John woke up later then he intended. The sun was already shining brightly through the windows when he completely opened his eyes. With a groan he pulled the covers over his head, but then decided that he might as well get up. No sense in wasting the rest of the morning.

He sat up and immediately noticed Sherlock's side of the bed cold and empty. Apparently he had been up for some time but hadn't bothered to wake him up. He stretched lazily then prodded over to put on Sherlock's housecoat that was carelessly flung over a chair before making his way downstairs. The sleeves were too long and it hung well past his knees, but it smelled like Sherlock and was comfortable so he tied it tightly, hoping he didn't look too ridiculous. He also noticed that the tray of tea from last night was missing from the table, although a few stray crumbs remained. He brushed them into the waste basket and headed for the door.

He made his way to the kitchen and was pleasantly surprised to see that the water in the kettle was still hot enough for a proper cup of tea. He was looking around for a cup and the tea bags when Meredith entered in from a side door.

"Morning Laddie. Ye sleep well?"

"Very well, thank you. Mind if I ask where the tea fixings are?"

"Ooch, sit ye down and I'll get them for ye. I was coming in for a break m'self so I'll join ye, iffen ye don't mind."

"Not at all. Have you seen Sherlock this morning? He was already gone when I woke up."

Meredith tried to cover her look of knowing by changing the subject immediately while gathering two teacups and other necessities. John, however, noticed immediately.

"Oi, I know that look. What do you know?" he asked in a mockingly guff tone.

"All I know is that he came down 'tis morning and said he had an important errand te run."

"Well that sounds a bit odd but I guess nothing is really ordinary for Sherlock. Did he happen to say when he will be back?"

"Not a peep."

"Well then, I guess that gives me some time to slip out and visit that shop you were telling me about. I still have the card you gave me, somewhere."

Meredith felt a slight jolt a panic. The last thing that needed to happen was for John to stroll into Duncan's shop while Sherlock was already there, doing the exact thing that was on John's mind. She had to find a way to distract him, and quickly.

"D'ya think it's such a good idea to go right now, lad? I'd hate for ye to 'appen to run into him on the street and have some explainin' te do. Why not wait 'till he comes back, then I'll get Brice to occupy him, leaving ye free te shop in peace?" she asked, while handing him a steaming cup. She watched him take a quick sip while debating her words.

"I suppose you're right. I still don't have the slightest idea what I'm looking for. It's not quite like buying a ring for a woman, is it?" he asked with a chuckle. Meredith just shook her head and led them over to a small alcove containing a small table for two and got them situated in the warm sunshine. She thought for a moment, and then set her cup down with a purpose.

"May I make a suggestion?"

"Of course! Please do!"

"We Irish have something called 'fainee Chladaigh'. Ye may have heard it called Claddagh. 'Tis a simple design commonly used on jewelry. 'Tis usually two hands holding a heart, which is then topped with a crown. Th' heart relates te love, th' hands te friendship, and te crown te loyalty. Now, with yer intended being a gentleman an' all, tis would be a simple matter te replace the heart with something more representative of the two of ye. Just ask Duncan when ye see him. I'm sure he can help ye."

John pondered silently for a moment. Maybe it wasn't a bad suggestion. After all, he did plan on asking Sherlock to marry him while they were still in Ireland so it would give the ring extra meaning. He still hadn't worked out the details of how and where yet, but deciding on the ring would be a good first step. He looked up at Meredith and smiled. "Alright. I'll see what he has and ask him about it." Meredith returned his smile then reached over and patted his hand. "There's a good lad. I'm so thrilled for the both of ye."

"Now I just have to plan the rest of it, and I don't have the first idea where to start."

"I'm all ears lad, iffen you want to bounce some ideas. I'm sure we can come up with something."

They chatted away for a least another hour before they heard the front door open and close, announcing Sherlock's arrival. They immediately clammed up and tried not to look like they were holding a guilty secret, although John was pretty sure they were going to fail miserably.

Sure enough, Sherlock came into their line of sight and noticed them immediately. He walked over, looking surprisingly fresh for someone who had been out and about earlier than was his usual custom.

"And what are you two hens cackling about over here?" he asked with a smile.

"A bit of this and that." Meredith answered. She turned her head completely so that John couldn't see her face. "Ye get what ye needed to get done?" she asked with a wink.

"Ah, yes, thank you. You were most helpful."

"And just what was it that you needed to do this morning?" John asked.

Sherlock went into the story that he and Meredith rehearsed that morning, should the subject come up. "Meredith told me this morning that there was a crime committed not far from here last night and apparently the Police here are just as incompetent as they are back home. I asked her for directions to their station and made myself available to help. Actually I solved it for them in less than 20 minutes and inevitably pissed off a few people, but that's nothing new is it?"

John seemed to accept the explanation because he just shook his head. "Honestly Sherlock, we are supposed to be on holiday. Can't you just take it easy for a few days and enjoy yourself for once?" Sherlock looked taken back for a moment as his words.

"Stupidity doesn't take a vacation and neither does crime. Besides I can't let myself go soft. My mind is like a machine that needs constant upkeep or it won't work properly."

"Just a few days Sherlock. That's all I ask. Can't you let it go for just a few days?"

Sherlock just arched an eyebrow at him. "So being a doctor 'on holiday' if you happen upon someone who was injured, would you just turn around and say 'Sorry I'm on holiday?'" John just heaved a sigh, knowing when he was beaten.

"Alright, you made your point. I don't even know why I try to argue with you sometimes."

"Neither do I, but I do happen to find it very entertaining." Sherlock replied with a smirk. "Now if you don't mind, I have a few journals that I purchased yesterday that I'd like to read through for a bit. Coming John?"

"Oh sod off." John mumbled into his teacup as he finished the last sip.

Meredith chose this moment to help John escape. Turning towards him, she made a great show of being non-chalant. "That reminds me. A dear friend of mine lives not but a hop from here and she isna feeling too well. Would it be too much trouble te pop over and make sure it isn't anything serious?" She waited until she got John's full attention before giving him the same small wink she gave Sherlock. John picked up on it immediately.

"Oh! It wouldn't be any trouble at all. Can't let myself 'go soft' can I?" he asked, mocking Sherlock's words. Sherlock caught on to what he was doing and just rolled his eyes. "Just let me pop upstairs and get dressed and I'll be on my way."

"Thank ye lad. I'll just give her ring to let her know te be expecting ye." Meredith said.

John placed his cup in the sink and made his way towards the stairs. As he passed Sherlock he said, "I won't be gone but a bit. You'll be ok? Oh what am I saying? You'll probably have your nose so far in those books that you won't even notice I'm gone." And with that, he was out of sight.

Meredith waiting a few moments more to make sure John out of earshot before asking excitedly, "Did ye get something?"

"I did indeed. Your friend was most helpful, although I must say he is a very interesting character."

"Aye he is. May I see?"

Sherlock reached into his pocket and took out a simple black box. He opened it then handed it to Meredith for her inspection. When she saw it, her breath caught at its' simplistic beauty.

Nestled gently inside was a platinum band that was adorned only with two smaller bands of Onyx around the edges. The sun caught it, causing it to shine brightly. She thought she noticed something so she plucked it out so she could look closer. Sure enough, there was an inscription. She had to squint a little, but easily read the text: 221 Agus Blianta ata le Teacht.

"Ye even got the inscription in Irish!" she exclaimed. "'221 and Years to Come'. Tis beautifully done. What does 221 mean?"

"It's the address of our flat in London."

"I see. Tis a wee odd, but iffen it works for ye…."

"When John became my flatmate I knew right away that he was different. I asked him on a case with me his first day there to test my theory and I wasn't disappointed. Simply put, he not only became my flatmate but the first and only friend that I've ever had. Then it became more. But I am horrible at these types of things. Do you think he'll understand what I'm trying to say?"

"Aye Lad. I think tis perfect. Now put it away before he sees it!"

She shut the box with a pop and handed it back to Sherlock who tucked it safely away again. A moment or so later they heard John's footsteps coming down the stairs. Meredith immediately stood up and excused herself to 'make that phone call'. Sherlock turned around just as John was reaching the bottom of the staircase.

"Would you like me to come with you?" he asked.

"Er, thanks Sherlock but I think I had better go alone. Wouldn't want you upsetting the poor person while they are already feeing bad."

"And just how would I do that?" Sherlock asked indignantly.

"Knowing you, you would probably deduce something embarrassing about them based on something ridiculous like the paint on the walls or their fabric softener. Besides, weren't you eager to read your journals upstairs?"

"Yes but why read the book when I can see it firsthand?" he countered.

"Honestly Sherlock I highly doubt it would be serious enough to merit your interest. Probably not even a 2 on your scale. But I promise, if they have something that could potentially wipe out the human race, you'll be the first to know. Other than them, or course."

"Fine." Sherlock pouted.

"Tell you what. I shouldn't be gone too long. How about we go for a bite when I get back? Then we can shop around some more." He leaned a little closer to Sherlock and lowered his voice. "Perhaps you can find me some more of those red pants you bought for me. You seemed to like them, and they are very comfortable after all."

Sherlock looked surprised, and perhaps a little relieved. "You actually liked them?"

In answer, John lifted the hem of his shirt just enough to show the band peeking out from under the waistband of his jeans. "Would I be wearing them if I didn't?"

Seeing just the hint of red peeking at him had Sherlock's heart skipping a beat or two. He grinned. "All right. But only if you promise to model everything I buy for you when we get back."

John reached up on tiptoe and gave Sherlock a quick kiss. "Deal."

Sherlock had no intention of being satisfied with so fleeting a kiss. He wrapped his hand around the back of John's neck and drew him closer and instantly sealed his mouth with his own. John couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. They instantly broke apart when they heard Meredith approaching. Reaching out she handed John a slip of paper.

"Here's her address. She's expecting ye."

John thanked her and made his way out the front door. As soon as it shut behind him he opened up the piece of paper and read Meredith's neat handwriting.

'I called Duncan and let him know what ye wanted te look at. He's waitin' on ye with his best. Dinna worry about Sherlock. He'll be occupied until ye return. – M'

John shook his head and marveled at what a Saint this woman was turning out to be. But Saint or no, he knew that one old woman would eventually be at her wits end trying to keep him busy. He pulled out the card she had given him yesterday from his pocket, checked the address, and made his way down the street.