Chapter 1
It was a room full of quiet observers, suppose everyone thought it was only a nightmare. This is terrible nightmare that would disappear when the sun shone again. A murmur spread like wildfire amongst those in attendance, "Can you believe it...just dreadful isn't it...no, I can't even imagine what they must be feeling...of all the things to happen, this was the one way to go...what will they do now?..."
Her most trusted friends and remaining relatives sat on the front row during the service graciously arranged by Mycroft, who also attended. "Her Boys" were besides themselves with grief. Of all the terrible things that happens to their "not your housekeeper", it shouldn't have happened like that. Any variety of ways " to go" is very distressing, but preferably falling into an everlasting sleep during the night is usually considered the kindest and best way. But it was not so...
During the eulogy, both men sat ridged. They listened and tried to filter the surge of emotions out of their system in an unnoticeable way. Men and boys simply don't cry, it was socially inexcusable to do so in public.
"Do not cry. Do not even sniffle. Remain stoic," commanded Her Boys to themselves.
The eulogy droned on and on, Mrs. Hudson had led a life filled with much excitement. Much of it neither of her tenants were aware of prior to their first meeting with the dear sweet landlady. She was a lovely daughter and sister, but never a mother. Her tenants knew now why she fussed so much over their well-being.
"We are your sons," escaped his lips in a whisper as the realisation dawned on him. The other smiled in agreement, You were our Other-Mum."
Their minds wandered back to the horrid moment when the terrible news shot the "happy bubble feeling just coming off a case". It was terrible. It wasn't fair. She wasn't suppose to go like that. She wasn't suppose to go for many more years. Her health was fine aside from her hip. That hip.
If only they had come home sooner...
A-N: This story has been purposely written with a vague speaker, it is up to you which of "Her Boys" is saying or doing something. I had this written out ages ago, but never got around to posting it until now.
There is a companion one-shot called "Why Did You Leave Me?"
Chapter 7 of "Watching Over Each Other" has been posted.