A/Note: So this story shows how our characters became who they are, and Sherlock was not the only one affected by all that happened so far.

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28. Last week of school

Sherlock didn't like it, but Mycroft came for a visit once he learned of what had happened. He looked positively distraught - i.e., his know-it-all smirk was gone and there was an extra hard edge in his eyes. They never talked about what happened, just went about their day as usual, bickering as they had always done, engaging in a duel of wits to outsmart each other. For once, Sherlock was thankful for Mycroft's sense of propriety.

Mycroft vowed to himself to never let anything bad happen to his little brother ever again. There was a certain frailty in Sherlock's inability to socially navigate life that would certainly only attract disaster. Hopefully John would keep him a bit safer, at least while their relationship lasted. Mummy expressed optimism, but he wasn't so sure they could last. Who would be willing to put up with Sherlock's lack of understanding of social graces for long? He wasn't sure how, but he would do all in his power to keep John around.

His own ambition to become the most powerful man in Britain now had an extra incentive to achieve his goal. Only then he would be able to truly protect his brother. After these few months under the local MP he came to understand that merely becoming the Prime Minister would not necessarily be the best way to attain power. In the first weeks alone he had already determined that the greatest power can be held behind the scenes.

He would have to keep an eye on Sebastian from now on, even if that meant some legwork on his part. He started mapping his career in such a way that soon he would have a crew under him, so he would eventually be able to delegate this task.

...

Sherlock dreaded going back to school. Convincing his parents to let him stay home for a few days was not difficult. He had been told Sebastian wouldn't be there, but still, as much as he hated to admit it, there was a bit of an irrational fear that he just couldn't shake off. He still had a few tests left though, so after three days off there was no way of avoiding it anymore.

As soon as he stepped into the corridor, people seemed to be looking at him, then averting their eyes.

He frowned. He checked his own clothes, but nothing was amiss. The bruise was still slightly visible, but then again, him being bruised was nothing out of the ordinary. He walked towards his class.

Once he rounded a corner, he saw Sebastian's friends talking in a circle. He stopped and considered his options. He'd rather avoid them and miss class and had just taken a step back when one of them spotted him.

'Hey, Sherlock!'

In no time they were all standing in front of him, except they didn't look angry or aggressive. They looked sheepish? Some averted their eyes, until Burt (?) spoke.

'Um. Sherlock, we uh, heard of what happened. Um, we wanted to, you know, erm, apologise. We had no idea he was that sick in the head. I mean, not for being gay - there's nothing wrong with that. Just that he'd uh, he'd do what he did. We just thought he was being funny, that's all. You know, just some fun amongst, eh. I mean, it's not like, em, we're not like him. Well uh, that's it. Sorry. We didn't know.'

And they walked away.

Sherlock blinked. He frowned, shook his head and continued walking.

'Sherlock!'

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he turned, Janine was staring at him, a bit alarmed.

'I heard, I mean-. I'm sorry. Are you all right?'

'Yes.'

'If you uh, ever need to talk, please, know you can trust me, all right?' She touched his arm lightly.

He frowned slightly, then "smiled with great difficulty". 'I know.'

'And if you want me to leave you alone I will too. I just hope- I hope we can continue-'

'I need some time to think, if you don't mind. Have to sort my head.'

'Oh yes. Of course. I understand.' She looked down, her eyes filling up.

'Janine,' he touched her arm, lowering his face to look at hers.

She held her tears and understood him. 'Me too.' Then she made an effort to smile. 'You still have my number. Call me anytime, will you? If anything, just so we can talk shop.' That's how they always referred to their Chemistry talks.

'Thank you.'

She smiled and continued on her way to class.

...

'All right there? John'

_'Fine. Do you know what's going on? S'

'Apparently word got around that he tried to rape you. John'

_'I gathered that much. What I mean is, why is everybody acting weird? I had several embarrassed people come and say strange things to me, some that I don't even know. Some of the teachers pulled me aside all awkwardly, saying they'd let me take their tests alone at a later date if I wanted. Had I known I wouldn't have bothered to come in. S'

'Sherlock, people feel bad for you. They think you're traumatised and want to show their support. John'

_'Janine seemed to think I didn't want to see her again. Not that I want to, obviously. I don't understand why she's acting like this, but I took advantage of the opportunity and told her I "needed some time to think". She was sad, understanding, supportive and cheerful. I don't understand. S'
_'Even his friends apologised to me. I am baffled. S'

'Goes to show they were under Sebastian's influence. Now that he's gone they might end up being nice blokes. Spineless dumb bastards! John'

_'Does this mean we won't need to train anymore? S'

'No, it means that this Summer we'll both take classes with Mr. Bart. Then we will both be ready if that bastard ever shows up again. And by God, I hope he does. John'

_'So I don't get Yorkies anymore? They'll all go to Mr. Bart? S'

'No, now you'll get them from your boyfriend. Every date. John'
'Next year we might not need to hide it or have you change schools, if this continues like this. John'
'And I look forward to it. Your boyfriend, John.'
'(In case you were wondering who would be giving you chocolate from now on). ;) John'

_'Why wait until next year then? S'

'Sherlock, in all seriousness, I still worry about you. I want to see that they continue to treat you with the respect you deserve. John'
'Plus, no one would believe you would be able to recover from that trauma that quickly. It might still be better to start next year. And I promise you, I will. John.
'From day one. John'
'But the chocolate offer still stands. :) John'

_'My house today. S'

'Can't wait. John'

_'Wait an hour. S'

'Why? What's wrong? John'

_'Nothing's wrong. Just give me an hour after classes. S'

'All right. John'
'Can I go back to "J"? It's easier. John'

_'There are two of you now. How about "JW"? S'

'Still think it's silly to sign texts, but okay. JW'

_'Later. S'

'Later. JW'

...

He opened the door and John was smiling at him, with a small paper bag in his hand. He offered it.

'For you.'

He took it as he stepped aside to let John in. It was a bagful of Yorkies.

'John, are you trying to fatten me up? Because mummy has tried for years and failed,' he said with utmost seriousness.

'No, I'm just trying to sweeten you up,' he wrapped his arms around Sherlock's waist, 'just so I can take advantage of you.' And kissed him slowly. 'Are you wearing (...) anything (...) under that (...) dressing gown?'

'Mmnope.'

'Mmm,' he teased with a quick eyebrow waggle, sliding his hands down Sherlock's back, cupping and squeezing him.

Sherlock backed away and, taking his hand, guided him upstairs.

John sat down on the bed and pulled Sherlock on his lap. They embraced and started kissing, enjoying their moment together. Then John pulled away with a worried look, 'Sherlock, you set the limits. If you're not comfortable, we'll stop.'

He frowned. 'What are you on about?'

'You know, if this reminds you...,' he trailed off looking down to the side.

'Of Sebastian trying to rape me? Don't be daft! You are nothing like him. Now shut up and kiss me. I've waited the whole day for this.'

John rolled his eyes. 'Git. I'll kiss you all right.'

'Damn timemmf.'

...

He raised himself on his forearms.

'Sherlock? What's wrong? You're trembling.'

'John. I asked for an hour so I could prepare.'

'Prepare? For what?'

'I bought -' Sherlock reached for the drawer on his bedside table and pulled out a small bag, 'supplies.'

John rolled away and sat up to look into the bag. He gasped. 'Sherlock!'

He too sat up. 'I thought, maybe, if you want to try. I showered.'

'Sherlock. Are you sure?'

'Yes,' he said breathlessly. 'If you want to.'

'Sherlock, I don't know. Wait. Are you for some stupid reason trying to "lose your virginity" because of what happened?'

'John, that night I was certain Sebastian was going to rape me and there was nothing I could do to stop him. All I could think of was how I regretted you wouldn't be the first.'

'Sherlock, that's the trauma messing with you. This is too soon for you. I want you to want it, not because you were scared of that- that monster.'

'I am ready.'

'I'm sorry but I don't think you are. This has affected you more than you think. You were trembling, you don't want this, not even with me. It scares you, doesn't it? Look, you're not even hard anymore.'

'I'm just nervous, that's all.'

John sighed, pushed the bag away and leaned back on one arm, guiding him down, then caressing his face. 'Sherlock, I don't think you're ready. Neither am I. When we're truly ready, we will know.' And he kissed him tenderly, keeping his distance this time.

Only when he felt Sherlock had finally relaxed he reached forward with his knee, finding a way between his legs. He let his thigh slide up and down, their skins smooth against each other's. Sherlock urged him to come back on top of him, but he didn't move. He was going to take it slow this time. He was going to make it memorable for Sherlock, perhaps even use some of the "supplies".

He had an idea. Oh yes, Sherlock. I'll show you there is no need to force yourself into something you don't want when this is so good.

'Oh for God's sake, John! You're going to torture me again today, aren't you?'

'Damn right I am. And you're going to love what I'm going to show you.'

Sherlock gave an exasperated grunt that lost its effect when it ended in a squeak.

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A/Note: Warning, tomorrow is the last chapter. Review while you can! :)