Chapter 4 (Time jump to December)
By this point, John and Sherlock had become firm friends, and Sherlock was even making an effort to fit in with John's other friends; Greg, Sally and Molly, out of those he got on with Molly best, probably beause she was just as shy and awkward as he was. It was nearly the end of term, and the whole of sixth form was getting excited because that meant the christmas party was drawing near. "You're coming right Sherlock?" John attempted to include him in the conversation.
"Ummm, I don't think it's really my thing"
"Aww, come on, I'll be there, you'll be fine. Please Sherlock, do this for me" John pleaded with his puppy eyes.
"I...fine I'll come" Sherlock surrendered, how could he deny those beautiful eyes, besides any time spent with John was time well spent.
"Oh, Sherlock, you look so handsome" Mrs Hudson fussed "Now do you promise to behave, I don't want you getting into trouble, or re-"
"No one knows me here, I won't be able to do anything" Sherlock interrupted irritated
"That's what you said last time, and we all know what happened." he sighed in exasperation at this response, and ran up to his bedroom. Would he always be remembered for that one mistake, surely he can have a better reputation than that, that's why he moved on, but no, it felt like he was back at his parents house being watched and judged every second. Thankfully, the doorbell rang, and he ran downstairs to answer it before he worked himself into a complete rage.
John was concerned when he saw Sherlock's stressed state as the door opened "You alright?"
"Fine let's just go" he replied as he slammed the door behind him and turned up his collar.
The party was well under way by the time they arrived , plenty of people were in the common room, some dancing in the sofa area, others just chilling by the sides.
"What's your poison?" John asked
"What?!" Sherlock panicked
"What drink would you like?" John chuckled, gesturing towards the drinks table, making Sherlock feel bad for immediately jumping to a negative conclusion.
"Just water for me, thank you"
By midnight, the room was absolutely packed, Sherlock deduced that there was at least double Baskerville's sixth form, some popular kid probably bragged about it online. Sherlock was forced into the proximity of others, he was just about coping, that was until he felt a hand on his shoulder...
"Hello Sherlock, did you miss me? Because I missed you" Sherlock had frozen on the spot "never thought I'd see you out again, not after mummy and daddy found out about your social life"
"You know full wellI have nothing to do with them anymore"
"Good, that means you'll be wanting some of this then" he waved a small clear bag of white powder in front of Sherlock's face, this was enough
"James, put those away" he hissed "I've moved on from all that, or was moving town and school not a big enough clue for you?!" James' faced dropped it's smile and beame straight and serious
"When did you get boring? When did you choose the side of the angels?"
"When did you become so lost and mean? Oh that's right, when you wanted to protect yourself not your best friend" There was an awkward pause, neither knowing what to say "I can't deal with this" and Sherlock walked out.
"You'll be back for me, I know you" James called after him.
John had been talking to his other mates for most of the encounter, but he did catch Sherlock storming out and he immediately saw who he was walking away from. He walked up to James in a rage "What the fuck did you just say to him?!"John pinned him against the wall by his collar.
"Nothing that matters to you"
"Sherlock matters to me"
"Aww, so you're his new pet. Enjoying it? I did, until I saw the real him" James teased
"What the fuck are you talking about? In fact, why the fuck are you here? Have you been stalking us you creep?!"
By this time Greg had come over "John, leave it man, he's not worth it" John looked between him and James before finally letting James go roughly.
"I'm gonna go find Sherlock"