A/N: Sorry for the wait, I've been really busy. But here's the next chapter, and I promise more is on the way!
"…and now there are a lot of doubles of me scattered around the universe, wherever the Doctor has been. Or it could be me, from the future…." Clara finished. Sherlock, as usual, seemed unfazed by the discussion of aliens and time-streams.
"Either seems plausible. But how do we find out? That is, assuming you want to find out."
"Of course I do. I suppose the first thing- the only thing I can do, really, is get in touch with UNIT."
"My brother works for the government. I can arrange a meeting through him, or-"
"No, it's alright. I'll call. I'm pretty sure the President of the Universe's death has more priority than your brother, whoever he is."
"He," Sherlock adopted a haughty tone, "is the government."
"Sure," Clara rolled her eyes.
"Remember the Buckingham Palace story?"
"How could I forget? That was five minutes ago, and I'm pretty sure I'll have that image in my mind for the next five years."
"Yes. Well, we were there partly due to my prowess as a detective, and partly to his status."
"That's really lovely for the pair of you, but I'm going to do this on my own. I have connections too."
"On your own," Sherlock repeated. "Meaning…I should go."
"No, sorry," Clara sighed. "I came off as harsh there, sorry. I want your help. But I don't want your bragging."
He cleared his throat. "Seems fair, but only if I get something in return."
"What?"
"You don't do any of the process behind my back- not even sending emails. And I'd really prefer to set up HQ at my flat."
"Um…alright," Clara said, "I didn't know mine was that bad."
"It's not. It'll just be useful…interesting to test government efficiency…"
She looked at him quizzically, but Sherlock didn't elaborate, and she didn't push him.
"Should I get started? Look up UNIT's contact information, send an email or call them or whatev-"
"Didn't we just agree we'd do it at my place?" he cut across.
"Er, yeah, I guess we did. Does that mean you're leaving now?"
"I- I think so," Sherlock replied, standing up awkwardly. Clara cursed on the inside. Why did every conversation they had need to end in a train wreck?
"When should I come over to get started?" she asked, in a desperate, last-minute attempt to restore peace.
"This afternoon. 4pm. Start looking for a new job first."
"I have a job," she said, nonplussed.
"You're honestly still fooling yourself that you'll go back there, Clara?"
"It- it pays well, as far as teaching goes."
"Stop fighting back. It's time you accepted it. You were miserable there, anyways. Danny was the only reason you stayed so long and look where that got the both of you."
She felt as if she had been slapped. "You can go now, Sherlock. Thanks for the tip. Maybe I'll see you at 4, maybe not." Clara stood and walked to the door, opening it and then closing it behind him. She leaned against the doorframe as soon as he was gone. Talk about train wrecks.