Crimson (Vamplock Fanfic)

Chapter 4

Sherlock

I remained as calm as I could, sitting in my armchair and my hands clasped as they usually are under my chin.

The thirst clawed at my throat, like the annoying voice in the back of my head has turned to screaming, gnawing at the my mind and telling me to take more.

No matter what the cost.

I haven't fed on the living for the longest time, it's been since the day I changed. I go back to that day at every chance I get when I'm in my mind palace. But the more often I go back to it, the stronger my thirst becomes and to the point where I am desperate for the taste of fresh blood. It's the constant whisper of a voice that sounds exactly like my own but knowing for sure it's my thirst begging to be taken care of.

"Sherlock? Sherlock!" I was shaken awake by John as he gave me a look of worry and bit his lip. I rolled my eyes then pushed him out of the way.

"For God sake's John, what do you want? I was working on something." I walked past him and grabbed my jacket, hauling it onto my shoulders and tying my scarf around my neck.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"Out. I need some air." I snapped back, shutting the door behind me as I nearly collapsed on the stairwell. The thirst overwhelmed my senses, blinding my sight and deafening my hearing as it overcrowded my thoughts as well. I barely made it down the stairs, without tripping up once or twice, before hailing a cab and giving the address of the only person I knew who would understand my predicament.

-----

"Brother dear, how nice of you to drop by." Mycroft stood in the doorway with the same smug smirk plastered to his face. I flashed him my usual crimson red eyes as he moved out of the way and invited me in.

"I can't do this anymore Mycroft! I need to go on a hunt. I-I need to feed on something other than bagged blood." I scratched the inside of my arm like my old drug habits were getting the best of me again.

"Sherlock, you haven't hunted since you were a new blood. It wouldn't be good for y-"

"I don't care about my well-being! I need to get rid of this! I don't want to hurt anybody, I don't want to hurt John!" I yelled, not even making out the words I just said. They swarmed around my head until I finally comprehended my words. Mycroft raised an eyebrow at me.

"You let this army doctor into your life and now you let him get the better of you. I told you brother dear not to get involved, sentiment is found on the losing side. You mustn't let this get to your head." Mycroft set his hand on my shoulder, his fingers finding the notches that were my bones. I haven't even realized how skinny I've become, skinnier than usual.

I screwed my eyes shut as I swatted his hand away and started to pace the floor. Tapping my index finger to my lip in thought, I stopped in my tracks and sighed.

"Mycroft, I need to get out of here. I can't risk being caught. You need to send me away, somewhere other than London, or England for that matter." I wrung my hands over and over in worry, seeing that my brother has taken inventory of my actions as he pursed his lips and sat down in the nearest chair.

"There is a small resort, I personally know them and they know of our family's history. It sits just at the edge of a rather large piece of land that is covered by forest. Also not too far from a small village. If that doesn't take care of your thirst then I don't know what will. I will personally take care of all of the expenses and all of the press issues that may arise in your 'trip'." Mycroft looked to me and put quotation marks in the air with his fingers.

"Thank you Mycroft." I responded to his generosity.

"But I must ask you of something, you need to tell John of your future whereabouts. Not only that, but you'll be required to take him with you."

I felt my hands ball into fists and my eyes glowed red.

"I can't do that! I won't be able to control my thirst! I'll end up hurting him Mycroft!" I ran my shaky hand through my tangled curls and let out a nervous sigh.

"Cigarette?" Mycroft offered. I shot him a hopeful glare as he handed me one and lit it with his lighter. I sucked in the sweet taste of smoke and tar as I felt every muscle relax in my body, but still having that constant thirst.

"I can't afford to lose him Mycroft. He's done things to me, to my heart, that I can't even begin to wrap my mind around. He's changed me, for the better I should say. Dare I say, I almost love him. I love John Watson." I felt my eyes tear up as I took another long drag from my cigarette and sniffled in satisfaction of my words.

"My God, you've gone soft for your army doctor. Get your bags packed, you two have a trip to make. Let's just hope one of you comes back alive."

I rolled my eyes at his words, grabbing my things and heading out the door. The chilly wind of London hitting me as I smiled, taking one last drag from my cigarette and stomping it out on the icy concrete. Looking down the busy streets, I pulled my jacket in closer to my chest, turned up my coat collar and headed for home.