Mrs Hudson is happy to pop this cherry... and I sincerely apologize for that mental imagery

[housekeeper]

Pulling back on her long rubber gloves, Mrs. Hudson left the slow-cooker to do it's job, satisfied that the thickening chili within would be ready well in time for a nice early dinner. She'd been making her way between it and 221c since the late morning, but hardly out of any real sense of fire safety.

No, she was simply taking every opportunity to pass by the slim package resting on the hall sidetable. It was so unusual for either of the boys to receive a package, she couldn't help the leery sense of curiosity. After all, Sherlock seemed to lift everything he needed from the St Bart's lab (she'd seen the labels in her occasional attempts at organizing the boy's kitchen) and John... well. It sometimes seemed he knew less of the computer than she did.

Mrs. Hudson took a long moment to give the package one last steely look (don't you dare explode, I only just hoovered, her glare seemed to say) before ducking back into the dim dankness of 221c to continue her attempts at sprucing.

Oh, how did she manage to let it fall into such a state?

[ ooc: I'm comfortable with action or prose logs, so it's taggers preference! Visitors are obviously welcome, as are the Baker Street boys themselves. Multiple threads adored. This is pre-Reichenbach, but I can tweak if you'd prefer post 2x03. Just let me know. ]

Comments

I prefer action, if that's okay? And any canon point is fine with me.

[highfunctioning_sociopath]

[Sherlock and been out collecting papers and gathering notes from his Homeless Network. He chuckled to himself, reflecting on John always thinking it's his blog that brings in the cases - well, what John didn't know, wouldn't hurt him.

He entered the main door, and noticed the the package resting on the side table. He looked around and saw it was addressed to "221B Baker Street," which was odd in and of itself. Between John's blog and his own... they were well-known enough. So there was only one choice, he called out.]

MRS. HUDSON!?

action is perfectly okay~

[housekeeper]

Sherlock! [ Mrs Hudson stuck her head out from the doorway of 221c, mouth pursed in annoyance. She'd nearly jumped out of her skin at his shout, and the slight rush of adrenaline was colouring her cheeks. ] You needn't use such volume. I'm haven't gone deaf yet.

Re: action is perfectly okay~

[highfunctioning_sociopath]

[And he'll just be ignoring her age remark. Mrs. Hudson will never be old. It's simply not allowed.]

This package.... [He doesn't touch it yet. But he gestures to indicate it.] Who left it?

[housekeeper]

The postman. [ She plucks at her gloves, coming into the narrow hall. ] It wasn't ticking, so I brought it in. Expecting something, dear?

[highfunctioning_sociopath]

[He shakes his head slightly.]

No... And it's not addressed. Not properly in any event.

[And it came through post, so too many hands have touched it already. He's eying it with a hint of hesitancy. He looks at Mrs. Hudson from the side.]

And just because it's not ticking, doesn't mean it isn't dangerous.

[Now he flashes a grin.]

[housekeeper]

Oh, don't you start that nonsense in here. [ Mrs Hudson loves Sherlock, she does, but the damage done to her home already has made her a bit touchy.

She remembers the bomb, Sherlock, and the bullet holes in the wall. ] We ought to call your detective friend. I don't like you boys taking chances with that awful man still out there.

I need to finish loading my Mrs. Hudson icons :X

[highfunctioning_sociopath]

[He leans over and kisses her on the cheek.]

Never fear, Mrs. Hudson, I am a detective.

[After all, Sherlock loves her too. Even if he has a strange way to show it.]

haha, I do, too. someone was kind enough to make me a bunch!

[housekeeper]

[ She flushes again, patting him gently on the shoulder with a gloved hand. Still, Mrs. Hudson tries to fit her expression of affection into something a little more stern. ] Be that as it may, you don't have a bombsquad at your disposal.

[ She wavers a bit, then shakes her head. ] It'd be best to simply wait until John is home, and if it's not his then throw it out. Why do you insist on inviting trouble?

Oh, I have some made, I just need to actually load them :/

[highfunctioning_sociopath]

Where would the fun in that be?

[Besides, he can't resist a good mystery.]

sorry, i had to crash! it was late ;;

[housekeeper]

[ Mrs Hudson gives Sherlock the driest look she can summon, and presses her fingers against her mouth.

It's not like she can grab the package and throw it out the window, as much as she'd like to. That would be unforgivably rude. ] I don't suppose you'd be willing to open it outside?

Sleep is overrated :P I understand, though.

[highfunctioning_sociopath]

[Sherlock grins and offers Mrs. Hudson a small hug.]

I shall take it upstairs, that way you don't have to worry about anything.

[And he'll be able to run a few tests on it first.]

[housekeeper]

What, and have you expire from some new poison in that kitchen you mistake for a lab? Think of how the neighbors would talk. I think not. Leave it for the moment, Sherlock, surely it can keep until your good doctor returns home.

[highfunctioning_sociopath]

Mrs. Hudson.

[He had let her go and now had a terseness to his tone.]

What has you so worried about it? Typically you're not spooked by such things.

[compulsivedetriment]

Harry was impulsive by nature. Which is why she found herself on the front steps of the very same Baker Street address she'd promised to avoid. Broken promises were also something of a theme with Harry, but that is neither here nor there.

She knocks quickly, summoning what bravery she can manage under nervous energy. Already predicting that her welcome will be somewhat strained with the one person in this building that matters, in a familial sense.

Telling him some very important news is the reason she's here, after all. She wouldn't have to be if he'd pick up his phone every once in a while.

[housekeeper]

Mrs Hudson perks at the sound of the bell, plucking her gloves off as she makes the short walk to the door. She slides the bolt back but leaves the chain latched, opening the door wide enough to see out.

The incident with those nasty Americans had left her with a certain wariness about answering to guests, and she'd been quick to have the extra security installed. The wariness indicated by the lock was not, however, enough to dampen the cheery smile Mrs Hudson offered Harry.

A lovely woman, rather young. Her heart gave a hopeful little thump at the idea of John finding himself a new girl. "Hello, dear. Can I help you?"

[compulsivedetriment]

"Yes! Hello. Is this 221b Baker Street?" Which it obviously is, or she wouldn't be here in the first place. But London really isn't high on Harry's list of favorite places, and she's already a ball of nerves today.

"I'm looking for John Watson?" That isn't a question, even if it sounds like one.

There is nothing spectacularly outstanding about Harry, aside from perhaps being a little more energetic than most people her age. A trait more obvious when one gets to know her.

I may (translation:WILL) be slow, I hope you don't mind!

[drugsbust]

[One of the many, many frustrating things about relying on one Sherlock Holmes is that he doesn't come when you call. Even if Lestrade provides his livelihood and entertainment, even though he needs Lestrade just as much as Lestrade needs him, he still won't take a minute out of his schedule of laying around doing nothing to drop by the station. Rather, Greg has to take time out of his incredibly busy schedule to do something completely illegal: consult a private detective.

He really needs Sherlock, he rationalizes, but that doesn't make it any less bloody annoying.

It's his lunch hour, and instead of sitting down for something to eat like the rest he's rushed over to Baker Street, ready to grab a bite on the run on the way back. Now, though, it's time to ring the door.]

take your time! i'm very backtag friendly.

[housekeeper]

[ It takes hardly a minute for Mrs Hudson to open the door, the new chain lock rattling as she peered out through the narrow gap it offered. She caught sight of the Inspector and beamed. ] Oh!

[ Rather abruptly, well before he could say anything in greeting, the door slammed closed again. Rattling, rattling, a quiet scratch, and it was throw open wide, Mrs Hudson waving Greg inside with cheery impatience. ] What a surprise! Sherlock hadn't said anything about you coming round for a visit. Won't you come inside?

I'm so glad <3

[drugsbust]

[And so he waits for the chain to open, his hands in his pockets. When the door is opened he gives Mrs. Hudson a polite smile, peeking in before going inside entirely. It's a bit of a last minute thing, Mrs. Hudson, you know how he is about answering the phone. [He glances at the stares before pointing, because business is business.] Are they in?

[whatyoulike]

[Mrs. Hudson isn't the only one concerned about that package. Irene wasn't there when it was delivered — she has better things to do than lurk outside 221b all day — but she does keep the building under surveillance and, as part of a routine update, received several cameraphone snapshots of the postman making his delivery.

And that is why, at this very moment, she is climbing through an upstairs window.]