Chapter Text
Posh Restaurant, London, England
John and Ari sat in a very nice restaurant, at a table in a darker, secluded corner. It was one of the nicer places John had ever taken a date and he knew the food was very good. Their orders had already been taken and they were talking quietly. John was telling Ari about a case Sherlock and he had been only after a week of knowing each other. Ari laughed, “Are you serious? He dressed like a woman to catch this guy?”
John nodded, “Yeah, he did. Looked pretty good as a woman, too.” Ari’s laugh turned into a yawn which she covered with her hand. Surprised John, asked, "Are you tired?"
Ari made a face, "Sorry, I took some Benadryl before we left and it's hitting me hard for some reason."
John frowned, "Why did," John's mobile went off before he could finish. He blushed as he fished it out of his pocket, "Sorry."
Ari smiled as she watched his face, "It's Sherlock."
John looked up, "Yeah."
"You have a case," John looked abashed, "Don't." Ari waved her hand, "Don't apologize." Just then the waiter arrived with their food. Ari smiled, "I'm sorry, my date is a doctor and has been called in on an emergency. Could we get these to go, please?"
The waiter look surprised, but answered quickly, "Oh, yes, ma'am. Of course," the waiter picked up the plates and hurried off.
John started to protest, "You don't have," he stopped as she held up her hand. Her smile somewhat confused him and he really didn't know how to take it. Most other women would be upset with him leaving his mobile on during a date, let alone answering a text from his male flat mate. If he left, they normally didn't call him afterward.
Ari leaned in and put her hand on his, "You are so much more than just a doctor, hon." Her smile was proud, almost radiant, "Dating you is like dating a police officer. I expect you to run off randomly because of cases. I'm not upset with you or Sherlock. Bad guys need to be caught and you two do that."
John was touched. He didn't know what to say. He was fortunately saved by the waiter bringing their food, boxed and bagged at a quick trot. That was quick!
Ari got up, put her coat on and took the bags, smiling the whole time. John took out his wallet as they rose, and made to pay the bill, but the waiter waved his now empty hands, "I'm sorry, sir. Your dinner was taken care of."
John blinked even more confused now, "What?"
The waiter shrugged, "My manager said it was paid for and hopes you will come back soon."
Ari nodded, "We will," she took John's arm and guided him down the aisle, "Have a wonderful night."
The waiter smiled and said, "Hope everything works out," as they walked out the front door.
As they made their way to where a cab stand was, John said, "At least let me pay for your cab back."
Ari laughed and cuddled up close to him, "You are a dear." Ari kissed his cheek, "I'm gonna catch the bus, the next street over. You have a consulting detective to meet."
John pulled her closed, "I might be busy for a few days." John studied her face, "You're really okay with this?"
Ari nodded, "Yes, John, I'm really okay with it." She made sure he was looking into her eyes and saw her sincerity, "Text me when you can and when it's safe to text Sherlock again. I don't want to accidentally set off a fit, especially while he's on a case."
John was grinning, now. He couldn't help it. The woman in front of me is just too perfect. "You are amazing," before Ari could say anything, John pulled her against him and kissed her soundly. Her little gasp made him smile, he didn't get to surprise her often, but he really liked when he managed it.
When they broke apart a cab was just pulling up and John waved a hand to flag it. It pulled over and they walked to it, "Are sure I can't have him drop you?"
Ari stood firm, but responded with laughter filling her voice, "No. I'll be fine. Go help the big git of a flat mate solve some crime." Ari all but shoved him toward the car and then remembered, "Oh, your dinner."
John shook his head, "You take it. Probably a good thing I don't eat. Doubt I'll have time at the crime scene." Ari looked concerned, "Don't worry. I have to make sure he eats, so I won't forget."
Ari nodded, slowly, "Only if you're sure."
John smiled and gave her a quick kiss on her forehead, "I'll text you."
Ari watched as John got in the cab and gave an unfamiliar address. She waved as he looked back. She caught his smile and a flash of his hand before he was out of view. She watched the cab and whispered, "Be safe," as it turned a corner and was out of sight. With a sigh she took stock of her surroundings and headed down the street to where the bus stop was located. She didn't want to go back to Building Six, but she didn't exactly have much of a choice. Maybe I'll stop at that park near the grocery store, if it's not closed by the time I get there
Ari's phone went off and she checked it. She smiled as she saw a text from John,
"Thank you for being so understanding. We'll make plans after he solves this case, promise. Be safe and text me when you get home. - JW"
Ari replied as she walked, her smile growing at his concern,
"No worries, but you're welcome anyway. Can't wait to hear all the details. You be safe, too! *hugs* Will do."
She never signed her texts or put a signature on them. She always figured that if the person being texted didn't know the person texting, they should ask. But when he and Sherlock do it, it's kinda cute. Go figure.
Ari looked up as a bus came down the street. It stopped just passed the sign and she got on. She paid the fare and sat down just two seats behind the driver. The bus wasn't very crowded since it was a weeknight after the rush to get home and have dinner crowd. The bus driver asked where she was headed and nodded when she told him. He told her about how long it would be and she thanked him. Ari debated eating on the bus, but decided against it as another rider got on.
Ari pulled a book out of her purse and pretended to read, even as her mind percolated, turning things over and over in its attempt to fine connections, patterns, and conclusions. So many things to think about. At least it looks like I'll have some time on my hands. Ari sighed, I am so pathetic. I already miss him. Is that even possible? Ari rubbed her temple, trying not to think too hard or let her imagination run wild. Ari tried to slow her mental processes down as the bus made stop after stop. At one point she thought about getting out and just walking the rest of the way to Building Six, but she knew both Zebina and John would be upset if she did that. They do worry. Ari smiled then, feeling loved and cared for.
Ari finally broke down and put her book away. She pulled out her phone and began reading through all of the texts she and John had sent to each other over the past week. When she finally reached his last message she sighed and looked up. She smiled as she realized that she was almost to her stop. Time flies when you’re having fun . . . or when you’re obsessively going over texts from the guy you like. Ari tried not to laugh at herself, but if you couldn’t laugh at yourself, who could you laugh at? Goddess, I am a smart butt even in my own head! Ari shook her head to try and clear it as she watched the street roll by. She put her cell away and got her bags together. I am so ready to take a nap. Maybe it’ll be peaceful tonight. A girl can hope!
As the bus pulled up to the stop near Building Six, Ari rose and headed down the aisle. The bus driver nodded to her and wished her a good evening. She imitated him and did the same, smiling as she went. Hoping to somehow find everyone either busy, engaged in things for the night, or hopefully not bothering to notice her quick return from her attempt at a date, she walked with a purpose. Ari checked her cell again, noting the time. Just before nine, the door should still be unlocked.
Ari turned the corner and saw something she hadn’t expected. She blinked as she watched Ryan being shoved up against a brick wall by a young black man with shoulder length dreads in a dark leather looking jacket and dirty jeans. She didn’t hear what they were saying, but she didn’t need to. She ducked back around the corner so neither would realize she was there. Peaking around, her curious nature was sure to get her into trouble. She observed and frowned as she saw Ryan indicate his bookbag. The young black man released Ryan, who bent over to pick up his bag. He rummaged in it for a moment and handed him something that glinted in the street light. A glass vile of some kind. Ari couldn’t tell what was in it, she was too far away. She watched for a few more seconds before the young man started to walk her way. Crap! She walked a little back the way she’d come and then slowly headed back to the corner. She was about ten feet from the corner when the young man walked past her. He didn’t even look her way and she did her best not to stare. Ari played it cool as she turned the corner and saw Ryan was only a few feet from where she had seen the run-in. She took a second to debate whether or not she should call out to him, but knew that it would seem odd if she walked the whole way back without acknowledging his presence. Ari kept her pace steady as she walked, not hurrying, in case she could pretend she hadn’t noticed Ryan, but she was not lucky tonight. Within seconds she was only a few feet from him, and still two streets from Building Six. Sighing, she fixed a smile on her face and said, “Ryan, is that you?”
Ryan turned around, startled, “What?” He looked like a deer caught in headlights until he realized who it was. His face turned sour, “Oh, it’s you.” Ryan turned around and kept walking, “I thought you had a date tonight.”
Ari kept the smile plastered on, “Yeah, I did. He got called in, though. Doctors and emergencies, ya know?” She couldn’t see Ryan’s face, but she could read his body language. He was not happy that he’d met her on the way home, but he was also secretly glad not to have to walk the rest of the way by himself. “So, how was your day? Learn anything interesting?”
Ryan sighed, stopped suddenly and turned to face her, “Listen, let’s not kid each other, okay.”
Ari felt a chill go down her spine at his tone of voice, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Ryan’s face turned to a mask of anger and he grabbed her arms, “You are not as dumb as you pretend to be, so stop acting it.”
Ari tensed under his hands, “Ryan, please let go of me.”
Ryan’s grip only tightened, especially his right hand, “I don’t like you. You interfere and distract. You don’t like me because I’m dating your sister.”
Ari’s mouth went dry, “Ryan, I don’t know you.” His hand tightened further making her gasp slightly, “I support Nina’s decisions. She chose to date you and live with you. I have no say in the matter and I will not butt my nose in where it doesn’t belong.” Ari was trying to be calm, but Ryan’s grip only seemed to tighten more, “Please, let me go.” Ryan’s hand tightened further and Ari cried out, “Ryan, you’re hurting me.”
Ryan pushed her away, making her stumble backward. He stood looking at his hands for several seconds. He mumbled a, “Sorry,” and then took off down the street. Ari watched him for several long seconds before she carefully put down her bags and rubbed her aching arms. She ignored her trembling hands and concentrated on her breathing.
As if sensing she needed him, Ari’s cell chimed a new text from John. Ari tried to read it, but it took several tries. For some reason it was blurry,
“Did you make it home, okay? – JW”
Ari wiped her eyes and responded,
“Only a block away. Don’t worry.”
She swallowed hard, wanting to run to John, wanting to escape from the drama that would play out if Zebina found out about Ryan’s grabbing her. She looked at her arms and her eyes widened. Oh no! They’re already bruising. What am I going to do? Ari wiped her eyes again, with the back of her hand and thought hard. She picked up her bags and started walking as her mind raced. This time Ari didn’t bother trying to stop it. She needed it to be on super speed, she needed some way to not be the reason her sister broke up with another boyfriend.