The Science Of Second Chances//Book Two

Chapter 13~ Let The Right One In (Part One)

Teddy's P.O.V

I had been jumping around all day, excited that at long last the Christmas party would be happening tonight. I could let go of my worries and have a great night with Lestrade and John. After work I practically flew home, hopped into the shower and then got changed.

Molly's dress choice for me was perfect. She had come over a few nights ago to drop off some hands for Sherlock and at the same time she had brought along my dress. When I saw it I knew that letting Molly decide my outfit was one of the best decisions I had made in a long time.

The bodice was made out of tight black silk with red lace overlapping it. In a long, black, ruffled waterfall the rest of the dress fell to my ankles where my feet were clad in red strapy heels. My shoulders were covered by the sleeves but I didn't even need that. Molly had added a short red cape to go over my shoulders to keep more of the cold weather from freezing my blood and bones.

Looking in the mirror I applied some make-up; pale foundation, reddish-purple eye shadow. black eyeliner and mascara and red lipstick. My hair, which was still damp from my shower, was pinned half up half down in soft curls, a few stray pieces framing my face. To complete the look I put in the fake fangs I had brought yesterday.

"Arrgh," I growled at the mirror, turning my hands into claws and wrinkling my nose. My reflection did it back and I giggled.

Grabbing my bag I headed upstairs to meet John. Sherlock was lying on the sofa in his nightgown, hands together in thought. John was nowhere to be seen but judging from the noise I could hear it sounded like he was still getting ready. I lifted up Sherlock's legs and sat down on the sofa, looking at him.

"Last chance, Sherly," I said, leaning against the back of the couch. "It's not too late to change your mind."

"No," he muttered. "You honestly think I want to spend the evening with Anderson and all those other idiots?"

"Don't hang out with him or all those other idiots, then. Hang out with John and Lestrade and I."

Sherlock let out a groan and stood up, heading into the kitchen. I stood up and followed, watching as he pulled out a hand from the fridge.

"No thank you. I think I might test the corrosive levels in acids I have lying around," he said. I shrugged.

"Suit yourself."

Footsteps made their way downstairs and I turned to find John in a dashing black suit with a long black cape fluttering down to his ankles. Half his face was covered by a white mask. I couldn't help but gasp in amazement.

Was it possible for someone to look completely different than usual? To look more mysterious and handsome and even a little taller than usual? I guess it was.

"John, you look.... you look," I was having trouble trying to find the right word, so I ended up settling with, "wow."

"And, um, you look beautiful, Teddy," John murmured, and I felt the blood rush to my cheeks, probably ruining the pasty vampire look I was going for.

A silence fell over us as we stared at each other's costume. A cough ended that silence and Sherlock walked back into the living room, standing in between John and I, holding a slightly grayish hand.

"You're going to be late," he grumbled. I frowned slightly. Why did he sound so grumpy?

"Oh, uh, yes," John said quickly. "Um, Teddy, d'you want to..."

"Um, OK," I said, nodding and staring at Sherlock. He looked at me once, turned on his heel and walked back into the kitchen.

As John and I walked out of the flat I heard Sherlock murmur something in a low voice. It sounded like, 'make good choices' but then I thought, 'why would Sherlock say that?' I shrugged off the thought as I hopped into the taxi, John right behind me.