Sherlock woke early the next morning, having barely slept. It wasn't unusual for him to sleep only about four hours a night on average and then crash after a long case that had him running around London with no sleep for days on end. While this case had shown potential it had been disappointingly simple in the end and had barely taken him any time to solve it once he was allowed to join the investigation. He was frustrated that he still didn't know if he was right about the pill that he chose and it would take the lab a few days to examine the contents of each pill. Until then he would have to patient and he hated being patient for the answers he wanted.

Rolling out of bed, he pulled his long robe on over the clothing that he had slept in. The shirt was inside out as the seams bothered his skin and his sweats were looser than normal. On days like today, he had no problems wearing just a sheet wrapped around his body or going naked as his clothing sometimes bothered his skin but decided it was better to err on the side of caution with his new flatmate. At least until he got to know John better, then he would have no problem going around the flat in what he felt the most comfortable in.

He had just sat down in his chair when his mobile started to ring. He didn't need to look at the screen to know that it was Mycroft calling as he had long ago suspected that Mycroft had bugged the flat either shortly before or just after he moved in. Mycroft would of course deny it and he was also smart enough not to leave fake cameras where Sherlock could find them as he knew it would only encourage Sherlock to look harder for the real cameras. Sherlock answered the call as he made a rude gesture towards the corner of the living room where he suspected the camera was hidden.

"I thought we agreed that you would wait until I ran a complete background check on any potential flatmate before inviting them into your home," Mycroft scolded him.

"I believe my response was piss off," Sherlock answered. A small smile crossed his face as he heard Mycroft sigh. Their relationship had always been complicated but Mycroft had always been there for him and he owed Mycroft his life. He had hit bottom and even though his brother had given up on ever bringing him home alive, he had still shown up at the hospital that night and listened as he finally admitted he needed help. It wasn't an easy road by any means as he spent over a month in the hospital while he went through the initial detox, his weak body suffering even as they gave him medications that eased his symptoms. That long stay also brought him the overdue reunion with his parents. Neither one of them was informed about what made him finally hit bottom but were both supportive of his choice to finally get clean. They visited him several times while in the hospital and he had calls often while in rehab encouraging him to continue. They offered him a place to stay once he left but it was eventually agreed that he would be better off with Mycroft, in London.

For the first couple of months, he wasn't allowed a key or access to his trust fund even though he had completed his rehab stint. Over the next two years, though, Mycroft's home had become his and he still had a room there. He also was given a key and as long as he kept to bi-monthly drug testing, he was given a monthly allowance from his trust fund. He could request more from Mycroft for larger purchases otherwise he was given enough to cover his basic needs and Mycroft directly paid his part of his rent to Mrs. Hudson. He had fought for complete control but Mycroft had been firm that it would never happen due to fear of him slipping back into his drug addiction. It was something that everyone around him feared no matter how long he had been clean for and he doubted they would ever trust him to stay that way.

"Sherlock," Mycroft sighed interrupting his thoughts.

"So does this call mean that you actually found something in his background?" Sherlock wondered.

"Just what we already knew. Do you really think it is best for you to live with an Army veteran with PTSD, Brother mine?" Mycroft asked him.

"He is also a doctor who saved my life," Sherlock argued on John's behalf. Above him, he could hear John moving around and it was only a matter of time before he joined him in the living room. "Was there anything else or can I hang up now?"

"Mummy and daddy are going to be in town tomorrow for a meeting and your presence is required for supper before they head home," Mycroft told him giving him no room for argument, not that it stopped him.

"I'm busy," He snipped back as John's door opened and he started down the stairs.

"A car will be there at six tomorrow, do be ready," Mycroft stated and hung up the phone before Sherlock could answer. He rolled his eyes pulling up his messages.

*Tell Mummy and daddy that I regret to inform them that I am busy SH*

*I will see you tomorrow MH*

He put his phone down on the chair as John came into the room. He was dressed in the same clothing that he had worn last night as everything he owned was still across town. He stood with his hands behind his back as his eyes took in Sherlock's appearance. Sherlock noticed how they swept across both his arms but John wasn't able to see anything through the long sleeves that Sherlock wore.

"I know you have questions but I assure you the drug bust last night was a ruse in order for Lestrade to pressure me into giving him information," Sherlock stated. He feared that due to Lestrade's actions he was going to lose the most fascinating man he had met in a while before he had a chance to get to know him. He didn't want that to happen but he also didn't want John to know about his past and look at him with the same pity he saw in other's eyes.

"How long have you been clean?" John wondered.

"Four years," Sherlock answered him. John nodded heading towards the door for his coat. Sherlock narrowed his eyes as he kept his voice even. "If you need proof, my brother can show you the drug tests that he loves ordering."

"I don't need proof, Sherlock. What I do need, is a change of clothing and my razor which require me to go across town. I also need to inform them that I no longer require a room so that they can give it to another veteran in need," John informed him as he pulled his coat on.

"Your staying?" Sherlock asked his voice full of wonder.

"Of course I am. That is if I am still welcome," John responded looking at Sherlock. At a loss for words, Sherlock just nodded causing John to smile. "I will see you tonight then." Sherlock watched John disappear. The man continued to surprise him and Sherlock couldn't help but want to get closer to the unique doctor even as his mind screamed at him to keep his distance. He knew that John would never want him if he knew the truth about his past. Pushing the thought away, he jumped to his feet heading to his room. He needed a distraction and he could think of no better way to spend his day than finding out if he was right about the pill.