"An accident then," Lestrade said, running a hand through his hair as he stood in the hall facing Sherlock while police milled in and out of the flat. "Are you sure?"

Sherlock shot the Inspector his best don't be an idiot look.

"Unless you plan on arresting the dead man's terrier, then I believe-" he began.

"Sherlock," a woman exclaimed.

Lestrade, the officers, and everything faded into background as he glanced at the speaker, his eyes falling on her. He took in the black jacket she wore over a burgundy shirt, black trousers, and trainers, but it was her smile that captured him. She was the only person who ever looked at him like that and, unbeknown to him, her smile was starting to ingrain itself upon him.

"Hello," he greeted, turning to her as she approached.

He didn't even notice that he'd begun smiling the moment he saw her.

"Hello," she replied.

He wasn't entirely sure what to say after the way their last meeting ended, but she didn't seem to be one for awkward pauses because the moment she drew up to him she flung her arms around his neck and pulled him into another hug. His mind stuttered a bit, not as much as before, but he was surprised, though his hands somehow found her waist of their own accord.

Greg watched the display, both curious and stunned. At first he thought the woman must be John's latest girlfriend, but the way Sherlock looked at her…he'd never seen the detective look at anyone like that before. It was as if she was the only person on earth. He knew that look, but seeing Sherlock ware it was…well, something he never believed he'd ever see. He couldn't help the smile that crept out.

"I'm so glad I ran into you," Rose said, pulling back to catch Sherlock's gaze. "I was going to stop over, but I've been so busy with the…device that I haven't had time to thank you properly."

Sherlock gazed into her whiskey colored eyes. There were still sleepless nights, though not as many and she seemed lighter, happier. He felt a rare emotion surge through him, similar to one he received when solving a case, but different. It was there because he had a hand in putting that light in her eyes.

Greg watched the display, his curiosity getting the better of him. He wanted to know just who this woman was and how she managed to put that look on Sherlock's face…one that made him seem…human. He cleared his throat, that being the only thing he could think of.

Sherlock ignored Lestrade's attempt to interrupt them, his hands still on her waist as she'd pulled back from their embrace, but not stepped away and something inside of him didn't want to bring attention to that. The woman, on the other hand, glanced at the Inspector, turning her smile on the other man, something Sherlock found he wasn't entirely pleased with.

"Oh," she said, glancing from the man to Sherlock and back, realizing what she must have interrupted. "Oh. God, I'm sorry." She stepped back. "You're working a case and here I am interrupting you."

"No, no, it's all right," Greg said, returning her smile because it was the sort a person couldn't help returning. "Sherlock's already solved it. Only took him five minutes-"

"Four minutes thirty-eight seconds," the detective corrected.

Greg glanced at him, but he noticed the smile the woman turned on Sherlock who returned her smile, but not with the smug one the detective usually wore. The Inspector smirked. There was definitely something there.

"Right…anyway," Greg replied, looking at her, "I'm Detective Inspector Lestrade."

He offered his hand. She beamed, it was really the only way to put it, making him smile in return as she took his hand and shook it.

"Rose," she said.

Sherlock watched the two, not pleased with the way Lestrade interrupted them, but then she gave her name, something he planned on inquiring about since their last meeting left him wanting to discover more about her. Rose. The name suited her. He paused, wondering where that thought came from.

"It's very nice to meet you," Greg said.

The Inspector wanted to find out how the two met and exactly what they were to each other, but one of his men called to him. He excused himself, deciding to question John about the woman later. The doctor seemed to be the only one Sherlock confided in.

"So, you're free then?" she asked, turning her gaze back to the detective after Lestrade walked away.

"I appear to be between cases at the moment," he replied.

"Good," she said, taking his arm as another smile he'd never seen before appeared. One that tucked her tongue into her cheek. "Because I was thinking chips."

"Chips?" he asked, confused.

"Its afternoon and don't worry I'm buying. 'S the least I can do," she replied, misunderstanding his confusion.

He chose not to correct her as they walked down the hall and to the lift. Sitting down to chips would give him an opportunity to learn as much as he could about her and that device he helped her with because he hadn't been able to work out what it was for.

Standard Disclaimer.

Thank you to all my brilliant readers!

Reviews are always welcome. :)