Once again being pushed and pulled around by complete strangers, Sherlock threw Mike a dirty look as he was led away by Harriet with Clara just behind. Scowling darkly at every smiling face that turned to him, Sherlock once again felt the urge to flee.
He was dragged into the kitchen where a large group of people were all toasting each other loudly.
"Everyone!" Harriet yelled over the din, causing everyone to turn and look. "This here is Sherlock!"
The group cheered, which made Sherlock quite worried. What on earth could be going on here? Sherlock paused to let his brain supply the answer. Nothing.
"So where is our returning hero?" Harriet had let go of Sherlock and was now wobbling toward the group, Clara on her tail. "He can't walk out on his own homecoming party!"
Very quietly, Sherlock slowly edged towards the door closest to him. Without attracting any attention he managed to slip outside. With a heavy sigh Sherlock moved to lean against the edge of the patio. Why was he even here? He didn't know this John and he certainly didn't want to if his impression of his sister was correct, which it was, obviously. Movement from his left drew Sherlock's attention to a man standing alone, staring up towards the sky. Medium height, sandy blonde hair, military cut, kind face. Could this be John?
With another sigh, Sherlock braced himself and walked over to the man.
"Are you John Watson?" He asked.
The man turned towards him and smiled. "Yes, and you are?"
"Sherlock Holmes."
"Nice to meet you Sherlock, were you invited by my sister?"
"No, by Mike actually." Sherlock glanced at the door to the kitchen, satisfied that no one was looking for him he turned back to John. "Sorry for being rude but do you know why I was invited? I am hardly a close friend of yours or your sisters. I am not even that close to Mike."
John chuckled.
"It probably has something to do with me coming out."
Sherlock froze. Of course. The smiles, the giggling, the whispers and Mike out of the blue inviting him to a complete stranger's house party.
"Well…" Sherlock said. "I am not sure what to say."
"There is two options, we can part ways as acquaintances or…" John smiled at him. "You can join me for dinner tomorrow."