CHAPTER 5.
Next days pass quickly, bringing nothing new to the case, and John spends his time trying to convince Sherlock to quit smoking once again. Even though he leaves, smokes outside now, and John is glad he at least does this, he makes it his aim to make his friend drop the habit he got himself into, just like these years before – it seems for them it's a constant battle.
His job at surgery is perfectly boring as it always was, and when Sherlock sends him text saying they meet at New Scotland Yard after John finishes his shift, he is happy something finally happens, though he would never admit that, being sure he is absolutely fine with calm, paceful days and not in any way seeking danger.
It turns out Sherlock only wants to see the footage from crime scenes again, and while he's busy doing exactly that, John chats with Lestrade's new assistant, who, he has to admit, is rather stunning. Janice, cause that's her name, is that high, sleek creature that catches everybody's sight when coming into room. Her hair is dark and impressively long, and with that face she could easily find a job as a model, if she decided to switch proffesions one day. She is also very nice and seems to be interested in him, so decides to give it a go and asks her out. She agrees and when John cathces the glimpse of Sherlock's unamused expression, he doesn't give a damn, too happy and excited.
Sherlock doesn't find anything new on the records and decides to go once again to Julie's tattoo studio, which, he is sure, is the common thing to all three murders, and talk to the staff again. John decides he's not up to seeing Julie again after that unfortunate date and leaves home, where he spends time with Hamish.
His son is however visibly not in the mood today, not wanting to read or draw, and asking John in his own, lisping way, where's Sherlock all the time and when will he hear him playing. Hours passes and John realizes he's not in any way comfortable either. It's been six hours since he came home, Sherlock is still not back, and surely he should be? The more John thinks about it the more concerned he is, and the more he feels he shouldn't be. Sherlock is a grown man after all, and he can take care of himself, John reassures himself, still being conscient it's not quite true. He could got into trouble and not having a chance to call John, or call for help or was just too bloody reckless and self-confident to even think about needing help.
Worrying more and more John finally manages to put wailing Hamish to bed and he sits in his chair with cup of tea. He thinks about genius sociopath he lives with. About how he changed his life, made it so much better, so much more complete, like he himself completes him. He decides to swallow his pride and sends text.
"Where are you?"
And after couple of minutes, when there's no reply:
"Hamish misses you."
This time reply comes almost immediatelly.
"You mean you miss me. SH."
"No, I mean exactly what I wrote."
"Will be home in a minute. SH."
Relieved, and a little bit embarassed, John makes himself another tea, and swithes on telly. He can't concentrate on what's on though, his mind focused on his flatmate once again, remembering, going through memories, and before John even notices he is lost in thinking about Sherlock's brilliant smile, his everchanging eyes, marble skin, hair through which he wants to run his fingers...
He comes back to reality instantly. Surely he wasn't thinking that? He is just tired, he thinks, blush creeping on his cheeks. He's tired, it was hard on surgery today, lots of patients, and he just needs sleep, then it will all go out of his system.
When Sherlock finally comes home, John can't look him in the eyes, and he disappears in his bedroom mumbling haste "goodnight".
What he doesn't see is ceirtan longing hidden deep in detective's storm-like eyes.