Chapter 2

The day has arrived at 221 Baker Street. Mrs. Hudson is excited to be entertaining a friend at her flat. As she is returning from the bakery where she just purchased some gourmet biscuits that are sure to impress Hyacinth later that afternoon, she can hear Sherlock playing his violin. Hearing him play the violin always makes her smile. She just loves the soothing sound of the violin. She ponders asking him to play a tune for Hyacinth when she comes to visit later that afternoon.

Knowing that playing the violin and composing helps Sherlock think and sort things out on the case he is working on, she dare not approach without a peace offering. So making a fresh pot of tea and taking some gourmet biscuits she just bought, she climbs the steps to their flat to offer him and John some of her special biscuits and tea.

"Hoo hoo!" calls Mrs. Hudson, knocking lightly on their door.

And she pushes the door open and enters before they invite her in. When they see she is bringing something to eat it takes the edge off and they don't dare say anything harsh to their landlady at this time.

"Hello Mrs. Hudson! Time for a spot of tea?" asks John.

"Yes, thought you would enjoy some and some of these delicious biscuits, too", she says.

Knowing her too well, Sherlock realizes she is going to ask a favor from him. "No Thank you!" responds Sherlock. He thinks if he refuses her bribe she won't ask and he won't be obliged.

"Pay no attention to him. He is in one of his foul moods again. I would love some of those biscuits and fresh tea", replies John.

Mrs. Hudson pours some tea for the both of them and offers some biscuits to John and then to Sherlock.

When Sherlock sees how delicious they look he can't resist and asks her as he takes one of the biscuits,

"What are you bribing me for this time?"

Clearly annoyed at Sherlock, John says to him, "A little respect, please. She's our landlady, for goodness sakes, not one of our cases. Be kind to her!

"Thank you, John!" says Mrs. Hudson.

"You're welcome!"

"So what is it, Mrs. Hudson? What are you bribing me for this time?" asks Sherlock.

In her sweetest voice and with her sweetest smile she stands in front of Sherlock so he can see her face. "Sherlock, I am having a friend over for tea and biscuits this afternoon….

Sherlock interrupts her, "Oh…I see….that's why the special gourmet biscuits. I should have known".

Still looking Sherlock straight in the eye, Mrs. Hudson says, "Yes, well, I was wondering if you would consider playing some tunes on your violin for my guest this afternoon. She is a very refined and cultured woman, sort of modern day aristocracy, and I just know she would enjoy hearing you play your violin for her."

"Hmmm. Consider it?" Sherlock pauses and makes it look like he is considering it. "I just did. My answer is….NO!"

A little more coaxingly, "But, Sherlock, you play so beautifully! It always makes me feel so proud when I hear you playing".

Sherlock says in a mocking tone, "But Mrs. Hudson….how many times have I told you that the only reason I play is because it helps me to think and sort things out. I do not play to entertain others."

But refusing to take "no" for an answer, Mrs. Hudson kindly tells him, "Just think about it, dear! You have a couple hours until she arrives".

And then she turns and leaves to go back downstairs to her flat.

Sherlock has pretty much made up his mind and is determined not to play for Mrs. Hudson's friend.

John just sits there quietly with his arms crossed across his chest and an angry look on his face. One of those "if looks could kill" looks. Practically feeling John's eyes penetrating his very being, and rolling his eyes, Sherlock looks at John and asks, "What?"

Sounding very annoyed, John says, "You couldn't do that sweet lady just one favor for her friend? After all she has done for you!"

"That would be caring and caring is not an advantage, John", reminds Sherlock.

"Have it your way, Sherlock! I'm popping out for a bit. I hope that when I return I hear that you changed your mind", John shouts angrily.

John grabs his jacket and practically flies down the steps, out the door and instead of hailing a cab, runs down the sidewalk to work off some anger.

Sherlock, feeling guilty for having just had a little domestic with John, cannot concentrate in anyway shape or form….with or without playing the violin. He sits in his chair and sips his tea blankly staring straight ahead.

This feeling is out of the ordinary for Sherlock. John has made quite an impact on Sherlock's emotions since they have moved in together and this is confusing to Sherlock. Sherlock has always prided himself on being able to stay objective and removed emotionally from those in his life. But John is different. He is not like the others. John is certainly not like Mycroft, Sherlock's older blood brother. Mycroft is more like an enemy to Sherlock. John is more like a friend.

Sherlock has often said he has no friends, but it seems now that he does, he thinks to himself that this must be how it feels to have a friend. He's not sure he likes this feeling because it is something totally unusual for Sherlock. There are only 2 other people whom Sherlock will not admit he cares deeply about and those are his parents. He knows he doesn't call them nearly enough, but he has told them more often than not, that no news is good news and they need not worry about him. And as he was reminded by his father once, that doesn't help his Mummy, she still worries way too much about her boys.

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