Chapter Text
"Be sure to pick up the napkins. I need to have samples for Mary and John to look at. SH."
You look down at the text Sherlock gives you as the taxi takes you to 221B Baker street. You can't believe how easy it was for you to agree to helping him. Ever since Sherlock found out that he is going to be John's best man, he has you running all over London to get him things to prepare for the wedding. It all started out innocent weeks ago.
You were eating your lunch at Speedy's when you get a text. "What color would look good on a dress? SH" You can't help staring at the screen for a minute processing what he just asked you. He has asked you random questions before, but never about the opposite sex.
"Why? Thinking of getting one?" Feeling a bit proud of your text, you take a sip of your coffee. A minute after you send the text, he appears in front of you, sitting on the other side of the table. He always does this, appearing without you telling him where you are. "You can at least tell me when you're coming," you complain.
"You still haven't answered my question," Sherlock responds.
"I don't know. Purple I suppose. I would wear purple."
"There are different shades. I need specifics." Sherlock asks you.
"Well, I personally would wear dark purple, like your shirt," pointing to his chest.
"What about for a wedding?"
Confused about his line of questioning, you set your fork down, "What are you really asking me?"
He answers, "John just dropped by and wants me to be his best man." You notice the slight terror in his eyes. "I need to prepare for the wedding. It's my job." You see his hand twitch, his fingers drumming on the table.
You place your hand on top of his. "First of all breathe. Second of all, I'm sure they'll have a wedding planner. You don't have to do everything for them. Third, lilac would be a good color for a dress. Already have bridesmaids on your mind?" You chuckle at the thought, but see Sherlock squint his eyes.
"If you're referring to what appropriate color for them to wear so they don't outshine Mary, then yes, I do have them on my mind." Clearly he missed the point.
"Well I'll be here to help you in case you get overwhelmed. Really, whatever you need, let me know." You give him a warm smile, him mirroring yours.
That was six weeks ago. You trample up the stairs of Sherlock's flat, bags and boxes in tow. As you enter the den, John and Mary quickly rush over to you. "Oh dear! You carried this all by yourself?"
Breathing out of exhaustion, "Well it would have been nice if someone came with me to pick up the stuff, but apparently he is too busy planning out the guest seating for your reception." You throw mental daggers at the back of Sherlock's head as he stares at the chart. As John scolds Sherlock for not being a gentleman going along, you and Mary are in the kitchen unloading all the supplies.
"Thanks for helping. I know that we didn't make you a part of the wedding party, but all the things you've done for us is leaving me guilty," Mary admits. You can't be upset because of her and John. They haven't done anything wrong.
"Please, Mary. It's quite alright. I'd rather do all the work now and relax at the wedding than the other way around," you respond. You stare at Sherlock until Mary bumps your shoulder.
"Looks like someone has eyes on dear Sherlock," Mary teases.
You are quick to react, "It's not like that! I'm helping so that he doesn't freak out. He doesn't act like this, especially avoiding cases just to focus on your wedding. He's scared about losing John. He never said, but I can tell." Mary smiles at you, so concerned for his well being.
"Let me talk to him. I'm sure I can talk him down," Mary reassures. She walks over to Sherlock and John. "Dear," talking to John, "Would you mind helping out in the kitchen?"
"Of course." John heads over to the kitchen slightly confused at what is going on. When he looks back at Mary, she silently signals him to close the partition. As soon as he does, you look up at him. He replies, "She just needs to go over some things with Sherlock. Wouldn't take long. Can I help you with anything?"
With you and John in the kitchen, Mary is quick to change her demeanor, smacking Sherlock on his shoulder.
"Ow! What was that for?" he complains.
"Don't you see how hard she is working? She is running around town doing all this work for the wedding and she is not even in the party."
"She volunteered her services," Sherlock comments.
"She is doing this for you, you clot," Mary says frankly. "You better thank her or else I'm telling John of all the things she has done for you. He doesn't know about the hours she spent scouting all the different churches. She gave up her holiday for you. John will not be as forgiving as I am," she threatens.
"Well what do I do? What do normal people do?"
"I don't know. Just do something that makes her happy that she can only get from you," Mary suggests. She leaves Sherlock as she heads for the kitchen. She opens the partition with a smile on her face. "Let's go, future husband. We don't want to be late for the cake testing."
"No we wouldn't dare be late for food," John responds with a smile.
Before they leave, Mary gives you a hug saying, "Let me know if Sherlock doesn't do anything to say thanks. I'll be sure that he does. Promise."