*Charlie's POV*
I had calmed down considerably as I sat with Mrs. Holmes. She kept me distracted asking me nonsense questions and telling her own stories. We had moved from the sitting room out to her veranda where I had first had tea with her.
"You know Charlotte, I'm happy you came to me, not for why mind you, but that you thought to," she said giving me a warm smile. "I tried to do right by my boys, but I fear I did more harm than good. It warms my heart to be able to something motherly."
"Well, you're the closest thing I have to a mother," I admitted, shrugging. "Besides, I enjoy talking to you."
"Good, I'm glad," she said smiling wider at me. Her mobile started ringing on the table. She picked it up and looked at the ID. "And that would be my son….Hello? … Yes of course she's here … Hold on." She put the phone on her shoulder, "He wants to talk to you." I rolled my eyes and held out my hand. "You're sure?"
"It's that or he's going to show up here," I sighed. She placed her phone in my hand and I put it up to my ear. "Yes?"
"What are you doing there- you know, never mind. I don't care. Are you ok?" he rushed out. I could hear a mixture of relief and caution in his voice.
"I guess," I sighed. "Your mother has been very kind and helpful. You should really be much nicer to her than you normally are."
Mrs. Holmes stood, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder before heading back inside to give me privacy. Sherlock was quiet on the phone though I heard some whispering in the background.
He huffed, "Mary says I should apologize."
"Does she?" I asked rolling my eyes to look at the ceiling.
"Yes," he replied. I heard a door close, figuring he was probably shutting himself in our room away from my best friend. Why she was there was beyond me…I knew Sherlock better than to know he'd go to her willingly. "And as much as I hate to, I'm of a mind to agree with her…"
"Oh yea?"
"You're not making this easy you know that?" he growled into the phone. "Oh wait, I forgot, you like things difficult."
"Some apology," I grumbled back. He stopped his mumbling. I waited while he was quiet on the other end. I could almost hear the gears going in his head working. I started picking at the arm of the wicker chair I was sitting in refusing to speak first.
I heard him take a breath finally, "I suppose that I am sorry."
"You suppose?"
I could almost hear the eye roll on the other end. "Fine. I am sorry I upset you. I didn't realize that you were going a bit stir crazy. I am not an expert when it comes to relationships and it's not like I go out of my way to do anything romantic."
"Tell me about it…" I mumbled. He took another breath before I cut him off. "Sherlock, it's fine. You're the least romantic person I know. That's not why I fell in love with you. I know not to expect dates and flowers and all that from you and that doesn't bother me. All I want is to just get out and do something just us and that doesn't have to do with your detective things or the pub."
"I know. I will attempt to try and find a way to do that. Just don't ever leave me like that and not tell me where you're going."
"Scare you a bit did I?"
"Yes and I understand why you were upset, but please, let me know where you're going or at least take your phone with you."
"I can do that," I agreed smiling a bit.
"Ok," he sighed. "Shall I come get you?"
"No. if it's ok, your mum's housekeeper already started dinner. I'll eat and come home."
"Ok," he agreed which surprised me. He took a breath, "I'm glad you have another mother to talk to. Since Bryna's been born, I can tell you miss yours."
"I do," I said my throat getting tight. "And thank you for letting me share yours."
"You are welcome. I'll see you when you get home then?"
"Ok," I nodded though I knew he couldn't see me.
"I love you."
"You too," I said before hanging up. Mrs. Holmes stuck her head out the door, a smirk on her face.
"Better?" she asked.
"I suppose," I sighed.
"My son has a lot to learn about women."
"That he does," I chuckled.
"Dinner's ready. He's ok you eating here?"
I uncurled myself from the chair, "He's got no choice in the matter."
"That's my girl," she laughed draping an arm across my shoulders and hugging me. "I'll make a Holmes out of you yet."
I shook my head, smiling at her despite myself.
I walked through the door of the flat about two hours later. I didn't see Sherlock anywhere, but I did see flowers on the coffee table that hadn't been there earlier. I walked over and leaned down to smell them despite myself. Gladstone came running down the steps, wiggling at my feet and happy to see me. I bent down and pet him, scratching his ears.
"Where's daddy?" I asked him. He jumped up and ran back up the steps. I followed slowly and looked in Bryna's room. Sherlock was sitting in the rocking chair, slowly rocking Bryna. I leaned against the door frame as Gladstone sat at his feet. He looked up and gave me a small smile. I could see he was still uncertain. I walked over and leaned over to kiss him.
"How was dinner?" he asked quietly.
"Lovely," I smiled, running my fingers through his curls. Bryna started squirming in his arms. I held out my hands and he carefully handed her over. "Who are the flowers for?"
"You," he answered giving me a knowing look like he knew what I was doing.
"Oh yea?" I smirked. "From who?"
He narrowed his eyes at me, "Me. I thought you would appreciate them."
I smiled at him and walked over, Bryna over my shoulder as I patted her back. I reached up to kiss him again, "I do. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Did Mary help you pick them out?" I asked.
"No," he huffed, "I managed to do it all on my own."
"Wow, I'm impressed."
"I'll be downstairs," he smirked kissing my forehead before leaving the room. I sat down in the rocker and looked down at Bryna.
"Bryna, there are normal men out there just so you know," I said as she blinked up at me. "Your father is just a bit special." She gave me a look that made me think she knew exactly what I was talking about.
A/N: bit of a shorter chapter, but that's why you're getting two! i am feeling generous today considering my bff is getting married :D