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]

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.

[pugsmuggler]

"There's really not all that much to it," John replied. "Woman gave me her phone number, seemed awfully busy, walked out right after. We set something up over text."

[aphelionix]

"I see," Sherlock mused, lowering his violin, really not doing a good job of sounding interested. "Got time for Cluedo, then?"

[pugsmuggler]

John just shook his head, taking a seat on the couch across from Sherlock. "No, I'd rather not. We're missing half the pieces and you never play by the rules."

[aphelionix]

"Then what do you suggest?" he asked, flopping his arms back on his chair, sighing.

[pugsmuggler]

"Oh, come on, Sherlock," John said, undoing his coat. "It's not like I came back here to entertain you. Find something on the telly."

[aphelionix]

Sherlock frowned, but turned on the television.

"That woman," he said, "Sounds awfully suspicious. Dropping off a number and running."

[pugsmuggler]

John shrugged. "It's worth a shot, isn't it?"

"These days people are even using the internet to hook up."

[aphelionix]

"Sounds risky."

[pugsmuggler]

"Surely no more than having Sherlock Holmes as my flatmate."

[aphelionix]

John got a glare in return. Even though it was true.

"And yet you're still here. Why, John?"

Though posed as a joking question, Sherlock was looking at him intently; curiously.

[pugsmuggler]

"You know," John said. "I'm not sure."

"Maybe I should ask my therapist."

[aphelionix]

Sherlock smiled a little.

"Maybe you should."

[pugsmuggler]

"Well, regardless," John continued. "There's still no reason to cancel my plans for tomorrow."

"So the date is still on."

[aphelionix]

For just a moment, his smile twitched. Sherlock turned back to the television.

"Right."

Damn. This wasn't going to go well.

"Are you sure she's not one of Mycroft's assistants sent to kidnap you again? Maybe he's got some new... subtle method, or something."

[pugsmuggler]

"Fortunately, your brother is hardly a threat," John reminded.

"And for your information, I've found most of his attendants quite attractive."

[aphelionix]

Sherlock raised an eyebrow at John, tilting his head.

"You have?"