move into the living room and flop down onto the sofa, steaming mug in hand. With a sigh, I close my eyes and just let my thoughts run free. But soon they run into the darkness and my eyes snap open. Questions flit about my mind, tormenting me, answerless.

Who did it? Why? What's their motive? Will they try again? Who's safe? Who's not?

Frustrated, I quickly finish my tea and put the cup out in the sink. Just as I'm heading back into the living room, the doorbell rings. Puzzled, I head over to the door to check who it is. I can only say I'm more than surprised when I see John stood there. A small smile spreads across his face.

"You don't mind me dropping in for a bit, do you?" He asks and I can't help but smile back.

"Sure," I tell him and step back to let him enter. I shut the door and turn to see him taking his coat off and hanging it up.

"Make yourself comfortable why don't you," I mutter under my breath, but in a purely joking way. He obviously hears as a small chuckle resonates from his throat.

"Tea?" I ask and he nods, "Well, take a seat and I'll be out in a minute."

I flash him a brief smile before heading out into the kitchen to make tea. A cool breeze blows from the window, sweeping across the back of my neck. I shiver, not necessarily from the cold, and turn away, re-boiling the kettle and swiftly making the tea. As I pull out the pot of tea bags, I see I'm running low and make a quick note to buy some more when I have time. But then decide to make a list later when I see there's just enough milk for John's tea. I guess I'll be having coffee later. Grabbing the steaming mug, I head back into the living room. John is sat on the sofa when I enter, gazing intently at my glass wolf, perched on the table in front of him.

"Ahem," I cough and he turns round, a small smile appearing on his face.

"Oh, thank you," He says, reaching for the tea. I carefully hand it to him and sit opposite. My laptop lays abandoned in my bag, which sits in the corner of the room. A part of e itches to go over and retrieve it, so I may continue with my story, but the more sociable part of me refuses to do so. John sips his tea and says nothing for a moment, simply returning his gaze to the wolf, his eyes curious. I sit in silence, my legs crossed on the chair. Even the air is still as John does nothing but sit and stare, and take the occasional sip from his cup.

"I haven't poisoned it you know," I state bluntly and John becomes more alert.

"Sorry wha… oh, huh," He chuckles, "No, I know, it's just, Sherlock. He hasn't been acting, well, strange, has he?"

"You come all this way, to as to sit and chat with me, so we can discuss Sherlock? And not just that, but the normality of his behaviour? Really John? I thought you'd know better. Sherlock's behaviour is always anything but normal. It always has been."

"Sorry, it's just, I haven't seen him all day. I thought I'd pop in and grab a few things from our place, and hopefully catch Sherlock on my way through. I've been waiting out all day and haven't seen him once. A case doesn't usually last all day; he should be back by now."

"Well, maybe a few things have happened work –wise, and he's caught up with it. Don't panic John. You never have before anyway. He's perfectly capable of taking care of himself. You can't take a break to relax and be with friends and then freak out and come back every time he sneezes. You need a break. Go back to, wherever you were; chill out and everything will be fine. I'll make sure of it." I assure him before he completely flips out. John isn't usually like this, and it makes me wonder as to what's stressing him out so much.

"Thanks Heather," He says with a sigh, "You're right, I do need a break. Form all of this. Thanks for taking care of things."

"My pleasure," I tell him, trying desperately to keep all aspects of bitterness out of my voice at the thought of keeping tabs on Sherlock. As much as it infuriates me, if it helps lift a little stress and anxiety off of John's shoulders, I'm more than happy to help. I know exactly what it's like to have a constant worry hanging over your head. Trust me, it's not pleasant.

Either way, John and I spend the next few hours just sitting and chatting, until he has to go. Sherlock still isn't back, but when John asks if he should check, I quickly make something up about 'hearing him come in ages ago', before John finally leaves with a shrug. I wish him well, before shutting my door. Then I think better of it and decide to go next door and see if Sherlock's just being extra quiet, so I open my door and step outside. Once next door, I see no sign of Sherlock. Feeling a little out of place, I head back to my apartment and call it a day, clearing up a little before spending the rest of the evening writing. Until my eyes start to close of their own accord and sleep claims me.

A/N

Hey again.

What did you think of the chapter? I know it's a little short, but well, you know. Have yourselves an AMAZING Christmas and New Year, and don't forget to leave a review!

Thanks again!

Sphinxy