Back again. All constructive criticism/comments help fuel me! :)
...
John wanted to do something nice for Sherlock. The dinner was more a family thing, this was to be more personal. One thing, John didn't have a clue what he could possibly plan that would express his gratitude and feelings.
He walked to school with Sherlock, and along the way asked some questions as to get a general idea of what Sherlock might like.
"Just out of the blue, what would be your ideal date?" John asks breezily.
Sherlock hummed contemplatively and replied with a smile, "anything that involves you. Sorry if that came across as cheesy… but I'm serious."
Crap, John thought but squeezed Sherlock's hand and leaned into his shoulder. "But like, what have you always wanted to do." John urges.
"I don't know, I suppose I'd like to travel when I'm older, to the Glasgow science centre and some other scientific exhibits around England.
This is not going to work, "Sounds like a good plan to me," John smiled but inside he was ripping his hair out.
…
At lunch, before John went to meet Sherlock, he caught Derek. Under his breath he said "I need some help planning something special, can you help me out?"
Derek grinned and clapped him on the back. "Sure thing Johnny, my house, 6, right around the corner from here, blue door. I'll get some of the others too."
"Thanks," John said and tugged his backpack straps. With a dismissive nod, he walked outside to see Sherlock sitting on the bench.
"Hey," Sherlock said, sliding over to make room in the corner of the bench for John, who immediately sat down.
"Hey, I, uh, have to work late tonight and I don't think I'll be able to get back to your house so I'll find somewhere to spend the night." John couldn't look him in the eye.
"But its Friday," Sherlock looked dejected.
"I know, It's just I haven't been working much due to football and hanging out with you, I want to keep up my good employee reputation." John risked a glance, Sherlock's eyes dropped. He didn't understand why John couldn't walk back after his shift like he usually does. Did I do something wrong? Sherlock thought.
"Yeah, sure, I guess." He said.
"Hey, I'll be back in the morning and we can spend the weekend together," John tried.
"I have an appointment tomorrow that's out of town, then mum's taking me shopping." Sherlock rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I won't be home tomorrow." He said with a slight edge.
"Sunday then," John tried again.
"Okay, Sunday."
"Sunday," John said affirmatively and grabbed Sherlock's hand, bringing it up to kiss it.
Sherlock couldn't help but smile bashfully and leaned his head down to rest on John's shoulder. "Sunday."
…
The rest of the school day passed by quickly, John fretting over if lying to Sherlock was a good idea, but before he could think to regret it the final bell sounded. John packed his bag and deliberately took a long time in the washroom, assuring that Sherlock would leave by the time John exited the school to avoid questioning.
…
Sherlock walked home dejectedly, he didn't even come to say goodbye.
When Sherlock walked in the door, his mom asked him how his day was, but he ignored her and slouched up to his room.
…
John killed time by walking and thinking, picking at grass and reading a book he picked up from the school library. Finally, six came and John walked over to the only house with a blue door. Derek answered on the first ring of the doorbell.
"John! Come in, Victoria and Isaac are already in the basement. Head down, I'll get food."
His parents weren't home, as evident from the lack of cars in the driveway and the silence emitting from the rest of the house. An open concept kitchen occupied most of the main floor, attached to a cozy living room. Everything was immaculate, even the wooden floors were scratch-free. John descended the silent, sturdy stairs and followed the voices of Victoria, who although kissed John at the party, remained his friend, and Isaac, a nice boy who was also on the football team.
The basement was a wide, dim area with three sofas around a low coffee table adorned with a flower vase and drinking glasses. A bar was in one corner of the large space and a large flat screen hung on the wall in front of the sofas.
Isaac and Victoria waved him over to sit on the leather couches, which were quite comfortable. Derek walked in juggling a few water bottles, soda cans and bags of chips. John got back up to help him carry everything over to the table.
Once they were all seated with a drink, chip bowls placed around the table, Derek spoke up. "So John, what's the problem?"
John sipped his water. "It's not really a problem. Sherlock's been so nice to me, and he just trusted me with his secrets and all that and I'm terribly grateful, but I don't know how to show him. I wanna do something nice, but I have no idea what to do. He likes science, and I think he likes dogs, but other than that I really don't know."
A contemplative silence endured for a few minutes before Victoria spoke up. "You could get him a puppy?"
John chuckled. "Not a bad idea, but I don't think his mum would appreciate that, but it's the right idea. I want something he'll love and appreciate."
"What kind of music does he like?" Isaac asked around a handful of chips.
"Well he likes rock, he was listening to Queen when I went over for the first time."
"Any other artists? You could take him to a concert," Isaac suggested.
"That's true, but I don't know who's having a concert here, or if he'll even like them." John sighed.
"Well you said he likes science, you could take him to a science museum," Derek said.
"Ooh, you could do something like a scavenger hunt around the city ending at the museum, leaving little gifts and clues for him!" Victoria squealed.
John thought for a moment, then smiled. "Yeah, I like that idea."
"Great! Let's brainstorm ideas of places and gifts. Oh this'll be so fun, he'll love it so much I'm sure!" Victoria squealed.
…
After they had a sufficient list, Derek pulled out his Xbox, Call of Duty. They were surprised how skilled John was at it, racking up the most kills and gaining a new high score on Derek's system.
Around 8, Derek's parents came home and ordered a pizza for them, John, having not had pizza in a long time, wolfed down seven slices.
"Hey John, wanna spend the night?" Derek asked.
John was surprised, he'd never really slept anywhere other than Sherlock's, his space and his old house, or the occasional bench or bus stop. "Uh yeah sure that'd be great."
How would Sherlock react if he found out? I'm sure he'll understand. But I lied to him. Is this a bad idea? Better than sleeping outside. Will this ruin us? I miss him. He looked sad at lunch. I'm such a bad boyfriend. –
"Great," Derek said, interrupting his thoughts. He tossed a blanket at John, who caught it before it could hit his face. John smiled. I'm allowed to have other friends, plus Sherlock won't find out.
"This was a lot of fun, I can't wait till Sherlock sees what you did for him. Well, I'm off. Night," Victoria said, pulled John into a hug, and disappeared up the stairs.
"I better head home too, See ya Monday," Isaac said, jacket slung over his shoulder, and he was gone.
A long night filled with soda, chips, cold pizza and video games swept away John's doubts and before he knew it, it was 3 in the morning and his eyes hurt. The game ended and John wiped the crumbs from his shirt.
"I don't think I can stay awake for another game." John yawned.
"Good call," Derek rubbed his eyes and switched off the system. "Night."
"Night," John replied into the darkness.
