Disclaimer: I do not own Sherlock

Life soon got back to normal, John taking care of Sherlock in the morning before homework and bed. Weekends they spent outside romping along the grounds or inside on rainy days. They days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months and soon enough, Mike was there. Sherlock sucked in a sharp intake of breath at the sight of the man. "Pack up. I'd like to be gone in an hour or two." Mike said checking his watch. Sherlock would have said something, would have said he wanted to stay, would have stamped his foot and cried and threw his fists into the air but he knew it would be in vain so instead, he returned to his room, packing up his few things and returning to where Mike had been left waiting. "Ready?" Mike asked. Sherlock was about to nod when he heard heavy footfalls behind him.

"Sherlock!" John shouted, racing up to him. "What's happening?" John looked critically at Mike.

"I'm going back." Sherlock said. He seemed dull, his eyes had lost their light, his fire had been put out.

"Back home?" John asked sadly.

"I suppose you could call it that." Sherlock laughed bitterly. "May I tell him Mike?" Sherlock asked looking at the man who was watching the two with interest.

"If that's what you want." Mike smiled.

"I was born in a laboratory for science." Sherlock said carefully as he watched John's face.

"You-you're a lab rat?" John asked incredulously.

"Yes. But Mike wanted me to know what living is like so he brought me here for exactly one year to experience the world. Now I'm returning to the lab." Sherlock shrugged nonchalantly.

"Why didn't you tell me?" John seemed hurt.

"I wasn't allowed to tell." Sherlock replied.

"So?!" John shouted. "You should have told me. I could have done something! It's not fair!" John was trying not to cry.

"It was inevitable. It's okay though. You'll right to me wont you?" Sherlock smiled at last, trying to reassure John. "Mike will give you the address to send it to. Perhaps one day I'll be able to see you again." Sherlock's smile seemed to waver. "Thank you for making my year worth every second." Sherlock grinned before walking to the car that was waiting for them. Mike stayed a moment to give John the information. John said nothing, simply watched Sherlock go.

"It's not fair." John cried.