For Joan

[theodorelasso]

Continued from here.

(warnings: sexytimes. also, panic attacks, brutal violence, attempted murder, discussion of suicide and actual murder... )

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[theodorelasso]

"Yeah, we've already done that twice, and honestly I'm kind of bored with it," Ted answers, deadpan. He can't wait to be obnoxiously lovey-dovey. "Once you get here, can we just... take a vacation from worrying about everything? Just take a few days to just relax and enjoy each other's company?"

[formersurgeon]

She laughs. "Me too."

She thinks about his request. They still don't know who paid Perry, nor who killed him. But Sherlock could continue working the case, and a few days of rest with Ted would be wonderful.

"I'd like that."

[theodorelasso]

"Good," Ted answers with a sigh of relief. "There's just been... a lot of everything lately. Feel like we gotta take some time to heal emotionally, not just physically, you know?"

There's only so long they can keep going like this. Especially with the emotional rollercoaster that their relationship has been as well.

He doesn't take any joy in what's happened to Turner, and potentially also Perry, but... He feels relatively safe for the moment. He doesn't think anyone's going to come after him for at least a while. Possibly ever, but...

Well, they'll see. Ted is an optimist, but after these past two weeks, he's also.. a lot more nervous and cautious than he used to be. Which honestly he feels like is something that is more of a loss than being physically out of commission for a while...

[formersurgeon]

It makes Joan sad that what happened has taken away some of Ted's trust and joy. She hopes he can recover it, that it can heal just like his legs and his ribs heal. If time just to themselves helps that happen, then they should absolutely take that time.

"I agree," she says softly. "Do you want to go somewhere together?"

[theodorelasso]

"Oh that might be nice.." Ted says, considering. He'd be fine just staying in his apartment though. It's not like he can run around sightseeing right now. He's got Shaun coming by daily too... "I dunno, I'll think about it. Honestly, as long as you're there, that's all that matters."

[formersurgeon]

Joan was thinking about the seashore, somewhere they could lie in the sand, holding hands as they listen to the waves and soak up rays. But she's totally fine with just staying home, too.

"Whatever you decide," she says, "I'll be there."

She intends to not leave his side for as long as possible.

[theodorelasso]

"Good," Ted answers, smiling, daydreaming about just holding her again. He falls silent for a few moments. "I'm sorry, I don't really have much to say right now cause I'm just so busy thinking about getting to see you again," he says excitedly.

[formersurgeon]

"That's okay," she says with a smile. "I can just talk. I took your advice and went out to have a drink with Marcus the other night. It was really nice."

[theodorelasso]

"Oh good!" Ted answers, happy for her having a bit of a break too. She deserves it, and probably needed it. Especially with the news they've gotten today. And yesterday. "You didn't tell me much about him, what's he like?"

[formersurgeon]

She loves that he asked. That he cares about the details of her life.

"He's a detective with the precinct," she says. "He's worked with us for a while. Almost from the beginning. He's a good guy. Really sharp, while also having less of an ego than many others. He's had his clashes with Sherlock, but he and I have always gotten along."

[theodorelasso]

He cares so much about the details of her life, he could listen to her talk for hours if she wanted to.

"That's nice, I'm glad you got to catch up a bit," Ted answers. "I look forward to meeting all these friends of yours. Though preferably outside of a work setting," he adds with a soft chuckle. Joan obviously knows a lot of people within law enforcement, and he's had enough stuff related to criminal activity that involves himself.

[formersurgeon]

"I look forward to introducing you to them," she says with a smile. "I told Marcus all about you. Of course, it was in the context of our supposed breakup, so. He understands, though. And definitely knows that our pretend breakup wasn't due to anything you did."

[theodorelasso]

"I suppose that's probably for the best, since we're back together now," Ted says, smiling too. He pauses, considering. "Do you think it'd be better if we told people that we lied about being broken up, or just say we're back together now things are resolved?"

He's generally in favor of being honest, of course, but some people might be hurt they were lied to in the first place.

[formersurgeon]

She thinks about that for a moment. She typically prefers to be honest, but she also has no qualms about being less than truthful if it serves a purpose. Of course, the best lie is telling partial truth.

"It won't be inaccurate to say we're back together once I get to London," she points out.

[theodorelasso]

"I guess we were sort of on a break. It was just... only a break from the physical interaction, not the emotions," he considers. "I dunno, I think it's easiest to say we weren't entirely broken up, we just didn't know if we could continue being together, but then we worked it out. That's accurate and simple."

[formersurgeon]

She thinks about that. It is accurate, even if it highlights an uncertainty about their future together that she had tried not to dwell on too much.

"That works."

[theodorelasso]

Ted gives a heavy sigh. "This stuff is complicated. I can't wait until you're here and then we can just let things be simple for at least a little while. Just you, me, food and drink, and somewhere comfortable to relax," he muses dreamily.

[formersurgeon]

"I'm looking forward to that," Joan says. "Honestly, if we don't get out of bed at all for that first day I wouldn't complain."

She's weary, physically and emotionally, and cuddling and snoozing together for a while sounds absolutely heavenly.

"I should text Marcus and Gregson. Let them know that I'm leaving New York."

[theodorelasso]

Ted hums happily at the prospect. Going somewhere nice sounds fun, but yeah, a day of zero responsibilities, hidden away from the world? Sounds perfect.

"Ooh, yeah, that might be smart. Definitely text me when you board the plane though." He will TRY not to excitedly check on the flight, and actually get some sleep, but he's not making any promises. There's a chance when Joan arrives, Ted will just immediately want to go to sleep next to her. But then Joan might be dealing with some strange jet lag too, so it might just work out.

[formersurgeon]

"I'll do that," she promises. If she had nothing else to do on the plane besides wait to reach London and Ted, she'd be obsessive about the time too. But she's going to spend the time going over the files on Perry Perkins's murder so she can pass it off to Sherlock when she lands. She'll be busy. Which is in and of itself a small blessing.

"I love you," she says. It's probably the last time she'll say it over the phone before she sees him in person.

[theodorelasso]

"I love you too. See you soon," he says, feeling slightly giddy at getting to say that. He can't wait.

[formersurgeon]

"See you soon."

She ends the call and texts Marcus, telling him she's going back to London and she'll tell him more later. Then she downloads the files Sherlock sent to her.

When she arrives at the airport she has to run to catch her plane, and she gets there just before they close the door. She pulls out her phone and sends a quick text to Ted.

On the plane. Love you.

The plane pulls away from the gate, and within minutes she's in the air. She pulls out her laptop and connects it to her phone to transfer the files. Then she settles in to review the evidence Sherlock sent. It's not pretty. Joan had been right that they wouldn't find the body in one piece. The crime scene was spread out all over West London.

She does as much analyzing as she can as the plane speeds away from New York and toward the man she loves.

[theodorelasso]

Love you too. Safe fight!

It is borderline impossible to get any proper sleep after that. He does eventually doze off a little bit. But then he wakes up and checks the time. And repeat.

This lack of proper rest does nothing to dampen his excitement. He's up bright and early, practically bouncing in the cab, much to Beard's enjoyment.

When they wait for her at the airport, Ted's even got a silly little sign that says 'Joan', with a big heart drawn next to it. And then Beard has to deal with Ted going "Oh, is that her??" about a dozen times. Until finally Beard replies, "That's her."

[formersurgeon]

Once the plane lands Joan sends Sherlock her analysis. Then she closes her laptop and puts it away, fully intending to not open it again for a couple days at least.

She only has her carryon roller suitcase, so she doesn't have to go to baggage claim. She walks as quickly as she can, scanning the people ahead, looking for Ted.

Then she sees him and Beard standing together, and her heart swelled with so much emotion. She hurries her steps, getting as close to an all-out run as she can in heels. She drops the handle of her suitcase just before she's in his arms, throwing her arms around him as well.

[theodorelasso]

Ted quickly hands his crutches off to Beard, and if he could run to meet her, he would. But seeing her running towards him fills his heart so much, and he practically yells hello to her, to the surprise of people around them.

He only barely has enough forethought to catch her around her waist, so that she can wrap around his shoulders, and his ribs are protected. They still twinge a bit as the two of them crash together, and he has to steady himself to not just fall over, but Ted is so beyond caring. He's so happy to see her, to hold her.

He even lifts her a tiny bit off the ground, just for a moment, though he definitely shouldn't be doing that. Then he pulls back from the hug just enough to kiss her.