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Sherlock
Sherlock doesn't know what to expect when he enters the flat. The hallway is still the same, the second stair still creaks when he steps on it and he freezes, fearing that Mrs. Hudson may have heard and come out. When this does not happen, he forces himself to relax and climbs the rest of the stairs.
The door does not make any sound as he turns the handle, letting it swing open slowly as he takes in the sight. The flat has not changed one bit. The mis-matched armchairs face each other next to the fireplace, the skull is still on the mantlepiece and the violin is still at the window, exactly where he put it after playing for the last time.
Sherlock gulps and steps over the threshold, closing the door behind him without making any sound. It's evident that John is not home - his coat is missing, as is his cane - which, according to Mycroft, has come back into use since thatday. There is something else, though, that catches Sherlock's eye when he looks around. He reaches out slowly and takes the dark blue scarf that's hanging on the coat rack, running his hands over the soft material while new questions arise in his mind.
John has kept his scarf, the scarf Sherlock was wearing when he leapt off the roof. He's kept the skull, he never touched the violin, he did not move the chair. A quick glance into the kitchen reveals that John did not throw away Sherlock's chemistry equipment either. The detective drops the scarf on the kitchen table and walks back into the living room, absentmindedly picking up his violin. He plucks the strings, only to scoff at how badly off key the violin has gotten. He will have to tune it as soon as he's talked to J-
Sherlock drops the violin onto the sofa and groans in frustration. He's come so far, he's actually in the flat - their flat - right now, but the thought of having to talk to John still freaks him out. Rubbing his face with his right hand, he decides to go to his room - if it actually still ishis room - and take a short nap, just a very short nap, to gather up a bit more courage for when the inavitable happens and he has to face John.
His feet lead him towards his old room without hesitation. When he opens the door, Sherlock is almost relieved to see that his room, just like the livingroom, is untouched. The sheets are dusty, though, so he shakes them out briefly before taking off his old sneakers and the hideous jacket he's wearing - Mycroft insisted on him wearing something that makes him less recognizable, but even so, he could have provided Sherlock with something more him- and flops down on the bed. He's asleep before he knows it.
The years of chasing down criminals left Sherlock alert and a very light sleeper. So when he hears the unmistakable sound of footstept on the stairs and a doorknob being turned, he's wide awake and out of bed in less than a second. The steps he hears are unsure and hesitating and a voice in the back of his head tells him that it might be an unwanted guest. Sherlock scowls and retrieves his gun from the pocket of his jacket before making his way towards the door. If he missed an assassin, even if it's only one, then John is still in danger. He'll have to take care of this right now, before John returns.
Holding his gun out in front of him, Sherlock braces himself for the worst and opens the door.
John
John finds himself wishing he had his service pistol and he slowly moves through the living room. A soft, sharp breath comes from the kitchen, near hisold bedroom and John turn's swiftly towards it. He cautiously makes his way into the kitchen, careful to remain quiet.
He doesn't know who would be after him, or why but his time in the war and with Sherlock taught him that whether he knew it or not he had enemies and it was best to be as cautious as possible.
He grabs a knife from the counter as he approaches the source of the noise. There is a sudden movement from Sherlock's bedroom, the door open and a shadowed figure appears. John raises the knife and asks in a chilling calm voice "Who are you and what are you doing in my flat?"
Hello dear readers and fellow Johnlockians. A message little message from Ninotjska1992 today, who published this chapter. Thank you for reading, your patience and, of course your reviews.
