The final letters <3

A few final letters:

Dear Doctor J. Watson,

How do you fare? I've been meaning to inquire (from a completely objective point of view, of course—deem this a psychological inquiry into the minds of my fellow humans), what have you been thinking about Sherlock’s… fashion choices as of late?

They have been experimenting with..bolder looks, as I understand it, and, as a fellow enjoyer of haute couture, I am sure they're wondering what you make of those… revealing necklines and exposed skin..! I am sure that others must have noticed too, perhaps, let's say, recent visitors and certain public servants...so!!

What do you think of when you behold them, and what are your thoughts on other people leering at them?? I am asking for a friend, you see, who is wondering how to, ahem.. keep the attention of one they hold..affection for. I would be much obliged for an answer, so don't second-guess who could be writing because this sender shall remain strictly anonymous, you hear!!!!!

Ahem. In any event. Thank you for all your hard work..I am sure that..Sherlock is very glad to have you by their side and cherishes every moment spent with you, even if they would perish from embarrassment if they admitted it..but certainly you must know how much they treasure you!!!!! So ahem...thank you, John. For everything.

– Signed, totally NOT Sherlock I don't know what you're talking about !!!!!

Dear… I rather… dare not assume who…

—Dear writer, I fare well enough. It’s been rather a few strange days, but I have hope for what the future will bring. Thank you kindly for asking.

On the matter of Sherlock’s sense of dress. I—you must know I couldn’t possibly comment on their personal preferences, not through a medium such as this, and to no one else but them themselves. But do know leering, of any kind, particularly by some… I am most opposed to it.

Now—regarding my feelings about such styles, la mode or not, are a little complicated. I am not sure I believe it to be the way to a person’s heart, if that is the hope, as I understand it to be in this case. Attention, it may bring. But were it to end there… I fear it might be equal to heartbreak.

I suggest simply telling this person your feelings. It is a brave and admirable thing when one… does have the guts to do so.

I wish you the best of luck, dear writer. Truly.

Yours,

J. Watson

Ps. I am rather biased towards clothes of a delicate, charming, or plainer aesthetic. I believe it brings out the… inherent beauty in ways the flashier styles do not.

— Authorial note: As marriage is mentioned, and as I believe I know the author of this letter—I will write it as if W and MC are marriage compatible according to Victorian sensibilities and Mrs Hudson’s current expectations (this doesn’t necessarily confirm or deny any marriage for any or all MCs in the game, but do know I wouldn’t leave anyone’s MC without a good and equal solution or conclusion <3 ).

Greetings, Mrs. Hudson.

Despite certain... favoritisms, it's clear that you are deeply fond of both Sherlock and Dr. Watson. I was wondering how you felt about the latter, specifically. What was your first impression of the doctor? And has it changed since then? Have you ever thought the duo could make a lovely couple, or would you rather Sherlock marry someone else?

Keep taking care of both, please.

Signed, unknown.

Dearest unknown,

I confess you have me flabbergasted, dear reader; on what favouritism do you speak of? Nevertheless, I promise you, I would never do such a thing. And if the stories make it seem so, I entirely blame any such inclinations on the particular perspective in the texts.

—Disregarding that—they truly are darling youths, are they not, dear reader?

I sometimes wish I could just pinch their cheeks. But I fear that would be… badly met.

What was the question—oh—yes—Watson!

The darling doctor was very humble on our first meeting. So polite and kind. I recall Watson offering their doctoral services for my elbow, it had been bothering me for a long while, you see. Ever since I made perfecting meringues my new project for keeping busy. I had not yet offered the living, but here they were, assisting me without any intent. And Watson has remained this way for as long as I have known them now.

Kind and helpful to the very bone.

Perhaps I shouldn’t be saying this, dear reader… But. I have prodded them on this very matter many times! They would make such a very good couple. Such close companions, compatible in so many ways… It is a shame. I would ask them to consider it, for my sake, if not their own.

But do send them a letter, dear! Remind them of their duty to their fans! Perhaps that will light a fire under them. If one of them doesn’t act soon… Well, I wonder if the decision won’t be made for them.

With the warmest regards,

Mrs Hudson

Dear Doctor J. Watson,

How would you feel if Sherlock revealed that they were in love with you but were also something called “asexual”, would you still be happy being with them?

Signed, unknown.

Dear Unknown,

I hardly know how to answer—

—Sherlock, if they, I assume, hypothetically said that they—said that they... cared for me…

I DON’T THINK I CAN ANSWER THIS HYPOTHICAL, I do beg your pardon! It simply would not be proper—

If we make a different hypothetical. If I loved someone. They loved me. Mutual loving all around, let’s say—then nothing could make me unhappy to be with them. While I can only assume the meaning of the term based on the Latin, this could never bother me. I only… want to be around them, their clever musing, and their spirit and very presence; it brings me alight.

Hypothetically, of course.

Yours eternally,

J. Watson

Dear Mrs Hudson,

Watson or Sherlock, who’s your favourite? Yes, you have to pick “I love them equally” won’t work here.

Signed, unknown.

To this unknown,

Are you in cahoots with the previous letter sender? Why is my regard so scrutinised?! I feel most attacked, dear reader, and therefore, I will not deign this with a reply!

—I am entirely impartial!

Always has been. Ask the cook—I order Watson’s and Sherlock’s favourite meals the exact same amount. I am very impartial, and hence, I won’t stand for slander that says otherwise!

Kind regards,

Mrs Hudson

Dear Doctor J. Watson,

Would you attend or participate in an elaborate murder mystery dinner theatre with your dear friend (provided it was interesting and challenging in equal measure, we wouldn't want said friend to get bored if it were too easy)? If the theatre isn't to your taste, maybe an escape room/puzzle room challenge instead?

Signed, unknown.

Dear Unknown,

I truly hope you mean it as more of a… charade, of sorts? I shall assume so—

Truth be told, if Sherlock intended to go—believe I would have no say in the matter myself. And I would gladly accompany them. Nemo resideo, ‘no one left behind’, as they say.

No matter the situation we would find ourselves in, at least we would face it together.

As to my personal thoughts—I am rather mild to the prospect. While watching the puzzle unfold through their eyes is always a marvel, I fear I’ve come to… perhaps this is divulging too much, but I’ve come to enjoy the thrill of actual dangers and higher stakes.

I am unsure of what that makes me.

Hopefully, dear reader, you will not judge me too harshly for this truth.

Yours faithfully,

J. Watson

Dear Mrs Hudson,

What tea blends do you fancy?

Signed, unknown.

Dearest unknown,

I must tell you, I’ve recently come into the knowledge that the most illustrious person, besides the queen and her family, of course, is a fervent defender of green tea.

It is now all I drink!

—And I must say, they were most right. It’s a much more elegant balance, and it requires more than the darker blends you might pour milk and sugar to disguise or dress up.

Is this particular tea also taking a toll on my balance sheet? I dare not say how much. But is definitely worth it, dear reader! I recommend it with all my heart!

With the warmest regards,

Mrs Hudson