"John?" Arden called out into the empty space for the millionth time already, her hands struggling against the binding rough ropes that she was sure they would leave a nasty mark once she got them off. It was her 18th birthday and what better way to spend it than tied to a chair with your consulting detective friend in a dark room with the only light source was a dirty window. At least it was somewhat sunny outside in London. It was absolutely silent in the room, save for the shouting of the people who kidnapped them that were in the other room.


John just had to say that is case involved a missing little girl and her doll that mysteriously came to life in the middle of the night, and how it disappeared along with the little girl. Of course, upon hearing that Sherlock lit up like a kid on Christmas and breathed in awe how 'fascinating' it was, then Sherlock demanded to call the girl's mother and invite her over. Even Arden thought it was strange how the mother said she was so-called too 'busy' to come over. But Sherlock told her to lay face- down on the couch so he could think, causing Arden to shoot him a dirty look but casually complied.


Sherlock then proceeded to take John's laptop while he was still typing and sat down on Arden's back like a seat. She flailed around while Sherlock talked to the mother via chat room, while having a full-blown conversation to John about the matter. The mother told the location where her daughter might be possibly, and so the three of them set off towards the old, run down building in a somewhat deserted place not to far from London, words were exchanged (Mostly insults by the detective) and now here they are, tied up in a chair in the middle of a semi-darkened room with only a couple of tables and other chairs around them.

"Yes, his name's John." Sherlock commented dryly and strangely calmly as he looked around the room. Oh if she could glare at him..

"Have you got any idea how in the fuck we're gonna get outta here?" Arden asked with a heavy sigh, she really wanted some birthday cake. Sherlock was quiet for a moment before he spoke.

"Of course I know how to get us out of here, I've known this entire time. And please don't swear it's very un-lady-like."

Arden's eyes widened like saucers. "Wait, we've sat her for the past 3 hours and you've known how to get us out the entire time?"

Sherlock felt himself smirk slightly and take a deep breath. "Correct. Now listen carefully, the man with the mole on his chin is gonna come in and interrogate us, he'll go to you first. He's gonna crouch down and get in your face because he likes to intimidate his victims, most likely girls with pretty innocent faces like yours, he's gonna expect you to cry and snivel for mercy, he'll feel a little sentiment towards you and that's when you head-but him.

While he's holding his head you kick him in the crotch. One of the men will probably hear the commotion and come to see what's going on, I'll take care of that guy and get his weapon-they always have a weapon. I'll knock him out on my way-grab his weapon, cut us free and look for the little girl, any questions?" Sherlock explained and turned his head slightly to try to look at Arden who just felt like her brain short-circuit.

"Just a couple I guess? How do you know there's a little girl? Her mother could have just pulled this to get you killed. And what about her doll that came to life?"

Sherlock rolled his eyes, of course she would have questions. "There's a little girl because I see her doll on the table inside that room, the tag on the leg says 'Amanda.' There's no way someone could fake a 5 year olds handwriting. How hush, here comes the man."


Arden's head snapped up to look at the man with a mole on his chin, he was bald and had pale blue eyes with a sick smile on his face as he stalked toward Arden and crouched in front of Arden, glancing down at her legs then back at her face. She bit her lip and prepared herself and busted out in a fake cry.

"Oh, please mister! I'm just a teenager! Please let me go! I've gotta pay my mom back her 60 dollars!" Arden fake-cries out in desperation, the last part was kinda true.

The man's pale eyes soften at her plea, and Arden took that as a cue. She tilted her head back and head-butted the man causing him to grunt loudly and hold his head, squeezing his eyes shut at the pain, then she lifted her leg and kicked the man in his crotch making him fall on his side with a loud groan before passing out.

"Nice job." Sherlock praised, impressed with a single nod. His ocean eyes looking towards the door, as if on cue another man came walking through the door with a knife in his hand. His eyes narrowed looking at his teammate crumpled on the floor.

"Which one of you did this?" The man demanded pointing his knife at Sherlock and Arden. Sherlock tried to hide his smirk as he answered.

"I did, I have a special weapon in my sock. Take it out." Arden furrowed her eyebrows. The man shook his head but it was clear he was nervous by the way his hand shook while holding the knife.

"No-No, this is, this is one of your tricks.." Sherlock gave the man an annoyed look. "I assure you it's not. Have a look, I would be killed on spot if your little crew found out I have a weapon and you would get in trouble for allowing me to have one." Sherlock said simply with a single raise of his eyebrow challengingly.

The man swallowed hard and went over to kneel in front of the consulting detective when he stepped on the mans foot, hard. The man yelled out and Sherlock head-butted the man making him instantly pass out and drop the knife.

"Moron." Sherlock commented using all his effort to grab the knife from the cold stone ground and proceeded to cut his wrist free. Arden breathed a sigh of relief as he cut her free as well. She stood up and looked at Sherlock hesitantly before going up and wrapping her arms around his torso, hugging him tightly. Sherlock tensed instantly, hugs were somewhat beginning to get to him, he didn't really understand the gesture but hugs were...nice.

Sherlock hesitantly wrapped his arms around Arden's small shoulders and closed his eyes, the smell of her strawberry hair shampoo filling his nose. Sherlock had forgotten the last time he had hugged somebody, there was Mrs Hudson but that was two weeks ago, and god knows he rarely hugs John.

"Don't you wanna say something, perhaps to me? Right now?" Arden asked, still hugging the detective as her eyes roved around questioningly. She felt Sherlock's deep chuckle as he whispered.

"Happy Birthday, Dear Arden."

Arden slowly smiled and said quietly. "Thank you. Now, let's find John and get out of here so we can get back home, eat Mrs Hudson's birthday cake, invite everybody and have ourselves a party."

Sherlock groaned with another roll of his eyes. parties. Fantastic.