A/N: Hello dear readers. Happy belated Halloween. It is after all Percy's favourite festival. Enjoy and I hope you all had spooky fun!


A Short Halloween Interlude

My favourite time of year had rolled around again. The multi coloured leaves falling and crunching underfoot in the crisp sunny autumnal days. The nights closing in and getting the fire going, a pumpkin sat on my kitchen worktop and bat decorations coving the flat. It meant one thing, Halloween.

I put on The Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack and got to work on my pumpkin, singing whilst I carved. It was a ritual that I had undertaken since I was five. I wasn't giving it up for anyone. The lovely thing about pumpkins is they keep away any unwanted distractions and look beautiful when glowing in the dark.

As Sally sang her lament to Jack, I pushed all emotions away. I associated many things with Halloween and Jim featured heavily. We'd had our first date, all those years ago, on Halloween and been caught up in a zombie walk. I smiled at the memory, a time of innocence and fun. I sighed and put the finishing touches to 'Barry'; I like to name my pumpkins.

His eerie grin punctured with sharp teeth, a narrow skeletal nose and two large eyes, one scared and 'Barry' was ready. I grabbed a couple of tea-lights and popped them inside, using my long lighter to ignite the wick. He glowed into life and sat illuminating my kitchen with a somewhat sinister and mischievous gleam. I took a quick photo of 'Barry' and then put him outside.

As I arrived back into the warmth of my living room, I posted the image onto Facebook, with the tagline:

'Keeping away the ghosts, ghouls and devils in Westwood.'

Yes, it was a public jibe, but if something as innocuous as pumpkin would keep the devil off my back, then I should have bought an army of pumpkins. My phone chirped at me, telling me I had a comment on the picture I'd just posted.

Happy Halloween my dear. Wrote Adelaide.

My favourite time of year! Happy Halloween! I replied quickly.

As is mine. Are you dressing up? You should cone to the Scotland Yard Halloween party. She asked. Normally I'd jump at an opportunity to dress up, but I was tempted to stay at home and watch my favourite films and drink tea. The quiet alternative became unusually appealing. A knock on the door halted my negative response. I hurried down the stairs and was met by a UPS man who was holding a rather large box. I signed and took it back upstairs eagerly, who was sending me big parcels?

The box was very well taped up; I grabbed a scalpel and carefully slid the sharp blade down the seams of the sticky taped box. Inside I was with a note.

Percy,

Stay strong, I thought this might cheer you up and keep you warm. It's my old coat.

Sherlock

I stared amazed, how had Sherlock gotten this to me? Where had this unexpected piece of sentiment appeared? I wasn't going to argue, it made me feel that wonderful warm fuzzy feeling you get when you know someone cares about you. I carefully put the note on the coffee table and unfolded the heavy grey woolen coat. It was a slightly smaller version of the one he wore now, it also had a few frayed edges, but otherwise it was wonderful. I hugged it to me and inhaled the scent; it smelled exactly like my brother. I smiled and felt content. I missed him terribly. We drove each other insane, but that's only because we were so similar. I looked further into the box and saw a lone deerstalker, he hated 'that' hat, and a very familiar blue scarf, but I suddenly knew exactly what to wear for Halloween.

I have the perfect costume. I received a little gift in the post today, so I'll see you there. I typed quickly, realising I hadn't replied.

Ooh, in that case I can't wait. Adey replied. Just talking about it was making me excited. This was going to be so much fun, maybe I would exact a little revenge too.

I'm into tricks not treats, poor Anderson. I wrote, giggling to myself. I was going to be causing all sorts of trouble tonight.

We will be an unstoppable force. What was this gift if I'm allowed to ask? Adey asked.

Someone very special sent me a coat and hat. I replied cryptically.

Ooh. I am uncontrollably excited to see your outfit now. Who are you going as? She enquired excitedly.

The walking dead, you'll see when I get there. What time does the party start; I need to be fashionably late. I added, my grin growing bigger. It was worrying, now I thought about it, how similar Sherlock and I were. We even had similar traits in our wardrobe.

Zombie? Hmm okay then. Adey queried unsure. It starts at 6. I'll text you the address. It's at a pub. She added.

Perfect thanks. I'm telling that person you called them a zombie, which will be amusing, see you later! I typed back. It was time to get to work. I had to transform myself into a more attractive, female and slightly shorter version of my brother!

I took a quick shower to freshen up. I stood in front of the mirror examining my reflection. I didn't really recognise myself anymore. On the surface I still looked the same, but the person inside no longer really shone through. Dressing up and pretending to be someone else felt like all I was good for.

I walked into my room and put on some underwear and opened my wardrobe. I stood staring at my clothes; they really didn't fit, even with half of them at Mycroft's. One good thing about being short on cash, I couldn't buy any more clothes, bags or shoes. I knew I had the perfect shirt somewhere; I just had to find it. After ten minutes of digging and pulling out my entire wardrobe I found a dark purple dress shirt, it was cut to be rather figure hugging, but it looked fantastic. I rummaged for a pair smart black trousers and pair of killer black six-inch heels. I needed to be a few inches taller after all. I still didn't quite reach Sherlock's six foot three, but I managed six foot two. I pinned my hair up and curled wispy bits of my fringe. I kept my make-up neutral, just accentuating my eyes.

I checked my phone for the time, wonderful; I was going to be fashionably late. How very Sherlock, I surveyed the chaos that was my bedroom, also very Sherlock, Baker Street was always hectic. Adey's text told me the address, I pulled on my new coat and wrapped myself up in the scarf, adding some leather gloves and putting the deerstalker in my coat pocket. The inside pockets proved a great substitute to a bag.

I got to the party at seven, only an hour late, and spotted Adelaide, I crept up behind her and said imperiously:

"Good evening miss Thompson."

"Mrs. Moriarty. You look wonderful." She chirped happily and hopefully.

"It's Holmes my dear, Ms. Holmes. I'm surprised you don't recognise the coat; maybe the hat will help? I asked, adding the deerstalker to my ensemble.

"Oh!" She exclaimed realising who I was dressed up as. "Haha you look awesome." Adey laughed.

"Hehe! I couldn't resist." I smiled back. It was appropriate that Sherlock was here is spirit, if not in body. He'd hate it, but the Yard needed him.

"You like my pirate outfit?" She asked, giving me a twirl.

"I love it, you look wonderful. The boys will be after you tonight." I gave her a wink. Adey's pirate ensemble was gorgeous.

"Oh stop it you. We need a photo. Haha has Greg seen your outfit yet?"

"Nope, it will be fun, I'm going to mess with Anderson. I might have a copy of the keys to his lab…" I grinned wickedly. How I had acquired them was a secret I'd never tell. I was going to exact my revenge for the years of harassment and the vile bullying of my brother.

"Ooh, would you mind having a partner in crime for the night then?" Adey grinned excitedly.

"After you Captain, this is in honour of my dear brother." I smiled. I felt a pang in my heart. I wished Sherlock was here; we'd have so much fun doing this together. I wasn't the first time I pondered what our childhood would've been like if we hadn't been separated.

"Trouble, trouble. What shall we do first?" She enquired as we walked out of the pub and into the office. The pub was just round the corner from Scotland Yard. Got love a government ID badge with the name Holmes on it.

"Well I don't want to damage any current evidence, but reverse order his filing cabinet, re-label bottles and I have some photos of Anderson, that might just make it round the Yard's e-mail. Mess with my family and get burned." I said to quietly as I opened the to Anderson's office. God the man was a slob. His office lacked any taste, he had a token image of his wife stuffed into a scratched frame, why he bothered I don't know. We all knew about his affairs.

"Hmm. I'll get to work on the files. You take care of the computer." Adelaide said to me, she got to work on the filing cabinets, that were unlocked, terrible protocol.

"Oh yes, I haven't done any hacking for a while; this is going to be fun. Essentially the pictures will be sent from Anderson's log in to the entire Yard, but can only be traced back to his office." I smiled deviously. I was enjoying this a little too much, but as my finger flew across the keys I stopped caring. Soon pictures of Anderson in a rather compromising positions with not just Sally Donavon but Judy from Human Resources, Amanda the Chief Super's secretary and Tiffany in the canteen. How he persuaded these women to come within ten feet of him I'd never know, maybe he had hidden talents? I opened up the Yard's internal e-mail system, attached the images and clicked 'send to all'. It was done. I logged out of his computer and turned it off. I quickly wiped the mouse and keyboard down to remove my fingerprints and stood up, re-labelling bottles and drawers.

"Right, I'm done. Oh Anderson, tomorrow is going to be awkward. Let's go party with the Yarders." I grinned as I finished my meddling.

"You're an evil genius Percy. I like it. Just wondering, what might these pictures be and am I expecting them in my inbox?" Adey asked as we got into the lift.

"Anderson in a compromising position with the lovely Sally amongst others. Don't ask me how I got them, it was entirely illegal, but ridiculous fun. I'm getting my own back for the abuse they gave my brother, they are as much responsible for his death as others involved." I replied seriously. I would never forgive them for the part they played even if Sherlock was alive.

"Ooh sally will be just as embarrassed. I'll be sure to keep close to Greg to see his expression tomorrow. Alright, let's go back to the party before anyone notices we're not there." Adey and I looked at each other and giggled as we exited the lift and back out through the atrium of the Yard.

"Greg is going to hunt me down, oh well, got to love diplomatic immunity sometimes." I crowd cheekily. Mycroft had his plus points.

"Well I'll keep control of Greg. I have his affection so I can make him do a lot," Adey paused mid-sentence and blushed, "oh god, I didn't mean it like that." This sent into another round of giggles.

We re-entered the pub and went to the bar to get drinks. The pub had gone all out, decorated every surface with spider webs and bats hanging from the ceiling. Skulls glowed and cauldrons bubbled. Spooky and popular songs played pulling the crowd to dance. As we waited at the busy bar, I looked to the door, in came the riot squad boys. All of them we built like rugby players. I found myself going weak at the knees.

"Wonderful." I sighed. I caught myself before changing my focus. "Did you ever ask out Luke, was it?! If not, you should tonight." I nudged my friend. She was nearly as shy as Molly. I ordered us a couple of drink and paid the bar keep. We wove our way through the crowd to a table.

"Oh," she blushed, "not yet. We've had lunch in the cafeteria a couple of times. I'm too shy to ask him."

"Go for it sweetie, be the fabulous and gorgeous girl you are. He'll adore you, you look amazing tonight, and you're amazing. If you don't talk to him, I might and I would be so embarrassing and let slip awful things, you best get there before me." I winked playfully.

"Maybe after I have a drink. You can be my wing woman." Adey asked.

"Perfect." I smiled. I might've downed my drink

"Oh wow. I have butterflies in my stomach now. Thanks Perc. She giggled, another faint blush staining her cheeks. I saw Anderson and Donavon walk in, both looking flushed. Time for one more little trick, then it would be all treats.

"Anytime. It's what I'm here for. Got one more prank to play, sorry in advance." I pulled out my phone and sent a text; "Wrong! Believe in Sherlock Holmes" suddenly trills and whistles of phones began singing. I felt that thrill of mischief rise inside. A little reminder to everyone, that my brother was innocent.

"Let's mingle." I quipped and pulled Adey into the crowd towards the dance floor.

"Let's. I love Halloween. Any chance to act up and scare people.

"I know! No promises on my staying sober. I have informed Mycroft I am not coming to work tomorrow." I announced. Halloween was a sensitive time of year. I needed to forget, but I had promised John I would stop using, if I could atone for anything, I would keep my promise to him. No one said I couldn't drink and have a little fun.

"Well that makes the two of is. Just stay sober enough to help me ask Luke out first." Adey asked, watching me carefully.

"That's not a problem." I smirked. I reached inside my coat pocket and took a swig. "I have my trusty hip flask to keep me buzzed. After you get Luke I am going to be badly behaved, I'm fed up being good and doing what people want me to do." I griped. My mood was all over the place.

"Fair enough." She nodded. She looked up and smiled sheepishly. "He makes a cute pilot." Adey indicated Luke standing with some of the other forensics team.

"He does, come on. It's time to be proactive." I grabbed Adey's hand and led her across the dance floor. I swept towards Luke and gave him my winning smile. "Luke, sweetheart, it's fabulous to see you. This is Adelaide; she's gorgeous, clever and hilarious and she thinks you're hot. You two go have fun and don't do anything I wouldn't do!" I urged cheekily.

"Percy that leaves a lot." Adey protested and hugged me quickly. She quietly whispered in my ear. "I'm going to kill you." She hissed in good humour.

"It does." I agreed. "Make it a good death, I'm not going quietly! Have fun lovebirds. I'm going secret hunting!" I grinned pulling out a magnifying glass and getting lost in the crowd at the bar.

The drinking began, shot after shot. At some point I lost my coat and my shirt ended up tied under my best showing my flat stomach. I think, I don't trust my memory, but the riot squad boys were doing body shots off me. It was a blur of flirtatious comments and dirty dancing until a handsome stranger in a devil mask overtakes my memory…


Jim POV

He'd received a text earlier that night telling him "Wrong! Believe in Sherlock Holmes" he found it funny, he knew Sherlock was alive. His sense of humour faded when he was sent a video of Percy barley clothed being mauled and man handled by two men. Halloween was her favourite celebration. She always got so excited and went all out. Their first date had been Halloween, when Percy had been nothing but a slip of a girl and he was younger and slightly more innocent, marginally. By the end of that date, both had known that they had met someone who would change their lives forever. Their second date the next morning had confirmed they were falling for each other and four days later they were a couple.

He wanted a quiet night in avoiding the inundation of pumpkins. Yes, an odd fear, especially for him. He tied to push the memory away, but it was too strong.

A little boy, he was always alone. He was ridiculed and tormented by the other children. They didn't understand him, his mind. He was small, his dark hair and big dark eyes so attentive and always watching scared the other children. Halloween was frowned upon; it was a night for church and reflection. All Saint's day was a time for more penance and church. The boys and girls of St. Saviour's Sunday School had hatched a plan, they thought the devil resided among them, it was time to send him back to hell. They ambushed the boy shoving his head inside a pumpkin, the smell and pulp was suffocating. The boy ran bewildered and stumbled, tripping onto a hard floor. Sounds were so muffled and the smell, putrid. He couldn't breathe or see. He was so scared. He was only five. He scrambled to his knees and wrestled with the large thing confining his senses. He pulled and tugged and wrestled until with a sickening squelching sound it popped off his face. He gasped and gulped for air. He heard a lock click shut and run home. A smell of smoke assaulted his newly free senses. He glanced around the darkness, looking for any sign. A flame flickered to life, illuminating terrifying faces. The little boy cowered where he knelt. The heat and flames rising, he didn't know what to do. He was too scared to cry out. The heat was making the faces melt and crackle, their horrid faces oozing into burning grimaces of pain. He coughed, the smoke now filling the room; he choked and cowered, praying for an angel. Minutes that felt like hours passed his vision now blurring, he would wake only to choke and pass out again, but a sound of hope roused him a little longer, the locks creaking and new light flooding the little room. Water splashed, the hiss of extinguished flame was loud in the new silence. His angel, his mother was there, she scooped him into arms and to safety.

He shivered slightly thinking about pumpkins. He shook off the anxiety creeping up on him and decided he would find his wife and rescue her. He donned a black suit, Westwood of course, a red silk tie embellished with little black skulls. He slicked back his hair and added a devil mask, something he had left over from a party three years ago. Percy had got him to dress up with her as the devil and his bride. It had been fun. Percy's dress had been positively scandalous.

He got hailed a cab and gave Scotland Yard's address. The Yarders weren't the most adventurous lot; their party wouldn't be far away. He paid the cabbie and stepped out into the cold October night. He could hear a thumping bass line near by, he turned the corner and found a pub decorated and lit up for the festivities. He adjusted his mask, took a deep breath and entered the fray.

He deftly wove through the crowd, the odd person spouted compliments at his attire, but he just nodded and ignored them his eyes roving the crowd like a hawk for Percy. He spotted Adelaide, she was talking to a good-looking blond man, well boy, and he barely looked twenty. He slipped his mask up enough so she'd recognise him.

"Jim! Hi, what are you doing here?" Adelaide asked surprised to see him.

"Crashing the party, trying to distract myself, a few photos of Percy ended up in my inbox." He replied sadly.

"You're looking rather spooky indeed. Do you like the pirate outfit?" She asked happily and perhaps a little tipsy. Her twirl was cute. "Photos? What kind of photos? Oh, and this is Luke." She introduced with a smile and blushing like a schoolgirl.

"Very attractive. Nice to meet you Luke, Adelaide is a great girl." He said openly, shaking Luke's hand. "Percy is making an exhibition of herself and I've been receiving the evidence. Thought I should come and see for myself." He replied a little sadly.

"I'll get us some more drinks Adey, catch you in a bit." Luke smiled and kissed Adelaide on the cheek.

"Thanks, I seem to have lost track of Percy sorry. I've been talking to Luke for a while. Um, she should be here though…" Adelaide spun round looking for her friend. Jim felt himself start to worry.

"Do you know how much she's had to drink?" He asked firmly.

"I don't, sorry, I just said I lost track of her. She did have a hip flask on her though. Would you like help trying to find her?" Adelaide replied defensively.

"Sorry, I know." He apologised quietly, his attention being caught by Percy dirty dancing with two very attractive riot officers. The surge of jealousy was overwhelming. She was his. "No I've found her." He spat angrily. Adelaide followed his line of sight and sighed.

"Oh Percy, Jim I'm so sorry." She said sincerely. Her genuine concern for him melted away some of his rage. "I should have been looking out for her." She added looking embarrassed, like she'd failed. Jim suddenly and surprisingly felt guilty at making Adelaide feel responsible for Percy's behaviour.

"Please don't apologise, it's not your job to mind her. Did she say anything or do anything different tonight?" He asked calmly, reigning in his swirling emotions. He was a ticking time bomb.

"Nope, I mean we caused some mischief before but only to Anderson but other than that no. Why's that?" She explained.

"Fair enough, I was just wondering if she was acting differently." He said distractedly. He couldn't help but stare at her, he was trying to work out her costume. As she put on the deerstalker he realised. It was an odd sensation. To find her so attractive when she was dressed as her brother, his arch nemesis. He thought back to a conversation they'd had months ago, when Percy feared he loved her because she was so similar to Sherlock. That was never the case, she was so much more than Sherlock, she was his forever and he just had to prove it to her.

"God it's disturbing, she looks identical to Sherlock, just more attractive." He muttered out loud, and then he remembered that Adelaide was standing next to him.

"She was excited to get into the outfit. Do you want me to retrieve her off the officers? Does she know you're here?" Adelaide asked, trying to stifle her giggles. They continued to watch Percy, she was glorious, laughing and dancing. She looked alive and vivacious. The flirty glint in her eye enrapturing the men around her, he remembered the way she used to look at him like that. He missed it.

"Really?! She does adore her brother." He conceded. "No she doesn't, I should let her have fun. I have no hold over her now." He said sadly. Perhaps he should give it up, he wasn't getting her back.

"Yeah really, wait, what do you mean?" Adelaide questioned confused.

"We're not together, we haven't been for months. She's had a relationship with another man, she's partying like she's single. Maybe I should just sign the divorce papers? Set her free." He could feel the man slipping away with every word. The monster was winning and would soon take over. The world was going to become a little darker.

"Oh I already knew that, from the way you said it I thought you already had signed them." She commented gently. She cringed at his hurt expression and he simply couldn't hide it. His heart was breaking; he'd always known Percy was his undoing.

"You knew she'd been in a relationship? Why didn't you tell me?" He snapped. Why did everyone close betray him?

"What!? No I knew you had been separated, I didn't know about the relationship." Adelaide exclaimed defensively. She looked utterly confused.

"She dated Dr. Watson, something happened to break them up. I found out this morning." He revealed. When he'd found out this news he did no rage or curse. There was no violent outburst. He just sat and stared blankly at the wall of his office. Numbness took over; the same feeling that had consumed him all day until he'd received the images of Percy cavorting at the party.

"Well I certainly didn't know that, and I'm sorry you think I went behind your back with that information. I would never do that Jim." Adelaide implored, her wide eyes revealing her honesty.

"I assumed Percy would have told you. I apologise, I'm not at my most rational when it comes to her." He apologised. Why did Adelaide bring out these reactions in him?

"No she didn't but I understand, she's the most important thing to you at the moment." She smiled comfortingly. She paused for a moment, thinking hard. "This might be a bit misplaced but can I you for some advice?"

"Of course. What is it?" He replied openly. It was the least he could do in repayment for her friendship and honesty. Adelaide Thompson still confounded him, nearly as much as Percy did.

"I really like Luke," She glanced at the man of her affections, "and I think he likes me and I don't know, should I go home with him tonight? I want to but I'm kind of nervous. Percy's a bit preoccupied and you're the only other one here that I would ask this kind of stuff to." She babbled quickly looking nervous. Jim found himself at a complete loss. He had no idea what to say. He'd never been asked to give relationship advice to anyone, not even Moran dared ask. He wracked his brain, trying to remember what he'd overheard Percy say to her friends.

"Um, I'm probably not the best person to ask, but if you like him see where it goes. If he turns out to be a dick, punch him run away?" He said uncertainly. Adelaide smiled and laughed nervously.

"Thanks, I'll bear that in mind. Sorry, I just didn't know who else to ask." She thanked. He nodded still bewildered and again distracted by Percy's antics. He lost the battle at suppressing his misplaced humour; a dark chuckle escaped his lips.

"That police officer has no idea, can't he see Percy is pulling away from him? Perhaps I should make use of my disguise; I'm going to have some fun with my wife. Go find Luke, have some fun and deal with real life in the morning." He announced and giving Adelaide the only piece of advice he could think of. He'd made his decision; he would save his heart and offer her love.

"Ooh have fun." Adelaide beamed warmly. "Thanks Jim you're very kind, well I know if he turns out to be a dick I have both you and Percy to help me out. Please don't cause too much trouble, remember that I still have to work here." She chided playfully. Jim just smirked in reply, gave her a wink and replaced his mask sauntering into the crowed towards his wife.


Percy POV

The drinks kept flowing and I kept drinking. I was well past sober and the night was becoming a blur. I was too hot and I wanted to get away from the writing bodies. At some point I felt new but familiar hand wrap around my bare waist, they pulled me away from the groping me and into their arms. I looked at my saviour, the devil himself. I found myself too tall, taller than I should be, the devil before me looked up at me with kind eyes. Eyes filled with relief and something that looked like love. Without conscious thought, I felt myself being pulled closer to him and I leaned forward, our lips joining in a searing kiss.

The fire between us ignited, the kisses becoming more passionate, hands roaming and exploring. I wanted to be taken by this masked rescuer, a safe familiarity that I couldn't understand but I craved like oxygen. I wanted to be consumed by my new partner.

"Take me home…" I whispered.

I woke up in a strangely familiar setting. I was definitely still drunk, the room spinning and my body numb. My brain wasn't working. I sat up and looked around, I was at home, how did I get here? Everything felt dreamlike. I scrambled to grab my clothes, they were scattered across the floor mixed with a man's clothes. Every time I bent down I felt the world spin and a wave of nausea come over me. I dressed hastily, picked up my heels and ran out the room to the front door as silently as possible. As I shut the door behind me, I was sure I heard a familiar voice call my name.

I turned out of the quiet street to a bustling main road and hailed a taxi to take me home, to my home. I got into the first taxi that stopped and gave him my address, then sat back with a sigh.

"Alright love?" Asked the cabbie.

"Yeah, crazy night." I nodded.

"You're not the first this morning." He smiled.

"Probably won't be the last either." I smiled back and closed my eyes.

The cabbie told me when we got to my flat and I paid him extra, telling him thank you. I unlocked my front door and ran up the stairs, shedding my clothes as I went. I needed a scolding shower. I had to wash off whatever happened to me last night. As I stepped out the therapeutic hot shower, I got dressed quickly. I was acutely aware of the time, but I seemed to be doing everything too slowly, my brain still feeling like mush.

I managed to stumble across Central London to work. I was only five minutes late. I made it through an early meeting, but had to escape as it was wrapping up to be violently sick. It's always worrying when you're vomit is tinged blue and green. What the hell had I been drinking? Mycroft was waiting for me outside the ladies with a glass of water and two aspirin, my coat and handbag. He sent me home and told me to stay away until Monday.


Two days later…

Percy POV

Adelaide had called me that morning asking me to lunch. I agreed, but food still wasn't appealing. I was still getting over my hangover. This was ridiculous. I decided to wear the coat Sherlock had sent me again as it was warm and comforting in my fragile state. I got to the restaurant a little ahead of Adey, and checked my pockets before handing my coat to the cloakroom; I found a mask in my pocket, a weirdly familiar mask.

I went to our table and sat down staring at the mask. I was really struggling to piece together what has happened at the Yard's party. Adey spotted me and waved, she handed her coat in and came over to me. I stood and hugged in welcome. We exchanged general pleasantries, but I couldn't resist asking.

"Do you know who was wearing this mask at Scotland Yard's Halloween Party?"

"Looks strikingly familiar." She nodded. Maybe she knew.

"Really? I can hardly remember the other night. I remember pranking Anderson, this mask and waking up on a familiar sofa." I explained.

"Hmm, sounds like you had a good night then." She smiled cryptically.

"I don't know; I drank so much. I'm still slightly hungover. Did I do anything embarrassing?" I asked worried.

"Well at least you ended up back at your own house, and that depends what you class as slightly embarrassing. Dancing provocatively with a few sexy riot officers?" Adey revealed. Okay, that's not so bad.

"Oh that's fine. I sort of remember the dancing and those boys are hot. It's the person in the devil mask, they, he literally swept me off my feet." I added sheepishly.

"Sounds like you had a very good night. Well, let me just say you know the man behind the mask." She teased.

"Do I?" I asked confused. The waiter came to our table and I ordered as much coffee as I was able, and a round of bacon sandwiches, a wonderful hangover cure. Adey ordered a more sensible and healthy breakfast.

"Mmhmm. I thought the mask would be a dead giveaway." Again with the cryptic smile. I was still none the wiser.

"Adey, I was practically blind with the amount of alcohol I consumed, I'm going to need some help." I pleaded. I really needed her help.

"Hmm, that you were. Do you promise not to kill either party?" She asked seriously.

"Depends who it is, if it's someone like Anderson...no one will ever find the body and I am going to a nunnery." I replied quickly.

"In that case shall I help you hide the body?" She quipped her face betraying no emotion.

"Oh God, I think I might be sick..." I grimaced.

"Sweetie, it wasn't Anderson. I wouldn't allow it. I was just teasing, don't kill me!" She revealed with a laugh. I'd never felt so relieved.

"You really had me worried there. I'm not going to kill you. I don't have the energy." I admitted. Still letting that wonderful news sink in. At least I wouldn't need to bleach my entire body.

"Phew, I was worried for a minute there. Well if you really want to know who it was I'll tell you. Are you sure you want to know?" Adey asked.

"I don't know. I should probably know whom I had a one-night stand with; especially if I know them, does everyone else know them?" I asked. I had to know what I had done and whom with.

"Oh my god Percy! I don't think it could be considered a one-night stand and I know who it is." She added.

"Okay...um if you know who it is, would my brothers, Angie, Greg and the like know who it is?" I asked worriedly. If they all knew who is was I'd never live it down. This wasn't good. I didn't need more bad press.

"They do, I'm not sure about Greg. Oh wait; he does know who it is." Adey said thinking.

"Shit!" I cursed. "Kill me now." I groaned, covering my face with my hands.

"I guess that means you worked it out?" Adey inquired.

"No, but if everyone knows, I am never going to live it down, especially as I can't remember who it was." I cried. Maybe I should just start again a new name, a new identity? I would make everything simpler.

"Well they don't know you went home with him, I made sure of that and I wouldn't let you go home with a random guy, especially not Anderson. It was Jim." She said quietly. I stared at her open mouthed. Jim? No, it couldn't have been him…could it?

"WHAT?! No, it couldn't have been, he wasn't there. Why would he be at a Halloween party for the Yard?" I asked hastily, my brain attempting to work quickly enough. The shock wasn't helping.

"It was, I spent a good 20 minutes talking to him. Apparently to crash the party, which didn't happen after I warned him I still had to work there." She said trying to plicate. I wasn't sure. It didn't explain why!

"Why would he crash a Yard party, there was no good reason for him to be there. You still have a job right?" I added as an after thought.

"I still have a job, I wasn't going to let him do anything. And think Percy, why else would he be there?" She pushed. I got what she was implying, but he had no reason to come for me.

"We aren't speaking, we've been separated for months, and now he appears out of thin air! Oh God, this is a disaster. I can't believe this happened, I don't even remember it. Wait...that's a good thing, it means it never happened." I rambled to myself.

"No Percy, that doesn't mean it didn't happen, it just means you prefer to pretend it didn't happen." Adey scolded.

"That works. I am not acknowledging this happened. He broke my heart, ripped my soul in two. I can't forgive him for that. You have no idea what he's capable of, what he's done to me." I said more harshly than I intended, my wrist giving a nasty twinge at the memory of the night we separated.

"Okay Percy, okay. I don't have any idea what he has done to you so I'll leave it at that. Do you want anything? Maybe, a mind wipe?" She offered.

"A new life, a new brain and a mind wipe? I'm sorry; I didn't mean to snap at you. I can't believe how I'm acting. I'm not sixteen anymore." I said with a regretful groan. This was only going to complicate matters. I would have to call my lawyers when I got home.

"No don't apologize, you were well within your rights. Um, I don't think I can get you a new life; I'm not the Doctor unfortunately. How about you eat something, I hear that helps with a hangover." She offered, patting my hand. She was being great with this whole mess.

"I probably should eat, it has been a few days." I admitted and started picking at my sandwich.

"Yeah you probably should, wow, I don't know how you survive so long without food." Adey commented.

"Habit. It's why I learnt to cook, so I can nibble whilst cooking and no one forces me to eat. I do get hungry, when I do I eat enough for three people, it's just not very often. Sherlock is exactly the same." I smiled. I really needed my brother now, even if he'd be disappointed.

"We are feeding you up then." She laughed.

"Oaky, okay. I have time. Mycroft gave me few days to...um...sober up." I relented.

"A few days? How much did you have to drink my dear?" Adey asked worried.

"I don't know. I was still drunk when I woke up; I stumbled home, went to work threw up and was sent home. I was told to come back on Monday." I laughed, It was a bit ridiculous when I thought about it!

"Ooh, not good. That's a bit of a hangover if you've still got it. Did you have your drink with you the whole time?"

"No idea. I think I've been spiked before, it felt a bit different." I admitted. I vaguely remember being spiked a while back, it was so much more disorientating.

"Okay, well you're alright now." Adey smiled and ordered us more food.

"Its just another night I can't remember. Its not the first and it won't be the last I'm sure." I sighed, disappointed in myself. "Anyway, how was you're night with Luke?" I asked wanting to change the subject from my inebriated shenanigans.

"Oh that was, umm, well, good. Yeah, very good. I didn't go home." She blushed.

"Check you out. I'm happy for you Adey. You deserve happiness, you seeing him again?" I asked excitedly. I was so glad she'd met someone nice.

"I just, I don't know. I like him a lot. Should I?" She asked meekly.

"Did you have fun?"

"Yeah, a lot. Not much sleeping was had." She grinned cheekily.

"Was it good?"

"Yeah, it was amazing!" She squealed and blushed.

"Right, well you have your answer. You like him and he likes you. You have fun together. The sex is great. What more do you need?" I stated and gave my friend a smile.

"I'm just nervous, like really nervous." Adey said embarrassed. She was so sweet. I barely remember that innocence, it was a shame really.

"Just take the plunge, have an adventure and live to the full. You never know where life will take you. Have that epic love!" I grinned enthusiastically.

"You are the best Percy." Adey laughed. She had that wonderful glow about her. The glow only falling in love can bring. I would admit I was jealous.

"You're too kind." I dismissed.

"Well you are the one that introduced us." Adey countered.

"Twist of fate, you would've met eventually." I brushed off again.

We kept chatting and laughing for the rest of the afternoon. It was the prefect therapy session and eating that much food was probably good for me too.

Halloween had come and gone again. This year was a drunken haze filled with mistakes and lost memories. Maybe next year would be better. Maybe I'd eventually grow up and start behaving like an adult?