A Study In Living With Sherlock Holmes 15/22
Title: A Study In Living With Sherlock Holmes
Disclaimer: I do not own anything or anyone from the BBCSherlock universe.
Genre: General, Friendship, Angst, Drama
Warning: Bit of language.
Characters: John Watson, Sherlock Holmes, with appearances of DI Lestrade, Mrs Hudson, Mike Stamford, Molly Hooper and others.
Summary: John Watson moves into 221B Baker Street after the events of 'A Study In Pink'. He had no idea what he would be in for, living with an eccentric genius like Sherlock Holmes, but if the first twenty four hours are anything to go by, then he knows he's in for a ride.
Word Count: 1,894
***************************
Date: February 22, Day 23
Location: Chelsea College Of Art And Design**
Time: Later Afternoon
***************************
John already has a name in mind for this case. He wrote it down on a notepad he now carries with him.
The Case Of The Melting Laptop.
It was quite literally melted.
The student it belonged to was quite near a breakdown when he stopped over to talk to Sherlock.
Lawrence Stephenson. American transplant that had been going to Chelsea College of Art and Design and was going for his BA this year.
Well that is until his laptop, carrying his most recent project that is to be graded soon... melted.
It was obvious another student did it. Melted it. But Lawrence had no idea how it was melted, or who did it.. or why.
And he needed proof, so he could get an extension, otherwise in his words;
"I'm fucked."
And those words were said in a tone that John was familiar with. Plenty of his university schoolmates said that when they were behind.
For a minute, John thought Sherlock wouldn't take the case. Lawrence and his verging meltdown wouldn't spur him to take it.
But he took it.
Lawrence had gone to his girlfriend's place to try and relax, while they headed off towards the college.
Which is where they are now.
"Thank you very much," Sherlock's voice rumbled as he finished speaking with a professor, then turns to John, nods and they start walking.
"Where--"
"We are going to find Lorena Gonzales and Erin Marigold. They are the two other American transplants that came here at the same time Mr Stephenson did. They are also getting their BA's in the same course- Graphic Design."
"And--"
"According to the dear Professor, the two girls tend to each lunch together at the Relish Sandwich Shop, not too far away. And by now they should be finished. So we can catch them as they are leaving."
"Right. So, I got a question."
"No."
"No what? I haven't even asked--"
"You were going to ask if I finished University. No."
"Why not?"
"Lots of reasons." Sherlock's not looking at him now, just scanning the crowds they are passing through.
"Did you go straight to Uni after you completely with secondary?"
"No actually," Sherlock grimaces as one passing student bumps into him. "Once I had the chance, I decided I did not want to go straight to Uni. So I traveled. Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, Italy for examples. I also visited the States for a bit." Sherlock pauses. "And a brief stay in Brazil. I Learned quite a bit, learned the languages, enjoyed it quite a lot."
"How long did you travel?"
"Two years."
"Sounds like you had a fun couple of years then," John felt a bit envious in that. He did some traveling of his own but not until he joined the Army. Not as extensive as Sherlock had done.
"I could have had a lot more fun than I did if it hadn't been for the tails I had," Sherlock says, sounding annoyed now. "Mycroft."
"Ah."
"And then Mother tracked me down in.. oh what was it.. Oh yes, I was in New York. She found me there, said I had done enough traveling, and I had to get back to England within a week."
"Why a week?"
"Because term would start in nine days at Trinity College, Cambridge. She also wanted me to have a few days to get everything sorted."
"I'm amazed you didn't try to argue with her," John comments as they cross the street.
Sherlock smirks. "No one argues with Mother. Well, one can try.. but doubtful one would succeed."
John was getting an intriguing look at Sherlock's Mum.
"What did you go into?"
"Natural Sciences. Primarily Biology, Chemistry, and Materials."
"What happened then?"
"What?"
"What happened? What prevented you from getting your degree?"
Sherlock frowns. "Is this important?"
John shrugs. "Just curious."
"Hmm. Well... it's a bit complicated. Lots of factors involved. So let's just say life as a whole prevented it."
That's a word with so many meanings right there.
"Ah, there they are," Sherlock nods and John looks to see two young ladies coming out of the cafe, and John doesn't bother to ask how he knows it's Erin and Lorena.
"Excuse me, ladies," John starts as he hears Sherlock deepen his voice, and offer a bright smile to them. John watches the two girls literally melt in front of him when they finish approaching.
"Erin and Lorena correct?"
"Yes, we are," One of them says, straightening. "And you are?"
"Sherlock Holmes," he holds out his hand as one of them shakes it. "And, this is my colleague Doctor John Watson. Mind if we have a word?"
"Not at all," The blonde says with a starry eyed look.
Poor girls.
Sucked right in.
No defense.
Half Hour Later
"That.. that was..."
"Yes?"
"Did you happen to go into acting as well at some point?"
"No."
"Well, you're quite good at it," John shakes his head as Sherlock takes out his mobile and starts texting.
"All part of the job," he murmurs.
"Right. Well I do think you just crushed some hearts. Again."
"Not my problem."
Right. "So do you think one of them did it?"
"Erin might have...Every time I mentioned Mr Stephenson, jealousy reared it's ugly head. Lorena, we can scratch her off the list. Still would be worth checking out the two young men that Stephenson apparently had not gotten on with."
"That would be... Jonah Brown and Samuel Evans."
"Right. Lorena mentioned that Jonah and Lawrence almost traded punches the other night."
"Now we just need to find them."
Sherlock's mobile buzzes then. He smirks. "Got one. I saw Erin texting Mr Brown the moment Lorena slipped his name. He's willing to meet. Come on."
Twenty Minutes Later
John watched Jonah Brown scatter the moment Sherlock dismissed him. The boy denied flat out to having anything to do with destroying Stephenson's laptop. Their issue with each other was over something else entirely.
"I'm here on scholarship," he protested just a few minutes ago. "I'm not going to risk my future on something as stupid as that."
"What melted the computer were several different compounds all together. All painting materials. Separate these chemicals would not melt a laptop, but apparently mix them all together they can. The only way one can get these chemicals at all is if their project calls for it. Such as an Art major at Chelsea. Or.."
John thinks for a minute. "Err... the person could have bought them off the Art major."
"Correct. Would have been cheaper imagine. Also, I doubt very much anyone majoring in Art would get into a snit over a Graphic Design major."
"Right. But the only way we can find out who did, is if they had any left over--"
"Either on their person, which is highly doubtful, or in student housing."
"We just have to find the right one," John murmurs.
"No need. A majority of Chelsea's students reside at 24 Sumner St, LSE Bankside House. About a fifteen minute walk, perhaps seven minutes by taxi."
Twenty minutes later, John was now playing look out while Sherlock broke into rooms. John didn't know how he did it, but he palmed a master key card off a maid to get into them.
John turns once to look in the room. Right now Sherlock is crouched down over a dresser drawer, then turns around to watch the hall. So far no one's come down this way yet.
"Ah, shame to leave your laptop here and on," He hears Sherlock say with unrestrained smugness.
"Sherlock.
"Just two more minutes.. ah got it. Easy password. Simple really. Pathetic."
John keeps an eye on his watch, and at the two minute mark, he hears Sherlock laugh. A happy one. Got what he wanted apparently.
"Oh, clever girl... get someone else to do your own dirty work..." Sherlock comes out of the room and shuts the door, holding a bag of something, and his mobile.
"Oh?"
"Mr Evans did it, this is his room, but Ms Erin Marigold was the instigator. Just took pictures of the emails Mr Evans did not delete. Apparently Ms Marigold was always one step behind Mr Stephenson and finally had enough. Just didn't want to get her hands dirty. Time to play round up and reveal."
Two Hours Later
"I have to. You got it done so quickly and I don't have to worry now. I'll get my extension and everything will be perfect. I have to admit I was a bit of a wreck."
John bites his cheek to keep himself from revealing what he was thinking. A bit of a wreck?
"Not too bad," Sherlock obviously lies.
"I wish I could pay you for this, Mr Holmes, but all my money is tied up in school..."
"No need Mr Stephenson. I don't take cases for financial incentives."
The student looks relieved at that and John just keeps seeing the bills arriving.. and not getting paid. But he couldn't blame the kid, John had been broke a lot when in school too.
Lawrence Stephenson thanks Sherlock a couple times more, then he's distracted by a phone call, giving the two of them the chance to go on their way.
"You look hungry."
Speaking of food John's stomach growls. "Er, yeah. Didn't have breakfast."
"You got up late."
"Because some deliberately bad violin playing kept me up."
"They were arguing again."
Ah Mrs Turner's married ones next door.
"Heard a little bit of it."
"It's hard to concentrate when those two have their rows, so I play."
"Just to irritate them?"
Sherlock smirks as he hails a cab.
"Stupid question," John mutters.
"Indeed. But I will let that one slide. Think of it as a gift."
"I'm honored."
"Knew you would be."
"That was sarcasm, Sherlock."
"I know sarcasm when I hear it. That was me simply ignoring it."
NEXT CHAPTER
Author's Note: This one was a little shorter than most, apologies. Also, regarding Sherlock's traveling. I sort of seeing him, once he was done with his education wanting to travel the world, not really interested in Uni. But only going back because Mummy would finally push him into it (I can see him capitulating so not to upset her, plus stated above one does not argue with Mother Holmes, it does not work. ), so he would start Uni a couple years later than most people his age did, but eventually drop out and not finish.
Also by definition of Wikipedia Chelsea College of Art and Design, the erstwhile Chelsea School of Art, is a constituent college of the University of the Arts London, and is a leading British art and design institution with an international reputation. A tidbit for those who want to know.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything or anyone from the BBCSherlock universe.
Genre: General, Friendship, Angst, Drama
Warning: Bit of language.
Characters: John Watson, Sherlock Holmes, with appearances of DI Lestrade, Mrs Hudson, Mike Stamford, Molly Hooper and others.
Summary: John Watson moves into 221B Baker Street after the events of 'A Study In Pink'. He had no idea what he would be in for, living with an eccentric genius like Sherlock Holmes, but if the first twenty four hours are anything to go by, then he knows he's in for a ride.
Word Count: 1,894
***************************
Date: February 22, Day 23
Location: Chelsea College Of Art And Design**
Time: Later Afternoon
***************************
John already has a name in mind for this case. He wrote it down on a notepad he now carries with him.
The Case Of The Melting Laptop.
It was quite literally melted.
The student it belonged to was quite near a breakdown when he stopped over to talk to Sherlock.
Lawrence Stephenson. American transplant that had been going to Chelsea College of Art and Design and was going for his BA this year.
Well that is until his laptop, carrying his most recent project that is to be graded soon... melted.
It was obvious another student did it. Melted it. But Lawrence had no idea how it was melted, or who did it.. or why.
And he needed proof, so he could get an extension, otherwise in his words;
"I'm fucked."
And those words were said in a tone that John was familiar with. Plenty of his university schoolmates said that when they were behind.
For a minute, John thought Sherlock wouldn't take the case. Lawrence and his verging meltdown wouldn't spur him to take it.
But he took it.
Lawrence had gone to his girlfriend's place to try and relax, while they headed off towards the college.
Which is where they are now.
"Thank you very much," Sherlock's voice rumbled as he finished speaking with a professor, then turns to John, nods and they start walking.
"Where--"
"We are going to find Lorena Gonzales and Erin Marigold. They are the two other American transplants that came here at the same time Mr Stephenson did. They are also getting their BA's in the same course- Graphic Design."
"And--"
"According to the dear Professor, the two girls tend to each lunch together at the Relish Sandwich Shop, not too far away. And by now they should be finished. So we can catch them as they are leaving."
"Right. So, I got a question."
"No."
"No what? I haven't even asked--"
"You were going to ask if I finished University. No."
"Why not?"
"Lots of reasons." Sherlock's not looking at him now, just scanning the crowds they are passing through.
"Did you go straight to Uni after you completely with secondary?"
"No actually," Sherlock grimaces as one passing student bumps into him. "Once I had the chance, I decided I did not want to go straight to Uni. So I traveled. Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, Italy for examples. I also visited the States for a bit." Sherlock pauses. "And a brief stay in Brazil. I Learned quite a bit, learned the languages, enjoyed it quite a lot."
"How long did you travel?"
"Two years."
"Sounds like you had a fun couple of years then," John felt a bit envious in that. He did some traveling of his own but not until he joined the Army. Not as extensive as Sherlock had done.
"I could have had a lot more fun than I did if it hadn't been for the tails I had," Sherlock says, sounding annoyed now. "Mycroft."
"Ah."
"And then Mother tracked me down in.. oh what was it.. Oh yes, I was in New York. She found me there, said I had done enough traveling, and I had to get back to England within a week."
"Why a week?"
"Because term would start in nine days at Trinity College, Cambridge. She also wanted me to have a few days to get everything sorted."
"I'm amazed you didn't try to argue with her," John comments as they cross the street.
Sherlock smirks. "No one argues with Mother. Well, one can try.. but doubtful one would succeed."
John was getting an intriguing look at Sherlock's Mum.
"What did you go into?"
"Natural Sciences. Primarily Biology, Chemistry, and Materials."
"What happened then?"
"What?"
"What happened? What prevented you from getting your degree?"
Sherlock frowns. "Is this important?"
John shrugs. "Just curious."
"Hmm. Well... it's a bit complicated. Lots of factors involved. So let's just say life as a whole prevented it."
That's a word with so many meanings right there.
"Ah, there they are," Sherlock nods and John looks to see two young ladies coming out of the cafe, and John doesn't bother to ask how he knows it's Erin and Lorena.
"Excuse me, ladies," John starts as he hears Sherlock deepen his voice, and offer a bright smile to them. John watches the two girls literally melt in front of him when they finish approaching.
"Erin and Lorena correct?"
"Yes, we are," One of them says, straightening. "And you are?"
"Sherlock Holmes," he holds out his hand as one of them shakes it. "And, this is my colleague Doctor John Watson. Mind if we have a word?"
"Not at all," The blonde says with a starry eyed look.
Poor girls.
Sucked right in.
No defense.
Half Hour Later
"That.. that was..."
"Yes?"
"Did you happen to go into acting as well at some point?"
"No."
"Well, you're quite good at it," John shakes his head as Sherlock takes out his mobile and starts texting.
"All part of the job," he murmurs.
"Right. Well I do think you just crushed some hearts. Again."
"Not my problem."
Right. "So do you think one of them did it?"
"Erin might have...Every time I mentioned Mr Stephenson, jealousy reared it's ugly head. Lorena, we can scratch her off the list. Still would be worth checking out the two young men that Stephenson apparently had not gotten on with."
"That would be... Jonah Brown and Samuel Evans."
"Right. Lorena mentioned that Jonah and Lawrence almost traded punches the other night."
"Now we just need to find them."
Sherlock's mobile buzzes then. He smirks. "Got one. I saw Erin texting Mr Brown the moment Lorena slipped his name. He's willing to meet. Come on."
Twenty Minutes Later
John watched Jonah Brown scatter the moment Sherlock dismissed him. The boy denied flat out to having anything to do with destroying Stephenson's laptop. Their issue with each other was over something else entirely.
"I'm here on scholarship," he protested just a few minutes ago. "I'm not going to risk my future on something as stupid as that."
"What melted the computer were several different compounds all together. All painting materials. Separate these chemicals would not melt a laptop, but apparently mix them all together they can. The only way one can get these chemicals at all is if their project calls for it. Such as an Art major at Chelsea. Or.."
John thinks for a minute. "Err... the person could have bought them off the Art major."
"Correct. Would have been cheaper imagine. Also, I doubt very much anyone majoring in Art would get into a snit over a Graphic Design major."
"Right. But the only way we can find out who did, is if they had any left over--"
"Either on their person, which is highly doubtful, or in student housing."
"We just have to find the right one," John murmurs.
"No need. A majority of Chelsea's students reside at 24 Sumner St, LSE Bankside House. About a fifteen minute walk, perhaps seven minutes by taxi."
Twenty minutes later, John was now playing look out while Sherlock broke into rooms. John didn't know how he did it, but he palmed a master key card off a maid to get into them.
John turns once to look in the room. Right now Sherlock is crouched down over a dresser drawer, then turns around to watch the hall. So far no one's come down this way yet.
"Ah, shame to leave your laptop here and on," He hears Sherlock say with unrestrained smugness.
"Sherlock.
"Just two more minutes.. ah got it. Easy password. Simple really. Pathetic."
John keeps an eye on his watch, and at the two minute mark, he hears Sherlock laugh. A happy one. Got what he wanted apparently.
"Oh, clever girl... get someone else to do your own dirty work..." Sherlock comes out of the room and shuts the door, holding a bag of something, and his mobile.
"Oh?"
"Mr Evans did it, this is his room, but Ms Erin Marigold was the instigator. Just took pictures of the emails Mr Evans did not delete. Apparently Ms Marigold was always one step behind Mr Stephenson and finally had enough. Just didn't want to get her hands dirty. Time to play round up and reveal."
Two Hours Later
"I have to. You got it done so quickly and I don't have to worry now. I'll get my extension and everything will be perfect. I have to admit I was a bit of a wreck."
John bites his cheek to keep himself from revealing what he was thinking. A bit of a wreck?
"Not too bad," Sherlock obviously lies.
"I wish I could pay you for this, Mr Holmes, but all my money is tied up in school..."
"No need Mr Stephenson. I don't take cases for financial incentives."
The student looks relieved at that and John just keeps seeing the bills arriving.. and not getting paid. But he couldn't blame the kid, John had been broke a lot when in school too.
Lawrence Stephenson thanks Sherlock a couple times more, then he's distracted by a phone call, giving the two of them the chance to go on their way.
"You look hungry."
Speaking of food John's stomach growls. "Er, yeah. Didn't have breakfast."
"You got up late."
"Because some deliberately bad violin playing kept me up."
"They were arguing again."
Ah Mrs Turner's married ones next door.
"Heard a little bit of it."
"It's hard to concentrate when those two have their rows, so I play."
"Just to irritate them?"
Sherlock smirks as he hails a cab.
"Stupid question," John mutters.
"Indeed. But I will let that one slide. Think of it as a gift."
"I'm honored."
"Knew you would be."
"That was sarcasm, Sherlock."
"I know sarcasm when I hear it. That was me simply ignoring it."
NEXT CHAPTER
Author's Note: This one was a little shorter than most, apologies. Also, regarding Sherlock's traveling. I sort of seeing him, once he was done with his education wanting to travel the world, not really interested in Uni. But only going back because Mummy would finally push him into it (I can see him capitulating so not to upset her, plus stated above one does not argue with Mother Holmes, it does not work. ), so he would start Uni a couple years later than most people his age did, but eventually drop out and not finish.
Also by definition of Wikipedia Chelsea College of Art and Design, the erstwhile Chelsea School of Art, is a constituent college of the University of the Arts London, and is a leading British art and design institution with an international reputation. A tidbit for those who want to know.