Title: Making the Connection
Story Summary: A non-chronological collection of short chapters based on one word prompts, includes (pre-)slash for Johnlock & Mystrade
Chapter Summary: Sherlock scared off yet another one of John's dates and John wants him to make up for it. Prompt: Brunch
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Moffat, Gatiss & SACD.
A/N: This prompt came from oneword(dot)com, if you'd like to prompt me you can do so in a review or a PM.
"Are you suffering from Wernicke's aphasia?" Sherlock's said dismissively.
"No, Sherlock." The instant mockery of his best friend annoyed John.
"It is a reasonable assumption. As soon as somebody even does as much as hint that we might be an item you try to set a new speed record for uttering the phrases 'I'm not gay' or 'we're not a couple'. Thus it is only justified that I presume you are suffering from a form of neurological defect when you suggest that the two of us indulge in an activity that is known to be very popular in the gay community." His tone was matter-of-fact but the slight frown showed an indication of annoyance.
"Look, I managed to reserve a table for two at this very popular new place, because I thought it would be a very romantic thing to do – with my girlfriend. How the hell was I supposed to know you would be able to scare her away after merely three days?" He looked accusingly at his at times insufferable best friend. "It took all my powers of persuasion to get that table in the first place and I'm sure as hell not going to give it up now, I'd never be able to make another reservation there."
Sherlock crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Then go alone. You know I wouldn't eat anything."
John took a step towards his resistant flat mate. "You know as well as I do that they'd send me away if I turned up on my own. There's a queue of people just waiting for somebody to call and cancel, that's how popular it is. And two customers are better than one. So I want you to come with me."
"Why don't you take somebody else? I'm sure 'Greg' would be delighted." Long, slender fingers provided the air quotes. John wasn't quite sure why Sherlock often felt the need to comment sarcastically on his use of Greg's given name.
"You know darn well what Mycroft will do to me if I call Greg on the week-ends." The last time John had called Greg to ask him to see a football match with him his mobile phone had been cancelled within the next hour and he knew it was the older Holmes brother. He had to get a new contract on Monday.
"Mrs Hudson then?"
"Sherlock, will you just accept that I want you to come with me? You were the one who ruined my relationship after all and I decided to punish you by making you eat." John defiantly lifted his chin up a notch.
Sherlock rolled his eyes. "I will come and I will eat - under one condition." He took a step towards the shorter man, standing only inches away from him now, the look in his eyes a challenge.
John literally had to tilt his head back to be able to see his friend's eyes. He wondered where that lump in his throat suddenly came from. "Fine. What condition?"
"I will go to brunch with you under the condition that you do not correct anybody who assumes that we are on a date."