─ damage, s.h.

EIGHTEEN

REAL LIFE

After Sherlock and Rachel's decision to not go to the premiere together, Rachel stayed in London while Sherlock, Lizzie and Robbie all flew to LA to attend. On one hand, Rachel wasn't used to spending so much time apart from Sherlock since they'd started dating, but she very much enjoyed the photo updates he sent her periodically while he was getting ready. Michael Fisher, his stylist after being recommended by Sebastian, had shown both of them some photos of the type of thing he'd thought Sherlock would suit in front of the cameras - Sherlock's only requirement being that there wasn't anything too bold or flashy. Rachel knew he liked the elegant, simple style, rather than anything else. In the end, Sherlock decided on a dark blue Dolce and Gabbana suit, seen as most of his suits had previously been purchased from there in the past.

The end result was a sight to behold - something Rachel wished she had been there to witness in person. As Sherlock made his way to the venue, Rachel got a FaceTime request from him.

"Hey! Oh my god, you look gorgeous. I'm glad you decided not to touch your hair; you wouldn't be you without your curls." Sherlock's low laugh caused butterflies to erupt in Rachel's stomach, but it also made her heart ache at the distance between them. "Are you nervous?"

"Not really. I'm looking forward to everything except for the red carpet. It's all rather a lot, and I've never done it before. I sort of wish you were here now." Rachel pouted.

"I know, but unfortunately we know we made the right decision. Plus, I wouldn't be any help; in fact, I'd probably be more nervous than you. Don't worry - it'll be just like those times you've had to stand in front of the press after solving a case, except they won't be throwing questions at you. So in fact, it'll probably be easier. Anyway, Sandra will guide you through the process. That's what publicists are for, after all."

"But I will have to answer questions at some point. At least she said she wouldn't sick too many journalists on me for my first time." Rachel snorted.

"You're a red carpet virgin!" Sherlock rolled his eyes as she laughed at her own stupid joke; even she could admit it wasn't one of her best.

"I'm going to let that slide as I presume you're delirious seen as it's four o'clock in the morning there." Sherlock looked up from the screen, talking with his driver for a minute before redirecting his focus back to Rachel. "We're pulling up now - keep an eye out for the photos and then get some sleep." Rachel rolled her eyes.

"Yes sir." She joked. Sherlock narrowed his eyes.

"Naughty. I love you."

"I love you too. Have a good time!"

Rachel did as Sherlock requested and waited for the paparazzi photos to be uploaded online. It was well worth the wait. Clearly Sherlock knew how to flaunt his looks as he posed naturally in front of the cameras, sometimes smiling, other times a neutrally stoic look on his face. But Rachel could see the slight hesitance in his movements as the videos started popping up on various social media sites, and she wished more than ever to be by his side. Once she was sure the majority of the photos had been released, she messaged Sherlock to tell him how dashing he looked and wished him luck with the interviews and the screening before putting her phone to one side, sleep claiming her almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.

XXX

Author's Note: I am very aware that throughout the book so far I've been neglecting to talk about Sherlock and Rachel's relationship in much detail and have instead focused on the movie, however the movie was such a big starting point for Sherlock's career, and I feel that how the two got together isn't as important compared to the things that they will face later in the book, which will focus much more on their relationship, with their jobs in the background.