John often found himself in sticky situations. He had once narrowly missed getting his head removed by a mousetrap. And he had once fallen into a shoe and nearly been crushed when a Big Person had decided that it was time to slide their foot into it, luckily for John the shoe had been quite old and had a large hole in the toe through which he was able to escape without being seen. When one was six inches tall, one learned that fear was a sensation that was experienced frequently by a Blogger.
Big people could be cruel, especially when they didn't understand something. And the sight of a person who could fit into the palm of their hand was often enough for them to question their sanity. John knew of Bloggers whose family had been fed to cats, or had been boiled alive, or stepped on by accident. But he had never in his entire life, heard of a Blogger shaking hands, or hand and finger in this case, with a Big Person. But here he was, shaking hands with Sherlock Holmes as if it was the most natural thing in the world. They had shared proper introductions even.
This was Sherlock Holmes however, and if John had learned anything about his subject in his short time residing within his walls. He had learned that one NEVER knew what to expect with this man. Perhaps Sherlock shared proper introductions with all of his experiments before he popped them in the microwave. There had been signs of mice that may have been living in the wall at some point in the past. But there were no traces of them now. And if a Big Person left out poison it would have left an acrid odor in the passages of the wall. John suspected that the rodents suffered a worse fate.
He also didn't particularly like the way that Sherlock was looking at him. There was a gleam in his eye that spoke of a puzzle to solve. In the end John was just a cure for Sherlock's boredom, and it would likely lead to his demise, or if he would sneak away it would at least mean an emergency move to another house, which would be a shame really, because underneath the shock and fear that John felt coursing through his body, he really did find Sherlock Holmes fascinating.
Now he was faced with two choices. He could make a run for it. He did still have his grappling hook and could attempt a getaway. Which Sherlock may or may not be anticipating, or he could stay and see what Sherlock would do. Maybe the detective was actually being genuine, sociopaths could be genuine right? Before he could make a decision the detective spoke.
"At this point, I imagine you are trying to deduce whether or not I am going to kill you…" John blinked. Sherlock obviously noticed and his lips did their awkward quirk again. "I'm right aren't I, I was really hoping you'd be a bit of a challenge, being quite different from anything I've seen before. But you seem to think like we do. Well not like I do, no one thinks like I do, but like the majority of the human race." John squeezed his eyes shut and opened them again, still not quite used to the concept of being spoken to by a Big Person.
"Er, sorry, I think like, what exactly?"
"To put it simply, you're stupid, but don't worry most people are. I can see you rationalizing the situation. I can tell that you have been living in my walls by the dust on your jacket, behind the fridge if I am correct." He was grinning at the look of horror on John's face. "I'm sure you have observed enough of me to know that I suffer from ennui, of course I would know dust from around my own house John, really. I also know that you have recently been living in the country judging by the dirt I saw on the bottom of your shoes , recently too. And before that you had spent time in the Middle East, Afghanistan probably which would be where you obtained the fabric for those sacks you are using, you likely stayed on an Army base which is where you learned to tie the knot you have used on your grappling hook. Am I correct?" At this point John's look of horror had morphed into slack jawed shock. His previous sentiments completely forgotten.
"Every…every word. Incredible, that was…..wow. Brilliant." John leaned against the skull to support himself. Sherlock looked incredibly pleased and a little bit shocked.
"Really? You think so? I was only asking for the sake of confirming what I already know. But you really thought It was good? That's not what people usually say."
"What do… people, usually say…if I may ask?" John inquired, his head was swimming a little, in both awe and because he had forgotten to breathe for part of the time that Sherlock had been talking.
"Well, they usually tell me to 'Piss off…" Sherlock trailed off a bit cocking his head to one side to examine John again. But the look in his eye was different this time. It was a bit more genuine, more human. "You know…I like you. You are…different. Well obviously you are different. Perhaps the word I am looking for is refreshing. John Watson, would you consider staying with me here? As an invited guest? I know that you wouldn't be much of a help around the house, but I could use a…refreshing mind to give me a hand on some of my cases, what do you say?"
John was in shock. This was a scenario that he had not played through in his head. He had to rationalize. Staying would mean that he would be able to provide a very detailed report about his subject, an inside view that was rare for a Blogger. But if he declined, Sherlock might kill him. Or worse, reveal his existence. Before he made a choice he had to clarify the one thing that was nagging at the back of his head.
"So…you aren't going to kill me then."
"He better not." A new voice issued from behind Sherlock's head. The detective stiffened, obviously uncomfortable with the new arrival. "He is one of my most valuable assets Sherlock, if he is to reside with you then you must treat him with the upmost care and keep…him…secret…." The detective turned, giving John a clear view of the newcomer. Standing in the doorway of the living room was a very well dressed man holding an Umbrella. "Mycroft Holmes, very good to meet you John. "
John had at this point given up on his life ever being normal again.
"Sorry…how do you know me?" The man's lip's did a similar quirk to Sherlock's. They were obviously related.
"Why you blog for me of course, can I get you a cup of tea…or…a thimble?" And for the umpteenth time that day, John's knees crumpled.
AN: Another Chapter Already? What? I know right! I am so proud of myself! I cranked out this chapter in one go! That never happens. I hope this is a bit more consistent than my other chapters. Plot twists everywhere! Character growth everywhere! Wooh! My training week at my job ends in a few days and then my time to update will be limited, so I wanted to get out a new chapter while I still have time. I WILL still be able to update. But I just won't be sure when. Thank you SO much for the great supportive reviews. They always push me to get chapters done faster. I love you all my dear readers. Also if anyone feels like maybe making cover art for this story, that would be kind of awesome.
