AN: This is the last of the full-length chapters. Next ones will return to text format. Hope you guys enjoy – it took me a bit to figure out the gifts – but I think what I ended up with fits them. Also – I'm curios is anyone spots the Cabin Pressure reference...
Disclaimer: I don't own Sherlock Holmes. That honour belongs to John Watson.
Mrs. Hudson insists that they stop outside the cafe and take a few photos in front a small tree that was planted for landscaping. They acquiesce and loop their arms around one-another's waists.
Sherlock despises having his picture taken, but he manages a polite smile. John has a ridiculous grin that he can't wipe from his face. Mrs. Hudson snaps away on the digital camera they'd gotten her for Christmas until Sherlock finally gets tired of it all and walks out of frame.
"Sherlock! I wasn't done." she reprimands, gesturing for him to go back.
"You've gotten at least a dozen photographs of us in the same position. If none of those are to your satisfaction then I suggest you find a professional photographer to handle it." he retorts with a dismissive gesture.
"I want pictures of you with the wedding party." she insisted, lightly shoving Mike, Molly and Lestrade in the direction of the tree.
They formed a group, with Mike on the far end, Molly, then John, an empty space for Sherlock, and Lestrade on the other side.
"Would you get over here?" John demanded, waving to the empty space for emphasis.
"Haven't we better things to do?" Sherlock grumbles petulantly.
"No we haven't. Here. Now." John insists.
Sherlock lets out a huff, but concedes and comes to stand in his allotted place, wearing a false smile.
Mrs. Hudson snaps a picture and then trades out with Lestrade behind the camera so they can get a shot of the three of them. Mrs. Hudson stands between the two of them, arms around them, smiling and teary-eyed.
"Alright everyone," Lestrade begins, focusing the camera "Say," he brakes off as a wicked smile crossed his face "I'm not gay."
John's eyes narrowed just slightly but he couldn't keep himself from smirking. Mrs. Hudson simply fell about in giggles and even Sherlock's polite smile faltered into a smug grin.
Lestrade snaps the picture amidst his own chuckles, and satisfied, Mrs. Hudson allows them to continue into the restaurant.
It is a pleasant and warm place, very quiet and simple. A large table is already prepared for them, with an elegant bouquet in varying shades of cream and yellow serving as a centerpiece.
The owner's brother was the victim in a murder case that Sherlock helped the Yard solve a year and a half ago. When he heard they were getting married and needed a reception venue he offered, free of charge and even had a few special items prepared.
They take their seats around the table and are immediately served red wine. A few moments later the owner, Mandy, comes out to take their orders herself. "What can I get for the happy couple?" she inquires, grinning at the pair of them.
"I'll have whatever John's having." Sherlock answers with a dismissive shrug.
"Does that mean you want the same thing as me, or that you'll just pick food off my plate?" John asks, tossing him an exasperated look.
Sherlock considered for a moment before deciding "I'll take my own portion."
John smiles and says "In that case, we'll have two orders of your almond-crusted tilapia."
Mandy nods, marking it down on her pad, and moves around the table taking everyone else's orders.
When she is gone, Lestrade stand saying "As best man I know it's my job to make a speech. God knows I'm used to it by now, with my job at the Yard and everything. I'm actually quite pleased to be making one about something other than a recent string of crimes or someone's promotion." He grins at John chuckle.
"But the thing is, I'm not all that sure what to say. I could ramble on for the rest of the day with funny stories about the two of you. Or I could fill the afternoon with reasons why you're so good for each other and how wonderful it is to see love flourish amongst crime and despair. But I'm liable to get myself shot if I choose either of those two options, because both grooms would get rather pissed at me." He says, breaking off with a grin when he spots Sherlock nodding calmly at that prediction.
"So instead of a speech I am going to skip to the toast. It's short, to the point and ends in a drink; what could be better?"
Lestrade raised his glass and everyone else followed suit as he said "Here's to John Watson and Sherlock Holmes. Two of the most amazing men I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Well, one of them is a pleasure anyway. But, that's not the point! The point is you guys make a wonderful team and I'm glad you've decided to make your partnership a permanent arrangement. Though we're really in for it now. Cheers!"
"Cheers!" everyone echoed, clinking glasses and drinking.
"I'd like to propose a toast as well." Molly began after they'd finished drinking to Lestrade's.
"Sherlock, it's no secret I've fancied you for a long time." She said, her face flushing slightly, but she continued on "And I had good reason to. You're brilliant and gorgeous, everyone sees that. But you never saw me."
John could tell by the determined look on her face that this was something she'd planned out word for word. She considered it very important and had probably recited it in her head the entire morning.
"And I thought for the longest time that something was wrong with me. But then I met John and saw the two of you together. And I realized that the reason you never looked at me twice is because I never looked at you twice."
Sherlock's face transitioned from the slightly disconcerted expression that he'd been wearing to one of mild surprise and interest.
"I mean, I stared at you sometime and stuff, but I never saw the real you. I didn't want to. I liked the super-human image I had of you. It was like a fairytale or something." She said with a small laugh.
"But when John came along I realized that he knew you in a different way than I did. He saw you in an entirely different light then I did. A more natural and accurate version of you. And he understood it and loved it. That makes him perfect for you. Here's to your happiness!" she finished, raising her glass and everyone intoned "Cheers!"
As they were finishing their food came out, so everyone settled down to eat. Mike and John chatted, catching up. Molly listened to Lestrade recounting a few of his more recent cases whilst Sherlock shot venomous glares at Mycroft, who was making small talk with Mrs. Hudson.
Suddenly a warm, calloused hand sliding over his own and he whips his head around to find John smiling at him.
"Would you please stop sending your brother death threats with your facial expressions?" he reprimands lightly. "He's not bothering you. Just let it go."
"His presence bothers me." Sherlock retorts, but he turns his hand to capture John's and redirected his attention to interrogating Mike about the new lab that is rumored to be in progress at Bart's.
When they've all finished their meals Mandy came out to collect their dishes. "I've got something special for your dessert." She said, with a grin.
John shoots Sherlock a knowing grin, because sweets are one thing Sherlock has never been able to resist. She returns moments later with a tray of cheesecake and strudel.
"Now, I don't usually have this on my menu, but John mentioned that you're a fan of coffee cheesecake Sherlock. And he said he loves apple strudel. So I've got some of both. You guys take you pick!" she says, setting it down in the center of the table.
"Strudel, John?" Sherlock questions, in disdain. "Nobody likes strudel." In response John spears a piece with his fork and places it pointedly in his mouth.
"Actually" Molly argues, taking a piece from the tray "I do." And John grins at her.
"Everyone has different tastes Sherlock." John says, with an affable shrug.
"Sorry mate, but I've gotta go with Sherlock on this one." Lestrade says, taking a piece of the coffee cheesecake for himself.
"Same here, dear." Mrs. Hudson says with an apologetic smile as she takes a plate of cheesecake as well.
Sherlock tosses John a grin, saying "See, majority rules. I have better taste than you do."
"There are still two undecided parties." John argues and as if on signal Mike takes a piece of strudel from the tray.
"I don't really have a preference, but for the sake of the argument." He says, biting into a forkful.
"Tie." John says with a grin.
"Enjoy your moment of temporary victory John. But you know as well as I do that Mycroft can't refuse cake." Sherlock argues with an imperious grin.
Mycroft hasn't said anything the entire debate, instead consulting his blackberry to check in at the office and ensure no national crisis had occurred in his absence. However at the sound of his name he glances up with a narrow glare.
"I refuse to be pulled into your petty feud." He retorts in a cool, dignified tone.
"Come on Mycroft. Pick one." Lestrade prompts with a laugh at his haughty position.
"Certainly not. I was under the impression that it was customary for the couple to feed each other dessert, not bicker over it." He responds with the same disdainful coolness.
With a sigh Lestrade selects a cheesecake from the tray and sets in front of him saying "I know for a fact you can't stand apple, so here. Cheesecake wins."
Eyebrows rise around the table and John can't help but inquire "Are we to expect a happy announcement by the end of the week?"
The joke goes unnoticed by all save Mycroft, who refuses to acknowledge it.
When they've finished off their dessert and Mandy has come to collect their plates Mrs. Hudson announces "Time for gifts."
"What a joy." Sherlock deadpans and John nudges him reproachfully.
"What? It's not like there's any surprises to be had."
"Shut it." John insists.
"But I already know what everyone is giving us." Sherlock argues.
"Well I don't and I like surprises." John retorts and takes selects the white bag from Molly first.
He removes the glittery white tissue paper from the top and reaches in, pulling out a large leather-bound book.
"That's Sherlock's." she says with a nervous smile.
Sherlock takes it from John and reads off the cover "One thousand and one rare poisons. I used to have this book. Lost it at Uni. Wonderful resource." He says which is as close as he will come to showing gratitude.
But Molly's smile widens at his words, so all is well. John reaches back in and removes an elegant metallic photo frame.
"It's for your wedding picture. Thought it would look nice on the mantel or something." Molly suggests and John smiles, already imaging it there. "Thanks."
Mike slides a blue envelope across the table to them. Inside is a simple wedding card, wishing them happiness. Inside the card is a voucher to a local antique bookstore.
"I know you're always looking for something new to read John. And I though Sherlock could probably find something of interest to." He says and John thanks him with a smile.
Lestrade's gift is next and John finds himself smiling as he pulls the tissue paper from the top, knowing what it holds. He reaches in a feels smooth leather. He pulls it out to reveal a badge holder and hands it promptly to Sherlock.
Sherlock takes it, his eye alighting and a very slight smirk working its way onto his face. He opens it and scans what it says; his smirk broadening into a small smug grin as he reads "Sherlock Holmes. Consulting detective of Scotland Yard." Then flips it open and closed with a flourish.
"This will certainly come in handy." He says, stowing it away in his coat pocket with a small nod in Lestrade's direction. Lestrade smiles broadly at the success of his gift
"Just don't abuse the power all right?" he comments with a laugh.
John reaches back into the bag to find an envelope. He opens it and inside is a printed picture of a police issue bulletproof vest.
"We appreciate the gesture Lestrade, but I don't think it will do John much good." Sherlock comments when he sees what it is.
Lestrade lets out an exasperated sigh and explains "I didn't have time to get it ordered and in. So I printed that off and you can have the real thing next time you come by the Yard. Figured you need it on your cases and stuff."
"This is fantastic." John assures him. "Thank you. Immensely." Lestrade waves it off.
"Well I didn't wrap mine up but I'm sure you'll appreciate it all the same." Mrs. Hudson begins.
"You're giving us two months rent free in Baker Street." Sherlock breaks in.
"Sherlock!" John reprimands and Mrs. Hudson just rolls her eyes. "Of course you'd figured it out." She mutters, but there is warmth beneath her irritation.
"Thank you Mrs. Hudson. You're a star." John says with a smile and she waves it off with a grin.
"Brother." Mycroft breaks in, sliding an envelope across the table. "Mummy sends this along with her warm wishes."
John hands it to him, deciding he needs to open at least one gift. Sherlock takes it and fingers it open, pulling out an elegant card. He flicks it open without pausing to read the text on the front and pulls two plane tickets from the inside. "Switzerland." He reads aloud.
"Yes. Mummy has prepared and entire package for you. She's good friends with the owner. Whenever you feel inclined to take a break just contact me and it will all be arranged." Mycroft explains with a smile.
"I don't take holidays." Sherlock argues.
"You will." John breaks in, taking the tickets. "Tell her thanks." John says to Mycroft who acknowledges it with a nod.
"And I've refunded the ceremony fees to your account as my own gesture of goodwill." He adds, before standing. "Although I would love to stay and continue celebrating your new bond of holy matrimony, there is some business I must attend to."
He gives a nod of his head and exits the café. The party breaks up shortly after as Sherlock is slowly growing moodier, anxious to get back to the flat and begin researching cold cases with his new information on rare poisons.
"Shall I stay with Mrs. Turner this evening?" Mrs. Hudson inquires as they're hailing down a cab.
"Is there something wrong with your flat?" Sherlock inquires.
"Not at all dreary, but being your wedding night..."
"We'll be no more raucous than usual. I'm sure you're earplugs will be satisfactory in blocking out any unwelcome noise." Sherlock assures whilst John groan quietly and rubs a hand across his reddening face.
"Have you two no shame?" he grumbles and Mrs. Hudson gives him a sympathetic pat, answering "None at all dear, none at all." with a smile. A cab pulls up along side them and they climb in, heading for home.
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KP