Sherlock Imagines and Preferences 2

The New Kid

He was ignoring you completely. 

If you didn't know any better, you'd feel offended and hurt, but Sherlock did this to everyone. He rarely spoke, usually only to correct a teacher during class. He was never present during lunch or dinner, only at breakfast when he sat alone in a corner, nibbling on a sandwich. 

The rest of the time, he spent in his dorm, surrounded by books. You found it odd and a bit upsetting that he was so alone. You didn't understand why he chose to act this way. 

The only thing you could do was keep pushing in the hope that one day, you and he could become friends.

It was different in Sherlock's eyes. He saw you as simply another bully. You had never said anything cruel to him, only nice and normal things, but he didn't see it that way. 

In his mind, he was preparing constantly for the insults he expected to receive. But the thing was, it never happened. 

People at his new school opted to ignore him instead of approach him and strike up a conversation. You were the only one interested in him and the only one who spoke to him. But he didn't want to get hurt again. 

All the bullying he had gone through in his life had made him irrationally cautious. He didn't trust anybody and you were no exception. He feared that if he'd open up to you, you'd take your chance and humiliate him, making him prone to bullying again. 

He wanted to avoid that more than anything. You were one of the most popular girls at school. Why would you want to talk to him if you didn't have some wicked plan in your mind? 

It just didn't make sense otherwise.

Though, you weren't popular for being mean. Everyone knew you as one of the kindest people they had ever met. You had tonnes of friends for the sole reason that you reached out to them. You were nice and outgoing, which attracted a lot of people. You had this charisma that could enchant anyone. 

You didn't abuse that quality like some others did, however. No, you saw it as your job to make others feel welcome and appreciated. 

It was what you were trying to do for Sherlock, but every gesture you made and every kind word you spoke, he deflected and ignored. Like he didn't deem your actions worthy enough. 

You were really fed up with his behaviour, and while you never lashed out to anyone, Sherlock Holmes got it out of you.

After your final class on Friday, which happened to be chemistry, you hurriedly packed your bag and followed Sherlock as he exited the classroom. 

You made a quick sprint and caught up with his fast pace. ''Hi, Sherlock,'' you greeted. ''It's quite nice outside. Would you mind joining me and some friends for a picnic on the field behind the school?'' 

Sherlock ignored you and kept looking at his feet as he walked towards his dorm. 

You rolled your eyes. ''You know, sometimes I really wonder if there's someone in your body. Perhaps I'm just talking to an empty shell,'' you provoked. ''Could you just say something for once, please?'' 

Sherlock abruptly stopped walking. ''Why can't you just leave me alone?!'' He yelled. 

People's heads turned towards you and the new kid, but you kindly waved them off and turned back to Sherlock. ''Why? Why should I leave you alone?'' You asked, your voice raising as you, too, began to get angry. 

''I'm sick of people's insults. I'm sick of being bullied. I can't take it anymore! Just stop, I hate it.'' Tears formed in his eyes as he let out all his frustration in the middle of the hallway. There was no preventing an emotional outburst now. He had tried so hard to keep this from happening, but once again, he couldn't control it. 

Meanwhile, you stood there, gaping at him with a mix of rage and confusion. ''Bully you? No one in this school has been bullying you, Sherlock, especially not me. I've been trying to be nothing but nice to you to get you out of that damn shell of yours. I'm trying to make you feel welcome here. I'm trying to be your friend,'' you yelled back. 

Sherlock stared at you with widened eyes. ''Oh,'' he muttered quietly. ''I thought- I thought...'' he trailed off. 

''You thought too much, Sherlock. You shouldn't let past experiences prevent you from making friends at a new school.'' 

He bit his lip and looked down at his feet. His mind was analysing every memory he had of being around you, and finally, he noticed you were right. 

You really had been trying to be his friend, but his fear of being bullied again prevented him from seeing that. He had been blind. 

Your expression softened as you saw the conflicted emotions on his face. ''I'm sorry I yelled at you.'' 

''To be fair, I yelled at you first,'' he chuckled softly, looking up to meet your gaze. 

You giggled. ''True, but I forgive you. I'm sure you didn't mean it that way.'' 

He nodded. ''I didn't.'' 

''So,'' you started. ''in the mood for a picnic?'' 

''You really want me to come with you and your friends?'' 

''Of course, silly. I wouldn't have asked if I didn't.'' You grabbed his hand and began tugging him towards the door at the front of the school. ''You should really taste Angela's chocolate mousse. She makes it herself with her mother, who's a dining lady in the cafeteria. It's absolute heaven,'' you rambled. 

Sherlock smiled softly as he let you drag him to the door. For the first time in his life, he had made a friend who genuinely wanted to hang out with him. 

It was the best feeling in the world and he couldn't be more glad.