Fight for Me

Chapter 33

"And you're sure you're alright?" John asked Lydia for the thousandth time that day, starting to get a bit on her nerves.

She sighed, "yes, I'm fine. That wasn't the worst thing that's ever happened to me, believe it or not. I don't know why I was so shaken by it. But I'm doing much better now, I promise."

Lydia's chipper attitude was mostly an act to make John and Sherlock assume that she had just gotten over the events of the night before, she was guilty that she still had not recovered completely. She didn't want them to worry or to blame themselves for what happened, Sherlock's apology the night before had been enough for her. Now she just blamed herself for not being more attentive.

"You sure? I mean, you did almost die, it can be very traumatic."

As John spoke, Lydia realised that he knew from experience. He did serve in the war, after all, he must have seen his fair share of death and probably had come face to face with it himself a couple of times.

"If you ask her one more time I think she may just throw that book at you," Sherlock spoke up, causing Lydia's lips to twitch upwards.

At least Sherlock wasn't constantly checking in on her mental state. But he wasn't his usual cold and detached self, either. More than a few times, Lydia caught him watching her, a soft expression painted across his face. But the minute she caught him looking, his face would harden and he would avert his gaze elsewhere.

While Lydia was amused by Sherlock's response, John seemed frustrated by it. "I'm just trying to make sure that she's ok, you did nearly get her killed last night."

That made Lydia step in, "John, it wasn't Sherlock's fault. I agreed to help with the case, that was my choice. And to be honest, I felt quite an adrenaline rush when I was given the opportunity. I'm happy I could help put a serial killer behind bars, even if I nearly got killed in the process."

"But we still failed to get his accomplice and now Grayson refuses to allow me anywhere near Mr. Davies just because I got a little physical with him," Sherlock complained, leaning back in his armchair.

"A little-? Sherlock, you nearly beat that man to death! You're lucky Greg's not having you brought up on assault charges!"

Sherlock waved it off, "please, I would like to see them try to arrest the one person solving any of their crimes."

"I'd be careful Sherlock, one day that arrogance might come back to bite you in the arse," Lydia piped up playfully, flashing him a small smile.

John gave a small chuckle and Sherlock merely rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of a smile on his face. After a moment had passed, John asked, "they did charge the bouncer, right?"

Sherlock nodded, "and I doubt his trial's going to go well. Apart from his attack on Lydia, his DNA also matched the DNA found under the fingernails of victim number three."

At least she was able to fight back, Lydia thought to herself, her cheery facade dropping as she stared blankly at the open book in front of her. Sherlock noticed this change and wanted to comment on it, but he knew that would only make John worry over her, something he knew she was getting a bit fed up with.

"Bit annoying they can't get the accomplice." John spoke in an attempt to fill the silence that shrouded the room.

"Not surprising though. The incompetence of Scotland Yard never fails to amaze. It truly is a wonder that anything gets done without my help."

Lydia snorted at Sherlock's comment, earning a small twitch of his lips when he realised he had managed to lighten her mood a bit. She dropped her book to look at him when she registered what time it was.