High Functioning Hopeless Romantic

Chapter 16

I am using actual lines from Season 3, Episode 2, "The Sign of Three". All credit goes to the writers. Now enjoy children!

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"Congratulations! Okay, hold it there – I wanna get this shot of the newlyweds," said the photographer, his face shielded by the lens of the pricey camera. He peeked out from behind it slightly, and I watched as he eyed Sherlock who stood on the side of Mary, posing with them. "Er, just the bride and groom, please," he said awkwardly.

I felt the second hand embarrassment for Sherlock, so I quickly reached out and grabbed his arm, jerking him away and back toward me. My hand slipped against his slightly as I let go, and the coolness of it sent chills down my back even as the sun shone down. The photographer snapped one more picture, then the newlyweds dispersed back to their greeting and talking to people. Mary looked truly beautiful in her dress that flowed over her and hugged her in all the right places.

"The famous Mr Holmes! I'm very pleased to meet you. But no sex, okay?" I turned to my left, instantly recognizing the voice of Janine, one of the bridesmaid. During the bachelorette party and getting ready today, I had taken a liking to her and her disposition. Now however, her presence just annoyed me.

"Um, sorry?" said Sherlock, obviously confused.

"You don't have to look so scared. I'm only messing. Bridesmaid, best man ... It's a bit traditional." At that I was pulled away by Leon. I inwardly groaned seeing as I had been hoping he somehow forgot about the wedding, but of course the world hated me so here he was.

"Don't you look nice," he commented, grabbing my hand and rubbing his thumb over it.

I tried to return the compliment, but it didn't come out quite right. "And don't you look... human." I shook my head and walked away towards where, suddenly irritated with everyone around me. Ahead of me Janine grabbed onto Sherlock's arm as they walked together. What a cute couple.

I trailed behind them, listening to Janine fire off questions to Sherlock about people around them as she caught onto his deduction skills. It seemed then that Janine was now using Sherlock to find her ideal mate for the night - and suddenly the world seemed balanced again. I reached the reception area with Leon tagging along beside me. Sherlock stood with John and Mary greeting people. Archie, the adorable little boy who had come around 221B once, hugged Sherlock and I found myself chuckling as he patted the boy's head in return. If I didn't know any better, they could be father and son.

I walked to the door and stood next to Mary until it was time for the reception. I found Greg and Molly, and her boyfriend Tom that oddly looked like Sherlock. Finally it was time for the best man speech, and I walked quickly to my spot, excited for Sherlock. I had almost broke down in tears reading his speech, it really was touching, minus the occasional insult.

"Pray silence for the best man," said a man, tapping a spoon against his glass. Sherlock stood his feet, buttoning his jacket nervously.

"Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends ... and ... erm ... others." He stopped for a second, letting an awkward silence sink in. "Er ... w- al-also ..."

I heard John mutter something out of corner of his mouth, and suddenly Sherlock was out of his slump. "Right, um ... First things first. Telegrams. Well they're not actually telegrams. We just call them telegrams. I don't know why. Wedding tradition." He lifted the first card and smirked, mocking it sarcastically. He went on reading them, and occasionally when he said "cuddles" or "kisses", I couldn't help but snicker. There was one from Stella and Ted, one from CAM, and then he skipped them all and dropped them on the table, motioning to John.