[A/N: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! I honestly had an extreme case of writers block while writing it at first, but was super excited once that had ended. As always, reviews are welcomed, I like to hear what people have to say and I really would like feedback and ideas (;]

Alyce

The next three weeks things were far from quiet and dull. Sherlock was over almost every day I got home from practicing at the theatre. I found out James had arranged costumes for everyone at the masquerade and while we were rehearsing everyone was being called away to get their measurements, shoe sizes, the whole nine yards taken for the performance we were to give in September. Everyone was elated and every woman who was in the orchestra was bombing me with questions; how do you know Jim? Does he have any siblings? Are you two dating? I was over the moon from the fact that a man as attractive as James Moriarty was interested in me, even if I was still trying to figure out how much he really knew about me. It made my nerves go wild.

I stopped at Amoré cafe on my way home one day near the end of my three weeks that I had been antsy over to visit Lucy who I hadn't seen in quite some time now. Her eyes lit up when she saw me walk in and she rushed to make my normal order.

"Alyce! It's been foreverrr!" The young girl cried out. I grinned sheepishly before ordering a tea with two sugars to go as well.

"Yeahh, I'm sorry sweetheart for just leaving you out of the loop for so long. Hey, you're good with guys compared to me, do you have any plans tomorrow or can I steal you away? I am in desperate need of a shopping date and to talk to the one girl in I have in my life over boys." I gave Lucy money for my drinks while she let out a squeal of sheer joy. She may be quite a bit younger than me, but I always thought of the young lady as a little sister I never had.

"Actually I have tomorrow off so that's perfect! Do we just want to meet here?" She asked as she placed my money in the till before handing me change.

"That's perfect. It's my treat tomorrow, consider it an apology for being away so long," I said with a wink before I took off to 221 Baker Street. I gave Mrs. Hudson a big hug on my way in as the sweet old woman scolded me that I needed to eat more. What was she going to do with the boys and I always starving ourselves? I giggled as I left the elderly woman ranting while shuffling back into her flat as I went down to my own. Sherlock was busy dissecting a bat on my coffee table as I walked in and shook my head while a frown marred my face.

"Why can't you do this in your flat?" I questioned as I sat the tea I purchased for him down in the table right beside him. He glanced over at me as he tugged on a tendon, making the bat flap it's leathery wing. I rolled my eyes, not even phased by the detective's odd ways anymore.

"John always complains, at least you help me. Plus he kicked me out today. Something about needing the flat because he's having Marcy over for the night and 'doesn't want me to be in the way,' so I'm staying the night with you." Sherlock explained this just before he sat his scalpel down and took a sip of his tea. I crossed my arms over my chest and popped my right hip out while arching an eyebrow at him. First and foremost he got Mary's name wrong. Second, I really didn't care if he stayed the night, especially if John was having Mary over whom I met a couple of times now while I had my normal routine of tea and biscuits with him and Mrs. Hudson. We hit it off extremely well when we first met and ranted to one another over nursing which she was doing as her career of choice. She was very beautiful with shoulder length blonde hair and lovely blue eyes, and so incredibly nice she could put a saint to shame. I fully supported Watson being with her. Yet, right now I wanted to torture Sherlock just a teensy bit. He still upset me over his mood swings, but after his near brush with death I noticed I didn't want to shun him anymore. Somehow I cared for the arrogant bastard who did as he pleased.

"Oh really now, Mister Holmes? And what if I told you no?" I asked with a straight face, trying hard not to crack a smile. He frowned as he looked over at me, then got up so he could get a better view of my expression. I stood rigid as he examined me.

"You're too nice to say no. You like this girl that John is seeing and you don't really mind having me here. Don't try to fool me woman." Sherlock stated while lifting up a lock of my hair and playing with it. I groaned, he always ruined my fun.

"Ya know, it's not fair that you can just figure me out so easily," I pouted out as I smacked his hand away. "You're sleeping in the couch. Also, I'm making dinner tonight for everyone, if you don't eat, your little winged friend is going to feed the flames of my fire." His expression was of shock and fear causing me to giggle as I trotted off to prepare dinner. I decided to go with a breakfast casserole in case John and Mary didn't eat it until tomorrow morning. Once I had the casserole in the oven to bake, I turned around and went out to the main room to see Holmes playing with the bat again. I leaned over his shoulder and ruffled his hair about. "I'm going to the store, I will be back shortly. Don't destroy my home mister." He made a humming noise to let me know he heard me just before I took off to the small market near by. I was going to make tonight fun for Sherlock and I if we were to be keeping each other company. It took me a total of two minutes flat to reach Hardings Market where I quickly snatched up a basket and went to go purchase and odd variety of things I needed back at my flat, one being tampons since I had just finished my time of the month. Sherlock avoided me for a whole three days when he felt my wrath of PMS. Once I got my odds and ends, I went to get two bottles of whiskey as well. One for tonight and another for the future because I knew I would eventually need it, then went to check out and hurried back home. The smell of eggs, bacon, potatoes, cheese and break wafted up to my nose and I grinned as I went to put all of my things away. I took dinner out of the oven and made five plates up. I gave Sherlock his to which he grunted at, then took off upstairs with three other plates. I handed over one to my landlady who profusely thanked me before I went up to 221b and rapped my knuckles against the closed door. John was the one to answer it, looking breathless and disheveled. His hair was a mess and he had no shirt on. I laughed as he looked at me in shock.

"Brought you two food. If you don't eat it tonight, place it in the fridge and save it for tomorrow morning. I will babysit Holmes tonight." I whispered out to the flabbergasted military doctor who took the plates and quietly thanked me as I took my leave. I didn't want to be a cockblock to the poor dude. In a rush I made my way downstairs to see Sherlock holding one of the bottles of whiskey in his hand along with two shot glasses. I smirked at the look of mischief on his face.

"Want to play a game?"

"I'm down," I replied back as he sat the glasses down and filled them up.

"How about a game of darts? Each time one of us gets a bullseye the other has to take a shot. Whoever reaches zero first wins the round and the other has to take two shots. Whichever has the most success at the end wins. Any questions?" I let out a short laugh and waltzed off to get my board and darts, thankful for the college days and partying I used to do right now.

"No questions, but how about we make a bet to make it even more fun. If I win, you have to take me out to eat wherever I want and vice versa."

"If you win I will do just that Miss Wolfe." Sherlock stated with a smirk. I gave a satisfied nod and set the game up before handing him his darts. We ended up playing ten rounds in to the night. A bottle and a half of whiskey later and I had lost miserably. I started to cuss profusely as I took my final two shots and slumped my shoulders in defeat.

"All rite Holmeesss," I slurred out as I sat down in "his" chair. "Yew win, I owe you dinnur." I closed my eyes and gave out a dramatic sigh. I could hear him chuckle as he swayed over to me. The alcohol got him, too. He put his hands on either side of me on the arms of the chair as I opened an eye to look at him. His face was slightly flushed from drinking too much.

"I never said you were taking me out to eat, Alyce. That was only for you," he spoke slow as he began to play with my hair. I froze at his words and opened my other eye. "You shouldn't make a bet unless you hear from the other person what they want if they win." I was stunned. He played me and I didn't know whether I should be pissed or proud that he was so smooth as to fool me.

"Then... what do you want Sherlock?" I inquired, my mind fuzzy from the liquid courage to the point where I couldn't think clearly. He leaned his face in close to mine, his breath was warm and smelled of whiskey and in an instant he gave me a small peck on the lips. He gazed at me for a minute, waiting for a reaction while I kept my eyes straight on him, unmoving. My heart was beating erratically in my chest and in the back of my mind there was a nagging that I shouldn't continue this, as much as I wanted it. I let out a shaky breath, knowing I wouldn't feel right if I didn't say something. "I-I can't do this Sherlock, I'm seeing someone.." There was a pause as he eyed me.

"Are you two actually dating?" He asked me, his eyes hard as he waited for my response. I shook my head, I wasn't Jim's girlfriend after all. "Then don't deny me," he said in a raspy voice before he pressed his lips to mine once again only a lot more fierce this time around. I gently pressed my hands to his firm chest, still feeling guilty about kissing another man, but he was right. I was still single and could be with whoever I wanted. His tongue traced against my lower lip asking for permission to enter my mouth which I naturally accepted while letting out a small noise in appreciation. He was an extremely good kisser, I had to give him credit for that. When he pulled away from me we were both panting, but he didn't stop there. He tangled his hand into my hair and gently tugged my head back causing me to hiss out in a mix between pleasure and pain just before he trailed searing hot kisses down my neck. I closed my eyes as I accepted his feverish touch. He was so warm compared to me. I could feel him tug at the hem of my shirt before I obliged, letting him pull it over my head and then he chucked it onto the floor. He let out a low growl as he continued to rain kisses down my chest, forcing me to let out a throaty moan. His hands looped around my back and fumbled with my bra clasp until it finally came undone. He was rough as he tugged the straps off and he threw the article of clothing down to the ground beside my t shirt, all while he brushed his lips over my newly exposed flesh. I was now half naked and grunted out my disapproval of this situation. I tugged his dress shirt out of his trousers and unbuttoned it, forcing him to stop his invasion of my body. With ease I yanked his shirt off of him and gazed at his now shirtless form. He was actually quite toned compared to what I was expecting him to be. I bit my bottom lip while trailing my index finger against his collar bone all the way down to the edge of his pants along his happy trail. His eyes flashed with hunger yet he still hesitated before he crashed his lips down on mine once again. This is where everything began to go downhill. I pressed my hands to his chest once again to push him away, my body feeling incredibly weird. I was going to be sick.

"Alyce?" Sherlock inquired, his voice hoarse and worried. Without saying a word I jumped out of the chair and rushed off to the bathroom, barely making it to the toilet before I started retching. I didn't know how long I was in there vomiting, but suddenly I felt a hand gently started to rub my back soothingly and my long hair was swept away from my face as I continued to get rid of the alcohol in my system. "I forced you to drink over your body's limit.." Sherlock grumbled out as I spat, finally done and moved away from the porcelain bowl. I shut the lid, flushed it and while trembling stood up to brush my teeth.

"You didn't do shit, I did it to myself." I started after thoroughly scrubbing my teeth and tongue. I ran shaky fingers through my hair and stumbled off to my bedroom, unable to stand much longer. Before I could do anything on my own, Sherlock pushed me onto the bed and glided over to my dresser, yanking out an oversized my chemical romance t-shirt and a pair of black cotton short shorts. He then helped me change, careful not to jostle me too much and upset my stomach once again. "I'm sorry for ruining the moment." My voice was scratchy which made me wince. I flung myself backwards on the bed and covered my face in embarrassment. There was no noise for a few seconds before I felt the bed sink in beside me and strong arms slithered around my body to pull me close. Holmes ran his fingers through my hair as we both stayed silent. I felt so safe and warm that within a matter of seconds I was out cold.

The next morning

I woke up an hour sooner than I had planned the next day and sat up with a start while looking around the room groggily. What happened last night? All I could remember was playing darts with Sher. I rubbed my hands over my face and rolled out of bed, silently padding off to the bathroom. I took a speedy shower, brushed my teeth and began to get ready for my girl date with Lucy. I dressed myself in a pair of ripped up black skinny jeans and a creme colored cami with a moss green blouse over top. I then went back to the bathroom to apply mascara, a thin layer of black eyeliner on my bottom lid and spray myself with my favorite body mist which was almost out and went out to sit in Sherlock's chair while I put on my funky converse I adored wearing. I glanced over to Sherlock who was snoozing on the couch with an arm draped over his face. He was shirtless and I gave him an appreciative once over. He was a lot more toned than I thought he would be. I shook my head while smiling, the man was an asshole but he looked so cute and innocent while he was sleeping.

Over the past three weeks I came to realize I enjoyed his company quite a bit. He had dragged me all over London for multiple minuscule cases with him and John. We also began to do odd experiments in my flat. Dipping severed fingers in to beakers full of different sorts of chemicals was a good way to relax and get over stress it turns out. We also got to know one another a lot better personally. My favorite was when I found out he had an older brother whose name was Mycroft Holmes which it turned out I knew thanks to my past. He gave me a "wonderful" welcome to England hello when I first came here. It was hilarious and we both laughed so hard we were crying. It felt nice. I smiled fondly as I got up and snatched my simple black leather purse off my coat rack, it had all of my basic needs stuffed in it. I quietly snuck out of my pad, hoping I wouldn't wake the sleeping detective up with my excitement for a girls day with Lucy.

Lucy

Lucy arrived at the cafe ten minutes early and bought coffee for both her and Alyce. She already knew this was the only money she would get to spend for the day. Alyce was 'pro-spoil' as the American liked to say whenever she chided Lucy on even attempting to pull her wallet out. Once Lucy got back outside she could see the dark haired woman gracefully walking toward her and grinned cheekily.

"My beautiful lil sis!" Alyce sang out as she wrapped Lucy up into a bear hug. Lucy smiled softly at the loving affection. She knew Alyson rarely gave her love to people, in fact she was pretty sure the musician had only actually genuinely cared for her and Myra. Alyce pulled back and with ease whistled out for a cab before they quickly hopped in and went off to the mall for retail therapy. As soon as they got to the very large mall, Alyce dragged her away to get food. They both decided curry sounded like heaven and were soon sitting in the crowds of people eating.

"So, boy problems?" Lucy asked as she took a bite of her food. Oh it was sooo good. Alyce made a strangled noise as she was gulping down water.

"Yeah, it's really chaotic so please bare with me while I explain this," she let out a groan before shoveling a fork full of food in to her mouth, then continued. Lucy just munched as she listened. "I have never had this happen before, but I THINK two men are romantically interested in me right now. One man knew Myra, we met at her funeral. He is absolutely gorgeous, fun and mysterious. Aaannndd, I may have slept with him already.." The shorter woman winced as Lucy let out a large dramatic gasp. "Yeah yeah, I know. I never do this sort of thing.. Dating is just not what I do. The other guy I think may be interested in me drives me absolutely bonkers! He has no idea how to react to human emotions, he does as he pleases, yet... He's shown me a side that I honestly don't think many people know about as well.. he's kissed me twice.. er, three times? But he's so hot and cold that I don't know what to do." Alyce rubbed her hands over her face. "Oh! And this weekend I'm staying the weekend with the man I slept with. I don't even know where we're-" Lucy squealed and yanked Allie up, hauling her away from the food court after they tossed their trash in a bin near by. "Where are we going?!" The younger girl grinned evilly as she forced Alyce in to a lingerie shop where the older woman cried out 'oh hell no!' Her protests failed miserably and after a couple of hours they were walking out with multiple bags that had sexy undergarments and comfortable things as well stuffed in to them.

"So you don't know what he has planned for you two, but looking sexy wherever you go is never a bad thing!" Lucy sang out as they shuffled in to another shop. This one had an assortment of bathroom goodies and they both wandered off to look around separately. Alyson muttered something about needing a new scent and decided to go with Lilac and vanilla. She was a junkie for floral scents more than anything. She also bought oodles of other odds and ends from shampoo and conditioner to bubble bath as well. They spent hours shopping and it wasn't until the very end when Wolfe was sending Lucy off in a cab with her stock pile of bags that the woman started to act a little odd, but Lucy just figured it was because of her awkward situation.

Alyce

I had that hair rise on the back of my neck feeling at the tail end of my date with Lucy. In an instant I sent the sweet girl home while I lugged my own shopping purchases with me around the corner to a deserted area of the rather large mall. A shorter man was leaning against the wall. He was extremely muscular and reminded me a bit of a bulldog. He had spiky blonde and silver hair, was tan and had brown eyes which were staring directly at me. I gave a brief frown before sitting my bags down and fishing out a cigarette and my lighter from my purse.

" 'S been a long time Aiden." I grunted out as I lit up the fag and took a deep hit. The man grinned like a doofus before lumbering over to me and gave me a huge one armed hug.

"It has indeed girly girl!" His deep voice bellowed out. He pulled back just enough to stare directly at me. "Lookin' good kiddo. London's been treatin' ya well I see." I gave a sharp nod to his assessment as I smiled sweetly at the much older man.

"Why are you here Aiden? How is Sasha?" I asked as I took a lung full of smoke in and exhaled it appreciatively. Sasha had been a CIA official back when I had become an assassin for the U.S. government and was such a loving, but violent woman, with coffee colored skin, black hair and honey colored eyes, all men ogled over her.

"She's doing good, kid. We finally got married. As for why I'm here.. Well I wanted to warn you that there have been eyes on ya, noticing your recent activities. Offed Ranger I hear? Guy was a jackass, he had it comin'. Oh also, I retired." He chuckled out the last bit before giving me a pat on the back while I extinguished my cig and pocketed the butt. I hated littering.

"I knew you two would tie the knot! I'll have to send you guys my congrats gift. Man are you getting old, retiring? Jeesh.. So, eyes are on me eh? Is it U.S. eyes? Or have you and Sasha been keeping tabs on me again?" I rapid fire questioned him as I lifted up my bags and decided that I needed coffee as I attempted to catch up with my old government friend.

"Hah! Don't make me laugh kid. Sasha has been watching over you to be sure you're safe. It's not America, but she can't manage to trace what groups have been checking you out. Since Myra passed, which I am sorry for your loss by the way, people have been interested in your skills. I thought you quit all that, 's why we got you out in the past after all." Aiden took a toothpick out of his pocket and stuck it in his mouth while raising a bushy brow my way. I quickly made an order for coffee and we both sat down far from other ears.

"I really did quit. Only reason Ranger was taken out is because he wasn't being very nice and wouldn't back down. He threatened my neighbor's life, twice. Didn't really appreciate that.. So, these people, whoever they may be, they're... I dunno.. Stalking me because of my recent activity? I mean c'mon I've been avoiding the radar for eight years!" I heaved out a deep breath and ran my fingers through my dark hair. I can't believe I'm being stalked, super creepy.

"Haha! Yeah, that's a good way to put it. Although an assassin who quit work eight years ago? Who would want your hermit ass?" Aiden chuckled as I glared at him while taking a sip of my coffee. Ick, bitter. I grimaced and pushed it away then leaned forward to give my pal a maniacal grin.

"I only hermit so I don't kill, shhh." I held my index finger up to my lips and winked. Aiden let out a booming belly laugh and shook his head while giving me a fatherly smile.

"I just wanted to warn you Allie. Keep an eye out, danger is always lurking. Well," he stood up with a grunt and gave a loving pat to my head. "Don't be a stranger. You should visit Sasha and I sometime. Take care kiddo." The older man gave me a short wave before he ambled off. I shook my head fondly and got ready to head back home. My heart was warmed up by seeing my old friend and getting retail therapy with Lucy.

Mrs. Hudson was at the entrance of the building as soon as I got home and was in quite a chatty mood. I swiftly pulled out a bag from the many I had and handed it over to her. She squealed in shock and delight. I decided that I would buy her, Sherlock and John each something I thought they would like. A little surprise for everything they've done for me in the time I had been living there. I bought Mrs. Hudson a set of bath goods that included body spray and wash, lotion and bubble bath soaps. For dear Watson it was a gift card to take Mary out to an extremely nice restaurant, all expenses for that night paid for by yours truly. Then Sherlock, I purchased him a deer stalker cap for giggles since I knew he would never wear it and some fun toys for all of the experiments that he was doing in my flat since John always freaked out about them in their own place. My flat was now becoming a lab. I gave the elderly woman a quick hug and peck to the cheek, not hearing a single word she had said before heading up to 221b. I didn't bother knocking, just walked right in and looked around. No one was home. I placed the bags which each had a card with their names on it so they wouldn't mess up which gift was for who, onto the cluttered coffee table, then ran back down to my own place so I could finish packing for my weekend with Jim.

I paused at the entrance of my home, something felt off, someone was here. Without a word I scanned the main room then walked silently to my kitchen to sneak out the dagger I had hidden under my dining table. I peaked in to the bathroom, yet again no one. There was only one room left and I scrunched up my face. What was so interesting about my bedroom? I twisted my bedroom doorknob without making a sound, the dagger still down at my side. I was prepared to shank a bitch. I heard footsteps heading away from what I assumed was my desk, then the faint creek of the floorboards beside my bed. I wrinkled my nose and prepared to throw the door open, my hand that was holding the dagger now raised to my chest in a ready-to-strike position. In a split instant, before I could even think of attacking, arms wrapped around me from my right side. Unprepared I let out a yelp and lost the dagger. The loud clank of metal hit the floor and I could feel whoever it is that grabbed me breathing in my ear, causing me to shudder.

"Hellooo love, was that little blade intended for me?" A deep familiar voice sang out. I closed my eyes and could feel my body instantly relax before a feather light kiss was pressed to my neck, making me shiver. In an instant I was hoisted up and hauled over to my bed, where I was then dropped. I could only stare at the man before me in shell shock, my lips parted ever so slightly. I shook my head once my thoughts came back to me and frowned.

"I could have killed you James!" I screeched out. He gave me a shrug and smirked. I swear this man didn't have a care in the world. He poked his tongue out between his teeth and winked before waltzing over to where the dagger was on the floor and swiftly picked it up.

"I said I was stealing you away baby. I'm only here to keep my word," he purred out. I rolled my eyes at him while I sat up on my bed. He was now carefully examining my dagger with an arched eyebrow. "Seems your landlady didn't let you know I was here. Pity. Though I do enjoy that you always have a different reaction when you see me.. But a dagger this time? You are quite keen to know when someone is here without invitation." He paused, a mischievous glint in his eyes. I bit my bottom lip at how attractive he looked as I kept my eyes on his every move. "Anywhoo, if you're done packing..." his voice was singsong and before he could finish I shook my head in exasperation.

"I'm not, so how 'bout you get out of my room and let me finish up before you take me away to Lord knows where," I hurriedly interrupted the devilishly handsome man that made my natural instincts scream to run away and tackle him down to snog him all at once. I quickly got up and started shoving James who was now chuckling out of my room so I could finish putting the things I had just purchased in to my bag(after I removed any and all tags of course). I let out a deep breath as I finished up. My chest felt tight and I was extremely anxious. My stomach fluttered as I stumbled out of my room toward the living room with my suitcase. Moriarty was casually sitting on the couch with a sly grin. The air in the room was tense and it took me a second to realize why. Sherlock and John were leaning against the wall nearest the entrance of my flat. Sherlock's gaze was murderous and Watson was shifting uncomfortably while looking at me with a sheepish smile.

"We wanted to thank you for your gifts," the sweet military doctor spoke quietly as he went to give me a hug. "Didn't know you had company. Sorry 'bout that." I shook my head to reject his apology and gave him a gentle pat on the back. James stood up while this was going on and walked over to me, wrapping an arm loosely around my waist and pulling my body close to his. He held out a hand to John while he gave a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Jim, it's a pleasure to meet you," his voice was kind and Watson shook his hand with a half smile. Ugh this all seemed so awkward.

"Er, John.. Um, Alyce?" The short blonde man struggled to figure out what he wanted to say as Sherlock finally came forward, pushing him out of the way. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me away from James, eliciting a squeak from me as he tugged me to my bedroom. I could hear John quietly talking to Jim, "Don't worry, he..." The door to my room slammed shut, cutting off the rest of the conversation. I crossed my arms over my chest and popped my right hip out, no longer feeling anxious like I had before.

"What do you think you're doing?!" I hissed out to the consulting detective whom just glowered at me while he leaned his body against the door to prevent me from leaving without a fight.

"You can't go with him, Alyce," his deep baritone voice growled out at me. I raised my hands over my head in an 'Are you kidding me?!' gesture before stomping up to him and getting in his personal space. My nose was now touching his thanks to standing on tip toes. His eyes went wide at the sudden invasion of his bubble.

"You can't tell me what to do Holmes. I'm leaving for the weekend and you can't stop me!" I whipped around and started to pace angrily as he cleared his throat.

"Alyson, he's dangerous and you know it. Don't be an idiot." He over enunciated the t while finishing his statement which only made my blood boil. I pushed him out of my way while glowering at him, before I made my escape. Deep down I knew he was right, Jim was dangerous. I couldn't let that stop me though, I needed to know what that man knew about me and I wasn't going to let anyone stand in my way.