Privacy Policy

by canadduh

With the decision made that she wants to go home, all Hayden has to do is figure out how. For most people going home would be simple, but for Hayden Skinner, going home means crossing universes, not just oceans. With Moriarty coming into play, Hayden wishes she'd read the Privacy Policy before deciding to help Sherlock on his latest adventure. Sequel to: Terms and Conditions.

7. Universes

Chapter 7: Universes

"Did you see anyone?" John asked Mrs. Hudson who had followed them to Hayden's flat.

"No," Mrs. Hudson said nervously, "I was next door."

"Mrs. Hudson, why don't we go have some tea?" Hayden offered, wanting to give Mrs. Hudson an out and not wanting to go into her flat and see the shoes.

"Oh, sure dearie," Mrs. Hudson twittered before leading the way to her flat. Hayden nodded to Sherlock before following the other woman.

Hayden let out a relieved sigh when the door shut behind her. She moved to the chair-less spot in the living room and waited for Mrs. Hudson to bring the tea. Hayden had offered to help before but her landlady was adamant that Hayden should relax in the older woman's flat.

Hayden considered getting out of her chair and onto the couch but thought better of it. She would probably head back to her own flat once Lestrade was gone and wasn't willing to put in that much effort.

"You okay, dear?" Mrs. Hudson asked when Hayden simply stared into her tea.

"I just kinda assumed that I was safe and this was quite the rude wakeup call," Hayden told the woman, "I forgot I can't afford to be passive."

"It happens, Hayden" Mrs. Hudson assured, "as long as you're aware now you can move forward."

They sat in silence for a few moments before Mrs. Hudson asked Hayden a question that had been heavy on her mind since the last time the two of them had talked.

"How is your search for a way home going?"

Hayden sighed, "not well. Turns out there aren't that many resources for those who want to cross into a different universe."

"I'm sure you'll find something, Hayden," Mrs. Hudson assured with a smile, "you've only just started looking."

"Thank you," Hayden said before taking a sip of her tea.

"What was your universe like?" Mrs. Hudson inquired after another moment.

"Much like this one," Hayden said after some thought, "except the whole you guys being fictional characters written by Arthur Conan Doyle in the early twentieth century. Oh, and the TV show as well."

"Is that the only difference then?" Mrs. Hudson asked curiously.

Hayden shrugged, "I'm sure there are others but I've not had the motivation to find them."

Mrs. Hudson smiled, "Well, if you ever do find them let me know. This whole thing is fascinating."

"Will do," Hayden assured with a grin.