Prompt 1: Two cats under an umbrella
Title: In the Footsteps of Churchill
Fandom/universe: BBC Sherlock
Rated: G
Word: 221 (B)
Summary: John does something very sweet and silly. Mrs. Hudson confirms the former.
A/N: Mrs. Hudson's gram's saying is an Irish one. (I can't confirm that the Churchill/Hitler trivia is true, but shouldn't it be? :D)
"Wherever is your umbrella?" demanded Mrs. Hudson as John peeled off his saturated jacket and shoes. His jeans, up to the knees, were actually dripping, as was his hair. His face and hands were pink with cold.
"Gone."
She considered. "Go change into something dry and join me for a cuppa. As a friend, mind you. Still not your housekeeper."
John managed a smile. "Ta, Mrs. Hudson."
Minutes later, swathed in layers of wool and flannel, John regarded his cup of tea with something akin to worship. "I can't thank you enough for this."
"You can thank me by explain how you got so wet."
He hesitated. "You'll think I'm utterly daft."
"After Sherlock? I doubt it."
"You can't tell Sherlock. I mean it."
"Not one word, dear. Now what happened?"
"I was walking by that fountain on Wadsworth Street, and I heard two kittens crying. They were on that platform in the middle of the fountain. They were trapped. I waded in to get them but they ran away. So . . . I left my umbrella propped up there so they'd at least be sheltered from the rain." John waited, embarrassed.
Mrs. Hudson didn't laugh. "Churchill liked cats and Hitler hated them. My Irish gran always said, 'beware of people who dislike cats' and that is something I believe."