The Woman

She had been in his thoughts for some time now. For nearly three years he had managed to keep her out when he didn't want to remember, allowing her access to his life only when he was completely unoccupied (i.e. bored). But since John's wedding and the Mayflyman Case, she kept creeping back from the back of his mind, and more often than not in delicate situation when he needed to concentrate.

"Damn woman…"

When he said that with his deep gravelly voice – thinking aloud for once – everyone in the room turned and looked at him with surprise.

"Who are you talking about, Sherlock?" Mrs Hudson asked.

He smiled. He hadn't realised he had spoken that aloud. Normally it was the opposite, he didn't voice out his thoughts without realising it. But no matter, their reactions were so distracting. Mrs Hudson was mockingly shocked, the few family members and friends agglomerated in the living room and kitchen were embarrassed and intimidated, looking at their feet mainly. Mycroft and his parents were sincerely surprised, Mycroft maybe a little annoyed too. And John was holding back his laughter beside Mary who had both eyebrows raised in question at him.

"The Woman" John and him spoke in unison.

He turned towards his best friend in surprise.

"How did you know?"

John's smile grew bigger, if that was possible, and he answered cheekily:

"It's always about The Woman."