A/N Alright, so it's not exactly fluffy, but at least it's not angst this time, right?

Thanks to Mycroft, Guest, jc, MapleleafCameo, and johnsarmylady

Disclaimer I don't own Sherlock or any associated characters, events, etc.

LX. Rejection

"You know, sometimes I really think you must be blind," Sarah sighs. She's not smiling, not even stiffly—her face is practically grim, something that John's grown to expect in her; she's an awfully serious person, a trait that manifests itself in ways that grate a bit on his nerves.

"What do you mean?"

"There's a man in your life who absolutely adores you, John, and you don't even realize that. Sometimes I think that you feel the same way about him, but…" She stops, shakes her head before proceeding. "But you never made a move to break up with me, and I'm really starting to think that maybe that's because you honestly don't realize it yourself."

"What… what are you talking about?" John asks warily, anxiety rearing up inside of him. The only words that really stand out to him are 'break up,' and, taking in the cold set of her features, he suddenly realizes what's happening. "Sarah, no, please—whatever I did wrong, I can fix it, I—"

"You didn't do anything 'wrong' at all," she replies evenly. "It's him, John. I can't stand him, and he can't stand me, and you know that perfectly well. And I honestly don't think it's because he's a bad person. He's arrogant, yes, and he has the mind of a child, but I think our dislike comes from the same source."

"I don't—"

"It's because of you, John." For the first time, a hint of gentleness comes into her voice, and she makes a move as if to reach out for his hand before stopping herself. Her eyes are weary, sad, but they're also certain. She has no ambiguity whatsoever concerning the words coming out of her mouth—that's painfully clear. "It's because I'm jealous of him and he's jealous of me, because we both like you, quite a bit. And you care about him more than you do about me. I know you do. So… I just don't want to get in the way of you two anymore."

"Sarah," John tries again, desperation rising in his voice. He doesn't want to seem clingy, but this… this is completely ridiculous. "Sarah, please, that's not it at all. He's my friend, that's all, and he's like that to everyone, believe me. It's not about you, it's definitely not about me—I don't want to lose you over him."

"You'd rather that than lose him over me."

He hesitates, confused, because it's true, of course he would. But… there shouldn't be a reason that he has to choose. There's nothing wrong with being able to have both of them, is there? One as a friend, and one as a romantic partner?

"Just trust me on this. Give it a few months, maybe a year or two…" Her mouth does twist into a bitter smile, then, but it doesn't come anywhere near reaching her eyes. "You'll come to terms with it, eventually, and then you'll be thanking me."