Disclaimer: I don't own anything other than my plot and characters. (No Watson D:)

Kate here, and i bring you some Watson Lovin! I LOVE this story. I finally decided after watching Sherlock Holmes many times that i just HAD to write a Hotson story. (Hehe, 'Hotson') I also love Kate, i think she's my favorite out of all the stories i've written. And yes, i did name her after me. Give me a brake, she's just too awesome! Anyway, enjoy!

Many Thanks

Much Love

Kate

Capitan Jack Kelly laughed at Kate McGowan as she shook excitedly. She hadn't seen London in sixteen years and she was most anxious to get off the ship and greet her family. The Capitan would miss her and she him. The toothless old man reminded her of her father, her real father, whose death was the reason she left London for Dublin.

"Calm down lass, well be docking soon." Kate looked at the Capitan then hugged him tightly.

"I'll miss you Capitan." He smiled.

"And I you, lass. Tell you what, me brother owns a pub down near the White Chapel area. When I'm in London I make sure to drop in and stay awhile. Come down and visit yer favorite old chap here and have a pint. Maybe even show off that lovely voice of yers."

"Oh yes! I'll probably be round tonight. How's nine sound?"

"Sounds lovely m'dear. Take care of yerself alright? Some odd characters walk these here streets." Kate stood back and crossed her arms.

"Now Capitan, do I look as though I need protection?"

"No lass, yer right." The ship docked and Kate got her things.

"Goodbye Capitan!"

"G'bye lass! It's Danny Boy's Pub you'll be wanting!"

"Aye sir!" With a small salute she walked down the ramp and onto the cobblestone street. Now, where was 221B Baker St.?

Doctor John Watson knocked twice on his colleague's door before entering his room. The place was a mess and not a light shone in the darkness. He looked for his friend but saw no one.

"Holmes?" He asked curiously.

"Ah Watson, come in old chap."

"Holmes, really, you need to get out of this place. It's been almost two weeks!"

"My dear Watson, there is nothing that interests me out there, on Earth, at all." Watson sighed and opened the curtains to the window. He felt a tad of self satisfaction from the yelps Holmes gave when he did so. Holmes managed to pull himself up onto a chair and take the morning paper from Watson.

"Is it really November?"

"Yes, time flies doesn't it?"

"Wait, today is the seventeenth."

"Yes, and its Tuesday." Holmes threw the paper aside, sat straighter, and stared at nothing.

"Kate is coming today." He said in a strange voice and his mouth gave a little twitch.

"Who?"

"Kate McGowan, my cousin."

"You have cousins?"

"Yes, my aunt has seven children, all boys except Kate."

"Why have you never mentioned them?"

"My family shunned my aunt when she found out she was pregnant. She was unmarried and my family couldn't bear such a scandal, after all what would the neighbors think?" He gave a small smirk and continued. "She gave birth to Kate in October when I was six. She and I grew quite close, but when she was ten she went to live in Ireland where her father was originally from. I do believe that was a week exactly before I met you Watson." Holmes paused to smile at his friend.

"Not to long ago I received a letter from her stating she was returning to London and needed a place to stay. The ship was meant to dock at noon and it being twelve thirty I expect she'll be arriving soon." Just then a knock came from Holmes's door.

"Come in!" The door was thrown open and a small woman with flaming red hair ran into the room.

"Sherlock!" The woman threw her arms around Holmes and hugged him very tightly. Sherlock gave a small smile and patted her back.

"Hello Kate." Kate pulled back and Watson was able to get a good look at her. Her long curly hair was partially pulled back and was the exact color of her lips, which Watson found extremely intriguing. She had rosy cheeks which went very well with her pale and fair complexion. Her eyes were a deep green which had a ring of honey brown around the iris. She was simply gorgeous.

Watson took in her apparel and was shocked to see her wearing trousers. These weren't men's though, the seemed to be tailored specifically for a woman. The same went for her shirt, vest, and coat. These oddities did not steal away from her looks though. In fact, the show of curve made her more alluring to him.

He studied her face again and took in her personality. She loved to smile and laugh, her mouth was turned up when her face was relaxed and an arch of her brow and eye remained. The wonder in her eyes showed she loved adventure and wasn't one to lie about all day. That would also explain her choice of clothing.

Kate's attention turned to Watson and she gave a questioning look to Holmes. He gave a small nod.

"Right, Kate this is my dear friend and colleague, Doctor John Watson. Watson, my cousin, Kate McGowan." Kate stepped forward and offered her hand.

"It's a pleasure, sir." Her voice sounded mostly British, but had a tad of an Irish feel to it. Watson smiled at the sound. He took her hand and instead of shaking it kissed it lightly.

"The pleasure is mine, madam." Kate blushed heavily and looked at the floor. He loved her blush. Holmes stared at Watson amused and stepped forward, and idea suddenly hitting him.

"Watson here is engaged to a lovely Mary Morstan." Kate gave a warm smile.

"Oh really? Congratulations, Doctor."

"Y-yes," Watson stumbled, all thoughts of Mary rushing back into his head.

"Thank you."

Holmes smirked at Watson, knowing the exact thoughts buzzing around his skull. He turned to Kate.

"Your room is right next to Watson's, down the hall to the left."

"Right, thank you Sherlock, really."

"It isn't a problem at all. Mrs. Hudson will see you get settled in. You met her on your way in right? Good." Kate smiled again.

"Nice meeting you Doctor, Sherlock." She nodded to each of them then walked out of the room closing the door. Holmes immediately turned to Watson.

"I cannot believe you Watson." He said truly bewildered.

"What?" Watson asked innocently.

"You haven't even known her for five minutes and you are taken with dear Kate."

"What a preposterous notion, how dare you suggest such a thing!" Watson put on his best "I'm-going-to-act-like-I-don't-know-what-you're-talking-about-face", but it failed when the red in his cheeks deepened.

"Yes, of course."

"Holmes! I'm engaged!" Watson defended.

"Yes, you're right."

"I don't even know her!"

"No, you don't." Holmes pulled out his pipe and a matchbook.

"I love Mary!"

"Of course you do."

"I couldn't just…just leave her for someone I barely know!"

"Never." Holmes lit his pipe and brought it to his mouth. Watson was defeated. He looked at Holmes contrite and sat down.

A soft knock came at the door. Holmes gave his usually "Come in." and, much to Watson's dismay, Kate walked in.

"Hello gentlemen. If you don't mind me asking, do either of you have any plans tonight?" Holmes looked at Watson who only shook his head.

"No, not at all. Why do you ask?"

"Well the Capitan of the ship I traveled here on and I grew rather close on the voyage. He reminded me so much of my father." Kate gave a short sad smile before continuing. "He invited me down to his brother's pub tonight, near White Chapel, and I was wondering if you would like to accompany me."

Holmes smiled lightly at her. "Why, it would be an honor. What time?"

"Nine."

"Perfect."

"Excellent. " Kate flashed them a stunning grin before walking back to her room. When they heard her door shut Watson turned to his friend.

"I'm done for."

Kate peeked her head into Holmes's room. "You lad's ready?" She asked not masking her excitement.

"Yes, come along Watson." The trio walked down the stairs, Watson and Kate shouting a goodbye to Mrs. Hudson, and stepped into a cab. The two men sat next to each other facing Kate. Watson was eyeing her guitar case.

"Why did you bring that along?" Kate gave him a wink then turned to look out the window with a smile. He looked at Holmes who was staring out his window with a smile as well. There had been many smiles, Watson noticed, since Kate had arrived.

When they arrived at Danny Boy's the place was lively and the laughter put a smile on Kate's face. She grabbed her guitar and threw open the carriage door.

"Come on! We don't want to miss anything!" She jumped out and strutted into the pub.

"Which one of you gents can take me to old Capitan Jack Kelly?" She shouted over the men.

"He'll be over her little missy!" Jack yelled from the bar. Kate ran over to him.

"Jack!" She threw her arms around him and gave him a peck on the cheek.

"Kate, I'd like to introduce me brother, Patrick." A man a few years younger than Jack nodded at her.

"Ello lass. Jack here 'as told me quite a lot about you." Kate smiled at Jack.

"Has he now?" Jack smiled innocently. Kate turned to Holmes and Watson.

"This is my cousin, Sherlock Holmes, and his colleague Doctor John Watson."

The four men greeted each other and Jack took Kate's arm and led her to a small stage at the front of the room.

"Quiet down, now, quiet down! I've found me dear brother some entertainment. How many of you lads are from Dublin?" A good deal of men stood and Kate recognized a few.

"Shaun!"

"Ello Kate! Nice seein' your face again." A tall built man yelled to her.

"Now if any of ye got a flute or a fiddle yer welcome to join Kate on the stage, long as you don't steal her limelight!" Kate blushed and playfully hit Jack on the arm. As he went down to join Watson and Holmes, Shaun and two other men joined Kate. Shaun had a fiddle, a man with sandy blonde hair had a flute, and a tall brown haired man had a small drum. Kate got out her guitar and tuned it carefully, all the while talking to the men.

"You two are in fer a real treat. When Kate was on me ship, I had her sing fer the crew every night!"

Watson smiled and watched Kate. She now stood at the front of the stage. The drummer started the beat and Kate began to play.

"Now I know at least some of you know the chorus of this song, and you'll be damned if you don't sing along." Kate smiled at the chuckles of the men and started to sing.

"As I came down through Dublin City, at the hour of twelve at night,
Who should I see, but a Spanish Lady
Washing her feet by the candlelight
First she washed them, then she dried them
Over a fire of amber coals
In all me life I ne'er did see, a maid so sweet about the soul."

Then almost all of the gentlemen and a few ladies in the bar started singing with her.

"Whack for the Too Rye Ooh Ray Lady,
Whack for the Too Rye Ooh Rye Aye!

As I came back through Dublin City at the hour of Half past Eight,
Who should I spy but the Spanish Lady,
brushing her hair in the broad daylight
First she brushed it , then she tossed it
On her lap was a silver comb.
In all me life I ne'er did see, a maid so fair since I did roam.

Whack for the Too Rye Ooh Ray Lady,
Whack for the Too Rye Ooh Rye Aye!

As I returned to Dublin City, as the sun began to set
Who should I spy but a Spanish lady
Catching a moth, in a golden net.
First she saw me, then she fled me
Lifted her petticoats o'er her knee
In all me life I ne'er did see, a maid so shy as the Spanish Lady.

Kate was now dancing around the tables of men and woman as they sang with her.

"Whack for the Too Rye Ooh Ray Lady,
Whack for the Too Rye Ooh Rye Aye!

Whack for the Too Rye Ooh Ray Lady,
Whack for the Too Rye Ooh Rye Aye!"

She threw an arm up as the pub cheered for her. Watson and Holmes were both immensely impressed, unaware of exactly how good she was. She looked over at them and grinned. A man at the back of the bar yelled to Kate.

"Please, m'dear, sing me a song of me love left in Ireland!"

"Of course!" She went back to her four accompanists and spoke a few words to them. The all nodded and readied themselves. Kate took a deep breath and started to sing a soft tune.

"Siuil, siuil, siuil a run.

Siuil go sochair, agus siuil go ciuin.

Siuil go dorus agus ealigh lion."

Then the four started to play a quick, steady harmony. Kate smiled softly as she played, and Watson couldn't seem to look away. The crowd had begun to move with the music.

"Siuil, siuil, siuil a run.

Siuil go sochair, agus siuil go ciuin.

Siuil go dorus agus ealigh lion.

Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan.

I wish I was wonder hill.

Tis there I'd sit and cry my fill.

Till every tear would turn a mill.

I'll sell my rod, I'll sell my reel.

I'll sell my only spinning wheel.

To by my love a sword of steel.

Siuil, siuil, siuil a run.

Siuil go sochair, agus siuil go ciuin.

Siuil go dorus agus ealigh lion.

Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan.

I'll dye my petticoats,

I'll dye them red.

Around the world I'll beg my bread.

Until my parents shall wish me dead.

I wish, I wish,

I wish in vain.

I wish I had my heart again.

And vainly think I'd not complain.

Siuil, siuil, siuil a run.

Siuil go sochair, agus siuil go ciuin.

Siuil go dorus agus ealigh lion.

Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan.

The four got louder as the played, the intensity of the song rising, Watson still could only watch.

Siuil, siuil, siuil a run.

Siuil go sochair, agus siuil go ciuin.

Siuil go dorus agus ealigh lion.

The music came to an abrupt stop and the room was silent. Kate opened her mouth to sing again.

"Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan."

Watson clapped heartily along with the crowd, the applause being greater than her first. She smiled and bowed then addressed the audience.

"What next? A fast one? A slow one?"

"How about both?" Someone shouted.

"Aye, I'll give you both." She moved back and started to talk with Shaun and the other musicians.

"I hear your voice on the wind
And I hear you call out my name

"Listen, my child," you say to me
"I am the voice of your history
Be not afraid, come follow me
Answer my call, and I'll set you free"

The drum started to pound in Watson's ears and he closed his eyes to the music. He stayed like this the remainder of the song, for the first time in awhile just listening to music. He found he loved the Irish beat the song had and the sound of the fiddle jumping in and out of the song. The flute kept everything together as the song went on and on.

He opened his eyes when the song ended but stayed in his relaxed position. Holmes turned to him.

"You seem to be enjoying this." Watson only glared at him and turned back to Kate.

"This is the last one lads; now listen to the sweet sounds of Danny boy." None of the band made any move to play and Kate herself only held her guitar. She would be singing unaccompanied.

"Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so."

No one dared move or make a sound to disturb the grace and beauty of the song being sung for them. Watson took a quick glance around the pub and saw many woman and men alike wipe their eyes. Even Holmes stood still listening as everyone else was.

"But come ye back, when all the flowers are dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.

And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be
For you shall bend and tell me that you love me
And I will sleep in peace until you come to me.

Oh Danny boy,
Oh Danny boy,
I Love you so."

Kate herself had tears running down her face, and was smiling gently as she looked at the occupants of the pub. At that moment no man was a stranger for they all felt the same enlightenment the performance had given them. There was silence hat carried after Kate was finished, everyone was taking it all in, then as if on cue the pub erupted in cheer. Everyone smiled at Kate as she blushed and wiped at her face.

Jack walked on the stage openly crying and gave Kate a hug. He turned to the audience.
"If that didn't move ye then you ain't got a heart. That was the lovely Kate McGowan, lads" The pub cheered again and Kate smiled.

"How many of ye want her back here soon?" Kate laughed at the cheers and yells the pub threw at her. She placed her guitar in its case like a mother laying a child to sleep and walked to join Holmes and Watson. Holmes stepped forward.

"Truly remarkable, except you went a little flat on the thirty-fifth measure." He said teasingly. Watson however, didn't catch on.

"What are you talking about Holmes, she was unbelievable! The Capitan must have been talking about you when he mentioned not having a heart."

Sherlock raised his eyebrows immensely amused, and Kate grinned, her rosy cheeks deepening in color.

"Thank you Doctor."

"Kate there is no need on formalities. I insist you call me John, or at least Watson."

"Alright then…John."

Watson smiled at her which Kate returned. Then a few men came up and stole Kate away, flirting and kissing the ground she walked on. Watson leaned against the bar taking a sip of his drink. He looked at Holmes, who was smirking. Watson sighed and turned away.

"I know, Holmes. I know."

Later that evening Watson found it near impossible to get Kate out of his head. He might have the luck of thinking of something else but it always lead back to Kate. This was so unlike him. He was never one to fall so fast and so hard for a woman, and here he was. Thinking of a woman he only met a few hours ago. He carried on the rest of the night like this, but not once at all did he think of Mary Morison.