Chapter 2

"Nope."

"Why? I like it!"

"It makes you look like a grandmother of the bride and doesn't flatter your complexion at all."

"But, I like floral!"

"We can do better."

Abigal sighed, looking in the mirror at the dress she had picked out. She'd loved it on the hanger, but now all she could imagine when she looked at it was some little old lady.

"Dang it." She glared at Sherlock in the mirror, knowing that even though he was looking down texting he would know. "Well then, of fashion guru. What would you suggest. You've hated everything I have tried on...I swear you are worse than my sister."

"I am certain I have better style than even her." Sherlock droned, slipping the phone into his pocket and scanning the store. "Go take that...thing...off. I'll have the attendant send in ones that I would recommend."

"Ok...but remember. I like modest, I don't want to attract the wrong sort of attention and I'm not interested in hooking up with anyone."

Sherlock looked almost offended. "I'm not about to dress you like a prostitute. What do you take me for?"

"All I am saying is sometimes men have different ideas about what looks 'good' than women."

"I am not most men or most people for that matter. If you are going to be insulting, we can leave."

"Oh, boohoo to your ego. You know you aren't insulted." Abby said, walking back into the dressing room.

She waited for a little while before the store clerk started passing dresses over the door to her.

"SHERLOCK!" Abigail yelled when she took a look at the first one. It was a short, black leather dress with a provocative cut down the sides and chest.

"A taste of what I could recommend if I were not brilliant and able to deduce what you would be happy wearing." Came the mild reply.

"I hate him sometimes," Abigail muttered under her breath, tossing the black dress back and accepting the next. This one was much more agreeable and she put it on feeling hopeful.

No sooner had she stepped out did Sherlock chirp, "No." And wave her back without a second glance, eyes back down at his phone. This happened with the next, and the next, and the next until Abby was started to get frustrated.

"Look, why don't you come put these on, and I'll sit with my phone for a while! It may not occur to you, but changing a bazillion times into dresses is exhausting! Are you trying to punish me for insulting you earlier?!"

Sherlock smirked at his phone. "Try the last one."

"You are such an ass." Abigail growled, stalking back into the dressing room and pulling on the final dress. It was a sweet bluebird satin, bringing out her eyes and dark red hair, knee-length and cut perfectly for her figure, complimenting it modestly just the way she liked it.

"Wow." She whispered. Most of the dresses that Sherlock had sent in were pretty, and she had liked them well enough, however, this one was perfect. It was casual enough not to look as though she were in the wedding party, formal enough to wear, and versatile for other occasions. "Oh my gosh! IT HAS POCKETS!"

Trotting out, Abby gave a happy jig and twirl. "I don't care if you say no. I want this one."

"I know. I just finished paying for it."

"What?! How did you know-"

"I should think that would be obvious," Sherlock told her, pretending to be bored and disinterested. Somehow, Abigail had learned to detect when he was playing at it and when he was serious.

Smiling, she shook her head and admired the dress some more. "Thanks, Sherlock...well, thanks Mycroft, but thanks for stealing his money, Sherlock."

"Oh, we aren't done yet. You still need shoes and accessories. Then we may as well do any other shopping you desire before Mycroft gets this card canceled."

"OOO! I need food."

"Always."

"And a new set of earbuds?"

"Yes."

"New bike? Mine got stolen."

"Of course it did. Yes."

"Best day ever! What are you going to wear?"

"I thought I would dress as Count Dracula."

"Oh my gosh. No. Sherlock. No. Can you imagine John's reaction?"

"Of course I can."

"I'll take pictures."

"I was counting on it."

"You know...I am actually starting to really look forward to Friday!"

"I might be too."

"You know, we could really mess with people."

"And you wondered why I asked you."

Laughing, Abigail followed Sherlock from the store off for the rest of their shopping spree.

AN: For realSkyEyes