Sherlock waited three days before carefully bringing up the subject of John's proposed trip to London to his parents. Of course, he chose to omit that it was his teacher's suggestion and instead told his parents that he was going with his science laboratory partner. He felt bad for lying, especially to his mother, but after his last conversation with John he understood how their friendship could be misconstrued. Sherlock had been so preoccupied with the notion of having a genuine friend that it hadn't occurred to him that outsiders could view their relationship as improper, or wrong. His mother gave her permission at once, not that a 17-year-old boy really needed to ask for his mum's approval to go away for the day. But Sherlock was not your typical 17-year-old, and Violet Holmes had spent the rest of the day trying to hide her excitement. Violet had wanted to ask Sherlock a thousand and one questions about who this science partner was, what he was planning to do in London, would he be staying the night? She had kept it all to herself however, deciding that she did not want overwhelm him given that he probably felt quite nervous.

Sherlock's mother was not the only one to be intrigued by his planned day trip to the capital. Ever since the start of his last term, Mycroft has noticed a change in his younger brother. At first it was the newfound eagerness for lessons – or rather he had stopped the constant complaining. Then, there was the increase in social activity, both with class trips and at the family dinner table. Mycroft couldn't help but feel as if the shift in Sherlock was something more than teenage hormones. The older Holmes suspected although hesitated to deduce so prematurely, that his brother was experiencing his first crush. Mycroft was delighted, as at least once, one Holmes boy could exhibit traits of normal adolescence (not to mention the potential for teasing). That's not to say that he himself had not experienced infatuations. On the contrary, Mycroft was used to such attractions, especially when both sexes took his fancy (it was displays of power that tempted Mycroft the most). However, from rather a young age, he had decided that he would stop at nothing in his own pursuit of power and so decided to focus solely on his work. Mycroft made a mental note to observe Sherlock a little closer and see if his suspicions were correct.

As for Sherlock himself, he was trying his best to convince himself that his feelings for John were purely platonic, or at least were no more than a school boy crush. It wouldn't do to start falling for his first and only close friend. He was only just adjusting to having a friend in his life and he didn't want to risk scaring John away. Sherlock tried to ration that maybe he was just confusing affection for attraction. Emotions had always thrown Sherlock a little out of his comfort zone and he had decided long ago that they were best observed at arm's length. He kept himself busy by focusing on what he wanted to see most in London and set about creating a very detailed itinerary.

It was decided in their last class together before the trip that they would meet at the train station so that it would look like a coincidence that the teacher and student happened to be travelling together. Sherlock had thought carefully about which family member to ask for a lift to the station that Saturday morning. He went for Mycroft, in favour of him being less likely to ask probing question than their mother. To Sherlock's delight their conversation was minimal.

"Does this science partner have a name?" Mycroft inquired just over half way to the station.

"Erm, yes. John." Sherlock decided it was best not to get muddled up with fake names.

Mycroft paused briefly as he tried to remember the other boys in his brother's year. "Not John Dun by any chance? His brother Tyler was in my Law class."

"No, not him. John's new. Started this year." Sherlock tried hard to sound convincing, he was never much good at lying to Mycroft.

Fortunately for Sherlock the drive to the train station wasn't long and they were soon pulling into the drop off zone. Sherlock slung his rucksack across his back, gave a quick "thank you" to Mycroft and shot off towards the station entrance.

Mycroft rolled his eyes at his brother's keenness and made a mental note to find out more this 'John'.

John had arrived at station almost an hour before their train was due to depart. He hadn't slept much the night before and had found himself rather restless. He told himself that he was just coming down with the flu, it was that time of year after all. That would explain the weird sensation in the pit of his stomach. It definitely wasn't butterflies. Not at all. Besides Sherlock was his pupil, a fact which he soberly reminded himself of on quite a few occasions. John felt that it was Sherlock's intelligence and demeanour that matched them as friends, despite the age difference. It was of some comfort that in six months, after taking his exams Sherlock would no longer be John's pupil. John didn't quite know how he felt about this yet. He was still trying to ignore the growing fondness he had for Sherlock and pass it off as friendship.

Sherlock found John sitting in the station café, he appeared lost thought over a lightly steaming coffee. John snapped out of it when he noticed Sherlock's arrival. He gulped down the rest of his drink, pulling on his coat before exiting the café and heading out into the January air. For once a train to London was running on time and they didn't have long to wait out on the platform edge. The train filled with people which delighted Sherlock as he was able to impress John with some basic deductions.

"She's having an affair, the husband knows. He shagging the nanny."

"Oh he's about to propose, going to do it on the London Eye."

"That lady was given a kitten for Christmas, I believe from her grandson."

John found that last one a little too hard to believe that Sherlock has deduced that just by looking at the elderly lady. He said this to Sherlock and was quite amused when he admitted that he had actually overheard the lady on the phone, thanking her grandson, whilst John had been in the toilet. The rest of the journey followed in a similar manner with the Sherlock explaining to John some of the more complicated deductions. John brought them a drink each and was pleased when Sherlock accepted half of his sandwich. They discussed their plans for the day ahead. Sherlock was keen to see the real side of London and not just the tourist attractions – he did hate overcrowded places. John suggested visiting one of the smaller, more specialised museums like the Anaesthesia Heritage Centre or the Kirkaldy Testing Museum. Sherlock didn't seem too enthusiastic, which led John to his only remaining suggestion.

"We could always go back to Bart's. I know you've already been but they have a museum inside that we didn't get to see last time. If you fancy, it?"

John had been hoping to use this trip to show Sherlock that he was more than just a science teacher. He knew that it shouldn't bother him but there was only so many times he could be called dull and boring before it got to him. Especially when it came from his now ex-wife. It didn't help John's insecurities that he found Sherlock so bloody brilliant.

The truth was that John has nothing to worry about. Sherlock admired John's story and could feel his itch to get back to a life of action and adventure. Something which Sherlock felt quite regularly. It didn't bother him that he'd already been to St. Bartholomew's with John as this was what he had come to London for.

"John that would great." Sherlock beamed, noticing John's features relax into a smile.

Their journey into London went smoothly and the arrived into the city not long after midday. John coaxed Sherlock into having some lunch in a quaint pub close to Bart's hospital. At the end of the meal John payed for both of them, but not before they argued over the bill.

"Sherlock we're here for your birthday, let me pay." John argued as the waitress went to get the card machine.

"But John, you've already done enough as it is." Sherlock protested.

John was about to add that being the one earning a fixed, he could afford lunch for two. But the waitress interrupted.

"Go on love, I think he wants to treat you. I wish I had a handsome man taking me out on a date." She winked as she took John's card, not noticing the blush on both of their faces.

After she let there was a brief pause, both worried what the other was going to say. Sherlock was the first to laugh, but it was more of a giggle really. This was quickly picked up by John and the pair laughed in unison as the exited the pub.

"She called me handsome." John chuckled, sounding mildly surprised.

Sherlock rolled his eyes. "Stop playing coy John. We both know you're good looking."

John cursed internally, those goddamn butterflies again. "Sherlock Holmes are you flirting with me?"

"Excellent deduction John, it might be your best one yet." Sherlock teased.

Sherlock was caught up in the moment, his anxieties falling away. That was until John stopped smiling and stood still. Sherlock panicked, he had let himself get carried away. He dropped his head, not wanting to look John in the eye and waited for a rebuffal that never came. Instead John lifted Sherlock's head up with a gentle push of his hand. John closed the gap between them by softly pulling Sherlock towards him. And then they kissed. Neither knowing who moved first as they both rushed to meet the other lips. It wasn't until a group of teenagers walked by wolf-whistling that they realised they were making out in broad daylight in the busy streets of London. As they broke apart Sherlock bit his lip to stop himself grinning like an idiot. John straightened his coat, ignoring the teenager that were still jeering and held his hand out for Sherlock to take.

"Come on you. Let's take you to Bart's before it gets dark." John said.

They spent the rest of the day walking around the museum and archives at St Bart's Hospital. Sherlock didn't have a lot of time to process the kiss as he was so enthralled by the exhibitions. He was grateful that John allowed him to walk round silently, knowing that he wanted to take in as much information as he could. John was sure that if he had been with anyone else he would be convinced that they weren't enjoying themselves. But he knew that the solemn look on Sherlock's face was just one of concentration. As they entered the final exhibition room the custodian announced that there was fifteen minutes left until closing time. Sherlock hadn't realised how much time had passed as they had walked around the museum. He suddenly remembered all of the other places he had wanted to visit. John sensed his change in mood but encouraged Sherlock to finish viewing the exhibition before worrying about the rest of the day. When they finally came out of St Bart's Sherlock was fighting the urge to get upset. John picked up on this and asked him what he would most like to do before they went home.

"I really wanted to see the Old Bailey court, it's a three-minute walk away but..." Sherlock answered, pausing to check something on his phone. "But yeah, it closed about an hour ago."

Sherlock was desperate to hide how upset he was from John, he didn't want him to think he was being ungrateful. They had had a great day together but coming to London was such a rarity, he did know when he'd be able to come again. As it turns out, Sherlock was awful at hiding his emotions and it was clear to John just how much he wanted to see more of the city.

"Well is it open tomorrow?" John asked.

Sherlock checked the times on his phone again. "Yes, but I can't ask you to bring us back. You've already done so much."

"We could always stay. If you wanted to of course, there's no pressure and of course we would have separate rooms." John wanted to make sure he wasn't abusing his position and getting Sherlock into something he didn't feel wholly comfortable doing.

Sherlock say yes immediately. He appreciated John's concern, but felt it wasn't needed as nothing had happened that he didn't want to. Sherlock's only issue was that had was that he only had £20 in his pocket. He voiced this to John, who brushed it off saying that he would cover it.

"You can't pay for everything." Sherlock moaned, he was already so grateful for the train tickets and for dinner.

"Sherlock you can call it part of the birthday treat." John justified, adding with a smile "and if it really bothers you my birthday is the 7th July".

Sherlock gave his mother a quick ring on the way to a reasonably priced bed and breakfast they had found online. He told her about his day, how much he had enjoyed it and how much he wanted to stay an extra day. Violet wasn't sure how she felt about Sherlock staying away for the night. He may have been turning eighteen but he was still her baby boy. It was Sherlock's father who set her mind at ease. He reminded her that they had let Mycroft attend overseas conferences at the same age, so it was only fair.

They were able to get two rooms at a good price as the bed and breakfast had received last minute cancellations. John hoped that Sherlock felt a little less guilty for letting John pay, not that he minded of course. They decided to get an early night, knowing that they now had the rest of the day to explore London. The receptionist handed them their keys and explained that the two rooms available were on opposite ends of the building. John walked Sherlock to his room, wanting to make sure he got in okay. They were pleased to find that the rooms were stocked with toiletries as neither had packed thinking they would stay overnight. John stayed briefly to have a cup of tea with Sherlock before leaving to go to his own room. As he reached the door Sherlock called out to him, making a quip about not getting a goodnight kiss. John rolled his eyes and planted the sweetest, light kiss on Sherlock's lips.

"Goodnight Sherlock." John shouted out as he left.

"Goodnight John."