_*_*_John_*_*_
"Sherlock? You home?" John called through the door as he knocked.
Pausing he listened to the silence that greeted him sighing John pulled out his key, unlocking the door. Inside it was the usual chaotic organized mess.
"Sherlock!" John called closing the door behind him. Nothing, John pushed further into the flat. Even searching through all the room John came up empty "Must have gotten a case," he muttered to himself heading for the door.
Pulling it open he was surprised to find a young woman posing to knock as he opened the door. She blushed brightly "Oh excuse me I didn't know Sherlock had company. I'll just pop by later then." she spoke hurriedly turning to go.
John was intrigued "Wait, wait! Hold up!" he called closing the door and locking it behind him.
The woman stopped glancing over her shoulder at him "Sorry are you Nikki?" John asked rather excited to meet her. She didn't answer straight away as she eyed him finally giving a short nod "Well I guess you are real and not a part of Sherlock's wild imagination," John joked the woman gave him a weak smile turning her body to face him, "I'm John Sherlock's friend." He introduced holding out a hand.
Nikki shook it slightly "Sherlock mentioned you," she said John frowned mentioned me? He thought disappointed but forced those thoughts away.
"So you were here to see Sherlock?" he asked wanting to know more about her since he had the chance.
Nikki nodded "It's my day off and I thought I'd stop by for a bit," she answered curtly glancing at the door.
"You could wait in the flat if you would like but if he's on a case he won't be back for some time," John told her getting a sudden idea, "Hey you want to grab some lunch with me, I know a little place nearby?" he asked.
Nikki stared back at him with a surprised look "Ummm…I don't know," she mumbled glowing red John smirked noting that she was rather cute when she did that.
"My treat," he offered.
Nikki sighed giving him a real smile "Why not then," she agreed gesturing for him to go first.
Five minutes later the two were seated at a table near the café's window overlooking the street.
"This place is lovely," Nikki commented scanning the little shop.
John smiled "I thought you might enjoy it," he replied scrolling down the menu.
Minutes later their orders had been taking and they were sitting quietly not making eye contact. John knew he was missing his chance to get to know her so he spoke up.
"So Sherlock said you were Utah," he started, though he wasn't very familiar with most of the American states, catching Nikki's attention.
"Yes, but I moved to go to university," she offered he nodded.
"But you dropped out to move here," he added.
She smiled weakly "Not the wisest decision of my life but I don't regret it, I really like it here." Nikki said John smiled.
She was really easy to talk to and opened up just as well. John couldn't help but feel a slight pull to her. She was cute and had a charming smile.
"Did Sherlock mention anything else?" Nikki asked nervously.
He smiled hoping it would help her relax "Nothing but good things of course," he assured Nikki didn't look convinced.
The food arrived some moments later the two were quiet as they waited for the waiter to leave.
_*_*_Nikki_*_*_
What did Sherlock see in this man? He is so…boring!
Nikki thought keeping the smile on her face never wavered as she poked at the food on her plate. She eyed the man before her. She considered him handsome and dashing by normal standards but he was so…normal…so boring!
How does Sherlock do it?
"How long have you been in London?" John asked.
Nikki managed not to roll her eyes becoming fidgety with the normality of this luncheon. "For about a month now, I was completely toshed by how big the city was at first," she replied watching his wrinkle his nose and chuckle.
"It seems you are getting the slang down," he teased.
Normal woman might find you charming, how droll!
She whined in her thoughts giving him the giggle to let him know that his charm hadn't been missed. "So what were you studying at uni?" John asked between bites.
Nikki had prepared for these types of questions "Art," she answered taking a bite, "Not really painting, I'm not much of a painter. I'm more of the drawing type," she added after swallowing.
John nodded though she could tell he was only mildly interested. "Sherlock told me you were a doctor," Nikki said trying to get some attention off of her.
"Yes that is correct." He confirmed after a bite she mentally rolled her eyes, "I prefer surgery but I deal with common cases at the clinic." He explained which Nikki already knew and couldn't help but think…
The pet has got to be put down.