Sherlock on a pole

An Unexpected Shopping Spree

Before John knew it, they were out the door, and his flatmate was hailing a cab. One pulled over, Sherlock mumbled something about Oxford Street to the driver, and off they went. John couldn't believe what was happening, but he went along with it, careful not to crush his friend's spirits when he for once was excited about something other than dead bodies. It was a welcome change, John thought to himself as Sherlock spun around the changing room area wearing black tights and a fitted white t-shirt. He had never seen Sherlock wear anything like this, and he was surprised to see his flatmate so comfortable in these new garments. John ended up having to pay for the newfound treasures.

Back out on the street John glanced over at the tall man beside him. He was smiling wider than he had in a long time.

"Sherlock, where did this come from? Is this for some sort of a case?"

"No, of course not, I would have told you by now." Sherlock gave him a weird look. "Why would you think that?"

"Oh, no reason", John replied sarcastically.

"You sound a bit alarmed, John. Is my choice of recreational activity shocking you?"

"A bit, yeah."

Sherlock chuckled in response, and seemed more than a bit pleased about having made his friend confused. They walked in silence for a few minutes. John didn't know where, but he expected Sherlock did.
"Molly Hooper gave me the paper. She said that 'I might find it educational'. And then I found an article on pole dancing."

"And you just decided then and there to go for it?" John tried to silence his own scepticism, but he realized he wasn't doing a very good job.

"You know I can't resist a challenge", Sherlock answered and blinked at John. The shorter man tried to ignore that his cheeks got a few degrees warmer at the sight. He turned away and stared at the road before them.

About fifteen minutes later Sherlock stopped. They were standing outside a large building with black metal gates. The sign said "Westminster Dance Academy".

"Oh, I didn't realize this was happening now!" John said.
"Why wait?"

"You're right, go dance your pants off", John said and put a hand on his companion's shoulder. "I'll see you later."

John turned away and started looking for a cab to take him back to Baker Street. He had some bills to take care of.

"Hey John, wait!" Sherlock called after him. He turned around.

"What?"

"You have to go with me." If John hadn't known that Sherlock was immune to any kind of embarrassment, he'd have said that he was blushing.

"Uh, no I don't. You're not getting me on the dance floor, thank you very much!"

Sherlock giggled and shook his head.

"No, that's not what I meant. I just need you to come in with me." Now he was definitely blushing. John had lost count of how many times Sherlock had astounded him today, but it had just happened again. Sherlock was scared. He was showing a normal, human response to change. John shut his eyes hard and opened them again. He wasn't dreaming. This was happening.

"Oh. Sure... Sure." He tried to smile reassuringly. Then he opened the gate and let Sherlock in first.