House party
Sherlock hates a lot of things. People, Anderson, people questioning his deductions, Anderson. But today all of Sherlock's rage is channelled at Mike Stamford.
He had told him repeatedly that he did not want to go to this ridiculous party. After all, Sherlock didn't even know who this John Watson was. He did not know how to make small talk with strangers, at least not without insulting them. But now here he was, bottle of wine that Mrs Hudson had forced on him before he left tucked under his arm.
The house was cheerful and bright, light shone gleefully through the windows and the sound of many voices could be heard, even from where he was standing on the pavement. Sherlock once again considered just leaving the wine on the doorstep and going home, but that would be cowardly.
Steeling himself, Sherlock walked up the steps and with only the slightest hesitation, knocked on the door.
The door was opened by a very friendly looking woman in her mid-30s, who despite not knowing him still smiled brightly and invited him inside. His coat and scarf were hung up, the wine whisked away and he was ushered over to the fire place where he could see Mike talking to a well dress woman.
"Ah! Sherlock! Glad you could make it!" Mike greeted him cheerfully, even though his clothes suggested that he had come straight from his work and therefore must be exhausted.
"I'm still not sure why you invited me." Sherlock growled at him. "You know I don't do parties."
The woman laughed. Make up, tasteful and understated, hair, dark and pinned into a neat bun, clothes, dressy but not overly so. Comfortable, close friend of the house owner.
"Ah yes!" Mike pretended to slap himself. "Introductions! This here is Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock, this is Clara."
"You are close with the Watson's then." Sherlock stated, trying hard not to sound rude.
Clara smiled. "Oh yes, we are very close."
Sherlock nodded and scanned the room, while Mike once again engaged Clara in conversation. Furniture, old but well looked after, new carpet, pictures on the walls, family by the posing in them, people, casual, leaning, sitting, most drinking, some eating. Another woman with sandy blonde hair was making her way over, eyes glancing at Sherlock briefly before stopping on Clara, her eyes softened to something Sherlock had seen but never understood or experienced, love.
"Harry!" Clara had turned around at the woman's approach and was now immersed in a deep kiss.
Sherlock turned back to Mike and raised his eyebrows. Mike shrugged.
"This is Harriet Watson." Mike explained, as said woman made vague waving motions in their direction.
"Very well. Do I have to meet this John before I can leave?" Sherlock asked.
The two women broke apart giggling before Harriet turned to Sherlock with a bright smile.
"So who's this?" She said with a slight slur. A drinker.
"Sherlock Holmes. Mike invited me."
"Well then Sherlock!" Harriet giggled and pulled Clara into a one armed hug. "You should come and meet John!"