title: deliberate
fandom: Elementary
length: 100 words

note: Set very much in my memories of Season 1. The original draft of this included Sherlock's actual dialogue and the word "locked," but it came out in revisions. It was there, though! I promise! :D


Joan sighs and sinks gratefully into the cushions of the chair. She slips out of her shoes and lifts her teacup to her face. Exhale stress, inhale steam. Exhale stress, inhale steam. Black tea and bergamot. Tranquility.

Distantly, she hears Sherlock speaking loudly: his phone. Something about handcuffs and flogging, and Joan's fragile peace falters with a flare of annoyance. He could at least close the door to his room; he knows how noise carries--

Joan takes another deliberate breath. Meditation is essential in her work. So is weathering blatant efforts to provoke her temper. She won't let Sherlock win.