Again, much thanks to MLC and JAL for taking the time to read this through! :-)

Ten years later…

John entered the room he shared with his longtime friend and couldn't help but roll his eyes. Sitting at his desk, Sherlock was studying for their final exams and John just knew he hadn't eaten, probably hadn't even moved. Without saying a word, John walked over and dropped the clear, plastic container he had brought beside the open textbook. The noise caused Sherlock to jump slightly before he blinked hard and lifted his head.

"John? What are you doing back so soon?"

John put his hand on a thin shoulder and gave it a friendly shake. He pointed to the clock on the wall.

"You've been a dedicated student," he teased. "I've been gone for just over three hours."

Seeing grey eyes widen, John chuckled. "You missed lunch, you know."

Waving a hand, Sherlock dismissed any concerns. "Eating now when there's studying to be done is a waste of time. I can eat when I'm finished in two days."

"For a genius, you can be really stupid. You know you'll have more energy and focus better if you eat." Ignoring the rant he knew was coming, John pointed at the container. "I got you the chopped apple salad you like so much; the one with walnuts and cheese, so eat up!"

Sherlock raised an eyebrow, "John."

John stared right back, "Sherlock."

"John."

"Sherlock."

The staring continued for 23.5 seconds until Sherlock finally sighed, grabbed the container and some utensils and started to eat.

John tossed his messenger bag, and then himself, onto his bed.

Sherlock couldn't help but smile fondly when he bit into an apple and thought of how the two had met a decade before. In fact, he sometimes found it hard to believe there was a time when he hadn't known John. He was always there to defend Sherlock against others but he also wasn't afraid to call him on his shit (as John said) when it was necessary.

Taking another bite, he tried to ignore the warmth now commonplace when it came to John. For the past few months, Sherlock had become aware that the feelings he had held for his friend had evolved into a more romantic nature. Not that anyone besides Mycroft, his older brother, knew. And the infuriating bastard had only guessed because the boys had recently visited for Mummy's birthday. Sherlock had called his brother a moron and stormed out of the room but later, after giving it some thought, he had to admit Mycroft was correct.

Of course, Sherlock hadn't told John about his feelings and had no intention of doing so. John had never shown any real interest in the same sex, he seemed far too captivated with large breasted girls, and Sherlock was not about to do anything that might jeopardize their friendship.

The snapping of fingers brought him out of his thoughts.

"You with me again?" John asked, smirking.

Locking the door on his traitorous feelings, Sherlock fell into their easy camaraderie with a smirk of his own.

"In order for me to be with you again, I would have had to have left and yet I appear to still be in our room."

Chuckling, John stood and walked over to snatch an apple slice, "Smart arse."

He took a small bite, chewed and then offered the rest to Sherlock who opened his mouth as John said, "I bet that one's the sweetest."

Sherlock had a difficult time eating after John's fingers grazed his upper lip but he swallowed hard before agreeing. "Yeah, I think it is."

I almost forgot to post today! lol