Sherlock Holmes fidgeted with his immaculate cuffs for a moment, and then straightened up hastily as the couple approached, after diving through the swarm of well-wishers.
"I'd no idea you had so many friends, Doctor," Holmes said dryly.
"Nor I," Watson breathed ruefully, pulling his handkerchief from his sleeve with the hand not occupied by his wife's. "I think most of them came to see the famous detective rather than us."
Holmes snorted. Scotland Yard had assigned men to keep the press away, but still the crowd had been larger than they anticipated.
"My best wishes for your happiness, Mrs. Watson," Holmes offered gallantly, for he could be as chivalrous as Watson when he so chose – and never would be anything less toward someone his friend loved so dearly.
"Thank you, sir," she replied, blue eyes dancing from her husband to his awkward friend. "Are you not going to claim the privilege of the best man, Mr. Holmes?"
"Erm…must I?"
Mary's smile broadened as the Doctor suddenly coughed. "Certainly not, if you find me so repellant," she replied with a pout.
"No, no, it is not that, Miss Morst – Mrs. Watson," Holmes frantically corrected himself. "It is…merely that your husband has a rather nasty right hook, and I don't care to encroach upon his territory?"
"Ah, go ahead, my dear fellow," Watson said affably. "I don't mind."
The glare he received began to melt the frosting on the wedding cake, but the good Doctor pretended not to notice, merely blinking innocently at his squirming friend.
"But…" the detective gulped, casting a frantic look about and seeing only enthusiastic onlookers, all watching eagerly.
"Well, go on," Watson nudged, grinning.
"Leave him alone, John." Mary laughed and finally took mercy on the poor consultant, eliminating his misery by standing on tip-toe to peck him lightly on the cheek amid a round of applause that made the detective blush a deep scarlet. "Thank you for all you've done, Mr. Holmes. I know we both would have been sorely disappointed had you not been able to come."
"Very," Watson added softly, his eyes glinting as they met his friend's, whereupon the detective visibly relaxed. "Thank you, Holmes. It...means the world to me."
"I would not have missed it, despite my original less-than-gentlemanly attitude," the other returned quietly. "I hope you know that."
Watson nodded. "Still, it is good to hear you say it…I say, where did Mary go?"
Holes blinked, for neither of them had realised the third member of their trio had smiled knowingly and left them alone.
"You know, Doctor…if all women were so remarkable, I might consider marrying, myself," Holmes stated bemusedly.