A/N: After writing the last story about Irene and Mycroft directly after Sherlock left in ASiB I thought this would go with it. It's what happens after Sherlock leaves in John's point of view.

"You're back" John said sleepily as he stepped into the living area. After waking up and realising he wasn't alone he didn't know what to expect as he came down the stairs, earlier there were two people here. Sherlock was standing in front of the window as he usually does when playing violin but this time he was just staring out into the darkened street in one of his black suits. "Mrs. Hudson said that man that took you to the palace came back, gave you a plane ticket. I didn't know where you'd be going". Sherlock hadn't turned around or even acknowledged John's presence, he tried a different tact. "I just came down to get a glass of water. Couldn't sleep, must have heard you come in or something". Still the detective didn't turn. "Sherlock?" he called out with worry in his voice now.

Finally the man turned and John could see that his body language was similar to just after Christmas when he thought Irene was dead. He was withdrawn, quiet. John really didn't want to go back to this again for everyone's sakes.

"Tea?" the doctor asked kindly.

"Coffee, if you're making one" the low voice answered.

John nodded, went and switched the kettle on and returned to the room. His flatmate was now standing next to a chair at their table, hand lightly resting on it. He seemed to be coming out of his state of deep thought.

The blond tugged his sleeves down a bit, the room was cool at this time in the morning and the fire was only smouldering. "So, you must have had a big night. Still in your suit. I take it you didn't fly anywhere?"

"No". It was clear he wasn't going to expand on this.

"Ok. Right" he smiled to show that he was being supportive and it was actually met with a nod of understanding.

"John, I don't think she'll try but if you see The Woman here or anywhere you must tell me. Do you understand?" his gaze was intense and penetrating, as though he needed this promise from his friend.

"The Woman? Adler? Irene Adler?"

"Yes. It's finished"

"She's left then?" At this he looked towards Sherlock's bedroom. "When I went out earlier she was here is all I mean"

"Yes, she won't be coming back"

"Did you want to-"

"-tell you about it? No. Mycroft is dealing with the tail end of the situation and she won't be bothering us again, that's all you need to know for now. Due to the content it's not one for your dreaded blog anyway. The kettle's boiled" he added in a monotone.

John took the hint and went and made their hot drinks. When he returned Sherlock was sitting in the chair at the table. John placed the mug down in front of him and took the seat opposite. He thought he'd try to cheer him up. "I ran into Molly tonight. She was out with a few girlfriends, funny story actually, she saw me first and-"

"-on second thought I don't think I'll have the coffee". He stood quickly and made his way to his bedroom, the door slamming a little as he closed it.

John sighed over his tea. He knew Sherlock wasn't rejecting the drink but in fact the social interaction. Well, he'd tried he reasoned with himself and put the telly on. He may as well stay up now, doubting he'd get much more sleep anyway.

The next day Mycroft got in contact and filled John in with a little more information. He didn't end up asking his flatmate about what happened, instead two days later when Sherlock rejoined the human race again he stepped to the door and grabbed his coat and asked John if he fancied dinner out. "And, John" he continued, the tone made his friend pause and look over "thank you". With that he was down the stairs talking about getting noodle dish somewhere with his blogger right behind.

A/N: Thank you for the reviews last chapter, it does help me make this a better story and encourages me to get updates out faster!

In ASiB John seems to be out of the picture for a lot of it and that's what I was trying to get here. I think he's also quite respectful of Sherlock trying to work all of it it out for himself, although there are times where he does try to help him through it such as at New Years Eve. "So will you be seeing her again?".

In contrast with the Mycroft and Irene story before this I had Sherlock standing at the table with his hand up on the chair as Mycroft did. There are a few gestures that the brothers share and I though for this that could be another in this situation.