Barefoot
When Holmes asked me to accompany him on a small 'excursion,' Even though it was a blustery winter day I joined him, wondering if he was on a case. We strolled down to a clothing store a few blocks away and he smiled kindly at the clerk, who seemed to know him.
"Got them all now, Mr. Holmes." The clerk greeted. "Wait a moment."
"I thought you didn't shop for Christmas?" I asked teasingly.
"I am not. I'm shopping for the season." Holmes said.
"For who?" I asked. "You wouldn't bring me if you were shopping for me. Mrs. Hudson?" I guessed.
"No."
"Your brother then?"
"No." He said, smiling and looking out of the corner of his eye.
"Who?" I asked, just as the clerk returned.
"Here they are Mr. Holmes." The clerk said, returning with three large bags. Inside were many smaller packages.
"Can you take that one? There's a good fellow." Holmes said.
It was only a week later when he invited the Irregulars over, that I figured out what the mysterious packages were. I realized that Holmes wasn't completely unsympathetic as he gave each of the Irregulars shoes.
When I gave him a questioning look over one of the little one's heads he explained that he did it because of Mrs. Hudson complaining about them going barefoot.
More of a holiday fic, but I couldn't wait. Besides, I'm sure everyones ready to murder me for not updating MITM. In my defense, the flashdrive it is typed on went missing. I should be back to normal now though!
Thank you Mam'zelleCombeferre for catching my typo and switching Mrs. Hudson's gender. Fixed now!