Before she knew it, Christmas was just around the corner. Caitlin had sent her packages to the states weeks ago, hoping they would make it to her family in time for Christmas Day. Her flat was decked in cheery decorations and lights, a little tree in one corner with a small pile of gifts underneath. Most of them she was taking to the small Christmas party that was being held at John and Sherlock's tonight. She quickly cleaned up the few messy areas in her front room, before heading to her bedroom to dress. Caitlin had decided on a nice pair of dark wash jeans, with a red top and some gold flats. Applying a tiny bit of make-up, she hooked some small hoops in her ears, grabbed the bag of gifts and her jacket, and headed downstairs.

As soon as Caitlin walked in she was met by a chorus of enthusiastic Christmas greetings, before being pulled into a hug by Mrs. Hudson.

Caitlin placed her small bag under the lit up window, before smiling back,

"Merry Christmas everyone!"

John walked towards Caitlin, glass in hand, asking,

"Fancy a drink Caitlin?"

Looking over to find Sherlock smirking at her, Caitlin just sighed and mumbled,

"Hell yes."

John laughed after following her line of eyesight, and pouring her a glass of wine, clinked his to hers with a happy,

"Cheers!"

Minutes later, the last guest had arrived. Detective Greg Lestrade greeted everyone as he walked in, brushing snow from his coat. Caitlin waved at him with a smile from her seat. Caitlin had been introduced to Detective Lestrade soon after she had moved in. After finding out what Sherlock and John did, Caitlin ran into Lestrade many times, since he almost always had to come fetch Sherlock. He was a very nice man, and since their many run ins, had gotten to know Caitlin a little better. In fact, Caitlin had met almost all the people the boys worked with. Molly Hooper seemed to be the only one she hadn't met. However, Caitlin heard that she would be stopping by for a few minutes later this evening. She kind of liked Mycroft, Sherlock's older brother, only because it was funny to see Sherlock so annoyed. Caitlin knew they loved each other in their own weird love-to-hate-you kind of way. However, Mycroft did irritate her a bit, with his constant snooping and background checks. As everyone settled in, munching on finger foods and drinking as they chatted idly, Sherlock had picked up his violin, (at request of Mrs. Hudson), and started to play some Christmas carols. Everyone smiled as they sat back to listen while watching as the snow continued to fall outside.

A couple of hours later, the party was starting to slow. Caitlin had chatted a few minutes with Molly when she had dropped by for a little bit, noticing at once that she was completely smitten with Sherlock. He, of course, was oblivious. After Molly left, it wasn't long until a few others began to fade. Mrs. Hudson finally had to excuse herself so she could go to bed. Promising that she would come visit in the morning, Caitlin gave the older woman a hug, watching her start down the stairs. Not soon after, Detective Lestrade covered a yawn, before getting up from his seat and pulling his coat on to get ready to go as well. Shaking both John and Sherlock's hands, he said,

"It's about time I headed out as well. Thanks for the invite and have a great Christmas."

As the two said their own goodbyes, Caitlin jumped up with a

"Greg wait!"

Looking up, the detective watched Caitlin hurry over, gift bag in hand.

"Merry Christmas Greg."

"Caitlin…"

"It's just a little something for the holidays."

Pulling the tissue from the bag to discover a very nice bottle of scotch, he smirked,

"I'll definitely have a good Christmas now. Thank you."

Laughing as Greg placed a friendly kiss on her cheek, Caitlin smiled.

Saying goodbye once more, he waved at the three left in the flat before heading downstairs and out the door.

Slipping her shoes (that she had taken off earlier) back on, Caitlin helped John clear all the dishes from the room and took them to the kitchen before he banished her, refusing to let her help wash. Sherlock watched quietly as Caitlin, who seemed to be deep in thought, went to go stand in front of the fire to warm up.

Noticing Sherlock standing next to her out the corner of her eye, Caitlin commented,

"Tonight was really nice."

"I suppose."

Just shaking her head good naturedly at his answer, Caitlin was silent for a moment before chuckling,

"Hmm. Someone put up some mistletoe."

Snorting, Sherlock just murmured,

"It's just another stupid fabrication of the commercial industry."

Releasing a sound of mirth, Caitlin just rolled her eyes.

"Sherlock, you are impossible."

He just grinned.

"That, I may be."

They stood in silence for a moment, the crackling fire, running water and clinking of dishes the only sounds.

'Oh what the hell', Caitlin thought, and with that she leaned up to give Sherlock a light kiss on the cheek.

"Merry Christmas Sherlock."

Turning away from the slightly stunned detective and calling out a goodnight to John, with a warning that they better not open their gifts till tomorrow, Caitlin grabbed her jacket and headed upstairs. She knew that she wouldn't get any sleep with her stomach turning flips, as her mind replayed the previous moment.

As soon as Caitlin left, John left the kitchen, commenting,

"Well that was a nice night, don't you agree?"

Not getting an answer, he glanced at Sherlock, finding him still staring at the door.

"Alright then, Sherlock?"

"Hmm? Oh yes, nice. Goodnight John."

Raising an eyebrow at his flat mate, John watched as Sherlock disappeared into his room. Shaking his head, John just sighed and muttered,

"I don't think I'll ever get used to that man and his oddities."