John's POV
I ducked into the restroom and slipped into the nearest stall, my every breath shaking. Goosebumps spread gradually up my limbs, and I shivered.
James knew.
My teeth chattered as I ripped off a piece of toilet paper and wiped my tears with it. James knew I'd made a friend. He'd be coming after Sherlock next. I had to avoid Sherlock, or James would become his predator. I leaned against the wall and covered my face with my hands, breathing in the scent of my backpack from them. I felt a sinking feeling deep down in my stomach when I realised my backpack still sat in the cafeteria, beside the table where Sherlock was probably still seated, staring miserably at his chemistry book. I felt awful for running away, for being such a coward. But James could hurt Sherlock. It didn't matter if Sherlock was easily the tallest boy in the school....James could still beat him any day.
I sighed and slowly pushed open the stall. The restroom seemed to be empty. I cautiously crept across the marble floor, my shoes squeaking a bit. My face reflected in the mirrors. I recoiled. My face was drained of its typical, rosy blush, my eyes darker, the skin hanging below my eyes dark purple and swollen from tears. I lowered my head and began to wash my hands, wash the scent of rubbish from them.
"John."
I squealed like a wounded pig and whipped round to see who was there. I nearly cried with relief when I saw Sherlock, yet I felt guilt creeping up on me when I remembered that I had to stay away from him because of James Moriarty.
"Why are you in here?" Sherlock asked calmly, taking short baby steps toward me. I backed away quickly, until I was pressed against a wall. "John." I clenched my eyes shut. "John. Look at me." I met his eyes. "Come back to the cafeteria," Sherlock ordered firmly, but I could see the pleading look in his multi-coloured eyes.
"No," I whispered.
"Why not?"
"Because he'll get you," I said hoarsely.
"Who will get me, John?" Sherlock squinted his eyes and stared straight into mine. I wanted to avert my eyes, but I couldn't. "James?" I nodded slowly. "Oh, for God sakes, John," he said, rolling his eyes. He smirked. "James won't hurt me because he knows my family. If he hurts me, my father will definitely press charges for my injuries." He held out his hand. "Please." I took it gratefully, feeling its warmth internally.
"Let's go."
Sherlock's POV
I was instantly warm when I enclosed John's small hand in my large one. With his free hand, John reached up to his eyes and wiped the tears from them quickly. I pulled him from the restroom and steered him back to the cafeteria, ignoring the smug looks we received upon our return. I glanced at James. I could practically see the gears turning in his mind, his robotic brain processing what he was seeing. John was right to think James would come after me. I glanced at the small, blonde boy who held my hand, at his glistening, deep blue eyes.
I had to stay by his side whenever possible, now that James knew we had become acquainted with one another.
"John, come on," I said. Apparently John had noticed James as well. I tugged my new friend back to the table in the corner, and John, who had become horribly ditsy from having seen James, sat in my seat. I stifled a laugh and grabbed John's wrist, gently tugging him back to his original seat. He smiled when he sat in his seat again, but I knew he was worried. James always had a plan, whether someone had a bodyguard or not. I shook my head and sighed.
"He's conjuring a plan," John mumbled. I met his eyes. "Can't you see?" His eyes shone with tears for a moment, and, as if by magic, the tears vanished as he took a deep breath. He stared, blushing, at the table. "I'm sorry."
"For what?"
The look he gave me then tore my heart to small pieces.....funny. Before today, I never knew I had a heart. Or feelings. The knot in my stomach tightened as he replied.
"For dragging you into this." He gulped.
"No, no, it's fine," I said. "It's a pleasure."
I'm not sure, but I thought I saw a grin creep across his face right then.
