The next day consisted of saying goodbye to Sherlock and a very long nap. I woke up to the door of 221B slamming shut and the sound of footsteps going up the stairs. Simultaneously, my phone buzzed on my nightstand. It was Sherlock. Unlocking it with a lazy swipe of my thumb, I read the message.
You free to come to a crime scene?
I could use your help.
-SH
A knock on my door made me leap to my feet before tripping over my blanket and collapsing onto the floor. Echo immediately took advantage of the situation and licked my face furiously before barking at the door.
"You alright?" Sherlock's voice asked.
I only groaned in response as the door swung open, revealing my sleep deprived self to the detective.
"What's the story?" I questioned as he let himself in, staring down at me.
"There's been a fourth suicide," he said simply, offering me his hand.
I took it and grunted as he pulled me to my feet easily, which unfortunately caused me to stumble into the detective's chest. He wrapped his arms around me to keep me upright while glancing down at me questioningly.
"I'll come, just let me get dressed," I sighed, pushing away from his warm grip tiredly.
"Alright."
The detective stood boredly as I went to grab my clothes before turning to face him.
"Sherlock," I started.
"Hmm?" he asked.
"Out," I ordered.
Echo barked in agreement, but wagged her tail happily. It would seem she had grown to like him.
"Oh, I'll wait outside," the detective replied, seemingly embarrassed by his mistake.
A slight hint of a blush seemed to cross his features, but I could not tell as he quickly turned around and shut the door. I shook my head in amusement before tugging my shirt off over my head. My clothes fell to the floor and I changed as quickly as my tired body allowed. My outfit consisted of jeans and a baggy t-shirt because who dresses up to see a crime scene? I took a moment to make an attempt at bringing a brush through my hair but quickly gave up and put it into a messy bun.
"Alright," I said, putting my phone in my back pocket and opening the door to see Sherlock standing there awkwardly.
"It's alright Sherlock," I laughed, patting his arm lightly before heading downstairs and outside with the detective close behind.
John stood outside after having hailed for a cab which was waiting behind him. We stood and greeted each other for a moment before John quickly whispered something into Sherlock's ear and hopping in the cab. I raised my eyebrow quizzically at the detective but got no explanation so I shrugged and headed to the other side of the vehicle. Before I could open the door, Sherlock's hand darted out to do it for me. He smiled uncertainly as he held the door open for me.
"Thank you," I smiled, sliding into the middle seat of the cab before Sherlock sat beside me and closed the door.
I caught John give Sherlock a thumbs up as the cab began driving and laughed lightly, realizing what John had told Sherlock.
"Are you trying to be nice?" I teased, making Sherlock look confused for a moment.
"Is it working?" he asked hopefully.
I laughed and nodded before turning my gaze ahead. As we drove, Sherlock told John and I about his job as a consulting detective. His reaction to John's compliment made it seem as though he had never heard one directed at him before. I smiled at the two men beside me contently until we arrived at our destination. Before leaving the cab, I smiled at the cabbie and thanked him gratefully.
"Good day miss," he smiled back as I exited and walked between John and Sherlock.
Police cars were parked at random and the whole area was cut off with police tape. As we approached the scene, a woman stopped us before the tape.
"Hello freak," she greeted, staring directly at Sherlock who tensed up nearly unnoticeably.
"Excuse me?" I spat, staring her down.
Sherlock placed a hand on my shoulder in warning as the woman shuffled back a step.
"Thought so, bitch," I muttered under my breath as she lifted the tape for us to pass under.
"You're his girl now huh?" she asked as we headed towards the door, speaking ass though it was an insult.
I looked up at Sherlock and winked before turning back to her with a mischievous grin.
"Just play along," I whispered to him.
"Yup," I said, making her look at me uncertainly before dropping her jaw slightly.
The woman spoke into her radio, warning the others that we had arrived.
"Freak's here. Bringing him in."
I said nothing but looked up at Sherlock reassuringly. As much as I am sure he would never admit it, the insult did seem to affect him if only slightly. He walked stiffly beside me as a man exited the building and glared at Sherlock. Ouch. Sherlock doesn't seem to have many friends.
"Ah, Anderson. Here we are again," the detective greeted.
"This is a crime scene. I don't want it contaminated," Anderson warned angrily, the vein in his forehead nearly bulging as it pulsed.
I zoned out while inspecting Sara after noticing that her knees were rather raw from some kind of rubbing. My attention was brought back just in time to hear of the affair Anderson and Sara were having. Unfortunately, I heard Sherlock's deduction of their sex life.
"Judging by the state of her knees," Sherlock finished.
"You guys are perfect for each other," I smirked, heading inside.
"I could say the same about you," Sara shot back, making me smile and call out over my shoulder.
"Comparing me to a genius is not exactly an insult dear," I laughed, linking my arm with Sherlock's before entering the building.
"Sorry, that was too fun," I apologized, dropping Sherlock's arm gently as the three of us heading up the stairs.
The detective looked down at his now empty arm, seeming a bit unsettled before smiling a bit.
"It was fairly amusing," he agreed.
Despite his limp, John soon reached the top with us where Lestrade was waiting.
"Hey Greg," I greeted, giving the inspector a quick hug before pulling on the blue cover to keep from contamination.
"Hello Em," he replied before discussing the victim with Sherlock as we approached the true crime scene.