"Is this a bloody joke?!" Sherlock barked. Mrs. Hudson was laughing hysterically in the chair across from Sherlock. She was laughing so hard that tears were beginning to form in her eyes.

"It's a good one." She laughed all the more.

"It isn't funny, Mrs. Hudson." Sherlock crossed his arms and curled into himself in his chair. All around them were nine deerstalker hats strewn about.

Mrs. Hudson sighed, still chuckling. "I thought it was. Read what he said with it."

Sherlock scowled, but held up the note.

"They remembered the hat, not the name

Even though it brought you shame.

This hat is what led you to fame,

With or without your own distain."

"You have to admit, it's sort of funny." Mrs. Hudson chuckled again.

Sherlock glared and sipped his tea. The leaves from the tea he had gotten the day before were exquisite. He only had three left out of the eight he received.

"I hardly think," Sherlock replied coldly. "That the subject of these wretched hats are even mildly humorous."

Mrs. Hudson cleared her throat. "Well, I think it was meant to make you laugh, if only for a second." Sherlock scoffed and strode to his couch.

"Christmas is almost here," Mrs. Hudson continued. "Did you have any plans?"

"Plans?"

"Yes."

"Why would I have plans? I only have plans when there are murders about." Sherlock stretched himself out on the couch.

Mrs. Hudson frowned. "You do need a laugh…" She rose and went into the kitchen to clean out Sherlock's fridge.

Sherlock thought about that. He only laughed in John's company. But he had been gone for so long… Maybe… Sherlock wondered, staring at bland ceiling above him.


I hope you all are enjoying this story as much as I am.

..I have a confession... I haven't written the last chapter yet! D:

That's what happens when I procrastinate on things i actually want to do. Well...I suppose I should get on that?