(no subject)
Chapter Two
Title: Static
Author: A Study in Schadenfreude
Pairing|Characters: No strict pairing
Length: Undetermined
Genre: angst, action-adventure
Warnings: Post-Reichenbach Fall.
Rating: T
Disclaimer: Moffat, Gatiss, and Conan-Doyle own the characters, we’re just making them dance to our tune.
Summary: Companion pieces to the main fic “Mobile.” You really should read “Mobile” to understand what’s going on here, but you can read it as a stand-alone if you want. :)
[Chapter One]
Sunday 12 August 16:20
John was sitting on the sofa thinking, when Mrs Hudson knocked and stepped into the flat with her tea tray.
“John dearie! Are you in? I brought you some tea.” she said warmly.
“Ah, Mrs Hudson. Just the woman I wanted to see. Tea’s lovely, thank you.” John gestured to the sofa. “Would you stay, please? I need to talk with you.”
Mrs Hudson started in surprise, but then nodded. “Of course, dear. What is it?” She asked, obviously avoiding the elephant in the room.
“I’m planning to do something in a few days and I don’t want you to worry.” John said, looking at Mrs Hudson solemnly.
A look of confusion stole across her face. “What do you mean, John dear? I already know you’re moving. It would be sad to see you go, but I understand completely.”
“I’m afraid this is a bit more than me moving out.” John breathed deeply, and decided to cut to the chase instead of leading slowly to it. “I’m going to fake my death, and I couldn’t just go ahead without letting you know.” He stared at Mrs Hudson for a moment, who looked more confused than ever. “Besides, you’re a wonderful actress.”
“What are you talking about, John?”
“I can’t...be John Watson anymore. People who knew about Sherlock and me, they just stare at me like I’m some lost little puppy.” John sighed. He hated feeling helpless.
That was what Sherlock made him feel. Helpless. When John watched him jump and there was nothing he could do... John shook his head. He knew he was far from helpless. Only Sherlock, really. Only Sherlock.
John looked into Mrs Hudson’s eyes. “I need a fresh start and the only way I know how to get that is to fake my death.”
His landlady seemed to be thinking over his plan, obviously concerned for his safety. “Will I see you again, John?”
“Oh, I expect so. You’re my favourite landlady. I’ll check in when I can.” John smiled in reassurance.
“Glad to hear that.” Without missing a beat, Mrs Hudson smiled, and patted John’s knee. “Be careful then, dear.”
John smiled. He felt like Mrs Hudson was taking the news rather well, like John was just going to take a walk to the park or to the nearest pub. “I want to warn you though, about the mess I’ll be making up here. I’m going to have to shoot a corpse in the head and splatter my blood on the wall. I’m sorry about that in advance.”
Mrs Hudson frowned and tutted softly. “Well dear, I hope you do intend to still pay your last month of the rent, then. New wallpaper and furniture cleaners aren’t cheap, you know.” She smiled, and gave John a motherly hug. “I will miss you, John dear.”
John grinned, and wrapped his arms around the woman. “Thank you for everything. Mrs H. I’ll leave the rent for you before I go.”
“Now you take care of yourself. When will you do it?”
“In three days, probably afternoon.” John paused, and look at Mrs. Hudson. “Would you be able to be downstairs while I...you know?”
“I will gladly stay away from your nasty business. You know how I am about blood.” Mrs Hudson said.
“Right, okay. Thanks for the tea Mrs H.” Mrs Hudson was going to do just fine without him around to take up her flat.
John smiled to himself. He wasn’t worried about her at all.
A/N: Yes, that's right. Mrs Hudson knew. Hopefully you don't hate us for that...or if you do, please let us know! Love it/hate it, reviews are, as always, loved and adored. Thank you for being such wonderful readers!
[Chapter 3]