The last time Sherlock Holmes had met Irene Adler, was in an old, rundown café in Soho. He had sent her a text a few months after their last meeting in Russell Square to ask how she was and if she wanted to meet up one afternoon when he was free. She accepted and the date was set. It was late afternoon, rush hour, and the streets were teeming with commuters hurrying to get back home. Surprisingly, the café was almost deserted, except for the two of them and a few workers eating their dinner. Irene sat opposite Sherlock, sipping her coffee and stabbing at her piece of chocolate cake while he sat watching intently.

Sherlock was the first to speak. They had not properly exchanged conversation, apart from greetings, and he thought the situation a little awkward. "So, Irene, everything okay with you?"

"Oh, I'm Irene now? I always thought you called me Adler," He ignored her comment and she continued, "I moved. Away from here, away from London, away from him. I dropped out of university, went to the coast. Fresh air is good for you, you know."

"Whereabouts?" He asked casually as she finished off her slice of cake and wiped her mouth.

"Hastings. It's nice down there, you should come sometime."

"Maybe I will one day," He smiled and she smiled back happily.

"How about you? Any more exciting cases?"

"A couple, I suppose. But none that exciting. I solved a serial murder case up in Cambridge a few weeks ago. That was the best one, I'd say."

"Oh, I saw that on the news. They never mentioned you." She sounded a little sceptical, but she did believe him. Honestly.

"No, they never seem to do that." He concluded, grabbing the menu and reading through, though with no intention of ordering. There was an uncomfortable silence. Neither wanted to say anything, though they had enough to tell.

"I'm sorry I left on a bad-note last time, Holmes," He looked a little confused, so she explained. "The argument. The argument back in your flat." Sherlock remembered the argument, and looked back at it embarrassed. He shifted in his seat awkwardly, grimacing at the words he had said to her. Irene continued, "Well, I suppose that wasn't the last time we saw each other - " She trailed off.

"Oh yes," A smile played of his lips, "The memory stick."

"I'm sorry about that. I was curious, and I was wondering whether you'd notice."

"If it was anyone else I would've."

Irene blushed, "I still have it," She took out of her jacket the stick he had been thinking about for months.

"Have you looked at it? It is ok if you have." He added quickly, after seeing her guilty expression.

"I admit I had a little nose around, but only quickly. I don't even know why I took it, Holmes. I just saw you put it in your pocket and I wondered what was on there. Moriarty took it before I had the chance last time."

"Speaking of him…" He drawled. Irene looked away.

"I haven't seen him since. Which is good, seeing as he wants me dead." She muttered, still not keeping eye contact. Irene still scolded herself for the damage she had done, to her, to her life, to other people's life.

"Indeed."

"What about you?" She looked up at him now, taking another sip of her drink, "Have you seen him since?"

"No, unfortunately," Sherlock replied, almost sarcastically, "I think he was more interested in you than me at that moment."

"Mm."

There was another small silence. Only broken when Irene remembered the USB stick in her left hand.

"Oh, your memory stick," Irene handed it to him but he didn't accept it.

"No, thank you, Irene. I've learnt that I don't particularly need it after all. Keep it safe though. I might need it one day." He changed the subject quickly and she tucked it safely in her pocket again, "So, you've dropped out of university?"

"Of course. It wouldn't be safe there anymore."

"Of course," He repeated, "Do you have a job?"

"Currently unemployed. Typical, isn't it? I have had a few odd jobs, I suppose. It gets me a small income but it's by no means a comfortable life."

"You can always come and live - " She cut him off straight away. She knew where the conversation was heading.

"No, Holmes. You know I can't." She wanted to, but practically, she couldn't. It wouldn't be safe for either of them.

"Yes, I suppose you are right." He agreed, nodding his head slowly while still watching her closely.

"Plus," She added after a while, "I don't think John would like it."

"That is true."

"He always seemed a bit distant with me. Oh well, you can't please everyone."

Sherlock's phone buzzed and he took a quick glance at the text. Mycroft. Again. With another case for him. He could wait…

And then he had an idea.

"You're unemployed?"

"Like I said," Irene raised an eyebrow, not sure where the conversation was heading.

"I can get you a job."

"Oh no, you'd probably end up getting me killed or something." Irene chuckled, putting her finished plate and cup to one side.

Sherlock ignored her, taking out a card and sliding it across the table, "My brother, Mycroft's, details. I'll send him a text later, giving you a reference about you."

"A reference? From you?" She smirked, a little disbelieving of the man opposite her.

"Absolutely. Telling him how brilliant you are."

"But I'm not. I'm incredibly stupid and immature." She remembered back to the argument they had had back at his flat a few months ago.

He continued to ignore her, "And he's bound to give you a job. You'll be able to live comfortably. I can," He corrected himself, "He can get you a nice flat in London. I'll - he'll - make sure that you're safe away from Moriarty."

Irene studied the business card for a few moments before asking, "He works for the government?"

"He is the government."

She looked at him in surprise, "And you really think he'll give me a job?"

"I'll make sure of it."

"Okay," She said slowly, unsure and a little excited at the prospect of working again. The waitress came over and handed them a bill. Sherlock paid, unhesitant, and stood up.

"Well, Irene, it's been nice to see you again." He smiled.

"And you too." Irene replied, grinning back and giving him a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek, "Goodnight, Mr Sherlock Holmes."

And after that, she left.

There. Finito. Done! I hope you enjoyed it if you read it. I could've done better, I could've expanded it, but I just don't have the time at the moment to do so. That's life, I suppose! You never know, I might write a follow up if I ever have any spare time again. Please review!