Childhood Heroes {Sherlock Fanfiction}

So Long, Lieutenant

Wiggins' POV

My body stayed frozen on the pavement, hearing her screaming then the vehicle zooming off.

They got Lillian. They got her. This is my fault.

With a sharp inhale, I pushed myself up. My head spun. Another wince as I supported myself on the wall, touching the side of torso. It was hurting from the hit. My lip was stinging as well and I can taste blood.

Disregarding the pain and dizziness, I took out my phone only to see its screen cracked and not turning on.

I have to tell Sherlock as quickly as possible.

Running with the most speed I could muster at my state, I arrived at their door minutes later. I clambered inside, almost passing out at the landing area. I held myself at the arm of the couch.

"Wiggins," Sherlock turned to me from his seat. "what are you doing here?"

I could barely stand from the pain on my stomach which makes it also difficult to speak.

"John!" His loud voice intensified the throbbing on my head.

Watson rushed in and held my arm gently. "Fractured humerus—" he lifts my shirt "—blunt trauma on the stomach area, caused by a heave blow. We need to take you the hospital."

"No, no," I grunted, leaning deeper in the couch. "I was with Lillian and I'm sorry I didn't report it. Now, they got her." My speech came out breathy, slurring on words.

"You were with her this whole time?!" Sherlock fumed. I glanced up to him, understanding his sudden anger.

"I-I tried to keep her safe."

"And look where you both ended up. You have deliberately disobeyed my orders, Wiggins."

Watson stood between me and Sherlock. He had his hand out in front of the standing taller man.

"Call Lestrade, tell them Lillian is taken away," he told him.

I can hear the restrained anger as well in his voice. But when he looked back at me, two pairs of eyes were throwing daggers.

"Brown Renault Trafic van, with number plate WG12 DPT. Last seen in Steels Road... ten minutes ago," I hissed through the overflowing pain my body.

I looked at the two worried men as black spots started to appear on my vision. Watson kept muttering things to me while Sherlock called the DI.

"It's my fault. I'm sorry..."

. . .

Once I opened my eyes, I instantly closed them again. The blinding white light in the hospital room made the migraine return, pulsing inside my head.

I laid in a cold bed, a sling on my arm, ice bag on my head and torso. Sensing someone else's presence, I spoke.

"Guys..." I murmured then there were shuffling beside me.

My blurred vision saw three figures standing in front of me. It became clear and Kyle, Cartwright and Bean stood there with worried faces.

"Bro, Wiggins. How are ya feeling?" Kyle asked.

"Like I've been ran over by a truck," I answered.

"Dude, the worst you only have is a fractured arm. Then a bruise on your stomach and a cut on your lip. Don't get started with your head," Cartwright stated.

They laughed while I forced a smile.

I then realized they were the only ones here. "Oh crap, you left Fitzy and Duke alone. When we get back, there's no more Significant Sixes Manor."

"Don't worry about it," Bean assured, "worry about what Shezza told us." Kyle hits the back of his head.

"Too soon, man. He just woke up, he's still probably high."

"I'm definitely grounded," I muttered.

"More like relieved," Cartwright spoke. Kyle gave him a pointed look.

"What?" I tried to sit up, but the muscles swelled up again.

"Bro, this wasn't meant to go this way but this two dum-dums were gifted with the ability to not shut their mouths."

I gasped. "I'm relieved—"

"—of duty," Cartwright finished. "Shezza told us after your arm's operation. He was obviously disappointed on you, Wig."

"Makes the two of us."

"What is it that you did then?" Bean asked.

"I disobeyed one of his direct orders. A client has been harmed. Pass me a glass of water, will ya?"

Cartwright took a step to the side and gave me the cold drink.

"Who will replace me?" I asked after drinking.

The tension grew worse when I spoke. They bit their lip, scratched the back of their heads and finally answered me. The two pointed at the one who stood between them. The second oldest in our group, Kyle.

To be honest, I am feeling dejected that I'll be put to lighter tasks, lingering in small streets of the city and being ordered to do this and that, and also regretful it was myself to be blamed for the change.

"You deserved it... Lieutenant." I patted Kyle's shoulder.

He shakes his head, parting his lips. "Wiggins, I tried to talk to Shezza about it--"

"Kyle, brother. You deserve it."

"But not the lieutenant title. You'll always be our lieutenant, Wig."

I flashed them a small smile, reassuring I've accepted the new position. We talked about the new order now a new leader rules. I've given Kyle advice and he promised he'll do his best. I knew he will. He can be the leader I wasn't as expected to be.

Later on, I went back to rest but I didn't sleep at all. My eyes were only closed and I kept my breath on a relax paced.

But internally, my mind was running with thoughts. Guilty thoughts, regret and anger, disappointment, inferiority at myself.

It is definitely my fault. I knew she was lying and yet I let her do it her way. Her way was danger, always has been.

"And look where you both ended up!"

I hear Sherlock, I can see Sherlock with his eyes staring into my soul. He was intimidating. It was one of the times I only see him that day.

He's a serious man, always busy and knowing other people's business. Tonight, he showed an emotional part of him. Like a protective father who has been told his child is in danger. And he only goes wild because of that.

Sir John Watson did that to him. I couldn't be more thankful but emotional Sherlock has always been scary. He can do more things, inexplicable and unpredictable actions like in a dangerous chess game.

Now the two of them are losing their heads.

And it's all my fault. The burden of the future is all mine to carry.