A/N: So here's my entry to Hades Lord of the Dead's December Calendar Challenge of Awesomeness! (sorry this is my first fic in a LONG while, but a complete story of mine is in the process of being typed up and I should be publishing it fairly soon) Today's prompt:

Day: December 1st

From: Domina Temporis

Prompt: Holmes has sprained his ankle on a case and isn't happy. Watson needs to keep him occupied - what do they do?

Enjoy! -SWS

"Please, Lestrade," Watson pleaded.

Lestrade could see the desperation in his eyes and sighed. "Very well, but why exactly is this necessary?"

"Holmes severely sprained his ankle while chasing the Bloomington killer. He got tangled in a pile of fishing nets. I've instructed him that he must stay off his feet for a couple of weeks until it heals, and he's already seen for himself that he can't stand on it. He's restless as all bloody hell, and I don't know what to do."

Lestrade put his head in his hands. "And if he damages them?"

"They're police evidence, Lestrade, I'm sure he wouldn't."

Lips tight, Lestrade heaved another sigh and arose to speak with the officer in charge of archiving the evidence.

An hour later, a row of a dozen paintings was lined up in front of the sofa in 221B, Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes, the world's only private consulting detective, was lounging on the sofa with his swollen ankle propped up on pillows, peering closely at each painting in turn.

Throwing his magnifying lens down with a sigh, Holmes glared at Lestrade. "I'm supposed to be determining which of these paintings are forgeries and which aren't, am I correct?" he asked.

Lestrade nodded. "Yes, Doctor Watson thought it would be a good idea if you could be of some use to the Yard while you are recovering from your injury, and this series of paintings has been a topic of incredible skepticism. We thought you could be of some help in the matter."

"My dear Inspector!" Holmes said loudly, throwing his hands up in the air in a wild gesture of bewilderment. "They're all forgeries! I daresay that the museum from which these were taken has a serious problem!"

Doctor Watson groaned. It had only been a few moments since the paintings had been brought in. This was going to be a very long two weeks.

A/N: Well, there you are! The first day of the challenge complete! Reviews, comments, questions, and feedback are always welcome, so drop me a line! I eagerly await tomorrow's prompt and the chance to read everybody elses responses. Thanks for reading! -SWS