Their Bonfire Hearts

Chapter Two

Chapter Two – Sherlock

(Sherlock’s point of view)

Why is everyone always so stupid? Are they all blind? Can they not see what’s lurking right under their noses? Like Molly – dear old Molly. Can she not SEE the fact that her latest boyfriend is cheating on her? Didn’t take two seconds to see that. Hair – darker shade than usual, slightly ruffled - OBVIOUS. The scent of the shampoo was clearly TresEmme; men don’t buy TresEmme; far to feminine, he doesn’t have a female flatmate, and Molly uses Herbal Essence. OBVIOUS. Deodorant – not masculine, but not Molly’s - OBVIOUS. The clothes – smart casual - trying to impress whilst trying to be subtle – OBVIOUS. Then there was the phone, used on numerous occasions whilst Molly wheeled out the body, always replying within 45 seconds, but always angled away from her – how obvious can you get when trying to hide an affair? Urgh. But apparently it’s not “kind” to tell Molly – SURELY it’s kinder to save her the heart-ache and the arguments when they inevitably break up? Why do people even bother with relationships anyway? Relationships lead to “broken hearts” (absolute rubbish – it’s impossible to physically break a heart), or marriage. Marriage involves staying with the same person for the rest of your life. DULL.

Even the case I’m on is dull. Obvious. Pathetic. Murder. Ex-wife got jealous - killed her ex-husband before he could secretly marry his new, younger fiancé. Everyone on the case is a cretin – they brought Anderson for crying out loud. Lestrade’s the only decent one out of them, and I find him sickening. Urgh. I’m glad I’m coming away from it all – too much concentrated stupidity. Need something to do… Need it now…

            (John’s point of view)

The moment the words left Mycroft’s lips, I felt shocked. Had it really been that obvious? I had tried so hard to conceal it from Sherlock, yet if Mycroft knew, he certainly would… Crap. I closed my eyes, and breathed deeply – if I punched this man, I probably  Looking into Mycroft’s eyes, I thought I saw a glimmer of smugness – if he hadn’t known for definite before, my reaction just confirmed it. Double crap.

“Why?” I gave up trying to hide it – if he knew, there was no point in attempting to mask it from him now. He gave a little, regretful sigh.

“Sherlock is in grave danger, John. He needs someone to watch his back.”

“Then why do I need to tell him I love him?” Mycroft smiled. Evidently the idea that someone actually felt a strong emotion other than hatred was novel to him.  

            “You know how Sherlock is. ‘Bored’ constantly – he will do anything to distract himself. Someone’s noticed that – someone dangerous…”

            “Who? Just tell me who.” I cut him off. If Sherlock was in danger, I had to know about it.

“His name is James Moriarty. A “consulting criminal” for our favourite consulting detective – Moriarty specialises in taking people’s crime requests, and making them into a reality. You owe banks thousands of pounds? James Moriarty can help you steal more, then give you a new identity, and a new life somewhere foreign. Causes an awful lot of trouble to the government,” He sat forwards and locked eyes with me – I felt almost unable to look away from his piercing eyes.

“Then why do I need to tell him how I feel, Mycroft? JUST TELL ME.” I hadn’t meant to yell… Mycroft recoiled a little, but his face gave away nothing.

“Because if Sherlock has nothing to live for – nothing to distract him from this man’s,” he spat the word, something I had never seen Mycroft do, nor did I believe it was possible for him to do so until this moment “ridiculous games – he will go out looking for trouble. And Moriarty will go looking for him. I have it on good authority that someone wants my brother dead – he has made a lot of enemies in his line of work, and a lot of them have strong contacts to this Moriarty. Will you help me save my brother?” He was scrutinising me – trying to read my answer before I said it. Of course he knew it, but he evidently felt the need to confirm it – to have my word.

“Mycroft Holmes, you have my word that I will protect your brother to the best of my ability.” I looked him in the eye, but I could still see him trying to search out any form of doubt that could possibly be lingering.