Chapter 10

Thank you again for the reviews I have been getting. Fingers crossed that you guys all still truly like this story so far, and I am keeping you interested Enjoy this update.

"Love doesn't please itself by seeking revenge. Love sacrifices itself for the good of others."
— Kerrelyn Sparks (Be Still My Vampire Heart)

Meanwhile…

'Goodbye John' Then Sherlock fell, heading towards his untimely death. His coat billowing behind him, and limbs flying franticly. Landing ungracefully onto the concrete street, with a painful cracking of bones.

He swept for the slumped body, but he wasn't getting any closer, in fact he seemed further away. I must help him. He begged his legs to move faster. This accomplished nothing, leaving him gasping for air, still stood awkwardly in his starting position.

Blood poured silently from the large gash on his head. I can save him! He persisted, reaching for the broken corpse, but again he was being tugged backwards. I must get to him… He pleaded, now sobbing. He was thrust away from the bloodied scene, his best friend's body, slowly dissolving into the horizon. I must…

John awoke, writhing, plagued with images of Sherlock's face, overcome with the paleness of death. Salted tears stung at his cheeks. He shuddered, folding his arms around his torso. It took him a moment to relate to his surroundings.

Light streamed through the curtained windows, of 221b's living room. Illuminating the space. He was wrapped tightly in a cotton blanket, sweat dampening his rumpled clothes. The TV being the only source of life, it blaring away unnoticed, where he'd neglected to turn it off last night.

He rose from the uncomfortable sitting position he had slept in, clutching his cane, like a crippled old man, and made his way towards the kitchen, soothing his aching neck and back. He rinsed his face free of the tear streaking, rubbing at his red rimmed eyes.

Looking around the tidy kitchen, free of clutter and science equipment, guessing that Sherlock Holmes, used to live here, would be almost impossible. 'It is a completely blank canvas' Mary had hinted, her eyes sparkling with excitement, at taking up this decorative opportunity. If only he could share her enthusiasm.

He had stored all of the detective's belongings in 221c. Mrs Hudson had said she'd owed him a favour.

I miss him. He confessed, messaging his temples.

'Hello John' a melodic voice sang from the door way. She waved happily, her blonde curls bounding about her head.

'Mary' He ushered her in, delighted with the distraction from his nostalgia. His early morning nightmares forgotten.

'Well John, what are you doing moping around here? It's a beautiful day' Mary's positivity astounded him, she put up with shenanigans from infants, throughout the day and yet she remained happy.

'I was just making tea, would you like some?' her eyes widened, as she stepped in the flat, gaining now, a full view of him. Her smile faltered and forehead furrowed.

'Are you alright John?' She pressed, giving him a warm smile. Rolling out her arms, in an inviting hug gesture. He approached her, and welcomed her embrace.

'It's nothing, I assure you' Mary didn't look like she believed him, her eyebrow quirked upwards. He rushed to change this dead end subject. 'So, what brings you here?'

'Can't a girl come and see her boyfriend, without a reason?' She leaned into a kiss, her lips brushing his lightly. Oh so you've come here to see me. He deepened the kiss, fingering her blonde hair and his other hand cradling her waist. When she tauntingly pulled away…

'No no no' she said, wagging her fingers naughtily at him. She is such a tease. She winked, and mouthed the word 'later'. Sighing in frustration he hobbled over to the chair opposite.

'I have done you a favour' she stated, smiling.

'What?' Confusion obvious in his voice.

'Well, I was chatting to my friend the other day. She mentioned that when she was going through the mourning period, the only thing that ceased the pain was when she was with friends, if only for a few hours' she paused, looking at him expectantly, hoping he was beginning to grasp her plan.

'I go out with Stamford sometimes' He explained, clearly lost.

'John…I've organised you an army reunion' She leapt up, giggling.

'I've never heard of such a thing' He said, unknowing of what to do. Strangers here in Baker ST?

When he didn't respond Mary continued.

'I've invited all your close colleagues from the forces, in Afghanistan, well those who are in England'

'Mary…' He warned.

'I have booked a community hall and a caterer' She persisted, still high on party fumes. A different venue? She grinned at him. He knew she felt proud of herself, and was reluctant to refuse her.

'Alright' He sighed. How bad could it be? Backtracking on that last sentence almost immediately. It could be very bad.

Sherlock stared intently at the bright screen, his eyes adjusting to the lights intensity almost instantly. Another infuriating comment, displayed itself. Baring his fangs crazily at the mobile. Again he began pacing, cursing frequently. Not now, not her…

Unknown 7:10pm-

A drink wouldn't hurt, would it? Or have you forgotten yourself-M

John hurried down the bustling London streets, not knowing his destination. Mary had left soon after the announcement, babbling happily about the work she must do to prepare. He had sat alone for a while, but he couldn't contain himself, desperately needing another distraction, refusing sleep.

Molly Hooper? She was awkwardly stood outside of Angelino's a local Italian restaurant. He was about to approach her, realising he hadn't seen her since the funeral. Wanting to offer again his condolences, he knew how much Sherlock had meant to her. But then he noticed her attire. Stopping abruptly. How could she move on so quickly? Ducking cautiously into a nearby Starbucks he watched the scene unfold.

A man soon followed her onto the pavement, gripping her hand and pulling it up for a gentle kiss. Do I know him? He questioned, struggling to put a name to his face. Then he realised. I'm staring. Mentally scolding himself, he took off, once again reminding himself, he was not on an investigation with Sherlock anymore, now it was just pure stalking.

I realise there wasn't much happening in this chapter OR WAS THERE? and definitely not enough Molly and Sherlock. However I am happy that I finally introduced John, thought I'd forgotten him? And who is Sherlock's mystery messenger? Ideas? please review, they will make me even happier and more encouraged to write! thankyous…Next time, How is Molly's date going?