Another visit to the Rheumatologist, another long discussion, and another round of blood work and the course of action had been set. Several weeks had passed and now Sherlock was preparing for another infusion, but this time it would be the medication Rituxan. It was supposed to have fewer respiratory side effects.
John had gotten a small overnight bag out and was packing it, much to Sherlock's bemusement.
"What are you doing?" the detective asked. "It's not as if we're going to be there overnight." He watched John, but didn't stop his nervous pacing. He didn't ask himself why he was nervous.
John shoved a handful of files into the bag along with some bottles of water and a couple of bags of crisps. "True, but the doctor said the infusion will take quite a bit longer than the other ones did. I don't want you getting bored." If Sherlock started climbing the walls with boredom, John would soon lose his mind.
Sherlock perked up. "Are those cold cases, then? How did you manage to get Greg to give them to you?" He hadn't had any in quite some time. Lestrade had stopped sending them a few respiratory infections back.
John grinned to himself. "I threatened him with your presence after the infusion. I told him he could deal with your stroppy arse." Greg had looked horrified and quickly handed them over.
The detective stuck his tongue out at John as he pulled on his coat. "I won't complain about your characterisation too much since it worked. Give me one of the files." He held out his hand inperiously.
John shook his head. "Nope. Not until after the infusion is started." He pulled on his on coat, picked up the bag in his right hand and grasped Sherlock's hand in his left. "Come on, or we'll be late."
Sherlock was already bored. The canula had been placed and the pre-medications administered. The nurse wouldn't start the actual infusion for almost another hour. He kept picking at the tape that held the canula in place until John finally was forced to slap his hand away. The detective looked at him, pouting.
"Give me that," the doctor said iritably, taking hold of Sherlock's offending hand. With his free hand, he dug in the bag he had brought and pulled out one of the cold case files and shoved it into the hand that he held. "Solve it before the nurse comes back," John challenged. He had read up on the infusion protocol and knew they had over six hours ahead of them to sit there. He hadn't dared to tell the detective that. The good news was that future infusions wouldn't take nearly as long. Still, they had to survive today. He dreaded the upcoming hours.
Sherlock startled John when he threw the file on the floor and glared at it. John was glad they were in the private parent/child infusion room and no one had seen his friend's tantrum.
"What's your problem?" the doctor hissed, trying to keep his temper.
Talking wasn't Sherlock's strong point, not when it was about emotions or relationships. He didn't lift his eyes to meet John's. "You haven't touched me."
"What?" John asked, confused. "I touch you all the time."
"No you don't. Not like... that." The detective willed his friend to understand and not make him spell it out for him.
The doctor blinked. "Ah, yes. I see." He couldn't believe they were going to have this discussion here. "It hasn't been because I don't want to. You've just been so sick lately, and tired. I didn't think you'd want..."
"You didn't think I could, you mean, not with my hands and my other joints bothering me. You find the idea disgusting." Sherlock wanted to get up and storm away. "Get out," he growled instead.
"Nope." John took Sherlock's hand, the one without the canula, and brought it to his lips. He kissed it, giving attention to each knuckle. "I am anything but disgusted. I will admit that I am afraid of hurting you, but, if you want it as badly as I do, we can find a way. As a matter of fact, I've been doing research on the matter." The doctor blushed. He looked around to make sure the nurse wasn't approaching. "I can make a trip to a sex shop. There are some toys that can make things easier. Special shaped pillows, a few things that are more esoteric."
"You're serious," the detective said, his face breaking into a disbelieving smile. "You've given this some thought."
"I've given it lots of thought. You'll need to take a painkiller and a hot bath before we get started, then let me take the lead if you're hurting. When you're not, I'll lay back and let you take the lead." John kissed Sherlock's hand again. "How's that sound?"
Sherlock's pupils were blown wide. "Can we go home now?"
The doctor laughed. "Nope. You have to get your infusion first." He picked up the cold case file from the floor. "Now, solve this case. I find it remarkably sexy when you do."
Smiling, the detective started flipping through the file.