John's P.O.V.
"What! Since when?!" I blurted. "How does he only have thirty-one days to live?! Sherlock! How is this possible? You never told me anything! What's going on here!"
Sherlock held his hands up in defence. "I was just told right before we came here! Don't get all angry at me." he retorted.
My mouth formed a tight grim line. Turning back towards Mycroft, I asked, "Okay then. Since you're the one who knows this all, please, explain."
The older Holmes brother cast a guilty look downwards. "In thirty-one days we have an execution planned. It was just to be for criminals who the queen wanted dead. Somehow though, Sherlock got on the wrong side of someone and..." Sherlock cut him off with a laugh.
"Me? Get on the wrong side of someone? That would never happen. So how did this rally happen? You must've been involved somehow." the sarcasm was so thick in his voice you could've cut butter with it.
"No I wasn't. If I was, I wouldn't be warning you that you have a giant group of British assassins following you, waiting for the word to kill you."
Sherlock glared, and Mycroft glared back. "I don't even wonder why I can't believe you. You've lied to me so many times I can't even tell when my brother is telling the truth."
"Damn it Sherlock! For once could you actually just listen? I'm trying to protect you here!" Mycroft yelled.
"Why?"
"Because I care about you! I know a sociopath like you wouldn't even think about caring for anyone, never less your own brother, for even a second, but I'm not a sociopath." the venom from Mycroft's words sunk into Sherlock.
The detective quickly shut up. Sinking back in the chair he was sitting in, I could've sworn I saw a tear slide down his check. I wanted to say something, but found myself unable to. Instead I continued to look towards Mycroft for answers.
"Back to the point. Thirty-one days to solve this case. If you fail, you will die. If you succeed, we may be able to fake your death again. But even that is a slim chance." Mycroft continued.
Sherlock's head shot up. "No. I will not do that again. I cannot do that again. I saw what happened last time and refuse to let it happen again." a quick flash of anger went across his face.
"So you just want to die instead?"
I watched the two brothers, praying Sherlock said no. "Yes. It's better than pretending again."
I bit my lip and started to get up. "Where are you going?"
I flinched. "Sounds like you both need to work some things out. Was going to give you some personal space."
"Actually, here's the case files. Read over them and try to solve it. Just remember it's this case for your life." the older Holmes handed them to Sherlock. "One more thing. I don't want you to die Sherlock. You may not care, but I do and there are others out there. One is sitting right in front of you. just remember that."
Mycroft stood up to leave. "Goodbye John. Thanks you for putting up with us." he said, a hint of sadness in his voice. Then, nodding sharply, he address his brother. "Sherlock."
"Mycroft."
The tension between the two was incredibly clear. Straightening his suit coat, he left the house. We both watched him answer a call and get into a black car. It drove away and I turned back to Sherlock, trying to hide the worry in my eyes.
"Stop trying. It's still plain as day." Sherlock said, breaking the silence.
"Well then, in that case, what are we going to do Sherlock?" I tilted my head, a clear sign that I was thinking.
"Well," he began, "first we'll solve this case. We have thirty-one days to do it in. That should be more than enough time and then we discuss other matters."
"How about we discuss 'other matters' now and then solve the case." I suggested.
He raised his eyes to heaven. "Or we could do that. What is there to talk about? I'm going to die in thirty-one days. I'm not faking my death again, and there's no way to call off the assassins. I'll solve the case, say my goodbyes, and go and wait up in my flat. It's simple as that." the detective shrugged, picking up his nearly cold cup of tea and taking a sip.
"Thirty-one days. One entire month Sherlock! Do you not care at all how you spend them? They're your last you know."
"I do know that John! I'm just not sure if I really care anymore..."
I stared into the detective's cold eyes. "Well I do. And if you're not going to continue then I won't either."
"What did you just say?" he turned his head slightly and raised an eyebrow.
"You heard me! If you aren't going to continue than I won't either!" I said slightly to loud.
It instantly quieted Sherlock, and he stood up, straightening his coat. His face held no emotion except a slight tinge what could be described as sadness. He blinked once, and picked up the case files off the table. Placing them in my hands, he looked me square in the eye.
"Well then, Doctor Watson. I'd like to see you solve this on your own."
He proceeded to the door, not even looking back. Sherlock put his hand on the doorknob and went to turn it, except he then hesitated. Turning his head towards me, he gave a grim smile.
"Oh, and by the way. John I thought you should know that I'm sorry." he laughed quietly.
"For what? Sherlock come back here and explain. Now." I demanded.
Sherlock laughed again. "I'm afraid that's not possible. Good bye John."
"Sherlock! Wait..." the door slammed quickly, cutting me off.
"I don't understand..."
So if everything doesn't line up with series four, that is because I haven't seen it. So please excuse that.
Anyways, thank you all for the reviews! I hope you enjoyed and please review!
Best Regards,
PFT221B