Brown waves bounced behind the young girl as she followed behind the black haired boy she had continously tried to befriend.

"Come on, Sherlock! I found this book I want to read!" The girl attempted to catch his interest but he merely huffed.

"Then go read it. I'm off home," Sherlock grumbled, forging ahead in his path home.

"But I still need help. Please!" She pleaded as she grabbed his hand quickly which made him stop.

Sherlock rolled his eyes before looking at her. "Can't your parents teach you or pay for a tutor?"

"Well, yes, but I would rather my friend teach me!" The young brunette smiled brightly as she held up the book she brought with her.

"We're not friends, Phoebe," Sherlock reminded which made the girl's smile fall.

Phoebe then let go of the boy's hand and nodded. "Right, sorry. Do you think Mycroft would teach me then?"

"Ask him yourself," Sherlock waved her off before he kept walking.

Phoebe puffed out her cheeks and glared at Sherlock as he walked away from her.

"Fine. I will then."

🔎

"Don't forget, the parentheses come first," Mycroft instructed as he watched Phoebe solve one of the equations he had given her.

"Yep, parentheses then exponents," Phoebe remarked as she continued to write down her answer.

Mycroft hummed in approval and put a hand on her shoulder. "You've progressed nicely these past two years."

Phoebe smiled at the praising words she had received when the door to the study opened.

"Mother said to come down for dinner," the eight year old Sherlock said as he peeked inside the room. "And she said that there is enough for you Phoebe, if you wanted to stay."

Phoebe stod up with a slight nod. "I appreciate the offer."

"Alright then. I believe that is enough for today. You've earned a break. Let's head down," Mycroft spoke to which Phoebe nodded, following him out of the study and down to the dining room.

Mycroft pulled out a chair for Phoebe which she thanked him for before sitting down and placing her napkin in her lap.

Sherlock took a seat beside her and stole a glance at her. "So, you visited the orphanage again today, did you?"

"Hmm? Yes, I did. There is a boy there that was reading books today so I decided to listen in. We spoke about Shakespeare for some time before I had to leave," Phoebe recounted as a smile graced her features. "He seemed very knowledgeable for an orphaned boy at his age. Maybe even more so than you."

Sherlock's cheeks puffed up as he shook his head sharply. "I highly doubt it. But maybe you'll start bothering him to be your friend instead of me."

"I know we are not friends, Sherlock. I am merely here because Mycroft has been tutoring me in many things. I have no interest in engaging in a friendship with one who has no interest in me," Phoebe stated as she looked forward with a straight face. "You have made yourself quite clear."

"Now, now, you two. Calm down and eat your dinner," Mrs Holmes spoke from across the table.

"Apologies, ma'am. Thank you for letting me stay for dinner," Phoebe replied gratefully with a wide smile.

"It is always a pleasure to have you around, dear," Mr Holmes said from the end of the table by his wife. "How are your studies coming along?"

After taking a bite of the delicious dinner, Phoebe looked up at Mr Holmes. "I believe I am making great headway, and Mycroft said I was excelling."

"She has been doing exceedingly well for a woman of her age. Soon she may not even need me," Mycroft added as he smiled at the young girl. "Though I do appreciate the money your father has given me for tutoring you."

"Don't know why they couldn't hire her a governess," Sherlock grumbled, being met with a stern glare from his mother.

"When are you leaving for the university?" Phoebe asked Mycroft curiously, ignoring Sherlock's comments.

"I return next week. I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer, but I believe you'll be fine on your own," Mycroft assured as he gave her a small smile.

Phoebe nodded as she returned the smile before continuing to eat the warm meal she was graciously given.

🔎

Phoebe was walking along the sidewalk as she made her way home from the orphanage.

"Hey, cutie. Where are your parents?" A gentleman approached her to which she merely pressed on. "Little lady! I was talking to you!"

He took hold of her wrist and she quickly tried to pull back.

"Hey! Let go!" Phoebe cried out before someone pulled her back.

"What do you want with her, sir?" A voice said from behind her.

Phoebe turned to see her savior, a brown haired boy who looked to be a bit older than herself. She was sure she had seen him at the orphanage just that morning.

"I asked where her parents were and she ignored me! The disrespect is unacceptable for a young lady!" The man shouted as he glared at Phoebe.

"I am sure she was only trying to be cautious of a stranger. I doubt she meant any ill will to you, sir," the boy defended as he gently pulled her behind him.

The man huffed and waved them off. "Yeah, yeah. Just go on and make sure she doesn't disrespect her elders like that again."

"Will do. Thank you for your kindness, sir," the boy replied before leading her away.

"Thank you," Phoebe murmured as she kept her head down.

The boy hummed as he shook his head. "It is no trouble at all. May I ask your name?"

"Phoeboletta Hunt," Phoebe introduced with a small smile.

"The daughter of Lord Hunt?" The boy questioned as they made their way towards her home.

"Yes. That is my father. May I request your name in return?" Phoebe questioned curiously.

"My name is Albert Moriarty, of the Moriarty family," the boy responded politely.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Albert." Phoebe bowed her head slightly and opened her mouth to speak when she heard a shout.

"Hey! Phoebe!" Sherlock came running over and stopped in front of the pair, panting slightly. "I've been looking for you!"

"Really? And what would you need with me, Holmes?" Phoebe asked curiously.

"You know this boy?" Albert questioned, eyeing the scrawny boy as he stood beside Phoebe.

Phoebe hummed with a nod. "His brother is my tutor."

"Yeah, well, Mycroft came home today and he wanted to see you to how you've been keeping up. He told me to come find you." Sherlock huffed as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Oh, alright. It was a pleasure, Albert. Hopefully I will see you again," Phoebe bowed with a smile and Albert returned the gesture.

"Till we meet again, Miss Hunt," Albert said before he turned to walk down a different street.

Sherlock shoved his hands into his pockets with a lopsided grimace. "I saw what happened. Who was he?"

"Lord Moriarty's eldest son, Albert. Why?" Phoebe raised an eyebrow.

"It doesn't matter. Oh, and Mycroft didn't actually ask for you. I just thought maybe you would want to see him," Sherlock admitted lowly.

"Well, I would like to see him again. Did you just interrupt because you didn't want me speaking to Albert?" Phoebe accused playfully as she nudged him.

Sherlock scoffed as he rolled his eyes. "If you're inferring that I was jealous, you are sorely mistaken."

"Hmm, I think you were jealous of me making a friend. At least I make friends," Phoebe shot back with a grin.

"I don't need friends. They disappoint me," Sherlock muttered.

"How would you know? You won't give anyone a chance. Not that it matters. You aren't really a ray of sunshine to be around," Phoebe admitted as they turned to go to the Holmes residence.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Are you okay though? You did look kinda shaken when that man grabbed you," Sherlock asked as he kept his eyes on the ground.

Phoebe glanced over at him and sighed softly. "I'm fine. I was just afraid he was gonna do something to me because I don't know how to protect myself."

"I could teach you, ya know..." Sherlock mumbled, stealing a quick glance at the brunette beside him.

"You would take time out of your day to teach me?" Phoebe teased as she smiled a bit.

"It's not that big of a deal. I won't do it if you are just gonna complain," Sherlock shot back as he turned to look away from her.

"I appreciate the offer, Sherly. So when do we start?" Phoebe asked, receiving a glare.

"First off, don't call me Sherly. Second, we can start tomorrow. Just dress less, I don't know, poofy," Sherlock replied sharply, his tone loosening as he continued.

"Got it, professor," Phoebe said with a light laugh.

Sherlock just huffed. "Whatever."

🔎

"So you're off to university then, are you?" Phoebe spoke as she stood at the door of Sherlock's room.

"Yes. I finally get to be rid of you," Sherlock replied as he turned to look at her with a light laugh.

Phoebe hummed as she put a smile on her face. "Maybe you'll actually make a friend or two."

"Highly doubt that, Phee," Sherlock disagreed as he closed his case.

The brunette looked at the ground as she concentrated on nothing. "At least try will you."

"What are you, my mother?" Sherlock joked as he stood up, walking over to her.

"Very funny. I still care about you, even if you are a complete jackass," Phoebe said as she brought her eyes up to meet his.

"Not really sure why. You're only here for Mycroft. Or are you still trying to make me your friend?" Sherlock leaned towards her with a grin.

She scoffed as she shook her head. "Friends with you? I would rather be shot in the foot."

"Ouch. That hurts. Am I not worth your time anymore?" Sherlock teased as he stood up straight, picking up his two cases.

"I told you. I'm not interested in trying to befriend someone who has no interest in me," Phoebe said as they began to walk out to the front door.

"Oh, Sherlock! I am going to miss you so much!" Mrs Holmes cried as she ran to hug her youngest.

Sherlock yelped as he was crushed by his mother. "Alright! I get it! Now let go before you kill me!"

Phoebe giggled at their interaction as Mr Holmes walked up.

"The carriage is set my boy. We will miss you when you're away," Mr Holmes spoke as he stood beside Phoebe.

"Alright. I'm off." Sherlock waved as he started towards the carriage after prying his mother off of him.

"You better write to us, young man!" Mrs Holmes shouted out the door.

"Wait! Sherlock! I almost forgot!" Phoebe ran after him and he turned around to see what she could possibly want.

She pulled a box out of her pocket and gave it to him.

"What is this?" Sherlock asked curiously as he took the small box.

"Open it," Phoebe replied as she gave him a gentle smile.

Sherlock carefully opened the box and saw a beautifully adorned locket. He ran his finger over the intricate designs in the metal. He popped the locket open and saw the picture of the two of them on the right side of the locket while on the left the words 'Clever Boy' were engraved in cursive.

"I had it made as a going away gift. I know we aren't friends, but you really helped me when growing up and this was the least I could give you as my thanks. Don't forget about me, Sherly," Phoebe spoke softly as she rocked on the balls of her feet.

Sherlock couldn't help but smile a bit, forgetting about the annoying nickname. "How could I? Someone as annoying as you."

Phoebe let out a light laugh as she rubbed her arm. "Yeah, and someone as stubborn as you."

Sherlock chuckled as he turned to get into the carriage.

"Sherlock, I-" She paused as he turned to look at her. This was where she could say it. Be open with him. But she was a coward. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, Phee. I won't forget about you. I promise."

With that, Phoebe watched him get into the carriage and her smile fell from her face. She sighed and hung her head.

"Be safe on your way home, sweetheart," Mr Holmes said and she turned, putting her smile back on her face.

"I will. I promise. Thank you for letting me over," Phoebe replied with a curtsy.

"Any time, dear," Mrs Holmes spoke up as she waved to the girl who then turned and left home.

She glanced behind her and saw the carriage Sherlock was in turn down a new road.

A sigh left her lips and she frowned, wondering when she would ever see him again, if ever.

Tears slipped down her face as she held her arms around her stomach. "It wouldn't have mattered."

With that, she was off home, leaving the Holmes residence behind her.