"You should be glad you didn't lose our best customer because of your actions." Victor snarled, hitting the young man over and over, ignoring his pleas to stop. "Because of you, I lost about a thousand quid."
Victor left him there, writhing in pain and holding his stomach. Sherlock looked at the slowly disappearing figure, tears rolling down. 'Things are definitely not the same, anymore.' Sherlock thought to himself, closing his eyes as he heard his boyfriend's mobile go off.
"Yeah… I can go tonight… I just can't bring William… He's a bit indisposed at the moment… Yeah, yeah.. I know how you guys like him but he can't come, Dennis. How are things going with that girl you like? …. Oh, she's got her eyes on some freak?" Victor paused, eying up the 'sleeping' twenty year old, his boyfriend turned away from the older man. "Yeah, I think I know who you're talking about, mate… Yeah but I don't think we should do that just yet… I say we wait 'til they least expect it… So what kind do you want… The good shit? Yeah, I've always got the good shit… Be there in ten... Just leaving Will's."
Sherlock opened his eyes wide as he shot up from bed, looking to the clock. 2:00 AM on the dot. He knew that he shouldn't be doing this but she was his "friend" or so she said and by what he heard, friends help friends no matter the time. And she did give him her number. Before he could do anything else, he felt the aching muscles of his bruised and bloody body protesting as he tried to stand, looking around for his own mobile.
He felt around the bed for the damned mobile, too scared and sore to leave from beneath the covers. Tears formed in his eyes as he thought of Victor having hold of his phone and telling his contacts about how he was back on coke. Although most of his contacts knew, it was his family that he was mostly concerned about finding out.
Thinking ahead, he had saved Miss Watson's number as nothing, leaving the number just as that. Passing it off as a wrong number or a finger slip, thankful that he could pass it off as one of his sister's numbers.
Miss Watson, I apologize for the inconvenience but I need help and I apologize for texting you at two in the morning but it is serious. WH
Elizabeth had been laying in bed somewhere between sleep and alertness when she heard her mobile vibrate on her nightstand. She groaned as she extended her arm, sore muscles protesting. She had no idea who would be contacting her at this hour. Her fingers closed around the device, frowning at the number before opening the message. Her heart sank as she read what was sent and who had sent it. It was against her better judgement to even reply this late, but before she knew it, she was typing rapidly.
Nevermind the time, where are you? What happened? What do you need me to do? EW
Sherlock was shocked that she even responded, but this was proving the nursing student to be true to her promise. Yes she was right when he had no one, but now he had someone. This girl, this teenager was willing to help her chemistry tutor no matter the risks. And for that he was thankful. He looked to the bright screen, wiping the tears forming in the corners of his eyes before responding with the same speed she gave him.
I am in building B of the on-campus dorm rooms. Room seven, and I think he left the door unlocked… There will be a light switch to the right of the door when you open it and I will be on the bed. Although, I may not be decent… WH
Elizabeth had gotten up and pulled out a pair of jeans and proceeded to get dressed as her mobile went off once more.
I will be there as soon as I can, just need to grab a few things and break out of here. I can assure you, I have seen the male anatomy William, I have brothers. EW
Sherlock didn't want to explain what happened but it seemed as though he would have to eventually, a soft whimper escaping his lips as he tried to sit up. He called out in pain, feeling a stinging sensation growing from his lower back. He closed his eyes, unable to fathom the thought of what caused that pain.
Looking at the screen, he knew she wouldn't back out now. She was probably on her way already, concerned for her tutor and unaware of the secrets that were about to be opened to her. He let out a soft sigh before typing back a truthful response.
As much as this may shock you, the bruise you saw earlier was nothing compared to how I am now… If I require hospital care, do not admit me… He… I mean Victor is still listed as my emergency contact and that will only worsen things. WH
Elizabeth had pulled on a hoodie over her t-shirt and had double checked that she had packed all the supplies she had bought for her first aid class. Carefully she made her way out of her room and down the hall before slipping out the front door undetected. She pulled her mobile from her pocket and looked at the screen sighing as she travelled towards the campus.
If you require hospital care, then we will deal with that when we cross that bridge. As for your emergency contacts, you can change it.. to my number. EW
Sherlock read the text, frozen from her kindness and bit his inner cheeks. He closed his eyes and looked away from the screen momentarily before recomposing himself. He was smiling at the screen as he sent a quick response.
Thank you, Miss Wa- Elizabeth. That means a lot to me. And thank you for your help, despite the time. I will make this up for you. WH
Elizabeth kept looking over her shoulder as she made her way down the street, her orange medical bag over her shoulder. She read the text over twice.
That is what friends do, they help each other, and you tutoring me is enough. Just... you don't have to repay me. EW
The chemistry major was smiling softly as he slowly found the will to get out of bed and dress himself so he was at least in pants. He turned the light on with a soft smile as he looked himself over in the mirror. "I suppose things are looking up now…" He murmured before flopping onto his bed, wincing at the slight pain he felt from the earlier beating.
His phone went off on the bed, groaning softly as he reached for it. It was Elizabeth of course and her text made him smile. Friends. They were friends and he was happy with that. He quickly sent back a text, the soft tapping of the screen breaking the silence of his empty flat.
If this tutoring session feel adequate enough to pay of this debt then you do not need to pay me for the sessions then. After all, we are friends. WH
Elizabeth rolled her eyes as she read the message as she stepped onto the campus grounds, heading towards the dorms.
Her tutor was really something else, someone else, not the 'Freak' they claimed him to be, well in her eyes at least.
Nearly there, five more minutes, we will discuss everything else after I look you over and decided if I need to make a few calls. EW
See you in a bit then, I already have the light on, and put on a pair of pants so you don't have to see my 'male anatomy'. Besides, I'd need a few dates before we go there. WH
Sherlock smiled at the humor he threw into the text, knowing that she would most likely dismiss it and roll her eyes then send back a similar text with equal sarcasm
Elizabeth took the stairs as she looked over her phone, she stopped as she read it, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
More like a couple of dates, a couple of drinks and to know each other for more than a day, but I shall keep that in mind for later. EW
Sherlock smiled softly and took a mental note, deciding to use his humour to his advantage and keep her interested in whatever he had to say but not over use it like a cheap opening act for a big name comedian. The chem major could hear footsteps outside the door and knew for a fact that it had to be Liz, seeing as Dennis lived on the other side of London. Before she could knock, William called out. "It's open."
Elizabeth opened the door and slipped in, closing and locking the door behind her, it didn't take long for her to find her way to his bedroom, she stood in the hallway, just before his door as her eyes fell on him. Something in her chest constricted as she stood for a moment, frozen. Quickly she shook her head and moved closer to the door and gave him a small smile, fairly certain a few of her bruises were visible as well.
Sherlock took in the sight of her, sitting up and folding his feet underneath himself. He looked at one of her bruises and stood, walking towards her with a slight limp. "Miss Watson... Are you okay?" He asked as he glanced over her with a small smile as well, taking in her current state. He paused and looked down. "Like I'm one to talk... I am the perfect image of not being okay... And yet here I am, asking you. Though if we were to be checked over at a clinic or hospital, you should be the first one to be admitted. You're more valuable."
"I am not here for me and I am not going to a clinic or hospital, if anyone here is it is you, now what happened?" She allowed her eyes to go over his body, taking in the malted skin. "Please be honest, I can't help you properly otherwise"
How did he know she was going to say that? That he had to be honest or else she wouldn't be able to help him. He swallowed the large lump in his throat, tears springing to the corners of his eyes. "I'm sorry but I don't think I'm exactly ready to tell you- oh fuck it..." He murmured before continuing. "Victor has become more violent more frequently."
She nodded as she looked around the room for a moment, "I can see that, and maybe after we get you cleaned up, I can tell you something about me, it is only fair" She removed the bag from her shoulder. "Be happy I have hospital grade medical supplies at my disposal"
Sherlock smiled weakly and looked to her. "If the secret you wish to share with me is what I think it it, may I voice my deduction?" He asked, not wanting to hurt her with the deduction he wanted to voice for the last few days. "Although I understand if you wish to tell me yourself, seeing as it's a personal matter."
Elizabeth thought for a moment. "You tell me what you think, your deductions, and I will clear things up when you are done." She stated as she moved and placed the orange bag on the edge of his bed and opened it. "Whatever you say, I won't be upset, I promise"
"You have an abusive father." He said hesitantly, looking away from her and close his eyes. "I don't know if it's true or not but you don't need to confirm."
"You must be rather good at reading people, or I must have been horrid at hiding it" She muttered. "I need you to sit down"
Sherlock shook his head. "I need to do something first." He whispered, limping towards her. He didn't give her enough time to answer, pulling her into a gentle hug. "You don't deserve any of that... I'm sorry."
She was taken by surprise, her body tensed for a moment as he hugged her, moments later, she hugged him back just as gently. "You don't deserve this either, none of this... and I would tell you what I thought, but that can wait"
Sherlock nodded and looked to her with a soft smile. "I just read people well but this time I chose to keep that deduction to myself… I wouldn't want to lose a possible friendship because I voiced a truthful deduction at the wrong moment. Especially about someone as kind and caring as you."
"If I didn't know any better I would think you were lying about the kind and caring part, but not many people get up at two in the morning to walk to campus because someone they just met needed help" Elizabeth stated as she pulled away and guided him to the edge of the bed to sit down.
Sherlock smiled weakly, leaning against her gently, careful of her bruises. "Yeah, just like a junkie freak would be willing to take time to tutor some girl… But then again she's not just any girl now… She's his only trustworthy friend…" He looked down and leaned away from her, his hands itching to take hers in his but resisted against it. "Again, and I probably sound like a broken record but thank you."
"Number one you are not a freak, Freaks are like the morons I am subjected to spend christmas dinner with against my will. Number two, you are not a broken record, You have only said thank you… three times, Number Three, I am fairly certain that she is rather pleased to be your only trustworthy friend, it now means she can call someone else other than John when she needs to talk"
Sherlock smiled softly at her and looked down, sighing. "As much as I would love to publically be your friend, I can't. Victor would go after you and with what he does to me, I would hate for the same to happen to you." He murmured, looking down at his lap. "I mean no disrespect to you, Miss Watson."
"If that is what you must do Mr. Holmes, then do it" She stated as she began to look him over, frowning slightly as she pulled on a pair of gloves before touching his shoulder. "Is he usually this rough with you? You don't have to answer that if you feel uncomfortable with it"
"We're friends, and you did say I need to be honest so you can treat me proper." He shook his head, smiling weakly. "He would just say things like this.. He'd never act upon them… Only his friends…" He added the last part with a murmur, hoping she didn't catch the man's words. "He and I have a deal on how I pay my debt but you won't like what I do to help him.."
"I am getting the picture" She managed to keep her voice even before she pulled out Iodine and a gauze, drenching the white mesh before applying it to the bite mark on his shoulder. "I am going to pay you for tutoring me, and you are not going to tell me no, or reject it. Use to pay him off faster"
"Judging on his increased rage, I do not think he is staying to just one drug… and if you seen how angry he gets some days, you would think he'd be on steroids…" He murmured, wiping away the tears that formed in the corners of his eyes. "He's not the same man I first fell in love with… He's...different."
"Drugs do that to people" She said as she took his hand in her free one. "Lots of things can do that to people, but he doesn't deserve you and you don't deserve to be abused that way. It doesn't matter if you are together or if you owe him money, you don't deserve it"
Sherlock closed his eyes as he felt her hand in his. He shook his head and pulled away. "I can't... Elizabeth, if you truly think about it, my debt is my fault. I thought that since my boyfriend was also my dealer, I would be able to get a discount... I was reckless and stupid before my first overdose."
"Just because he is your dealer and your boyfriend does not give him the right to whore you out" Elizabeth stated as she looked at him. "And I will repeat myself everyday for as long as you let me be in your life until you believe me. Yes you do drugs, yes it was your choice but you don't have to pay him back with your body"
The chem major looked down. "I've been sober for a few days... But Victor has been forcing needles on me... So I guess I haven't been sober for days." He murmured, looking back at her.
The nursing student sighed as she snapped off her gloves and threw them down on the bag before she pulled him forward, wrapping her arms around him. "This relationship you have isn't right William. It. Is. Not. Right."
Sherlock looked away from the girl, shaking his head. "Then what should be right? I have never known anything but this, Elizabeth." He murmured, glancing briefly to her before looking back at his hands. "I know this isn't healthy but what else do I have?"
"You have a friend, William. One that isn't going to treat you like- like this. "Elizabeth stated her voice taking on that edge once more. She looked down as she tried to form the right words, before just blurting out the first thing that came to mind. "If you want, I can show you how things work with friends… Not the way Victor and his friends treat you…"
The twenty year old froze at her words, shocked she would even be willing to help him in this aspect although, it was sort of a given seeing that they were close friends with all that they shared this evening. He shook his head as though to pull himself from the shock. "I...I would love that, Elizabeth… Thank you."
"You are welcome" She smiled at him before pulling her gloves on again and began to treat him once more.