Disclaimer: I realized only after posting I'd forgotten the disclaimer so here it is: I do not own Sherlock or any of the characters but I do have and here exercise the right to use these characters in a written tale of my design for mine own ends whatever they lead to.

CHAPTER 2: Social Priorities-Dull

Sherlock scanned the room again assuring himself that his newest hidden objects could not be seen. As he nodded to himself proud of his own doings John returned home with an unexpected guest. "Send it back."

"That it Sherlock is a child and he's staying with us for the weekend so he can celebrate Halloween." John said firmly.

"Why would we celebrate Halloween?"

"Because we have a child staying with us and I think it might be nice for you to practice socializing."

It was in John's nature to attempt to change Sherlock but the hurried way in which he said it suggested that it was an exucse possibly one he'd quickly come up with on the way back home. That's when he remembered John's reason for living in the first place. "He's from that children's home, isn't he? This was Sarah's idea, wasn't it?" Sherlock said accusingly.

"No."

"Yes." the boy corrected.

"John I know how much you value your social relationships but I thought we'd agreed that Sarah is not allowed to intrude on my life."

"Sherlock it's just one weekend that's all and besides he's quiet you'll hardly notice he's here."

"I highly doubt that."

"He's right that's not happening." Thomas interjected, "Why don't you just drop me off back at the home then?"

"Thomas there is no one there and I am not about to leave you alone."

"I'm ten years old doctor I think I can handle one weekend by myself."

"You see he'll be fine. Take him back."

"I promised Sarah he would stay with me so he's staying. Thomas you can stay in my room while you're here it's upstairs. Why don't get unpacked and then we can go find you a costume." Both boy and man rolled their eyes and turned away from Watson who struggled to suppress a grin at how alike they were.

"Honestly Watson your social priorities are becoming a problem."

"It's not like I'm asking you to take care of him. Although it would be nice of you to spend some time with him."

"Dull." came the typical one word response.

"You don't know that for sure. He likes reading about serial killers."

"So does a third of the population but it doesn't mean they know anything about and it does not-" Sherlock didn't have a chance to finish because a moment later his cell went off. From the reaction John guessed it must be Lestrade calling. He listened to Sherlock's responses as he waited patiently for him to talk fill him in. "Lestrade . . . Yes . . . 1844 Woodson Road. I'll be there shortly." He ended the call and rose heading for the door. "Lestrade has a new case. Are you coming or do you need to stay and babysit?"

Conflict took him for all of three seconds when he called out. "Thomas."

"Yes Dr. Watson?" Thomas asked innocently enough but there was something about the use of doctor that made John feel that regret nagging at him.

"I have to go out for a little while just stay here and I'll be back as soon as possible. Then I promise we'll figure out a costume for you."

"I never said I wanted a costume and just so were all clear how is staying here alone different from me staying at the home alone?"

Watson ignored the smug look on Sherlock's face. "Stay here and watch television. I'll be home soon."

The boy got a smug look of his own.

"What? What is that?" John asked half of him hesitant to hear the answer.

"I wonder how your precious Sarah would react if I told her about this? I bet she'd be angry. Not angry enough to come home but maybe if I exaggerate a bit. What do you think Johnny boy?"

John bit back the words he wanted to say this time not able to ignore the amused chuckling of the detective standing behind him who had for the moment allowed himself to forget the case. This was one of those things the doctor had been afraid of. It seemed Sherlock enjoyed observing his losing battle with a ten year old more than a case. "Sherlock?"

"He is not coming with us."

"Why not?"

"Lestrade barely allows you there." Sherlock protested.

"That's not true."

"Yes it is."

"Lestrade would let in anyone you told him to."

"Maybe he would but I don't want a child on our case. It's only going to slow us down."

"Hey! I might want to leave but I don't take insults."

The brief moment of amusement at watching John with what was in Sherlock's mind a social experiment had faded and he was irritated to see that they had been standing there for all of two minutes when they should be two minutes into a case. "Obviously we're stuck with you meanwhile I'm wasting time when I should be examining a dead body. I'm leaving and John's coming with me while you stay here and watch television quietly."

Thomas glared at the older man but rather than argue he took a seat on the couch and began flipping through channels. Watson blinked unsure for a moment what had happened. He had figured the kid would be arguing or at the least stomping upstairs as Sherlock would have no doubt done at that age. He smiled slightly allowing himself to think that perhaps he was lucky and the boy was not a future sociopath after all. Hopeful he left the boy sitting on the couch and followed Sherlock downstairs.

Thomas turned around on the couch watching the door as it locked and clicked the TV off heading upstairs to his room. First meeting completed now it was time to get to the real fun.

Author's Note: I realize this kid might come off somewhat manipulative and you may not like him treating John as he does but I enjoy it and this is my tale to spin. So don't bother me with changing what is done. On the other hand if you have suggestions for the case or brilliant comebacks I can use on other characters then by all means send them along.