A/N: Uncountable thanks to SailOnSilvergirl, sevenpercent, and GhyllWyne.
"I see you've found our hive, John."
"Oh, Mr. Holmes. Yes. I hope it's okay to be here."
"Of course. The bees appreciate visitors, especially the ones who talk to them. I haven't nearly as many stories to tell them these days. Not since I retired from the service."
"Oh. You? I knew that your family had a history ..."
"But you didn't think that meant me? Nobody does. Rather useful to be underestimated, don't you think?"
"I- Yeah. Occasionally."
"Were you telling them about Mary shooting Sherlock?"
"Oh, bloody hell. You know?"
"I do. Martine doesn't."
"Ah. Okay. And no, not that. I was telling them about me. How I went haring after the future I was supposed to want, but didn't. Don't."
"No?"
"No. God, no."
"What do you want, then?"
"I want to stay. With him. Doesn't matter, though. He wants me to go."
"Does he?"
"He thinks it will keep me safe."
"You'd trade happiness for safety?"
"Not mine. His. Staying with her keeps him safe."
"Idiots, the both of you, each as bad as the other. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that he's right. You need to go back to her. For now."
"Oh?"
"She is a threat to both of you, but she's just a footsoldier, following orders. Take care, John. The real danger is her boss."