John didn't respond immediately. Tight-lipped and unnaturally still, he held Sherlock's gaze completely steadily despite the slightly exaggerated rise and fall of his chest that signified one very obvious truth: he was experiencing that strange blend of fury, disappointment and desperate hurt that only Sherlock was capable of inspiring.

"Unbelievable," he said, eventually, shaking his head. "That's what you are. Go on. Get the rest out, god knows we don't have enough time for me to tell you exactly how much of a colossal prick you are. Go on, don't let me stop you."