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John was just finishing his conversation with DS Sally Donovan when he heard a long suffering sigh behind him. He'd know that sigh anywhere, he'd heard it many times before.
"Why are you talking with her? Where's Anderson? He must be close behind, he follows her around like a sad puppy...can we go now?" Sherlock whined.
It was like dealing with a child, John decided. Although really many children, his own Rosamund included, were better behaved than Sherlock. Raising his eyes heavenward, praying for strength and tolerance, John turned around. "No, we can't go now, we just got here. The ceremony hasn't even started yet. Go get a drink and some food or something. We owe Greg our presence after all he's done for us, really for you, in the last dozen years, don't you think? And besides that, he's our friend. This is a special occasion. The least we can do is wish him congratulations on his retirement."
"Special occasion for who? Certainly not for me," Sherlock pouted. John gave him a well practised look. "Fine", Sherlock sulked, waving his Belstaff coat in a flourish and heading off in the direction of the food.
"And don't sneak out, you've got the keys!" John called after him, resulting in a dismissive wave from Sherlock. John smiled and shook his head. Sherlock was taking Greg's pending retirement very hard. Sherlock knew he had a good thing going with Greg - being called in on interesting, challenging cases, and what seemed to be an unlimited amount of patience with the consulting detective. Sherlock was understandably sour that his time working with the Metropolitan Police Service was about to end. No one else had the stomach or forbearance for his antics. John didn't blame them. Sherlock practically pushed him to the brink of madness daily. And he was in love with him.
The man of the hour approached with a beaming Mycroft by his side. Greg looked good - a new tailored suit (probably Mycroft's doing) and he looked relaxed and chuffed by the recognition of his peers.
"Congratulations on your retirement Greg! Well deserved!" John said as he offered his hand, grasping Greg's in a firm grip. He pulled Greg in for a one armed hug, patting him on the back. Nodding hello to Mycroft, John asked "So, what are your plans in retirement?"
"Honestly", Greg replied, "I think I'm going to sleep for a month. And in between naps, I'm going to try to persuade this fella to join me in a life of leisure" he said, while gently elbowing Mycroft in his side. "No more 3 am phone calls. No more sudden trips out of the country..."
"Really, Mycroft, you're thinking of retiring too?" John asked incredulously. For as long as John had known him, Mycroft was always working. The man didn't know what it meant to take a day off. Or at least he didn't before he began a serious relationship with Greg. Greg had definitely brought positive changes to both Holmes brothers lives.
Mycroft nodded in the affirmative, replying in a hushed tone as if he didn't quite believe it himself, "It's under serious consideration, yes."
"Well good for both of you, you deserve it!" John offered Mycroft his hand, and Mycroft shook it, albeit unenthusiastically. John and Mycroft's relationship had been strained since the whole "Sherlock's faked death" thing, but it was getting better. It was hard to have a good relationship with your brother's partner, when you had a somewhat rocky relationship with your own brother himself.
"Deserve what?" Sherlock asked, joining their group.
Turning to Sherlock, John answered, "Your brother was saying he's thinking about retiring too. Isn't that good news Sherlock?"
Sherlock was saved from replying (and probably making a smart remark to his brother and angering John and Greg in the process) when the Deputy Commissioner called Greg to the front of the room to say a few words and present him with a service award. While everyone was clapping, Sherlock pulled a flask out of his coat and began pouring it in his punch.
"Sherlock, seriously?" John asked incredulously.
"You wanted me to come, right?" replied Sherlock, determinedly. "If you want me here, I need a little extra encouragement. Happy day for Lestrade, John. Not so happy for me."
John was surprised by Sherlock's candor, but he supposed he really shouldn't be. Despite his blustery, impatient, sometimes condescending attitude, Sherlock always had an affinity for the Detective Inspector.
Mycroft looked past John and over at Sherlock and eyed the flask in his brother's hand. With a pointed stare, he expressed his thoughts wordlessly. Sherlock, from a young age able to communicate with his brother without words (although verbally sparring with Mycroft was a favorite pasttime), smiled and slid the flask back in his pocket. Both Mycroft and John said a quiet prayer of thanks.
When Greg finished his speech, there was clapping, cheering and back slapping as he returned to the threesome. Mycroft, Sherlock and John toasted Greg on his well deserved retirement. Greg's coworkers started signing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" much to Greg's embarrassment. They may no longer be working together to solve the more perplexing crimes in London. But they'd be spending time together like the family that they were. And that was fine with all of them.