CREDIT BELONGS WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

Chapter 4

"It's…It's about the case at Cardiff. Well actually what happened after that, I noticed your behaviour was a bit off. Want to elaborate? Don't leave anything out, I will find out soon enough."

"What do I say? What can I say? He did notice. Great. Just. Great. No point beating around the bush. I can't stand that, especially when Anderson does that. That idiot! How he even manages a job is a mystery. Focus Sherlock! Think! Just tell him what he saw, surely that'll please John. For now at least…"

"Your concern for my behaviour is duly noted and appreciated, but entirely not necessary. I simply got up too fast after chasing those criminals."

"Sherlock", John dragged his name out. "There is more, do not hide it. Tell me."

"Fine.", he said and pouted contemplating what he should begin with. "I stood up too fast and lost my balance because I didn't eat 'properly', according to your definition, so I lacked sufficient energy, as for running into the table, the same reason applies", Sherlock stated matter-of-factly.

"Right... but you insisted that 'I' or rather meant 'we' should have something to eat before we left. Since then you have also snacked on biscuits and had tea. Your logic doesn't make sense Sherlock. You should not have been feeling malnourished when you practically fell on the table. You ate not too long before then AND had tea."

Sherlock avoided his gaze knowing John was too good of a friend and doctor to let the matter drop.

"Why does he have to be so good all the time? I know he care for me, wants me to do what I want but make sure I don't do anything dumb. Argh! This is frustrating. I can't let him know how I feel, that would show emotions. I am above my emotions. I control them..."

"Sherlock, I am waiting for a reply to my question. Don't stall and think I will drop the matter", said John as he drummed his fingers quietly on the table.

"Wow! Is John a mind-reader? When did he become observant and deduce situations? This is scary."

"It is nothing John. Don't worry about me. You worry too much. It is t good for your health. You know that don't you? I am fine. Just. Fine. Perfectly. Fine." Then Sherlock took a large bite of food to avoid the uneasiness of John's interrogating.

"Alright Mr. 'I'm so smart I can deduce a crime scene in five minuets but can attempt to lie to a doctor', How do you define "Fine" when your head is throbbing constantly and your occasional stiff and unsteady gait when you move? Hmmm...?" John's eyes drilled deep into Sherlock's subtly shocked expression.

"This is definitely not good. Not good at all. I am never suggesting eating again. Why does he keep asking anyway? He can probably deduce all he needs to know. He's a doctor! I'm confident in his abilities to observe patients. Now that is a dreadful thought. Me! A patient! I can't stand hospitals or the staff. Most of them are so brainless even with their fancy degrees and letters after their name..."

"I have been feeling unwell recently, I'm sure you have notice that. I brushed it off as the result of little sleep or food, but perhaps this is something new. Do not even think about taking me to St. Bart's for an examination. I loathe that place entirely, except for the morgue and the two decent persons there; Mike and Molly."

"OK Sherlock, you win this time. If I find you experiencing any more discomfort we are heading straight for St. Bart's. No questions or protests. That is non-debatable. Understand?" , John said in his clipped voice reserved only for when he was the commanding officer in Afghanistan.

"Fine. Let us go home."

Sherlock slowly rose from his seat and supported himself with the back of the chair too hard, his knuckles started to turn colours. John noticed all the subtleties, but chose not to make a scene of it knowing it would only anger Sherlock and then their evening would be ruined, a mad Sherlock that would abuse the poor violin until all hours of the night or frantic pacing in the sitting room constantly. It is really still a mystery to know how their wonderful 'landlady-not-your-house-keeper' could manage any kind of rest with Sherlock's kind of moods.

As they walked back to their flat, John noticed Sherlock's usual form was compromised. He could just imagine the dangers Sherlock might end up in in that state coming quickly.

TBC

A-N: Thank you so much for the nice comment you leave me. I enjoy reading and responding to them!