The Science of Sacrifice//Book Four

Chapter 1~ Suck Up

Part One: The Calm

"Like most misery, it started with apparent happiness."

― Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

John's P.O.V

Hello everyone, I just thought I'd let you guys know what's been going on in 221B. Sherlock and I have been busy. As you guys might've seen on the telly Sherlock managed to find the missing Falls of the Reichenbach painting! The gallery was very glad to have it back and gave Sherlock a set of diamond cuff links which he is very, very thankful for and he will wear them with pride. He also managed to find a kidnapped banker and return him safely home to his family and catch Peter Ricoletti, all of this in just two weeks!

I must admit, this new found fame is a little unsettling. Sherlock doesn't seem to realize how close he is to becoming an international star (not exactly something a private detective would want!) He also doesn't seem to realize that- although the press have been writing kindly about their 'Boffin Sherlock Holmes'- it could all change in an instant and things could suddenly become a little more darker for him. I've told him to take a little case for the next few weeks to keep him out of the public eye. Here's hoping he'll actually listen. Apparently he doesn't care about what the press write about him but Teddy informs me that that is probably not true. He would absolutely hate it if they said he was a stupid git or something along those lines.

Actually, speaking of the press, I hope they know that I AM NOT A BACHELOR! Whoever put that idea into their heads is completely and utterly WRONG. I am currently seeing a beautiful, intelligent lady and things are great between us. I'm not a bachelor. I am taken.

Just thought I'd make that clear, thank you very much.

"Ooo, you really don't like being called a bachelor, do you?" Teddy giggled next to me, peering at the computer screen. I chuckled, putting the laptop onto the side draw next to the bed before rolling over to look at her. Her make-up was gone and her face was shiny from her moisturizer. I preferred her like this: No make up, hair loose and framing her face and falling over her shoulders, smelling like peppermint mouthwash and looking like a puppy trying not to fall asleep. I smiled, cupping her cheek with one hand.

"I want the whole world to know I'm with you," I said, and she grinned, her eyes crinkling slightly at the corners.

"Am I your trophy girl, then?" she asked, lying her head on the pillows beneath her and pulling up the blankets with a small yawn. I leaned over her, shrugging.

"Well, I do feel like I winner with you," I replied, causing Teddy to laugh and playfully punch me in the stomach.

"You're such a suck up," she giggled, pecking my lips with her own quickly before pushing me onto my back and lying on top of me. "I'm not falling for it."

"What? Falling for what?" I asked, laughing.

"You know what, you dirty man, you can't fool me, I can see your pupils. I have work tomorrow and I need my beauty sleep to handle Monday," she told me.

"But even without it you still look beautiful!"

"Yeah, right," she said with a snort, getting off me and rolling onto her side. I used one arm to pull her closer to me so that she was nestled against my chest, slinging the arm over her waist.

"You do know that- even though I was sucking up to you- I still meant every word of what I said, right?" I whispered into her ear. I felt her feet play with mine and I heard her chuckle.

"Of course, love," she murmured, taking hold of my hand and pressing it to her lips. "Now please go to sleep."

And because she asked me to, I obeyed.

Author Note: Here it is, my lovelies! The first official chapter! I hope you guys are excited for this book, I've been planning it for years now so I'm happy I can finally get it out! Short chapter, I know, but the other ones will be longer, so stay tuned!

Like what you read? Let me know! Comments and faves are appreciated :)

~ DM