An Exceptionally Patient Man

Genre: Family, FUTURE FIC

Pairings: Greg and Molly, Greer and Sam, John and Josie, all background

Main characters: Adult Scott, Josie, John discussed

Gregory Scott Lestrade was patient. In fact, one might argue, with his cool headedness, he might even be the more patient of the duo he had been half of since the moment he and John had been conceived..

One might argue he was patient to a fault; but Scott had discovered in his and John's time with the London Ambulance Service, that sometimes that patience was the best thing for them.

In truth, Scott had met Josie before John did. But rather than feel romantic attraction, Scott had felt drawn to Josie in a strongly platonic way. There was just something about the young bar waitress, and Scott could never quite shake the feeling that she was going to become very special to the Lestrade family, very soon.

They, in fact, would prove to become dear friends, just as John's presence would take the forefront for Josie. Scott didn't mind… in fact, he encouraged it. He saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – one he had patience for.

"How are you feeling these days, Jose?" Scott asked, as he danced her around the floor. Contentedly, he glanced around, spotting his sister dancing with her groom.

"Like I could eat a horse and then throw it right back up again," Josie replied, sadly. "I've never been happier, but…" she said, her voice beginning to quiver, "Still…"

"Aw Jose," Scott said, pulling her a bit closer. "I'm sorry my mean randy older brother has done this to you," – at this, Josie giggled softly, knowing Scott was only teasing - "but I assure you, we're all pleased as punch and we can't wait to meet this little lad. Or lass. Whichever," Scott laughed softly.

"I know," she said, tears beginning to fall. "I'm just so tired these days… and I feel so…"

"Ill? Soda crackers and ginger ale. Tired? Never hesitate, you know if John is on shift, depending on the day there may be a slight chance I'm not, nor is Greer. Or mum and dad. Oh Jose, you've gotten yourself tangled up into a family who loves you fiercely, my dear sister," he said, hugging her tightly.

Josie stopped moving, allowing herself to collapse briefly into her unofficial brother-in-law's embrace. She listened to his words, trying to accept them as best she could. But she was so tired these days, and worried that John was only there because she was pregnant.

"No worries, Jose," Scott soothed her. "John loves you more than you know. You know he's spoken lately of how excited he is for this baby, and to raise him with you. Or her," Scott laughed softly. "Truthfully I don't care myself. Niece or nephew, there's plenty of mischief to get into with old Uncle Scott at the helm. I've plenty of patience either way."

Josie, bolstered enough to smile at this, gently swatted Scott's arm.

"You cheeky bastard," she chided, sniffing away what she hoped would be the last of her tears for the evening. "I can always count on you, can't I?

"Yeah, you can. Always and forever. I'll vow it right here and right now if I have to," Scott promised solemnly. "If God forbid anything were to happen to John… you have me. And you can count on Greer as well, and Sam, and on Mum and Dad. Oh but Josephine, most of all you can count on John, he isn't going anywhere. I've seen plenty of glowing expectant mothers in my time as a paramedic, but I've never seen and expectant FATHER glow. Blimey, my brother is lit up like a glow worm! But you know what, Jose?"

Josie gazed up at him, shaking her head slightly, waiting for him to continue speaking.

"My brother has been glowing ever since the two of you first met. I don't think I've seen a man more in love with a woman since recognizing it in my own dad. Whenever he looks at Mum, it's right there. John has that same look when you're in the room." He leaned his head down, placing a small reassuring kiss on her head.

"This baby has me knackered already," she said, leaning against him. "Maybe one day, do you think…" she hesitated, "do you think maybe… John might…?"

"Marry you? Yes, actually, I think he might. Look, I'm not John but he's my twin. We were conceived at the same time, we've even confirmed we're identical twins and not fraternal, which means we even share the same DNA. Genetically speaking, I'm John and John is me, and believe me, John wants to make you family, to prove to you he wants to."

Scott would leave their conversation at that, merely holding Josie patiently, closely, and protectively, wordlessly letting her know that she was his little sister just as much as Greer was.

But deep down, Gregory Scott Lestrade knew that in a few short weeks, this glowing lass he danced with would be his sister-in-law, officially and completely. He didn't know the details, or understand how or why he knew this exactly, but he knew nonetheless. Mentally, he chalked it up to that strange connection that twins were so often known for sharing. He and John had never been an exception to that particular phenomenon.

They might break tradition with Josie's own father unable to attend, and her mother since passed on.

For Greg to give the bride away to his own son might prove a bit… awkward.

Scott, however, had no qualms about giving this dear friend of his away to his brother, that they would become family.

But, this was a story weeks yet in the making. Scott had time, as much time as necessary.

He was, after all, an exceptionally patient man.