The cold wind picked up slightly, making the balcony seem even more isolated. Charlotte felt Sherlock touch her elbow, slowly lifting it up and taking her cold hand into his.
"All this time," he began again, slowly swallowing. "I've cared so deeply about your well-being. More than I would like to admit. I respected your independence, but with each new country, each passing month… it became obvious to me what my true feelings were. What my true feelings are."
"After… after your parents passing, I felt as if I had to let you go. That you wanted me to let you go."
Each moment that Sherlock continued, Charlotte felt the pain in her chest intensify. She shut her eyes tightly, a lame attempt to keep her mind clear. There has to be some way out of this. A way where no one gets hurt.
1 week earlier
As London slept, 221B remained awake. Sherlock kept his eyes glued to his laptop screen, while both John and Charlotte scoured books for any relevant information they could find. Hours had been spent into research, in which Charlotte had greatly extended her knowledge of everything that is, and ever was, rare flower.
"I've got to head to sleep, I'm completely knackered," John said, rising out of his armchair.
"Goodnight, John," Charlotte answered.
Nearly tipping over the stack of books resting on the side table, John bid both Sherlock and Charlotte goodnight.
It took just a few seconds for Charlotte to feel the shift in the room. Being alone with Sherlock usually felt comfortable, content. Unsure if it was from the excitement of the night or her jet lag, she couldn't keep her heart from racing.
"At this rate I'll be dreaming of nearly extinct plants," she started, smiling in Sherlock's direction.
"Why are you nervous?"
Charlotte's eyes shifted quickly to Sherlock's, his peering over his laptop screen.
"I'm sorry?"
"I've already made it known that tapping your foot while reading is a distraction. But you seem… tense."
Charlotte pursed her lips at Sherlock, dropping the book she was holding next to his laptop.
"Do you want my help or not, Mr. Holmes?"
His eyes crinkled, amused by his teasing.
"Of course. I've noticed throughout the day that you seem to be on high alert. I was curious as to why."
Taking a seat on the leather couch behind Sherlock's desk, allowed herself to sink into the folds. She had felt tense, and was well aware that there was no hiding this from Sherlock. But owning up to the real reason was completely out of the question.
"I'll admit, I find helping out on the case thrilling."
"Thrilling?" Sherlock nearly shouted. "This case has only allowed itself one interesting aspect to focus on. However…" Sherlock continued, taking a seat next to Charlotte.
"I'm sure this beats building sustainable housing in Guatemala, or whatever it is you do-"
Charlotte hit him in the shoulder, causing them both to laugh.
Their laughter died down quickly. "Its… wonderful to have you back. You were truly missed," Sherlock stated.
Charlotte felt her cheeks become slightly warm as Sherlock's words sunk in.
"Its… great to be home."