Sherlock closed and locked the door quickly after the last guest left, turning to go to his room.
"You are being reckless, you have to be more careful!" John began on him again.
"You've already lectured me on this all night, John, I'm going to bed." He began to walk towards his room again.
"Sherlock, If your brother would have even caught a glimpse of her, she could be taken away and locked up by the government, then the only time you would get with her would be in a room with one way glass with police standing outside of the door." John said fiercely.
Sherlock paused with his hand on the handle of his door.
"If she wasn't killed first," John added. Sherlock was quiet a moment then walked into his room and closed the door.
Sherlock lay in bed with Irene curled fast asleep facing away from him. But he found no peace in sleep, he couldn't even close his eyes right now. Everything John said was true and the thought of seeing her in a dark room where she was being kept like a prisoner would not be enough for him now. He was too deeply involved. He rolled over facing away from her and sighed. She couldn't stay here forever, someone will eventually find her. He racked his brains for a solution, but the answer was simple. She couldn't stay here.
She will eventually have to leave.
New Year's morning came and Sherlock found himself up before dusk pacing the living room. John and Irene were passed out in their rooms from being up so late to celebrate the New Year, but Sherlock could not sleep. It had been weeks since his last case, why does nobody kill around holidays!? He was utterly and completely bored and on the verge of going insane. He paced and paced, fidgeting his hands behind his back. The sound of a light knock on the door snapped his head up to attention. Probably some lost drunk that partied too hard last night. He walked swiftly over to the door to tell them to go away, but when he opened the door, he froze, his voice unable to work.
There stood Jim Moriarty, a crooked half smile on his face. Sherlock began to close the door but of course the man had his foot in the doorway.
Sherlock stepped aside as Moriarty let himself in, walking slowly.
"What do I owe the pleasure?" Sherlock asked, closing the door and following him to the fireplace.
"Oh I think we both already know the answer to that."
Sherlock stood in front of him.
"I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about." He said flatly.
"Who." Moriarty said. Sherlock gave him a questioning look.
"Who I'm talking about…not what." He said quietly.
"Okay then I don't know who you're talking about," Sherlock said, indeed knowing who he was talking about.
"I know she's alive…and I know you've been in touch. You don't have to lie to me, Sherlock. I don't want her dead."
"Then what do you want," Sherlock said carefully.
"I want you in exchange for me keeping her a secret." He said staring the taller man down with his dark, dangerous eyes.
"I…don't understand…" Sherlock said. Moriarty grinned and looked around his flat.
"She's here isn't she?" He looked back to Sherlock, his eyes amused.
"Of course not-"
"Oh, you don't have to lie to me Mr. Holmes." Moriarty said, a grin playing on his face.
"Is she in your room? Sleeping, perhaps, from enjoying the festivities until early this morning?" Moriarty turned and took a step towards his bedroom door.
"No!" Sherlock said loudly, taking a step forward. Moriarty turned back at Sherlock and smiled at him. Sherlock had stupidly, accidentally given away her position.
"I think it's time you came with me," He smiled.
"Why do you want me instead of her?" Sherlock asked, his heart beating rapidly.
"Well that's simple…I have no use for her. She has no information that's dangerous to me, your brother has had everything wiped clean on her slate. But you…oh I could have fun with you. You're the more interesting person."
They stared at each other.
"So do you accept my offer? Or should I get ahold of the people that tried to kill her last time?" Moriarty said.
Sherlock thought a moment. Surely going with a man this insane would mean death for him…but to save Irene…he couldn't let her be killed. He stopped it once and he would have to stop it again. He saw no other way.
"I accept. On one condition," Sherlock looked down at him. Moriarty grinned.