December 31: "Renewal." (from Wordwielder)

A/N: Thanks once again to Hades Lord of the Dead for putting this thing together, and everyone who read or reviewed my entries for this year!

Happy New Year, folks!

Holmes and I sat by the fire on New Year's Eve, a quiet pipe for Holmes and a stiff drink for me.

I heard Mrs. Hudson's light footsteps behind me. "Don't be so talkative, you two," she said with a chuckle. "There are just a few minutes till midnight."

"It's true," I replied.

"Any New Year's resolutions, gentlemen?" asked our landlady, a glass of red wine in her hand. She seated herself on the settee.

I nodded slowly. "I intend to give up gambling for good this year."

Holmes raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"It's done me any good," I replied with a shrug.

My friend nodded. "It is about time."

"What about you?" I asked. "What's your New Year's Resolution?"

Holmes took a long drag on his pipe. "I have been thinking about it, and this year, I've resolved to cause less of a strain on your nerves this year."

I smiled. "How thoughtful of you!"

Our landlady let out a quiet snort.

"Come now, Mrs. Hudson," I said, turning to face her. "He sounds like he's serious."

She shrugged. "Mr. Holmes sounded serious last year too."

Holmes smiled. "I didn't quite accomplish it, I'm afraid. I suppose that makes this less of a resolution and more of a renewal of one."

"Fair enough," I replied. "Happy New Year, old boy."