It was a Monday morning in February when Holmes discovered me in my... true form. The discovery was through mistakes on both of our parts, but I knew the most fault was mine; I should never have attempted my feat of coming here.

I had fallen asleep reading, the top half of my pale body bare. The next morning, I was woken by Holmes barging into my bedroom.

"You had best wake up, Jen," he loudly said. "Or we will be late for..."

As I sat up, groping around for my spectacle, Holmes stopped speaking. Stunned, he stood just inside the room, his mouth agape, trying to find words to form.

"Holmes, how many times do you have to be asked to knock before entering?" I asked, breaking the fast becoming uncomfortable silence.

Holmes stayed standing, not knowing where to look, eventually attempting to meet my eyes with his, to not let his gaze wonder to my chest. Quite frankly, he failed at both! I took my discovery with grace, as I stood to sift through my drawers. Fortunately for Holmes, I wore trousers whilst sleeping, so I would not embarrass him further. Even though this was the case, he turned his back to me whilst I tightened my bandeau around my chest.

"You mean to say that you didn't know that I was a woman to begin with?" I asked, as I buttoned my shirt.

"No, I did not." Holmes replied, keeping his back to me, not even looking over his shoulder.

As I fastened the front of my waistcoat with one hand, I picked up the book I had been reading and placed it on my bookshelf. Upon hearing my book being replaced, Holmes warily peered over his tartan clad shoulder. When he saw that I was decently covered, he visibly relaxed and turned around. I faced him

"I hope you understand why I had to do this." I said, seriously, changing my voice as I looked at Holmes intensely.

Holmes nodded sharply.

"Yes," he replied. "Yes, I think I do."

"Good, because, as you were saying, we will be late for breakfast." I said, going to the door.

"I do have one question, Jen." Holmes told me.

"Yes?" I asked, prompting him to go on.

"What is your name?"

"Ellison. Ellison Jenkins."

Before we walked out into the corridor, Holmes stopped.

"This does not change our friendship." he told me.

I smiled at him.

"That is good," I replied. "I am glad."

"And you have my assurances that this will stay between us, and only us." Holmes added.

"I am grateful," I replied. "I can think of no way to thank you."

"You have no reason to repay me," Holmes told me, smiling. "Everyone has aspects of themselves that they wish no other person to have knowledge of. I am no different."

I nodded.

"You speak of your addictions," I said. "Then that will be my repayment. No-one will know unless absolutely necessary."

Holmes nodded, and we left to face the day.

A/N:

This is short, but it's one of my favourite parts of the prologue!

Also, I really, really appreciate reviews! Even if you're just telling me how amazing you think it is (I know; I'm so modest!) I'd love to hear from you!

Thank you for reading!

~Ellis~