Chapter 1

It was a glorious day. The sun was golden and streaming through the open window into Mrs. Hudon's flat. John quietly sipped his tea as he listened to bowls clinking in the kitchen as Mrs. Hudson washed the breakfast dishes. John had been joining her every morning he could for breakfast. It was practically the only peace he had each day, and he enjoyed it quite a lot. Living with a man such as Sherlock could make anyone lose their sanity, after all. He took a deep breath, and closed his eyes, dreading for the moment he would have to leave the silence and peace of Mrs. Hudson's flat. Suddenly, a deafening shot echoed through the building, followed by a crash! John's eyes shot open, and he leapt up. Another shot sounded, and a voice came from the kitchen. "Oh, for God's sake, John! Will you tell him to stop that racket? I will have to charge you two for the damages if you ever decide to move out!" John rounded the corner to see an upset Mrs. Hudson on the floor sweeping broken glass from the floor. John assumed she had dropped it when she heard the gunshot. Another shot sounded, and John groaned. "I am so sorry, Mrs. Hudson. I have been trying so hard to get him to stop! He hasn't had a case in weeks…" John sighed. "Honestly, He's either screeching on that violin of his, or shooting holes in the goddamn wall!" John placed his unfinished tea on the counter sadly.

"Good day, Mrs. Hudson," John sighed.

"It was starting to be," grumbled Mrs. Hudson. Another shot sounded. John bounded upstairs and opened the door. "Sherlock!" He bellowed. "Can you go just one moment without blowing holes in the wall?" Sherlock was reclined on the couch. He glanced up, and John was surprised to see a look of uncertainty on his face. He shot his gun again without looking. "John," He began. "I don't know what to do." John laughed, surprised. "You? You don't know what to do?"

"Well, you don't have to act so surprised," Sherlock grumbled. John was speechless for a moment.

"Oh for God's sake, John. Don't just stand there, mouth open. As much as it pains me to say this," He said with distain. "But… I think I need your help." Now John was really speechless.

"My… My help? You need my help?" John was dumbstruck, and quite certain this was a trick.

"Yes, John." Between each word he shot at the wall. "I." Bang! "Need." Bang! "Your." Bang! Help!" He dropped the gun onto the table and turned to face him. It almost made John laugh seeing the obvious pained expression Sherlock wore. It kind of offended him, as well, to be honest. "You're serious?" John questioned. Sherlock did not reply, but looked at him with a belittling expression. "Alright," John shook his head. "Uh, what can I help you with?" Sherlock flopped down on the couch with a sigh. "I need to purchase something for someone." John looked at him, confused.

"Like, a gift?"

"Yes"

"For whom?" John questioned.

"That information is undisclosed." He replied.

"Is it me?"

"No."

"How am I supposed to help you if I don't know who you are buying a gift for? And, why are you buying a gift for someone? You never do anything nice. For anyone. Ever." Sherlock glared at John.

"I wish to express a certain emotion for a certain person by way of material items."

"Oh… My… God…" John felt his eyes widen. "Sherlock, do you love someone?"

"Oh, love is a strong word. I would perhaps go with predilection, appreciation, or ardency…"

"No way… Who is it?" John could barely believe what he was hearing.

"Would you just give me advice on what to get her, John?"

"So it's a girl?"

"What, did you think I fancied men? Why ever would you assume that?"

"No reason…" John replied awkwardly. There was silence for a few moments. "It's Molly, isn't it?" Sherlock's silence was proof enough. "Well," John continued. "Do you have any idea of what you would like to get her?" Sherlock was quiet for a few more moments before he replied.

"I don't know, John. I don't know!" She stood up and was pacing violently now. "Give me a murder victim, and I will find your killer. I have solved cases in under 5 minutes flat! And yet I cannot simply purchase an item for a woman!" He sat and put his head in his hands. "You must help me, John!" John tried to cover his laughter with a cough. "Sherlock, how about I start naming things that she may like and see if I can give you any ideas?"

"Whatever." Sherlock replied. John began to list items that he believed Molly would appreciate. Flowers, chocolate, jewelry. Generic items that are usually given to girls. "John, stop! Stop." Sherlock interrupted. "Molly is not an ordinary girl. She will not appreciate candies, or flowers, John! She is… Sophisticated, and intelligent, and…" He paused, and suddenly stood up. "Thank you John, you have been no help whatsoever!" Sherlock strode out of the door, and John heard him stomping down the stairs. John simply stood and stared at the door. What just happened? He needed some tea…