LET'S DO THIS THING

[aphelionix]

While by no means a device to get Sherlock to shut up, the telly did manage to at least make him sit in one place. (Unless he was particularly into one of the cheesy soaps on, in which case he'd jump out of his chair and yell at the actors.) He had recently gotten into another disagreement with his brother, as well, and it was a good distraction. It kept John from getting caught in the middle, holding each brother at arms length away from each others' throats.

There was the occasional text Sherlock would look at and ignore, going back to the telly. Lestrade didn't have any good cases for him. He put his phone back in his pocket, huffing with disappointment.

"John. Want some tea?" he said, making the motion to look over his shoulder, despite not looking away from the screen.

Comments

[aphelionix]

Five minutes in and already being avoided. Sherlock almost pitied the poor man.

A couple more minutes passed before Sherlock found his opening. He couldn't very well go into the bar, so he needed a messenger - who better than a pretty brunette heading down the street. She hardly looked humble, but maybe that was better. She would accept a bribe to play a small part, he was sure.

"E-excuse me," Sherlock bumbled as she approached. She stopped, eyebrows raised. "C-can you do me a favor? I, um... will you give this t-to the man at the bar? I-in the sweater?"

Sherlock handed her something scribbled on a piece of paper (a number and a small heart in the corner - just for flourish), and some folded bills.

"Sure thing, sweetheart," she agreed, smiling as she pocketed the bills. Too easy. She slipped inside, welcoming herself right next to John and sliding the paper across the bar to him, and then excused herself with no explanation.

[pugsmuggler]

John’s attention was drawn to the woman as soon as she knelt near his seat at the bar, and he likely would have spared a greeting had his mouth not been stuffed with chips the moment prior to her arrival. Instead, he just looked on with surprise as she dropped the note off at his side and swaggered along out the door. He waited until she had left to look at the not, hoping dearly it didn’t say anything along the lines of “get in the car;” He’d had enough of that for one week.

“A phone number?” John mumbled to himself, half-surprised.

A girl had actually given him their phone number? He certainly didn’t recognize it. It couldn’t be Mycroft’s. But, without even any small talk? Perhaps she was busy, he thought to himself. After all, most women had more stable employment than he did. Well, he supposed there was one way to find out:

Hello. Is this the woman from The Blue Bloke? The one that just left? -JW

[aphelionix]

Sherlock grinned as the text came. The good doctor was certainly reliable.

You looked lonely.

[pugsmuggler]

What's your name? -JW

Pardon me, my name's John Watson. I'm a doctor. -JW

[aphelionix]

Good to meet you, Dr. Watson. Sorry it had to be through text. A little busy, but I couldn't resist. The name's Cheryl.

[pugsmuggler]

Likewise. Would you be interested in having coffee some time, then? -JW

[aphelionix]

Sherlock paused. It was rare indeed that a feeling like doubt should ever cross him.

But he was so bored, and this was fun. John had it coming.

Not more interested in finding a nice date for this evening, then? -C

[pugsmuggler]

Are you available this evening? -JW

this is awful

[aphelionix]

Afraid not. Are you planning to take someone else home with you tonight? By all means, you don't have to wait on me. -C

yes it is

[pugsmuggler]

Strange lady.

I can wait. -JW

[aphelionix]

Good. -C

[pugsmuggler]

Tomorrow, then? -JW

[aphelionix]

I can do that. What time? -C

[pugsmuggler]

Free all afternoon. What time is good for you? -JW

[aphelionix]

How about two? -C

[pugsmuggler]

Great. Where at? -JW

[aphelionix]

Hm... Perhaps a nice, small cafe. Do you know any? -C

[pugsmuggler]

How about Paul Rothe & Son? Looking forward to it. -JW

[aphelionix]

Sounds good,

Sherlock paused.

sexy. -C

[pugsmuggler]

John almost fumbled with his phone upon reception of that text. Considering a woman (particularly not a woman this attractive) had never come on to him so forwardly, he imagined this meeting could potentially be worth the wait after all.

See you there. -JW

You are very attractive yourself. -JW

[aphelionix]

Sherlock couldn't help but laugh. It was just like John, to speak so properly.

Thank you. -C

Having witnessed enough and setting the scenario, Sherlock waved down a taxi to take home. Perfect. Now John wouldn't be out until the early hours trying to get himself a date. His boredom should be solved.

[pugsmuggler]

"Guess I'll get going, then," John sighed to himself, gathering himself from his seat to go pay his tab.

[aphelionix]

The consulting detective made it back to the flat just minutes before John. He was right where he left him, snug in his chair, coat and scarf still on like he hadn't moved, violin and bow in his hands. He was playing a light tune, staring at the door as John walked in - almost like he expected it.

"Back so soon?" Sherlock inquired, effectively hiding a pleased expression.

[pugsmuggler]

"Yes, well," John stuttered, unraveling his scarf from around his neck. "I have a date. For tomorrow."

[aphelionix]

"Oh? Do tell," he said, continuing his playing.