Crash

“I’m all right.”

Sherlock said nothing. John could practically hear his lover’s pulse double over the mobile’s static anyway.

“The driver’s fine, I’m fine, the cab is even mostly fine.”

Sherlock said nothing. Through the phone line John could hear him deducing exactly which words were a lie anyway.

“I’m just going to get a quick check-up and then be right there.”

John didn’t say the words A&E, exam, or “rule out a concussion” but he could hear Sherlock hearing them anyway.

“It’s all right love, really, I’m fine. Breathe. Just sit down, put your head between your knees if you have to. Breathe.”

John didn’t make a joke to lighten the tension because he knew the only thing Sherlock needed now was the steady, careful sound of his voice.

“And no, the driver isn’t an idiot and no I won’t tell you his name. He was swerving to miss a tourist who looked left instead of right and just walked in front of his car. It was either hit her or hit the cab.”

In the morgue at St. Bart’s, one gloved hand resting on the powder-pale ankle of some minor royal, Sherlock counted his heart beats.

“I’m all right, I mean it.”

Sherlock closed his eyes and realized he’d lost count.

“Are you, my love?”

Sherlock jerked his hand from the corpse. Stripped off the glove, dropped it to the floor.

“All right, just sit tight. I’ll be there soon.”

Sherlock was halfway toward the door.

“Please be there for me.”

Sherlock stopped.

“I need you to be there, love.”

Sherlock started counting again. Nodded. Yes John. Yes John. Yes John.

“I love you too, Sherlock.”

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Thank you so much SherlockedArt for this beautiful “Nearly Kissing” image. Also, this wee fic is for the crazy-gifted Kirakira-Nanoda who was in a car accident recently…sorry there’s no sexy-times, dear one, but sometimes they say I love you in other ways. So glad you’re okay!