*Sherlock*
JW: Hey
The very first thing I see when I open my eyes is a message from John, simple but enough to startle me out of my sleep deprived haze of confusion. I almost drop my mobile in my hurry to message him back, wincing when the screen brightness turns itself up automatically and hurts my eyes.
SH: Hey. Sorry about earlier, that was not planned as well as I thought it was.
I wait apprehensively for his response, almost falling asleep before it arrives.
JW: What were you trying to do?
SH: Nothing extra this time, I just left the heat on for too long and it kind of exploded on me.
JW: You're not too hurt are you?
My heart skips a beat or two, I can't possibly ruin what little relationship we have by telling him I had a massive panic attack. Especially not the full extent of my injuries, including the nasty burn that runs down my arm now from where my sleeve caught fire. So a lie it is, but I can't lie about everything. Especially not when he'll see me at our tutoring session later tonight.
SH: No, I'm fine. Just a few sets of stitches.
JW: That doesn't sound like not hurt.
Of course he would be the one to catch me in a lie, it's only a matter of time before he figures out about my other injuries.
SH: I'm fine John.
SH: Are you still coming to our tutoring session tonight?
JW: I think you should get some rest.
I glance over at Redbeard, my red Irish setter, running my hands through his fur to soothe my nerves. He doesn't wake, but rolls over onto his stomach and makes a soft sigh of content.
JW: Sherlock?
SH: Just woke up from a nap.
SH: I'll be fine. I'm heading down there soon anyways, are you coming or no?
JW: I guess there's no point in you going if I'm not coming.
SH: So that's a yes?
JW: Yeah.
JW: See you in ten?
SH: Maybe. I live a tad further away than you do, so probably closer to 15.
JW: Thats fine. Take your time.
I switch off my mobile, rolling over rather painfully and slipping out of bed. Redbeard glances up lazily as I make my way across the messy floor to reach the washroom, huffing in annoyance when I flick the light on. A look in the mirror shows I look more of a mess than I originally thought, meaning I'll have to be a tad late to meeting up with John. I rifle through my closet, eventually pulling out a simple grey shirt and tugging that on, taking care to avoid brushing against my skin too harshly on the left side. I run my hands through my hair quickly, smoothing my curls back into place the best that I can. Redbeard huffs in annoyance when I walk over and sit on the bed, rolling over so the dip my weight creates isn't causing him to slide closer as I tug on my shoes. The corridor is silent, but as soon as my door clicks shut another opens, and Mycroft steps out to block my path.
"What do you want?"
"You shouldn't be up right now, especially not after what happened earlier."
My mobile vibrates in my pocket, reminding me that I am on a time schedule and can't spare the extra minutes arguing with my brother.
"I've got somewhere to be, so move."
He looks almost surprised that I would be so direct, rather than our usual elusive back and forth banter. This moment of distraction is enough to allow me time to slip past him, but I'm not quick enough to avoid him grabbing my arm to stop me from descending the stairs. I hiss in pain as his fingers close around my left arm, jerking myself away and hurrying down the stairs to avoid talking to him any longer.
"Sherlock wait! What was that?"
I ignore him, pocketing my keys on the way out the door, and set off towards the coffee shop quickly.
