Things went back to normal after Sophie woke the next morning. Having been taken back to Bakers Street she was relieved to know that she no longer had to deal with Fabian. She was still nervous about the fact the blueprints had been found but comforted herself knowing he was no longer there to carry out his plans. Things calmed down, she and Sherlock got into a routine and lived happily alongside each other. Now that she was found she was able to use her inheritance from her parents. She didn't use much but she and Sherlock had agreed that she would buy all the food and necessities and he would pay the rent. She found a friend in both Mrs Hudson and Mary, John's fiance and could be frequently found gossiping over tea with the other ladies. She and John had an agreement that she would accompany Sherlock on cases if he was working and he would if he were off. Mary was generally okay with this, though a little annoyed but what could you do. Sherlock and she got to know each other, not as easy as some people would but she managed to outwit him alot which intrigued him. He got rid of the spiders with decreasing comments about how stupid it was to be scared of them and when she fell asleep on the couch he would easily carry her to bed and tuck her in. Cases were more fun for him now that he had both Sophie and John joining him. Greg became good friends with her and even Sally wasn't as disparaging towards her after Sophie had pushed her out of the way from an oncoming bullet coming from a suspects gun.

He could feel those strange feelings all the time and he still didn't understand them, If he heard Sophie whimper in the night he would be straight there beside her calming her down from a nightmare. His heart leapt the time she had a knife to her throat by a murder suspect and he felt a rage he had never felt before when he saw the vile man try to put his hand down her top. He didnt get far Sophie kicked him where it hurt and Sherlock punched him in the nose. He taught her self defence, something she picked up easily, He introduced her to his homeless network and discreetly made them know they were to look out for her.

She had been looking for a job recently. Sherlock had tried to tell her she didn't need one, that they were fine without extra income bit she wouldn't have anything of it. She was bored at home all day when there weren't any cases. Yes she would go running but she wanted something productive to do.

One morning as she was stirring the porridge on the stove as she scoured over the open paper and noticed a small add in the corner. librarian needed, please call 07776648341 if interested in the position.Feeling excited and knowing this would be perfect for her love of books she ripped out the add, turned off the stove and fetched the mobile phone Sherlock had gifted her for her birthday. She knew Mycroft had put extra gadgets on it, probably to record her calls or keep tabs on her, but she didnt mind. He knew it was his way of showing he cared for her too. Mycroft had become a quiet confidant, visiting his brothers house when he wasn't there just to keep her company, always saying he was waiting for Sherlock to come home so he could annoy him but she knew that wasn't always true, most of the time he would leave just as Sherlock was arriving, strangly enough though, Sherlocks barbs to him didn't seem too genuine, for all she knew this was a cooked up plan between the two to make sure she wasn't alone. Calling the library she arranged an interview the very next day. Hanging up she rushed to her room trying to decide what to wear. In a fit of frustration she rang Mary for some emergency advice and arranged to meet up at the shops in an hour.

When Sherlock got home a few hours later to find an empty house, uneaten porridge on the stove and the newspaper on the floor it's safe to say he was alarmed. He raced up the stairs two at a time and thew open Sophies bedroom to find her clothes strewn across the floor and bed but not Sophie.

Where is she? She hates mess, she wouldnt leave it like this!' Trying not to allow the panic in his heart to rise, he swept back downstairs and reluctantly called his brother

'Sherlock.'

'Where is she?'

'Calm brother dear, she is fine, she is currently in Debenhams shopping with Miss Mary Morstan for a new outfit for her interview at the library tomorrow.' Sherlock could here the smirk in his brothers voice at his panic. He hung up abruptly took a deep breathe and settled himself into his armchair. Retreating into his Mind Palace, he waited for the infuriating woman to come home.

'Bye Mary! Thanks so much for your help!' Sophie shouted to the woman still sat in the cab.

' Your welcome! Good luck tomorrow!'

'Thanks!' And with that Sophie opened the front door and made her way upstairs into the quiet house. Frowning at the darkness she switched the lounge light on and almost jumped out of her skim when she saw Sherlock sitting I n his armchair.

'Christ Sherlock! give a girl a bit of warning yeah?!' She said, holding her hand to her racing heart.

Sherlock stood up and towered over her, he looked angry.

' Where the hell have you been?!' He spat out, he couldnt stop the anger building at seeing her smiling and laughing, He didn't want to admit he had been worried about her.

' What on earth do you mean? I went out shopping with Mary, you'll never guess what! I have a job interview tomorrow!' She beamed at him, but her grin faded as his nostrils flared before her.

' Look, I know you don't want me to work but I'd thought you'd be happy I found something I think I would enjoy.' She looked away, angry that she could feel tears welling in her eyes.

Feeling more cross at the tears and knowing they were his fault, without a word Sherlock stormed out of the house and went for a walk. He stayed out for hours, only returning when he knew she would be fast asleep amd trying to push away the feelings that were growing day by day.

Sophie was frustrated, she didn't know what Sherlocks problem was. She wasn't some damsel in distress that needed to be protected 24/7! Eurgh! why can't he just be happy for me! bloody jerk.' She grumbled and complained to herself. Threw her porridge from that morning away and cleaned the kitchen before making her way upstairs, placing her new outfit in her wardrobe before tidying up the clothes she'd thrown out. Showering and changing into her pjs and robe she went back to the lounge and curled up on the couch, waiting for Sherlock to come home.

At 2am be walled back into the house, careful not to make a noise, he could see the outline of her on the couch and sighed.He should of known she would try and wait for him. He chuckled, she never could stay awake past midnight no matter how much she tried. It was the reason why John generally did night cases with him or she'd be falling asleep everywhere. Feeling a little less angry now and knowing she would have a sore neck in the morning, he carefully picked her up and made his way up to her room. Gently placing her on the bed and tucking the quilt round her he turned to leave when he felt her hand close round his wrist. Looking down he saw her eyes open but knew she wasn't really awake.

' I'm sorry Sherlock.'She slurred, voice thick with sleep.

' Shh, its fine, go to sleep.' Stroking her hair she drifted back off. Before he even knew what he was doing he leant down and kissed her forehead. She leant into the kiss but didn't wake. Shooting up as if he had been electrocuted he rushed back downstairs and into his own room where he shut the door and slid down to the floor. What the hell did I just do!