Summary: What if Moriarty wanted to break Sherlock another way? An alternative Fall.

Sherlock had been missing 3 months. Three months and all they had was the occasional clue from him Moriarty.

Lestrade was at his wits end trying to keep the press at bay, controlling Anderson and Donovan from making their sick jokes, but really, he had nothing and he felt useless. All of Sherlock's insults came rushing back like pouring salt in a wound- he really was useless. If Sherlock had been here the case would have been solved in a week at the most. But of course that was the problem- he wasn't here.

John wasn't coping, despite what he told Sarah, Mrs Hudson, and Claire the new psychiatrist; he had thrown his whole life into finding Sherlock. He had walked the streets of London talking to his homeless network, asking people about Sherlock, looking for any scrap of information, watched and re-watched hours of CCTV footage, and all for nothing.

Moriarty was teasing him, he knew that. But he needed to find Sherlock. Needed Moriarty to make a mistake. Which just wouldn't happen from the worlds only consulting criminal would it now?

John was slumped over his cup of tea when he heard a knock at the door. He had barely had time to acknowledge it before Lestrade came striding in.

"John- we've found where they were- where they might still be- do you wa?"

He was already grabbing his coat and was half way towards the door before he answered.

"If we wait what state do you think we'll find him in?"

Lestrade paled and said quietly "John... I'm not sure what kind of state we'll find him in, even His apparent proof of life isn't solid evidence of that. You know the hair could have been taken shortly after death..."

"I know Greg, believe me, I know... I just need to believe that he's still alive until it's proved that Sherlock isn't."

And with that, the now close friends sprinted off into the waiting patrol car.