A Birthday 221B for MrsNoggin - sorry its late! And thanks for the prompt and the beta (cheeky, I know). Characters belong to the estate of ACD and in this form to the BBC.

A little study in dialogue only fiction.

"Look at us both. We're both drawn to him, both enamoured, obsessed, in love with him. We are both fools."

"I–"

"Don't be ridiculous, Doctor. It is nothing to be ashamed of."

"But–"

"I rarely, if ever, concede defeat. Perhaps because it never happens. I do not play if I won't win. But I played this time. I gambled and laid my cards on the table. And you well and truly outplayed me."

"I haven't played at all."

"No, perhaps not... Which only cements my defeat."

"Defeat?"

"I offered myself to him, doctor. Openly. Completely. I offered him something that is never freely given. People have worked themselves to death for a piece of The Woman before, they've begged, they've killed. He was tempted, for a moment, but only one."

"I don't know what to say to that. Why are you saying this? Just leave it, go somewhere, get over it. It'll pass, whatever it is. You'll be fine."

"Bless you, John Watson, always thinking of others. I often wonder just how you survive in this world. I'm not telling you this for comfort and sympathy."

"Then why are you here? I don't see any..."

"Take your prize, Doctor. You have won. He is yours."

"I'm not... I don't... What?!"

"The prize. Sherlock chose you. He chose you. I am beaten."

Happy Birthday laydee!