A/N: Sherlock's turn on thinking and caring
Spoiler alert: The Great Game
Chapter 13 in which Sherlock tries to stay detached in order to solve everything on time
The additional time he had gained from bombers repeating Sherlock used to find out more about people that surrounded Adam West who had foolish enough to carry around missile plans and to go into past trying to locate their mastermind. First one was easy, the second one was frustrating.
"I'm on fire" he shouted after he solved Janus Car's case and some of that feeling lingered on but frustration had started to creep up to him. Especially after old woman died. That disturbed his thought processes but he was quick to regain them and re-establish that he did what was needed, she exposed herself trying to be heroic.
Sherlock thought about their opponent trying to understand. John was quick to understand, like booking a holiday, he describes it simply and Sherlock found it fascinating as a though, mental challenge, not a real option. He was deep in thought when John interrupted him with implying that he's somehow involved with his opponent. It took Sherlock some time to catch up with his train of thoughts. Once again it revolved about lives he knew nothing about.
"Do you care about that at all?" John challenged him and Sherlock was surprised to find he was disappointed in him. That made him angry, he wasn't the one to blame if the doctor like to think too much of the people. He had a job, he loved his job and that was enough, why should he care. It didn't help him one bit in solving the case, it only clouded his mind making it hard to see the right way.
He cleared his mind to make room for the painting case. Luckily John was smart enough to carry on and be useful. Sherlock couldn't deny his input but still, he was annoyed by his pleading for emotions but he couldn't stay mad at him for long so as they approached golem's hideout he made a reconciliation comment about the stars.
"Beautiful," he said and John had reacted like he usually does with a retort, everything was sorted. After golem got away John proved useful once again and they tracked him quickly.
To pass the time Sherlock turned on the television, he couldn't stand the tension of waiting, and even more, there was a small chance that he would turn on John's detection of oncoming danger. He had that on him, and he would refuse to be left behind. It was frustrating to watch how ignorant people can be at spotting simple genetic markers. John had typed behind him asking about the plans, Sherlock lied that he gave them to Mycroft; because he knew how to lie he added a dispute that he and Mycroft had about knighthood to make it more real. Soon John was back to his campaign to make Sherlock admit that he lacked some knowledge, and missed something important. Sherlock retorted back and received recognition of his unique position in the world. That made him smile; he loved how John always had that in mind.
"True," he said and soon John was up and off to Sarah's. Man on the television again said something stupid, John informed him about risotto not even realizing he's doing it again, caring about what he'll eat and will be when he's on his own. It was nice so Sherlock said he'll get milk, it was something John would appreciate, something simple enough to make things evener. Of course, he noticed a discrepancy in his behaviour but didn't put too much to it as Sherlock stared straight to the monitor. Soon he was gone and Sherlock finally got to type his message. Midnight, he'll watch a lot of irritating things till then.
When he entered the pool he wasn't afraid, this was a game and he was determined to win it. When John appeared and spoke up Sherlock had a moment of pure horror, it could never be John, no, he's not such a poor judge of character, not John. That would change the whole universe of meaning, but then he revealed bombs on his chest and Sherlock experienced relief and fear at the same time. Of course, stakes were higher; John was the balance to make him lose.
pool scene on next, and then into Adler's arms :)