Chapter Text
A shudder runs through you at the sight of the building just across the street. You tug your coat closer, though it will do nothing. It wasn't the January cold that crawled up your spine, it’s nerves. You're not sure why you're so nervous. After all, your reasons for being here are not ill intentioned. But can you really claim they aren't a little selfish?
You stall a little longer, waiting for a car down the street to pass before crossing.
You look down at your phone and back up to the number by the door. 221 Baker Street. You're at the right place, but you already know that, you've checked a dozen times. You hold your breath once again before knocking. You hear steps and can see a figure through the glass. The door opens to reveal an older woman. Her face lights up with a smile upon laying her eyes on you. Here goes nothing.
"Auntie!" You force a smile on.
"Oh, dear, it is so good to see you. It has been too long! Come inside, quick. You'll catch a cold standing out there." She steps aside and ushers you in.
"Thank you."
She closes the door behind you then ushers you once again to the door that leads to her flat. Inside you are washed over with familiarity. You haven’t visited your aunt since you were a child but it’s still so familiar.
"I'll warm us some tea." She says as she heads for the stove.
"You keep a lovely place, Auntie." You compliment as you take a seat at her table. "It's cozy."
"Why thank you, dear. Is that all you brought or are you expecting more?" She asks, motioning to your suitcase and the bag on your lap.
"Oh, this is it." You look down at your items, hoping she won't question it further.
"Well that makes the move easier, doesn't it?"
You smile in relief.
"Indeed it does. So I'll be in-"
Loud bangs cut you off, like firecrackers up close, only instead of going into the air, they hit a wall. You guess the wall part because you can feel the impacts resonate.
"That bloody boy." Your aunt huffs and storms out.
Your ears still ringing, you chase after her, fearing for her safety. That had to be a gun, right?! Why would she run towards gun shots?!
You chase her up the stairs, your protests falling on deaf ears. She throws the door open to reveal a man in a blue robe reloading a gun.
"You quit making holes in my wall!" Your aunt scolds.
He gives her a rather passive look.
"I'm bored."
Is he serious? He's shooting holes into a smiley face on the wall because he's bored?! Well you suppose you could understand that feeling. Though you don't agree with his actions.
"Don't you dare shoot that thing again!" Your aunt scolds as she bats the man's hand down when he raises it to fire again.
He turns and opens his mouth to retort but his eyes go past her. You tense when his eyes land on you. Do you want a gunman's attention? No. Not at all. But you have it anyway. His eyes skim over you before looking to your aunt.
"You didn't tell me someone was moving in, Mrs. Hudson." He raises a brow.
Huh?! If she didn't tell him then how could he guess just from looking at you?
"I did. I asked you for help to clean out flat C but you were off in your own head so John offered to help." Your aunt now turns to you. "Sweet boy. You should thank John next time he comes by."
"I will, Auntie." You nod. Calmed slightly by your aunt's ease with this man. He was firing a gun but it was at the wall and it seems to be a recurring phenomenon, so maybe he's harmless. Crazy, but harmless.
"Auntie? This is your niece?"
"It is. Now you be polite and introduce yourself."
"I don't see why I should."
Crazy, but harmless and rude.
"I don't either." You cut off your aunt before she can speak. "He's your tenant, not mine. Could I see my flat now?"
"Of course, dear." She smiles but shoots the man a look.
You debate saying something in parting to the man but decide against it. He has no interest in even giving you a greeting, it's illogical to socialize with someone like that. Without saying anything to him you close the door behind you as you follow your aunt out.
"I think I hear the kettle." You say as you furrow your brows, realizing the high pitched noise is no longer in your ears.
"Oh my, the tea!"
You stare up at the ceiling of your new flat. The place feels unfamiliar but the small decorations your aunt had put up for you- an embroidery of a kitten, a painting of the ocean, some fresh flowers, bright and warm colored walls and sheets- make the place cozy. You doubt it will take long for the space to become your own.
With a sigh you trudge out of bed and get ready for the day.
Once you are dressed and properly presentable to be in public, you head for your door, hoping your aunt won't mind if you cadge breakfast from her. Since you just arrived late yesterday, some grocery shopping is in order.
You almost bump into your aunt on her way out her door.
"Oh, sweetie, I'm sorry. I'm just taking some breakfast upstairs." She raises the tray she carries.
"Really?" You recoil at the thought of the man. You notice the tray looks a bit heavy, though it may just be your own concern for your aunt. "I'll carry it for you." You take the tray, not giving her a chance to object.
"Thank you, dear. Make sure he eats it. I'll make you something as well since you're up." She smiles and heads back into her flat.
You stare dumbfounded. You didn't think much when you offered to carry it for her. At the very least you didn't expect her to walk away. You were going to follow her up the steps and drop off the tray while she spoke.
"Well, it's my job now." You sigh.
You make your way up the steps and knock. There is no response. You wouldn't want to go back without completing the task your aunt assigned you (even if it was accidentally self imposed) so try the knob. It's unlocked. Hopefully the man is in his room still and you can just leave the tray and slip out.
Unfortunately, that is not the case.
When you open the door you are met by a steel gaze staring at you. The man is lying on the couch and seems to have looked over when the door opened.
"Sorry. Uh, Mrs. Hudson wanted me to give you this." Seeing as you're already in, you walk over and place the tray in front of him on the coffee table. "Enjoy." You offer a small smile and straighten to leave.
"Are you only rude in front of your aunt?"
"Huh?" You pause on your way out and turn to face him.
He is sitting up to better face you.
"You were cold yesterday but polite now."
"Well you were rude yesterday and hadn't had the chance to open your mouth today." You snap with a sweet smile and chipper tone. "Excuse me and I'm sorry to have intruded."
You turn on your heel and exit.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
It's so automatic to be polite and smile. He was rude yesterday, you should have just left the tray and walked out. An explanation that it's from your aunt made sense but the 'enjoy' and smile were unnecessary.
You had kind of hoped that maybe he was just in a bad mood or something yesterday, thinking up an excuse for his behavior. At least you know now and can settle with the thought he just is rude. No need to worry about him. Push him from your thoughts. He's a twit you don't have to talk to. He's just a neighbor after all, not everyone talks to their neighbors.