When the Past Returns - BBC Sherlock Fanfic

Chapter 13 - The Calm Before the Storm

Penny breathed a sigh of relief as she collapsed on the sofa, wrapping a blanket round herself to try and preserve heat. It had been days and there was no sign of the windows of 221b being fixed so they had to do what they could to keep themselves from freezing in the winter cold.

The last case had gone by in a blur. Penny felt as if she was on auto pilot for most of it, watching it go by frame by frame like a slideshow of events. Sherlock had managed to solve case 4 of 5 of the bombers puzzles with only seconds to spare and they solved Mycroft's case at the same time. Sherlock was still acting cold towards Penny but she knew it was going to take time for him to adjust and trust her as he once did. She smiled fondly at her memories but was quickly pulled from them when she heard the tv turn on. She refocused on her surroundings. John was sat at the table typing away on his computer, most likely updating his blog which Penny thoroughly enjoyed reading. Sherlock on the other hand had taken to watching Jeremy Kyle and shouting at the screen while curled up on this chair. Both boys still huddled up in their coats. Penny couldn't help but laugh at the picture in front of her. She felt fondness for these two weirdos, a feeling she hadn't felt since before. She felt at home here, at 221b, with Sherlock and John. People she could rely on when the time came. Friends. 

"Have you given Mycroft the memory stick yet?" John asked, once again pulling Penny from her thoughts. 

"Yep. He was over the moon. Threatened me with a knighthood, again," Sherlock replied, not taking his eyes off the screen. Penny frowned at the detective. He may be good at lying but she could see right through it. Why hadn't he given the stick to Mycroft yet? He was up to something.

"I won't be in for tea," John said, closing his laptop and pulling his coat a little tighter.

"Have fun at Sarah's," Penny said without a second thought, playing with a loose thread on the blanket. She looked up to notice that both John and Sherlock were staring at her in what she could only assume as shock.

"What?" She questioned. "You think that after more than a year of living with Sherlock Holmes I wouldn't pick up little tricks and tips?" Sherlock smirked, turning his attention back to the tv. 

"Great, now I have to deal with two of you!"  John smiled through deep down there a slight feeling of dread.

"Don't worry John. Promise we won't gang up on you," Penny laughed.

"Well, there's still some of that risotto left in the fridge if either of you get hungry," John quickly changed the subject as he made his way to leave. "Oh, milk. We need some milk."

"I'll get some," Penny volunteered. She felt bad that she had been staying at 221b without giving them anything in return. She had to pay her dues somehow. John looked a little shocked.

"Are you sure? You don't have to."

"Honestly it's fine, I don't mind. I owe you guys for letting my stay here during the cases so it's the least I can do," Penny smiled, standing from the sofa, grabbing her bag and heading towards the door. 

"Thank you Penny! You're honestly a lifesaver," John smiled, leaving the flat. Penny looked back at the detective, giving him a smile bore also leaving the flat. As she stepped out the door she decided that it was a nice enough night to walk to the shop. A decision she soon regretted as the cold winter breeze picked up, blowing her hair in all directions. She thought about calling a cab but she was close enough to the shop now that she may as well walk the rest of the way. Penny was only a few blocks away when she began to feel incredibly uneasy, as if she was being watched. She glanced behind to see if there was anyone following her but the street was completely deserted.