Disclaimer: Sherlock still isn't mine... neither is the brief dialogue which I may have borrowed from an NCIS episode - can you pick it? :P
And so I continue with Chapter 9. This one goes out to Obwohl who wanted to read a "highly embarrassing urine sample donation". How could I resist? (hint hint - this is where the NCIS dialogue is put into play) Also, I just want to add that my knowledge of the British medical/hospital system (or A&E's in general) is not great, so anything mentioned in here is just what I've got off the web. Please feel free to let me know if I'm wrong about anything and i'll do my best to amend it.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this as much as I did writing it. :D Reviews are love as always.
NINE - in which a trip to the hospital is needed (and Sally has something further to say)
John and Sherlock shared a brief look before John took the call. "Hello, John Watson."
"Hello Mr. Watson. This is Nurse Jacinta Maitland from the University College Hospital. I have your test results from last night and also those of a Mr Holmes. They need to be collected and discussed."
John looked over at Sherlock who, in turn, gave him an expectant look. "Um, Jacinta, can you give me a moment, please?"
"Of course, sir."
John took the phone from his ear and covered the mouth piece. "It's someone from the Uni College Hospital. They have some test results for us. From last night. I think we must have gone to the A&E there."
Sherlock's face visibly brightened. "Brilliant, John," he said, elated. "Don't you see? This could be our next breakthrough into finding out what happened last night. Tell them... tell them we will be right over to collect the results."
John nodded, uncovering the mouth piece. "Jacinta, are you still there?"
"Yes, sir."
"Myself and Mr Holmes aren't far away. Will the results be ready for collection in approximately half an hour?"
"Of course. I'll see you soon then, Mr Watson."
"Thank you. Bye." John disconnected and turned to Sherlock who grinned widely.
"The game is on, John." John returned the grin and then followed his flatmate out of the room. Before leaving, they stopped to say goodbye to Lestrade. Or rather, John told Sherlock they should as it was only polite; Sherlock merely grumbled.
"Lestrade?" John opened the door to his office and the detective looked up. "We'll be off now."
"You ok then?" Lestrade looked both worried and curious after their sudden departure earlier.
"All sorted," Sherlock smiled wolfishly before John could speak.
"So you got something then?" Lestrade said, looking from John to Sherlock.
"Hospital just called with the results of some tests we apparently did last night," John explained. "We're off to collect them."
Lestrade nodded. "Good luck then, you two. Be in contact." Both Sherlock and John nodded in farewell before leaving.
They had nearly made it out when Sally Donovan appeared and stopped them.
"What do you want?" Sherlock said stiffly.
"Listen," she began. "I know we don't get on and as much as I hate to admit it... you are needed around here," she said with a reluctant sigh. John raised an eyebrow in surprise and sideways glanced at Sherlock, but the taller man was impassive. "I don't know what happened with you two, but I just wanted to tell you what I saw last night."
"What?" Sherlock asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"I was outside when you were getting a cab. I was going to say something at the time, but it wasn't any of my business."
"What happened?" John asked, slightly anxious.
"I heard you giving the taxi driver the address. And, well, last time I checked you two didn't live in Greek Street, Soho."
"Greek Street?" John and Sherlock shared a look. They both knew London well enough to know what Greek Street was famous for its multitude of pubs, bars and clubs.
"Yeah," Sally muttered, looking awkward. "Sorry." Sherlock didn't reply. With an unreadable face he simply turned and walked away.
John gave a weak smile. "I'd better..." he nodded at Sherlock's retreating form. "Thanks again."
"Anytime," replied Sally.
John jogged to catch up to Sherlock and his long striding steps. "So, Greek Street?"
"We'll get to that," Sherlock said, clearly deep in thought. "But right now, we're expected at the hospital."
~ *XX* ~
University College Hospital's A&E sees approximately 80,000 patients a year. At least, that's what the plaque on the wall said as John and Sherlock entered the main reception area.
"John Watson, I'm here to collect some test results," John said as they approached the main desk. Beside him, Sherlock hid a smile at how John, seemingly unconsciously, slipped into his 'professional doctor voice'.
"What tests were done, Sir?" The receptionist at the counter paused in her typing to look up at them.
"Er, blood tests I think. I spoke to a Nurse Jacinta Maitland."
"I'll get her for you," she paused and her eyes turned to Sherlock before flitting back to John. "I'm afraid your partner will have to remain in the waiting area."
"Partner? No, no we're not together. He's just..."
"I have test results to collect too," Sherlock explained, saving John from any further embarrassment.
The receptionist nodded, but John could tell she wasn't completely convinced. "Nurse Maitland will be with you both momentarily then. Please take a seat."
"Is she the same nurse that saw us last night?" Sherlock asked with a frown.
"Nurse Maitland did have the early shift this morning in A&E, yes."
"But surely she-"
"Cutbacks," the receptionist shrugged in response to Sherlock's unasked question. John gave her an empathetic smile. "Please, take a seat."
"Thank you."
Nurse Jacinta Maitland arrived rather promptly a few minutes later. Thankfully saving John and Sherlock an awkwardly long stay in the waiting room (the receptionist kept shooting the pair of them looks as though she was still trying to decide if they were a couple or not).
"I do have your test results," Nurse Maitland said after introducing herself, warming shaking both their hands, despite Sherlock's discomfort. "However, I'll need a urine sample from you both for a follow up." She handed them both plastic medical sample bottles. "The bathroom is down the hallway on your left," she smiled. Purposely avoiding Sherlock's face, John then hurried down the hallway hearing the taller man follow behind him.
Five minutes later John and Sherlock were taken into a small medical examination room, each still clutching a small sample bottle.
"You should drink more water," Sherlock commented offhandedly.
"Sherlock..."
"Your urine's too dark."
"Sherlock!" John blushed furiously. "I'm hungover. And it's not as if yours is... wait, I cannot believe I'm commenting on this." He groaned and shook his head.
"Neither can I," Nurse Maitland said, hiding a smile. "I'll get these sent off for testing now. The follow up results should be in within the next 48 hours." And taking both samples off John and Sherlock she scrawled on the label and left the room again. "I'll be right back."
Sherlock spoke after half a minute's silence. "Water?"
"What?"
Sherlock pointed to the water cooler in the corner of the room, his lips tugging into a smile as John raised an eyebrow. Not bothering to wait for a reply, Sherlock calmly got them both a cup. "You can't deny not wanting some," Sherlock said with a pointed look and smile.
With a small pout, John took the water and surprised himself by downing the liquid in seconds. Then, placing the empty cup down, he sighed. John was prepared to bet £100 that the forthcoming medical consult with Nurse Maitland would be nothing but just plain awkward and embarrassing.
