Chapter 2

Deep in the heart of 221B Baker Street, Sherlock gazed aimlessly out of the frosted window onto the cold, wet streets of London below. Still draped in his morning robe at twelve o'clock, Sherlock sipped slowly at his tea cup with a hushed slurp.
Victoria Watson has been residing in Baker Street for multiple weeks much to Sherlock's dismay. Victoria is found tedious and extremely challenging when going head-to-head with Sherlock when clients frequently visit their appointments in 221B. Sherlock refuses to bow down to Doctor Watson's sister yet he grinds his teeth just at the mere thought of her.
Sherlock stretched to pick up his rustic violin and his worn down pencil before there was a holler from the kitchen. Not John's. It was that voice. The grating, "We're out of food!"
Sherlock swallowed slowly before turning upon his heels to face the warm, cozy living area. The pine kitchen cupboards were slammed shut and Victoria walked into the space Sherlock was assessing, re-instating her speech, "Didn't you hear me? We're out of food." Sherlock licked his lips and brought the bow to the strings. He flexed his neck before playing Vivaldi with a thin smile. Several notes echoed through the quiet apartment, gentle on the ears of all who were listening. Victoria was unable to handle Sherlock's cockiness and loftiness and burst out, "Sherlock! Don't ignore me. Oi!" spouted Victoria with her anger and frustration building. Abruptly, Sherlock stopped and shouted, "Then go buy some food if it's bothering your pathetic little brain that much!"
His wallet was tossed at her and Victoria sharply turned and strutted out of 221B,"Oi! I won't be here when you get back! I'm going to Bart's. I won't be back for dinner so don't prepare anything. Don't wait up for me and definitely, do not text me!"

Many hours later as the city streets were black as pitch, Big Ben Tower chimed for one o'clock. In the streets, cabs were still speeding around and the city still seemed lively. Sirens raced up and down the streets outside of 221B Baker Street.
Inside the small apartment, the only light was the warm, orange glow of the burning fire in the main living area. Its light ricochet off of all surfaces and the surfaces seemed to have a mind of their own, moving in quick-time and back again within the blink of an eye. Strong woods burned within the flames giving a smoky haze to the room.
Sherlock sat, his face alight with the warm glow. Sherlock smoothed the tyer of his dressing robe, hypnotized by the way the flames danced merrily in front of his eyes,
"Sherlock, what are you doing up?" the voice said from the edge of the door. Sherlock stopped petting and turned his head slightly, "Thinking" he replied quietly as his eyes narrowed for his next sentence, "why are you awake? It's the middle of the night."
Victoria came into the light and took the armchair opposite Sherlock where her brother would usually reside, "I can't sleep. I keep tossing and turning. I'm uncomfortable in your bed. I feel bad that you're out here on a lumpy old sofa." She sighed into her hands, bringing her knees up to her chest. Sherlock scoffed quietly at the fire before Victoria jumped in again, "About what we were discussing earlier- y-your Christmas plans. Look, John and myself would feel much better if you came with us to Harry's. It's the thought of you being alone here on Christmas- it breaks my heart. Come with us, Sherlock. Nobody should be alone on Christmas." Victoria leaned across to Sherlock in the opposing seat and put a hand on his knee, "Please."
"I won't be alone. I've mentioned this. Mrs Hudson will be here." Sherlock replied in monotone. Victoria sighed, retracting her arm and leaning back further into the armchair, "Tea?" questioned Sherlock as he jumped up from his seat. Victoria shook her head and gazed off into the amber flames. As Sherlock walked past her to the kitchen, she outstretched her hand to catch his hip
"At least take your bed, Sherlock. It's the least you deserve for helping my brother. As a thank-you. And an apology from me. I haven't made it easy on you with my staying here." She quietly said up to the tall man, "Please. Take it back."