In the confusion and shock John closed his eyes tight as he was being spun around by the wrist. His face was met with the chest of Sherlock as he was grabbed by the shoulders. His eyes met with the mesmerizing aquamarine with flecks of brown gold that were stern.

"Why were you following me earlier? Did Lestrade put you up to this? Answer me!" Sherlock barked. John was startled terribly by the harsh treatment from his roommate. He did not want to admit that he followed Sherlock out of curiosity because he might take it the wrong way. On the other hand he did not like the insinuation that he is a mole or spy.

"No Lestrade did not tell me to follow you. I do not like the tone you are giving me either. I mean why would I be interested in what you do with your free time even if you are getting into trouble."

"Then why did I see you following me around? There are very few reasons why so spill it!"

"I was curious that was all! You were not looking into any clubs or sports and neither was I so I just wanted to see if you um well…" John was stumbling over his words while looking at Sherlock's vibrant eyes. He thought Sherlock would punch his face and hate him forever but what came next was a surprise that would form the next years of John's life.

"Hm that is very interesting but none the less I do need help even if you are lying though it does seem you are not. Your shock and terror in your eyes and expression tells me that you know nothing of what I am speaking of and of course for being a middle class average person you would not be smart enough to know how to conceal your tells."

"Wait just a bloody moment –"

"I am not done yet. I am investigating the art teacher and the strange disappearances of some expensive artwork from the museum around the time the art class takes a field trip. The museum does not realize what happened until months later when some pieces show up as fakes at sales. The teacher, Mr. Finch, himself has what are said to be replicas of artwork but until closer inspection I cannot tell whether the pieces are indeed fake or real. That is where I need you. I would like someone to help me break into the art room after curfew to help me inspect the artwork and gather clues. All you will be is a watch dog and if so a distraction when needed. You like a challenge like this scholarship boy?" John was in awe of what Sherlock is proposing. He could not determine what to be more put off by. The fact that Sherlock was considering breaking into a teacher's room to solve a petty case or that he was just referred to as both a dog and escape goat not being valued at all. "Well?" Sherlock gave John a tired of waiting look.

"I do not like to be involved in crimes especially when I have a scholarship to maintain to go to this school and get into the Med. School that I have wanted to for years. I think you will have to either go alone and not involve me and leave your evidence in our room or get someone else to help you out that gets off on the thrill of doing something wrong. Just go, I do not want to hear any more of this madness." With this being said Sherlock looked down at John in utter rejection mixed with disappointment. Sherlock began to turn and walk away from John. Something in this moment made John grab Sherlock by the hand and turn him around.

"Fine! I will be going with you just do not look so defeated like that ever again. It is very unbecoming of you. Oh and by the way the name is John not scholarship boy got it?" John knew this was foolish but he was indeed tired of the mundane and this may just be the outing he needed. Sherlock only looked defeated to persuade the rather kind hearted John and it won John over though him using a front there was some actual disappointment in Sherlock when John turned him down that Sherlock wrote off on it being that someone from the outside who did not know him well thought he was a nuisance. The clasped hands turned into a shake as the two smiled at each other on their partnership.

The two then returned to their room together to get ready for curfew even though they were going to break it. John who was still hungry went to the showers first. He thought about the task at hand and felt a sense of thrill running through his whole body and the warm water hit it. He did not care if he was breaking the rules of the school but there was that fear in the back of his mind. What really made him happy was that he would be working with one of the most mysterious guys he ever met. It was a weird feeling since he has only known him for a day but something felt familiar about him. He did make him on edge and mad but at the same time just the way he looked sent a chill through his body. As the soap rinsed off his body and John went to turn off the water he caught himself flushed and wondered why a guy could make him feel this way let alone Sherlock.

John returned to the room and a smell caught his nose. It was a roast beef sandwich sitting on his bed. Sherlock was just lying in his bed relaxing and when John came in Sherlock cocked his head to look at him. John was in his pajamas but there was a hint of dampness to him that glistened in the light. Sherlock was intrigued by John for sure but for a moment he felt sympathy for being unusual in this school and for having that loopy Anderson for a friend.

"I felt bad that I deprived you of food earlier so I took it upon myself to get you at least something for helping me especially since you will need your energy for tonight." Sherlock then drifted back to relaxing with his head on his chest and eyes shut.

"Thank you Sherlock." John hopped into his bed to savor the sandwich and to calm his hunger. As John ate he could swear Sherlock was taking glances at him. This was not in a flirting manner but of interest of how the common folk eat. John ate in big bites like he had not eaten in days. John did not mind the looks due to his hunger and how delicious the sandwich tasted to him. He accidently dribbled a little of the sauce on his cotton shirt. The immediate reaction was to wipe it up with his finger and lick it. When doing so he looked over at Sherlock and their eyes met as John was licking his finger. What could be more awkward? John thought as he looked away in a hurry. How something with such a short fiery temper look that way while eating and in embarrassment? Sherlock's mind tried to answer this question but without avail. His mind went blank for a moment.

Curfew came and went. An hour after curfew was set in place the duo opened their door. Sherlock wanted to use the window but John did not want scale the school and thought there would be a better way to go about this. The coast was clear and they lurked out of the room. John was on edge while Sherlock was comfortable with the task. Actually he was a little bored with it. The only thing that was a challenge would be how John would evolve with sneaking about with him. Sherlock still dressed in his uniform minus the jacket ran down the hallway with John in tow. It did not the duo long to get to the staircase and descend. John's heartbeat rapidly with each step. His fear started to sink in and did not want to be caught. The curly mopped flopped in the moonlight as they reached the classroom. The door was locked but that did not faze the inquiring Sherlock. He took out a lock picking set from his pockets. John was surprised that he would even have these tools on him.

"Are you crazy? I thought with the door locked you would give up and try again tomorrow but this is just so crazy!" John whispered harshly. The blue eyes looked up at him with a playful sneer. The door was opened.

"Now just stand outside the door and wait for me. If I need anything I will let you know but if someone comes just run and hide." Sherlock walked swiftly inside and flashed John a smile. John was taken aback that he told him to run if something was to happen and leave him behind. Inside the art room the easels were bare. The room was dark. Sherlock looked around to find what he came for. It did not take him long to spot a painting hanging on the wall. Sherlock began to head toward the painting to inspect it. He took the painting on the desk to take a close look at it. He didn't have art class yet so this was his first look at the painting for real. His hunch was correct. It was a real painting not a fake. Just then a light flashed into the room.