How They Met Alice (BBC Sherlock Fanfiction)

Chapter 41

Okay, because I got to 3,000 reads I am doing one more chapter today! =) Congratulations!

(Alice’s POV; MAJOR TIME SKIP; CHRISTMAS: )

Fairy lights were strung up around the window frame of the flat and it was snowing outside. Inside, the living room was festooned with Christmas decorations and cards, and Sherlock was walking around playing ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ on his violin. Mrs. Hudson was sitting in his chair with a glass in her hand, watching him happily. Lestrade was standing at the entrance to the kitchen holding a wine glass, and John – wearing a very snazzy Christmassy jumper – walked across the room with a cup and saucer in one hand and a bottle of beer in the other. I was sitting in front of the window, a bottle of beer in hand. I smiled softly as Sherlock played the tune. I was wearing a deep red button-up and –rare for me- a black pencil skirt that came just above my knees with a pair of red high-top converse. I had lipstick that matched the shade of red on my shirt and silver eye makeup. As Sherlock finished the tune with a fancy flourish, Lestrade whistled in appreciation.

“Lovely! Sherlock, that was lovely!” Mrs. Hudson congratulated.

“Marvellous!” John agreed.

 “I wish you could have worn the antlers!” Mrs. Hudson said, a bit tipsy, as she giggled up at Sherlock.

 “Some things are best left to the imagination, Mrs. Hudson.” Sherlock said softly.

 “Mrs. H.” John said, giving her a mug of tea in attempt to sober her up.  Jeanette brought over a tray containing mince pies and slices of cake and offered it to Sherlock and me.

 “No thank you, Sarah.” Sherlock said, refusing politely. Her face fell. I suppressed the urge to facepalm and sighed. I stood up, taking a small piece of cake and nodding at her in thanks. I walked to the mantelpiece, watching Sherlock.  John hurried over to her and put his arm around her as she turned away.

 “Uh, no, no, no, no, no. He’s not good with names.” He said quickly.

 “No-no-no, I can get this.” Sherlock insisted. I scratched a nonexistent itch on the tip of my nose in an attempt to hide a smile. She put the tray down and straightened up, folding her arms and looking at Sherlock as he started. “No, Sarah was the doctor; and then there was the one with the spots; and then the one with the nose; and then... who was after the boring teacher?”

 “Nobody.” She said dryly, very offended.

 “Jeanette!” Sherlock exclaimed, grinning falsely at her. “Ah, process of elimination.” He said fondly. John awkwardly shepherded Jeanette away. Sherlock smiled at me (sincerely) and then we looked across to the door as a new arrival came in. “Oh, dear lord.” He said, suddenly sounding exhausted. I put my plate on the mantelpiece and walked next to him, slapping his upper arm with the back of my hand. He looked down at me innocently. Molly walked in, smiling shyly and carrying two bags which appeared to be full of presents.

 “Hello, everyone. Sorry, hello.” Molly greeted. I smiled. John walked over to greet her, smiling. “Er, it said on the door just to come up.” She said meekly. Everyone greeted her cheerfully. Sherlock rolled his eyes. I smacked him again; making sure it was when Molly was looking away.

 “Oh, everybody’s saying hullo to each other. How wonderful!” He said sarcastically, not getting my warning. Smiling at him nervously, Molly started to take her coat and scarf off. As she looked down I gave Sherlock my best glare and punched his forearm. He pressed his lips together and refused to make any contact with me. Standing ready to take her coat, John said,

 “Let me, er...” He began. “Holy mary!” He exclaimed. My eyes widened and I smiled softly. Lestrade gaped in similar appreciation as Molly revealed that she was wearing a very attractive little black dress.