Note: I made it, this one is also a "short" one. It's just that I edit these to death. Enjoy!

5. The push

'Sherlock, remember my Army buddy Brian's wedding?'

Sherlock frowned. He didn't, that was quite clear.

'Well, I had planned to go with Marisa and had already bought the train tickets and reserved a room. But since we just broke up, she's not going with me anymore.'

'And?' He looked at John sideways, suspicious. That was good news, though. John wouldn't be out as much, at least for a while.

'Well, if there are no cases, would you like to go? It's a week from now and I'd hate to waste the money. We'd be leaving Friday and coming back on Monday. If there are no cases you'd be complaining about being bored anyway, and you'd be here by yourself. And I'd rather not let a bored Sherlock unsupervised in our flat for four days.'

'No, I don't think so,' he huffed annoyed. 'Being sequestered in a room full of drunken people three nights in a row is not my idea of fun.'

'Oh, come on, Sherlock. There'll be a pool party on Friday afternoon, followed by dinner, then the wedding and reception on Saturday. During the day you can tour around the country, if you don't want to hang out with my friends. The hotel is really close to the beach, it's really nice.'

'No. I don't "tour the country" or sprawl on the beach. I'll be fine staying here, where the crime is, thank you very much.'

'All right. Suit yourself. But the flat better be in one piece when I get back. I mean it, Sherlock.'

Sherlock didn't bother to reply. As tempting as it was, to see John at a pool, sleep in the same room, be his 'date' for the weekend, he didn't think he could remain unaffected by John's presence. The last indiscretions of his treacherous transport had been alarming and the thought of loosing his self control again was scary, to say the least.

'Ah, a text from Lestrade. See John? My place is here, in London.'

…

John had mixed feelings about going to the wedding. Of course he was excited to see his friends. He hadn't seen most of them ever since he was shot. Yet, it also triggered memories, some quite unpleasant and painful, and that was hanging heavily over him. He still kept in touch via email, but the day he was shot was traumatic for everybody. The casualties... John had been one of the lucky ones.

Truth be told, he was a bit relieved that Sherlock had refused to go with him.

...

He was just having breakfast before heading to the train station when Mycroft arrived.

'John. Sherlock. Good morning.'

'What do you want?' Sherlock spat.

'Manners, Sherlock.'

'Erm, morning Mycroft, would you like some tea?' John asked, about to get up.

'T-'

'No, John. Don't encourage him. He's leaving.' John paused in mid-air, uncertain.

'Sherlock, this is a very serious matter-'

'No, sorry. I can't.'

John decided to sit down, finish his breakfast and stay away from the conversation.

'You have no cases at the moment, I know. I can see the boredom in your eyes.'

'No. That's not why I can't. I can't because I'm going out of town in (looked at his watch) 40 minutes.'

John tried to keep his surprise at bay while staring at his mug, but he involuntarily looked up, his forehead crinkling a bit.

'Oh, are you?' Mycroft said, fake smile showing he didn't believe it.

'Oh yes. John's Army buddy is getting married and we have been invited. It has been planned for ages, we have the train tickets and the hotel reservation. Plus, (Sherlock planted a hand not too gently on John's shoulder as he was drinking his tea, almost causing a spill) John will be too lonely and disappointed if I don't go with him. I promised I would go (he turned away abruptly and John couldn't help looking around with an air of surprise). And if you excuse me, I have to finish packing. Please show yourself out.'

'Sherlock!'

'Sorry. No. See you la-ter!' Sherlock was already in his room, slamming the door.

John didn't know what to do at that point. Mycroft looked furious, despite his composure. John only knew it because he was used to him by now.

'John, would you please give this file to Sherlock on the train?'

'Are you sure, Mycroft? He might toss it out of the window, you know how he gets.'

'He won't. He's stubborn, but still curious. Once he sees it, he'll want to take this case.'

'I...'

'John. This involves National Security. Lives are at stake. Please, would you try to convince him to read this?'

John sighed. 'All right, Mycroft. I'll try, but you know that ultimately, he's the one to decide on reading it.'

'I know. Thanks for the tea offer. John.' With a nod, he turned and left.

John went to knock at Sherlock's room and upon entering was surprised that he was in fact packing. 'I thought you were just saying that to spite him. Are you actually coming?'

'No choice, John. Can't be avoided now. He would know if I stayed home. You do still have the ticket, don't you?' He kept on packing quickly and efficiently. Not much needed for three nights only, this should be fast.

'Yes, both are in the same envelope. I just haven't had the time to try and get a refund. And quite frankly, I forgot about it, with our last couple of cases, work, shopping for clothes, the break-up, trying to get my uniform ready-'

'Uniform?' he paused.

'Yeah, all of us will be in our dress uniforms for the occasion.'

'Should I pack my tuxedo?'

'You have a tuxedo?'

'Obviously!'

'Hm, I'm not sure, I don't know how formal it'll be, I only know what we the fusiliers will be wearing. Bring it, I'll ask Brian once I see him. A jacket for the dinner. Oh, and don't forget, there'll be the pool party, bring-'

'John, I have no intention of going anywhere near a pool.'

'Why not?'

Sherlock looked up. 'John, I might have to go to get away from Mycroft, but that doesn't mean that I have to take part in everything, does it? I'll be at the events that cannot be avoided. The pool party doesn't qualify as unavoidable.'

'Okay. Fine. By the way, Mycroft-'

'No. I'm not taking that folder and I don't want to look into it.'

'He said you'd want to take the case once you saw it. And he did mention National Security.'

'Pft. When doesn't he?' He zipped his suitcase. 'I'm ready, let's go.