"John, you didn't have to." Sherlock exclaimed as he shut the door behind him. They were both panting. Sherlock and John had just ran from the restaurant to Sherlock's apartment.
The past events were foggy in John's memory, even though he just lived them. He remembered that he ran away from the kitchen and scurried to his table. He grabbed Sherlock's hand, clearly not thinking (even though it gave Sherlock an adrenaline rush) and led him out of the restaurant. Once John had explained what happened, Sherlock told him they should run. They agreed and now they are back in Sherlock's place.
"Sherlock, he was saying things about me, too." John exclaimed, pointing in the way of the restaurant. He sat down as Sherlock decided to make glasses of water.
"Honestly, John, you never hurt somebody if they're talking about you." Sherlock sighed and handed a glass to John. John chugged it down.
"I was upset with you and the waiter, I just-"
"Stop making excuses." Sherlock knew that he could shut down John with just a few words.
"You know, I don't care what they say." Sherlock said. John set the glass down on the floor. "All I care about is what you say."
John whipped his head up and felt his heart skip a beat. He felt like he could melt into the couch. John sat up more. Sherlock felt his hands shaking and his palms getting sweaty.
"I'm sorry-" Sherlock started but John cut him off.
"Don't be." Sherlock felt his chest rising up and down. He wished he could just address what they both knew, what they both wanted to say. He just wanted to blurt it out. But of course, the risks of everything. Sherlock knew he would ruin a friendship he cherished, he would destroy John's love life, and he would be crushed if John didn't feel the same way. But he knew he felt the same.
"Helloo?" A familiar voice called. Sherlock shook out of his gaze with John and looked towards the doorway. John looked down and fiddled with the end of his tie. Mrs. Hudson walked in and had a look of concern on her face.
"Dearies, I thought you were in some kind of trouble. The way you burst through the door and ran up the stairs! I almost had a heart attack." She held her hand over her chest. John grinned at her as he brought his head up.
"We're fine." Sherlock cut her off and dismissed her with a few words. She shook her head at him and walked out. Sherlock turned around to face John again. Little did they know, she heard every word of their conversation.
As they got up to review the information they had, Mrs. Hudson was just by the doorway, out of sight from the duo she loved. She held her hands to her chest and sighed. Then, she walked back to her place, thanking God for her own little soap opera in her condo.