Nothing But Flowers (Johnlock)

Chapter 12

John looked down in satisfaction at the biogenic ligament, now in place in his patient's knee. He remembered when they used to have to harvest one of the patient's tendons for this repair. This was so much better.

The operating theatre door opened slightly, and a nurse wearing a surgical mask poked her head around the edge. "Doctor, there is an urgent message coming in for you."

It was highly unusual for anyone to interrupt a surgery this way. "What is it?"

"It is very short. Just 'Found him.'" The nurse was obviously mystified as to why this message was so urgent, but the man on the phone had been most insistent.

John gave a half chuckle at that, a surge of relief and excitement running through him at those two words. He was glad his face was mostly covered for the surgery, hiding his expression from his co-workers.

"Who is the message from?" John asked, wondering how Sherlock had handled this.

The nurse looked at the note. "The caller wouldn't give his name. He said you would know what this was pertaining to."

John nodded. "Thank you, nurse."

She nodded in acknowledgment and left.

"If you need to go, John, I can finish up here." Dr. Lee offered, her dark eyes giving him a concerned look.

He smiled at her, knowing she couldn't see it from behind his surgerical mask, but it would show in his eyes. "That would be great, Gina. Let's run through the tests and then I'll go."

John performed the Lachman, anterior drawer and pivot shift tests, and felt satisfied that the new ACL ligament was stabilizing the knee motions now. He stepped back, allowing Gina to move into place to close the incisions.

He sped through his normal post-op procedures, and was soon in his street clothes, leaving the hospital.

Where are you? -J

The reply text was quick. Sherlock gave a name of a tube station.

Wait for me. I'm on my way. -J

But he is so close. I don't want to miss catching him. -SH

John ran down the steps of the subway station, thankfully mostly empty this time of day.

WAIT. It could be dangerous. You wouldn't let me run after him alone. -J

The berk better be waiting for him. John hopped onto the train, knowing he would lose the connection once they were out of the station.

As he travelled, John grabbed a granola bar and bottle of water from his messenger bag. It had been a busy day, and he hadn't eaten since breakfast.

When he got to the station, he jumped out of the train, looking around for Sherlock. He wasn't around, so John swore to himself and ran up the steps.

I'm here. -J

If Sherlock had gone ahead on his own, John would kill him. With his bare hands. John waited anxiously for a reply, scanning the street for Sherlock.

NW corner. -SH

Relief spread through John when he looked that way, and saw Sherlock. He crossed the street, jogging to his side.

Sherlock's eyes were practically glowing with excitement. "He's three blocks away. If he's not home, we will need to find a place to wait for him."

John followed as Sherlock turned, walking fast down a side street. "You mean stake him out?"