I have no words. Just read and enjoy! And review! I don't own Sherlock. Oh and the title came from the song 'Valentine's Day' by Linkin Park.


Sherlock slammed the door shut and rushed up the stairs. He couldn't afford to think of any of the implications. All he knew was that he needed it and he needed it now. He got into his apartment and strode straight into the kitchen.

Sherlock pushed the bottles on the kitchen shelf down. He searched under the floor boards and between the cushions. Where is it? Where is it?! He dashed to his bedroom and pulled up the mattress. It has to be here. It has to- His eyes lit up as he spotted the little bag full of white substance. He dragged it out and dumped it on his bed before his mind searched for the nearest needle.

Memory of Aidan pricking himself with a needle came to him but he pushed it aside. If this was going to work, if he was going to function at all, this was the only way. Sherlock ransacked the drawers in the kitchen before he found it.

Dashing back to his bedroom, he snatched the bag from the bed and raced to the kitchen. Measuring and mixing was almost second nature to him. Sherlock filled the syringe before selecting a vein and injecting it. All at once the feeling of euphoria washed over him and he sighed in content. His worrying, panic, despair, nervousness all faded away and he let himself sink back into nothingness.

He withdrew the syringe and placed it somewhere convenient. This was only the first of many doses. He had to be sure his instruments were kept safe. Sherlock shrugged on his Belstaff and got his phone out of his pocket.

Get Sophie. – SH


Twelve hours earlier.


Mary took a sip out of her ginger beer. She'd decided to make a sort of exchange with Amanda. She wasn't entirely sure what the girl wanted but with Mycroft on her side she was certain she could provide whatever she demanded. Whatever happened to Sophie after that was none of her business.

She felt a twinge of guilt for the girl. She was going to face hell when she got back. If she gets back. There was little doubt in Mary's mind that Sophie was going to make it. She had potential to be a great assassin but potential wasn't near enough.

You had to prove that you could do what was expected or you were cast away quicker than you were picked up. She doesn't exactly have to die you know? You know how much you would've given it all up if you had a choice.

Mary ignored the niggling voice in the back of her head. Now wasn't the time to try and play the hero and besides, the damsel in distress didn't even know it yet. She didn't want to be saved, she'd made that blatantly obvious.

Mary wasn't going to push. You didn't even try. Mary sighed and tried to block out those thoughts. Her phone buzzed and she glanced down at it. It was Mycroft. Mary gave a heavier sigh and took the call.

'I trust you've secured a means to arranging our proposal.'

Mary squirmed in her seat.

'I haven't spoken to her yet but I'm about to.'

'I trust I don't need to stress on how important this is.'

Mary's eyes narrowed.

'No you don't. I'm more than aware of what's at stake.'

'Good. Oh and Sherlock would be stopping by. I assume that won't be much of a bother.'

'No he's welcome for the ride.'

'Splendid. I expect a full report.'

The line cut and Mary stared at it for a few moments. Why do all my bosses expect me to clean up after their messes?


'Sophie do you understand?' Sherlock asked. Sophie looked up at him. 'If you're asking if I understand the fact that I'm going to be dangled like a carrot in some one's face in order for you to get what you want then you're gonna leave me to probably get killed then yes I do. Every word.'

'We'll have people on you.' Sherlock said. Sophie laughed dryly. 'People who'd be looking to shoot me or anyone who comes forward. Like hell I'm agreeing to this.' Sophie pushed her seat away and stood up. Sherlock opened his mouth to talk but Mary stopped him.

'Okay we're done talking. This is your only chance at freedom. I suggest you take it.' Mary said as she pushed herself off the wall. Sophie looked at her from the corner of her eyes. Her leg bounced up and down and she nibbled at the side of her mouth before she spoke.

'Is Black Widow gonna be there?' She said, gesturing to Mary. Mary snorted. 'Why? Grown that attached already?' Sophie gave her a dirty look before turning back to Sherlock. Sherlock nodded. 'And you are too?' Sherlock nodded again. Sophie sighed.

'Time? Have you even contacted them?' She asked. 'Oh no, we wanted to give you that honor.' Mary said with a smile. Sophie growled slightly. 'Unbelievable.' She muttered. 'Send this out. Foreign exchange. 8:00pm-' Sophie paused. 'Where d'you want it?' Sherlock blinked. 'This meeting. Where d'you want it? You know what, add that yourself.'

'Have I missed anything?' She asked. Sherlock shook her head. 'Shut the door on your way out.' Sophie said to them.


Sherlock and Mary had spent the whole afternoon mapping out what they were going to do. Sherlock had sent word out via the homeless network and they just had to hope that it would get out. Mary didn't expect it to go down calmly. If anything, she expected a crazy showdown knowing the kind of people she was dealing with.

She had back up but they were only to engage when everything had gone to pot. For some strange reason John had decided to tag along so he was permanently hovering over her shoulder. It was driving Mary crazy.

Sherlock had taken to ignoring the both of them and talking to Molly. She'd had a not so eventful day at Bart's and was eagerly awaiting his return to 221b. Recently Sherlock had been persuading her to move in with him and she'd been reluctant. She didn't want to leave the confines of her flat but she didn't want to have to shuttle between two places.

She was comfortable to keep him waiting for just a little bit. Judging from the cocky grin on Sherlock's face, they were discussing something neither Mary nor John wanted to know about. Mary arranged the team of agents and by nightfall, they were set.


Mary's grip on her gun tightened. Something about this didn't feel right. She could sense it. Her mind went to her pregnancy. She had to remember to be careful this time around. No jumping off roofs today. Sophie glanced at her. 'Nervous?' She asked in bitchy tone.

'I'd feel a lot better with my gun pressed to your head.' She said in an equally bitchy tone. Sophie gave her a sarcastic laugh and Mary growled. 'Would you two behave?' Sherlock snapped at the both of them. Mary shot him a crippling glare before facing her mission. John looked over at the two of them and Mary groaned internally.

Why did he agree to tag along? 'That's cute. Does he have a leash?' Sophie whispered. Mary pulled her arm back and elbowed Sophie. Her elbow happened to hit Sophie's nose and Sophie's hands immediately went up. 'What the hell is wrong with you?' She muttered in a nasal voice. A hand fell and Mary saw red smears on them.

I shouldn't feel happy. However Mary couldn't deny that her mood had improved significantly. They got to the drop off point and Mary's hands went to Sophie's shoulder. 'Let's not get too eager.' Sophie glared murderously at her.

'Are you sure they got the message?' John muttered. There was the sound of a gun cocking and all guns were drawn. 'Guess that's your answer John.' Sherlock said back to him before stepping forward. 'We just want to talk. We mean no harm.' Sophie scoffed.

There was a figure approaching them. It was a girl. Not Amanda. She was lanky and had blonde hair. The ends of her hair were dyed black and she had a nose ring.

'Thought you just wanted to talk.' She said as she walked towards Sherlock. Her accent was slightly French. As she drew closer, Mary could detect the outline of a gun in her pocket. Her guard was drawn up and her hand tightened on Sophie's shoulder.

'Why all the guns?' She asked. 'Why yours?'Mary retorted. 'Caution. We don't exactly trust people.' Her eyes flitted from Mary's to Sherlock's. 'We want to make a deal. We have one of yours. We're willing to give her back.' Sherlock said.

The blonde haired girl raised a brow. 'Give her back? That's awfully generous. What do you want?' Mary gave the girl a look over. She's definitely a killer. Her posture was rigid and although she appeared lax, her eyes kept flitting over to the agents by Mary's side. She was sizing them up. Mary almost felt proud.

'The killings stop.' Sherlock replied. The blonde made a humming noise. 'One life for how many others? A bit unfair isn't it?' She said. Sophie rolled her eyes. 'Well it's either that or she dies.' Mary said. John gave her a look but she ignored him.

'Oh please do. She's a liability as it is.' The blonde said. Sophie tensed besides Mary and Mary kept a firm grip on her. Things were very unstable now and there was no telling what she could do. 'Well then what do you want?' Sherlock asked.

'Can't you tell?' She asked. Mary noticed her take a step back. 'Odd. With your reputation one would think you'd know.' She waved her hand in a nonchalant manner. 'Anyway it doesn't matter. You're about to find out soon enough.' Sherlock barely had time to think before the gunshots began.

Mary pulled out her gun with one hand and pushed Sophie behind her with the other. She aimed at the blonde and shot before tugging Sophie behind a pillar and ducking herself. Sherlock and John had taken cover as well and from the sudden absence of gun shots, the agents had either followed her lead or had been killed.

Mary turned to Sophie. Her hands were still in cuffs and she was breathing harshly but other than that, she seemed fine. 'They're firing from a higher altitude. We can sneak up on them while the others make a distraction but I need a gun.' Sophie whispered. Mary gave her an incredulous look.

'Are you kidding me? Not a chance.' She whispered back. Sophie rolled her eyes. 'Do you really think I'm going to kill you now? I'm probably a target. Give me a gun and I can help you.' Another shot was fired and Mary realized there was no time for a debate. She was just going to have to trust the teenage girl.

She took off the handcuffs and slipped her second gun in her hands. 'I'm trusting you with this but do not for one second think that I won't kill you if you prove me wrong.' Sophie nodded and Mary sighed. I'm going to regret this come tomorrow.


Sherlock crouched besides John who was gasping for breath. With the torrent of bullets raining down on them, the group had scattered and each was hiding out somewhere. His mind lingered on the girl's words. She'd said he was about to find out soon but just what exactly was he about to find out?

He couldn't think of an ulterior motive to their plan. Analyzing the details of the situation would require him to delve into his mind palace but there was no time for that now. 'I did not expect this.' John muttered as he drew up his gun.

'Oh I did but I can't seem to figure out what she meant by I'd find out soon enough.' Sherlock muttered. John shot him a glare. He couldn't see anyone so he assumed they were higher up than they were. Another tirade of bullets rained down and John could make out Mary and Sophie dashing into one of the buildings. He groaned inwardly.

If he knew Mary she was going to face them head on and considering the circumstances, it was far from smart. Sherlock fired out a text to Mycroft informing him of the situation before turning to John. 'Come on, John. The game is on!' Sherlock shot him an excited grin before dashing towards another building.

'Nutter.' John murmured to himself before getting up and following in Sherlock's lead.


A million and one thoughts were swirling in Sophie's mind but she had no chance to pay attention to any of them. She was shadowing the red haired agent called Mary and her hands shook slightly. Truth be told, this wasn't her scene. Not that she couldn't kill. She could and would when it came down to it, but she preferred to meet the contacts instead of killing them.

And then to top it off, she was helping kill off her own people. There goes any hope of returning. But then again why would I? They were going to kill me anyway. I'm just returning the favor. Her grip on the gun tightened and her eyes searched out any hidden threats.

Sophie spotted one of them and she nudged Mary. Mary's eyes darted to the figure and she nodded to Sophie before lowering her gun and creeping up on the figure. Sophie marveled at how quiet she was being. If she couldn't see her with her own eyes she would never have thought there was someone there.

Mary's hands reached towards the figure's neck slowly and before it could react, she had her hands round its neck and she twisted. The figure slumped in her arms and she let it drop. Sophie came towards her and looked it over.

It was a light haired, pale skinned male. Brian. Her mind supplied. 'He's a drone. There'll probably be more.' She said to Mary. Mary nodded and they moved on. Sophie watched Mary as she moved. There was something eerily familiar about the way she cocked her gun and killed. She couldn't quite place her finger on it but she'd seen it before.

A hand out of nowhere grabbed over her mouth and instinct took over. Her hands went up to the person's face. She gave an eye gouge and bit through the hand before spinning around and pulling the trigger. It was one of her people alright. Lily. Her mind said. The assassin identified as Lily landed a punch to the side of Sophie's face and she had to blink several times to shake it off.

Lily placed her hand on her gun and was about to shoot when she suddenly fell forward. Sophie moved out of the way and Lily landed on the concrete floor. Blood pooled onto the floor from the back of Lily's head and Sophie looked up to see Mary standing there.

'Head or heart first if it's a kill shoot. What the hell were you shooting at her stomach for?' Mary said Sophie made her way towards her. Sophie glared at her. 'May I remind you that you just recently shot my leg so forgive me if I'm a bit slow on my feet.'

Mary waved her words away. 'It was just a scratch. Honestly they're bringing up softies these days.' She muttered. Sophie's glare intensified and she was about to retort when the sound gun fire was heard. It was coming from outside which meant that either the cavalry had arrived or a show down between the two teams had begun.

Mary desperately hoped it was the former.

Deciding that there was no more time to loose, she and Sophie moved forward and quickly began to dispatch the remaining people on the inside of the building.


Sherlock and John entered the building with guns drawn. The gunshots echoed from outside the building but those were Mycroft's men which meant it was none of Sherlock's business. Knowing Mary, she'd probably cleared the way for them but to assume in such a situation would be too risky.

They came across a girl shot in the back of the head and a boy with a twisted neck. Other casualties were strewn along the way. No doubt Mary and Sophie had been along that way. Sherlock darted toward the stairs and he and John pounded up them.

When they'd gotten to the sixth floor, Sherlock heard gunfire coming from one of the door. He kicked it open and he and John went in. Mary and Sophie were engaged in some kind of gun fight with the group of assassins. Immediately, Sherlock and John joined in on the fun and some of the assassins diverted their attention to face them.

One aimed at Sherlock and was about to shot when the most peculiar thing happened. Another assassin gave him a shove and yelled something in Russian. Sherlock translated it to be 'Not him' and was puzzled for a second before the gun was aimed at John and he fired without a second thought. John shot him a grateful look before he resumed his shooting. There was a sound of footsteps pounding up the stairs and Sherlock could only assume it was Mycroft's cavalry.

Sweeping past the commotion, Sherlock let his brother's men finish up while he slipping through the back with Mary, Sophie and John.


Mary stalked out the five snipers in front of her. They were left unguarded and the only arms they had were the rifles they used to pick off Mary's men. Unguarded. That's awfully stupid of Amanda. Mary locked eyes with her companions and nodded at them. The understanding was clear in their eyes.

Seeing as they were four and there were five snipers, someone was going to keep an eye on the fifth least he fired a few lucky shots. Mary didn't count his skill as a threat but he'd grown up in Russia and had come out alive. That had to count for something.

They all readied themselves before shooting into the backs of their heads. The fifth one turned and made a move to grab his gun but a shoot to his forehead stopped him and he dropped to the ground. Mary turned to see Sophie lowering her gun with a venomous look in her eye.

Mary approached her carefully hoping she won't turn and decide to finish them off. To her immense pleasure and surprise, Sophie lowered the gun and handed it over to her. 'Nice to see you keeping your promise.' Mary said as she collected the gun gently.

'I don't owe allegiance to them anymore.' Sophie said quietly. Mary felt a twinge of sympathy for the young girl. You can help. The niggling voice in the back of Mary's head continued and she sighed. Later. Her men came in through the door and Mary set about asking questions. Sophie was put back in cuffs but it was mostly for Mycroft's assurance. She'd proved herself as far as Mary was concerned.

Sherlock was about to leave when a silver glint caught his eye. It was a memory stick placed on the ledge of the window. Sherlock picked it up and inspected it. To his surprise, his initials were scrawled on it. He quickly pocketed it and went back to stand besides John and Mary.

Sophie who had seen him take the object simply smiled at him and shook her head slightly before her gaze flitted from his to Mary's.


Sherlock sat down in front of Mary's laptop gleefully. She and John were busy discussing some trivial issue and he wanted to see what was on that memory stick before Mary confiscated it and stated it as 'government property'. Ridiculous notion. It has my initials on it. It belongs to me. Not letting Mycroft get his pudgy hands on this.

Sherlock slotted the memory stick into the laptop and opened the folder. In it was a video labeled 'Sherlock'. He opened it and his blood ran cold. 'Dear God.' John breathed as he stared at the screen. Right there in front of him was Molly, strapped down to a chair and tears streaming down her face. All other noises faded into the background and he zoned in on his girlfriend.

His eyes flitted across her form to find out if there was anything visibly but he couldn't pick out anything. Yet. As if his thoughts were being read, a voice filtered through.

Hello Detective.

Amanda. Sherlock's mind supplied.

As you can see, I've snagged your girlfriend for a little chat. Don't worry I haven't touched her. Not yet anyway. You know one would think dating you would mean she's used to a lot of danger and would have at least tried to stay calm but she's been a blubbering mess ever since. I'm surprised I have to say. Thought by your reputation, you would've done better. Oh and least I forget, I also snagged something else of yours.

The camera swiveled to a crib where his two children lay asleep. Sherlock felt the first pang of panic and fear shoot through the shock. They were laying soo still which was unusual for his twins. If Nadia wasn't kicking her brother, Aidan had his hand in his mouth. They looked almost as if they were-No. Don't think of that. Don't think of that.

Don't worry they're perfectly safe. I might have sedated them a bit but I assure you it's all in their best interests. Whiny babies make me soo irritable and that's the last thing you'd want right now so I'm doing you a favor. If you don't know what I want by now then all the better for me. I'm prepared to sit back and watch you squirm. However, I can't guarantee your family would enjoy it as much as I would. I can't promise you their safety but I will promise you this. You get one of them free. If you get me what I need in the next ten hours, I'll let one of them go. You just have to choose who's more important to you. Ten hours, detective.

The Game, Mr. Holmes, is on.

The video ended and Sherlock stared at the screen. For the first time in his life, he didn't have a clue on what to do.


John watched as his best friend crumbled on the inside. He was going to ask what Sherlock had in mind but one look at him told him all he needed to know. He didn't have a plan. Whoever this Amanda girl was, she had effectively shut down Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock stared at the screen of the laptop, his face vacant. John placed a hand on Sherlock shoulder and he made no attempt to shake him off. He just sat there, motionless. Mary had whipped out her phone the instant Molly had come up on that video and now she was yelling in Italian to the person on the other line.

She flipped her phone shut and came over to them. 'They can't find them anywhere which I think is absolutely ridiculous because they couldn't have possibly left the country but they're nowhere to be found. No surveillance. Nothing. The last anyone saw Molly she was going to pick up the twins at the nursery.' Mary came up to Sherlock.

'Where do you want us to start?' She asked. Sherlock still remained static. 'Sherlock?' Mary prodded as she bent slightly and Sherlock turned to meet her eyes. 'I-I don't know.' He said slowly. 'I don't know what to do.' Mary's eyes widened slightly before she nodded and straightened up.

John looked at Sherlock. He was shaking slightly and his palms were pressed together in the motion he made when he was thinking. John opened his mouth to talk but Sherlock stood up abruptly.

'I have to go.' He said as he shrugged his Belstaff back on. 'Oh okay can I-' John began but Sherlock cut him off. 'No. You can't. I'll be back soon. I just need to think on my own for a while.' Sherlock said. John tried to object but Sherlock had already run out of the room. John sighed heavily before turning to Mary. She was on the phone with who he presumed to be Mycroft.

She ended the call and took Sherlock's place with the laptop. John came up behind her while she was furiously typing away and he placed his hands on her shoulders. Mary finished what she was doing and looked up at him. 'How are you holding up?' He asked. Mary shook her head.

'The baby?' John asked. 'It's fine. I'll be fine as soon as I get my best friend and her kids back.' John nodded knowing she wasn't going to rest until she either had Molly back in her arms or if push came to shove, was laying her to rest.


Sherlock slammed the door shut and rushed up the stairs. He couldn't afford to think of any of the implications. All he knew was that he needed it and he needed it now. He got into his apartment and strode straight into the kitchen.

Sherlock pushed the bottles on the kitchen shelf down. He searched under the floor boards and between the cushions. Where is it? Where is it?! He dashed to his bedroom and pulled up the mattress. It has to be here. It has to- His eyes lit up as he spotted the little bag full of white substance. He dragged it out and dumped it on his bed before his mind searched for the nearest needle.

Memory of Aidan pricking himself with a needle came to him but he pushed it aside. If this was going to work, if he was going to function at all, this was the only way. Sherlock ransacked the drawers in the kitchen before he found it.

Dashing back to his bedroom, he snatched the bag from the bed and raced to the kitchen. Measuring and mixing was almost second nature to him. Sherlock filled the syringe before selecting a vein and injecting it. All at once the feeling of euphoria washed over him and he sighed in content. His worrying, panic, despair, nervousness all faded away and he let himself sink back into nothingness.

He withdrew the syringe and placed it somewhere convenient. This was only the first of many doses. He had to be sure his instruments were kept safe. Sherlock shrugged on his Belstaff and got his phone out of his pocket.

Get Sophie. – SH


Don't hate me! It has to get a whole lot worse before it gets better okay? That being said, love it or hate it? I have to know. This has been the hardest chapter I've ever had to write. Action is not my forte. I didn't even know where to start from. I did the beginning then the end (which is pretty much the same thing) then started picking off the middle bits so sorry if you can notice that from the chapter.

Luckily or unluckily for you guys, my Internet has been down so I wasn't able to post the chapter anyway. I know this doesn't make up for shit but just accept it so we can move on to something better. Agreed? Lovely. Hope you like some parts of it.

Oh and if anyone guesses what Amanda wants, virtual muffins and cookies for you! Read and enjoy! And review!

Cadburytropper96