Hey, sorry I've been gone a while... This chapter is a little longer though...

Sorry for any and all mistakes.

Enjoy!

Sebastian walked through the door, setting the kid on the couch so he could get a better look at the damage done.

The kid had a broken nose, his shoulder seemed out of place and he definitely had a concussion. To say Sebastian was pissed was an understatement, it made him wish he had killed the asshat that did this. Sebastian would be tracking him down later.

He got a glass of water and the first aid kit. He popped the kids shoulder back into place and set his nose. The kid didn't really stir at this. It was worrying but the concussion was something he couldn't really do anything about until John woke up.

Sebastian sighed and went to put what was left of their things away. He wasn't letting the kid out of his sight until he was sure John was okay. Even then he might not.

After putting the few things in the fridge and checking on John again, he decided it was time to call in and notify the Boss.

The phone rang barely once before it was picked up.

"Sebby! I knew you worked quick, but that was impressive even for you!"

Sebastian took a deep breath. "Yeah, about that, Boss, I knew you'd want to know. There is nothing on this kid. I checked everywhere. I can't find anything but his residence, age, and where he goes to school. And all of those are very common knowledge." Sebastian would wait to see how his Boss took this news before telling him the kid had also been nearly killed.

The guy who was sent to 'rough him up' was very incompetent. He was supposed to send a message, and very nearly killed the messenger. It made Sebastian's blood boil again. Incompetence would get someone killed. It very nearly had.

"I'll see if I can find anything." The Boss seemed to take that really well. Sebastian wondered if the Boss was secretly pleased to have something to do. "But I can tell there's something else you wanted to say. Well, go on. I haven't got all day!" Even though they were both painfully aware that he did, in fact, have all day.

"I figured I'd tail the kid, see if I could learn anything else. I found him, tailed him for a while, then I had to save him from one of the people Sherlock has scorned." The eye roll could be heard in that statement. "The guy almost killed the kid. If I hadn't stepped in, you would no longer have to worry about getting information."

Sebastian was trying to manipulate the manipulator. He wanted the Boss to tell him it was his duty to protect this kid.

"Hmm. New plan. Protect the kid. He's interesting. He's not allowed to die before I say so!" The Boss giggled.

It worked. Though, Sebastian knew it was because that's what the Boss wanted it too.

"Oh, and Sebby?" Sebastian almost held his breath.

"NEVER try to do that again, okay, pet? You do what I say. You don't get to make suggestions. And you definitely don't get to use me." The Boss's voice was low and dangerous.

"Yes, Sir." Sebastian waited for any more instructions, then, he heard a click and knew the Boss had hung up.

He turned to John's unconscious form, smirking a little. "Well, kid, looks like I'm your new guardian angel."

When John woke up, at first he couldn't even tell anything was wrong. As he became more aware, he realized he was on a couch. He normally fell asleep on the couch, so that wasn't odd… he had aches everywhere, but, again, nothing out of the usual.

He heard someone clicking away on a computer. It was odd for Sherlock not to wake him up, but John was greatful. He wasn't feeling so hot.

"Sh'rlock?" The clicking stopped. Sherlock wouldn't stop his typing, he would just continue and talk to John at the same time. Or ignore John completely.

John was groggy and nothing made sense. He would assume he'd been drugged, but that had happened before. This was different. His head hurt. He couldn't open his eyes. The light hurt to much. He started to remember. He had been attacked in the alleyway. So. He'd possibly been kidnapped. Or Sherlock found him and brought him home. John tried to get up, but found he couldn't. He must be tied down. Kidnapped it was, then.

Someone got up. They were definitely much bigger than Sherlock. The footsteps were those of a larger, heavier man.

John forced his eyes open, trying to move again. Panic was rising fast. He quickly closed his eyes again.

"Hey, John, you with me, kid?" John heard a familiar voice, but he couldn't place it.

" 'Ere's Sh'rlock?"John cursed his inability to speak clearly. He tried to get up, he even managed to sit up a little before a big hand pushed him down to the couch again.

"Easy, there, kid. Don't worry. It's Sebastian. Moran. I saw you get dragged into an alley, and proceed to be heroic and save you." Mr. Moran sounded like he thought that was funny. John couldn't tell why, though. John slowly opened his eyes, albeit, not much.

"Mr. Moran?"

"Yeah, you can call me Sebastian, though. It's not like I'm actually your teacher and we aren't at school."

"Wh-where are we? Where's Sh-Sherlock? What h-happened to that guy? Why are you here?"

"Wow. You ask a lot of questions. Well, we're at my place. I'm here because it's my place. It's shitty, I know, don't comment on it." Sebastian paused to look around disdainfully. "I don't know know where the good ol' detective is. The guy who jumped you got his lights knocked out by yours truly."

"What happened?"

"Well, like I said, I saw you get dragged into the alley, and I couldn't let that happen to a student, especially one I like." John had a hard time believing that. This guy looked like he'd join in if he felt like it… But John wouldn't question it. He was counting his blessings that Mr. Moran had stepped in at all. "I got there a few seconds too late. You got a broken nose, your shoulder popped out of socket and I'm pretty sure you have a concussion."

"Well, that explains why everything hurts." John said.

"You're forming cohesive sentences, so, I think it was a very slight one, if one at all."

John nodded, doing a mental checklist. He had done quite a bit of research on basic health things.

"How long have I been out…?" John asked.

"Only about half an hour."

John concluded that he had a mild one. He thanked his head for being so hard.

"I'd say it was mild. I lost consciousness, was sensitive to light, and had sluggish movements upon waking… but, uh, other than that, nothing."

John suddenly felt awkward. "Um, Thank you for, ya know, rescuing me…"

"Don't mention it. Let's just hope it doesn't happen again."

John knew they both mentally added 'Yeah, right.' but the sentiment was nice. John almost laughed. Sentiment was hard to come by in his life. Sherlock never showed it, Mrs. Hudson's seemed like a babysitter most of the time. Greg was more like a distant uncle…

Sebastian seemed genuine. He seemed like he really meant what he said, no matter what he said.

"So, want me to take you back now? Of course, you can stay as long as you like." Sebastian had gotten up and walked back over to his computer, powering it down.

"I-Uh, I can walk myself back, but thank you." John really didn't want to impose anymore than he already had.

"Nonsense. I have no problem walking you back. Though, I was thinking more of getting a cab… I'm not sure you should be walking."

"Oh, no, no! I-it's really alright." John tried to get up.

"When's Sherlock going to be back?" Sebastian's question stopped John. How did he know Sherlock wasn't at the flat?

"Don't worry. I'm not stalking you. It's kind of obvious… You kept asking about him, meaning you haven't seen him in a while and don't know when you will. Therefore, you don't know where he his, meaning he's not at home." Sebastian waved him off, spouting as though it was a natural thing to do.

"… Can everyone do that…?"

"I learned from… a friend of mine. He's much better."

"Oh." John hoped the question about Sherlock would be forgotten, but, alas, no such luck.

"So? When is he going to be there? I'd like to speak with him, if possible."

"He-uh, he's on a case… he said he wouldn't be home until late… so he probably won't be there until tomorrow…"

"Is there any adult there?" Sebastian kept his voice steady, but John could tell he was mad.

"Well, Mrs. Hudson was supposed to, but her sister is in the hospital…"

"So, no? Well, that settles it. You're staying here with me tonight."

"Uh, Mr. Moran, I- I don't think-"

"You got assaulted less than an hour ago. I don't feel comfortable leaving you by yourself and I highly doubt you have anywhere else to go." He gave a look that dared John to tell him otherwise.

He didn't have anywhere else. Lestrade said he was always welcome… but John could never impose. Lestrade often had business and when he didn't he was trying to fix his failing marriage…

John knew the teacher was trying to help, but he couldn't help but feel paranoid. Panic was starting to well up inside him again.

It looked like Sebastian could see that though. "John, I'm not going to make you. If you insist on returning home, I won't stop you. However, I would like if I could keep you in my sights. I know some people who would hurt you really bad if they knew what you meant to some higher ups." Sebastian winced at what he had said, and quickly continued trying to cover it up. "I really don't want to see you hurt. Think of me as a bodyguard." Sebastian smiled a shark's smile that would frighten anyone… But John found it comforting.

John didn't fully understand what he meant by 'what you meant to some of the higher ups' But, it at least meant someone was looking out for him. He wouldn't have even noticed it if Sebastian hadn't made a big deal out of it. Not that he did… John could read people pretty alright… but where Sherlock was facts, John was emotions. That's why they made such a lovely couple. John blushed. Wrong choice of words… Focus, John!

John took a deep breath, looking up at Sebastian. "Okay, if you're sure I won't be imposing… May I stay here for tonight…?"

"But of course. You best tell Sherlock where you are though. I Wouldn't want to have him as an enemy." Sebastian laughed. John laughed too, but he wasn't sure why. He supposed he was exhausted.

He pulled out his phone and shot a text to Sherlock.

Spending the night at a friend's tonight.

-JHW

John put his phone down to look at Mr. Moran, but it looked like he was busy.

Not a second later John got a reply text.

U have school tmrw

-SH

John had forgotten it was Sunday. He wondered if Sherlock could be swayed.

It's a school friend. He's helping me on an English assignment.

-JHW

John technically wasn't lying. Mr. Moran was his friend. John fully intended to ask him about the letters, as well.

No skipping school. Txt if u need me.

-SH

That was all sherlock had to say. John was in the clear.

Yes sir.

-JHW

No response beyond that.

"Uh, M-Mr. Moran… do you think I-" Sebastian raised his head and gave a look. "Uh, we could stop at my flat… I need clothes and my bookbag for tomorrow…"

"No problem. We'll stop over after dinner. Speaking of, what would you like?"

"O-Oh. I'm not very picky…" John felt rather awkward. He wasn't used to staying at a friends house… let alone the fact that this friend happened to be an adult.

John felt small.

"You can relax, you know. I don't plan to kill you or do anything malicious…" Sebastian looked like he wanted to laughed again, but didn't seeing how it was putting John on edge.

"Yeah… Not so used to being other places but my flat."

"I understand. I can guarantee you will be safe here, if that makes it better."

John nodded, pleased that he had such nice people in his life.

"How about we make pizza? I actually have stuff to make it from scratch… Not the frozen shi- Uh, Stuff." John perked up immediately. He hadn't had 'real' food in so long. It was always take away… it was easier than to risk using Sherlock's lab equipment (the pots and pans). John, again, nodded furiously. "We can see who can make the best, but I don't think there will be a contest. I'm obviously going to win." He smirked.

The prospect of a challenge only won him over all the more. John knew he could make a better pizza.

John hopped up, wobbling as he tried to walk into the kitchen to stand next to Sebastian. Standing still without shaking was a bit had, but that wasn't going to stop him. After washing his hands, they stood in silence while Sebastian got the ingredients out, John shifting from one foot to the other. When it was all on the counter Sebastian looked down at John, noticing for the first time how small John actually was. John could see him almost offered to find a step stool… but opted out at the last second, deciding that seemed rude.

"Okay. I like silence, but I know kids don't… and, honestly, this is putting me on edge. I'm obviously not great around kids… but I think I know the basics. So… wanna play a game?" Sebastian asked. It certainly cleared up some of the awkward silence, which John was grateful for.

John found it a little strange that he wasn't good with children… considering he was a teacher, but he figured he wasn't good with kids either and he was a kid.

"Sure. What kind of game?"

"Well, it's a question game. I ask you a question, you have to answer honestly. Then you ask me a question, I have to answer honestly. If you think I'm lying, call me out. Trust me, I won't hesitate to do the same. If the asker calls you out on a lie, you have to answer truthfully or skip.

"Any and all questions are allowed to be asked… you can have three skips. You can't ask the same question if the person skips it. If the asker isn't satisfied with the answer, they can ask for details… but you only get two of those, that being said, you can make the question as specific as you want. We can play while we make dinner to pass the time."

John thought about it. It did sound like fun… but he was concerned about what kinds of questions would be asked. He decided to voice his worry.

"Well, anything is allowed… but it won't be anything horrible… plus, you've got your skips if you feel uncomfortable."

"Alright." John knew there was an ulterior motive… but the teacher had just as much to loose, so it seemed like a fair trade. "Who goes first?"

"I'll ask first." Sebastian thought for a second, but John knew he wouldn't have suggested this game without already having a few. "How are you doing in school? I don't mean just grades. I mean, friends, girlfriends, or, ya kaow, boyfriends, I won't judge, extra curricular, besides the one I proctor, of course."

Sebastian handed John a can of croissant dough. John thought of his answer. He wanted it to answer all of Sebastian's questions, but he wanted to not ramble on and on.

When the dough was spread in front of both of them, they put the toppings where they both could reach them before John answered.

"Well, I have pretty great grades… my… Uh, circumstances make it difficult to do homework, but I'm pretty sure I only have one B… all the rest are A's.

"My only activity after school, besides yours, is a homework club that I attend when I know I won't have time after leaving the building.

"I don't have many friends… They all think I'm weird for having a flat with Sherlock. They look at me like I'm from another planet… I try to be nice. They still hate me though…" John thought of how his letter to James was very similar before continuing.

"I have Mike… And I guess Mary, but I think she only wants me to be her boyfriend…I just want to be her friend though. I don't mind that I don't have many friends at school. I have Lestrade, Sherlock, Mrs. Hudson, Molly, you and I think my pen pal can be considered a friend. Though, he's a bit more concerning."

"Well, be careful who you extend your friendship to… Some of those prisoners are bad news." Here, Sebastian smirked. John was catching on to all his little quirks. He decided that was going to be one of his questions.

"My turn." John decided to get his question that he was obligated to tell so he couldn't be called a lier. "So… My pen pal, as I said… I- I'm kinda concerned… See, he called me Sherlock's pet…" Sebastian's eyebrows raised, only a little, but John saw. That meant he knew something. John almost laughed, so he switched his voice to as robotic and monotone as possible, not really succeeding. "He said some other bizarre stuff too. I'm a little nervous to keep being his pen pal. What do you think I should do?" John said it as if he were in class, reading from a note card.

Then he quietly added. "I have to ask this question, I told Sherlock I was staying with a friend from school for help with an English assignment…" He trailed off.

He didn't know how Sebastian would take that. Would he chew him out for being a bad kid? Would he be disappointed with John for bending the truth?

Oh, no. What if he made John call Sherlock right now to explain?

John looked down, he could feel his face turning red. He tried to lose himself in the pizza competition. He used a thin layer of sauce on the pizza dough, then put as much cheese as seemed feasible. And then some. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Sebastian shaking a little. John flinched like he was going to get yelled at or hit.

To his amazement, and confusion, Sebastian laughed… he laughed so hard he had to put the pepperoni down as he gripped his sides, nearly toppling over.

Sebastian had a very deep laugh. It was infectious, too. John laughed, nervously at first, but then it became genuine.

This was fun. Real fun. He never did this with Sherlock… The older man was always far too busy. He admired the stupid genius more than anything… but he could be so selfish sometimes.

When they did talk, it was more like John was a sound board for Sherlock. John felt involved in this conversation. John didn't mind that, but this was a beautiful change of pace.

He also got the feeling that Sebastian also didn't laugh like this very often.

"I mean-" He gasped for breath, wiping a nonexistent tear from his eye. "You technically told the truth." He laughed again. "John. That is the hardest I've laughed in about ten years. I think I pulled something."

"I think you'll be fine." John pointed to himself with a thumb. "Trust me. I'm a future doctor."

Sebastian laughed again. "Kid, you're going to be the death of me, I swear." He took a deep breath and had to force himself not to laugh again.

"To answer your 'question'" Sebastian added air quotes. "I think you should keep in touch. As long as they aren't threats, and you feel comfortable, I say keep it up. The prison and the school both stop anything too horrible to be written, but if it does get by them, you bring it to me and I'll go talk to them. Personally." Sebastian nearly growled, dumping more pineapple on his pizza than he probably meant to.

"Sweet. I'm in the lead!" John laughed.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"First, pineapple doesn't go on pizza. Second, you dumped nearly the whole can on it. Including the juice. Even die hard pineapple lovers wouldn't enjoy that!" John looked at the small mountain of pineapple on his opponent's pizza.

"Are you kidding? Pineapple goes on everything. Besides, have you seen how much shredded cheese yours has?"

"I am well aware. If you didn't need cheese too, you can bet your ass I'd use it all."

"You are aware that the bag is an eight cup bag… right?"

"Fully."

"You are a menace, John Watson."

"Tell that to pineapple mountain over there!"

"… Point taken. Anyway, my turn." Sebastian, again, seemed to mull over what he could ask. John realized he was thinking of what order to ask them. Not what to ask.

"Got it. Why don't you want that Mary girl to be your girlfriend?"

"I don't think I'm ready to become a womanizer. Yet. I've got at least one more year of being pure." John laughed.

"That's a lie." Sebastian gave a stern look, asking for a better answer.

"Haha… you got me… Well… that is a reason… I think I'm just scared. I live a dangerous life because of Sherlock. I would never forgive myself if she were to get hurt. She's a tough girl. Strongest I know… but when you're at gunpoint, strength isn't everything…A-also, um, girls aren't really my… area… which is fine! Um, but I may or may not have a crush on someone else anyway…" John blushed, that was the first time he had said it out loud. He was hoping Sebastian didn't ask who. John decided right then and there he would use a skip on that question if it came up, if he still had skips.

But Sebastian seemed satisfied. "Better. Your turn."

"Why did you pick being a teacher after the army? You seem like you can do anything… why teach us dumb kids?"

"Well. Uh, in case you haven't noticed, most kids grow up eventually… If I have to deal with them in the real world when the time comes, they better be ready. I would go on a killing spree if they were all idiots." Sebastian muttered something dark, but John didn't catch it.

John didn't know why, but he didn't believe Sebastian. Something seemed wrong… And Sebastian had called him out not a minute before… Besides, what's he got to lose?

"That's a lie." John put one hand on his hip and with the other, he pointed a finger at Sebastian condescendingly.

Sebastian looked truly surprised. "Uh, well, you got me, kid… let me think of an appropriate answer…" John nodded, looking back at the beautiful pizza he had created. He moved some cheese around to make it perfect.

"Okay." When Sebastian said that, John looked up, giving his undivided attention. "This job is actually my cover. I have a different job, no, you can't know. If you ask that as your next question, I'll skip."

John nodded. He wasn't really happy with the answer, but it was better than being lied to.

"What's your pen pal's name?" Sebastian kept his voice light, but John heard something else. It sounded like fear and anticipation.

"James."

"No last name?"

"No…"

Sebastian turned from John, turing the oven on.

"I guess I should have let this preheat while we were making these…"

"Yeah… but it's okay! My turn." John knew what he wanted to ask… but he didn't know if Sebastian would skip it. He didn't like the skips if they weren't working for him…

"Do you know my pen pal? Or, do you think you know him? James said something about having only one friend on the outside… he didn't say a name though…Are you that friend?" John realized he was about to start rambling and quickly shut his mouth to let Sebastian answer or pass this question.

"Well… I don't know about 'friends'… But, yes, I think the James we both know are one and the same." He didn't elaborate. John didn't ask him to.

"Since we're getting into more personal stuff… Why do you live with Sherlock Holmes?"

John had been dreading this question.

"That's a, uh, that's a long story…" John didn't want to be a wimp, but that story was hard to tell.

"We've got time."

"I-I can't… Um, I'll s-skip that one…"

Sebastian merely nodded.

"This doesn't count as my question… but is it my turn to ask a question… or is it still your turn to ask?"

"Your turn."

"Okay. Why is James in pris-" Sebastian cut him off.

"Skip."

"O-oh. okay…"

"Sorry. If he wants to tell you, he will. That's not my business."

"Oh… I understand."

"Where's your family?"

John, again, was hesitant on this question. That was a big part of why he skipped the last question… but he supposed he could tell a little…

"W-well… my sister, Harry, is in university, last I heard… I haven't seen her in a while though, so maybe not." John jumped at the oven went off, nearly screaming. Sebastian didn't flinch.

"I'm sorry you aren't on good terms with her."

"So am I." John said somberly. He was glad Sebastian didn't ask about his parents. John shook his head, clearing away the dull that had been in his eyes. "What do you do for fun?"

"I don't. I'm always on duty. I only recently came into some free days… it's very boring. I really should get a hobby." Sebastian said while putting both pizzas in the oven. " I enjoy my work… most of the time. But I wouldn't call it fun."

"I can understand that. I feel the same about school."

"In your case, I'd say school is probably a more dangerous than my job is." Sebastian started to laugh again. It was an angry laugh, but John knew it wasn't aimed towards him. Even still, it put John on edge.

Sebastian stopped, and added to his answer. "I suppose I clean my gun. Though, that's more of a priority than something I do for fun."

"Cleaning guns can be a great distraction though." John let the comment slip before he could stop it. Sebastian gave a suspicious look, but didn't comment.

John realized that meant Sebastian probably had a very dangerous job. But, as much as John wanted to ask, Sebastian said he'd skip it, so it got him nowhere.

"My turn." Sebastian put both of the pizzas into the oven while talking. "Do you like living with Sherlock?"

"Yes. I do." John didn't hesitate. He blushed at how quickly he answered… but it didn't change his response.

For all of their ups and downs, John really did like Sherlock… more than he probably should. John couldn't help it though. There were so many good qualities about Sherlock… they far outweighed the bad.

Sebastian nodded like he understood, then motianed for John to ask.

"Um, how did you and James meet?"

Sebastian sighed, John thought he would skip this question too. Then, Sebastian took a breath.

"Well, after I got back from the army, I was in a very bad place. It's actually astonishing I didn't kill someone during that time. He found me, offered me a job and helped me get back on my feet. I owe him my life… though I'd say I've paid that back. I mostly stick around because I like where I am now. And, if I left, I would go back to being nothing."

"Oh…" John didn't really have a response to that.

"My turn. Why do you like living with Sherlock?"

Crap. John was really hoping he would quit asking about Sherlock. It was only a matter of time before John accidentally let Sebastian know something he didn't mean to let slip.

"W-Well, I… I like the danger… I know that sounds bad… But it's fun in a way that most people never get to experience…"

"Trust me. I understand, kid." Sebastian nodded. Not with sympathy, but like he felt the same way. "But there's more, isn't there?"

"Uh… um. I really like Sherlock." John blushed, but tried to play it off as a friendship type of liking. "He's great. I know he pisses people off and a lot of people are out to get him… but he really does try to fight for good… he's just a bit not good about it…"

Sebastian nodded. John knew the next question…

"M-my turn… Um, how long are you going to use the school for cover?"

"I'm not sure. Until I get another assignment."

"How-"

"Ah, ah. My turn. I think you know what I'm going to ask."

"Uh, n-no?" John did.

Just then, the oven went off, saving John for another few seconds. Sebastian took both pizzas out… they looked nearly inedible.

"…Maybe they taste better than they look?" John was trying to be optimistic, but the results looked grim.

John's pizza had cheese all over. It was melting off the sides, over the crust of the pizza, making it impossible to eat without a fork.

"Well, if worse comes to worse we can order something from somewhere."

"I-um. I'd say I won." John said, looking at Sebastian's pizza, on looks alone, John would win, no doubt. Though… They still looked really bad.

"I think you're biased."

"That doesn't make me any less right."

"You wouldn't win if we had a formal judge." Sebastian's pizza had burnt pineapples on the top and the crust was soggy, making it hard eat without a fork.

"I guess we'll just have to try each other's." John said.

"You don't like pineapple."

"No, but then I can talk about how my pizza tastes better."

Sebastian sighed, cutting even slices from both pizzas, putting one of each on a plate for the two of them.

"We'll have to have a rematch in the future."

"Already admitting defeat?" John smiled, taking his plate.

"You wish." Sebastian scoffed, taking a bite of John's.

John laughed, trying to take a bite of Sebastian's, but it was so wet and soggy, he needed a plastic fork.

When John had finally taken a bite, he scrunched up his face.

"Yep. This is just as bad as I thought it would be."

John then took a bite of his. It wasn't as bad, but it was by no means good.

" … I think yours wins by half a point. At least it's somewhat edible." Sebastian put the plate down, not wanting to put anymore of the garbage they had made into his body.

"I win?"

Sebastian sighed. "I guess."

"Yes!" John jumped up in the air.

"But this is still not a decent dinner. Maybe we could stop somewhere on the way to or from your flat."

"I know a few places… just let me know what you have in mind and I can tell you the nearest one."

"Isn't there a sandwich shop near where your flat is?"

"Yes, it's right next to it, actually."

"Any good?"

" … It depends, but don't worry, I won't lead you astray."

Sebastian went to grab his coat and a spare one for John.

"Here, it's much too cold out to not wear a coat."

"O-oh, thank you very much…" John would have politely refused if he thought he could get away with it.

The borrowed coat nearly swallowed John. It was so big on him it could have been a weird dress.

"I'm sorry we wasted so much food…" John was concerned Sebastian would be mad at him.

"Don't be sorry. Despite my living arrangement, I get paid quite well. Also, I planned to take it to the park. I know you aren't really supposed to feed the ducks, but, hey, they need to eat… right?"

John smiled and followed Sebastian outside. It had gotten a lot darker and John wondered how long it had been since he was in the flat. It seemed like so long ago that he had left.

As they walked, Sebastian kept a watchful eye on everything. John noticed… he figured the man might be paranoid, but he didn't look scared, per say… he just looked aware.

After a while of walking, Sebastian looked down at John, smiling his shark smile John had become so familiar with.

"Want to continue our game?"

John considered a moment. He could quite while he was ahead, but that wouldn't be fair… on the other hand, he knew what Sebastian's next question would likely be… but he still had some questions for the older man… John still had two skips anyway…

"Sure. It was your turn, I think." John kew it was his turn, but he wouldn't let the man know how much he was dreading the probable impending question.

"You know my next question."

John took a breath. "I have a guess… but I guess I won't know until you ask…"

"Who do you have a crush on?" It was blunt and to the point, but that made John blush all the more. He felt like some middle school girl gossiping about the cutest boy.

"U-um, w-well. I- … it's complicated…" John was so red he would blend in with a crate of tomatoes right about now.

"That's hardly an answer!" Sebastian laughed, but it wasn't directed at John.

"W-well, I… Uh, I think you already know… I may or may not have a small tiny crush on Sherlock…?" John felt like he might die.

Sebastian laughed so hard they almost had to stop walking. "On the machine? Oh, John, you poor, poor boy!"

"W-well, like I said… it's complicated!" John tried to defend himself, but Sebastian couldn't stop laughing.

"I-it's not that funny…" John wished he would suddenly melt into a puddle on the floor.

"O-Oh, Kid. This is rich. Okay. I'm ready to listen. Why's it complicated?"

John didn't even care that Sebastian had asked two questions in a row. He wanted to defend himself a little.

"W-well, first, I'm nearly ten years younger than him… That's a big one. Second, he's rather oblivious when it comes to feelings… Which is good for me because the last thing I need is him constantly trying to run tests on what love can do to someone… Then he says he's 'married to his work' … but he gets upset when I talk about how cute a girl is… he'll never admit it, but I'm good at reading emotions…

"He's built like a greek god, he's brilliant, even sweet sometimes… but all he sees me as is a sidekick… maybe even a pet to obey orders… I don't even know if it's a crush or strong admiration…" John realized he was rambling. He looked up to see Sebastian looking ahead, not at him.

John was grateful, he felt like he might cry and he didn't want Sebastian to see that.

"Well, not that it's my business, but I think you have a crush on him. It's fine, by the way. As long as there's nothing going on between you until you're old enough." Sebastian gave a hard look.

John blushed harder.

"I also think he's just being dense. If you really think this isn't a fleeting crush, maybe talk to him about it. I think he'll at least hear you out."

John couldn't reply, so they walked in silence.

They walked into the sandwich shop, ordering their food and paying before sitting down to eat it, John huffing because Sebastian refused to let John pay for their food.

"My turn. What's your job?" John knew he said he'd skip this one, but maybe he'd changed his mind…

"Skip. Sorry, kid. There are things you probably shouldn't know." Sebastian was very dismissive, trying to change the subject quickly.

"Why won't you tell me about your parents?" John's eyebrows shot up. He couldn't answer that. No way. He found himself trying to say 'skip' but couldn't even force the word out.

Sebastian could see his mistake. "Skip?"

John nodded. He couldn't tell Sebastian. It was supposed to stay a secret. John had already said more than he probably should have. And it was still painful.

John found it unfair that Sebastian was asking such personal things, but he wasn't allowed. John realized they were both on their last 'skip'. He should have waited until they were both out of skips before he asked that.

They ate in silence for a few minutes. John was upset with himself for making things awkward.

"Hey, kid, it's okay. I understand some things are hard to talk about. You can't dwell on every little thing, though. I you want to quit playing we can. We can think of another game to play that maybe isn't so invasive."

"Y-yes please." John said into his sandwich.

Sebastian thought for a moment, taking a napkin, writing something on it then sticking it to John's forehead, miraculously, it stayed.

Sebastian then handed John a clean napkin and the pen. "Here, write a person on this. We have to try to guess who we are asking yes or no questions."

John didn't know many people.

"They can be famous?"

"Sure."

John wrote 'Queen Elizabeth II' because that was who popped into mind. He tried to stick it to Sebastian, but it didn't stay. John gave up and just handed it to him folded up.

"Okay. I'll ask first. Am I male?"

"Nope. Am I?"

"Yes. Am I famous?"

"Yes. Am I?"

Sebastian paused. "To those who know you." John was confused, to those who know? Did that mean, like, a show character? Sebastian continued asking his question. "Am I from Europe?"

"Yes. Am I real?"

"Arguable, but unfortunately, yes. Am I royalty?"

"Yes. Do I know this person personally?"

"I would be shocked if you didn't. Am I still living?"

"Yes… Am I, uh…" John tried to think of what to ask. He didn't want to lose, but it seemed that Sebastian had his figured out… John should have picked a harder one.

So John's person was male, can be considered famous, arguably real… he knew them personally… it was one of two people. He knew the next question would get a laugh if Sherlock were here. "Is my person fat?"

Sebastian's eyes lit up. "Yes! Well, not really… But yes. Am I Queen Elizabeth the second?"

"Yes. Am I Mycroft Holmes?"

"Wow, I'm really surprised you got that."

John grinned. Then he thought about how Sebastian knew who Mycroft is.

"Wait… how do you know about him?" John was skeptical.

In hindsight, Sebastian probably suggested this game to coax John back into paying their previous game, but in the moment it was very concerning.

Sebastian paused. "Well, he and I go way back." That made sense…

"Are you on good terms or bad terms?"

Sebastian countered with a question of his own. "Are we back to the question game?"

John had to admit, he was feeling a lot more competitive and he really wanted to know how they knew each other.

"Yes. Whose turn was it?"

"Yours."

John would have cheered if they weren't sitting near other people. "Okay! Are you on good terms with Mycroft?"

"No, but who is?"

John wasn't pleased by that answer, but he knew his next one.

"Since we're on the topic of Mycroft," Sebastian's eyes flicked up for less than a second before they were back on John. John went to look, but Sebastian stopped him by continuing his question.

"Well," He had a wicked glint in his eye. "Does he know about your infatuation with your flatmate?"

"Shh!" John shushed him, waving his arms as if to erase the words from the air. John took a breath.

"Not that I know of… But I'd rather he didn't find out about it… Mycroft can be… abrasive. And rude… I think he may try to skin me or arrange the marriage."

"I'd hardly do either." A voice from behind made John's heart freeze and his face go instantly red with shame.

"O-oh, h-hullo, My-Mycroft." John slowly turned around to the man standing right behind him. Mycroft gave his customary smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Hello, John."

Bum bum baaa! Sorry... I'm addicted to cliffhangers...

Have a nice day!

(Ch5 will be up soon, I promise...)

xoxo

~Miss Taken