AN: So it is finally here...Christmas...but better late than never. Also Percy and Angie have been very busy.
Chapter 35 - Celebrations
After my minor freak out, Jim and I had spent the next few days at home, wrapped up in each other. It was bliss. Friday rolled round faster than either of us anticipated. I slipped out of bed early and made Jim breakfast. Today was a big day, it was his birthday, and he was turning 30; a fairly large milestone. I made bacon sandwiches and a big pot of his favourite coffee. I grabbed the tray taking it upstairs, and snuck into our wardrobe before he woke to retrieve his present.
"Morning birthday boy." I said seductively, kissing Jim awake.
"Mmm. That is a good way to wake up." He smirked like a Cheshire cat.
"Happy Birthday. Feeling old?" I teased.
"Nope, still plenty of life left in me." Laughed Jim. I had warned him I would be making plenty of age related jokes today.
"Here I got you something." I handed him the present.
"I thought I said no gifts." Admonished Jim lightly. We never did, and he never had celebrated his birthday. He had a thing about it; it all stemmed from something his demon of Father had done when he was a child.
"I know, but I saw this and couldn't resist." I smiled.
"Okay. Should I be worried?" He asked.
"No." I grinned mischievously. He opened the present and saw a t-shirt. The slogan read "Come to the dark side we have cookies!"
"Very nice. Maybe I should wear it to my next meeting?"
"I'd love to see that."
"Thank you love, it's great."
"You're welcome."
We ate breakfast, cuddled up in bed. It was lovely. I won't bore you with the details, but we didn't make it out of bed until lunchtime. I heard the loud protests of my husband as I got out of bed, I needed to get showered and dressed. I had a lot of cooking and tidying to do before tonight's party. I hadn't started prepping nay of the food yet, or gone through my sheet music for the party. I needed to get Angie's present sorted too. Thinking of Angie, sent a pang of guilt rushing through me, I shouldn't have taken out my insecurities on her. It wasn't her fault. I took a deep breath and got on with the tasks I had before me, when Angie arrived I would apologise for my behaviour.
I prepped the food and started cooking. The afternoon flew by and I didn't notice how late it was until there was a knock on the door. I looked down at my ratty jeans and Clash t-shirt; not really party material. I answered the door it was Angie and Russ.
"Hey. Sorry if we're a bit early." Apologised Angie.
"Not a problem, come in, come in!" I greeted. They hung their coats up by the door and I dragged Angie into the kitchen, Russ didn't notice, he was stood in awe of the hallway.
"I have to say this now, I'm really sorry about the other day!" I apologised quickly.
"No, it's fine. I'm sorry about shutting down like that, family trait." Angie smiled in relief.
"It's nothing, we were both being silly. I grinned back, waving off her apology. We hugged, both relieved our stupid spat was over. Russ came into the kitchen.
"Wow, very nice house. I didn't think they had mansions in the city."
"Yes, well, thanks, Russ. It's not a mansion, it's a town house." I said, giving him a look.
"Compared to the house I grew up in, this is a mansion. Of course, so is Angie's flat…" Shrugged Russ.
"Yeah, well, your dad was an experimenting architect." Smirked Angie. I smiled; Russ had the wrong idea about me.
"I didn't grow up in anything like this."
"Me either." Agreed Angie shaking her head. I looked at Russ.
"That's cool, what was your dad experimenting with architecturally?" Russ smiled at me wryly; he obviously didn't think it was cool.
"Economising on space, he's into the whole go green thing, has been since it started." He said.
"I remember your old house, it was probably about the size of my living room." Reminisced Angie. I looked at them both.
"Interesting. Well, there is always room here, without the snake...Personally, it's a bit big for just Jim and I, but it was a wedding present." I smile nostalgically. I loved our home, but it was vast for just us. Russ smirked at me.
"No need, don't want to get in the way of the lovebirds." He said.
"I told you, I'm not a bird." I retorted frowning. My irritation just made him smile more.
"Sorry, Flipper. Besides, I think I might be wrapping up a deal for a flat near that one theatre." He revealed.
"Oh, exciting! Let us know if you need help moving." I offered. Russ nodded.
"Which theatre?" Asked Angie.
"Uh, the famous one." Russ replied, which was incredibly unhelpful.
"You are no help at all." Answered Angie, rolling her eyes.
"You do know there are like sixty theatres in London." I told him, there were probably many more, but I could only think of sixty famous ones.
"It's about ten minutes from Royal Albert Hall." Grinned Russ.
"Oh, nice." I said.
"Wow, nice. You have money for that area?!" Asked Angie surprised. Russ frowned.
"Yes! I do have other clients besides the two secret ones I have." He replied with a grin as he lowered his voice as he finished.
"Alright." Said Angie, raising her hands in defeat.
"We do pay well, though." I smiled. Angie didn't know about the Christmas bonus I had given Russ; he caught my eye with a mischievous grin and a nod. He rubbed his hands together looking excited.
"Alright, so when are the girls coming? Please tell me you know at least one straight bachelorette?" He asked cheekily. I did have a girl in mind for him; hopefully they'd hit it off.
"Okay, will you just take it easy? You're worse than John." Scolded Angie with a pointed look. I looked at the time; I really needed to get ready. I handed Angie the spoon.
"Ang, can you keep control of the food whilst I get changed? I need to find Jim, he's somewhere in the house, no idea where." I said, taking off my apron.
"Yeah, that's fine. Russ, help." Nodded Angie. He gave a mock salute and came over.
"Yes ma'am." Russ's antics made me laugh.
"If you're good, Russ, someone might answer your wishes. I'll be as quick as possible."
I headed upstairs and into the wardrobe. I threw my dirty clothes into the clothes hamper and headed into the bathroom to freshen up. I came out of the bathroom brushing my hair. I picked up the pre-prepared hanger of clothes and got changed. My outfit consisted of a black lacy blouse and black ruffled skirt that sat mid thigh. I also wore bright purple tights and high black heels that sparkled when they caught the light, also they made my legs look long and toned, I loved them. I added favourite purple hair extensions and a feather clip to keep my hair off my face. I kept my make-up to its usual smokey charcoal colours. I smiled at my reflection and headed back downstairs. On my way down I checked the library, and Jim's study and I couldn't find him. The beginning sparks of panic started to fill me. He would here somewhere; it was going to be fine.
"So glad I planned clothes ages ago. I can't find Jim." I said with an uneasy smile. Angie caught me expression, with a slight frown.
"Did he say anything the last time you saw him?" She asked.
"No, he was in the shower and I came down to start cooking and he's vanished." A brief flash of our romantically fun morning replayed across my mind. I think I zoned out for a second.
"Ooh, spooky! Wait, this is Christmas, not Halloween..." Smirked Russ. I picked up my phone and dialled his number. I shot Russ a look, his phone went straight to voice mail. The panic was rising higher.
"He's not picking up his phone." I said worriedly. Angie gave me a small smile.
"I'm sure he's fine."
"You're right, I'm just being paranoid." I nodded, forcing a smile. He would be fine.
"Um...so what's with the feathers? I thought you said you weren't a bird?" Teased Russ randomly.
"What?!" I asked more harshly than I'd intended. I stared at Russ slightly bemused.
"You're wearing feathers in your hair. Or did you grow those?" He indicated to my hair. I raised an eyebrow, not impressed. Angie caught my expression, shared it and asked.
"Really?"
"Are you insinuating that I am a bird...again?! Russ!" I asked crossing my arms defensively. He shrugged innocently.
"What?! You come out with feathers sticking out of your head, what do you expect me to think?!" I glared at him.
"It's a hair accessory. Do you have no idea about fashion whatsoever?" I asked tempestuously.
"He's a guy. What do you expect?" Agreed Angie.
"You're right." I nodded and we both turned our back on him.
"Whatever." Said Russ as stuck his tongue out at us.
"So you relent that I am not a bird, Bugs!" I challenged.
"Whatever you want to believe, Flipper." He glanced at the behind me, I was confused. What would be behind me? I started to turn around.
"What do you keep looking at? Is there something behind me?" I demanded. Russ brushed it off.
"No, no. Just admiring the house. So when do we open the presents?!" He asked excitedly.
"You're worse than a kid." Said Angie playfully.
"Um, usually after dinner." I answered absently. What was he staring at? It was really irritating.
"Great. I'm starving." He said with a grin.
"You ate a huge lunch! What are you, a teenager?" Asked Angie shocked.
"I'm getting worried, where is Jim?" I said. I really was getting a bit twitchy. I was working on it, but since my relapse, I'd been more insecure than normal.
"I'm sure he's fine. Probably just doing some 'business' or something." Shrugged Angie. I hadn't told her about the nightmares. I didn't want to worry her with Sherlock being gone. Jim only found out because I was screaming in my sleep.
"You're probably right. I've got to stop panicking." I agreed.
Russ was just standing there smiling. I was going to throw something at him in a minute, she look too smug for his own good.
"What are you smiling at, Russ?" Asked Angie. There was suddenly a loud voice from behind me.
"Boo!" I jumped, as two arms snaked round my waist. I may have let out a little scream.
"That." Smiled Russ. Angie rolled her eyes at him.
"Why is my wonderful wife panicking?" Asked Jim, I turned to face him, still encased in his arms.
"I was worrying about you, as per usual. I couldn't find you." I said, I gently smacked his arm.
"Well, I found you instead. I was in the garden. Father decided to voice his opinions, nothing important." He smiled.
"Sorry, I know I've been really jumpy of late. What was he declaring this time?" I asked and apologised.
"It's nothing to be sorry for. His usual rubbish which I intend to ignore." He smiled, kissing my cheek. He smiled at Russ.
"Well played, Russ."
"Nice one, mate!" Nodded Russ. I had to stifle a laugh, no one had ever called Jim mate, well one person did, and he ended up with a broken nose. Jim turned to Angie.
"Evening, Angie."
"Hello." She frowned. She was still uneasy around Jim.
"You are very sneaky, Mister." I said pointing a spoon at Jim. I turned to Russ. "Russ, have you found a new job playing the distraction?" I asked.
"Just proving I can be mysterious. Food looks amazing, as always." Smiled Jim.
"Instead of scaring me to death, you can start putting food out." I said with a raised eyebrow and handed him a couple plates.
"Who knows? Might be a new job, it was fun!" Russ smiled as he walked out. Angie and I caught each other's eyes; both of us knowing Russ didn't have any idea what he was implying.
"Oh god, that's the last thing we need." Sighed Angie. I looked at Russ.
"Stick to publicity. You can help putting out food too." I ordered and handed him some food. "Go on." I pushed him out of the door.
"And no taking any 'samples'!" Angie called after him.
"Fine." Sighed Russ, sounding like a child. I waited for them both the guys to be out of earshot.
"Ang, are you alright, sweetie?" I asked Angie.
"I'm fine. It's just a little weird seeing those too get along so well. It's actually kind of scary." She sighed, nodding.
"I suppose it is, I know a very different side of Jim than you." I smiled. "Russ calling Jim 'mate' is hilarious, no one has ever called him 'mate'."
"Yeah, well..." Tailed off Angie, looking at the door worriedly.
"Russ is special." I said, rubbing her arm. "You are going to be alright, sweetie, you are so strong."
"Well, thanks. You know it's usually a front?" She smirked. I gave her a look.
"No, I'd never noticed that my best friend of nearly twenty years might act her way through a situation. Of course I know it's a front, but you can get through anything, you always have and you always will. If you get stuck, you call me and we fight it together." I said gently.
"Well, thanks. Same for you, if you ever need anything." Smiled Angie.
"Just a smiling best friend and all will be right with the world, well, mostly right. Come on, people will be arriving soon." I smiled as I looked at my watch; there was a knock at the door. "In fact, that will be Mycroft at the door."
Angie followed me to the door.
"Good evening, sister dear. How are you?" He nodded to me. "Miss Watson, too."
"Hello, Mycroft. Come in out of the cold." I smiled and took his coat.
"Hello." Answered Angie, her voice a little tense, I think she was still a bit mad at him for helping Sherlock with his 'disappearing' act.
"You look well, Angela. Merry Christmas." Said Mycroft, politely.
"Please, Angie is fine. Merry Christmas to you, too." She replied. I was going to be much less formal and forced a big hug on my brother. He tensed for a second, but returned my affection.
"Merry Christmas, Mycroft." I stepped back and led us into the living room.
"Before you ask, the answer is no. I have commitments in Ireland." I knew he was about to ask for a family get together. He and Jim got along when they needed to, also because I asked them to, but Christmas would be tense.
"You always were too good at this. Visiting the in-laws, how tedious. Mother will be disappointed." He smirked.
"Yes, crazy in-laws. She'll be fine, I'll phone her on Christmas Day. I need to get the door, be nice, Mycroft." I asked, before letting in more guests.
Lots of hugs and greeting were exchanged. Some followed me into the kitchen and I sorted them all with drinks. Jim sailed through social situations like the professional he was. I caught his eye and smiled. He led people into the living room. I checked on the last of the food and realised I'd left Angie with Mycroft. I appeared in the middle of their conversation.
"Yes, well she does have a talent for seeking out information out of someone." Said Mycroft mysteriously. Was he talking about me?
"Who has a talent? Sorry, would you both like a drink? I'm being a neglectful host." I smiled, ignoring any suspicions that popped into my mind.
"Sure, just a Coke, thanks." Said Angie tightly. I nodded.
"Okay, Mycroft?"
"Red wine, if you have any." He replied.
"Sure, I'll be back in a minute." I nodded with a smile. What could they be talking about that made Angie so pale? I came back with their drinks, to again come on half way through a conversation.
"It's not like I'm gonna tell anyone." Hissed Angie. Tell anyone what I wondered. No. I told myself. I was not going to spend the party deducing my best friend and brother, that would just lead me to deducing everyone else and give me a gigantic headache.
"Tell anyone what? Sorry, I keep entering in the middle of everyone's conversations. Here are your drinks."
"Thanks." Said Angie taking her glass. Mycroft nodded as he took his.
"Thank you. We've just been catching up, that's all." Dismissed Mycroft. Again, my suspicions were roused.
"Well, I think I'll just go see how Russ is doing." Said Angie, removing herself before Mycroft and I argued.
"Alright, I'll come and find you later." I smiled at her as she left. I rounded on Mycroft.
"What did you say to upset Angie?" I asked.
"I didn't say anything. She inquired about Sherlock, and I told her I couldn't tell her anything. Which is more or less true." He replied with a dark smile.
"Sherlock, I'm going to hug him then slap him when he gets home." I replied wryly.
"Speaking of our dear brother, have you been in contact lately?" Inquired Mycroft, obviously fishing for information.
"We spoke about a week ago, I told him where he needed to go. He mostly wanted to know about Angie, he's gotten a bit sentimental." I smiled. I was pleased he was so worried about Angie.
"He should know better." Admonished Mycroft.
"He loves her, leave him be. He'll be stronger because of it, not weaker." I bit back. I never understood why they both threw sentiment away. Love made us stronger, not weaker.
"Yet now he's risking both his and her safety, and possibly yours, because of his concern. He should know that Angie will be fine here, especially with you to help her, but he's letting his sentiment cloud his reason." He chastised.
"Her safety will be watched by myself, you and Jim if necessary. I'm not worried about myself. You're getting old and bitter Mycroft." I argued.
"I'm simply stating the facts." He replied coolly.
"Hmm. When are you going to settle down?" I asked playfully.
"I have all the family I need." He replied gently, but his tone told me the topic was no longer open for discussion.
"Fine, keep your secrets." I said coldly. I saw Jim come up behind Mycroft I smiled at him. He stood beside me, his hand at my waist.
"Evening Mycroft, how kind of you to join our little gathering. I'm afraid I need to steal my wife."
"Of course." Said Mycroft. Jim led me through the crowd of people.
"Everything alright? You looked a little aggravated with your brother." Asked Jim.
"I'm fine; he's just being his normal annoying self." I huffed.
"Okay. I just don't want you upset at your own amazing party. You deserve to enjoy yourself, too." He replied, looking me in the eyes.
"I will, I'm fine, he's just doing the 'emotions are evil' speech. I've heard it before." I paused. "I don't know why he gets under my skin so much?" I asked, more to myself than Jim, but he knew the answer to calm me down.
"Because you make it your responsibility to make everything perfect, and as talented as you are, you're not going to be able to." He told me firmly, but with a gentle tone. I smiled at him and nodded. He wrapped his arms round me and laid my head on his shoulder.
"You are ever the voice of reason love. Are you having fun?" I asked.
"Of course. It's amazing, you've outdone yourself, again." I blushed at his praise.
"It was a joint effort, you did a lot of moving stuff around, and you paid for it; but thank you."
"Yeah, but I didn't plan everything. Planning is the most important part."
"Sometimes. Can you believe it, we've been married two and half months. Time is flying by." I thought back to our wedding day, it was so wonderful.
"I know. Feels like just yesterday." I stepped back and kissed him. We stood enjoying being close, as much as we were both social creatures, neither of us were fond of big crowds.
"Maybe we should take a break, leave London for a bit?" I wondered, it would be nice to just spend time away from it, just be us, not our reputations.
"You mean besides Dublin?" Jim asked, and I nodded.
"Yeah, just us going off and doing what we want." He thought for a minute and answered.
"Sounds perfect."
"It would be nice to have no interruptions, no house guests, no siblings getting in the way. Maybe we could go back to Kylemore?" I thought, relive our honeymoon.
"Yeah, sort of an early second honeymoon." Said Jim, obviously thinking the same and me.
"Exactly. Its selfish, but I want you all to myself, just for a bit." I said with a cheeky grin.
"It's alright to be selfish once in a while. I certainly won't mind." He replied playfully. He pulled me close and we shared a passionate kiss, only to be interrupted by someone knocking on the door. I pulled away with a sigh.
"The door...I'll go greet the late comer. See you later." I said with a smile and walked towards the front door.
"Okay, love." Jim replied, he straightened his tie and walked back into the party.
There was another knock on the door; I opened it to reveal Moran. I forced a smile and played the ever-welcoming hostess, all I wanted to do was slam his still healing wrist in the door.
"Good Evening Princess. Gorgeous party." Greeted Seb with a dashing smile.
"Hello Seb. Come in. Help yourself you know where everything is." I welcomed.
"Thank you. You're looking divine tonight. Jim's a lucky man." He said, bringing his good hand up to trace my cheek. I stepped away from him quickly.
"Umm, thanks. Nice suit. Try not to torment Angie tonight, please?" I asked. Letting him see my pleading in my eyes.
"I'll behave...mostly." He said suggestively.
"That's what I'm afraid of." I said sardonically.
"Don't be afraid Princess, I only want to speak to her, and I'm not going to hurt her." He leered. I really hated his stupid nickname. His potential to hurt Angie, my fears at what he might do, that outweighed everything else.
"Alright." I nodded, hoping to escape. I smiled in relief when Angie appeared.
"Percy, Jim's looking for you." Said Angie coming up behind me.
"Oh, okay, thanks Sweetie." I smiled and went in search of Jim.
After some searching, getting caught in four conversations and posing for some photos with friends I finally found my husband.
"Angie said you were looking for me?!" I asked.
"Uh, yeah. Where's the stepladder?" He enquired.
"Good question. I think it's in the cupboard by the back door." I suggested, not entirely sure where I'd put it after Angie returned it.
"Okay, I'll look." He turned to walk in to the kitchen. I stopped him.
"Darling, what are you up to?" I asked.
"What? Nothing. I just...found a couple more decorations to hang up. That's all." He was up to something I knew he was. What decorations, we had put them all up! I looked at him skeptically, but let him continue with whatever it was he had planned.
"Alright?!"
"Oh, here it is. You can go back and enjoy the party. I'll find you later." Jim said with a quick kiss to my cheek. I grinned.
"Okay, I'm not going to interfere. Catch you later." I said and sauntered back into the party.
"She'll have her reasons, she's a sneaky one, can keep secrets from anyone." Said Seb darkly.
"Are you behaving, Sebastian?" I asked. I knew he'd been talking about me; his eyes caught mine as he'd said the words.
"I think so. Angie, am I behaving?" He smirked.
"Better than you usually are." Shrugged Angie nonchalantly.
"Good, glad to hear it." I smiled.
"I told you I would try. Don't want you telling on me." He smirked.
"Oh, learned your lesson the last time, did we?" Asked Angie, glancing at him.
"Well, I do rather like my head attached to my body." He replied.
"Stay on your best behaviour, then." I said in a cold voice. I wanted to know I was serious.
"I will." He replied with a curt nod.
"Honestly, I'm a little surprised you got back on Jim's good side." Smirked Angie.
"A winning smile and some grovelling and a few well chosen words." He smiled; I think it was supposed to be sweet.
"Yeah, you've used that plenty of times." Said Angie rolling her eyes.
"I think it went a bit differently, but remember it how you want." I chuckled darkly. Jim might have lost his temper, re-broken Moran's wrist and threatened to remove his head the next time he chose to cross him.
"Anything to survive the big bad world." Seb replied.
"I better be hosting, I'll catch you later, Angie." I smiled; I trusted he wouldn't do anything to her. I'd know quicker than he could escape if he did try.
"Okay." Nodded Angie, glancing at me oddly as I left, I smiled and walked back into the party. I mingled and laughed with old friends, charmed clients and filled glasses. At some point, a call was cried for entertainment, and Jim suggested I played. I blushed, and obliged, playing various Christmas carols and songs, singing some and encouraging everyone to join in. I then got a sudden idea, or realised the perfect opportunity, I could give Angie her gift. As our guests applauded, I stood and said I needed to fetch something special for my next piece. I grabbed the violin accompaniment, the CD and the most important part, Angie.
"Sorry, Seb, I'm stealing Angie." I smiled as I pulled her in the living room. "I want to give you your Christmas present."
"Oh, okay."
I led her into the living room, where the piano had been moved into, and sat her down next to it. I nodded at Jim to press play and sat at the piano. I began to play. My mind was filled with Angie and Sherlock. The fun Sherlock and I had had writing this just for Angie. She was so significant in both our lives and had been the person to bring us together.
As I finished, the whole room exploded into applause. I looked up surprised to see the other guest had filled the room. I stood up smiling and bowed exaggeratedly and laughed at the fuss. I walked round the piano and over to Angie, I had to find out her reaction. I really hoped she liked it.
"Thank you so much for that amazing present! It was beautiful! I loved it!" Exclaimed Angie with a huge smile. I beamed back at her.
"You're more than welcome." She handed her a CD. "There's an extra little surprise on there."
Angie gave me a quizzical look. I told her with another smile.
"It's from both Sherlock and I, we had it made into a CD as well, so you can hear it whenever you want."
"Really? How did you get him to do that?" She asked shocked, staring wide-eyed at the CD.
"I had used all my charms, smiles and sisterly tactics. Once I told him it was for you, he became very compliant." Angie blushed at my words.
"He's a brilliant composer, we wrote it together." I admitted.
"Well, thank you. I love it. It means a lot." Angie pulled me into a tight hug; she was still trying to keep the tears back. I knew this would mean the world to her, she loved Sherlock so much, and he loved her, even if he was afraid to show and tell her.
"Anything to see you smile, Ang. I'm so glad you like it." I smiled at her. Angie grabbed my hand and pulled me in the hall. She grabbed her coat and pulled out a beautifully wrapped gift.
"Oh, I should have given you your present before so you could have written it in this." I look at her. I opened it and my eyes widened. It was a beautiful blue book with metal flowers attached that had blue stones set in them. I opened the pages and saw page after page of manuscript paper. I will admit I jumped with excitement.
"It's a sheet music notebook, so you can compose to your heart's content."
"Ooh, wow, it's so beautiful, thank you. I can't wait for inspiration to strike!" I grinned and hugged her. "Are you having fun?" I asked.
"As much as I can around Moran." Sighed Angie, she smiled as I looked at her concerned. "I'm fine. It's great party." Angie smiled.
"Was he actually behaving, or just saying that so he didn't get another broken limb? I tried not to invite him. It's going well, I think Mycroft just made some deal, but then again, he never stops working." I revealed with a wry smile and rather quickly. Angie smiled at me; I knew I was being a little crazy; but her smile reminded me of my Mum whenever I got excited about a new book.
"He's behaving better than usual." She frowned. "It's actually a little unnerving. I don't trust him." She shook her head. "But overall, I'm just glad he hasn't caught me under any mistletoe."
"To my knowledge there is no mistletoe, but Jim was fiddling with other things earlier, who knows what he was up to." I sighed.
"Well, just in case, I think I'll just stay put here." She replied.
"Probably for the best." I nodded.
"Are my ears burning, love?" Asked Jim smiling.
"Yes, they should be. I was wondering what you were meddling with earlier. Adding mistletoe around the place?" I said returning his smile.
"I wouldn't dare." He looked at Angie. "Enjoying yourself, Angie? I hope people are behaving the way they should be?" Asked Jim, he and Seb may have reconciled their differences, but he wasn't taking any chances.
"Yeah, very lovely party. And yes, they're being reasonably well behaved." She nodded with a knowing look.
"Good, I'm pleased to hear it." He smiled at me again. "You played wonderfully, Percy."
"Thank you, darling. It's nice to be playing again." I smiled. I pulled Russ over as he walked by. "Oh, Russ, come here a second."
"Hey, Flipper." He smiled. I sighed.
"Epic party! Very nice!"
"I think the name has stuck. She's a wonder at party planning." Smirked Jim. I looked at him fondly. He could be such a sap when he wanted to. I took Russ's arm and led him to the middle of the room. Jim followed us.
"I'm glad you're having fun. You see the girl by the fireplace, in the green dress?" I glanced at Jim. "Go mingle, husband dearest, you can tell me how wonderful I am later." I smiled at him as he walked away; he gave me a cheeky grin as he left.
"Yeah?" Said Russ glancing between her and I.
"Her name is Emily, I think you should go and say hello." I smiled. He smiled, realising what I was getting at and practically bolted over there. I could see a perfect couple. Always trust the Jedi powers.
"I think they'll get along nicely." I smiled as Angie came to stand next to me.
"Playing matchmaker again?" She asked.
"I might be. Think of it as spreading Christmas joy. She's an animal enthusiast, works at London Zoo. She's really lovely, seems quiet, but will be able to keep Russ in line. I don't know how I missed it, but she's Molly's cousin." I told her.
"Oh. Well, that'll be nice for Russ. I think most girls just think he's a big goofball and don't bother getting to know him." Nodded Angie.
"It's a real shame, he's a lovely guy. I'm glad I got to meet him. Jim likes him, too. Russ doesn't judge it's refreshing."
"Yeah, it goes along with his immaturity, an open mind and thinking the best of people." Nodded Angie.
"Oh, how I miss that innocence." I sighed. Wondering when I'd lost that naivety; I think I was twelve?
"Yeah. It's ironic, kids spend their whole childhood just waiting to grow up, and adults would love to be children again." Agreed Angie.
"You're right!" I smiled. "Although, growing up is optional."
"But growing old is mandatory. And it comes with the stresses and responsibilities of adulthood." We laughed.
"I know, Jim turned 30 today, I mean 30?! That is grown up. I can't imagine 30. Staying young keeps me sane." I giggled. Angie looked at me, and then realised what I'd said.
"Thanks for making me feel old." Replied Angie sarcastically.
"Sorry." I said wincing. I didn't mean it like that, it's just I've always been the baby of the group.
"It's fine." She shook her head.
"I can't believe it's Christmas already, the year has flown by." I sighed.
"I know! Feels like it is all a little too fast, sometimes." Agreed Angie.
"2013 will be just as full of surprises, I'm sure!" I smiled.
"Goody." Frowned Angie.
"Hey, it could be brilliant surprises. You never know." I countered looking at her.
"I suppose. Out of a whole year, there's got to be at least one nice surprise. Can't be all bad." She shrugged.
"We met up again, that was good this year. Next year will be good, not perfect, but close enough." I smiled, I glanced at Angie. "You never know who might turn up?!"
"I suppose you would know Sherlock's plans, wouldn't you?" Asked Angie coldly. She realised I meant Sherlock. I frowned.
"Mycroft has a big mouth." I looked at Angie, I had to tell her, explain. "I didn't tell you because he asked me not to. I wasn't going to betray his trust, just as I don't tell Sherlock things you don't want him to know. I'm helping him where I can." I admitted.
"Alright. You're not the one I should be mad at, you didn't do anything." Angie looked at me. "Do you know what he's doing?" She asked.
"He's pulling apart Jim's network of crime bosses. I don't know where he is, and he won't come home until he's done, but he is coming back, he promised me he would. He asks about you constantly." I sighed, finally feeling better that I'd told her.
"The idiot could call me himself." Said Angie quietly, a blush staining her cheeks.
"I did suggest that, he got all moody. He thinks you hate him." I told her. Angie crossed her arms looking frustrated.
"He's very close to being right, but that's just making it worse." She sighed and shook her head. "Men."
"They are handful." I nodded. Moran came round the corner and smiled when he saw Angie.
"Excuse me, Percy, but could I borrow Angie for a minute?" I looked at Angie pointedly, checking she was okay with this. She nodded minutely.
"Sure, I should check on everything." I said with smile and went back into the party. I'd been mingling for a while, but hadn't spotted Angie. I excused myself and went in search of my best friend. I found her stood in the hall looking a bit dazed.
"Are you alright, sweetie?!" I asked.
"Uh, fine." She kept looking at something in her hand.
"Sure?" I asked, I looked around someone was missing. "Where's Seb?"
"He left." She muttered.
"Right, fine." I looked at Angie, concerned with what Seb might have said and done. "It's good that he's gone, isn't it?! Alright then, come on, the party is still in full swing." I grabbed Angie's arm and pulled her into the party.
The party kept on going till the very early hours. Mycroft left looking smug, Russ went home with Emily and I was at one point cornered with mistletoe by my rather drunk husband. Angie and I at one point ran into the garden and screamed with joy that the Doctor had save the Earth again. Angie passed out in her room at some point.
I had put the last plate in the dishwasher and locked the front door. I looked at the trail of destruction that was downstairs and sighed. It had been a good party though. I could faintly hear the TV and followed the noise. I found Jim half watching the TV with his tie undone and looking rather tired. I walked over, kicked of my heels and curled up next to him, his arm automatically found its way round me.
"Angie's fallen asleep upstairs, everyone has gone home...I can now take off my heels and sit down." I groaned. I loved my heels, they were even comfortable, but I'd been stood up in them since seven.
"It was great tonight. You were amazing, especially at the piano." Complimented Jim as he kissed my forehead.
"Thank you. You were a charming host. You're mistletoe plan was rather sneaky." I smiled. He had surprised me. He picked me and carried me through the party to stop under a huge ball of mistletoe. I was soundly kissed to rousing cheers from our friends.
"Just showing you how I can be mysterious." He defended. I rolled my eyes; I really had started a bit of a complex.
"That has become a personal challenge, hasn't it? It does keep things fresh! Haha!" I laughed realising I'd used one of River Song's lines.
"You started it." Pouted Jim.
"I know, sorry. Please no scaring me anymore, I don't like thinking you've disappeared." I pleaded, looking up at him. He smiled at me.
"Sorry, I don't do it on purpose."
"I know. I might kick your Dad when I see him I blame him." I said.
"I'd like to see that." He laughed.
"I will try and stay calm, although I may play some dreadful pranks." I had ideas forming in my mind already.
"I think this is gonna be more fun than we thought." He agreed playfully.
"It would be dreadful if it was dull." I nodded.
"Well then, prank away." I grinned at him.
"Oh I will! We need to get you're Mum something for Christmas." I said realising we hadn't got her anything yet. Jim groaned.
"She'll be happy with anything. She'll just be happy that we're there." I nudged him with my elbow.
"You can be such a bloke sometimes, tomorrow we are going to have to face the masses of shoppers and yes you're coming with me." I threatened, seeing the look of horror on his face.
"What if I said I was busy?" He asked. I gave him a withering look.
"I'd know you were lying and I will pull the wife card." I smirked.
"Yes, dear." He sighed, pretending to sound like the ever-bullied husband.
"You love me really."
"Of course I do." He said holding me close.
"I love you too." We lapsed into silence, letting the inane stuff on TV wash over us, I didn't remember dosing off, but I looked up at the clock on the mantel piece and it read 3am.
"How did it get to 3am? Bed?" I asked tiredly.
"Yeah, sounds good." Muttered Jim. We stood, turned off the TV and slowly made our way to bed.
The mess could wait, Christmas shopping could wait even the world could wait. Sleep was at that moment more important to both of us.