A Scandal in Baskerville High

Chapter 9 - Reaching Out

•John's POV•

It's been two days since the "incident." We haven't spoken of it. In fact, we haven't spoken much at all.

I shouldn't have brought up his cuts - I'm such a JACKASS! I just worry about him. I worry about him so much. They looked old, so maybe he has quit.

Gosh, I hope so!

He numbly flipped through the pages of a book on simple science experiments. I tried to read a book without my glasses, but finally I gave in and dug them out of my bag. The book I read was so dynamic - two boys in the 1960s-1970s who fall in love and everything is rainbows and fluffy unicorns until one goes to war. Then it all goes to shit. I'm just shaking my head. Why can't they realize all their problems can be fixed so easily by just talking to each other? Good God!

"What're you reading?"

The first words he's uttered to me in 12 hours. Does he even care? He seems so distant lately.

"A story."

"Right...that narrows it down."

"Fine, I'll give you a hint...it's named after a Beatles song," I grinned. I hope he knows his Beatles.

"Hmm," he stroked his chin, "'I Am the Walrus'?"

"No," I laughed, "What the fuck would THAT story be about?!"

"Retards who think they're walruses?" He joked.

I laughed a little too hard, "No! Why would I read that?!"

He shrugged, chuckles shaking his body and making his bed creak, "Okay, is it a POPULAR Beatles song?"

"Uh, yes. Pretty popular. Everyone knows it, or they should."

He tapped his chin thoughtfully. Finally, he snapped his fingers and pointed them at me, "Twist and Shout!"

"Ringo," I smiled.

He stalled and looked at me mischieviously, "Did you just--"

"Yes. Yes I did."

He laughed, loud enough the girls in 221A could probably hear. When he collected himself, he asked, "What's it about?"

"...Stuff."

"Like what?"

"I don't wanna talk about it."

He widened his eyes and breathed harshly, "Sheesh! Okay then."

I could tell he was still curious, but thankfully he didn't pry. If he made me explain, I'd just go into a long rant about everything - the love affair, the happiness, what went wrong, how the ending tears your heart out of your chest with cold fury...yes, I've read it before. This is my second time.

I know I know...bad idea.

Whoops.

Sherlock slammed his book closed with a bored sigh, "John, I'm outrageously bored out of my skull."

"I'll alert the media."

He stared at me, "Come on. Make me not-bored."

I glanced over, "How? What amuses the great Sherlock Holmes?"

He shrugged, "I have no idea. Just think of SOMETHING."

I sighed heavily, "I don't know, okay? You never let me in. I'm just HERE. I know pretty much zilch about you, so...how can I make you un-bored? You tell me."

"We could...I don't know either! Something!" He threw his arms in the air. I sighed heavily, "Go see your clubbies."

"What about you?" He murmured quietly.

"I'M not bored," I huffed, "I have my depression-on-pages. Maybe I'll go see the girls in 221A."

He got off his bed and headed for the door, swinging his jacket over his shoulders, "Fine. See you later, John."

He left the room. For the better, I sighed. I just hoped he wouldn't give anything away. It'd ruin him more than it would me, and that's what worries me.

Why was he so reluctant to see his Club? What happened at the dorm party? Only God knows.

A part of me wants to know, but also doesn't. What got him so shag-ready? I shouldn't be so expectant of him to be 'loyal' to me. It was a one-off, he was drunk, and he's a GREASER.

I don't mean anything more to him than a simple toy would to a child.

Nothing more than a toy.

**Hallo.

SO I AM READING THE BEST FANFIC EVER RIGHT NOW ITSOOHHCFHETSJ.

It's called "The Great Sex Olympics of 221B" on Archive of Our Own.

IT'S FANTABULOUS.

Anyway, I'm very aroused because of this. Prepare for smut somewhere along the road!

Eehehehehhh.

Remember, y'all just keep being y'all!

XOXO, Garnent•.•**