The Science of Starting Again//Book Five

Chapter 10~ The Reception

Teddy's P.O.V

The ceremony had been short and sweet, the vows filled with love and happy tears. Both Mary and John looked perfect together, and even Sherly didn't look too bad. Perhaps a little awkward standing up there, his eyes analyzing the crowd whenever he got bored, but still quite nice. I imagined how he would look getting married. I could see him being flustered, cue cards all tucked away into his pocket, stumbling over his vows in an excited panic. John wasn't like that. He said his vows clearly and confidently, his eyes never leaving Mary's. I couldn't help but feel another spike of loneliness then, watching the man I once loved say such beautiful things to another woman. My discomfort must've been visible because I felt Lestarde's hand link up with mine. I didn't acknowledge him when he did this, but I let my hand cling to his like it was a lifeline.

The ceremony had been short and sweet. The pictures, however, had taken a little longer. Everyone wanted to get their photo taken- with or without the newly married couple. Although it had taken longer, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. The confetti and rice being chucked all over the place allowed me to forgot about everything and just enjoy myself. I even took a photo with Sherlock, one I planned on framing in the future.

Now, though, we had the reception. We were lined up outside so we could give the couple our congratulations. We stood together in a group; Molly, Tom, Mrs Hudson, Mr Chatterjee, and Lestrade, waiting for the guests in front of us to move away from the happy couple and inside the building. As soon as they did Mrs Hudson made her move.

"Mary, John, congratulations!" She cried, hugging them both tearfully.

"Oh, Mrs Hudson!" Mary beamed as John laughed, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Mr Chatterjee went next, congratulating them, before Molly and Tom followed- Molly telling the couple that she hoped her wedding would be "half as good as theirs." When they moved on Lestrade and I stepped forward, Lestrade giving the pair strong hugs and well-wishes.

"Congratulations, Mary," I said while the boys spoke, smiling politely. Mary, whose face had been brightly lit beforehand, let her smile soften as she tentatively reached out for my hand. I let her take it, surprised by how cold it was. Usually everyone's hands were hot to the touch for me.

"Thank you for coming, Teddy," she smiled. "How have you been? John told me you've been going to a therapist?"

"Yeah, yeah. Uh, that's okay. I mean, I've been able to get a lot of things off my chest which is good. I've stopped drinking too. Although, if you see me glancing towards the bar..." I made a face which seemed to make Mary laugh.

"Don't worry, Teddy," she said. "We'll keep an eye out."

"Thanks," I replied, before giving her a quick hug. I don't think she was expecting it- Hell, I don't think I was expecting it- but she hugged me back nonetheless. I knew that our relationship was still quite new, still quite odd, but if we wanted to have happy lives we just had to get used to one another being in it.

"John," I smiled, coming to stand before him, Lestrade off to the side waiting for me. Without a word John pulled me in for a hug that I returned.

"Thank you, Teddy," he murmured, giving me a tight squeeze. I bit my lip, memories flooding my mind in an instant, but I pushed them all away twice as fast. Pulling away slightly I gave him a little nod.

"Are you happy?" I asked slowly, looking at him seriously. Softly he smiled, his hands wrapped around mine.

"I am," he replied. "Very much so. Are you?"

I gave him a hesitant smile, unsure as to how I could answer that question. Was I happy? Well, I wasn't sad. But happy...

"I am... content." I finally admitted. "And that- for now- is enough."