July 25 - Running Late

[pompey_01]

 Title: Running Late

Author: Pompey

Universe: ACD

Rating:G

Warnings: none

Word count: 315

Summary: A sequel to July 24 but works as a stand-alone. Watson fears he's caused them to miss their train.

Prompt: July 25 - train time tables

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I awoke feeling almost as sore as I had been when I retired but now with the addition of terrible stiffness. Our miles of trekking the day before had done me no favors. At first I was content to lay quietly in the inn's bed before curiosity caused me to reach for my watch. I read the time in horror and promptly sprung out of bed, heedless of the my protesting joints. There was barely five minutes to make our train.

As I threw on my clothes I couldn't help but wonder where Holmes was and why he had let me sleep so late. Moreover, his luggage was clearly unpacked as his articles were still strewn about the room. I had nearly finished tying my boots, badly, when my friend entered our room as nonchalantly as if he were taking the air through Regent Park.

"Holmes!"

"Watson? What on earth are you doing?"

"Packing!" I cried with some heat. "Do you not realize our train leaves in less than a minute? Why in the world did you not wake me sooner?"

"You needed the sleep," Holmes answered simply. "As for your first question . . . " He withdrew two tickets and handed them to me. "Our train now leaves in two hours."

I felt my tension drain away as I looked at the tickets. "You've just come back from exchanging them, haven't you."

He nodded. "When I realized you had gone to bed early without supper of your own volition, I rather suspected we would need a later train. You are rarely that exhausted, my dear fellow, and Baker Street shall be there no matter what time we arrive there. This change of plans allows us for a leisurely brunch with plenty of time to pack. And to re-lace your boots," he added with a smile and a knowing glance at my feet.