"Thank you." John paid the taxi driver and crossed the pavement to the familiar door of 221B. Letting himself in, he caught notes of ABBA from Mrs Hudson's rooms. Smiling to himself, he began to climb the stairs, but his smile dropped when he realised the banisters needed painting again, and he would end up offering to do it to save Mrs Hudson from having to hire someone.
"Yes, I'm back early, not that you'll have noticed." John called out as he pushed open the door. "Where are you, anyway?"
"Sherlock. What the hell are you doing?" John's jaw dropped as Sherlock looked over from his position at the kitchen table. The pair locked eyes as all remained silent for a few moments.
"Uh... John! I wasn't expecting you... That is, you weren't supposed to see this."
John continued to stare in dismay as Sherlock attempted to explain himself. Sherlock had done some weird things and John had grown accustomed to his kitchen antics, but this topped them all.
"That doesn't explain what you're doing!"
"It was supposed to be a surprise." Sherlock sulked. "Seeing as you're here, can you pass me the butter?"
"What? Why do you want butter?"
"Butter! Now, John!" Sherlock demanded. John frowned and handed Sherlock the butter.