A Case of Romantic Ignorance

Chapter 1: A Surprise In 221B

          It was just a normal morning at 221B. Well, as normal as it could get in the place. John was in the kitchen brewing some tea, Annalise was curled up on the couch reading a book, and Sherlock sat unmoving in his chair, filing through his mind palace as usual.. Though, maybe not for his usual reasons.

         "Happy Valentine's day, Anna." John said as he entered the room and sat down next to where she was, handing her a cup of freshly brewed tea and giving her a friendly peck on the cheek.

          "Why, thank you, John. Happy Valentine's day to you, too." Annalise replied, taking the cup from his hands and returning the kiss.

          Annalise looked over to Sherlock who was seemingly still deep in his mind palace and frowned slightly. "Why don't you go tell him Happy Valentine's day and give him a peck as well?" John interrupted her thoughts quietly. 

          "I think he'd mind invasion of his personal space a bit, don't you think?"

          John shrugs, "Worth a shot, maybe?"

          Before Anna could utter a sound, Sherlock beckoned to her "Annalise, would you come here a moment, please?" She and John jumped in surprise at the consulting detective's sudden request. Without protest, Anna stood and padded across the room towards Sherlock who still looked as though he were deep in thought.

          "Yes?" the girl questioned with a furrowed brow. He didn't reply, only gestured for her to sit. Still confused, Anna obeyed him and settled into John's armchair.

          The three of them sat there awkwardly for a few moments, John and Anna exchanging befuddled glances every so often. Sherlock suddenly snapped his eyes open, practically jumped out of his chair and began to pace the floor, saying to himself "No no no no no, this isn't right... How can I do this, how can I do this properly...?" He then snapped quite irratably at the ex-army doctor, "Shut up." 

          John was perplexed. "Sherlock, I didn't say anything." 

          "And don't say anything, John. I can do this.. I can do this.. All on my own.. Annalise, stand up."

          Hesitantly she stood. The second she was completely upright the detective gently took her hands in his. Annalise blushed a bright red and looked away.

          Sherlock rubbed the tops of her knuckles with his thumbs soothingly. "Anna..." he spoke softly. "Would you..." He looked into her eyes wearing a kind expression. "Would you like to go on a date with me tonight?"