As the room descended back in to silence. John could not think of a response to Sherlock. He just wanted to lean over a hug the other man but refrained from doing so. However he could help but ask Sherlock about his life;
"Why do people hate you?" mumbled John, carefully watching Sherlock's reaction. Sherlock had a answer ready for John at once.
"People don't like being told how pathetic their lives are. People also get defensive when you reveal something about them, they lash out verbally and physically. The worst part is when people attack something they don't understand; that's where my school nickname came from" replied Sherlock.
"Nickname?" queried John.
"Freak" Sherlock simply replied.
John reached out to grasp Sherlock's hand to offer him comfort, Sherlock didn't reject the physical contact like John though he would. John gently rubbed circles into the palm of Sherlock's hand. Sherlock observed this contact, it made him feel warm inside.
"Well I don't think you are a freak. Quite the opposite, you are a extraordinary man. I've never met anyone like you before" remarked John. Sherlock snapped his head straight up to view John, in order to deduce whether he was lying or not. The two men watched each other intently.
John excused himself to use the bathroom, taking longer than necessary to tidy himself up. On his return he found that Sherlock fallen asleep, taking up the whole space of the sofa. John watched him for a moment, the detective really looked shattered; the case must of completely worn him out.
"Poor guy" whispered John, carefully trying to not wake the man up. Rather than waking him up John fetched a blanket from the cupboard and gently placed the soft material over Sherlock's body. Sherlock stirred in his sleep but didn't wake up, merely turning over to sleep on his side.
Light snoring could be heard from Sherlock, this made John chuckle at how sweet and innocent this man looked right now. With a yawn John dragged himself to his own bed reluctantly, he would rather watch Sherlock sleeping. John manoeuvred himself under his covers and let sleep claim him.
BeepBeepBeepBeep
The set alarm pulled John from his dreams, waking him up for another day. As John moved to turn his clock off he realised that he still had a guest in his flat. Whipping off the covers John bounded up from his bed, pulled some clothes on and went in search of the detective.
As he entered the living room he noticed that the blanket had been folded up neatly and Sherlock was no where in sight. However there was a note left on the table. John grabbed it in an instant. The simple sentence had been elegantly written, the handwriting neat and delicate.
Thank you for letting me stay John, much appreciated- Sherlock
A hint of sadness hit John, he had no idea when he would see Sherlock again. John placed the note back onto the table and went about his daily routine, he had another client today that he needed to prepare for. Filling up his kettle for morning tea, John opened the cupboard to grab his favourite mug. He noticed that there was another note on his mug along with rolled up bank notes inside the mug. The note was from Sherlock as well.
This is payment for last night, have a good day John- Sherlock
John rolled the notes through his fingers feeling the paper. Could he really take his money? This whole situation just felt wrong; this man was withdrawn and lonesome, John didn't want to take advantage. Pacing the money in another cup, John continued making his morning tea and get ready for the day.
John had finished with his client for the day, he was glad to be rid of his customer. This life was not meant to be a permanent one for John, it was only meant to be short term in order to gather quick cash to live.
Since meeting Sherlock his view of his profession had changed. Many people would view prostitution as a dirty, disgraceful job; it was entirely that, but for John it was also about the rush and excitement of doing some thing wrong; not about the sex. His acquaintance with Sherlock challenged his previous view; maybe his profession was the wrong type of excitement?
Just a short quick update for you guys. If there are any mistakes, I am sorry. I'm rubbish at proof reading!
Just hope you guys are enjoying this story, I've read all your comments and taken advice on board. Thank you all! :)
Have a good day! :)