A Study In Living WIth Sherlock Holmes 13/14
Title: A Study In Living With Sherlock Holmes
Disclaimer: I do not own anything or anyone from the BBCSherlock universe.
Genre: General, Friendship, Angst, Drama
Rating: A frank discussion of sexuality is in this chapter.
Characters: John Watson, Sherlock Holmes, with appearances of DI Lestrade, Mrs Hudson, Mike Stamford, Molly Hooper and others.
Summary: John Watson moves into 221B Baker Street after the events of 'A Study In Pink'. He had no idea what he would be in for, living with an eccentric genius like Sherlock Holmes, but if the first twenty four hours are anything to go by, then he knows he's in for a ride.
Word Count: 2458
***************************
Date: February 21st, Day 22
Location: Newspaper Stand in London
Time: A little past two pm.
***************************
John watches as the two secondary school girls are giving Sherlock bright smiles as he buys a bundle of newspapers, while talking to newspaper vendor.
Sherlock had been telling him about a prior case he had, one that featured a crazy cat lady, food poisoning, and fraud. It was all a bit chaotic, but it seems to be one of Sherlock's favorite cases.
Since they've stopped at the newsstand, John's noticed how some people react to Sherlock before he even speaks to them, that is if he deigns to acknowledge them.
Before the two school girls, it was a group of three women, all well dressed giving him the old once over. One of them even attempted to strike up a conversation with Sherlock, but he didn't give her more than a cursory glance, before turning back to the newspaper vendor.
"So you don't have a girlfriend then?"
"Girlfriend? No, not really my area."
Sherlock's disinterest in romantic relationships was just briefly touched on. John didn't actually like to think on the conversation, unbelievably awkward it was at the time. But since then, the only women John has seen in Sherlock's life have been clients or Mrs Hudson.
For a brief time, John thought Sherlock perhaps, was gay, but the two men at the newsstand who were.. interested, also were ignored.
"Excuse me..."
Oh dear God, one of them was going to speak to him.
How old was this girl? She had to be barely sixteen and yet...
Sherlock pauses in his conversation, glances at the school girl, then turns his attention back to the newsstand vendor.
The girls on her right and left whispered urgently into her ear. And oh no, it the girl looks as if she is going to try again. "I was--I was wondering if--"
"You are barely out of school, and I am at least ten years older than you, I suggest you might have better luck trying a boy your age who might actually be interested in carrying on a conversation with you," Sherlock says bluntly and coldly. John winces at the brutal nature of it. "Also, by the way, your blonde friend just stole your wallet. With the easy way she did it, I would say she does it quite often and without care that she's leaving your short of money all the time." He hands the money over, then turns to John, the girls obviously dismissed from his mind.
"Ready?"
"Yeah."
Sherlock strides off, and John glances back at the girls one more time. The girl that screwed up her courage to talk to Sherlock is now currently glaring at one of her friends.
"That was a little..."
"What?"
"You could have let her down gently, Sherlock."
"What's the point in that?"
"Basic common courtesy."
"Oh this is one your proper social conventions."
"It's not one of mine, it's part of life."
Sherlock shakes his head. "She's young. She'll get over it. Children today are resilient, or so I heard."
"Sherlock--"
"John."
"Sherlock, haven't you ever been that age where you had to work up the nerve to talk to someone you fancied?"
"No."
"No?"
"No."
John waits until they cross the street, heading over to the flat. "So you never had a problem striking up a conversation with someone you fancied?"
"If I ever fancied anyone, I don't think I would have."
"Wait, you mean to tell me, you've never had a relationship."
Sherlock pauses at the door to 221B, giving John a look. "I could have sworn we had a talk about this when we met."
"Sort of. I asked if you had a girlfriend. You said not your area. I then asked if you had a boyfriend. Which I said which is fine, in return you said 'I know it's fine'. Then I stupidly repeated my question, you said no. Then I made some stupid comment about both of us being single which you misinterpreted as interest and did your I'm married to my work speech. It came across as if you've used it a few times before."
Sherlock just stares at John. He blinks a couple times. "You remembered that whole conversation?"
John snorts. "It was quite awkward. For some reason, I'm never able to banish awkward conversations."
"Must be inconvienent."
"It is."
Sherlock pushes open the door, and John follows him inside, shutting it, and then hangs up his coat. Then goes up the stairs and into the sitting room.
"Mind if I watch telly?"
"Not at all," Sherlock says, although he didn't see it, he heard the eye roll.
John flips on the telly, mindful to keep the volume low. "So why did you buy so many newspapers?"
"Looking."
"For what?"
"Possible cases. It's been a few days."
So far his mood hasn't spiraled into foulness yet. Just some restless so far. That's good.
"And if one doesn't come soon my brain is going to rot."
"You know, you could pass the time in-between cases by doing something else. Other than going to Barts, or doing experiments."
"And what would that be?"
"Dating. A woman. Or a man, whatever floats your interest."
"Are you back on the subject?"
"I never left it. Just took a couple minute break from it."
He hears Sherlock sigh, and John wonders if the man is irritated with him. Well, quid pro quo then.
"I really don't see why my lack of dating is so important."
"I'm just trying to understand." John at this point turns off the telly.
"Relationships are drugs."
John grimaces at the term. He hadn't talked to Sherlock about his talk with Lestrade, or even tried to bring up the subject of his past. How could he? Not an easy subject to bring up in casual conversation.
"All right..."
"They suck you in, they twist you about, they leave you dry and apparently wanting more. Who in their right minds would want to do that over and over?"
John doesn't say anything and he wonders if what Sherlock said are a self condemnation for his past.
"Over and over you again, all of you open up yourselves to problems that could be rightly avoided. Relationships are very messy, far too dramatic, no self control involved what so ever. They leave you emotionally vulnerable and open to more hurts in the future," Sherlock bursts out shoving one newspaper to the side.
"Well that's insightful." Also, a good analogy to using drugs.
"Well, it's the truth. Relationships bring out the murderous side of people. I've had plenty of cases for proof of that. Also, look at your sister and her leaving her wife."
"Not something I would use as an example, Sherlock."
"Your parents still married?"
John blinks at the change of subject. "Dad died when I was nineteen. Mum never remarried. She died a year ago.." John trails off, the faint memory still hurting a little.
A pause. "Apologies if I offended you."
"No, you didn't."
"Was it a happy marriage?"
"I like to think it was."
"What about your parents?"
"My parents?"
"Yeah."
"Divorced. Although, I heard Father died when I was...twenty one. I think. Things were a bit fuzzy then."
John wouldn't be surprised.
"How old were you when they divorced?"
"Twelve. And I was the cause of the divorce."
"I doubt that Sherlock."
Sherlock looks up, meeting John's eyes. "Oh no, I was. Father didn't care for me telling Mummy that he was sleeping with his secretary. Nothing but a cliche my father was. The final straw was finding out that he decided to get even with my spilling the beans by attempting to sending me to military school in France."
"Sounds like your father is the cause of the divorce, his treatment of you just spurred it on."
"Hmm. If you want to put it like that, then by all means do so."
"So your mother is still around.. I wasn't quite sure how you and Mycroft spoke of her that night."
"How did we speak of her?"
"That your feud always upset her."
"It used to. Now she just ignores it, or is resigned to it when she is able to force the both of us to spend some quality time together for dinners."
John tries to imagine the type of woman who would raise someone like Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes.
"I can't do it."
"Do what?"
"Imagine what your mother could be like.. considering who she raised for sons."
Sherlock chuckles. "Hard to describe her. You would have to meet her."
"So she's like you and Mycroft then. She defies explanation."
"Of course she does."
"What does she do?"
"Believe it or not, she's a former professor and a published writer. She stopped teaching oh... what, nine, ten years ago? She solely works on her books and her book tours."
"She write anything I may have read?"
"Do you like Mythology?"
"Pardon?"
"Celtic, Welsh, Greek, Roman, Norse mythology. She is considered quite the expert."
"Since she's your mother, I imagine she would be one."
"Is that sarcasm?"
John grins. "No."
"Ah."
"Anyway, we've gotten past the subject."
"I was hoping for that."
"Come on, Sherlock. I'm trying to understand here, and with you just not really explaining, how am I suppose to understand?"
"I explained to you what I think of relationships."
"Yes you did. But then you have a relationship with your brother. And your mother. And we have a working--flatmate relationship. So not all relationships are defined by your definition. This is one of those peculiar things about you.. like you know not knowing the Earth goes round the sun."
"Oh not that again."
"How can you not know the solar system? Basic astronomy? How could your mother who was a professor mind you, let that slide?"
"John, I do believe you are the most frustrating person I ever met."
"Ah well then, I do believe that the pot is calling the kettle black."
"You're not going to let me search the papers in peace are you?"
"You don't let me watch the telly in peace most of the time, so let's just consider this a fair trade."
Sherlock growls in frustration and leans back against the couch. "I don't do physical relationships. I see no need for them, I have no want or desire for them."
"So you're not attracted to women? Or men?"
"I see attractiveness, yes. I can appreciate beauty, but I am not obsessed with it. Besides some of the people that the majority find attractive, do not have attractive mental qualities, so what is the point in appreciating the attractiveness of someone is there is nothing worth while behind it?"
"So, you've never been involved with a woman. Or a man?"
"Are you speaking in terms of a real involvement or for a case?"
"Real involvement."
"No then."
"But you have for a case."
"Yes. But nothing more than show really, because again I do not need it."
"So.. have you ever.." John pauses wondering how he can word this. He's a doctor for god's sake. He should be able to ask this... "So you've never--"
"What? Had sex?"
John waves his hand.
"You know this conversation is quite odd, even for the two of us. John, from what has been said, I think you know the answer."
John blinks feeling a bit shocked. Sherlock's just a few years younger than him... and.. "How? How is that possible? I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm trying to wrap my brain around it, and it's a bit difficult."
"I suppose you've had plenty of relationships."
John clears his throat. "Er, Yes."
"All of them sexual?"
John coughs. He deserves this. "Not all of them."
"But a majority of them."
He started the conversation, he should be able to handle Sherlock's questions.
"Yes."
"All of those that did, were they all satisfying?"
Oh, dear God.
"Erm.. I.. I don't.." John flounders, trying to think of a way on how not to answer this, but so far he can't. Sherlock's been honest with his questions, so John should be to. "No."
"Yet you continue."
"I continue to search for the right woman, because I know there is one. One that fits me, in every way possible, and I fit her in every way possible."
"By that, you also mean sexually."
John clears his throat again. "Sherlock, what--"
"You are like most, John. You require a physical relationship as well a mental one with the woman you one day may settle down with. You need all aspects to be stimulated in a relationship. On the other hand, I am fine without any of it. I am content and satisfied with what I have in my life. My work. It keeps me satisfied, keeps me stimulated. You and all the others who are in the same boat can have your physical messy, emotional, dramas with the opposite or same sex. Again, I do not need it to be satisfied."
"I'm married to my work."
Aparrently quite literally.
John notices then that Sherlock is now focused on him, expecting some sort of response. He's holding himself straight, as if expecting to be blasted for his unorthodox ways.
John can think of a couple people who would curl their lips and say the word 'Freak.'
"All right."
Surprise flashes over Sherlock's features. "What?"
"All right. I.. sort of understand, well I am trying to. Thank you for explaining it."
John notices the tension in Sherlock disappears, and he seems more relaxed now.
"Apologies for the aggravation Sherlock," John adds sincerely. "I simply wanted to understand."
Just like knowledge that the man once did drugs, this is another part of Sherlock that's hard to understand.
"Of course," Sherlock murmurs. "What time is it?"
"Oh, quarter past three."
"Isn't your show on now?"
"What? Oh yes, I suppose I can watch that. Unless you want help finding an interesting murder in the papers."
"No, you watch your telly. If you want to help when your show is done, that's fine."
John nods, and turns the telly back on. His mind is still turning about, but there's a companionable silence between the two of them, with the occasional sound of a page being turned as his show plays.
NEXT CHAPTER
Author's Note: Since only a mother has been confirmed in this universe of Sherlock, and only a sister for John, I wasn't sure what to do regarding the parents of John and Sherlock. I did research as best as I could, but couldn't locate anything else. So I just went where my muse took me. Plus I hope the conversation in this doesn't seem to out there for them to have.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything or anyone from the BBCSherlock universe.
Genre: General, Friendship, Angst, Drama
Rating: A frank discussion of sexuality is in this chapter.
Characters: John Watson, Sherlock Holmes, with appearances of DI Lestrade, Mrs Hudson, Mike Stamford, Molly Hooper and others.
Summary: John Watson moves into 221B Baker Street after the events of 'A Study In Pink'. He had no idea what he would be in for, living with an eccentric genius like Sherlock Holmes, but if the first twenty four hours are anything to go by, then he knows he's in for a ride.
Word Count: 2458
***************************
Date: February 21st, Day 22
Location: Newspaper Stand in London
Time: A little past two pm.
***************************
John watches as the two secondary school girls are giving Sherlock bright smiles as he buys a bundle of newspapers, while talking to newspaper vendor.
Sherlock had been telling him about a prior case he had, one that featured a crazy cat lady, food poisoning, and fraud. It was all a bit chaotic, but it seems to be one of Sherlock's favorite cases.
Since they've stopped at the newsstand, John's noticed how some people react to Sherlock before he even speaks to them, that is if he deigns to acknowledge them.
Before the two school girls, it was a group of three women, all well dressed giving him the old once over. One of them even attempted to strike up a conversation with Sherlock, but he didn't give her more than a cursory glance, before turning back to the newspaper vendor.
"So you don't have a girlfriend then?"
"Girlfriend? No, not really my area."
Sherlock's disinterest in romantic relationships was just briefly touched on. John didn't actually like to think on the conversation, unbelievably awkward it was at the time. But since then, the only women John has seen in Sherlock's life have been clients or Mrs Hudson.
For a brief time, John thought Sherlock perhaps, was gay, but the two men at the newsstand who were.. interested, also were ignored.
"Excuse me..."
Oh dear God, one of them was going to speak to him.
How old was this girl? She had to be barely sixteen and yet...
Sherlock pauses in his conversation, glances at the school girl, then turns his attention back to the newsstand vendor.
The girls on her right and left whispered urgently into her ear. And oh no, it the girl looks as if she is going to try again. "I was--I was wondering if--"
"You are barely out of school, and I am at least ten years older than you, I suggest you might have better luck trying a boy your age who might actually be interested in carrying on a conversation with you," Sherlock says bluntly and coldly. John winces at the brutal nature of it. "Also, by the way, your blonde friend just stole your wallet. With the easy way she did it, I would say she does it quite often and without care that she's leaving your short of money all the time." He hands the money over, then turns to John, the girls obviously dismissed from his mind.
"Ready?"
"Yeah."
Sherlock strides off, and John glances back at the girls one more time. The girl that screwed up her courage to talk to Sherlock is now currently glaring at one of her friends.
"That was a little..."
"What?"
"You could have let her down gently, Sherlock."
"What's the point in that?"
"Basic common courtesy."
"Oh this is one your proper social conventions."
"It's not one of mine, it's part of life."
Sherlock shakes his head. "She's young. She'll get over it. Children today are resilient, or so I heard."
"Sherlock--"
"John."
"Sherlock, haven't you ever been that age where you had to work up the nerve to talk to someone you fancied?"
"No."
"No?"
"No."
John waits until they cross the street, heading over to the flat. "So you never had a problem striking up a conversation with someone you fancied?"
"If I ever fancied anyone, I don't think I would have."
"Wait, you mean to tell me, you've never had a relationship."
Sherlock pauses at the door to 221B, giving John a look. "I could have sworn we had a talk about this when we met."
"Sort of. I asked if you had a girlfriend. You said not your area. I then asked if you had a boyfriend. Which I said which is fine, in return you said 'I know it's fine'. Then I stupidly repeated my question, you said no. Then I made some stupid comment about both of us being single which you misinterpreted as interest and did your I'm married to my work speech. It came across as if you've used it a few times before."
Sherlock just stares at John. He blinks a couple times. "You remembered that whole conversation?"
John snorts. "It was quite awkward. For some reason, I'm never able to banish awkward conversations."
"Must be inconvienent."
"It is."
Sherlock pushes open the door, and John follows him inside, shutting it, and then hangs up his coat. Then goes up the stairs and into the sitting room.
"Mind if I watch telly?"
"Not at all," Sherlock says, although he didn't see it, he heard the eye roll.
John flips on the telly, mindful to keep the volume low. "So why did you buy so many newspapers?"
"Looking."
"For what?"
"Possible cases. It's been a few days."
So far his mood hasn't spiraled into foulness yet. Just some restless so far. That's good.
"And if one doesn't come soon my brain is going to rot."
"You know, you could pass the time in-between cases by doing something else. Other than going to Barts, or doing experiments."
"And what would that be?"
"Dating. A woman. Or a man, whatever floats your interest."
"Are you back on the subject?"
"I never left it. Just took a couple minute break from it."
He hears Sherlock sigh, and John wonders if the man is irritated with him. Well, quid pro quo then.
"I really don't see why my lack of dating is so important."
"I'm just trying to understand." John at this point turns off the telly.
"Relationships are drugs."
John grimaces at the term. He hadn't talked to Sherlock about his talk with Lestrade, or even tried to bring up the subject of his past. How could he? Not an easy subject to bring up in casual conversation.
"All right..."
"They suck you in, they twist you about, they leave you dry and apparently wanting more. Who in their right minds would want to do that over and over?"
John doesn't say anything and he wonders if what Sherlock said are a self condemnation for his past.
"Over and over you again, all of you open up yourselves to problems that could be rightly avoided. Relationships are very messy, far too dramatic, no self control involved what so ever. They leave you emotionally vulnerable and open to more hurts in the future," Sherlock bursts out shoving one newspaper to the side.
"Well that's insightful." Also, a good analogy to using drugs.
"Well, it's the truth. Relationships bring out the murderous side of people. I've had plenty of cases for proof of that. Also, look at your sister and her leaving her wife."
"Not something I would use as an example, Sherlock."
"Your parents still married?"
John blinks at the change of subject. "Dad died when I was nineteen. Mum never remarried. She died a year ago.." John trails off, the faint memory still hurting a little.
A pause. "Apologies if I offended you."
"No, you didn't."
"Was it a happy marriage?"
"I like to think it was."
"What about your parents?"
"My parents?"
"Yeah."
"Divorced. Although, I heard Father died when I was...twenty one. I think. Things were a bit fuzzy then."
John wouldn't be surprised.
"How old were you when they divorced?"
"Twelve. And I was the cause of the divorce."
"I doubt that Sherlock."
Sherlock looks up, meeting John's eyes. "Oh no, I was. Father didn't care for me telling Mummy that he was sleeping with his secretary. Nothing but a cliche my father was. The final straw was finding out that he decided to get even with my spilling the beans by attempting to sending me to military school in France."
"Sounds like your father is the cause of the divorce, his treatment of you just spurred it on."
"Hmm. If you want to put it like that, then by all means do so."
"So your mother is still around.. I wasn't quite sure how you and Mycroft spoke of her that night."
"How did we speak of her?"
"That your feud always upset her."
"It used to. Now she just ignores it, or is resigned to it when she is able to force the both of us to spend some quality time together for dinners."
John tries to imagine the type of woman who would raise someone like Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes.
"I can't do it."
"Do what?"
"Imagine what your mother could be like.. considering who she raised for sons."
Sherlock chuckles. "Hard to describe her. You would have to meet her."
"So she's like you and Mycroft then. She defies explanation."
"Of course she does."
"What does she do?"
"Believe it or not, she's a former professor and a published writer. She stopped teaching oh... what, nine, ten years ago? She solely works on her books and her book tours."
"She write anything I may have read?"
"Do you like Mythology?"
"Pardon?"
"Celtic, Welsh, Greek, Roman, Norse mythology. She is considered quite the expert."
"Since she's your mother, I imagine she would be one."
"Is that sarcasm?"
John grins. "No."
"Ah."
"Anyway, we've gotten past the subject."
"I was hoping for that."
"Come on, Sherlock. I'm trying to understand here, and with you just not really explaining, how am I suppose to understand?"
"I explained to you what I think of relationships."
"Yes you did. But then you have a relationship with your brother. And your mother. And we have a working--flatmate relationship. So not all relationships are defined by your definition. This is one of those peculiar things about you.. like you know not knowing the Earth goes round the sun."
"Oh not that again."
"How can you not know the solar system? Basic astronomy? How could your mother who was a professor mind you, let that slide?"
"John, I do believe you are the most frustrating person I ever met."
"Ah well then, I do believe that the pot is calling the kettle black."
"You're not going to let me search the papers in peace are you?"
"You don't let me watch the telly in peace most of the time, so let's just consider this a fair trade."
Sherlock growls in frustration and leans back against the couch. "I don't do physical relationships. I see no need for them, I have no want or desire for them."
"So you're not attracted to women? Or men?"
"I see attractiveness, yes. I can appreciate beauty, but I am not obsessed with it. Besides some of the people that the majority find attractive, do not have attractive mental qualities, so what is the point in appreciating the attractiveness of someone is there is nothing worth while behind it?"
"So, you've never been involved with a woman. Or a man?"
"Are you speaking in terms of a real involvement or for a case?"
"Real involvement."
"No then."
"But you have for a case."
"Yes. But nothing more than show really, because again I do not need it."
"So.. have you ever.." John pauses wondering how he can word this. He's a doctor for god's sake. He should be able to ask this... "So you've never--"
"What? Had sex?"
John waves his hand.
"You know this conversation is quite odd, even for the two of us. John, from what has been said, I think you know the answer."
John blinks feeling a bit shocked. Sherlock's just a few years younger than him... and.. "How? How is that possible? I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm trying to wrap my brain around it, and it's a bit difficult."
"I suppose you've had plenty of relationships."
John clears his throat. "Er, Yes."
"All of them sexual?"
John coughs. He deserves this. "Not all of them."
"But a majority of them."
He started the conversation, he should be able to handle Sherlock's questions.
"Yes."
"All of those that did, were they all satisfying?"
Oh, dear God.
"Erm.. I.. I don't.." John flounders, trying to think of a way on how not to answer this, but so far he can't. Sherlock's been honest with his questions, so John should be to. "No."
"Yet you continue."
"I continue to search for the right woman, because I know there is one. One that fits me, in every way possible, and I fit her in every way possible."
"By that, you also mean sexually."
John clears his throat again. "Sherlock, what--"
"You are like most, John. You require a physical relationship as well a mental one with the woman you one day may settle down with. You need all aspects to be stimulated in a relationship. On the other hand, I am fine without any of it. I am content and satisfied with what I have in my life. My work. It keeps me satisfied, keeps me stimulated. You and all the others who are in the same boat can have your physical messy, emotional, dramas with the opposite or same sex. Again, I do not need it to be satisfied."
"I'm married to my work."
Aparrently quite literally.
John notices then that Sherlock is now focused on him, expecting some sort of response. He's holding himself straight, as if expecting to be blasted for his unorthodox ways.
John can think of a couple people who would curl their lips and say the word 'Freak.'
"All right."
Surprise flashes over Sherlock's features. "What?"
"All right. I.. sort of understand, well I am trying to. Thank you for explaining it."
John notices the tension in Sherlock disappears, and he seems more relaxed now.
"Apologies for the aggravation Sherlock," John adds sincerely. "I simply wanted to understand."
Just like knowledge that the man once did drugs, this is another part of Sherlock that's hard to understand.
"Of course," Sherlock murmurs. "What time is it?"
"Oh, quarter past three."
"Isn't your show on now?"
"What? Oh yes, I suppose I can watch that. Unless you want help finding an interesting murder in the papers."
"No, you watch your telly. If you want to help when your show is done, that's fine."
John nods, and turns the telly back on. His mind is still turning about, but there's a companionable silence between the two of them, with the occasional sound of a page being turned as his show plays.
NEXT CHAPTER
Author's Note: Since only a mother has been confirmed in this universe of Sherlock, and only a sister for John, I wasn't sure what to do regarding the parents of John and Sherlock. I did research as best as I could, but couldn't locate anything else. So I just went where my muse took me. Plus I hope the conversation in this doesn't seem to out there for them to have.