AN: This is a sequel fic to my story Getting Tedious. It will be focused on the reactions of friends/co-workers/family to the news of their relationship. I'm not exactly sure how many chapters there will be but I'm guessing 6-7. I'll be updating weekly – but probably no more than that because I have another multi-chp fic going and life is getting busy. Anyway- let me know what you think! I want to ensure I keep everyone IC so please let me know if I slip up.
Disclaimer: I'm praying to Santa to bring me the rights to Sherlock. Until he does so I own nothing.
Mrs. Hudson was the first to find out about their relationship.
Well maybe "find out" isn't quite the right term because that implies she's learning something she didn't already know. More like she had her suspicions confirmed.
Yeah, that's a better way of putting it.
It was around 10:00 on Monday morning and she knew they were due back soon. It's only been two days, but she missed her boys. They were a bit like sons to her and whenever they were gone the building seemed so empty and quiet. She misses the flurry and energy of the two of them dashing about solving crimes. She chuckles to herself at the thought; maybe she's been spending too much time around Sherlock.
She is sipping on her tea, trying to read the morning paper. I say trying because she's really to anxious to focus and half of her attention is directed outside so that she will hear the cab when they arrive. As the clock ticks towards 10:05 she hears the distinct hum of a cab pulling up in front of the building. They're back!
Hurriedly she pulls on a sweater, because it is rather chilly out and slips into her shoes, then rushes to the door as quickly as her troublesome hip will allow. She can hear the muffled din of their familiar voices as she fumbles to unlock the door.
Upon opening it she spots John paying the driver with an amiable smile and thanking him. Sherlock is busy opening the trunk and hauling their bags from it. She steps out onto the sidewalk to greet them and John catches sight of her giving her a smile in greeting. "Hey Mrs. Hudson." Sherlock gives her a friendly sort of nod in her direction as his greeting. He closes the truck and slings the two duffle bags over his shoulders with the intention of heading inside. John moves towards him, hand extended saying "I'll get my own bag, love." The endearment slips out so thoughtlessly and rolls of the tongue so easily you can tell it's a habit. One that's been very recently formed though. John thinks nothing of it, hardly aware of what he said as he takes his bag from Sherlock, swinging it over his good shoulder. He's not aware of Sherlock's small satisfied smile upon hearing the word and the warm look he gives John either.
Mrs. Hudson notices it immediately though lets out a little "Oooh!" of delight. This is something she'd been waiting for. Unable to contain herself anymore she abandons her place upon the sidewalk and rushes forwards arms outstretched. She grabs them both, one in each arm, gushing happily. "Oh finally, you two! I knew it, I just knew it!" she squeals to their mutual displeasure. I mean have you ever had someone squeal in your ear? It's worse than nails on a chalkboard. To John's surprise Sherlock doesn't say anything though. But perhaps he's too busy trying to breath. Mrs. Hudson is surprisingly strong and is currently squeezing them; continuing with her delighted dialogue. "I'm so happy for the two of you. Oh, you're just so perfect for each other." She's finally released them and is now gesturing animatedly as she expounds upon their marvelous qualities.
"John, you know how much Sherlock needs someone to look after him. Being a doctor and all you take such good care of him. And being a soldier you can protect him." Sherlock's irritation towards her is becoming palatable, even she realizes it. Trying to appease him, she adds "And Sherlock is just as good for you of course. He's so intelligent and adventurous. ". This of course is not helping because they simply want her to shut-up so they can go inside.
Sensing that Sherlock's patience is wearing thin John's tries to calm her and move towards the door. However she is far too ecstatic to note the warning signs and listen .Instead she continues to ramble happily "I can't wait to tell Ms. Turner next door about you two. I suppose you won't need the second bedroom anymore? Oh, of course, such a foolish quest-" And finally Sherlock's had enough. John has to of course, but Sherlock takes action first.
"Ms. Hudson!" comes his trademark bark. It stops her in her tracks; per usual. She simply stands there look sheepish and Sherlock takes advantage of her silence saying
"Yes. John and I are now romantically involved. We are also rather tired. If you don't mind we would like to go into our flat and have some tea and rest! You can blither about or relationship in your own flat." Mrs. Hudson fumbles, apologizing and retreating inside. "Oh of course dears. I'm sorry, I'm sure you're absolutely spent after the case and travel. I just don't know when to stop sometimes."
John feels a little sorry for her, because she does mean well. However he is thankful she's finally calmed down and although he's reluctant to admit it; Sherlock's method, although a bit harsh, is effective. And she really should be used to it by now. When they're inside she scurries into her room, saying "I'll whip up a bit of breakfast for you two." They exchange a look as they ascend the stairs, because they would rather be left alone so they can relax. However they know that there is no use in arguing with Mrs. Hudson when she gets in one of her "Mother Hen" moods.
So they make no objections. When she arrives fifteen minutes later she finds John brewing tea and Sherlock scanning the paper, looking for their next potential case. Life in 221B doesn't seem very different to her at all even though they are a couple now. But she supposes that's because they've always been a couple.
If convenient please review; if inconvenient review anyway
KP
