Tea and Texting Chapter 4: The Bet, a sherlock fanfic

A/N: A huge sorry to all the people who've waited.

Don't worry about memorizing the fonts. Just remember Sherlock and John and it'll work out

Italics is Sherlock

Bold is John

No effect is Molly

Bold and underlined is Harry

Bold and italics is Mycroft

Italics and Underlined is Lestrade

Sarah is everything

10th February, Tuesday

(00:00 a.m) John!

(00:01 a.m) Your brother told me. But that's beside the point. Are you okay!?

(00:02 a.m) I'm fine. I have no idea why everyone's making such a fuss.

(00:03 a.m) Please tell me you are at a hospital.

(00:04 a.m) Sherlock?

(00:06 a.m) Please be okay.

(6:09 a.m) Uhhh...you're probably sleeping and this is stupid...but just text me when you wake up. Yeah?

(7:08 a.m) I hope you're okay.

(9:54 a.m) Hi John. This is Molly. Sherlock's fine...well, he was stabbed but considering that this is Sherlock we are talking about...his brother forced Sherlock to a hospital. Sherlock's sleeping right now. Don't worry. He'll be alright. It was a minor stabbing.

(9:56 a.m) Oh, thank god! Thank you so much, Molly! I was really worried. But are you sure that he's gonna be okay?

(9:57 a.m) I'm a doctor too, John. Trust me. He'll be okay.

(9:58 a.m) Thank you, Molly.

Sherlock shared a contact: Molly

(9:59 a.m) That's my number. Please free to call anytime. I'd love to know you better!

(10:00 a.m) Yeah sure, that would be lovely.

(10:01 a.m) And hey, how are you? I know you care about him a lot. Must have been very difficult for you.

(10:02 a.m) Yeah, I'm always worried sick about Sherlock. It's hard not to. You wouldn't believe how many messes he's gotten into in the past. But thank you John. You have no idea how much you've helped.

(10:03 a.m) I beg your pardon?

(10:04 a.m) I don't know how to put it.

(10:04 a.m) You're different.

(10:04 a.m) Sherlock doesn't do friends.

(10:04 a.m) No, wait. He doesn't do people. The only reason he puts up with me is because I won't stop nagging him.

(10:06 a.m) Don't say that, Molly. He really cares about you, you know? A lot. Trust me.

(10:07 a.m) I know. But that's not my point.

(10:08 a.m) My point is that he cares about you too.

(10:09 a.m) Molly's stealing my thunder, is she?

(10:09 a.m) Sherlock!

(10:09 a.m) Are you okay?

(10:09 a.m) Hang on John, just reading what exactly went on between you and Molly.

(10:10 a.m) You'll not find much there. I have her number now in case you haven't noticed.

(10:12 a.m) I hate not knowing.

(10:12 a.m) Don't pout Sherlock.

(10:13 a.m) What do you know about me?

(10:14 a.m) I know your last name, Sherlock Holmes.

(10:19 a.m) I'm disappointed. I quite liked this.

(10:19 a.m) What do you mean?

(10:20 a.m) You have my name. You probably know my entire history at this point. My blog...I don't know, the anonymity felt a little...Never mind that now.

(10:21 a.m) I haven't googled you, if that's what you're saying.

(10:21 a.m) You haven't?

(10:21 a.m) Why?

(10:21 a.m) I would have.

(10:22 a.m) I have no idea. Just didn't feel like it.

(10:23 a.m) Okay...

(10:23 a.m) Sherlock?

(10:24 a.m) Hmm?

(10:25 a.m) Never mind. Get well soon.

(10:26 a.m) I intend to.

(12:09 p.m) Sherlock?

(12:10 p.m) Okay. Just hit me back when you can.

(1:09 p.m) John, I've received a complaint against you...Your diagnosis of a man with a broken arm is the flu...Are you okay? I really hope you aren't drunk or anything.

(1:19 p.m) Oh crap.

(1:20 p.m) I'm so sorry Sarah. I was distracted. A friend of mine got stabbed and I was waiting for news...I hope you don't mind.

(1:22 p.m) Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that! I hope your friend is okay.

(1:28p.m) I'll never understand you John.

(2:09 p.m) Hi John, just wanted to let you know that Mycroft confiscated Sherlock's phone.

(4:09 p.m) What xD..Is Sherlock being grounded?

(4:11 p.m) For two men who claim to be the smartest in England, they sure can be kids =)

(4:13 p.m) Well, in Mycroft's defense, Sherlock just texted the FBI about some potential attack in New York due to the Director's wife being an old flame of a doctor in the hospital...

(4:14 p.m) What even..

(4:15 p.m) In Sherlock's defense, he was right. Mycroft is dealing with the threat as we speak. However, Sherlock could've been a little kinder...he toppled the scales of Britain-U.S relations completely...

(4:17 p.m) Yeah, so Sherlock is grounded in a way. Until he gets discharged.

(4:18 p.m) Oh.

(4:20 p.m) Anyway, thanks for the update Molly.

(4:21 p.m) Anytime John :)

11th February, Wednesday

(9:09 a.m) Hi Molly, sorry to disturb you.

(9:10 a.m) You aren't at all. Slow day at work. What's up?

(9:11 a.m) Just wanted to check on Sherlock.

(9:12 a.m) I visited him this morning. He was composing. And reading. Mycroft has kindly provided a transcript of your conversation in exchange to Sherlock staying an extra day at the hospital.

(9:13 a.m) A transcript of my conversation with Mycroft? How does a transcript even exist?!

(9:15 a.m) You see John, you think you know who the Queen of England is. But really, it's Mycroft Holmes. =)

(9:16 a.m) Mycroft is really worried about Sherlock. Mycroft's ignorance when Sherlock was younger cost him a lot. He feels guilty about it everyday. I can see it in his eyes.

(9:17 a.m) I can sense it's a personal story...I'll not pry.

(9:19 a.m) Can I read this transcript? Please tell me you have a copy!

(9:20 a.m) I do :3. Mycroft sent it to my mail (phone ban, remember?)

Molly has sent you a file:

(8:05 p.m) Back on terra firma.

(8:09 p.m) Discharged, I presume?

(8:10 p.m) I nearly died of boredom!

(8:11 p.m) The irony, since you were in a hospital.

(8:11 p.m) #OhWhatABeautifulNight

(8:12 p.m) Since when did Sherlock Holmes use hashtags?

(8:12 p.m) Freedom deserves a hashtag, John.

(8:12 p.m) I'll leave you to it then. Happy Independence Day.

(8:14 p.m) I'm so happy to be alive!

12th February, Thursday

(8:30 a.m) Hey Sherlock!

(8:31 a.m) How are you holding up?

(10:37 a.m) Hello John! I'm completely fine, I don't know what the fuss is all about. Currently on a case. Laters!

(12:54 p.m) Have fun, Sherlock.

(1:58 p.m) Harry, I need to talk to you. You there?

(2:01 p.m) Hey Johnny! Just started my break. What's up? Long time, no text.

(2:03 p.m) Yeah, sorry about that, really. Just the job.

(2:04 p.m) Don't worry about it! My new job is killing me too.

(2:06 p.m) You're doing splendidly. We are all very proud of you. Got that into your head?

(2:07 p.m) Thank you for everything.

(2:08 p.m)You...you saved me.

(2:09 p.m) Don't say that, Harry.

(2:10 p.m) You saved yourself.

(2:10 p.m) You always know what to say.

(2:13 p.m) Hey, so what's this thing you wanted to talk about? All good on your side? How's William?

(2:15 p.m) That's the thing. We haven't been corresponding lately and it is kinda driving me crazy.

(2:16 p.m) Hmmm. What kind of crazy?

(2:17 p.m) I don't know, it feels weird. Like an itch I can't get rid of.

(2:18 p.m) Go on.

(2:18 p.m) Like, it doesn't affect me, but it still lingers in the back of my head, never completely leaving me.

(2:19 p.m) You...miss him?

(2:20 p.m) Maybe. In a manner of speaking.

(2:22 p.m) John, let me ask you something. When was the last time you went out? Like on a date or something?

(2:23 p.m) What has that got to do with anything?!

(2:24 p.m) Just. Just answer the question.

(2:26 p.m) I...

(2:28 p.m) Does getting the groceries count?

(2:29 p.m) Oh John.

(2:30 p.m) Fine, fine. I get your point. I'll go out tonight.

(2:31 p.m) There you go! :)

(2:32 p.m) Go, get 'em tiger!

13th February, Friday

(8:30 a.m) Good morning, brother mine.

(8:31 a.m) What are you so smug about?

(8:32 a.m) Not bad Sherlock. I've taught you quite well.

(8:33 a.m) Sorry, still reeling from shock.

(8:33 a.m) TAUGHT?!

(8:34 a.m) I pity your keyboard.

(8:35 a.m) By taught, you mean just stood there silently, never saying a word for our entire childhood?

(8:36 a.m) Exactly. I was always looking. Always ready to give you that subtle push.

(8:37 a.m) Stop pretending that I'm your prodigy, Mycroft. I'm a self-made genius, don't you dare take credit.

(8:38 a.m) You've always chosen to see only what you like. A dangerous habit for someone in the detective field, no doubt.

(8:39 a.m) You know I abhor all emotions.

(8:40 a.m) At crime scenes, yes certainly. But, in your flat at the other hand,

(8:41 a.m) As much as I enjoy our small talk, don't you have some business to attend to? With the Secret Service, if I'm not mistaken?

(8:42 a.m) Yes, yes. Briefing in twenty minutes. Speaking of the Secret Service, they have detected some unusual activity on your phone.

(8:43 a.m) I haven't texted him.

(8:44 a.m) That is the unusual activity, Sherlock.

(8:44 a.m) Why must you constantly interfere in my life this way?

(8:45 a.m) You know why.

(8:46 a.m) You rate of texting has drastically dropped since the stabbing. Come to your senses at last?

(8:47 a.m) I don't know what you are talking about.

(8:47 a.m) Caring is not an advantage, Sherlock. Don't say I didn't warn you.

(8:48 a.m) Advice that would be of much more utility to you, brother. My Baker Street Irregulars tell me tales of a woman in your life.

(8:49 a.m) Change the topic. Now.

(8:50 a.m) I have to admit though. John shows spirit.

(8:51 a.m) I know.

(12:54 p.m) Hey, Sherlock! :)

(12:55 p.m) Molly.

(12:56 p.m) What devious plan are you up to?

(12:57 p.m) No plans. Really!

(12:58 p.m) Okay. Let us assume I believe you.

(12:58 p.m) Yay!

(12:59 p.m) Oh goddamnit. I can't think of a subtle way of asking you about John.

(1:00 p.m) What about him?

(1:01 p.m) You very well know what I'm talking about.

(1:02 p.m) I really don't.

(1:03 p.m) Well, if you're in denial...

(1:03 p.m) I'm not. Why are you making a huge fuss about it?

(1:04 p.m) What are you doing?

(1:05 p.m) Helping Lestrade with a case.

(1:10 p.m) Mycroft strictly ordered the entire Scotland Yard to not give you cases. You're in your room, probably watching Doctor Who.

(1:11 p.m) And what if I were?

(1:12 p.m) You are. I just checked with Mrs. H. You've completely locked yourself out. I'm worried, Sherlock.

(1:13 p.m) You know my fits, Molly. Just leave me be. I'll be fine.

(1:14 p.m) Something feels off, Sherlock.

(1:14 p.m) Goodbye, Molly.

You have five missed calls from Molly Hooper

SHSHSHSH

(6:09 p.m) Hi John!

(7:11 p.m) Molly, hi!

(7:21 p.m) How's everything? :)

(7:22 p.m) So and so. What's happening with you?

(7:23 p.m) Nothing much, really. Unless you count the violin screeching + gunshots at random times + spilling hot tea on your toe because of said gunshots...

(7:24 p.m) Never mind, sorry for ranting.

(7:25 p.m) No, no, it's alright.

(7:25 p.m) What's up with him anyway?

(7:26 p.m) Well, he's obviously very bored. Mycroft has been quite firm with the Yard. Sherlock won't be getting cases anytime soon.

(7:27 p.m) Well, surely, that wouldn't stop Sherlock from taking a case?

(7:28 p.m) You don't seem to completely understand the depth of the word "firm"

(7:29 p.m) Well, I do, I was just hoping that I was mistaken.

(7:31 p.m) John.

(7:32 p.m) It was nice talking to you, Molly. :)

(7:32 p.m) John, wait!

(7:33 p.m) Sherlock, I'm going out. Need some air. Tell Mrs. H that I won't be having dinner.

(7:34 p.m) Tell her yourself.

(7:34 p.m) Never mind.

14th February, Saturday

(9:45 a.m) Heya John! Wanna meet?

(11:14 a.m) Morning Harry.

(11:20 a.m) Morning, sleepy-head.

(11:21 a.m) Who says I've been sleeping? ;)

(11:22 a.m) Someone got laaaaaaid last night.

(11:22 a.m) :)

(11:23 a.m) Good for you! Three-Continent-Watson is back, baby!

(11:24 a.m) God, I had forgotten about that nickname.

(11:25 a.m) Well, I thought we could keep each other company, today being Valentine's Day and all...

(11:30 a.m) Shit.

(11:31 a.m) I gotta go. See you later, Harry!

(11:32 a.m) Bye Johnny boy. Have fun ;)

(1:00 p.m) Where are you? I have been screaming for the past twenty minutes.

(1:10 p.m) I am on a date, Sherlock. I told you yesterday.

(1:11 p.m) I ran out of bullets.

(1:12 p.m) Sherlock. I. Am. On. A. Date.

(1:12 p.m) I am out of bullets!

(1:13 pm) He's beginning to feel uncomfortable. Go talk to Mrs. H or something.

(1:13 p.m) Useless, all of you.

15th February, Sunday

(10:00 am) Hi!

(10:15 am) Hello Molly!

(10:16 am) How're things?

(10:16 am) All good on my end :)

(10:17 am) Oh, thank goodness! The past few days have been really weird!

(10:20 am) I'm sorry?

(10:21 am) You know, this whole thing with Sherlock. He's been in dumps lately. I didn't want to stay in the flat, I am currently at my boyfriend's. Being with Sherlock when he's like that is impossible.

(10:22 am) Like what?

(10:23 am) You know..the gunshots, the cruel deductions, the ranting about inconsequential things..I can finally go back to the flat tonight (sigh)

(10:26 am) Ummmmm

(10:27 am) Sherlock and I haven't started texting again if that was what you were implying

(10:31 am) Wait, what

(10:31 am) Ohhhhhhhh

(10:31 am) I'm so sorry for what I said. Please ignore all that.

(10:32 am) Gotta run. Sorry!

(10:32 am) Bye!

(10:39 am) Bye John...

SHSHSHSHSH

Molly Hooper is calling you.