Chapter 1: "Interesting Hobbies"

Sherlock Holmes adjusted his telescope a few degrees to the left and zoomed in on the window of the set of apartments across from his own. As he looked into the telescope, he noticed a man in about his fifties attempting to perform yoga and clip his toenails at the same time. Sherlock didn't know why he wasted his time watching this man attempt this rather disturbing feat, but for one thing; he found it amusing watching the man fail.

John Watson walked in from the front door of their shared flat and stumbled on Sherlock and his little setup. Watson wasn't amused, neither was he curious, but it was his duty as Sherlock's flatmate and partner to make sure he wasn't losing his mind.

"Sherlock, what in God's name are you doing?"

Sherlock didn't even seemed the least bit startled by his partner, but only adjusted the telescope again, then sat back.

"What does it look like I'm doing?"

Sherlock closed his eyes tightly in embarrassment.

"No, don't answer that; I'm watching the man across the street."

Watson set his suitcase down by the door and straightened himself up.

"Why?" He asked flatly.

Sherlock sat back in his chair.

"You see, I'm observing this man attempt what I'd call a rather interesting feat."

Watson put his hand on his forehead.

"What would that be?"

Sherlock gestured to the telescope.

"Take a look." He beckoned.

Watson took his time getting to the telescope and leaning down to get a good look through and saw just what Sherlock had seen, except, the man was in a much more tense position, while still trying to clip his toenails. After a moment, Watson removed himself from the telescope and took a step back.

"Alright then, that is the last time I ask you what you're doing when I get home."

Sherlock let loose a slight grin.

"Glad to know we're on the same page then. Any news?"

Watson shook his head, then sat down in the chair across from Sherlock. Sherlock himself looked disappointed that there was no case to work on, in fact, there had not been one in at least four months, leaving Sherlock incredibly bored, because after all, he was a sleuth.

Sherlock popped the safety cap back onto the telescope and moved to his more comfortable seat, as he was sitting on a fold-up chair before. He decided to pull out his laptop, and did so, but the sounds of footsteps coming up the stairs took hold of his attention; it was Mrs. Hudson coming up with tea for the both of men.

"Why, how are you two today?" The kindly, old landlady asked.

Watson turned around his chair to greet Mrs. Hudson, but Sherlock did not.

"I'm fine; you brought tea?"

She smiled.

"Of course dear. I know you always want some after a hard day's work. How is the clinic?"

Watson took a cup off the tray she was holding and began to drink it.

"It's good, saving lives, you know." He said hesitantly, but he tried to make it seem legitimate with a sloppy swing of his arm, almost causing himself to drop his tea.

"Someone died today, didn't they." Sherlock said without looking up.

Watson hung his head low.

"Yes." Watson said sadly.

Mrs. Hudson put her hand over her mouth.

"Oh, that's too bad dear. Well, they're in a better place now."

Sherlock let out a quiet chuckle, but Watson heard it loud and clear.

"What? You don't believe in the afterlife?" Watson asked.

Sherlock shook his head, continuing to laugh.

"No, I don't believe they're in a better place."

Watson again let his head drop, not even bothering to argue with Sherlock.

Mrs. Hudson set down the tray on the table, and was about to leave when something came to her mind.

"Oh, speaking of better places, the Detective Inspector called."

Sherlock looked up.

"Really? What for?"

Mrs. Hudson put her hand on her chin.

"I'm not sure, but he said that he wanted you to head down there; that your interesting hobbies would come in handy."

At that instant, Sherlock was up, out of his chair, had his coat on, and was down stairs. Watson had only barely gotten up.

"Why is he in a rush?" Mrs. Hudson asked.

"He's bored." Watson responded, heading downstairs after him.

Mrs. Hudson didn't understand.

"Sherlock Holmes bored? What has the world come to?" She said aloud.