Title: Preparations
Fandom: Sherlock
Rating: G
Length: 319
Summary: Sherlock and John are getting ready to drive Mrs. Hudson to her sister's.

Sherlock and John had volunteered to take Mrs. Hudson the 125 miles to visit her sister.

John settled back in the hire car’s passenger seat and glanced across at Sherlock. “You’re sure you’re going to be all right doing all the driving to Birmingham?”

“Yes,” said Sherlock, fastening his seat belt. “I really don’t expect you to drive with a broken ankle.”

John sighed. He leant forward and tapped the car’s sat nav. “Well, I’ve programmed in the route for you.”

Sherlock looked up and stared at him. “I know the way.”

“It’s not to tell you the way. It’s to give you something to argue with so you don’t get distracted and start thinking about cold cases.” John calmly held Sherlock’s gaze. “I still remember you having an epiphany on the M25.”

He opened the glove compartment.

“I’ve made up a flask of coffee to stop you getting drowsy, and there’s Kendal Mint Cake in case your blood sugar drops. Some bottles of water as well, to keep you hydrated…”

John looked over at Sherlock.

“Which reminds me. Do you need to ‘go’ before we go..?”

“John.” Sherlock leaned across and firmly closed the glove compartment. “Thank you for your concern but I have prepared for this journey. I have researched and learnt the route. I have a full emergency kit in the boot. I have money so I can buy coffee.” He raised an eyebrow. “And I made full use of the facilities before leaving the flat.”

Sherlock started the engine.

“I am fully prepared, OK?”

John held up his hands. “OK.”

Sherlock released the handbrake, and eased the car out into the traffic. They travelled in silence for a few minutes and then John sighed.

“But you are going to have to go back.”

Sherlock turned to look at him.

“What?” he said. “What? What can I possibly have forgotten?”

John cleared his throat. “Mrs. Hudson.”