Dragonshifter: I am back, for now. You will have to tell me how you guys like this chapter.
The next day the Watsons found that Holmes was following them with less discretion than he had done the past few days. But they found that if they looked at him directly, he made himself scarce. They had to laugh at that. He followed them for a few hours then he stopped. It made Watson curious on why he stopped. When the Watsons got back, they saw why Holmes had stopped following them. In front of their door was basket full of new linens and box full of new medical supplies. A note on their door explained their presence. It was written in Holmes untidey scrawl.
"What does it say John, I can't read it. Watson read it then smiled. "It appears to be a wedding present from our dear friend Sherlock Holmes. He says that while he did not like our getting married at first, he is okay with it now and thought we could use this stuff. He says that he did some snooping around while we were out one day a last week." Mary smiled at that. John had told her many things and stories about Holmes. She figured that if he had been in John's study the day that she and John had left on their honeymoon, then he probably had explored the house at some point. "Well, I guess it figures. Anyway, he is right, least ways about us needing new linens." She picked up the basket and opened the door. She stepped over the box of medical supplies and entered their room. Watson picked up the box and followed his wife.
But before he could take five steps into the room, he bumped into Mary. "What is it….." Before he could finish his question he saw why Mary had stopped. There on his side of the bed was Holmes asleep or appeared to be. "Oh for goodness sake Holmes, That's my half the bed." Watson said as he passed Mary and set down the box he was carrying. "So, I am tired and I need your help Watson. I never really got a chance to ask for it before we left London." Holmes opened his eyes and looked at his friend. I would rather you help me than someone else." Watson looked at Holmes and sighed. "What do you need help with?" Holmes looked at Mary then at Watson then back at Mary. "How are you with blood?" he asked her. "I can manage it if that is what you are asking." Holmes sat up and opened his shirt.
On his shoulder was a gunshot wound. It had been cleaned up, but it looked like it was starting to get infected. "I have been doing my best to kick my drug habit, so I haven't gone near the stuff unless proscribed. I know that getting shot is not good, so I am asking you to help me with this problem." Watson looked at Holmes then his wife. "Will you get some hot water dear?" Mary nodded then left the room. "Take off your shirt Holmes." Holmes listened and took off his shirt. "Since when have you began to act normal?" Watson said as he had a closer look at Holmes shoulder. "Since my fall I suppose. While I was healing from my fall, I had a lot of time to think about my behavior. Besides, I want to be more normal, or at least a better person and not so undignified." Holmes winced as Watson felt around the wound.
"Hey, at least you got the bullet out old chap" Watson said as he saw Holmes wince. Mary came back with hot water and some clean towels. She handed the water and towels to Watson. He began to clean Holmes wound. "Holmes, you do realize that you will never be normal, at least not in the normal sense of the word. You are too smart for that. I know that you are." Holmes smiled and winced some more. "Ouch. I know I won't be quite normal, but I am willing to try to be. I know that you and Mary want to live a normal life, but can I live with you guys until I can find a new residence and a good job?"
Watson looked at his wife. She nodded then spoke. "Of course Holmes, feel free to, but we expect you to clean up after yourself and to help out around the house. You got that?" Holmes looked at Mary and smiled. "Of course, I solemly swear do to everything that you guys ask me to do. I also promise that I won't get your husband killed, or seriously wounded." John and Mary laughed and looked at Holmes. "Well then," Mary said "I suppose we better finish getting you patched up then."