Sherlock was a shy boy, never really talking to anyone but noticing everyone. He knew so much about each student he could take a glance at for more than a few seconds but one boy in particular caught his attention. John Watson. He seemed simple but interesting. A fair headed, small clever lad who appeared to have a new jumper each day. Sherlock only had a couple of classes with John and so far had only deduced a small amount of information about him. He wanted to know more.

Sherlock was sat in his maths class having already finished all his work when he started to look around. He suddenly noticed the absence of John Watson just as the bell signalling the end of the day rang. Sherlock picked up his bag and swiftly left. He walked the long corridors watching the groups of friends and couples. Everyone having someone to be with. He didn't walk fast, he was in no rush. Until he saw him. John Watson, there at the end of the corridor surrounded by a group of older and taller guys, kicking, punching and spitting down on him. Shouting "Fag!" and "Freak!" Sherlock began to run towards them, screaming; "Piss off! Leave him alone!"

Seeing the tall dark haired boy coming towards them, the group dispersed leaving John on the floor. One boy he noticed running from the scene was Greg Lestrade. Sherlock made a mental note to get him later. Sherlock bent down and helped John to sit up.
"Hey John. Are you okay?"
John looked up in amazement. No one had ever stuck up for him before, no one cared about him. His nose was bloodied and his ribs hurt. He could feel his legs stinging from being kicked but he tried his best to hide the pain. "I ur.. yes.. I'm fine." He groaned a little before looking up to his saviour.

"Thank.."

He stopped mid sentence as Sherlock's face came into view. He was incredible, beautiful. With piercing grey eyes and dark curls that contrasted against his pale skin.

"Thank you.." He managed to say as he continued to stare at Sherlock.

Sherlock stared back, the first time he'd been able to admire John up close. He was even more striking than Sherlock had first thought. The way his hair fell and the way his eyes seemed to shine even through tears. Sherlock shook his head and chuckled. "Here you go." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tissue. "F-For your nose.." Sherlock handed over the tissue as he placed an arm round John's back to help him too his feet.

John took the tissue and cleared away most of the blood, well as much as he could with such a small tissue. "Why are you helping me?"
He suddenly asked Sherlock as they walked together, Sherlock was leading him to the bathroom.

"I don't like seeing anyone get beaten up." Sherlock admitted. That was one of the reasons he had helped John. The others didn't matter for now.
"I'm Sherlock by the way, John. Sherlock Holmes."
John smiled.
"It's nice to meet you. H-how do you know my name?" He asked, a little confused.
"Oh we have some classes together." Sherlock responded as they turned into the bathroom.

John thought hard and couldn't remember ever seeing the boy around school at all.
"I'm Sorry.." He said after a few moments. "I don't remember you.."
Sherlock shook his head and smiled. "Not many people notice me. It's fine."
John thought for a moment before realising he did recognise the name. "Holmes.. wait.. Holmes as in – Vincent Holmes? The business man?" He asked.

John and Sherlock lived in a small part of London where one man, Vincent Holmes owned most of the businesses. Vincent Holmes was the manager of most companies and employed most people in the city, including John's parents.

Sherlock sighed. "Yes. Vincent Holmes is my father." He looked down as they entered the bathroom. He lea John over to a sink where John leaned against the cold porcelain. Sherlock went to grab some more tissue and he brought it over to John.

"You can wipe your nose properly now." Sherlock said.
"Thanks.." John murmured as he stared into a mirror and assessed the damage. He was definitely getting a black eye already. He stayed staring for a few moments after wiping away blood and then felt Sherlock's eyes on him. He turned to see the dark haired boy staring at him with an expressionless face.

"Um.." John began.
"I'm sorry about your parents splitting up." Sherlock cut in.
"How do you know about that? It's only just happened.. a week ago." John looked intently at Sherlock whos face was still unresponsive.
"I deduced it."
"You.. what it?" John almost laughed but then saw how serious his rescuer looked.
"Deduced it. I can look at people and see things that others miss. We all look but.. no one really observes." Sherlock put his head down for a brief moment praying that when he looked up John would still be there. Sherlock moved his face and there he was.

John hadn't stopped leaning on the sink since they entered the room but now his entire body seemed dependent on it. He had perched his bottom on the edge as he gawked at Sherlock unable to believe what he was hearing.
He continued to sit but straightened up his torso with a small intake of breath. His ribs were still killing and were no doubt going to be bruised. If not broken. He prodded a hand into his side. Not broken, just bruised. He let out a long breath and eventually broke the awkward silence that had taken over the room.

"So.. you can.. look at me and just know stuff?"
Sherlock swallowed. "Yes. I know a lot about you, John."
John moved uneasily and blushed. "W-what do you know?"
"I know you're parents split up because you have a sibling who has been causing trouble for the family, I know that you work harder in biology more than any other lesson because you want to be a doctor, I know that you keep to yourself at school because you think nobody cares..." He trailed off as he watched John's mouth drop open then close swiftly.
"That's.. right... You're incredible."
Sherlock's eyes widened. "Incredible? Most people call me a freak." He managed a small chuckle.
"No! That's .. wow. I mean, how do you even do that?"
"I told you, I observe." He smiled and John grinned back.

John licked his lips and sighed after another few moments of staring. "I have a sister." He admitted. "She's older than me, in the sixth form. She's well.. She had some trouble with her boyfriend after she realised that she was actually gay. She came out, went through a bad phase with drinking and trying to cope with it all..." He looked down and frowned. "My parents never stopped blaming each other for it."

Sherlock hadn't expected this sudden confession from John. They'd only just been properly introduced twenty minutes ago! But he made no effort to stop him. Instead he listened attentively and simply nodded when John had finished. One last silence descended over the two before Sherlock stepped forward.

"I'm sorry." He said.
"It's fine." John smiled. "It's not your fault, is it?" A nervous chuckled echoed through the bathroom.
"I ur.. My cars in the car park if you need a lift? Bruised ribs are a pain to walk home with. I know."
"That would be great thanks, Sherlock."

Sherlock smiled and felt a rush of butterflies in his stomach. He shook his head, confused with how he was feeling around John. He felt comfortable and at ease. Something he only felt around his brother, Mycroft. Mycroft was really the only person who understood Sherlock and they were as close as two brothers could be. They had minor arguments but at the end of the day, Sherlock knew he could always rely on Mycroft. He shook his head again as he realised he was lost in thought. He turned to John and smiled.

"Follow me."

John lifted off the sink and limped behind the taller boy, his own stomach flipping and turning as he thought about what had actually just happened. He slapped himself gently over the face when Sherlock wasn't looking.

Snap out of it John. He's just a guy. This isn't the start of a crush... He thought to himself.

He blushed when he looked up to see Sherlock smiling at him.

Okay.. maybe it is a crush..