I Never Do

A Best Friend

When Sherlock went home at the end of the school day, he ran into his father's study to tell him about his rather exciting day.

"I made a friend - no, a best friend! His name is John, just like my old bee! Some airhead shoved me out of my seat at lunch and that's when John jumped in and scared them away. I've never met anyone like him. We shook hands and I didn't even react to it like I normally do!"

His father listened to him speak. After he was through, he smiled at his son.

"That's brilliant news, Sherlock! What's he like?"

Sherlock positively beamed at the chance to describe John.

"He's amazing! He's nice, and he even listened to me ramble on and on without getting mad or annoyed! He showed me around the school and took me to my classes himself to make sure no one bothered me again."

By the time he finished talking, both his mother and Mycroft had joined them in the study.

"What's this about a new friend?" his mother asked.

Sherlock retold his tale, more than happy to talk about John all day.

"I invited him to come with us to Uncle Rudy's, is that okay? I told him about the bees and how I had one named John, and he said he's never seen bees in person because his father won't let him do anything with his spare time. I don't think I like his father much. Can he come? Please please please?"

His parents shared a look and a shrug.

"I don't see why not," his father said. "I can't wait to meet him, son."

Sherlock bounced on his feet. "Yes!"

Mycroft looked down at his shoes. Maybe now that Sherlock has a friend, he wouldn't be needed anymore. He was always the one to be there for Sherlock when he needed somebody. His thoughts were interrupted when Sherlock came bounding up to him.

"My My My," he chanted. "This won't change anything between us. You know that, right? I'll still bug you."

Mycroft smiled and hugged his brother.

"I know," he said. "I can't help but feel a little jealous, though. No worries, I'll get over it. This John fellow seems really nice."

Sherlock nodded rather quickly.

"He really is!"

"Then I can't wait to meet him."

Sherlock's smile was lost when a sudden thought came to him.

"What if . . . what if he doesn't like me once he finds out that I'm . . . not normal?"

His mother clicks her tongue and moves to hug him.

"Then that is his loss. You'll just have to show him how amazing and brilliant you are. You've never been normal, sweetheart. You're unique, yes. But never normal. Normal is for us folks; the boring old people. You, my love, will never be normal."

Sherlock grinned and hugged her mother back.

"May I go call him?"

His mother grins and nods.

Sherlock runs out of the room and to the telephone.

After three rings, a female answers. He figures it's John's sister, as he never mentioned his mother.

"Hello?"

"Hello, this is Sherlock, is John there?"

"One moment."

The phone rattles as it's handed over.

"Sherlock, hey. How are you?"

"I'm good, thank you, John. My parents said you could come with us this weekend!"

"Excellent. I'll let my dad know."

"Alright. Everyone is excited to meet you. Oh! If you feel intimidated by my brother, tell him that you like his suit. It usually softens him up and he starts to talk about the tailors and whatnot. He usually doesn't come with us, but he's taken a day off of work to meet you. Like I said, you're my first ever friend, so they're rather intrigued by you."

John blushed on his end.

"I can't wait to meet everyone, then. Is your brother usually intimidating to people?"

"He's the British Government; if he's not, then something went seriously wrong with his training." Sherlock snickered.

John laughed. "He sounds fascinating, honestly. Is he MI6 like in James Bond?"

"Who's James Bond?"

John gasped. "You don't know who - oh child. We're having a Bond night. My place, this weekend. My dad doesn't care if I have friends over, so long as we're quiet. You'll just need to inform your parents I invited you."

"It's a deal."

The line was silent for a few moments before Sherlock spoke again.

"John, I - I wanted to say thank you."

"For what?"

"For being my friend."

Sherlock could practically hear his smile.

"Of course, Sherlock. You don't have to thank me."

"But I do. I really do. I'm not - I'm more different than most people. The doctors call it autism, but I like to just call it unique."

Sherlock began to worry when John hadn't spoken a word for more than ten seconds.

"John?" his voice sounded broken. He'd done it. He'd lost his only, and first, friend. He was about to hang up when John spoke again.

"That's okay. I still like you."

Sherlock's face broke out into the biggest smile he could muster.

"Really?"

"Of course. Just because you're different doesn't change anything. When we hang out this weekend, can you tell me a little bit about it? I only know very little and I don't want to mess anything up between us. Hey, I have to go, but let me know tomorrow what your parents say about our Bond night, yeah?"

"Will do. Goodbye, John."

They both hung up. Sherlock's heart began to beat faster and faster. He couldn't believe it. He still has a friend, even after he told him about himself.

His parents, of course, agree to let him stay at John's after their trip, and Sherlock remains a ball of happiness for the rest of the week.