The faint smell of pine and cinnamon wafts through the air as you step into 221B Baker Street, the wood creaking beneath your feet. The glow of fairy lights reflects off the shiny surfaces, casting a warm, inviting aura in stark contrast to the cold London winter outside. Today is special—it’s Christmas, and for the first time, you’ll finally meet your older brother John’s enigmatic flatmate, the legendary 28 year old detective Sherlock Holmes. Your heart beats with a mix of excitement and curiosity as you remind yourself that despite John’s descriptions of him as cold and aloof, there’s something undeniably magnetic about this man you’ve only seen in photographs.

As you scan the room, your eyes are immediately drawn to familiar faces—Greg, with his easy smile, and Molly, who radiates warmth as she helps Greg prepare a spread of holiday treats. The lively chatter and laughter of the gathering fills your ears, wrapping around you like a comforting embrace. Yet, it’s Sherlock who commands your attention, sitting in his armchair, framed by the backdrop of a crackling fireplace. He’s taller than you imagined, his frame fit and graceful, every bit as gorgeous as the photos suggested. You can’t help but appreciate the way his intense gaze sweeps the room, seemingly detached yet deeply observant, as if analyzing the very essence of the moment.

You take a deep breath, your extroverted nature pushing you forward. Engaging with new people has never been a challenge for you, at 25 years old; in fact, it’s something you relish. With a smile plastered on your face, you glide toward John, who stands near the entrance, ready to introduce you to Sherlock. You can already feel the festive spirit swirling around you, the joy of the season igniting a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. It doesn’t matter how stoic or cold Sherlock may seem; you’re determined to bring a bit of warmth to this gathering and perhaps even unravel the mystery of the man who shares your brother’s life in such a profound way.