A/N: Hello, everyone! It's been a while since I've uploaded anything on here (I get started on too many things and don't finish them). I'm determined to give this story a chance, though. Just a warning: I'm new to the Sherlock fandom and haven't seen all of the BBC episodes yet, so, uh, not everything will be 100% accurate. On the other hand, this is taking place in an alternate universe, so the characters will naturally have moments of OOC-ness, since they aren't in their usual element. As far as slash pairings go, Johnlock isn't my first rodeo. I'm really getting into them, though, and I'm having fun experimenting with them through this story. I hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: Alas, I neither own any of the Sherlock characters, nor anything Sherlock-related. I do, however, own the other characters in this story.


John lets out a yawn and sits up, his bed squeaking in protest at the movement. Sunlight is peering in through the discolored blinds, trying to breathe some life into the dull room. Or, rather, into his dull life. John sits on the edge of the bed and stares blankly at the glowing window, like he does every morning. As he stares, his mind ponders over what the day will bring, although he already knows: the LGBT tour, Rainbow Hearts, is embarking. The tour runs for five days and consists of LGBT-themed activities and attractions. Initially, the idea didn't sound appealing, but his sister, Harry, persuaded him to sign up. She even offered to pay half of the pricey boarding pass, which is suspiciously nice of her.

Lately, his relationship with Harry has been somewhat close to normal. Ever since he came out to her last month, she's been wanting to help him out and give him advice. It's weird, and he's not used to the sudden attention. In fact, it's the most attention he's received in a while. Life's been tough for John, since he's been out of the military. He hasn't wanted to do much of anything. Doesn't have the will. Funny, how an ex-soldier lacks spirit. But it's true. The war didn't empower him; it destroyed him.

Everyday, he wakes up alone in this drab, dinky flat. On his good days, he's not jolting awake from a war-fueled nightmare. On his (rare) great days, he may head out and grab a drink at the pub. He always keeps to himself, not making a fuss. Now, it's not that he's antisocial by nature. Not by any means. He made a few good mates in the military days, but they have all gone their separate ways. John catches himself wondering where they are now. Hopefully they are happier then he is. Besides, interaction is difficult when you're stunted by the pervasive images of war still running rampant through your mind.

John has also fought the battle with his sexuality. He was aware of it from a young age, but he vehemently denied it…that is, until he went into the military. Being around all those fit, strong men really did a number on his psyche, and he soon realized the inevitable: he was hopelessly attracted to other dudes. Despite how painful the realization was, he kept wearing a heterosexual mask around. After all, heterosexuality was the expectation back then, was it not? He would pretend to ogle the women in the magazines and try to pick-up women during down time with his comrades, all for the sake of fitting in. He loathed every-bloody-second of it. Each woman he tried "picking-up" saw right through him (he really didn't give it an honest effort), and his buddies started teasing him. John brushed it off with the claim that he was just waiting for "the right one", although he knew she would never come along.

In all honesty, he doesn't know if 'the right one' exists, but at least he's at peace with his sexuality. He gets off on gay porn and ogles the men in magazines, respectively. He's not, however, fully content with the whole tour idea. Now that he's out, Harry thinks it's the perfect time for him to get out and socialize, especially with other LGBT folks. He's never attended any LGBT-endorsed events before, so this will open him up to a new, intimidating world. A world he's not sure he's ready for; although, the boarding pass on his dresser suggests otherwise. Harry went on the tour two years ago when she was with Clara and said it was a fun experience. She still keeps in contact with a few of the people she met. John doubts his experience will be like hers, no matter how nice it would be to have some new mates. Ones who wouldn't expect him to look at magazines filled with naked women.

After rising from the warmth and safety of his bed, John goes about his usual, dull morning routine. He puts the kettle on for his cuppa, before getting washed up and dressed. The moment he settles down at the small dining room table with his breakfast and tea, his phone rings:

"Ready for the big day?"

John exhales. "As ready as I'm going to be, I suppose."

"I'm so excited for you, John. This is a step in the right direction. You're going to have fun."

"I hope so." He bites into his toast with a loud crunch.

The line falls silent for a moment as John chews. He brings the hot cuppa to his lips.

"What should I expect?" He asks before taking a careful sip.

"Lots of gay sex."

John blinks. Well, that was unexpected. He slowly sets the cup back down with a soft clank, trying to think of what to say when Harry laughs,

"Relax, I'm kidding." Pause. "Actually, there was this one night at the hotel-"

"O-kay, Harry, I don't care to hear about that."

"You hear it even if you don't want to," she murmurs before clearing her throat. "Anyways, this tour is just like any other tour. You'll have a director who overlooks the event, and you'll be driving around to each event. Many of the events last all day. Oh, and you'll spend every night in the same hotel, which is nice."

John takes another crunchy bite of toast while listening to her. "For five days."

"Yep, five days. That'll give you plenty of time to meet awesome people…and maybe a special someone…"

John utters a dismissive sound. "I'm not going on this tour to fool about with someone."

He can hear her smirk. "Right, well, I'll leave you to it. Call me later!"

John vows to and hangs up, checking the time displayed on his phone. The bus will be boarding in half an hour. Right, better get on with it. He finishes off his breakfast and gulps down the rest of his tea before getting cleaned , he grabs the colorful boarding pass, along with the suitcase he so eagerly packed last night, and opens the door. With his hand still on the knob, he casts one last look around the tattered, yet comfortable space. This will be the longest amount of time he's spent away from his flat. With a sigh, he closes the door and takes off down the musty hallway.


Well, I think that makes for a decent intro. Reviews are welcomed, and I'm open to suggestions (especially if something is unbearably OOC. Please, let me know!). Take care!