It's Not Real

Chapter Four

The door creaked open, and Eve focused on the reflection in the mirror of Sherlock stood still in the doorframe.

"Oh," she glanced back at him while continuing to rearrange the pins in her hair. "Hey, you okay?"

"I wanted to apologise."

She frowned. "Whatever for?"

"What I said in my speech, about plain bridesmaids." Sherlock cleared his throat. "Reevaluating that statement I realise it was not only unnecessary, but also untrue."

She turned to face him, hands on her hips. "I didn't take offence, don't worry."

"Still... Wanted to make sure I got the chance to apologise. You look... lovely."

"Thank you." Evelyn grinned. "After Mary's bachelorette party I figured I owed you at least one pass, I wouldn't have held it against you."

"Well, I did notice you'd eaten my chocolate biscuits after I left that morning, but decided I'd let that slide."

"Hey! You said there was food in the fridge, you didn't specify what I could and couldn't touch!"

Sherlock smiled softly, nodding his head. "Fair enough."

Evelyn fiddled with the material of her dress. "You've had a lot happening today though, chasing down attempted murderers and all that."

Sherlock sighed dramatically. "Never any rest for the wicked."

She laughed. "You could say that again. This stuff follows you around."

"In my defence, it had absolutely nothing to do with me this time."

"That's true." Sherlock was still standing awkwardly by the door. Evelyn eyed him. "You can come in. I only came in here to hide for a bit to be honest."

He shook his head. "I better get back, John might think I've skipped out before the first dance."

Evelyn smiled cheekily. "Well, that would be a shame considering it's your job to perform."

"Yes," Sherlock chuckled. "No matter how much I tried to get out of it."

"Hm. Definitely too late now."

Sherlock glanced her over, bending his elbow. "Care to join me for a dance?"

"The great Sherlock Holmes asking me to dance? How ever could I refuse." She took his arm, letting him guide her towards the reception.

"Don't be annoying." He grumbled, but the smirk on his face was obvious.

She shrugged. "I like to keep you on your toes. Speaking of which... Have you figured out Mary's pregnant yet?"

Sherlock stopped dead in his tracks. "How do you know that?"

Evelyn frowned. "I'm a doctor?" She said, as if it was obvious.

"So's John."

They stared at each other for a moment, then simultaneously said: "John's an idiot."

Eve laughed loudly, covering her mouth with the palm of her hand. "That was so mean. I love him but he's just so–"

"Oblivious?" Sherlock suggested.

"Yeah, completely oblivious."

Sherlock was watching Evelyn like he was discovering something entirely new. She noticed. He cleared his throat. "Anyway," he continued walking once again, the music getting louder. "Dance?"

"I'd love to, Mr Holmes."

———

"Oi!"