June 20th, 2005
Sherlock's POV
When they get into the car, he hands the papers he wrote up for the challenges to Jim.

The agent smiles at him encouragingly, accepting them and reading without saying anything.

It leaves the trip back to the flat is quiet, peaceful even. The entire time his mind is spinning. He is still trying to understand how Jim has a friend, and a good friend at that. Everything he knows about psychopaths and sociopaths tells him it's not possible. Yet he had clearly seen the bond between them. There is nothing sexual about it, but it's still deep, deeper than any friendship he had seen while in uni or growing up. How?

Chewing on his lower lip, he considers what he knows of the agent. The fact Jim is sassy, bores easily, is as intelligent as him, maybe even more intelligent, deadly, remorseless, warped sense of humor, good at field work even if he doesn't like it, excellent memory, enjoys silence and music, and understand body language. Even though Jim doesn't seem to understand emotional motivation, the psychopath still gets people better than him. There seems to be more questions about Jim and his motivation than answers. Why is that?

When the car pulls to a stop, Jim states, -I said I would answer your questions. I still will, whenever you are ready to ask. Though I am sure that it will just cause more questions to form. That's good though, it means your mind is sharp and you are considering the details.-

He blinks, nodding slowly.

-We can also discuss your findings. You should get some rest.- the agent continues with a smile. -You did quite well. I am curious about several of your choices.-

-Why?- he asks after he climbs out of the car, brows drawing together and a small frown curving his lips.

-You picked unexpected paths, I am curious about your logic.-Jim remarks with a shrug. -I know I think of buildings I can go over, under, or through, but was not expecting that from you since it wasn't part of the challenge. It's just further proof you're smarter than you think.-

Lost in thought, he wanders through the flat to his room where he sprawls on the bed to consider the implications and questions. He stays still for most of the night, mind going a thousand miles per hour. Between John and Jim he's not sure who's right or wrong. They are telling him and treating him different than anyone else ever has, including his brother. Why? It's confusing. At the same time he feels a fluttering excitement deep in his belly. Hope for something he's not used to having and not sure he can have. Not if his current track record is anything to go by.

When he comes awake suddenly, he is surprised that he fell asleep. When did he fall asleep and why? Was he really that tired? Maybe he needed the sleep.

Getting up, he decides to change out of his now wrinkled suit and into a pair of jeans, shirt, and socks. Maybe be can eat breakfast down stairs today. He's avoided his brother for the last few days. Maybe he shouldn't today. At the same time, he is feeling pretty decent about himself right now, and doesn't want his brother to make him feel like worthless again.

Quietly, he pads downstairs, debating about eating in the kitchen or in the dining room.

When the cook spots him, she beams, waving him over to her small table and bustling around. A few moments later the air is filled with the scent of fresh berry pancakes hips them together. He watches in fascination, deciding that cooking must be a form of chemistry. How does Miranda know what to mix and when? He's seen so many recipes that are for the same thing but different, how does she know which ones are right? Maybe he should try learning how to cook. It would be something different, new, yet tied to things he appreciates doing. It's definitely worth thinking about.

He continues to consider the idea while she finishes cooking, smothers his pancakes in creamy fresh butter, and warm maple syrup.

-Thank you,- he signs absently as he accepts the plate, he loves pancakes like these. Miranda is one of the few people whose food he accepts without question because she always tries to make sure the texture is something he can handle.

She nods, smiling at him and returning to what she was doing before he entered the kitchen.

Still he continues to watch, enjoying her simple and efficient of doing things. She doesn't waste movement or motions as she works, and her focus seems to be on the task at hand yet she still manages to keep up with several projects at once. That takes a type of intelligence he's not sure he can do. Yet, that's not true, back when he was still in the lab he would do that with his experiments, often having several going and taking notes on each carefully. It's the same principle. Hmm. It's something to keep in mind. Maybe he should try out the new lab sometime sooner than later.

When he is done with breakfast, he debates about whether he should go work in the lab or go get Jim to explain his friendship. Which does he feel is more important right now? The friendship, the experiments will be there later.

Stretching, he goes looking for the agent. He find's Jim sitting on the bottom of the steps to the upstairs, fingers lightly drumming against his leg.

-Morning Sherlock, did you enjoy the pancakes? Miranda is quite good.- the dark-haired agent comments.

He nods, agreeing with that statement.

-Shall we head to the library, study, basement, or one of the rooms to have our conversation? That way you have somewhere you can write questions if you'd prefer over signing.- Jim suggests, standing up and tilting his head in that reptilian manner he has seen several times.

-Library,- he answers slowly, deciding that might be the best place to have this talk.

Nodding, Jim turns and heads in that direction movement fluid and reminding him of a dancer. At one point he considered being a dancer but his family had discouraged it. Once in the library, he grabs a pad of paper out of the desk and jotting the questions down in quick succession. He then hands the questions to Jim and waits for the answers. The agent takes his time reading the answers, lips curving and eyes gleaming.

-Let's begin with how I met Jasper, it went like this,- Jim begins taking his time to answer the questions. Expanding on each answer as he jots down further questions. He was right, there is more questions than answers, but it's very interesting and leaves him a lot to think about while he sits quietly with John that evening.

Publishing schedule, I will update one or two stories on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

I write do commissions for those who are interested, the info can be found on my tumblr JaimiStoryTeller under Donations, Commissions, and Cosmos

I love reviews, comments, and any other sort of communication, feel free to stop in to say hi

Those who figured out he is the Craig Bond Q would be correct. This is pre-movies before he actually reaches that point in his career. Thanks for reading and reviewing! Also, not actually describing how Jasper & Jim became friends because that will be in Recruited (which I am doing some editing before I start posting)

Also: I'm sorry this was posted on Saturday, FF kept telling me unable to connect with the servers last night.