Title: Of Rats and Men
Chapter: Trips and Travels
Place: University; London
Characters: John Watson; Sherlock Holmes; Sarah Sawyer; Gregory Lestrade; Mrs. Hudson
Mood: Busy; Bored; Bitchy
Warnings: Cliffhanger
Yes mother. -GL
After a night of sleeping rough in a bus shelter and a few hours of looking out of windows of cars and walking along roads and motorways, John arrived in central London. He switched his phone on.
Change of scenery? -
He sighed in frustration, not knowing where to start his look for Sherlock.
Phone on now? Why did u switch it off? -GL
Was busy. Kinda busy now. JW
John was shuffling around the concrete jungle, feeling a little lost but his eyes were all over the place, looking for Sherlock. He'd walk the whole city if he had to.
You are so transparent it hurts. :D Try Baker St. Say hi to Sherly. Don't hurt him. -GL
How the hell did you know where I am? And thanks. JW
He brought the map of London up on his phone, went on the underground and walked his way to Baker street. John walked his way along the street, thinking of where he could be. Then he saw the door. 221-B. could it be? Possibly? He knocked, taking a deep breath.
Like I said, you are way too transparent. ;) Just please - don't tell him how u found it. Big Bro probably wasn't supposed to tell any1. -GL
An elderly woman opened the door, gazing at John down from the stairs with curiosity. "Yes, dear? Anything I can help you with?"
John frowned at seeing the woman. "Umm..Hi, there. Is uh..Is there a Sherlock Holmes here?" He asked hopefully, putting his phone in his pocket.
"You aren't from police, are you?" she frowned back at him, moving the door to leave just a narrow space of an opening. Ready to shut it any second. "He didn't do anything, no drugs, no violence, no robbery – no whatever you think he did. He didn't."
"Umm..no. I'm not. We go to college together. I'm uhh..his frie- roommate." He changed quickly. Sherlock didn't have friends. If he did, John wouldn't be one of them.
"Oh, you are friends than!" she smiled, obviously pleased, and opened the door wide, ushering John inside. "I am the landlady, you can call me Mrs. Hudson." the woman started up the stairs, pausing in her rant only to knock on the door. "Sherlock, dear!" she called. "I know you are there, you have a visit!"
John stepped inside, "Nice to meet you." He commented as he followed her, looking at the door nervously but masked it with a small smile. He was here.
"Just go inside." Mrs. Hudson patted his shoulder when they waited a minute in silence, without an answer from behind the door. "Duck if he throws something, he has terrible mood swings. But his aim is even worse." she muttered consiprationally, amusement clear in her voice. "I will bring you tea."
"Thanks." John nodded and walked into the rather dingy looking apartment. He closed the door behind him, "Sherlock?"
Sherlock raised into a sitting position on the couch, blinking over the back of it at the incomer. "Oh. That's very interesting." he commented and looked at his left wrist onto his watch, then back up at John. "It must be very strong, it has been seventeen hours.." he commented, titling his head in curiosity, before he laid back down.
John walked over, wanting to grab the younger by the collar and beat the hell out of him but Sherlock was far too tired for that so instead he sat opposite Sherlock. He leaned back, sighing. "Why did you do that..?"
"Why did I do what?" Sherlock blinked at him, confused, absently pressing his palms into the back of his elbows. That was really weird, he shouldn't be seeing things anymore, as far as he knew his organism should have dealt with the synthetic intrusion ten hours ago. How curious.
"Put a gun to my head that didn't work properly. The whole, 'push me into a wall and threaten to kill me' thing. Then run away? What the hell was that about?" He asked, eyes locked on the other.
Sherlock waved it off. "That's so not important." he rolled his eyes. "Important is, that I need to remember the combination.. and amount.." he murmured a bit distractedly, reaching to grab a notebook and pen from the table.
"So not important? Sherlock what the hell?! I thought you were going to kill me. Everything you said, you were lying right..?" John raised his voice slightly, trying to control his temper.
"Of course it's not important - you aren't here, therefore me explaining would be just a waist of breath." Sherlock commented calmly, without moving his eyes up from scribbling onto the paper.
"Aren't here..? What d'you mean? I am here." John looked around quickly. "Why would you think I'm not?" He sighed slightly in frustration, looking at his shoes then at Sherlock's paper.
"Because a- you wouldn't be able to find me since I left no traces; b- if you by some miracle did find me, you would have punched me; and even if you didn't, the second you sat down, leaving only one meter between me and you, I would be dead." he explained in the same calm voice. "But I really don't remember, it might be because of the painkillers.." Sherlock muttered more to himself, adding another note to his unreadable script.
"I was half tempted to punch you to be honest, but I wanted to try and atleast be civil." He smiled slightly, not knowing why or even how but he felt the smile on his face just watching the other. "You're not hallucinating. I got off my arse and found you. No, I'd like an answer to my question."
"That's not possible, Watson. You have no way how to find me, since my brother is the only one to know about my whereabouts and I specifically informed him it would be unfortunate for anyone to find me." Sherlock rolled his eyes and set the paper back down. "And as I said, I was told to never come close to you again, unless I fancy getting another bullet into my system." he absently scratched the skin around his last bullet caused injury. "And I am not hallucinating, I am merely experiencing what you would call 'trip'."
"Tri-? You're on drugs? You got shot..? Someone told me where you were, not saying who because they'd go mental." John walked over, "You gotta have some faith in me. Are you ok? Where did you get shot? Who shot you? Moriarty?" He asked cautiously, obvious concern in his voice.
"Oh my.. yes I am on drugs, yes I got shot, blahblahblah." he looked away, getting quite bored of the conversation. "See? If you were here and not only a projection my stupid brain is amusing me with, I would be shot again and I wouldn't survive this time."
"That's why you ran away? You didn't wanna get shot. Are you scared?" John sat back down. "I could punch you if you want. To show you I'm real." He rested his head back with a sigh. "If this was just your brain entertaining yourseld then that's a pretty boring brain."
"My brain is fun, you aren't real and I am scared." Sherlock turned a bit sideways on the couch, so that he could watch John, with a soft smile curling his lips. "I don't really want to end like Jim.. and Ostranski, for the matter. Poor bastard. He wasn't even dangerous. The worst assassin I have ever met. But amusing.
"I thought you weren't scared of anything." John mused, looking around the room. "Ostranski was the guy who tried to kill me? With the faulty gun? What was to gain from all that? Asides giving me a hear attack."
"Fine, fine. Let's waste words." Sherlock rolled his eyes, settling his head comfortably against the back of the couch with his eyes closed. "Both me and Jim were trying to find the guy who pushed him. Jim because he hates to loose and he lost the disguise he had been working on for years. Me because Jim is mine to defeat and kill." he stopped for a moment. "There is a third party, did you know? Not interested in our games, no. Only interested in one person, do you know who?" Sherlock opened his eyes to grin at John.
"Both you and Jim are after this guy. But you're not working together and not having this whole melodramatic love affair. Ok ok." John nodded, taking it in before giving a confused look. "Third party? That's not Mycroft then I'm guessing." John thought about all the texts. "..Me?"
"Exactly." Sherlock gave him wide smile, irrationally happy that John got it right. "But Jim didn't know about the text messages, I did. As Miss Adler kindly informed me over dinner, if Jim knew it, he wouldn't hesitate to put a bullet trough your head. That was actually good enough plan how to contact them." he shrugged, dropping his eyes shut again.
"So.. He doesn't know. But you did. And you did all that, all that drama stuff... To get to talk to the weird guy? Did you get to talk to him?" All traces of anger was gone now, slightly amazed by Sherlock's idea. It was genius.
"Obviously." Sherlock snorted. "And stop talking, I am sleepy." he yawned and moved to curl on the couch, the top of his head almost touching John's thigh.
"I didn't travel all this way to watch you sleep." He hit Sherlock's head lightly. "What was this guy like?" He prompted, looking down at the man almost fondly.
"Of course you didn't travel all this way to watch me sleep." Sherlock agreed, moving his arms over is head to protect himself from any other assault. "You didn't travel in the first place, because you aren't here. I thought we went over that already."
" I am here, Sherlock." John sighed, pushing the other upright so he was sat up, it wasn't hard. "You might be tripping but I'm genuinely here. And I'm not leaving."
"You do feel a bit more solid then I would have expected. And it has been seventeen hours." Sherlock allowed hesitantly, still refusing to open his eyes. "Though there is still the problem with you being able to find me, and with me still being alive. Explain."
"I knew you'd have pissed off to London, so I followed. Someone told me Baker Street and I saw 221-B and gave it a shot. Don't have to be a genius to solve that." John shrugged, "The whole alive thing I don't know too much about."
Sherlock's eyes snapped open when he finally realized something. "Leave. Now." he barked at John, jumping onto his feet to point towards the door. "And I am going to punch both my brother and Lestrade. Just for the record."
"No. I'm not." John sat still, eyes carefully watching Sherlock. "I'm not going back there. If I stay here, that guy's gonna come here. I wanna talk to him face to face."
"No. Not here. As much as I enjoy watching you try to think, I don't want to die. -At least not until I take Jim down." Sherlock frowned. "And it's not a guy, it's an organisation. Or something. Leave." he repeated. "Now."
"...Fine." John sighed, standing up and heading to the door. "Be careful, yeah?" He nodded and walked out quickly. To be honest, John was more scared of being alone than some sort of organisation.
Sherlock sighed and moved to close the window and curtains - at least make it difficult for any sniper to get him. He would have to warn Mrs. Hudson not to let anyone in unless he talked to them beforehand. At least for few days. John really should know better.
John quickly turned back round, going in and running back over. "Sherlock. Stop being an idiot. You can't just hide here. Come back to the dorm. Please. Sh..Sherlock." He didn't know what came over him. "I won't let them hurt you like they hurt Rich."
Sherlock turned to look at him, eyes widened in shock - it almost seemed as if John wanted him to come back. He gave him a blissful smile. "I am not hiding, I need to get as much relevant people from London onto my side as possible in those five years I have." he explained. "And I already got my first warning, you can't stop them." Sherlock's voice dropped into a whisper. "They are more dangerous than me, Jim and Irene combined. No one can stop them."
"I can." John spoke, his voice almost a whisper as he looked at Sherlock with a weak smile. "I-I can help. I can help you. They're interested in me, right? I can help you with whatever. Just let me."
"You just don't get it - they pushed Jim to get rid of Richard, since he was a threat to you. I am a threat to your life. They will kill me to save you." Sherlock snapped fiercely, pressing palms over his eyes.
"You're not a threat to my life though! I don't understand that! A-and what I wanna know is why the bloody hell people want to kill to save my life when it's not in danger!"
"I am not a threat to your life? What were you doing while I had a gun to your head?! Sleeping?!" Sherlock glared at him, hands clenched into fists.
"A gun that didn't work and you had no intention of killing me! How does that make you a threat?" He tried to keep calm but his eyes were burning with anger.
"That's what you think." he frowned childishly, since he couldn't think of any argument to use in this case. And he was tired. And hangover. "And I am playing against Jim. That's what could get you killed only by sharing a dorm."
"That couldn't get me killed. I don't understand. Right just... Look. I'm gonna help you whether you like it or not because..you're my friend, Sherlock. Friends look out for each other." He looked at the floor, trying to speak his mind but found it impossible.
"Yes, that's why we are both standing here, waiting for your friends to finally get fed up with the situation and shoot me. How fun." Sherlock rolled his eyes again, finding it easier to be cynical than think about the fact that it was exactly what would happen, and moved to lay on the couch, sprawled over the whole length. "But I am going to wait in sleep, since I am tired and it will hurt less."
"They are NOT my friends, you are NOT waiting here or giving up!" John glared, getting angrier but in the end just shook his head and sat down in an armchair, refusing to leave. He couldn't.
"I am not giving up. I just know my abilities, as well as theirs. Like I said, not even me working with Jim would be enough to bring them down. You being here doesn't help - quite the opposite, actually. Didn't they text you? To get the hell away from here before I have the chance to destroy you?" Sherlock commented calmly with his eyes closed.
"No they didn't, which is why I'm here. All they've texted me is 'change of scenery?'. That's it. What d'you think of that..?" John sighed, "I can't go back there."
"Easy. They are following you. Ooh! What a surprise!" Sherlock exclaimed sarcastically.
"But why? Why me? I'm nothing interesting. I'm not Jim or you. Not interesting." He looked at the floor. "Nevermind. Just.. See you then." John headed fowards the door again.
"You are probably the most interesting person I have met in my whole life. Tell Lestrade that when he starts working for Scotland Yard, I will make his eight work-hours living hell." Sherlock called after him cheerfully.
That comment made John swell up with a certain emotion. He didn't know what it was, it kinda caught his chest and held it tight in a good way. "Will do." He replied, walking out and down the stairs onto the streets of London. Sherlock would be ok, he seemed set in place and in mind. He'd go on with his training, neither of them would get hurt and they would get what they wanted. Kinda.
"Dear, you are leaving already?" Mrs. Hudson poked her head out of her door, holding a tray with tea pot and two cups. She looked a bit disappointed after the male. "Come visit again!" she called good-naturelly.
"Sorry. Thanks for everything." He smiled at her before leaving the building and heading down the street. John made his way back to campus, though it'd take a while.
See. You don't need him. -
Sherlock waited till dark, unable to fall asleep after all, and then moved into the wilder, darker parts of London to work. He had only the rest of this semester, until Lestrade starts working for the Scotland Yard - it would probably take him about three hours to reach Sherlock after that, since he had been forced to visit the station twice already in only that one day. And if John told Lestrade about the drugs, the older male would never leave Sherlock alone for longer period of time.
A train ride later, John arrived back on campus, feeling exhausted as he collapsed onto his bed, finding the lonely room foreign to him still. He shut his itching eyes, allowing himself to drift off, not caring if it was the middle of the night or midday.
Nice to have you home -
It was almost noon and Lestrade still hasn't heard anything from John.
Still alive? Wher R u? -GL
He had taken Molly to lunch, finished his essay, been forced to listen to his mother nag about weather for two hours, but he didn't get any message from either Sherlock or John. That was quite deep in his dreamless sleep, John didn't notice the text messages. He felt calm for once but noticed a lot of background noise in his dream, didn't know what but guessed it was from memories of the day. He woke up in the evening, taking a deep sigh.
In bed. JW
..Sorry, wot? -GL
I. Am. In. Bed. JW
He rolled over, burying his head in the soft cushion, feeling cold. He felt jealous of past John. The John that had a Sherlock to keep him warm. God, he really was a saddo. What the hell was going on with him?
Yes. Uni or London? -GL
Uni. At the dorm. JW
Oh thanks god. So u didn't find him? -GL
I did. He's gonna make your life hell at Scotland Yard. JW
He relayed Sherlock's message, not wanting to talk to Greg.
Ooh. I am so looking forward ;) From another side-Y did u leave so soon? -GL
There was no need to stay JW
So u argued, u punched him and left screaming? :D -GL
Nah. We talked for a bit and I said goodbye. Not coming back. You'll see him in 5yrs. I'll probably be KIA by then JW
I'll see him in 5months. Starting for SY then. R u ok? -GL
Fine. JW
He got up to make himself some tea, sighing. He felt weird, like he had gotten closure yet there was a massive void.
Don't sound like dat. Thought u would bring him back screaming and kicking. -GL
Tbh, I can't by asked. He can do what he wants. Y shud I care? JW
Coz u like him,he loves u - all around one big, happy mess. ^^ -GL
John let out a sigh at that. Was that really how Sherlock felt? Not that ot mattered amymore. John wouldn't admit it, he did like Sherlock more than he'd admit but it wouldn't work. Besides..he had Sarah.
Haha very funny JW
Oh of course he doesn't. Jk. -GL
Then, after few seconds.
Sarcasm. He does,and I still hate you. Wanna know what big Bro told me? -GL
Go on then. JW
John stared at the cieling, mind going all over the place. None of it made sense. Lestrade said that but the way Sherlock acted said another story. Well there was the time he had that fever..and the time when he was drunk but that couldn't mean anything, right? Ok, John had a crush on Sherlock. Ok maybe slightly a little bit possibly more than that but...he was straight. He had Sarah. He didn't have Sherlock. Did he /want/ Sherlock..?
Ther is supposed to B third side-against both Sherlock and Moriarty. And Big Bro said,dat judging by S's actions,the third side is connected to u. Rly? -GL
Yeah. That's what I know. The 3rd guy's been texting me and he's a proper creep. He says he's my gaurdian angel. Creepy shit. Watches me. Why?! JW
Don't ask me, lol. Just try to calm ur little fanclub down a bit,till they shoot else. -GL
I dunno how! Ugh. I don't want anymore deaths. Over me? Not worth it. JW
Better think bout way. And quick. If dey kill any1 who tries to kill u,wot will happen wen u join d army? -GL
They're not gonna kill the whole bloody Taliban! I dnt know. Shd I go to the police? I don't know what to do JW
Woud be funny though :D donno,ur problem-solve it. -GL
Thank you Mr Helpful Policeman. JW
How the hell would he solve it? Dying would help. No John to save. He wouldn't be clever enough to fake it.
Can we meet? Please? JW
He texted the number of the stranger, hoping to get a reply.
Told u I still hate u :)) might hav an idea,tho. U now wat Sh did to postpone Jim's game? -GL
Haha :/ What he do? JW
Not a jk. Big Bro told me; he said he threatened to kill himself had Jim not agreed. 'Eliminate the key player' he called it. -GL
I should threaten to kill myself to the guy? Meet with him? JW
John thought the idea was sound enough. He wasn't afraid and Sherlock's gun was still here.
Meet with me. JW
15 minutes. I will. Roof. -
He took a deep breathe, taking the gun and slipping it into his back can try. Gud luck. Write me l8er how it went. -GL
I will. Txt you l8r. -JW
John put his jacket on and made his way to the roof, stopping still when he evntually go to the top of the stairs, seeing the suited man. He turned, a playful but warm smile on his lips as he saw John's image.
"Mr Watson. Hi. Pleasure to meet you in the flesh." The man was almost giddy with excitement, parallel with John's frown and annoyance.
"Are you the guy who's been texting me?"
"Obviously. Come on, you're smarter than that! Don't you recognise me..? Well.. of course not. I won't expect you to." He grinned still, pacing slightly as his hands were behind his back. John's eyes raced over the younger man's image but no recognition came to light. Younger, possibly in his late teens, suited - well off? Some sort of Eastern background, accent obviously from London or some well off area down south. Now he felt like Sherlock.
"I'm sorry. I don't. I would like to, I don't."
"Ah well - that's ok. I do not mind. Are you ok? It really is good to meet you."
John's hands bawled into fists, "Ok, just stop talking. I've got questions and you're gonna answer."
The man nodded his reply, listening with interest.
"1) Who the hell are you?" John raised his voice, trying to keep calm.
"I cannot give my identity to you. I could give you a fake name if that would please you. Dave? Alan?" He grinned, "Ryou?"
John gave a sigh, "2) Why are you interested in me? Why kill that guy? Get rid of Richard? Sherlock?"
"You really don't remember..? Well that's ok. I won't bother telling you if y-"
"TELL ME. TELL ME NOW. I'm fed up with the texting and the crypticness and all that crap! If you're so interested in me I have a right to know why!"
"A right? No you don't. Why don't you just be quiet for a while?"
"Yes I do. Fine just.. Leave me alone ok? Leave. Me alone. Stop killing, stop texting and go shoo. Leave."
That prevoked a laugh in the man. "I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing this because I have to. I have to."
"Have to?" John pressed, hand going to the gun in his backpocket.
"Yes. I wouldn't expect you to understand Mr Watson.."
"Why? Because I'm stupid?" John pulled the gun out, putting it to his own head.
"Obviously, very. Put the gun away." He said tiredly and dryly, rolling his eyes.
"No. If you don't go away, I will shoot. Then you won't have me and you can go away and th-" John stopped talking, being shut up by the other man's laughter."You think I like to constantly babysit you? I do it because I have to. Shoot yourself and I'll jump. No point in my life otherwise." He said simply.
"Wh..what? I.." John didn't know what to do, just feeling stupid. "Why...? Just tell me why. Please.
"Minehead. 7 years ago. Boy was raped and pushed off the pier to drown. Remember?"
John's whole face dropped. He remembered that clearly. He had walked past when the young boy had been pushed off and his first instinct was to dive in after him and he did. John had pulled the boy to shore and he had survived. "You..?"
"Yeah. You saved me. I was told that you had been my 'gaurdian angel' that day. Took me a while to find you, but I did. Now I am simply returning the favour. I have to."
The older shook his head, almost angrily, "That's very sweet but you don't have to. Stop this. Now."
A laugh came from the younger as he began to head to the stairs, "I have to go now. It was nice meeting you Mr Watson." He left, John just standing there with the gun to his head, unable to move.
Hi :) feeling better now? -SS
Only when John had prised himself from the roof and collapsed onto his bed he checked his texts.
Good as always :) x jw
He sighed, whole body shaking from something. Anger? Adrenaline?
U sure? :) evrything solved, then? -SS
Done? How did it go? -GL
Yep! How are you? JW
Done. Can't get rid of him. Tried putting a gun to my head. Nope. Didn't work. Met him though. I've met him before kinda. JW
Good. Went shopping. :) What u up to? -SS
Rly? When? What happened? -GL
Just at the dorm. JW
Nothing really. Just talked for two minutes and he walked off. JW
So nothing changed and dey will still kill anyone who goes against u? How fun. -GL
Pretty much. I suck. I suck because I miss the git. More than I should JW
Sherlock? Well, don't go anywer close to him. I wan him still alive when I kick his ass for running away in five months. -GL
I won't. It.. I just feel weird. Sick but not sick. It's not right. Only happens when I think about him. JW
Want an advice? Get over it. Dat way u will both live long to C tomorrow. -GL
I'd rather live happy than live long. I'm happy with him. Greg, it hurts. It's weird. JW
Though I can't disagree,get him killed and I'll kill u twice. Just saying. -GL
I won't. I'm leaving him alone. Forever. It'll be alright. It's just a phase. I'll get over it. Got training soon enough. JW
Good. U will live. Wanna go grab a bier or something? -GL
Ja. Sure. I think I need one. Or a lot. Just need alcohol. JW
Meet me outside. We're going to get pissed. Cheers. -GL
Gladly. JW
John dragged himself out of his bed, and onto the floor, rolling over to his coat and getting up. No one saw that. He couldn't be bothered to walk there. He locked the door behind him and walked out onto the courtyard, waiting for the other.
Greg half-jogged the distance before he could start feeling cold in only short-sleeved shirt, and gave John a hesitant grin. "Hoy." he greeted, hesitating for a moment before he reached and drew John into a one-arm hug.
He met the hug slightly, smiling. "Hey. First round on me?" John pulled away, shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Second on me and we will play rock-paper-scissor-lizard-Spock for the rest?" he laughed merrily, starting the way towards the closest pub.
"Deal." John's smile increased at Greg's laugh, it being comforting to him. He walked into the pub, holding the door open for the other and walking over to the bar. "Larger?"
"The largest." Lestrade retorted, climbing onto the high stool in front of the bar. He patted the one next to him. "Let's stay here and save our legs, what says you?" he grinned.
"Yeah sure." John smiled, sitting on the stool. He ordered two pints took a large sip of his own, sighing with relief. "I need this so bad."
"Just don't moan to me when you feel like shit tomorrow." Greg commented with a smirk and took a sip himself. "I believe I warned you, you will fall for the Holmes' charm, though, didn't I?" he grinned widely.
"Fallen hard and fast. I'm not even gay." John grumbled, taking another sip. "I mean, what the hell? Seriously."
"You don't need to be gay to like a guy." Greg shrugged, swallowing a large gulp of his beverage. "Told him at least?"
"No...No I never told him. Regretting it now. But ah well. I'll get over him. Right..?" He took another large sip of his beer, voice hopeful towards the other.
"Who knows." Lestrade shrugged again, "I never did, did I." he grew serious suddenly. "Though I am thinking about asking Molly out.. you all right with that?" he raised his eyebrow at John.
"Hmm? Oh yeah, sure." John smiled, "Defo. Sounds cool. You and Molly would be good together. Why wouldn't I be alright with that?" He asked, finishing the rest of his pint.
"Well she dated Richard, I shagged Sherlock and we are all quite a closed group." Lestrade grinned sheepishly. "It could get a bit awkward.."
"It shouldn't get too awkward. Richard would want her to move on, you'd be good for her." John smiled slightly, "As for Sherlock..I uhh.. It shouldn't be a problem since I don't think he's coming back any time soon due to the whole fan-club guy."
"I meant between me and you." Lestrade gave him an apologetic look. "We both like the same guy, neither of us is going to get him and I am going to date your little sister." he explained. "Let's drink to that, though." Greg raised his bier and took a large swallow.
John raised his own, weakly after getting a new one. He smiled slightly and took a sip, trying to look on the good side of things. "And uh..I have Sarah. Kinda."
"Yeaaa.. poor gal that one." Greg smirked. "I at least really honestly do love Molls, since I love you guys all and all that shit, but poor, poor Sarah. She won the golden lemon." he ordered another drink as well.
"Golden lemon..?" John inqiured, having never heard of that insult before but guessed it was a bad thing. "To be honest I don't think she's into me."
"Golden lemon is a lemon, which is golden." Greg explained, not bothering to hide his smirk at all. "I don't know about that, the thing I don't get is how could anyone be into her. Molls doesn't like her. At all." he added, as if it explained everything.
"I don't understand that.. At all! Sarah's funny, clever, sexy, nice and brilliant. Maybe she's jealous? Y'know what girls are like." John shrugged, taking a sip. "If I'm a lemon, you're a melon."
"No, I am a peach." Lestrade stuck out his tongue at the younger male. "You know that 'melon' means 'friend' in Sindarish?" he added with a grin. "And Molly - jealous? Which planet are you from, mate?"
John took a long drink. "Earth, mate. Y'know what girls are like. Sarah's great. I can't see why anyone wouldn't like her. And what the hell is Sindarish? That Star Wars stuff?"
"Lord of the Rings noob." Greg shoved him playfully, before he called at the bartender and ordered third round for both of them. "Molly. Jealous. Of what? It's Molly."
"You know I'm not into that nerdy shit." John laughed, "I read the hobbit once. Boring though. And with Molly, come on! She's a girl. Girl's get jealous easily of other girls. Like, come on. Sarah's fit. Like, really fit. I mean, Molly's pretty. But she isn't Sarah."
"Yes, she isn't. Thankfully. I like Molls enough." Greg commented mock-offended for their friends. "But listen now." he leaned over to the younger, playfully serious expression on his face. "Do you trust Sherlock when it comes to people?"
"Yeah." John replied immediatley, realising he might have replied too quickly, "I uhh..I mean yeah. Why?" He took another sip of his beer.
"Then how do you explain that he liked Molly enough to talk to her every time they met and ask about her every time they should have meet and didn't; yet he honestly and genuinely hated the little gal of yours?" Lestrade asked, lopsided smirk on his lips.
"Well..uh.." John tried to think, "Jealous? I have no idea what's wrong with her! She's great. Has she done something before? Not murderer was she? Theif? Criminal? What the hell's everyone's problem with her?" He went on, getting slightly annoyed.
"Yes, jealousy, this time, I will give it to you." Lestrade grinned. "I don't know her, you know that." he shrugged. "Molls does. And you know how it goes; your friend is my friend, your enemy.." he trailed off.
"Well whatever. I'll talk to Molly when I see her. Sarah's..she's nice." He sighed, taking a large sip. "Don't get Molly pregnant though or I'll hang you."
"No worries darling." Greg laughed it off. "Don't make Sarah pregnant, cause we won't go to your wedding." he smirked.
"I don't think that's ever going to happen. She doesn't seem as in to me as I am her. I hope not." He took another sip of his beer, a smaller one.
"Well you have it bad for another guy, you can't expect her to be over her head for you.." Greg pointed out with a shrug.
"I guess." John shrugged, "Can we uhh change the subject?" He said hopefully, drinking.
"Hm.. let me think.." Greg hummed thoughtfully for few seconds, before he looked back at John with a grin. "No. I am enjoying this far too much."
"Git." John said with a grin, shaking his head. "So what exactly happened with Sherly? How'd you get to sleeping with him?"
"Want all the nasty details, don't you?" Greg wiggled his eyebrows at John, finishing off his bier. He asked for another one, quite eager to get drunk.
"Sure." He teased, smiling. "Since I can't remember anything about my night in the slightest." John copied the other man, wiggling his eyebrows.
"You are a horrible man Watson, horrible man." Lestrade chuckled, before he leaned closer conspirationally. "Well, we both got tipsy, talked a bit, I took him home and since big Bro wasn't there I decided to stay. Wouldn't want him feeling lonely, would I."
John laughed, shaking his head, "No no. You are a saint Gregory. Truly." He teased, sipping his beer. "Was it ever serious between you two? I mean, I know he doesn't do relationships."
Greg grinned. "Sure I am. Though Big Bro didn't thinks so in the morning. Still worth it, though." his grin only widened, before he grew more serious. "I guess it might have been. As much as you can get serious with Sherlock. He called me when he was being overdose. And whenever else he was in a deep shit. So I could come to the rescue." he grinned a bit, though he was still serious. "And he listened to me when I told him to go and do something. At least till he met you." Greg grinned sheepishly.
"You two would be off better together. I don't understand why you're not. I mean.. I don't think I want to be with Sherlock. I..ugh..I don't know. At all. Why does Sherlock like me? That's what I don't know. I just wish he wasn't so goddamn handsome."
Lestrade looked at John searchingly and shrugged. "Donno. I mean, can't help it, right? I didn't exactly go and decide to start liking him, did I.. Did you go and decided to start liking Sarah? Probably not.."
"I guess." John shrugged, finishing his beer. "Shhould I have told Sherly I liked him? What would you haff done if you were me?"
"Who knows. I did told him that I like him. Er.. kind of." Greg smiled sheepishly. "Though I didn't have a bloody psychopath trying to protect me by killing him."
"And how did that go?" John asked hopefully. "Why am I even getting hung up over this? I'm not going to see him again so it doesnt matter.."
"No, it really doesn't." Greg agreed. He called for the bartender, ordering another drink. "You want one?" he asked John. "Sherlock took it quite well. Said something like: 'oh. that's a mess'. Kept on watching me like a failed experiment later on, though." the older laughed.
"Yeah sure." John nodded, wanting to get drunk. "I dunno what's wrong with him. He just treats people like walking social experiments. Like life is one big experiment to him. I dunno."
Hey Sarah, how're you? JW
Lestrade nodded at the man behind the bar again to get John one as well. "I know. It's kind of funny, though." he grinned. "'Cause people are really similar, one to the others.. he can predict what will they do by just looking at them. It's.. really brilliant."
"Yeah, the whole deduction thing is great. Insanely brilliant. Just looking at someone and knowing their whole life story." John nodded, smiling.
"And how can you look at someone and ask them about their day, if you alredy know their whole life story, exactly what they did and why, and what they probably will do?" Greg grinned.
"No idea." John laughed, shaking his head. "But I guess that what makes Sherlock.. well Sherlock."
"Exactly." Lestrade chuckled, taking a huge swallow of the cold liquid.
Bored. Wot bout urself? ;) -SS
Just havin a few beers with Greg. :) xx – JW
"Uhuh." John nodded, sipping his beer, feeling the alcohol get to him.
"What were we talking about anyway?" Greg asked a bit sheepishly, finishing his glass off. "I think that was the last one for me tonight." he waved for the waitress, getting a cup of coffee.
Oh. Sounds fun. -SS
"Pssh. Baby." John teased smiling. "Dunno. Sherlock I think."
Wanna join us? I miss youuu ;) JW
"What else obviously." he rolled his eyes. "And I would rather stay sober than end up shagging someone and waking up with a hangover." Greg pointed out with a grin.
Hm? Can I? Wud like to meet the guy. :) -SS
Course! :) xx JW
"Sarah's coming. Think it'd be good for you to meet her." John commented happily.
"Ew." Greg made a face at that, before he hid his snort into the cup of coffee, almost spilling it onto himself. He grinned widely when the waitress gave him a disgusted look, quickly turning into blush when Greg winked at her. "So when's she coming? An why?" he looked back at John.
Yay ;) wher 'r u anyway? -SS
The fox, not far off campus ;) xx JW
"Just cuz I asked her to come." John smiled, shrugging. He laughed, watching him. "Careful."
"Careful of what, Johnny?" Greg grinned. "And why would you do that? I don't wanna meeeet heeer.." he whined, laying his head onto his palms like a child.
"Come on! I want you to meet her so you can see how great she is and see that Molly's just jealous! Come onnn! Do this for me." John patted his back.
Greg just grinned and rolled his eyes. "Fine, I'll meet the gal, though don't neuter me when I agree with Molls." the moment his cellphone buzzed in his pocket and Greg reached to read the message.
Bored. Will u come visit me l8er? -SH
John laughed, "Alright. Just, thanks for giving her a shot though mate, appriciate it." He smiled, taking another sip, "Who's the text from?"
"Sherlock. You are welcome, by the way." he watched the screen with a confused frown. "And he is either drunk, using some kind of a code, or finally learned how to write messages properly."
Y don't u come visit me? Might amuse u for a while. -GL
"Sherlock? Why? What does he want?" He asked, his attention on the mobile. John's eyes kept his eyes on the door, waiting for Sarah.
"The usual." Lestrade shrugged, tapping the cell against the counter as he waited for Sherlock to answer.
Sarah hesitantly stepped into the pub, frowning a bit. There was a lot of smoke inside. And drunk people. And she didn't even want to imagine how the toillettes looked. Thankfully she spotted John with his friend right away and started her way trough the crowd towards the bar.
No. Not goin back ther. -SH
"Hey!" John grinned as she walked over, "How are you?" He knew he wasn't drunk, just merry. Which suprised him due to amount of drink he had ingested.
Sarah walked closer to them, giving John's friend a look over. He looked drunk. As did John actually. Though the older looked like a member of some gang. However, she offered him her hand for a shake. "Hi, you must be Greg, I am John's girlfriend, Sarah."
"Lestrade." Greg shook her hand minutely, letting go almost immediatelly. She was quite pretty, he though as he looked her over, but more in the fragile way. Not unattractive, just.. Well, different from their group.
John smiled happily, glad they seemed to be getting on well. "Would you like a drink Sarah?" He was glad she was here. Just glad in general.
"Ah.. yes.. if they have a tea." she commented with a hint of doubt in her voice and hesitantly climbed onto the stool next to John. She hated the pub. It was just so.. dirty.
Lestrade watched the exchange for a moment before he turned back to his phone, knowing the younger would throw a tantrum if he didn't reply as soon as possible.
"Umm noo.. They have cola." John said hopefully, "Unless you want to come back to mine and I could make you some tea." He shrugged, smiling as he took another sip.
Lestrade raised an eyebrow at that. Wasn't that supposed to be a get-as-drunk-as-you-can night between him and John? He sighed, deciding that he didn't really want to argue.
"Really?" Sarah brightened a bit. The pub was horrible and John's friend wasn't talking at all, just staring at his cellphone. That was completely unsocial. "That would be great." she smiled.
Drunk? No. Might be a bit high, tho :) It's fun. U with John? How's he? -SH
John quickly downed the rest of his drink, paying for his rounds before smiling at Lestrade. "I'll see you tommorow, kay Greg? Say hii to Sherly for me." He got off his stool, "Night, mate." He started to head out with Sarah.
"Night." Lestrade sighed, not looking at either John or his girlfriend. He couldn't decide if he was more angry or sad about the turns of event. "He asked how you were, what am I supposed to write?" he called after John boredly, still not looking up from the screen.
Sarah followed after John, hooking her arm trough his with a smile. She couldn't wait to get away from that place.
"Alive!" John called after him before walking out, kissing Sarah's cheek as they walked through the cold night's air. "Glad you got to meet Lestrade. He's a good bloke."
Lestrade sighed at that and paid for himself as well. No reason to be there when John left.
He said 'alive' and left with his annoying girlfriend. How're u doing? -GL
"I don't know." Sarah frowned fleetingly, leaning her head onto John's shoulder. "He seems a bit.. harsh.. you know, like a member of yakuza or something.."
"Greggy? Nah, he's harmless. Bit rough on the edges but he's a loveable rouge kinda guy. Gentle guy." John shrugged gently.
Above the sniper watched carefully, eyes locked on John.
"Doesn't look so." Sarah repeated. "Do you go there often?" she asked, nodding towards the pub in distaste.
Been better till u told me dat. I hate her. -SH
"Sometimes, yeah." John smiled, "Normally with Greg or Ri-" he stopped himself, smiling.
The sniper set his rifle carefully, locking on target.