I'm sorry this has taken so long to update! Work has been busy and I wasn't sure I was loving the story enough to continue. But I have another couple of chapters written, so hopefully my muse won't desert me again! Enjoy :)

'I can't believe you punched him!' Emily clutched her stomach as she tried to stop herself laughing.

John grinned, 'Well he did ask me to!'

They were sitting in a pub two streets away from Baker Street. Apparently John came here with his friend Mike occasionally. It was warm and cosy, and the drink was cheaper than most places in London. When Emily stopped laughing so hard, she took a sip of her cider. They had been sitting in the pub for a couple of hours, it seemed to be the place that people came before heading on somewhere else, so it was never too busy.

When they arrived, they had been sitting on opposite sides of the table. John had been a gentleman and given Emily the comfy seat along the wall, while he had taken the stool. However as a few more people had come in, he had offered it to the group sitting next to them and had taken up the space beside Emily. They sat half facing each other, both quite comfy in each others company as they people watched and told anecdotes about their lives. She had told him about what happened when she went upstairs and spoke the Sherlock. Although John assured her it was just Sherlock, he was also worried that she had been frightened by him. Emily assured him, she was fine, that it was just a surprise to her.

At some point John had placed his arm along the back of the bench. When Emily laughed and leaned back, her cheek kept brushing against his hand. She knew that sometimes she was doing it on purpose to see what John's reaction would be. So far he hadn't moved, instead smiling at her like he knew what she was doing. Emily knew she had drunk enough to lose a bit of her self-consciousness, but not too much that she wasn't fully aware of what she was doing. She had never been too comfortable around guys, always wondering what they thought of her. For some reason John put her at ease, and she was sure he fancied her as well.

'Do you want another one?' Emily nodded her head towards his nearly empty pint glass.

'Yea, that'd be great, same again just.' John smiled at her.

As they were seated in the corner, with a group of people on the other side of her, Emily had to squeeze past John to get out. He moved slightly to give her room round the table, but with a thought going through her head, Emily placed a hand on his knee as if balancing herself to stand up properly. As she did, she looked at him through her eyelashes and gently bit her bottom lip. God those women's magazines have a lot to answer for she thought! Though from John's reaction it seemed to be working. He had taken a slight intake of air and she could see a faint blush coming to his cheeks as she smiled at her.

'You ok?' He asked

'Yep, I'll be two ticks.'

She closed her eyes briefly as she walked away, wondering if he was watching her. As she got to the bar, she turned to look back, and he was indeed watching her. Smiling she turned back and ordered two more drinks before returning to the table. After setting the drinks on the table, and moving to her seat, John offered his hand to steady her as she sat down. They continued to talk about random topics for another ten minutes or so. Soon Emily looked at the clock on her phone. It told her it was 11pm.

'I didn't realise what time it was, eleven o'clock! I should probably be getting back soon, I'm up early!'

'Seriously?! That flew in! It's the good company.' John smiled. 'Finish up and I'll walk you back.'

They downed the rest of their drinks and John helped Emily put her coat on. They wandered amicably back to 221, the fresh night air brought a flush to both their cheeks. By the time they reached Baker Street, Emily had linked her arm with John's. As they got to the door, John got out his key, Emily had an idea.

'Do you fancy coming into mine for a quick cup of tea, clear our heads a bit?'

John smiled, 'Perfect. I'd love to.'

He opened the door and they made their way to 221c. When they got in, Emily threw her phone towards John and told him to choose some music while she put the kettle on. Surprising her, he picked the Cruel Intentions Soundtrack. He turned and sat down on the sofa.

'You've made it really nice in here, it's simple but cosy.' He said.

'I had a good base to work from. Mrs Hudson has it done up really well. I just need to get a couple more pictures up round the place and it'll be perfect.'

As the sounds of Coffee and TV filled the room, she finished making the tea, and brought the mugs in, handing one to John and sitting beside him. He put his mug down, and brought his hand up to play with Emily's hair, curling it round his finger. The shock made Emily put her own mug down; otherwise she was going to spill it.

'You're beautiful you know, inside as well, I've loved spending time with you this week.' John moved his hand to Emily's cheek as he spoke.

She wasn't used to get compliments like that; Emily could feel herself blushing furiously.

'I've felt the same. And you're handsome enough yourself.' She gave him a cheeky grin.

John started to lean towards her, and Emily felt herself moving towards him as well. Closing her eyes, she felt their lips touch. His were soft and while he wasn't being forceful, his kiss was firm. But…

They broke apart.

'God, I'm sorry, that was awful, I promise I can do better!' John was apologetic, giving an embarrassed chuckle.

'It's ok, it's probably the drink.' Emily giggled and leaned in again.

This time, she put her arms round his neck, pulling him in for a closer kiss. Their lips met, and they kissed for a second time. A few seconds later, they broke apart again.

'Are you feeling anything?' Emily asked.

'No! I don't understand, you're gorgeous and I thought I was attracted to you!' John seemed aghast.

'Maybe it's the drink? Though I feel pretty sober.'

'Oh god, I've lost it!' Groaned John.

Emily giggled. 'No you haven't, if we're both not feeling it, maybe we just aren't meant to be more than friends. You really are one of the sweetest guys I've met, and you are handsome!'

John buried his head in his hands and groaned again, before starting to laugh as well. 'Sherlock's going to have a field day with this!'

She laughed, 'Come on, finish your tea and we'll both get to our beds.'

The atmosphere was awkward for a couple of minutes, but gradually they relaxed back into each others company. In a way Emily was relieved. She had been telling the truth, John was handsome and she got on well with him. But this way, they could keep their friendship going without wondering was there anything else there.

At midnight, John said his goodbyes and went upstairs. Emily got ready for bed, she covered her face and bit her lip at the thought of what had happened. Shaking herself, she knew it would be fine, John would be a good friend. She fell into bed looking forward to her trip home tomorrow.

Ooo so if any of you thought this was going to be a romance between Emily and John, nope! I hope it's not too disappointing. But up next is a visit back home. But will there be a surprise for Emily? Please review