the richenbach hero // johnlock

Chapter Three

Johns legs worked against him. They were heavy, as if they were sticking to the ground. His breath was short as he ran. Johns lungs gave in as he collapsed. His pocket felt weighed down, like he was holding the world in his pocket. The note sat in it. He thought about the words again and again.

'Hold on John. For me. Don't let go.
-SH'

His eyes were brimming with tears again. John sighed softly. 
"Why'd you leave me Sherlock...I need you back..I can't...I can't do this, any of this, without you. The detective, my detective"

"Oh, dear, John"

The familiar sound of the umbrella on the pavement sounded behind him.  John attempted to regain control of his breaths as Mycroft approached. Mycroft stood staring at John in dismay before walking to him and hugging him gently for a moment.
"I miss him too, John"

"Mycroft, I-"

"What's that?"
He gestured to the note in Johns hand. Mycroft held his hand out for the note and John reluctantly handed it over.
"Hm. Interesting"
'Damn it Sherlock! You are getting out of hand!'
Mycroft mentally cursed his brother. He sighed heavily and hung his head. He wanted to tell John. Mycroft hated seeing John like this. He hated it so much, because Sherlock still loved John so much.
"John....please do as this note says...."
Mycroft's eyes met Johns, filled with sadness. Mycroft felt tears form

"Mycroft, are you okay?"

"I just...I hate seeing you like this, John. You were my brothers best friend. You meant so much to him, and seeing you like this just reminds me he's gone...please, John...I know how much you loved him, but you can't do this anymore"
Mycroft rested a hand gently on his shoulders and looked into his eyes.
"Go home. Eat. Sleep. Love Mary like she deserves to be loved. Please...if not for you or me...than for him"

John looked at Mycroft for a moment, then nodded softly, and pulled Mycroft in for a hug.
"Thank you"
John said softly. And somewhere, far from there, Sherlock whispered the same thing through the CCTV screen.
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Mycroft entered the surveillance building and marched up to his brother. Sherlock stood and rushed to his brother, almost tackling him with a strong hug. Sherlock was crying, and had been for quite some time. Mycroft dropped his umbrella in favour of hugging his baby brother back. Sherlock sniffed into Mycrofts shoulder.
"Thank you...thank you Myc"

"Of course, Lockie. We couldn't have John falling apart before your return"
He smiled at the younger Holmes and ruffled his hair affectionately. Since Sherlock's 'death' the brothers had become much closer, actually acting brotherly towards each other. Despite what people thought, Mycroft loved his loved his baby brother very much. He looked over at Sherlock. Sherlock was intently watching the CCTV broadcast, watching John, making sure John was safe as he made his way back to Mary and his flat. Sherlock breathed out contently as John walked in the door, hugging Mary softly. Sherlock sighed, tears glistening in the corners of his eyes.
"Myc? When can I go home?"

Mycroft knew he wasn't talking about Baker Street. He needed John. He needed to see him again, to speak to him. Mycroft sighed.
"I-I don't know Lockie. When Moriarty is gone for good, I presume"

Sherlock grimaced at his brother and turned back to the screen. A government official walked over to Sherlock.

"Mr. Holmes? We have a lead"

Sherlock sprung up and took the file. He left the building in a hustle and took Mycrofts car.
--------------
John greeted Mary with a kiss. He could barely believe it had only been one day. Granted, it was around nine-o-clock at night now. He sat down on the couch and Mary sat next to him.

"How was your day, dear?"

"Fine"
John lied.
"It was good to see everyone. Mycroft actually showed emotion today"

Mary chuckled
"That's good. Why were you out so late?"

"I went to the old flat. Wanted to look around, kinda remember him I guess"

"That's good"

"What did you get up to today?"

"Oh, not much. Went out with the girls"

John knew she was lying. Sherlock might not have taught him a lot about deductions, but he taught him enough.
Hair done
Nice clothes
Lipstick worn off, not taken off
Conclusion? Cheating
John had seen this for coming for a while, but said nothing. He couldn't blame her. John was distant. But he opened his arms to her anyway and she curled up next to him. She smiled softly.

"I love you, John"

"I love you too, Mary"
'Liar. You don't love her. But then again, she doesn't love you either'
John sighed deeply. Mary was sweet, kind, loving. John didn't deserve her.