MySherlockRPs

Stranger: ((Words are censored because I don’t want omegle to flag me. TW: underaged, se*ual assault (not rape), objectification from a young age, bullying, emotional abuse/manipulation. Omega!John (16) is pregnant)) John hadn’t wanted to keep it. It hadn’t really been his decision to make, though. John had just wanted some support for the abortion. But his mother and father had begged, and pleaded, and cried over the loss of a soul (an undeveloped fetus, but he couldn’t argue with them any more). A stupid alpha he hadn’t seen in a month, and a cond*m that he had pulled off in the middle of s*x. The fucker had been helping John through his heat. And he decided to not wear one. Because it /felt bad/. Fine. He kept it. But he was giving the thing up for adoption. Still, school was rough. His parents, the same people who’d talked him into keeping it, forced him to go to school. Eight months along, and life was rough. He heard the snickers. Felt the stares of people in public as he walked home. John never went out into public. School, and home. That was it. “Don’t fucking touch me!” Snapped the blond as someone bumped into him. He didn’t turn his head, just cupped his swollen stomach with a low growl, the other resting on the door of his locker. John reached out blindly, grabbing the other by his collar, and then he pinned him against the locker by his shirt. “Don’t fucking /touch me/!”

You: Sherlock held his hands up quickly, showing that he hadn't been trying to do anything. He stared at John's mouth, trying to understand what he was saying but the blond was talking too fast. Sherlock was deaf and although he managed to keep it a secret from most people, getting by on reading lips and going through years of speech therapy to make his speech sound close to normal. However, when he was being unexpectedly held up against a locker for bumping into someone and that someone was yelling so fast that he couldn't understand what he was saying, Sherlock didn't even think about pretending he wasn't deaf. He brought his hand quickly up to the side of his face, apologising in sign language again and again before he realised what he was doing. "S-sorry," he managed to get out.

Stranger: John fell silent when the other began to sign. A surge of painful guilt shot through his torso (though, honestly, that could have been the baby kicking again. It rather liked to take jabs at John's kidneys), and he released his hand, gently brushing off the other with a frown. His lunch was terrible. And he'd had a shite day over all. His parents had threatened him in a million and one ways to get him to go to school, but the morning had been filled with contractions. They... Were distracting. And he'd spent the night awake, unable to fall asleep. Whether it was because of his aching back, itching, swollen feet, the contractions, or the goddamn kicking baby. "I'm sorry," murmured John after a short moment. The kid was deaf. He dug through his mind, and eventually signed out the letters to spell "sorry". That was all he knew of sign. His hands dropped, and then he grunted, cupping his stomach.

You: Sherlock relaxed a little as John let go of him and he even smiled a little when John finger spelled an apology to him. It felt like all the time he was expected to accommodate to everyone else by learning how to talk and read lips and to keep his hands down when they were itching to sign but it was nice to have someone try and accommodate back a little. He frowned when John grunted and cupped his stomach though. "Are you alright?" he asked. "Did you hurt yourself?" Now that he thought about it, the blond had pushed him up against the locker with more force than he had realised the average pregnant Omega had.

Stranger: John managed a small nod, though he groaned softly. "It kicks," he eventually sighed, composing himself enough to peer in the other's eyes. "It hurts like hell," the blond paused. The other kid's speech was really good. He reached back into his locker, then took another look at the crap lunch he'd packed himself, then tossed it back in the locker, shutting it a bit too hard. John signed another struggled apology, then patted the other's shoulder, beginning to limp off to the bathroom. He'd lock himself in there for the rest of the day. Classes... They were too irritating at this point.

You: Sherlock frowned as he watched the boy walk away from him. He didn't look very well at all. He followed after him, quickly reaching out for his shoulder to get his attention without even thinking about how that would end considering the trouble that he had just gotten himself into for bumping into him; he just wasn't used to calling out at people to get their attention. Since that never got his attention, he never remembered that it got other people's. "Want my food?" he asked, thinking about how the blond hadn't seemed very happy with his own. "I'm not hungry."

Stranger: A hand grabbed his shoulder. John flinched initially, but turned back to peer at the other with a faint sigh. The blond shook his head, but then pursed his lips, and eventually nodded. "I'm picky," he murmured. "If there's anything I can eat... Then yeah," John swallowed and then rubbed at the back of his neck, studying the other's blue eyes. "My name is John."

Stranger: (brb_

You: "I'm Sherlock," the brunette told him. "My locker is just over here." It was lucky that he had a lot of food, he thought, if John was a picky eater. His mother was always trying to encourage him to eat more so she filled his bag up with food everyday, most of which was stolen by bullies and the rest he just gave away anyway. They reached Sherlock's locker and he opened it, pulling out his bag to show John all the food that was in it. "Take whatever you want," he said.

You: (brb)

You: (back)

Stranger: (I'm so sorry about that)

Stranger: (I actually forgot I was in the middle of a roleplay, then I went out and got pallets to do a DIY)

Stranger: (I'm so sorry)

You: (That's alright haha. I had to drop my neighbour at the train station so I was gone for a while too)

Stranger: (Again, so sorry!)

Stranger: John glanced into the bag. Eventually, the blond pulled out a pack of biscuits and the string cheese. He couldn't eat the sandwich. It had tuna. Too high in mercury. The grapes looked disgusting. As did the peanut butter and celery. He offered a small smile. "Thank you," sighed the omega. "What's "thank you" in sign language?"

You: Sherlock brought his hand up to his chin and moved it out towards John, smiling a little. "No problem," he said, putting the rest of the things back into his locker and shutting it. "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked. "You could go see the school nurse."

Stranger: John repeated the motion, and smiled back. The sound of the shutting locker was surprisingly soft. He turned his head, distracted, and then shrugged. "No. I don't really- no," he cleared his throat, and shook his head. "Every time I see her she urges me to get tested for STDs. Thinks I... Y'know. I don't know if you can tell, but my hormones are a bit crazy. If I see her again, I'll either burst into tears, or punch her," he paused, and then snorted a quiet laugh. "I'm not "alright". But I'm fine. Thanks, though."

You: Sherlock couldn't help but be a little overwhelmed with how much John spoke. People who knew that he was deaf usually spoke slowly, far more slowly than he needed them to but at least they were easy to understand. John however spoke so fast that Sherlock found himself missing half of what he said. He decided just to offer a small smile and nod which never seemed to do him wrong. "How far along are you?" he asked curiously.

Stranger: There was no real response. John's brows furrowed, but he shrugged, licking his lips. "Eight months," he eventually stated, deciding to keep his answers short. He'd never spoken to anyone who was deaf before. Maybe he was speaking a bit too fast. "This is supposed to be my last week in school. I doubt it will be, though."

You: "Why wouldn't it be?" Sherlock asked. As he spoke, he looked away so that when it was John's turn to reply, he could look at him for longer. He'd noticed pretty quickly after he first started school that people got uncomfortable when he looked at them for too long but he didn't know how they expected him to understand them if he wasn't allowed to look at them.

Stranger: Right. Wait until they make eye contact. John smiled at Sherlock, leaning against the locker as he unwrapped the string cheese. "My parents have been pushing me to complete school. I want to, don't get me wrong," John paused, and then exhaled a small sigh. "But it's been hard. And they are... Tough."

You: Sherlock nodded. "My parents are tough too," he told him. "I wanted to go to a deaf school but they made me come here so that I would be normal. I'd feel more normal if I could talk with my hands though and I miss half of what my teachers are saying because they spend half their time facing the board while they talk."

Stranger: "We have a few classes together, right?" John took a moment to eat, and then tossed the wrapper. "I can give you my notes. They might not be very helpful, but if you ever need anything, I usually have them," he paused, and then sighed, rubbing a hand over his stomach. "Maybe you could teach me a bit of sign. In exchange for the notes," smiled the blond. "I've got to go. Before the bell rings."

You: Sherlock was surprised. "You want to learn sign?" he asked. No one ever wanted to learn how to sign. If Sherlock could talk, why should they bother? He nodded though. "Okay. Notes for teaching you sign language." He glanced at his watch and nodded. "See you in class then?" he asked.

Stranger: "Ah... No," John shook his head, and faintly frowned. "Not today," Today, he was going to hide out in a bathroom, then leave at the end of the day. "But tomorrow," John nodded his head, and then took a step backwards. "See you."

You: Sherlock frowned but didn't push it. "See you," he said, waiting for John to turn around before he did in case John wanted to say something after he turned his back. "See you tomorrow then."

Stranger: John slipped into the nearest bathroom. He shut the door, and then locked it. The stalls were too small. And no one cared when entire bathrooms were locked. At least, not enough to complain to get them unlocked. He shut his eyes, and then sat against the wall. Maybe a nap. Maybe he'd just dick around on his phone.

You: Sherlock went to class and sighed when he saw that they would be watching a video. As always, the video didn't have subtitles and within a few minutes he realised that the visuals weren't going to help him understand what was happening either. He excused himself to the bathroom but when he got there, he frowned, realising they were locked. After trying to open the door a few times, he decided to pick the lock instead. "John?" he asked, seeing John sitting there against the wall.

Stranger: He heard the jiggle of the doorknob, but didn't open the door. In fact, he didn't even look up. Though the door opened suddenly. His brow furrowed, and he looked up in surprise. "Hi," he murmured after a moment of silence. "Ah. How'd you open the door?"

You: Sherlock held up a bobby pin. "Knowing how to pick a lock is an essential part of life." He shut the door behind him and locked it again before sitting down on the ground opposite John. "So this is where you go when you skip class?" he asked.

Stranger: "No one bothers enough to complain about a locked bathroom door," John shrugged, peering at Sherlock curiously. "Yeah. This is where I go. Are you skipping, too? Class boring?"

You: "Class is a video without subtitles," Sherlock shrugged. "I'm sure it's very interesting but all I know is that there were pictures of rocks. But if my teacher catches me not watching it, I get in trouble for not paying attention."

Stranger: John rolled his eyes. "Lazy fat-arse," he mumbled. "He's not good at teaching, anyways. So..." the blond gave a small shrug, and then groaned, curling inward a bit. He met Sherlock's eyes, then licked his lips, shaking his head hurriedly. "Contractions. It's not... They're normal."

You: Sherlock frowned. "Are you sure?" he asked. "Can I do anything?" He didn't like seeing the other in pain, even if he did insist that it was normal. "How about a drink? Would a drink help?"

Stranger: "No, no," he shook his head, face screwed up in pain. Eventually, he exhaled a deep breath, and looked up with a dazed expression. "'m alright," the omega sighed. "Do you want to spend the rest of the day in here?"

You: Sherlock nodded, relieved when he saw John relax a bit. "You're sure no one will come in?" he asked. "People will talk if they find the two of us hiding away in here." He moved a little closer to John so he was there in case it happened again.

Stranger: "People talk anyways," John looked up to the door, then shook his head, being sure to make eye contact before he spoke again. "No. You're the first to come in. I don't mind the rumors, anyways. Unless you do. Then... Another time."

You: Sherlock shook his head. "I don't care about rumours. I mean, I'm completely oblivious to what is happening around me unless it's right in front of me anyway," he shrugged. "I don't hear them whispering behind my back."

Stranger: John smiled. He stretched, and then nodded. "I wanted to say that you're lucky. But your life has got to be way harder. Even if you get the benefit of... Not hearing them." John crawled forward a bit, pulling out his phone. "Do you want to watch a film? With subtitles?"

You: Sherlock grinned and nodded, moving so that he was sitting beside John. Being next to John would make communicating with him harder but he supposed it wouldn't matter if they were watching a movie.

Stranger: John chose a Bond film. It was one of the only ones he enjoyed lately. He'd watch them so many times, that none of the plot twists made him cry, or want to scream at the telly in anger. He leaned against Sherlock, and eventually rested his head on the other's shoulder.

You: Sherlock was a bit surprised when John rested his head on his shoulder, especially after the way he'd reacted before to them accidentally touching, but he didn't mind. He shifted a little, getting comfortable and watched the movie, glad that he could actually understand what was going on.

Stranger: The bell rang. Several times someone tried the door, but wandered off with a groan upon finding that it was locked. Once the bell rang again, he tapped Sherlock's shoulder, and sat up with a smile. "See? They don't care enough."

You: Sherlock was confused. "What do you mean?" he asked. He hadn't heard either of the bells, or the people's attempts at opening the door. He hadn't even noticed that lunch time had come and gone.

Stranger: "Oh," John paused, and then shook his head. "The bell rang. Several people tried to come inside. And no one came in," he nodded back to the film, but kept Sherlock's gaze. There was something nice about it. Eye contact. Everyone was too afraid to look at John. Clerks, teachers. Didn't matter who. He was a pregnant, sixteen-year-old omega. It made people uncomfortable.

You: Sherlock smiled a little at how undeterred John was by Sherlock always looking at him. He was being called a freak on a regular basis because of his 'staring problem' but he supposed he had grown used to it over the years. He gave John a small smile before looking back at the movie.

Stranger: The final bell rang. They'd moved onto a television show at that point. A comedy. He shut off his phone, and stretched, followed by a yawn, then turned his head to meet Sherlock's eyes. "The bell rang. It's time to go home."

You: Sherlock nodded. "How do you get home?" he asked, sitting up straighter and stretching a little. He'd enjoyed spending the day with John, even if he knew he was sure to get into trouble for it later.

Stranger: "Walk," John rubbed at his eyes, and then faintly shrugged. "What about you?" his own home wasn't too far. It didn't mean that he enjoyed walking when massively pregnant. Home, and school were the only places he'd visited in... Three months. The walk was sometimes worse than school.

You: "Walk," Sherlock nodded. "Where do you live? Maybe we're going the same way. I'm heading to speech therapy though. I have speech therapy after school every day." He stood up and offered a hand to help John up.

Stranger: John managed to haul himself up with a bit of a grunt. "On King Street," he rolled his shoulders and yawned once more, a hand scrubbing through his blond hair. "Speech therapy every day? I was wondering why you sounded so good. I would have no idea you were deaf, if I hadn't..." John paused, and signed out "sorry" again.

You: We have too many children. I've decided. SH (fem, eight months pregnant)

Stranger: Well, I'm not sure what you want to do about that now. JW

You: We're not having another child after this one. SH

Stranger: That's fine. JW

You: I thought you wanted more? SH

Stranger: Well, I certainly wouldn't mind if we had more. But I can't force you to want that. JW

You: They're just so hard to look after. SH

Stranger: No kidding.JW

You: They know I can't run after them so they start acting even worse than usual. SH

Stranger: Are they acting out now? I can come home. JW

You: If you come home now can you pick up Hamish and Will from school on your way? SH

Stranger: Of course. Does Will have ballet today? JW

You: No. It got cancelled because the teacher is sick. SH

Stranger: Alright. I'll be home soon, then. JW

You: Thank you. They're actually driving me insane. SH

Stranger: It'll be fine. I'll come home and they'll all pounce on me. JW

You: Here's the plan. Hamish and Will can go up and do their homework, one of us can bath Emma and Anna because they decided to paint all over themselves, and the other can try and put Violet to bed because she hasn't had a nap all day. And I don't even know what to do with Oliver. He's been running around hitting everyone all day. SH

You: (brb)

Stranger: ((Ok))

Stranger: Put Oliver in time out. Ten minutes in the corner. No talking, no moving. JW I'll put Violet to bed, she likes it when I read to her. Can you bathe Emma and Anna? JW

You: I've put Oliver in time out more times than I can count today. SH Yeah, I'll bathe the girls. I can't wait until they start school next year. SH

Stranger: Christ. Right, see if Mrs. Hudson would like to take him? He always behaves well for her. JW Hopefully they won't cause trouble in class like Hamish did. JW

You: Good idea. I'll take him down in a minute. SH They only cause trouble when they're together. As long as they're in different classes it will be alright. SH

Stranger: Perfect. JW We'll have to mention that to the school when we sign them up for classes. JW

You: I don't think they like putting siblings together anyway. SH

Stranger: I had a set of twins in my third and sixth grade classes. JW

You: Damn. SH Were they identical? SH

Stranger: Yeah. Teachers couldn't keep them straight. JW

You: I think the school is going to have a hard time having four of our children there at once. SH

Stranger: Not as hard of a time as we have, having them at home. JW

You: I don't know what I'm going to do once the baby's born. Having a baby, a two year old, a three year old and two five year olds all at home while you're at work is going to be insane. SH

Stranger: I can take some time off work, or shorten my shifts or something. We'll figure it out, love. JW

You: If you take time off work, how are we going to feed them all? SH

Stranger: Well, we've got some money saved up, from cases and such. JW

You: Not a lot though. SH

Stranger: Enough that we'll make it through. JW

You: Remember every second year the kids get a birthday party as well. So that's Will, Emma, Anna and Oliver who all get birthday parties. And birthday parties cost far more than they're worth. SH

Stranger: Well, instead of a birthday party for each of them, we could do a group party, or go on a holiday as a family instead. JW

You: A holiday might work... but it might also be hard taking our whole family on a holiday. SH

Stranger: We can think about that when the parties start coming up, yeah? JW

You: Yeah. SH Okay, Oliver's down with Mrs Hudson, I've got Violet in her cot but she's crying. I'm going to get starting on bathing the girls. SH

Stranger: Let her cry, she might tire herself out. JW I've got Hamish and Will. Hamish's got a bloody nose. Some bigger kid hit him. JW

You: We'll have to go up to the school tomorrow then. SH

Stranger: He's fine, it's just bleeding not broken, so that's good. JW

You: But we can't have bigger kids hurting him. SH

Stranger: I know. He won't tell me why. JW

You: I'll try and talk to him about it later. SH

Stranger: Thank you. We'll be home soon. JW

You: Okay. Good. SH

Stranger: The boys said they'd do their homework in the kitchen to stay out of the way. JW

You: Great. I think we should just get some take out delivered tonight as well. I'm too tired to cook something up. SH

Stranger: I've already called that pizza place we like. Should be there in about an hour. JW

You: Brilliant. Hopefully everyone will be settled by then. SH

Stranger: Hopefully. JW

You: I wouldn't put it past them not to be. SH And then I think they can all go straight to bed after dinner. SH

Stranger: I think that's a good idea. JW

You: The older two can stay up for a little longer if they're behaving. It'll give me a chance to talk to Hamish about what happened at school. SH

Stranger: Well, good luck. I don't think he'll say much. JW

You: Regardless, we're going to the school tomorrow. SH

Stranger: Maybe someone saw what happened. JW

You: Hopefully. SH

Stranger: Hey, we're just outside. Will said he made you a late birthday card, if you wanna see it. JW

You: I'd love to see it. SH

Stranger: Alright. JW

Stranger: ((Paras? ))

You: ((Sure. Do you want to start?))

Stranger: ((Sure :) ))

Stranger: John pushed open the flat door for the boys. Hamish had a tissue held up to his nose to stop the bleeding, and Will was carrying his brother's backpack for him. They headed straight to the kitchen and pulled out their homework, while John headed to find Violet. He picked her up and soothed her softly, before grabbing one of the short books he knew she liked, The Cat in the Hat, and began reading quietly.

You: Sherlock was having a much harder time with bathing Emma and Anna though. They both continued to splash each other and Sherlock and nothing that Sherlock said would make them stop. The whole bathroom floor was flooded and she decided she'd have to get John to help her up from where she was kneeling when they were finished because she had enough trouble getting up these days without the floor being wet as well.

Stranger: Before John was reading the book, Violet had fallen asleep, and he set her back in her crib gently, before going to check on Sherlock and the girls in the bathroom. "How can you possibly get clean if you're splashing all the water out of the tub?" He said to Emma and Anna, before leaning down to kiss Sherlock's cheek, resting a hand on her back gently as he gave the girls a firm stare.

You: The girls cowered a little and finally let Sherlock start scrubbing the paint off of them. "Thank you," Sherlock sighed. She looked up at John. "Stay here, yeah? I'm going to need help getting up in a minute. Actually, can you go get the girls new pajamas to wear? They've wet theirs." She was just about ready to snap now after the kids had been pushing her so far today but John just being there made everything a bit easier.

Stranger: John nodded and gave Sherlock a reassuring smile. He could tell that she had been having a rough day, and anything she asked him to do, he would. He kissed the top of Sherlock's head. "You two be good for her." He said to the girls in the bath before going to find them new pyjamas. He managed to find a clean set for each of them that wasn't mismatched, and brought it back to the bathroom, setting the clothes on the counter.

You: "Thanks," Sherlock smiled as she finally finished cleaning the girls up. "Do you want to get Emma dressed and I'll do Anna?" she asked. "Help me up first though." She felt like there was so much to do still and it was exhausting her to just think about it.

Stranger: John took Sherlock's hands and helped her up, pressing a light kiss to her lips. "I've got Emma." He said, grabbing a towel and helping the girl out of the bath. He dried her off and helped her get dressed, scooping Emma up and tickling her afterwards, causing her to giggle and squirm out of his arms, running to the living room.

You: Sherlock got Anna out and got her into her pyjamas before telling her to go out with Emma. She sighed and sat down for a moment, letting herself have a small rest before she went to get Oliver and get him ready for bed before dinner came.

Stranger: Once Anna ran out of the room, John rubbed Sherlock's shoulders gently, as if silently telling her that it would be all fine. He was called into the kitchen by Will, and went to talk to the boy. It seemed that they needed help on a math problem, so he sat down to help with their homework.

You: Sherlock relaxed a little as John rubbed her shoulders but sighed when he got called away. Eventually she stood up and went down to get Oliver. She came back two minutes later, holding Oliver who was screaming and hitting and kicking.

Stranger: "Oh, Christ." John muttered to himself. "Stay here, you two." he said to Will and Hamish, before making his way over to Sherlock and Oliver. He took the boy from Sherlock, his hands firm on Oliver's shoulders as he set the boy on the ground. "Oliver Scott!" He chided.

You: Oliver stopped once John had him. All the kids behaved better for John because he was scarier when he wanted to be. He looked down, directly avoiding John's gaze. Sherlock sighed. "I'll go help the boys with their homework," she murmured.

Stranger: "Thanks, love." John said, straightening and kissing Sherlock's cheek, before looking down at Oliver. "What is the problem, Oliver?" He asked, giving the boy his firmest, most Captain Watson-esque look. "I heard you've been quite the little miscreant today."

You: Oliver folded his arms and looked back at John. "Mummy's mean," he told him. "She put me in time out lots and said I was bad because I played pirates. She's being /stupid/." Oliver knew he wasn't supposed to say that word but he had started saying it whenever Sherlock was out of ear shot.

Stranger: John narrowed his eyes slightly. "Mummy is not mean. She put you in time out because you /were/ being bad. And if you call your mummy stupid again, I'm going to send you to bed without supper. You understand?"

Stranger: Hey, do you have some spare time? I think we need to talk.-VT

You: What about? SH

Stranger: Look, even as I type this I know it's ridiculous. I know, I'm being stupid by even asking but I just need you to tell me no so it can stop weighing on my mind.-VT

Stranger: Okay?-VT

You: Okay... SH

Stranger: (...) Are you interested in John?-VT

You: Excuse me? SH

Stranger: Are you interested in John I mean, flirting kissing shagging.-VT

You: Yes. You wouldn't believe I want to flirt with him and kiss him and shag him. SH

Stranger: Okay yeah fine. Stupid of me to even ask I get your point.-VT

You: Yeah. SH

Stranger: I'm sorry, okay? I mean it I am sorry, I just needed to ask. I needed to know the answer was no.-V

You: You should have trusted me. SH

Stranger: I do.-VT

You: If you did, you wouldn't have asked. SH

Stranger: It was just this nagging voice in my head I needed to shut up.-VT

Stranger: I needed to ask to prove myself wrong.-VT

You: Right. Yeah. SH

Stranger: I'm serious,-VT

You: Mmm. SH

Stranger: It's not like it's difficult to be jealous of him.-VT

You: You shouldn't have! SH

Stranger: Fine!-VT

Stranger: Fine I shouldn't have. I'm sorry, I'm a prick I'm sorry alright?-VT

You: Yeah. Whatever. SH

Stranger: Oh don't yeah whatever me.-VT

You: Why not? SH

Stranger: You're probably overjoyed. Now I've messed up and put you in s mood you've got a reason to cancel on me tonight instead of just not showing up. Like fucking always.-VT

You: What? SH

Stranger: You know what.-VT

Stranger: I fucked up by asking you, so now you can use that as your excuse to blow me off tonight.-VT

You: No. You go and you flirt all the time with the same fucking "it's just my personality" excuse. And when I finally manage to make a friend, you want to take that away from me by getting jealous. SH

Stranger: I do not flirt.-VT

You: You do. All the time. SH

Stranger: I don't want to take him away I just wish for once you'd consider letting me into the rest of your life like you've done with him.-VT

Stranger: Like I said its hard not to be jealous when you always stand me up for him. I don't flirt-VT

You: You do. You always tell me to go to the stupid bar with you and I do and you leave me and go flirt with people and buy them drinks. SH

Stranger: You refuse to dance with me and you say 'no go, go have fun' it's not leaving you.-VT

Stranger: I don't know why you refuse you like dancing.-VT

You: I don't like dancing in front of people. SH

Stranger: Well I wasn't to know. I was trying to be nice and take you out dancing.-VT

You: Well after the first time you should have known. SH

Stranger: I bought one man one drink once. He didn't have enough cash and I felt bad, it's not my fault he fucking followed me around salivating almighty after that.-VT

You: And I never questioned you. I never got jealous or intimidated by him. But I make a friend and you're already asking me if I feel like cheating on you. SH

Stranger: because

Stranger: Because you...Christ. You don't show up. You don't care about me anymore.-VT

You: Of course I do. SH

Stranger: He's become a part of your life in an instant and I still haven't met your parents.-VT

Stranger: It doesn't feel like it.-VT

You: He hasn't met my parents either. SH

Stranger: He's closer than metro it.

Stranger: Me to it.-VT

You: Neither of you are going to meet my parents. SH

Stranger: Mycroft told me your Mum thinks him and you are dating. Why?-VT

Stranger: He's met everyone else important in your life.-VT

You: Who has he met? Mycroft, Lestrade and Mrs Hudson? So have you. SH

Stranger: Briefly.-VT

Stranger: Mrs. Hudson doesn't know we're dating.-VT

You: Fine. I'll tell her we're dating. SH

Stranger: Okay fine but, look my point is he's...he's in your life and I'm just on the edge of it.-VT

Stranger: Really?-VT

You: You're another part of my life. SH

Stranger: Yeah the part you hide away.-VT

Stranger: Are you embarrassed?-VT

You: I'm not embarrassed. SH My life isn't as great as you think it is. You don't want to be a part of it, trust me. SH

Stranger: I do. I know I'm not interesting or, dangerous like him. I can't chase criminals and I can't go to crime scenes because I'm squeamish about blood and I don't have a fucking blog. And I should trust you more and I hate I even asked because I know you never would it's just hard to not always feel like you're bloody dirty secret.-VT

Stranger: *your

You: Do you know how many times John has almost died because of me just since we met? Why on earth would I let you anywhere near my work when it's that dangerous? SH

Stranger: I just want to be a part of your life.-VT

Stranger: You know I wish you had a less dangerous job.-VT

You: I like the dangerous part. SH

Stranger: i know. I just, I hate the thought of you getting hurt.-VT

Stranger: That's never going to change.-VT

You: Half the time I get hurt you don't even notice. SH

Stranger: I don't know what to be looking for, I'll...tell me what to do.-VT

Stranger: I barely see you now.-VT

You: I come over injured and exhausted, not having eaten or slept for days and you just yell at me. SH

Stranger: (...) That was once and I was telling you off for not eating or sleeping.-VT

You: It was multiple times. SH

Stranger: I'm sorry.-VT

Stranger: I'm sorry, I don't know how else to get you to listen about sleeping. I'm sorry.-VT

You: I can't afford to be eating or sleeping on a case. You know that. And then when it's over and I'm trying to catch up, you just yell at me. SH

Stranger: Because it's frustrating seeing someone you love make the choice to not look after themselves.-VT

You: Yelling at me doesn't make me suddenly start looking after myself. SH

Stranger: You don't text or call when you have a case I have no idea if your okay. I yelled and I'm sorry, it's not like I didn't also make you soup and bandage your cheek.-VT

Stranger: Nothing makes you look after yourself you behave like you've got a death wish.-VT

You: Because half the time I do. SH

Stranger: Don't say that it's not funny.-VT

You: I wasn't joking. SH

Stranger: Sherlock.-VT

You: Victor. SH

Stranger: Are you planning something?-VT

You: Not currently. SH

Stranger: I have watched you almost die enough times.-VT

You: Barely. SH

Stranger: Do you know what that's like?-VT

Stranger: Shut the fuck up. You have been on deaths door a hell of a lot-VT

You: Do you know what it's like wanting to die and having to just be miserable instead for everyone else's sake? SH

Stranger: Oh I'm sorry I'm selfishly giving you a reason to stay alive.-VT

You: Everyone gives me a reason to stay alive but never one to make me want to stay alive. SH

Stranger: What about our future together.-VT

You: The future where I can't have any friends without you getting mad at me? SH

Stranger: I have never said you can't have friends.-VT

You: No. But I make one and this happens. SH

Stranger: I'm fucking sorry I'm jealous of John. I'm sorry I'm jealous of a man who it feels like you prefer me over, I'm sorry I feel inferior to him I'm fucking sorry I'm insecure. That's all on me. You know what isn't? You standing me up, you leaving me halfway through any time we have together, me never seeing you, you not even telling the man you love with you're not single. And you not fucking forgetting out fucking anniversary two days ago to have a meal and night in with John-VT

Stranger: *live with

Stranger: You forgot you haven't said two words to me since.-VT

Stranger: I'm

Stranger: I'm sorry for what I've said and done. It's not like you don't have stuff to be sorry for too.-VT

You: Two days ago I couldn't do it. I couldn't do anything. I just wanted to die so much. And John caught me and he made me stay there so he could keep an eye on me. And I spent the whole night hating him and not even talking to him so it's not like you have anything to be jealous of. SH

Stranger: Why didn't you get me over.-VT

Stranger: Why didn't you ask for me?-VT

Stranger: I would have come.-VT

You: And you would have yelled at me. Like you always do. SH

Stranger: Not for that.-VT

You: You're never not yelling at me. SH

Stranger: Don't give me that shit. I barely yelled during your addiction and it's what enabled it all in the first place. Constst letting it slide I don't do that with you anymore. But never once do I yell when you're sick. I've never left your bedside, I've slept nights in hospital plastic chairs, I've driven hours to get to you. Don't you dare act like I wouldn't have cared or been kind don't you dare ever say that to me.-VT

Stranger: I fucking warrant a call when you're going to kill your send I need to be there to help.-BT

Stranger: VT

Stranger: Yourself

You: I didn't want you to be there to help! SH I didn't want anyone there! SH

Stranger: Well too bad because it's not about what you want!-VT

Stranger: You don't get a say in this.-VT

You: And that just sums it all up, doesn't it? SH My life isn't about what I want. I don't get a say in my life. SH

Stranger: You get a say in everything and that's always the problem. Always your way.-VT

Stranger: I'm booking you an appointment with a therapist.-VT

You: Fuck off. I'm not going to a therapist. SH

Stranger: She's very good.-VT

You: I don't care. SH

Stranger: (Delay) I see her.-VT

Stranger: She helps.-VT

You: You see her? SH

Stranger: Yeah. I see a therapist.-VT

You: Why? SH

Stranger: Because it helps.-VT

You: Helps /what/? SH

Stranger: I'm

Stranger: I'm not suicidal if that's what you're wondering.-VT

You: Then what, Victor? SH

Stranger: This isn't the point of the conversation.-VY

Stranger: VT

You: Victor. SH

Stranger: About things you've never cared to know.-VT

You: Then tell me. SH

Stranger: I don't blame you, young been bust a lot of our relationship. You've been sick then you have, cases and they take up a lot of time.-VT

Stranger: *youve *busy

You: Victor, talk to me. SH

Stranger: Why?-VT

Stranger: Do you care?-VT

You: Of course I care. SH

Stranger: I can't tell you how much I have to reassure myself of that.-VT

You: Should I come over? SH

Stranger: I'm just, paranoid mostly. I worry, I...it's just stuff I've never dealt with.-VT

Stranger: That's all I talk about.-VT

You: Like what? SH

Stranger: Like things from being a kid.-VT

Stranger: I've never wanted to hurt myself you don't need to come over.-VT

You: I think we need to talk about all of this properly. SH

Stranger: What if you get a case halfway through?-VT

You: I won't take it. SH

Stranger: I don't want you to give up your life. It your friends. You're doing so well and I'm so proud. I just wish I warrented a bit of time from you.-VT

Stranger: I know you'd never cheat I'm sorry.-VT

You: I'll come over now. SH

Stranger: I really thought you knew I saw a therapist.-VT

Stranger: Just deduced it.-VT

You: I deduced that you saw a woman regularly but like I said, you flirt a lot. SH

Stranger: Sherlock.-VT

Stranger: No, I'd never see someone behind your back.-V

Stranger: Is that partly why you've been seeing me less?-VT

You: You always seem to want to see everyone else more than me. So I let you. SH

Stranger: That's not true.-VT

You: Isn't it? SH

Stranger: I just want attention from you.-VT

Stranger: Its not no.-V

Stranger: Just you.-VT

You: Right. SH

Stranger: Just see my therapist she's good. She helps. She's given me some good medication.-VT

Stranger: Trust me.-VT

You: I don't want to see a therapist. SH

Stranger: Okay. Well, you'll do what you want anyway.-VT

You: I don't need to see one. HS

You: **SH

Stranger: Whatever you say.-VT

Stranger: When you feel like professional help tell me.-VT

You: One stranger can't just make me suddenly decide to be happy to be alive. SH

Stranger: It's not about that. She's just helped me, she's someone I can talk to.-VT

You: I don't want to talk to anyone. SH

Stranger: Fine.-VT

Stranger: Not even me?-VT

You: There's nothing to talk about. SH

Stranger: Yeah, whatever you say.-VT

You: Your problem is you bottle everything up all the time and then just explode at me. SH

Stranger: (No response)

You: And that doesn't help anyone. SH

Stranger: It's very hard to tell you that you blowing me off and treating me like a used toy you're bored with hurts my feelings when you're already out the door leaving alone.-VT

Stranger: You do however have a point.-VT

Stranger: But I don't talk to her about you if you're wondering.- VT

You: Then what do you talk about? SH

Stranger: Why do you need to know?-VT

You: Because I care. SH

Stranger: Just stuff that happened as a kid, it's made me a little wired as an adult.-VT

You: What stuff? SH

Stranger: You know, you've seen me go quiet and pale sometimes.-VT

You: Yeah? SH

Stranger: I just...used to get locked in my cupboard a lot. Or my things would get broken, or I'd have to kneel on gravel.-VT

Stranger: My Dad was military he didn't mess around.-VT

Stranger: I hate small spaces you know that.-VT

You: PTSD? SH

Stranger: I suppose that's what it might be.-VT

Stranger: It's just made me nervous, and I can't cope with not being perfect.-VT

You: [Delay] John has it too. SH

Stranger: From the army?-VT

You: Yeah. He screams a lot at night. SH

Stranger: (...) Playing your violin would help him.-VT

You: I do sometimes. But then he wakes up and yells at me. I don't think he realises. SH

Stranger: No he wouldn't.-VT

Stranger: Just tell him what's going on.-VT

Stranger: It might ground him. He shouldn't yell at you.-VT

You: No, it's okay. SH I'm sort of used to people yelling at me when they don't know what's going on. SH

Stranger: Well...the army would have been hell Im sorry he's so affected.-VT

You: He yells at me when I shoot the wall too. I guess I should have seen that coming. SH

Stranger: Stop shooting the wall Sherlock.-VT

You: Sometimes I shoot the wall to stop me from shooting myself. SH

Stranger: Aside from the fact it's bloody stupid, it probably takes him back to the front line.-VT

Stranger: Oh god.-VT

Stranger: Come to mine shoot there wall there-VT

Stranger: I own my house. Nearly.-VT

You: Nearly? SH

Stranger: I've got a bit left on the mortgage not much.-VT

You: [Delay] If I moved in with you... would that fix everything? SH

Stranger: With me?-VT

You: Yes. SH

Stranger: No my father still would have been a prick who made a noose out of his belt and hung it in my room for weeks as a reminder to not be bad.-VT

You: But I could be there for you. SH

Stranger: You are...far happier than anything I've seen you in recent years at Baker Street. Don't give it up. Not for me or anyone.-VT

You: I'm not happier. I'm just more distracted. SH

Stranger: You can do that by just staying around sometimes.-VT

Stranger: You know. Just actually being with me like you used to.-VT

You: But you always yell. SH

Stranger: You always leave.-VT

You: Because you yell and I just can't deal with it. SH

Stranger: Because you treat me like s pit stop to the hospital. And that's all you've ever treated me as. And frankly I don't know how else to get through to you anymore.-VT

You: Yelling doesn't get through to me. SH

Stranger: Nothing gete through to you.-VT

You: Because when you want to die, you stop caring about consequences! SH

Stranger: So you're going to make me watch you die?-VT

You: I didn't say that. SH

Stranger: You have in the past. I used to be scared of sleeping next to you when you were doing cold in case I woke up cuddling your corpse.-VT

Stranger: *Doing Coke

You: And I used to be scared of waking up in the morning. SH

Stranger: You can't do that. Kill yourself it's a waste.-

Stranger: VT

You: A waste of what? SH

Stranger: You.-VT

You: But what is the point of me? SH

Stranger: I don't think there's s point to anyone. I think we're lucky enough to be alive so we should value it.-VT

Stranger: I value you.-VT

You: [Room AU, you don't need to have seen the movie or read the book] One month Sherlock had been free now. For one whole month she'd been able to see her family and go outside and feel the sun on her skin. The first time she went outside had resulted in an awful sunburn but she supposed that that was what happened when your skin hadn't seen the sun in seven years. Sherlock had been only sixteen when she was taken by a man she had thought she was helping. Two years later she had a son, who she named Hamish. She hated the way that people now referred to her captor as Hamish's father. As far as she was concerned, Hamish belonged to no one but her. Now that they were free, Sherlock and Hamish had room to do what they pleased but they always did it together. The five year old had never spent a day of his life without Sherlock and it didn't seem that he was going to any time soon. They both saw a psychologist who was helping them adapt to being back in the real world and now the psychologist was telling Sherlock to meet up with one of her friends from before she had been taken. Sherlock was hesitant since she'd only seen family, police officers and doctors since she'd escaped but she agreed to. After almost a week of psyching herself up, she found John's mobile number and sent him a message on the new phone she'd been given. John... Hi. Long time no see, I guess. It's Sherlock, if you still remember me. SH (23)

Stranger: Yeah.. Yeah, of course I remember you. Hey, Sherlock. JW(25)

You: You probably saw me on the news, huh? Practically famous now. SH

Stranger: Well, you did once say you wanted to be famous. I think that was for your violin playing, though. JW

You: Yeah. I'd much prefer to be famous for my violin playing. SH My psychologist said I should meet up with you. SH

Stranger: You were brilliant at it. JW Yeah? We can meet up. JW

You: I'd have to bring Hamish though. SH We don't go anywhere without each other. SH

Stranger: No, of course. That's fine. JW

You: You could come over? I'm living with my parents. SH

Stranger: Do they still live in the same place? JW

You: Yeah. It's exactly the same. SH

Stranger: Well, I get off work in about an hour, I can come then? JW

You: That'd be great. SH

Stranger: I'll see you then. JW

You: Yeah. See you. SH

Stranger: See you. JW

You: Sherlock smiled as she put her phone down. It would be nice to see John after so long. Hamish wasn't too fond of the idea of having to meet more people since he'd only just started talking to her parents but he'd agreed that it was okay for John to come over as long as they could stay together. Sherlock went downstairs to tell her mum that John was coming over in an hour and then she went back upstairs to play with Hamish while they waited.

Stranger: John smiled a little as he set his phone down. He had wondered if Sherlock would want to get in touch after she got back home, and he was glad that she seemed to be doing okay, considering the situation. An hour later, he clocked out of work, and drove to Sherlock's parents' house, where he had spent a bit of time as a kid, hanging out with Sherlock. He tapped on the front door, taking a deep breath as he did so.

You: Sherlock answered the door hesitantly with Hamish at her side, holding on tightly to her hand. She smiled when she saw John and that he looked the same as he had seven years ago, just older. "John, hey," she said, moving to the side to let him in. Hamish's grip on her hand tightened so she picked him up, holding him close. "How are you?" she asked John, shutting the door behind him.

Stranger: John smiled a little when Sherlock answered the door. "Hey, Sherlock." He said, following Sherlock into the house as Sherlock picked up the five year old. She looked relatively the same. Older, and thinner, but still Sherlock. "I'm okay. I got a job at Saint Bart's." He said. "Not a whole lot to report otherwise... How have you been?" Okay, well that was probably a stupid question. "I mean, since you got home."

You: Sherlock nodded. "Yeah, still trying to adjust," she said, leading John into the sitting room. "I mean, for the past seven years I'd only seen two people. It's so nice to be back though. It's a bit harder for Hamish but the doctor says he's still plastic so he'll adapt soon enough. As soon as he stops wanting to go back there, that is," she sighed. She sat down, letting Hamish sit in her lap.

Stranger: John nodded a little bit and moving to sit across from Sherlock. "I can understand that. The having to adjust." He said. Seven years was a long time to spend with just yourself, your kid and some person that kidnapped you. "I'm sure that Hamish will get used to being here. Kids usually adapt pretty quickly." He offered her a small smile.

You: Hamish kept his face buried in Sherlock's shoulder and Sherlock kept her arms tight around him. "He didn't believe that any of this was real," she told John. "He thought that the whole world was just that shed that we were living in and everything he saw on the TV was made up. He's a little delayed in everything now too but he'll catch up."

Stranger: John nodded a little. "Well, when he didn't know anything else, that was a logical conclusion." He watched Hamish curl closer to his mother, and wondered if the boy was scared of him. "And if he's half as smart as you, he'll catch up soon."

You: Sherlock nodded, playing gently with Hamish's hair. "He's very smart but he doesn't know how to interact with anyone except me. He's only just started talking to my parents. And he has no spacial awareness, he's always bumping into things. And he can't see very far because he never had anything very far away to look at."

Stranger: John watched Sherlock with her son, inclining his head a bit. "He'll get the hang of it." Worst case scenario, he would be a little socially stunted and maybe need glasses, but with how young he was, it might not even come to that, if he was socialized properly, and taught how to be aware of the space he's in.

You: Sherlock nodded. "Yeah," she sighed. "I hope so. At least he's stopped talking to the furniture." She kissed the top of Hamish's head before looking back at John. "I'm sorry, I didn't offer you anything. Are you hungry? Thirsty?"

Stranger: "He'll be okay, I'm sure." John smiled a little bit when Sherlock kissed the top of the boy's head. "Oh, no, that's okay. I don't want to be any trouble." He said, shaking his head a little bit.

You: Sherlock shook her head. "No, it's fine. How about you, Mish? Are you thirsty?" Hamish leaned up to whisper in Sherlock's ear. "Come on, I'll get you both a drink." She put Hamish down before standing up and walking into the kitchen, Hamish following closely behind.

Stranger: John stood and followed Sherlock to the kitchen, hoping that he wasn't walking too closely to the boy, as he didn't want to freak him out. "Your parents' house looks just the same." He said, leaning against the kitchen doorway casually.

You: Sherlock nodded. "Even my bedroom looks exactly the same," she said as she started pouring their drinks. "I didn't actually think they'd have kept it for so long but they did. It looks a lot bigger than it used to though."

Stranger: John smiled a little. "They even kept up those posters that you had up as a kid?" He asked, shaking his head a little bit. "I suppose your parents don't like change, then, or time doesn't change anything around here."

You: Sherlock shook her head. "I don't think time does change anything around here. Being back is just like it always was. My Father can't stand Hamish though. Won't even look at him. It's ridiculous really."

Stranger: "Well, he'll have to get used to Hamish eventually, right? It's just a hard situation, I'm sure. " John smiled reassuringly. "He looks like you, Hamish. Like you did as a little kid, I mean."

You: Sherlock smiled. "Yeah... he's much cuter though with his chubby cheeks." She handed Hamish his drink and told him to sit down at the table to drink it before handing one to John as well.

Stranger: "I'd say it's about a tie." John chuckled softly, and took the drink from Sherlock. "Ah, thanks." He took a drink from the cup, and watched Hamish climb into a chair at the table.

You: Sherlock sipped at her own drink, watching Hamish before she turned back to John. "So you're working at Bart's?" she asked. "As a doctor? You always wanted to be a doctor."

Stranger: John nodded, and smiled a little. "Yeah, I am. They had me shadowing a doctor for a while, and they just recently gave me a job as a general practitioner."

You: "Wow," Sherlock smiled. "That's so good. Should I start calling you Doctor Watson now?" she teased. "What about rugby? Do you still play? You were captain last time I saw you."

Stranger: "Only if you want." John smiled and shook his head a bit. "Ah, no. I was in the army for a while, got shot. Can't really play rugby with a bum shoulder and a screwed up knee."

You: "You were in the army?" Sherlock asked, surprised. "Wow. You disappear for seven years and you miss everything. How long ago was that?"

Stranger: "I was sent home, honorable discharge, a couple of months ago." John inclined his head a bit. "Captain, by the way."

You: "Captain? Wow," Sherlock hummed. "Look at you with all your titles. I still win on being more famous though," she teased. "I think the whole country knows who I am now."

Stranger: John chuckled a little bit and shook his head. "Well, you always did manage to one up me." He said. "Even if you weren't even trying."

Stranger: Hey Dad, you wouldn’t happen to be working at the hospital today would you? VWH (24)

You: Yes. In Emergency. Why? JW

Stranger: I have an appointment and I was just wondering if I'd run into you. VWH

You: Oh? What appointment? Maybe we can meet for lunch at the cafeteria. JW

Stranger: It's just a check up of sorts, nothing to worry about. Lunch sounds amazing. VWH

You: Alright. Maybe after that we can drop in and visit Mish, see how he's doing. JW

Stranger: I do have to get to back to Alex for dinner tonight but if we have time, that sounds perfect. VWH So Emergency today? Right by the main entrance? VWH

You: Yep. It's been pretty quiet today, thank goodness. JW

Stranger: So have you been in your office? VWH

You: A bit, yeah. JW

Stranger: Not near the entrance? VWH

You: No. But I'm near the entrance at the moment. JW

Stranger: Then maybe I'll run into you even sooner than expected. VWH

You: Maybe. JW

Stranger: I haven't seen you much lately. I miss you. VWH

You: Yeah, I've missed you too. I'm sorry I'm always working. JW

Stranger: It's fine. Alex and I have been very busy lately too. VWH

You: How are you two going? JW

Stranger: Really well. Marriage is awesome, we should have done this years ago. VWH

You: It's good that you waited though. Better than rushing into things. JW

Stranger: That's true but married life is amazing. I know the first year is supposed to be hard but so far it's been perfect. VWH

You: Well I'm glad. JW

Stranger: We've been on a health kick lately. VWH

You: Yeah? JW

Stranger: No coffee and everything. VWH

You: How's it working for you? JW

Stranger: I'm always tired but I think it's for the best. I've switched to herbal tea. Less cheese, less red meat, and no sushi anymore too. VWH

You: You're making sure you're still getting plenty of nutrients though, aren't you? JW

Stranger: Vitamins like you wouldn't believe. VWH

You: So what were you saying this appointment is for again? JW

Stranger: Check up. VWH

You: Check up for what? JW

Stranger: Who's the one who always taught me check ups were just as important as going when you're sick? VWH

You: Well yes but check ups can be done by a GP. You're getting one in a hospital. JW

Stranger: I wanted to see you. VWH

You: You're sure there's nothing else going on? JW

Stranger: Nope. Just checking things out. Making sure everything is healthy. VWH

You: Right. Okay. And this new health kick? Is that for any particular reason? JW

Stranger: You know Alex. He's very health conscious. VWH

You: You would tell me if there was anything going on, wouldn't you? JW

Stranger: Definitely. I totally would. VWH

You: Promise? JW

Stranger: Nothing bad is going on, I swear. VWH

You: Nothing bad. Is something not bad going on? JW

Stranger: Married life is perfect. I feel amazing with this new diet. Plenty of good stuff os going on. VWH

You: You feel tired with this new diet. JW

Stranger: Well we're not drinking coffee. VWH

You: You should be getting used to not having coffee by now. JW

Stranger: You remember how much coffee I was drinking. VWH

You: Please, promise me there's nothing going on good or bad that is the reason you're coming to the hospital today. JW

Stranger: I just have an appointment, Dad. Don't worry. VWH

You: Right. Yeah. I'm sorry. It's just with your brother in hospital and your Dad being who knows where right now, I just worry. JW

Stranger: Why are you worried? I'd tell you if something big was happening. Maybe not over text but I would. VWH

You: Yeah, I know. I've just been stressed lately. I know you'd tell me. JW

Stranger: Mish is going to be fine. VWH

You: Yeah, I hope so. JW

Stranger: Everything is going to work out. VWH

You: So everyone keeps saying. JW

Stranger: Are you doing okay, Dad? VWH

You: I'm fine. Don't you worry about me. JW

Stranger: Someone has to. VWH

You: No they don't. I can look after myself. JW

Stranger: I want to look after you. VWH

You: You've got yourself to look after. JW

Stranger: Which I do. And Alex helps. VWH

You: You just focus on looking after you two, okay? JW

Stranger: Dad, come on. I'm an adult now, you don't have to baby me. VWH

You: I'm fine. Really. JW

Stranger: How is Papa? VWH

You: I don't know. JW

Stranger: He hasn't been in contact? VWH

You: No. Your Uncle Mycroft assures me that he's fine but you know that fine with him just means not dead. JW

Stranger: I know. I could try reaching out. VWH

You: You think he'd answer you? JW

Stranger: I think Mycroft has a soft spot for me. VWH

You: Yeah, he does. JW

Stranger: I'll try, Dad. He's more likely to reach out to me. VWH

You: Okay. Thank you. JW

Stranger: [to: Mycroft] Hey, Uncle Mycroft. Can I talk to you? VWH

You: Of course. MH

Stranger: I was wondering if you could give me an update on Papa. I really need to talk to him. VWH

You: I don't think you'll be able to talk to him anytime soon. MH

Stranger: Is he still out there? VWH

You: Yes. MH

Stranger: Is he hurt? VWH

You: [Delay] Yes. MH

Stranger: How hurt? Is he going to be able to come home? VWH

You: Eventually. He's currently in a hospital in Berlin. MH

Stranger: What happened? VWH

You: He was captured. Tortured. MH

Stranger: How bad is it? VWH

You: For now, quite bad. We're bringing him back to London as soon as he is stable enough. MH

Stranger: Is this retirement level? VWH

You: Most likely. MH

Stranger: Wow. Okay. Do you think he'll be back soon? VWH

You: I'm not sure. His condition continues to change. MH

Stranger: Getting worse? VWH

You: [Delay] Yes. MH

Stranger: Can we go see him? VWH

You: I don't think that's a good idea. He's under a fake identity. MH

Stranger: Is there a chance he'll die? VWH

You: I'm not sure. MH

Stranger: He can't die, Mycroft. VWH

You: He's got the best doctors in Germany looking after him. MH

Stranger: You swear? VWH

You: Of course. MH

Stranger: I need your help talking him into retirement. VWH

You: I don't think he'll need talking into it. I think it may be his only option. MH

Stranger: Will he still be able to walk? VWH

You: I don't know. MH

Stranger: I need my father back. VWH

You: I know. MH

Stranger: Especially now. VWH

You: Why now especially? MH

Stranger: Because I don't know how much more Dad can take. With Mish in hospital and not knowing anything about how PApais. VWH

You: Don't tell John what I've told you, okay? MH

Stranger: Mycroft... VWH

You: You're right. John really isn't coping. Do you think telling him that his husband could die will really help? I'll make sure he knows if he needs to. MH

Stranger: I'll tell him he's alive and he's in hospital. VWH

You: If you're sure that that will help. MH

Stranger: I'll give him good news too. VWH

You: Which good news is that? MH

Stranger: Just good news of my own. vWH

You: Alright. MH

Stranger: Do you think I could contact Papa? VWH

You: I don't think so. He's too unwell. MH

Stranger: He can't text at all? VWH

You: He's rarely conscious. MH

Stranger: You swear? VWH

You: You think I would lie to you? MH

Stranger: I just need to talk to him. Especially if I won't get another chance. VWH

You: If it gets to the point where he's not going to make it, I'll bring you all to see him. MH

Stranger: Thank you, Mycroft. VWH

You: Of course. MH

Stranger: He should have retired earlier. The last time he got hurt. VWH

You: I know. MH

Stranger: We can't let him talk us into "one more case" again. VWH

You: I don't think he'll be able to. MH

Stranger: Will he be able to walk with a cane? VWH

You: Hopefully. MH

Stranger: And you have no idea when he may come home? VWH

You: As soon as he's well enough, I promise. MH

Stranger: Maybe he'll be transferred to London some time? VWH

You: Right now he's not stable enough but as soon as he is, I'll have him transferred to Bart's. MH

Stranger: Perfect. VWH

You: I promise I'll look after him as best I can. MH

Stranger: Try to keep him around. We miss him. VWH

You: Of course. MH

Stranger: [to: John] So he's alive. He's in hospital under a pseudonym and he's not in perfect shape but Mycroft says when he's stable enough we'll transfer him to Barts. VWH

You: So he's going to be okay? JW

Stranger: He should be. But he's retiring. VWH

You: Good. JW

Stranger: Mycroft is a little worried about how mobile he'll be. VWH

You: You mean he won't be able to walk? JW

Stranger: It's possible. We're not sure yet. VWH

You: Thank you for getting Mycroft to tell you. JW

Stranger: I'll always do it if you want me to. You know that. And you know I can get the best info from him. VWH

You: Yeah... As long as Sherlock's going to be okay. JW

Stranger: We'll see him again. VWH

You: Great. Good. JW

Stranger: Are you okay? VWH

You: Yeah. I'm fine. JW

Stranger: I love you, Dad. VWH

You: I love you too. JW

Stranger: [two hours later] So I've just finished my appointment. VWH

You: How did it go? All good? JW

Stranger: It went perfect. All great news. VWH

You: Great. JW

Stranger: How are you holding up? VWH

You: I'm fine. Do you want to meet in the cafeteria? JW

Stranger: I thought I could maybe take you out. VWH

You: I don't know... JW

Stranger: Do you not have time? VWH

You: Well I have my lunch break but... I don't want to leave Mish, you know? JW

Stranger: That's fair. I could pick something up for all of us, we could have a little family lunch. VWH

You: I don't think he's up for eating. JW

Stranger: It's that bad? VWH

You: Last I checked he hadn't even woken up today. JW

Stranger: Oh. VWH

You: Yeah... JW

Stranger: Bit of a long day for everyone then. VWH

You: At least you're all good. JW

Stranger: I have someone I'd like you to meet. VWH

You: Oh? JW

Stranger: Yes. You're not especially busy at the moment are you? VWH

You: No. JW

Stranger: Well then I'd like you to meet your first grandchild. VWH [IMG_212 attached: late first trimester sonogram pictures]

You: [Long delay] They're beautiful... JW

Stranger: It's still early. I wanted to wait until it was safer to show you. VWH

You: Congratulations, love. JW

Stranger: I'm due in August. VWH

You: You and Alex will be great parents. JW

Stranger: I bloody hope so. A bit nervous about it. VHW

You: Don't be. You'll be a natural mother, I can tell. JW

Stranger: You think so? VWH

You: Of course. JW

Stranger: It's pretty small still. VWH

You: Yeah... Are you showing yet? JW

Stranger: Just barely. It looks like I'm carrying some holiday weight. VWH

You: Wow. I can't believe you're having a baby. JW

Stranger: It still hasn't completely sunk in. VWH

You: I don't think it will completely sink in until you get to hold your baby in your arms. JW

Stranger: Maybe when it starts kicking. VWH

You: That should be soon. JW

Stranger: I'm only three months. VWH

You: Sometimes you can feel it kicking as early as thirteen weeks. JW

Stranger: It didn't move around at all in the sonogram. Everything is coming back with positive readings though. We're expecting a healthy baby. VWH

You: Good. That's great. JW

Stranger: I think it's going to be a girl. VWH

You: Yeah? JW

Stranger: Feels like a girl. No way to know for sure. VWH

You: Are you going to find out when you're far enough along? JW

Stranger: I definitely want to. VWH

You: Yeah. Your Papa and I found out with you and Mish as soon as we could. JW

Stranger: Alex has some Irish traditions and he's not sure if he wants to know. VWH

You: Would you find out and not tell him or just wait until the baby's born? JW

Stranger: I'm trying to convince him to find out. I want to know the first time around. VWH

You: Yeah... It helps to be able to prepare as well. JW

Stranger: My doctor says the baby can respond to it if someone puts their hand on my belly. VWH

You: Yeah. Have you tried it? JW

Stranger: I have. It's too early for me to feel but I think it's kind of cool that they're moving around in there already. VWH

Stranger: Only three inches long. VWH

You: You must be so excited. JW

Stranger: I'm thrilled. VWH

You: I bet. JW

Stranger: Are you? VWH

You: Of course. JW

Stranger: Good. I was hoping you would be. VWH

You: Hopefully the others are better by the time the baby's born. JW

Stranger: I hope so. VWH

You: Yeah... JW

Stranger: It should be okay. VWH

You: When you spoke to Mycroft... did he sound positive that Sherlock would be better soon? JW

Stranger: Maybe not soon. VWH

You: How long? JW

Stranger: We're not sure. VWH

You: Could I go see him? JW

Stranger: He said we can't. VWH

You: Right. Yeah. Of course. JW

Stranger: I'm sorry, Dad. VWH

You: No, it's fine. JW

Stranger: It's not fine. I'm upset too. VWH

You: But he'll definitely get better, right? JW

Stranger: He should. VWH

You: Should? JW

Stranger: We'll see him again. Mycroft promised. VWH

You: And he'll be okay? JW

Stranger: We'll see him again. VWH

You: Before he dies, right? That's what you're implying, isn't it? JW

Stranger: Yes. VWH

You: I can't lose him. JW

Stranger: I know, Dad. VWH

Stranger: He always bounces back. VWH

You: I can't... I can't do this. JW

Stranger: Do what, Dad? VWH

You: I can't lose him. I can't lose Mish. I can't... JW

Stranger: You're not losing anyone. VWH

Stranger: In fact, you're gaining family. VHW

You: Lose two and gain one. JW

Stranger: Dad. VWH

You: No. I can't... I can't. JW

Stranger: You're not. VWH

You: I'm losing everyone. JW

Stranger: You're not losing us. We're all still here. VWH

You: I need to see him. JW

Stranger: We can't. VWH

You: I need to. JW

Stranger: We. Can't. VHW

You: [no reply]

Stranger: He's staying under a pseudonym. We have no option. VWH

You: I don't care! JW

Stranger: I'm sorry. vWH

You: I'm sorry. I can't do this. JW

Stranger: You can't do what? VWH

You: Any of this. JW

Stranger: What does that mean? VWH

You: I'm sorry. JW

Stranger: Please explain to me what you're talking about. Do I need to worry about you hurting yourself? VWH

You: Don't worry about me. JW

Stranger: Dad. VWH

You: I love you. JW

Stranger: You're scaring me. VWH

You: I'm sorry. JW

Stranger: Are you going to hurt yourself? VWH

Stranger: Dad, what the fuck is the news on about? NL (Nick Lestrade, 19) Please tell me you're not in the middle of that. NL

You: It's alright, Nick. I'll be fine. GL

Stranger: This has been going on for hours? NL I just left class and got like 100 texts NL

You: Just head straight home, yeah? GL

Stranger: Straight home. Right. NL Oops. NL

You: Oops? GL

Stranger: Had to try and make sure you were alright. NL

You: Home, Nick. Now. GL

Stranger: We'll both go home later. NL

You: No. You're going home now. GL

Stranger: Well, it might take a while. Traffic's blocked. NL Might as well just wait. NL

You: Home as quickly as you can. GL I don't think I'll make it home tonight. GL

Stranger: Look. I can't go live with mum and Michael. You better be fine. NL

You: I will be. GL

Stranger: I will be livid. NL I might actually kill you. NL

You: I think someone might have beat you to it. GL

Stranger: Where are you? NL

You: Still at the scene. GL

Stranger: On my way. NL

You: No. Home. Now. GL

Stranger: Fuck no. NL

You: Now, Nick. GL

Stranger: Either I put my panic to good use now, or I go home and panic so much I eventually asphyxiate. And then we are both dead. NL

You: Fine. Go to Bart's. I'll be there eventually. GL

Stranger: Already behind the line. NL

You: Nick. GL

Stranger: They stopped shooting it's fine. NL

You: It's not just the shooting. GL

Stranger: What is it then? NL

You: Please. Leave before you get hurt. GL

Stranger: Not leaving you. NL

You: Now. GL

Stranger: [Delay] Can't. NL

You: Nick, I'm serious. GL

Stranger: So am I. NL

You: Are you hurt? GL

Stranger: No. NL

You: Then why can't you leave? GL

Stranger: Weight of existential dread brought on by my father being shot and stuck in a building. NL I'd gone a few moths without an existential crisis, too. Damn. NL

You: Very funny. I'm serious. Leave. GL

Stranger: I wasn't joking. NL They gave the all clear. I heard. NL

You: Just go to the hospital. I'll meet you there. GL

Stranger: I'll head there when I see you come out. NL

You: I don't know how long until I get out. GL

Stranger: Well fuck. NL

You: Please, Nick. GL

Stranger: [Long delay] What room are you in? NL

You: Don't you dare. GL

Stranger: Too late. NL What room? NL

You: I don't... I don't know. GL

Stranger: What way did you turn when you came in? NL

You: Right. GL

Stranger: Any stairs? NL

You: Yeah. GL

Stranger: I'll find you. NL

You: Please just go home. GL

Stranger: You say to your son, who was already able to slip past the police line and inside a building in 'high security'. NL

You: Please, Nick. I just need to know you're safe. GL

Stranger: You will in a second. NL

You: [Delay] I don't feel so good. GL

Stranger: Nick frowned at the text and checked the next door. There was a smear of blood, and his stomach clenched. The young man took a breath and turned into the room, unable to keep from quickly shuffling over to Greg on the floor. He let out the breath he'd been holding. "Fuck. Fuck. Jesus, fuck." Nick knelt on the ground, assessing the situation. There was a lot of blood.

You: Greg was barely conscious when Nick came in. He had a hand held to his chest, trying to keep pressure on the wound but he was so weak now that it may as well have not been there. He struggled to keep his eyes open, reaching his hand out to Nick. "You've got to go now," he murmured. "Back home."

Stranger: "Oh, no. It's too late for that. I'm getting you out of here." Somehow his voice was steady. He pulled his hoodie off, folded it, and pressed it to the other's chest. Hard. He moved to tie the sleeves behind Greg. Nick's hands were not as steady as his voice, but he was thinking clearly and wouldn't question it. He swore loudly again, looking around. "How're your legs?"

You: Greg shook his head. "Can't feel them," he murmured. "We should... we should just wait for an ambulance." His eyes were rolling slightly as he was finding it harder and harder to remain conscious. "Just call an ambulance, yeah?" he mumbled.

Stranger: "Did that. They're taking their good old /fucking/ time, though." Nick gritted through his teeth, resolving to stand up and take his dad with him. The footie training came in handy then. Nick was taller than Greg, but he was way too lanky. "Sorry," Nick muttered, positioning one of his arms around Greg's waist and one of his dad's arms around his own neck. Half dragging it was then. He started yelling for help when they got into the hall on the chance that someone who knew what the fuck they were doing came in. He finally heard sirens.

You: By that stage Greg was completely unconscious. His blood had stained right through Nick's hoodie and he was leaving a trail of it through the building. Every now and then he would let out a small groan but it was all he could manage.

Stranger: Nick somehow managed to get them down the hallway to the elevator and down a floor. The stairs were not an option. There was blood on his hands, his shirt, his jeans, and probably even his shoes. Once outside there was yelling, and several people surrounded them. Greg was taken onto a stretcher and Nick was pulled aside a bit roughly, thinking he was about to be arrested. The young man insisted, but Donovan was the only one they believed. He ignored halfhearted apologies and jumped into the ambulance, breathing much too quickly.

You: In the ambulance, Greg was already being hooked up to all sorts of machines by one of the paramedics. The other frowned at Nick. "Here," he said, offering him an oxygen mask. "Deep breaths. Your Dad's in good hands." They started driving, making their way to hospital as quickly as they could.

Stranger: Nick nodded, and tried to do as he was told, but it was easier said than done. His bloodied hands wouldn't stop shaking, and everything was either very hot or very cold. He grabbed one of Greg's hands in his trembling one and squeezed. "Fucking telling me to go home," he said quietly, making a noise somewhere between a scoff and a dry sob.

You: "When we get to the hospital he's going straight into surgery," one of the paramedics told Nick. "You're going to have to wait in the emergency room. There'll be someone to keep you updated the whole time though, okay?"

Stranger: The young man nodded, pressing the back of his hand into his lips and kept looking at his father in front of him. The rest of the ride was agonizing. They got there in the end, and a paramedic helped Nick, who now looked unsteady on his feet, into a chair. A nurse brought a cup of water and a wet towel, asking if Nick wanted to clean his hands. It was all a bit hazy, but he followed directions.

You: Greg was taken into surgery as soon as they reached the hospital but it wasn't until hours later that a doctor came out to find Nick. "Nick Lestrade?" he asked. "Your father has just come out of surgery. He should be waking up soon. You can see him now if you like."

Stranger: Nick had spent a lot of those hours curled up in the chair, barely speaking. He'd sent a few texts, and even Sally had contacted him to call him an idiot but told him to keep her updated. He stood up then and nodded, heart pounding. "Thank you," he said quickly, remembering his manners. The blood on his shirt, jeans, and bottom of his shoes had dried.

You: The doctor led him down a corridor and into the room where Greg was still unconscious. "He lost a lot of blood so he'll still be very weak," he told him. "There was some injury to his spinal cord as well. We're not sure if he'll have the use of his legs or not."

Stranger: Nick's face paled even more at the sight of his father and the accompanying explanation, but he just nodded and swallowed. Alive was all that mattered. The 19-year-old pushed a hand through his hair, as dark as Greg had once been. "Thank you," he said again, stepping forward carefully and taking everything in before letting himself fall back into the chair. All the beeping was steady and persistent. It made him anxious.

You: It was another ten minutes before Greg stirred. He looked around weakly and then spotted Nick. "Nick," he murmured, reaching out for him. He was having trouble keeping his eyes open but he fought to keeps his eyes fixed on Nick's face.

Stranger: The young man had been doing an arguably decent job of holding it together (the nurses probably thought otherwise) up until the point that the other woke. Upon hearing his name, Nick leaned forward and grabbed his father's hand, which was immediately followed by tears. "Yeah," he said quietly, not bothering to wipe at his face just yet. Nick had always been an emotional person, and the early years at school had been hell because of it.

You: "Shhh, I'm okay," Greg murmured, using his other hand to wipe Nick's eyes. "It's alright, buddy. What happened? I remember you were telling me that you were in the building but I don't remember anything else."

Stranger: The more Greg tried to console him, the harder it was to regain composure. The hand in Nick's was locked in a vice grip and his shoulders shook. It was hot on his face but cold everywhere else. After a few long moments he took a shaky breath, attempting to answer the questions put to him. Nick shook his head. His hoodie had been taken and he didn't really want to wipe his face with the bloodied t-shirt. "Dragged you out," was all he managed to say. "You- fuck." Nick paused. "I almost got arrested." A laugh he couldn't stop bubbled out of his throat.

You: "You dragged me out?" Greg asked. "Come here." He reached his arms up weakly to pull him into a hug. "You saved my life. You know that? You should have listened to me and gone home but I'm glad you didn't."

Stranger: Nick just nodded, standing now to allow himself to lean over the bed a bit more. He felt ridiculous, nearly falling as he did so and almost immediately started crying again. His head started to hurt, but he let himself be hugged, however awkwardly, for a bit longer.

You: Finally Greg let go when it became too exhausting for him to hold on to Nick for any longer. He lay back against the pillows and shut his eyes for a moment. "I think I could sleep for a year," he murmured.

Stranger: "That- would be acceptable," Nick said, leaning back to stand upright. He felt like his legs were going to fold underneath him. "You should sleep," he said, wiping at his face once more as he regained composure. "I'll um, get a nurse. Tell them you're awake." His voice was hoarse, and he was getting his breathing back.

You: "Hey, breathe," Greg said softly. "Everything is okay now. Deep breaths." He gave Nick's hand a gentle squeeze. "You go get the nurse and I'll nap for a bit. Just stay calm, alright? The worst of it is over."

Stranger: Nick didn't exactly believe that, but he nodded. Of course Greg would continue being a dad from a fucking hospital bed. "Okay." He left the room quickly, tracking down a nurse and updating them, nervously shifting his weight from foot to foot. "I don't think he hurts too much right now? Mostly tired. I don't know."

You: The nurse nodded. "He's on some pretty heavy painkillers," she told him. "I'll come in and take his obs, see how he's doing." She followed Nick into Greg's room and started to take his obs. "They're not too bad considering he's not long come out of surgery," she told him. "Just make sure he keeps his oxygen mask on, okay?"

Stranger: "Yeah. 'Course." He pushed a hand through his hair and watched his father for a moment, pulling out his phone. "I need coffee," he muttered. "Thank you," he said to the nurse as he left quickly, taking the opportunity to text Sally and then a friend, asking if he could bring clothes. Nick bought some shitty coffee from the cafe and headed back upstairs, feeling a little bit better, though nurses kept checking on him too. He reclaimed his spot in the chair, this time with his legs bent over one of the arms and let his eyes close.

You: The next time a nurse came in, she gently rubbed Nick's shoulder. "Hey, I made up a bed for you," she said softly. "We had a spare one. Come on, you'll give yourself a bad back lying like that." She nodded to a bed that had been placed on the other side of Greg's bed.

Stranger: "Oh. Shit." He sat up carefully. "Thank you, that's so- thanks." He guessed that this meant visiting hours didn't apply, and he was grateful. While he had dozed, his friend Danny had texted back about a change of clothes and would meet him downstairs shortly. After finally being able to change and have a quick chat with Danny (mostly assuring the other that he would take care of himself too), he headed back upstairs, holding it together a little bit more. Nick took advantage of the cot and fell asleep almost immediately, though he kept a hand through the rail on Greg's bed to hold his.

You: The next time Greg woke up he was a lot less calm. He tried to sit up but groaned. The painkillers didn't seem to be working so much now and the pain was agonising. On top of that, he was suddenly struck by the thought that he couldn't feel his legs. The room was dark and he couldn't see where he was. The only thing he was aware of was Nick's hand in his. "Nick?" he asked as he started to panic. His breathing was erratic and frightened tears were forming in his eyes.

Stranger: Nick bolted upright and stood almost immediately, stumbling on the low cot by the bed. "Dad?" He flicked on the dim light beside the bed. "You gotta keep the thing on," he said quickly, moving the mask over Greg's nose and face again and placing his free hand on his father's shoulder. "Fuck. Okay. You're okay."

You: Greg was hyperventilating as he looked around, the oxygen mask not helping very much at all. "I... I can't feel my legs," he managed to say, his voice showing just how frightened he really was.

Stranger: Nick closed his eyes for a few long moments and cursed to himself. "I-I know. Just. Just breathe right now." Christ, he had now idea what he was supposed to be doing. Nick was the anxious one who often needed coaching on breathing and panicking and not dying, but now everything was flipped, and he remained as calm as possible. "Look at me." His voice wasn't very confident, but he persisted. "You tell me to breathe in fours, so you do that." He moved to press the button that released more pain killers into Greg's IV

You: Greg nodded, trying to slow his breathing down. As the painkillers slowly started to work he found it easier to calm down and soon he was lying back against the pillows again, breathing heavily but slowly.

Stranger: "Shit. I mean, good. You're fine. Better?" Nick's own voice became a little shaky. He moved a hand up to the side of Greg's face, mirroring what the other would do, swallowing thickly.

You: Greg leaned his face into his son's touch. "Sorry," he murmured. "Sorry." Now that he was calmer he felt terrible. He knew that Nick had enough trouble coping with things, especially when he had to help others cope.

Stranger: "Nonono, it's fine, honestly. Learned from the best." The young man grinned a bit, taking a deep breath. He glanced over his dad and down towards his legs, frowning. "Fuck," he muttered, rubbing his face. He didn't want to start up again, so he stopped thinking about it. "How'd you sleep until just now?"

You: "I'm not sure it even counts as sleep," Greg murmured. "Just not being awake. No dreams or anything. Did I wake you? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have. You look almost as bad as I feel."

Stranger: "Great. Thanks for that," Nick joked, relaxing a little. "They gave me a bed. It's better than the chair. That's all I'll say." The young man scratched at his jaw. He hadn't shaved that morning, and while he wasn't that good at growing a beard, there was a bit of stubble there.

You: Greg nodded. "You know, I was thinking about you," he murmured. "You're so much braver than you realise, you know? I know you think you're scared of everything but you saved my life even though it was dangerous and you almost got arrested."

Stranger: Nick's brows pinched together as he listened. "No idea how I got us out of there," he admitted quietly. "Sneaking in was a fun, though. Would've been better in different circumstances." He breathed out half a laugh. "Shouldn't have taught me how to sneak around so well."

You: "Sometimes teaching you to sneak around was the only was I could convince you to come places with me," Greg chuckled softly before he started coughing. He groaned and lay back against the pillows more.

Stranger: "Careful," Nick warned nervously. He grip on Greg's hand tightened a second before he let go just long enough to move back over to the chair. He'd be awake when Greg was, he decided. "Sally's worried."

You: "She should be," Greg murmured with a weak smile. "She has to be the worst spotter I've ever had. Is she going to come in and visit?" he asked. He thought it would be good if someone came in; it would give Nick a break.

Stranger: Nick shrugged. "Dunno. It is the middle of the night." The young man sat back a little bit. "Danny came by earlier. Had a bit of a breakdown on him. Didn't come up." Nick's knee bounced up and down, heel tapping on the floor.

You: Greg nodded. "It was nice of him to drop by though. You know you can go home if you want? I'll be okay here. You'd probably get a better night's sleep if you were in your own bed."

Stranger: Nick shook his head immediately. "Couldn't do that. I'd drive myself mad." He bit his lip. "And someone should stay with you." He waited a long time before saying the next part. "Mum hasn't said anything."

You: Greg shook his head. "Oh, well. I nearly die and I still can't get a visit from her. If you ask me, she's playing hard to get." He offered Nick a weak smile. "It doesn't matter. I didn't really expect her to say anything anyway."

Stranger: "Mm. Right." Nick let his eyes close for a while. He'd pulled his chair closer to the bed. "I'm sorry," he muttered after a while. "I should've-" Nick gestured vaguely. "I don't know. Something better."

You: Greg frowned. "Hey, none of it is your fault," he said softly. "Don't blame yourself, okay? You're the most amazing son I could ask for and you never have to apologise for anything."

Stranger: "What the fuck even happened? I just- I was in lab and my phone went in my pocket and it was everyone just freaking out." He could feel himself getting worked up again and cut himself off. "Did they at least get caught?" Nick's voice was tight.

You: Greg took Nick's hand softly. "Hey. Deep breath's remember. I don't know if they got caught or not. It wasn't looking too good for us when I got shot but I don't know what happened after that."

((John was taken two years ago by one of Sherlock's enemies, right after the two were engaged. He hasn't been able to find John, and all his leads turn to dead ends. As the days and weeks and months progressed, Sherlock slowly became more and more sour and he truly became started to become seemingly emotionless. He had almost no care for anything. He didn't stop looking, even though his hope was running out. Everyone around him certainly noticed the changes. He'd become angrier, colder, more rude)) Sherlock. The American government has just contacted me. They've found John- MH (3:45 am)

You: Where? SH

Stranger: He was being held close to the border of Mexico. He'd constantly been moved around- MH

Stranger: He's relatively unharmed. And he's on his way back to London as we speak... He's alive, Sherlock- MH

You: Relatively unharmed? SH

Stranger: Well of course he has scars and burns. He's malnourished but not deathly so- MH

You: Okay. SH

Stranger: He's mentally stable. We are bringing his captor as well... You can do what you wish with him- MH

Stranger: You don't sound too happy....- MH

You: You deal with the captor. SH

Stranger: Sherlock... Talk to me- MH

You: I have nothing to say. SH

Stranger: Your fiancé has just been found and you're acting like it's nothing. - MH

Stranger: Talk to me- me

Stranger: MH *

You: I said I have nothing to say. SH

Stranger: Sherlock. Just stop this. He's alive... He's coming back to you- MH

You: Okay. SH

Stranger: (Delay) .... I'll let you know when he's in London. I'll send a car for you- MH

You: Right. SH

Stranger: Do you care at all about this?- MH

You: Fuck off, Mycroft. SH

Stranger: It's a completely serious question, Sherlock. Because right now it looks like you couldn't give a rats arse- MH

You: So what if I couldn't? SH

Stranger: Then I think it's best you don't see him- MH

You: Fine. SH

Stranger: He certainly doesn't need to deal with what you've become- MH

You: Fuck you. SH

Stranger: Are you going to see him or not?- MH

You: Apparently not. SH

Stranger: No, I said if you couldn't give a rats arse, then you're not seeing him. But if you decide to crawl out of your shell and care, then by all means, he is still your fiancé- MH

You: Let him decide whether he wants to see me or not. SH

Stranger: Of course he wants to see you! He wants to see /Sherlock/, the man he loves. Not some emotionless man hiding behind a shell- MH

Stranger: He'll be in London in three hours..... In Bart's. Room 402- MH

You: Fine. SH

Stranger: (Later) He's in Bart's now. Are you coming or what?- MH

You: No. I changed my mind. SH

Stranger: How dare you.... You've disappointed me- MH

You: I don't give a fuck. SH

Stranger: John will be around to pick up his old things, in a weeks time- MH

You: Fine. SH

Stranger: Please refrain from being an utter cock, for two seconds and help him when he does come- MH

You: Yes, Mum. SH

Stranger: It was around a week later that John was standing on the steps of the front door to 221B. He was incredibly thin and very tiny now. He leant most of his weight on a cane. His eyes were so much more expressive... So very sad. He had his engagement ring in hand, ready to give back to Sherlock. It broke his heart, really... Sherlock didn't care about him. He raised his hand and knocked on the door, waiting for the man to open it.

You: Sherlock opened the door and stared at John. He just stayed there, staring at him, his eyes dead of all expression. After a minute or so, he looked as if he was about to move towards John but instead he moved over to the sofa, curling up on in with his back to the rest of the flat. Silently, he was crying, but he would never let anyone see.

Stranger: John felt his eyes well up as he moved inside. "I.... I'll just, get my things and get out of your hair then" he said softly, tears rolling down his cheeks. He'd been tortured, when he was captured, and the only think that kept him going was the thought he'd be in Sherlock's arms again one day. Now that was the most impossible motion in all of the world and it shattered whatever was left of John, he grunted softly as he made his way around the flat, getting his small box of things, he moved over to Sherlock and placed his engagement ring on the pillow next to his head. He didn't think Sherlock would actually care anyway. Tears kept falling down his cheeks, whether he liked it or not. He held the box in his frail arms and slowly moved to the door.

You: "John," Sherlock said as John reached the door, his voice so quiet that it could almost have been just his imagination. He stood up and walked over to him, handing him back the ring. "Keep it? Please?" There was the smallest hint of sadness behind his emotionless eyes as he held the ring out, willing John to take it back.

Stranger: "I-I can't. It hurts" he said, not turning to look at him "I can't h-have it... Knowing that you don't love me anymore" he said, twisting the door handle and stepping out, gripping his cane tight as his whole body shook. "I can't"

You: Sherlock hesitated a moment before taking the box out of John's hand. "Come with me for a minute," he murmured as he put the box down by the door. He led John upstairs to his old room but now instead of it being the storage that it became after John moved into his room, it was a nursery.

Stranger: "I don't understand...." He said, wrapping his arms aroyn his fragile beaten body as he still shook, tears rolling down his cheeks. "Why are you showing me this?" Clearly Sherlock had easily moved on without him. He wasn't surprised...

Stranger: We need to discuss Mary. -SH

You: What about her? JW

Stranger: I've located her adoption papers. -SH

You: Oh? Why? JW

Stranger: I came across them while researching my own biological family. -SH

You: What? JW

Stranger: It would seem Mary and I share a mother. -SH

You: You've got to be joking. JW

Stranger: Believe me, I wish I was. -SH

You: [Delay] Does she know? JW

Stranger: I don't believe so. -SH

You: You've got to tell her. JW

Stranger: Why? -SH

Stranger: Unless she's in immediate need of a kidney or bone marrow I don't see why I should. -SH

You: She deserves to know. JW

Stranger: Fine. -SH

Stranger: I've never had a sister before. Is there anything I should know. -SH

Stranger: *know? -SH

You: I don't think you need to worry. JW I mean... you already know her. JW

Stranger: True -SH

Stranger: Is she busy at the moment. -SH

Stranger: *?

You: No. She's just playing with Emma. JW

Stranger: Alright. You may want to be on hand if she doesn't take this well. -SH

Stranger: How is Emma? -SH => MW

You: She's great. Will you be coming to visit her sometime soon? She's almost figured out how to say your name. SH

Stranger: Soon. -SH

Stranger: Can she say "Uncle" as well? -SH

You: Uncle? MW

Stranger: John thought it would be a nice honorary title. -SH

Stranger: And I discovered this morning you and I are half-siblings. -SH

You: Very funny. MW If you want her to call you Uncle, just say so. MW

Stranger: I'm not joking, Mary. -SH

You: Okay, jokes over. We can't be half-siblings. MW

Stranger: And why not? -SH

You: We're complete opposites. MW And what are the chances? MW

Stranger: Very slim, I grant you. -SH

Stranger: But I do have the paperwork to prove it. -SH

You: [Delay] Which side? MW

Stranger: Maternal. -SH

Stranger: God knows who our fathers are. -SH

You: But I've met your mother. MW

Stranger: I'm adopted -SH

You: You're adopted? MW

Stranger: Problem? -SH

You: You just never mentioned it. MW

Stranger: It wasn't important -SH

You: [Delay] Can I see the paperwork? About our mother? MW

Stranger: You may not like what you find. -SH

You: Why not? MW

Stranger: She's not much about her on record. -SH

Stranger: *There's not

You: What does it say about her? MW

Stranger: She was arrested multiple times. -SH

Stranger: Even if she hadn't given us up willingly we most likely would have been taken from her eventually. -SH

You: Do you remember her at all? MW

Stranger: No -SH

You: No. Me neither. MW

Stranger: Given the closeness of our adoption and birth dates I suspect we were given up immediately upon birth. -SH

You: [Delay] We don't have any other siblings, do we? MW

Stranger: Not that I could find. -SH

You: How long have you known? MW

Stranger: I've known about our mother since Monday. I didn't know you are my sister until this morning. -SH

You: We don't even look alike. MW

Stranger: I must take after my father. -SH

You: Apparently so must I. MW

Stranger: Our mother is short and blonde but you don't share many other traits with her. -SH

You: Is she still alive? MW

Stranger: [Delayed] Yes -SH

You: Right. MW

Stranger: She's an adult film actress in Los Angeles. -SH

You: An actress? MW

Stranger: A porn star -SH

You: Right. Of course. MW

Stranger: I was trying to be discrete -SH

You: [Delay] I might try and meet her. MW

Stranger: Really? Why? -SH

You: Growing up it was something I always dreamed of doing. I never thought I'd get the chance though. MW

Stranger: [Delayed] If you do go I'll go with you. -SH

You: Okay. MW

Stranger: We should try to contact her first though. -SH

You: Yeah. Of course. MW

Stranger: I don't relish the idea of surprising her at work. -SH

You: Could be awkward... MW

Stranger: True -SH

You: Maybe she could actually be a part of our lives... MW

Stranger: Mary, don't get your hopes up. -SH

You: Yeah, I know. MW

Stranger: I'll spend a few days trying to find her for you. -SH

You: Thank you, Sherlock. MW

Stranger: You're welcome. -SH

Stranger: Shall I bring over the paperwork tonight? -SH

You: Yes, that'd be great. Do you want to stay for dinner? MW

Stranger: If you insist. -SH

You: You know you want to. You can try and teach Emma how to say Uncle. MW

Stranger: Very well. -SH

Stranger: And maybe brush up on murder a bit. Last I heard she was still saying mahdah. -SH

You: Yeah, she's still working on her 'er' sounds. MW

Stranger: She sounds like an FBI agent I met in Boston once. -SH

You: Really? They must have had an interesting accent. MW

Stranger: Interesting is one word for it. -SH

You: Did they call you Shahlo? Because that's what Emma calls you. MW

Stranger: What time should I be there. -SH

Stranger: *?

You: Six-ish? MW

Stranger: I was Mistah Holmes to them. -SH

Stranger: Very well. -SH

You: It's so strange thinking that I'm having my brother over for dinner. MW

Stranger: And that I'm going to visit my sister and my niece. -SH

You: You know this makes you and John brother-in-laws? MW

Stranger: I suppose it does. -SH

You: I've never had a family before. Not really. MW

Stranger: It's not all it's cracked up to be. -SH

You: I always wanted one. MW

Stranger: You have one with John and Emma -SH

Stranger: And now me -SH

You: Yeah. And I couldn't think of a better one. MW

Stranger: Perhaps one with less shooting -SH

You: Well, yes. I really am sorry about that. MW

Stranger: I know but as your younger brother I can never let you live it down -SH

You: Sibling rivalry, eh? MW

Stranger: It would seem so -SH

You: Can't you just pick on Mycroft? MW

Stranger: I've tormented him for the last 25 years. It wouldn't be fair to you to not make up for lost time -SH

You: Well yes but I'm the one most likely to get you back. MW

Stranger: John will be very upset if you shoot me again -SH

You: I can get you back without shooting you. MW

Stranger: Ah -SH

You: I mean, unless you want me to? MW

Stranger: No thank you -SH

You: You should bring baby photos of you when you come over. MW

Stranger: What? Why? -SH

You: Because I missed laughing at what you looked like when we were growing up. MW

Stranger: I don't think I have any in the flat -SH

You: Maybe another time then. MW

Stranger: I do have one album from uni -SH

You: Yes. Bring it. MW

Stranger: Fine -SH

You: I'll show you some of mine if you want. MW

Stranger: That sounds like a fair deal -SH

You: You'll probably have more than me though. MW

Stranger: That's not likely -SH

You: I picture your mother as the sort that would take lots of photos of you. MW

Stranger: She was busy with her classes -SH

You: Huh. She seems more the mother hen sort. MW

Stranger: She may have more photos but I do not -SH

You: Most of mine are from Uni. MW

Stranger: Mine as well -SH

You: This is such a strange coincidence though. MW

Stranger: True -SH

Stranger: If I had known I was going to meet my long lost sister I wouldn't expect you to marry my best friend first -SH

You: No, definitely not. MW

Stranger: We shall have to thank John -SH

You: Yes, for sure. MW

Stranger: Should I bring anything for dinner? -SH

You: No, it's alright. Just the papers and the photos. MW

Stranger: Alright -SH

You: I'll see you tonight then. MW

You: We have too many children. I've decided. IA

Stranger: I'd be alright with another. SH [Fem]

You: Easy for you to say. You can't carry them. IA

Stranger: But they're so sweet when they're new. SH

Stranger: And now, unless they're causing trouble. SH

You: Well that's exactly what they're doing and they know I can't chase them around when I'm this far along. IA

Stranger: Well I'm on a case, so I'm not sure when I'll be home. SH

Stranger: Just bribe them with sweets or something. SH

You: I can't keep bribing them with sweets all the time. IA Please come home. I'm exhausted. IA

Stranger: Give me twenty minutes to finish up here. SH

You: Thank you. IA Can you pick up Will and Hamish from school on your way home? IA

Stranger: Of course. They'll be happy to see me, although I'm a bit dirty from crawling in an air duct. SH

You: Warn them that I'm getting ready to shoot the next kid who misbehaves. IA

Stranger: Christ. Have they been that bad today? SH

You: Yes. You have no idea. IA

Stranger: I do have some idea. Ask Mycroft how I was as a kid. SH

You: At least there was only one of you. IA

Stranger: I suppose. SH But they're so cute. SH

You: Emma and Anna have been painting all over themselves, the furniture and anything else they can see. IA Oliver is running around hitting everything and everyone with his stupid pirate sword. IA They all decided to have a food fight during lunch so there's food all over the kitchen. IA And Violet hasn't settled down for a single nap all day but she's exhausted so she won't stop crying. IA

Stranger: I knew that sword was a bad idea. SH I'm sorry. SH I'm leaving now, I'll come and finish later tonight or tomorrow morning. SH

Stranger: Tell them I'm coming home. SH

You: I will. IA Here's the plan: Hamish and Will can go and do homework when they get home, I'll get Emma and Anna in the bath and get them cleaned up, you deal with Oliver and get the kitchen cleaned up and Violet can stay in her cot and hopefully she'll finally fall asleep. IA

Stranger: Good plan. We'll start executing it when I get home. SH We both know Violet isn't actually going to stay in her cot, so I'll try to keep her there as well. SH What are we going to do about dinner? Shall I call and order something now? SH

You: That might be a good idea. IA I was going to make something but I haven't had the chance to get started. IA

Stranger: If I call it in now while I'm on the way to pick up the boys, it'll be delivered in a few hours and we can eat around 6. SH Did you give Violet the medication she's supposed to have? SH

You: Shit. No. I'll give it to her now. IA

Stranger: No, it's too late now and she won't sleep tonight if she has it. SH You got the grape and not the cherry, didn't you? She won't take the red one. SH

You: Yeah, I got the grape. IA

Stranger: Good. That's good. SH How are Emma and Anna? Besides dirty? SH

You: They're trying to paint Oliver. IA

Stranger: Christ. They're always subjecting him to everything. SH Poor baby. SH

Stranger: I can see why he feels the need to arm himself with a sword. SH

You: Well if he hits me with it one more time, it's going in the bin. IA

Stranger: He's sensitive, be careful. SH

You: Right now, I think I'm more sensitive than him. IA

Stranger: I know, darling. Hormones and such. SH I'm sure you're getting impatient. SH

You: This baby was supposed to be born two days ago. IA

Stranger: You know it's going to be fine. You've probably got a few more days. SH I've picked up the boys. The only two that behave. SH

You: Good. Thank you. IA

Stranger: Hamish brought a frog, he wants to keep it. SH

Stranger: It's quite small, really. SH

You: No. No way. IA

Stranger: But he's so well-behaved. And he could use one of my little tanks for it. SH Set it up the office. SH

You: This house is chaotic enough without adding a frog to it. IA

Stranger: It barely violates our no pets rule. It's small. SH

You: I don't care. IA

Stranger: Fine. I told him you'd say no, but it was worth a try. SH

You: Good. IA

Stranger: You get joy out of saying no, don't you? SH

You: Excuse me? IA

Stranger: Nothing. No. SH

You: No. You really think that? IA

Stranger: No! No. SH

Stranger: I just thought it would be amusing to help him keep the frog. SH

Stranger: I love you. SH

You: I can't believe you. IA

Stranger: I'm sorry. SH

Stranger: I just love them so much and want everything to be fun. SH

You: When you get home, I'm going out. IA Let's see how easy it is to not say no when you're the one stuck at home with all of them. IA

Stranger: Darling, no. SH It was a simple slip of the tongue. SH

Stranger: You're too pregnant to be wandering around. SH

You: But I'm not too pregnant to chase the kids around all day, am I? IA

Stranger: Don't start. You know you're appreciated. SH

You: Do I? IA

Stranger: I love you, we all do. SH

Stranger: If you need to step away for a little while, I understand. SH

You: I'm going out for the night. IA

Stranger: Where? SH

You: I don't know. IA

Stranger: Well be careful. SH We'll be having dinner at six if you're interested. SH I'm sorry and I love you. SH

You: Right. Yeah. IA Just hurry up and get home. IA

Stranger: I'm nearly there. SH Have you gotten Violet down yet? SH

You: No. IA

Stranger: Well we're coming in, so I'll see if I can do it before I clean the kitchen. SH And I have to take care of the sword situation. SH

You: And the Emma and Anna covered in paint situation. IA

Stranger: Right. Yes. We'll get them bathed. SH Or- I will, if you'd still like to go. SH

You: Yes, I'm still going. IA

Stranger: Right. Alright. Coming in. SH Put the kettle on, please? SH

You: Nope. I'm leaving. IA

Stranger: Sherlock let out a tiny huff of air, beckoning the boys to hurry up a bit as they headed for the door. After turning the key in the lock she swung it open and held it for them, looking around- chaotic, as usual. "Put that sword down!" she called at Oliver as he ran by, Emma and Anna running after him with wet brushes.

You: The kids ignored her just like they'd been ignoring Irene all day. Irene pulled on her coat as she saw Sherlock and the boys come in. "I'll be back tomorrow," she said. "I don't know what time." She looked exhausted and she ran a hand through her hair haphazardly before pulling her gloves on as well.

Stranger: "Right." Sherlock responded gently, biting her lip and attempting to brush a bit of dust off of her rather dirty clothes. "Love you." After standing there for a moment she went to take care of the children, though she was still thinking about the fact that Irene was upset with her. "Boys, go and do your homework in your room, please." She took off her coat and shoes, leaving them by the door before she went after the girls and Oliver. "Put those down, /now/. It's time for a bath and then we're going to have dinner."

You: "You're no fun," Anna said, crossing her arms. Emma took advantage of the fact that Oliver had stopped to paint a line down the back of his shirt. Oliver started running again and the girls giggled as they followed after him. They ran into the bedroom where Violet was almost asleep. At the sound of their commotion, Violet woke up and started crying.

Stranger: "You know that isn't true." Sherlock responded, taking the brush from her and tossing it onto the table. "Emma, wha-" Lovely. She hurried after them, only to find that they had woken up their young sister. "Don't cry, Violet. Come here." She picked the girl up, holding her on her hip. "Look what you've done. Go and get ready for a bath, before I throw all of the paint supplies out."

You: Emma and Anna walked out reluctantly but Oliver kept running around the room. "Stop or I'll throw you overboard!" he shouted, hitting Sherlock with his sword. There was a shout from upstairs and then Hamish was running after the girls, yelling at them. They giggled and ran back into Sherlock. "Hamish is chasing us," they told her.

Stranger: "Oliver. You had better think long and hard before you decide that this is what you want." Sherlock was finished with this. It was time for them to do as they were told. She waited for him to run at her and then she took his sword easily, holding it high where he couldn't reach as she carried it to her office. She then tossed it into the room and locked the door, crossing her arms. "Go and do something in your room." Just as she seemed to have extinguished that fire there was another one as the girls were running once again. "Hamish! Go and do your homework." she shouted up the stairs. "Girls, bathroom. Now."

You: Hamish came storming out to Sherlock. "They painted my books!" he said angrily as he started chasing after the girls again. He caught Emma and she bit him hard in the arm. He let go and she giggled before running off. "Mum, look! She bit me!" Hamish said, showing the bite to Sherlock. "And she painted all over my books!"

Stranger: She ruffled Hamish's hair a bit. "I know. You can go and see if there's another copy of anything you need in my office, and then you can go to your room and lock the door and study with your brother." Sherlock was still carrying Violet around and although she was no longer crying, she was still sniffling. She took Emma by the shirt collar and dragged her toward the bathroom, nudging Anna along as well until they got there. "Clothes off now." She started the bath wordlessly, a look in her eyes that conveyed how her patience was wearing thin.

You: "You're hurting me!" Emma said, trying to wriggle away as Sherlock dragged her to the bathroom. They undressed silently but then Emma reached in to the water and splashed Anna. They kept splashing each other until one of them got Violet and Violet started crying again. They both giggled but then looked at Sherlock to see what she was going to do.

Stranger: Sherlock inhaled sharply, murder in her eyes. "Get in. Both of you." she commanded, pointing to the water. She just needed to get them in, and once they were in they could bathe themselves. Then she could clean the kitchen and get Violet down, and then she would handle dinner. "You're alright, don't cry." she soothed, rubbing Violet's back gently. "It's only water, you like baths."

You: They got in the bath but Violet continued to cry. Hamish came back downstairs, looking for Sherlock. "Muuuum!" he called. "William's sick! He just vomited everywhere!" He found Sherlock and grabbed her hand, dragging her up to his room. "He vomited on the floor and on the bed and on his clothes and his books and everywhere!"

Stranger: "Get yourselves cleaned up and don't forget to wash your hair." Sherlock was on her way out when Hamish stopped her. "I'll get something to clean it up. Get him into a chair and take the blankets off of the bed, will you please?" She went to the closet and got some cleaning cloths and something to spray on the floor. "Violet, please. You're alright." she soothed again on her way to the boys' room. "William, I'm coming right now!"

You: Hamish went back upstairs to help William. Violet continued to cry the whole time, miserable because she was so exhausted. While William was waiting for Sherlock to come, he vomited again. Hamish came out and pulled a face. "It's all vomity in there," he told Sherlock. "It's gross. I can't get the blankets off the bed or I'll touch the vomit."

Stranger: "Hamish. You're being juvenile. Go in there and help your brother, you know he would do the same for you." Sherlock insisted, raising an eyebrow at him. "Fine. Go and lay those cloths we put on the floor for painting over the sofa and get him a glass of water and the thermometer. Quickly." She stepped into the room, undaunted by the idea of the vomit. "Will? Let's get you downstairs carefully. You're going to be fine."

You: Hamish sighed and went to go do what Sherlock told him to. William nodded, standing up and following Sherlock. Hamish came out of to Sherlock, covered in water. "Muuum! I went to the bathroom to get the thermometer and they splashed me!" he complained. While he was holding Sherlock up, William vomited again.

Stranger: "You can change after, as long as you've got it." Sherlock dismissed. "Get Will a change of clothes, while you're at it." She didn't want to overwhelm Hamish, but the older boys were about the only ones she could count on to help. "Come on, Will." She helped him down the stairs slowly, managing to get him onto the sofa to lie down and quickly handing him a trashbin in case he needed to vomit again.

You: Hamish went up to his room and got changed and brought a change of clothes back out for William. He handed the thermometer and the clothes to Sherlock before he sat down in Sherlock's chair and turned the tv on. Oliver came back out then and started hitting Hamish with his lightsaber toy. "Muuum!" Hamish yelled.

Stranger: "Olly, stop that. Why don't you sit down and watch tv? You like it." Sherlock stuck the thermometer in Will's mouth, making a light tutting noise as it came out with a higher temperature than she expected and handing him a glass of water. "Drink at least half of that and put this on." she told him gently, handing him the clean shirt his brother had brought. Violet was clearly getting sleepy, so she decided to take her and lie her down in her room quickly, closing the door and praying that she would actually go to sleep this time.

You: Oliver watched tv with Hamish for a while until Emma and Anna got out of the bath. They ran around in the nude and Oliver started chasing after them with his light saber. They were being too loud and Violet started to cry again. The girls continued to giggle until Oliver hit Anna too hard and she started to cry. "Muuuum!" Hamish called.

Stranger: Sherlock gave up on the idea of Violet sleeping, picking her up again. She was sweet, but her sensitivity was terribly exhausting. "Coming!" She hurried down, only to find Oliver and Emma looking guilty while Anna cried loudly. The girls also happened to be naked, which wasn't surprising. "Come on girls, let's go and get pajamas on before dinner. Oliver, go and sit down and watch tv." It was ridiculous. Their life was ridiculous. She slipped her phone out of her pocket, rolling her eyes at herself before she sent a quick text. I'm so, so sorry I ever doubted you. SH William is vomiting, the girls are naked, Oliver moved on to the lightsaber, and Violet's awake. SH

You: I'll be home soon. IA Take the lightsaber off Oliver, put Violet down even if she cries and make sure Will's alright. The others can wait. IA Oliver sat back down to watch tv and then William vomited again. "Stop!" Oliver told him loudly, hitting him with the light saber. Anna and Emma giggled before running to their room. While Sherlock was distracted, they decided to start painting each other again.

Stranger: I love you so much. SH Sherlock leaned down and snatched the lightsaber out of Oliver's hand. "The next time you reach for this, I swear to God I'm going to take your head off with it." she warned. "What do you need, Will? Are you feeling warm, or cold?" She rocked Violet gently, hoping she would stay drowsy until she could put her back down.

You: "Cold," William murmured as he shivered. "Can I have a blanket?" He was getting a bad fever and even though he was freezing, his temperature was climbing higher and higher. The girls could be heard laughing in their room so Oliver got up and ran in, chasing them around again.

Stranger: "Of course. Just a moment." She went and put Victoria down again for what she hoped would be the last time. The little girl needed to sleep so badly. Then she went to the girls' room, poking her head in. "It's alright if you run around, but you have to get dressed, alright?" She didn't wait for an answer as she was already going to get the blanket and take it back down to Will.

You: The girls got dressed but then they started painting themselves and Oliver again, giggling loudly as they did. While Sherlock was gone, William had vomited again and he was beginning to look really unwell. Hamish watched him curiously, offering him some chocolate to make him feel better.

Stranger: When she returned, she found Hamish offering his brother chocolate, of all things. "What are you doing? That's only going to make him feel worse." she insisted, rushing over and draping the blanket over him. "No chocolate." At least the girls were dressed- that was one thing she had taken care of? "What about tea, Will? Do you think you could keep that down?"

You: William shook his head. He was curled up, shivering, and pulled the blanket around him more. "Does he need to go to the doctor?" Hamish asked, eating the chocolate himself. A loud thud came from the girls room and Emma started crying loudly. "Muuuuum!" she wailed.

Stranger: "I think he might, but we're going to have to wait until someone else can either take him or watch all of you." They both knew who that someone was, but she didn't want to explain what had happened between her and Irene to them. "Don't spoil your dinner, Hamish. I'm going to go and check upstairs." She ran up to the room, letting out a sigh. "Whose fault was it?"

You: Anna pointed to Oliver and Oliver pointed to Anna. Emma was on the ground, cradling her arm and crying. "Mum, it hurts," she sobbed. Her arm was covered in paint but there was some distinct bruising already forming and her arm was starting to swell.

Stranger: Sherlock just held her head in her hands for a moment before she got it together. "Time to go, get your coats on everyone." she instructed, picking Emma up and carrying her. "We have to go to the hospital." She headed down and got Emma's coat, helping her into it. "Hamish, do you think you could stay here with Violet while she's sleeping if I take your brothers and the girls to the hospital? Or do you need to come?"

You: "I need to come," Hamish said. "I'm not allowed to stay at home by myself. I'll go get my coat." He ran up to his room and got his and William's coats before coming back downstairs. He gave William his coat before he started doing up his shoes.

Stranger: Sherlock went and woke Violet up gently, taking her hand and leading her to help her into a coat. Then she realized that Violet and Emma were both lacking shoes, and bent down to help them both. We're going to be at the hospital if you need us. SH

You: The hospital? Is Will really that sick? IA I'll meet you there. IA The kids were all finally starting to behave now that two of them were either sick or injured. Hamish took Violet and Anna and Oliver walked together so that Sherlock only had to look after William and Emma.

Stranger: Will looks a bit green and won't stop vomiting. SH And Emma hurt her arm. SH Sherlock had texted for a car as they often used Mycroft's private vehicles so that it was a bit more safe, and she managed to get Will into the car while holding Emma. Then she slid in next to him, letting Emma stay on her lap as the others got in. "Seatbelts, everyone."

You: I'll be at the hospital in ten minutes, okay? IA Everyone put on their seatbelts, Hamish helping Violet with hers. "Can we get dinner at the hospital?" Hamish asked. "I'm starving." The others all nodded except for William and Emma.

Stranger: Alright. They'll be happy to see you. SH "Sure." Sherlock nodded, smiling a little at the fact that they were actually agreeing on something. "I had ordered take out, but I can try to get them to deliver it at the hospital if you don't want to eat hospital food."

You: Hamish nodded. "Good idea, Mum." When they pulled up at the hospital, Irene was waiting out the front for them. She frowned when she saw that Emma, Anna and Oliver were covered in paint but she quickly hurried to help Sherlock. "Here, I'll take Will," she said.

Stranger: Sherlock nodded, relief washing over her at the sight of the other woman. "Hamish, will you take Anna and Oliver to go and sit down in the waiting room, just until we get these two taken care of?" she asked, a pleading look on her face. She took Violet by the hand, knowing the little girl would have to be with either her or Irene.

You: Hamish nodded and took them into the waiting room. Irene wrapped her arm around William and led him slowly inside. "You're alright, love," she murmured. She found him a row of seats that were empty and led him over, letting him lie down while they waited. She took her coat off for him to use as a pillow.

Stranger: Sherlock took the girls over to sit next to Will and Irene, sitting herself down with Emma on her lap and helping Violet sit next to them. She had started talking with Emma to take her mind off of the pain, and it was working at least for now. "Maybe you'll get a cast, hm? And all of us can sign it. What colour do you want it to be?"

You: "Pink," Emma decided, still holding her arm close to her. Irene gently ran her fingers through William's hair. "Do you want me to take Violet?" she asked Sherlock softly. "I'll see if I can get her to fall asleep."

Stranger: "I knew it." Sherlock smiled, giving Emma a little kiss on the top of the head. "Hm? Oh. If you wouldn't mind, I'm sure it would be good for her to finally get a nap." She would have handed her over, but she was a little occupied with Emma in her lap. "Emma, you three are going to have to be a bit more careful from now on." She didn't want them to get hurt of course, but hopefully they would learn from it.

You: Irene stood up and picked up Violet before moving back to her own seat. She held Violet close and rocked her, trying to get her to drift off to sleep. Anna came over and started talking to Emma and Irene rested her head on Sherlock's shoulder. "Not as easy as it looks, looking after this lot, hmm?" she sighed.

Stranger: "No, it really isn't." Sherlock admitted honestly. She was used to helping wherever Irene needed it right when she got home, but she rarely had to take them for the entire day. She could hardly imagine it, especially while pregnant with what was probably going to have to be their last one. They were used to referring to Violet as the baby, but now they would have to reserve that title for the new one.

You: "I actually hate having to say no to them all the time," Irene sighed as she continued to rock Violet. "But look what happens when you don't." Violet finally started to drift off to sleep and Irene rubbed her back gently. "I don't know how we're going to cope once the baby is born," she admitted quietly. "We're not even coping now."

Stranger: "I know, you're right. I tried to keep from ruining their fun, and it only ended in a hospital visit." Sherlock sighed a bit defeatedly. They had discussed getting a nanny to help them, but neither of them wanted to let someone else raise their children. "Once they get a bit older, it'll be much easier. Hamish and William are already so much help."

You: Irene nodded. "I know. But I don't want to put everything on them. It's not fair." Once Violet was properly asleep, she went back to gently trailing her fingers through William's hair. "I suppose we survived having twins," she murmured. "Twice. And a least a baby can't misbehave."

Stranger: "I know. And soon they're going to have even more work as they get higher in school." Sherlock shifted slightly so that she could be more comfortable, Emma still distracted by Anna who was now sitting on the floor next to her chair as they talked. "Just think- it's only one this time. Then we'll have Violet and the baby, but the others will get better at doing things for themselves." She smiled a little as she thought of something. "I got the girls to bathe, but they got the brushes right back out again. Not to mention they splashed everyone who stepped into the room."

You: Irene nodded. "I noticed that half our kids are covered in paint. I'll handle baths when we get home." She leaned in to Sherlock and sighed softly. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left you to look after all of them on your own. I was just so exhausted and then you made that comment and... I wanted you to see how far saying yes all the time would really get you."

Stranger: Mummy's friend's son is staying with us indefinitely. His father, who may suffer from some sort of immune system disorder, has double pneumonia and will likely die. Be nice to him when he arrives. M (21)

You: Where is he sleeping? SH (14)

Stranger: Your room, obviously. It's being outfitted with bunk beds. M

You: No. SH

Stranger: It's not a negotiation. M

You: I'm not having him in my room. SH

Stranger: I'm sure you'll grow to be fond of him. If not, you can spend your time diagnosing him with whatever hereditary issue he surely has. M

You: That will only take one afternoon. SH

Stranger: Just try to be nice. He's around your age. M

You: Let him sleep with you. SH

Stranger: Absolutely not. I'm the oldest. You'll inherit my room once I move out again. M

You: Well move out now. SH

Stranger: [two days] Hey, Sherlock? This is Victor. I'm not sure if you've been told about me, but I'm going to be staying at your house for a while. I'm set to move in tonight. I just want to apologize for being in your space and all. VT (15)

You: You won't be in my space. You're going to be in Mycroft's space. SH

Stranger: But your mother told me I was staying in your room? VT

You: And I told her that you're not. SH

Stranger: I don't think Mycroft would like that. He met me, I think he thinks I'm annoying. VT

Stranger: I'll camp out in the living room. VT

You: No. Camp out in the kitchen. SH

Stranger: Why? That's even worse. My kitchen has tile floors and is always a bit too cold when the oven isn't on. VT

You: I don't want you in the way and if you're in the living room you'll be in my way. SH

Stranger: [delay] Right. Then you're going to have trouble once I'm transferred to your school. I heard it's really small. VT

You: You're coming to my school too? SH

Stranger: Well, I mean. It makes sense. I'm going to be here until my dad gets better. That could be a while, you know? I can't possibly bicycle all the way to my old school. VT

You: I've heard that your father isn't going to be getting better. Does that mean that you'll be staying with us until you leave for university? SH

Stranger: [delay] He's going to get better. VT

You: Sheer willpower doesn't bring people back from the brink of death. SH

Stranger: I don't want to talk about this. VT

You: You brought it up. SH

Stranger: All I did was mention it. You're the one talking about death and all those awful things. VT

You: Right. Well sleep in the kitchen, okay? SH

Stranger: Maybe sleep in the fridge and make it easier for you. VT

Stranger: You don't freeze to death from that, you suffocate. VT

You: Good idea. SH

Stranger: Fuck you. VT

Stranger: What if I really was suicidal? VT

You: Then you wouldn't be telling a stranger. SH

Stranger: I still very well could be. Whatever. I'll sleep in the kitchen. VT

You: Good. Word of advice, don't sleep in front of the fridge or Mycroft will step on you when he goes midnight snacking. SH

Stranger: [2am] Wake up. Now. M

You: No. SH

Stranger: I found young Mr Trevor in the kitchen, sleeping next to Redbeard with an electric blanket. Any explanation? Upon questioning he told me he didn't wish to speak and decided to take a walk without a coat. M

You: He's a bit odd, isn't he? I mean, who would sleep in the same room as your midnight snacks? SH

Stranger: If I were in the right mind I'd tell Mummy. I think I will, actually. M

You: Don't tell her, she'll make him sleep in my room. SH

Stranger: As she should. His only living parent is dying, Sherlock. He quite obviously has little friends, and he doesn't even have the back bone to stand up for himself. I'd imagine he wouldn't even admit you were the reason he slept in the kitchen. Be nice to him. M

Stranger: I'm telling Mummy unless you make this right. M

You: I don't see why I have to be nice to him and you don't. If it weren't for your midnight snacking he wouldn't have gone out for a walk without his coat. SH

Stranger: I'm nice enough to him. VT

Stranger: *M

You: He knows that you think he's annoying. SH

Stranger: [slight delay] I don't see how he could have been able to tell. VT

You: You don't try very hard to hide it. SH

Stranger: I did in this case. I pity him. M

Stranger: Enough stalling, however. I'm telling Mummy right now. M

You: She's sleeping. SH

Stranger: And I'll wake her up. He's gone off, after all. It's an emergency. And I don't have his number in order to retrieve him. M

Stranger: I doubt he would listen to me as well. M

You: He'll be back. SH

Stranger: If he isn't within one hour... M

Stranger: Do you have his number? Call him. M

You: I'm not calling him. SH

Stranger: Text him. M

You: No. SH

Stranger: Fine, telling mummy. M

You: Mycroft wants you to come back. SH

Stranger: No he doesn't. VT

You: Yes he does. SH

Stranger: He doesn't like me. He's only pretending to be nice because he thinks over wise I'll be depressed. VT

You: He's going to wake Mummy up if you don't come home. SH

Stranger: Why would I care about that? VT

You: She gets grumpy when she gets woken up. SH

Stranger: I won't be home to see it so it won't matter. VT

You: Where are you? SH

Stranger: How does hypothermia work? Does it stop your heart? VT

You: Eventually everything does. SH

Stranger: Fair point. I just don't know how freezing to death works. VT

You: You'll be found before you die. Come home, I have some chemicals you can poison yourself with. SH

Stranger: Would it hurt? VT

You: Death always hurts. SH

Stranger: Not always. Sometimes it's really quick. I've been researching it. What's quicker. VT

You: Poison will kill you far quicker. I have all sorts. You can take your pick. SH

Stranger: Not for me. VT

Stranger: My dad. VT

Stranger: He's in a lot of pain. He tells me all the time. VT

You: [Delay] You're going to kill your dad? SH

Stranger: I just want to help. VT

You: You could go to jail. SH

Stranger: I don't care. I don't have any future anyways. VT

You: [Delay] I'll help you. SH

Stranger: You will? VT

Stranger: Why? VT

You: Because you don't know what you're doing. SH

Stranger: Are you a sadist? VT

You: Not quite. SH

You: I have a list... if that helps. SH (17)

Stranger: [it doesn't show me typing]

You: [all good]

Stranger: I'm on my way, Sherlock. Where are you? M [24]

You: Near Hyde Park. SH I'm fine. SH

Stranger: You're obviously better than you were the last time, considering that you're lucid enough to be holding a conversation via text message. Still - I'm on my way. M

You: Don't take me to the hospital. SH

Stranger: I won't. M

You: Promise. SH

Stranger: Unless you go unconscious on me. M

You: No. Not even then. SH

Stranger: Sherlock, I'm not letting you die. Don't ask me to do that. M

You: I won't die. SH

Stranger: How can you be sure? M

You: I just know. SH

Stranger: I'm going to take you back to my flat. I just want to know that you are safe. M

You: I'm fine. SH

Stranger: I want you to stay with me. M

You: Stay with you? SH

Stranger: Yes. M

You: [No reply]

Stranger: Sherlock? M

Stranger: [brb]

You: Tired. SH

Stranger: [back]

Stranger: Try to stay awake. M

Stranger: I'm nearly there. M

You: I want to sleep. SH

Stranger: Tell me something about the periodic table. M

You: It was created in 1869. SH

Stranger: What is your favorite element? M

You: Holmium. SH

Stranger: Tell me about it. M

You: It's atomic number is 67. SH

Stranger: Anything else? I'm only a block away. M

You: Myc, I want to sleep. SH

Stranger: Once you're in the cab with me, you can sleep. I promise, brother mine. M

You: Can't I sleep now? SH

Stranger: Not yet, Locket. M

Stranger: I'm nearly there. M

You: My head hurts. SH

Stranger: Mycroft said nothing else, he was simply next to Sherlock, kneeling on the ground, one hand immediately on his forehead. "You're burning up," he said softly, his eyes filled with worry. "Can you walk or do you need me to carry you?"

You: Mycroft looked up at Sherlock but he could barely focus on him. " 'm fine," he murmured. He held on to Mycroft as he tried to get up but his head was spinning and he couldn't pull himself up.

Stranger: Mycroft sighed and scooped his far too thin younger brother into his arms as he stood to carry him through the alley and to the cab. "You've lost more weight. When did you eat last?"

You: "Don't know," Sherlock mumbled, curling up in Mycroft's arms. He was shivering and he wrapped his arms around himself trying to maintain some body heat.

Stranger: Mycroft got him to the cab and managed to get them both into the back seat. He grabbed the blanket he had brought from home and wrapped it around Sherlock, still holding the teen in his arms. "I've got you, Locket. I wish I could take all your demons away."

You: "They never go away," Sherlock sighed, leaning into Mycroft as he clutched the blanket close around him. "Home now?" he asked. He was barely conscious anymore, working more on autodrive than anything.

Stranger: "Not quite. You can sleep now, though. Now that I can feel your pulse. I'll hold you. Just rest." He let his fingers comb through Sherlock's curls in an attempt to soothe him.

You: Sherlock took the list out of his pocket and handed it to Mycroft as he finally let himself fall unconscious, curled into his brother. His quick breathing slowed down and he looked almost peaceful.

Stranger: Mycroft sighed sadly as he looked at the list - he knew that Sherlock was intelligent enough to understand that such a cocktail of drugs would slow his central nervous system down and push him further than his body would be able to handle. It wasn't a fatal cocktail - at least not under normal circumstances. At least he knew what was floating around in Sherlock's blood stream and he'd be able to care for him appropriately. He let him sleep in his arms the rest of the way back to the flat and he carried his unconscious brother into his home, settling him in his own relatively large bed.

You: Sherlock barely stirred as he was moved from the cab to the bed. It wasn't until Mycroft put him down on the bed that Sherlock reached out for his arm. "Stay," he murmured. "Please." He was barely conscious but he knew that he wanted his brother there with him.

Stranger: Mycroft nodded and slipped his shoes off before taking off his jacket and tossing it across the room onto his desk. "Let me fix you some water and then I'll lie down with you."

You: "Not thirsty," Sherlock murmured. He tried to focus his eyes on Mycroft but the room was swaying and he couldn't stay focused on anything.

Stranger: "Alright, alright. I won't leave," he said softly. "Close your eyes now," he said, stripping down to his vest and boxers before climbing into the other side of the bed, wrapping his arm around Sherlock and pulling him close. "I'm right here, Locket. I'm not going anywhere."

You: Sherlock curled into Mycroft's side as he let himself fall unconscious again, breathing softly. He pulled the blanket right up to his chin and went completely limp.

Stranger: Mycroft, too, found himself asleep. He was not nearly as anxious now that Sherlock was by his side.

You: Sherlock woke up hours later. His head was pounding and he couldn't remember very much of what had happened that night. "Mycroft?" he asked quietly.

Stranger: Mycroft stirred and opened his eyes. He glanced over Sherlock's shoulder to the window and wondered idly what time it was. Likely after midnight. "Hello, Locket. There's some aspirin and water on the bedside table for you. How are you feeling?"

You: Sherlock reached over and took the aspirin and drank the whole bottle of water. "I don't remember what happened last night," he murmured. He could safely assume that he had gotten high but he checked his arm to make sure.

Stranger: "You thought it would be a good idea to mix heroin, cocaine, amphetamines and codeine in various dosages. You texted me. I came and picked you up from an alley a few blocks away from Hyde Park."

You: Bits and pieces were coming back to Sherlock now and he nodded. "I relapsed," he murmured. "I couldn't do it." He sighed and felt in his pocket, knowing that his other syringes would be there. He pulled them out and handed them to Mycroft. "Don't let me know where you put them."

Stranger: Mycroft took the needles gratefully and nodded. "I'm still proud of you, baby brother. I simply wish I knew what went on inside of that mind of yours. You're worth more than this, Sherlock." He slipped from the bed and left the room for a moment, returning without the syringes but a plate of toast and honey. "Are they still bullying you at school?"

You: Sherlock nodded as he nibbled at the toast. "They're getting worse," he said quietly. "They locked me in a locker. I was there overnight." He shut his eyes for a moment and sighed. "Why does everyone hate me?" he asked. "Why do they all try and hurt me?"

Stranger: Mycroft sighed and sat back down on the bed, frowning. "I don't know, Locket. They don't know what they're missing, though. I can't imagine anyone being a better friend than you." He smiled warmly and rubbed circles over the length of Sherlock's back as he spoke. "Have you considered sitting your A-levels early and taking the extra time off before University? You could stay here with me."

You: Sherlock was quiet for a long time. "I don't want to go to university," he murmured. "It will just be the same as it is now. I need something difficult. University isn't difficult." He sighed and put his toast down. "I don't want any of this," he mumbled. "Sometimes I just want to die."

Stranger: "Sadly, most of life is boring until we find something to be passionate about," Mycroft said quietly. "I'd like for you to stay alive if that means anything. I can see if I can get you into the MI:5 internship program that I've been doing if you want. The first few months are still boring, but you do get actual assignments fairly quickly."

You: "What assignments?" Sherlock asked. "Are they hard? Interesting?" He needed something that would keep him busy; keep his mind busy. If it wasn't busy, he'd relapse again, no matter how hard he tried not to.

Stranger: "I thought they were interesting. I don't know, I mean, the assignments are all based on what the government needs at the current moment. Quite a bit of terrorist investigation, security, tracking down counterfeit money-" he shrugged. "The goal of course is to get into a permanent spot in MI:5 or 6."

You: "Sounds boring," Sherlock sighed. "I couldn't care less about counterfeit money and terrorists are so obvious." He was already aching for another hit and a moment later he stood up. "I'm going to the bathroom," he lied.

Stranger: "No you're not. Sit down," Mycroft said firmly. "You've got to let the craving pass, Sherlock. Let's play a game. Anything you'd like."

You: Sherlock sighed and sat back down, looking down at his hands. They were beginning to shake so he balled them into fists, trying to stop the shaking. "Games don't work anymore."

Stranger: "What about forensics? Have you looked into that at all?"

You: "I'd rather solve the whole crime myself," Sherlock said. "Not just part of it."

Stranger: "You could become a detective. Work homicide for Scotland Yard or something."

You: "Scotland Yard are stupid," Sherlock murmured. "I want them to come to me when they can't solve it themselves."

Stranger: Mycroft smirked. "Sherlock Holmes. Consulting Detective." He let his fingers card through Sherlock's hair again. "I think if anyone could pull it off, it would be you."

You: Sherlock sighed. "Remember Carl Powers? They wouldn't listen to me about his case no matter how many times I went to them."

Stranger: Mycroft nodded. "I do remember. I admit, even I didn't understand what you were getting at when you first mentioned it. But I do think you're right." Mycroft licked his lips and closed his eyes, trying to find something to keep his brother occupied. "I have access to some unsolved cases - some are several years old - but... Would you like to have a look?"

You: Sherlock's eyes lit up. "I can solve them?" he asked. "Do you have them now? Can I see them?" He grinned, already forgetting about his craving for drugs at the prospect of a puzzle.

Stranger: "Yes, I can pull them up on my computer. If you need any of the physical evidence, we'll have to either go down to Scotland Yard or to the MI:5 archives depending on the case itself."

You: Sherlock grinned. "Will they let us go see the evidence?" he asked. "I like to look at things myself. I can always see a lot more of the details than when I'm just hearing about it from a computer."

Stranger: Mycroft nodded. "I have a few connections. I'm nearly positive I can get us in. Let me pull up the list, I'll let you pick one and then I'll take you around to investigate."

You: Sherlock nodded, watching Mycroft. He didn't care how old the cases were; the older the better, he thought. The longer ago they were, the harder it will be to find evidence.

Stranger: Mycroft slipped out of his bed and grabbed his laptop, bringing it back in and pulling up the necessary databases. He sat the computer down in Sherlock's lap and then he turned to his closet to get dressed again. "Tell me which one you're most interested in."

You: Sherlock scrolled through the different cases, looking through them one by one. "This one," he said, eventually, turning the laptop back to Mycroft so that he could look at it. "I want to do this one."

Stranger: Mycroft nodded as he glanced over it, buttoning his shirt. "Good. You've got clothes in the third drawer of my dresser. I suggest you shower first if you can stand."

Stranger: ((AU where John had two brothers, Chris and Fred, but they were believed to be killed in the war as they served with John. They're both older)) Is this John Watson? Dr John Watson?- C

You: Yes. Who is this? JW

Stranger: (Delay) Oh John... It's Chris- C

You: I don't know any Chris's. JW

Stranger: Christopher John Watson-C

You: Very funny. JW

Stranger: Frederick Micheal Watson-C

You: Stop it. JW

Stranger: John, it's me. I'm alive- C

You: You're not. He's not. This isn't funny. JW

Stranger: John, it's me. Please I've waited so so long. Freddy is alive too-C

You: Prove it. JW

Stranger: Ask me something only he would know-C

You: How did he really break his arm when he told our parents he fell out of a tree? JW

Stranger: I took you both out on my motorbike and Freddy had a go, he fell off and hit his arm on a rock-C

You: [Delay] How are you alive? JW

Stranger: We were captured, I was tortured, I refused to let them touch Freddy, so I took his torture too. We get out an ran- C

You: They told me you were dead. JW

Stranger: Well we were captured and I certainly wanted to be dead- C

You: Where are you now? JW

Stranger: On a boat to London- C

You: Is Fred with you? JW

Stranger: I let them torture me, to keep him safe and you think I would let him out of my sight?- C

You: When will you get to London? JW

Stranger: Half an hour or so. Do you want to talk to Freddy? - C

You: Yes. God, yes. JW

Stranger: You always did like him better- C

You: Don't say that. JW

Stranger: It's only the truth. Here he is- C

You: Freddy? JW

Stranger: Hey, hey Johnny- F

You: Are you okay? JW

Stranger: Why are you asking me if /I'm/ okay? I've not even got a scratch. You know, you shouldn't have kicked him off the line so soon, he's hurting so much already- F

You: You'll at least answer me. If I'd asked him he would have insisted he was fine. And I didn't kick him off, he offered. JW

Stranger: You did say, yes, God yes. And you don't sound very happy to hear from him- F

You: I'm in a bit of shock. Cut me some slack. JW

Stranger: He misses you so so much- F

You: Sounds more mad at me than anything. JW

Stranger: Why would you think he's mad?- F

You: It doesn't matter. JW

Stranger: Johnathan- F

You: Frederick. JW

Stranger: His whole body is beaten and he has plastic lodged inside of him. His mind has been messed up, he's seen /children/ die in front of him and he only has one hand. That's only the slightest bit of what's done to him. He's not mad, he's hurt. - F

You: And what about me, hmm? At least you two had each other. JW

Stranger: John he was torn apart to save /you/ and I! If he gave up, they would come for you!- F

You: They wouldn't have come for me. I was sent back to London a week after you two went missing. I was shot. Almost died. JW

Stranger: When you go running around with some famous detective, people know you- F

You: And since I've started running around with him I've almost been killed more times than I can count. JW

Stranger: (No reply)

You: You stop caring, you know. Life and death all blur into one. You're not living unless you're dying. JW

Stranger: John, I have to go, our boat is docking and your brother is bleeding. Goodbye- F

You: Where are you? I'll come get you. JW

Stranger: No, we are fine, thank you. You best get back to your business- F

You: Fred. Please. JW

Stranger: Like you said, what about you? You know, I wouldn't want to be a burden. - F

You: Fine. Forget it. Why'd you bother messaging me at all? JW

Stranger: I didnt realise my little brother didn't care about us anymore!!!- F

Stranger: I need to go, Chris needs care or he'll die- F

You: Wouldn't it be great if you had a doctor there with you? Shame you don't seem to know any. JW

Stranger: It's no good if the doctor doesn't care- F

You: The doctor not caring is a figment of your imagination. JW

Stranger: I need to go- F

You: Whatever. JW

Stranger: (No response)

You: Don't bother messaging me again. JW

Stranger: Very well-F

You: Same goes for Chris. JW

Stranger: (No reply)

You: And when you take him to a hospital, make sure it's not Barts. JW

Stranger: (No reply)

You: [To Sherlock] I need to leave London for a bit. JW

Stranger: Why?- SH

You: It doesn't matter. JW

Stranger: Yes it does- SH

You: Why? JW

Stranger: Because I need to know why you're upset- SH

You: Who said I'm upset? JW

Stranger: Are you forgetting who I am?- SH

You: I'm fine. JW

Stranger: Does it have something to do with Christopher and Frederick Watson, hmmm?- SH

You: How do you know about them? JW

Stranger: Mycroft told me that they were found, he put them on a boat to come and see you and I gave them your number to talk to yoou. Your brother is on the brink of death and he didn't want medical attention, he wanted to talk to you- SH

You: Well now he doesn't want to talk to me or get my medical help. JW

Stranger: He wanted to talk to you and you wanted to talk to Frederick more. You can't blame a man in that state, John- SH

You: I didn't ask to talk to Fred! He offered and of course I sounded enthusiastic. I would have sounded enthusiastic if it had been the other way around as well. JW

Stranger: They'll be staying with Mycroft until Chris gets better, /if/ he gets better. I don't know if he will though. It seems they won't contact you, ever again, like you asked. - SH

You: Would you stop making me feel bad about this? JW

Stranger: One person cannot make another feel anything. It is always the first persons choice. You feel guilty because you're upset and most likely crying right now. That is not my doing- SH

You: Shut up, Sherlock. JW

Stranger: You love them. Don't be stubborn. Your elder brother is dying-SH

You: I'm a doctor and he doesn't want my help. JW

Stranger: You were being an arse to them John! They didn't want to be hurt by their own brother! Can you imagine how they're feeling right now? You just told them never to contact you ever again-SH

You: You don't understand, Sherlock. You don't get to take sides. JW

Stranger: My brother was captured when I was twenty, I thought him dead and when he came back, I was so god damn emotional. He's my /family/ and I need him. He needed me, so I was there. I do understand-SH

You: No. You don't. Because you didn't grow up always trying to prove yourself to them. You didn't join the army with them just to show them that you could be as strong and brave as them. You didn't get shot because you went out on a tour looking for them. You didn't just have them both hate you because after speaking to one of them, you wanted to speak to the other. JW

Stranger: I'm in my brothers shadow everyday of my life. But you know what, I don't tell him I never want to speak to him again. I keep going, I don't stop proving to him that I'm just as good as he is. He's not my competitor, he's my role model. You can't blame Christopher for feeling the way he felt when you were so enthusiastic to talk to your brother. He's been tortured and messed up Ithe head. He's allowed to be emotionally compromised-SH

You: Stop it, Sherlock. Why is everything always my fault? I was tortured too, you know. Only I'm not the one making a big deal of it. After I was shot and sent back to London I was in hospital for longer than I can remember. I almost died twice. And I didn't have either of my brothers there. I didn't have anyone. JW

Stranger: You brothers were being torn apart, that's why they werent there! I need to go, Frederick is crying and I believe something is wrong-SH

You: [Delay] Let me know, yeah? JW

Stranger: Very well-SH

You: Thank you. JW

Stranger: (Long delay) Have you calmed yourself down yet?- SH

You: A little. JW

Stranger: Christopher has 49 cuts on his back, 23 pieces of plastic lodged into his body, his whole left leg has been burned and now has vicious burn scars. His lef hand is missing and on his right arm, a wooden cylindrical shape has been put into him to replace a bone. He has extreme PTSD and depression and possible psychotic disorder-SH

You: (no reply)

Stranger: He also has a metal cheekbone. And excess chemicals in his body as well as 45 surgical incisions. They experimented on him-SH

You: Get him to a hospital. He needs surgery. JW

Stranger: He's at the hospital and currently in surgery- SH

You: Good. JW

Stranger: (No reply)

You: Keep me updated. JW

Stranger: They think he's not going to make it. And Frederick is freaking out because he can't lose Chris, seeing as you just disowned him-SH

You: Fred will be fine. I managed to live without my brothers. You get used to it after a while. JW

Stranger: He has nothing but Christopher. Chris was tortured to save him. Where the hell has your heart gone John? I'm disappointed-SH

You: Why does no one realise that I had nothing either? JW

Stranger: You're not bloody dying on a table are you?!-SH

Stranger: Fuck! Shit I need to go-SH

You: What's happening? JW

Stranger: (No response)

You: Sherlock? JW

Stranger: (No response)

You: Sherlock. Please. JW

Stranger: Christopher died for eight minutes. His heart gave out-SH

You: For eight minutes. So they stabilised him? JW

Stranger: He's so close to death I don't think he'll stay alive for long-SH

You: Tell the surgeons I'll take over. London doctors aren't used to these sort of things. JW

Stranger: You're going to have to hurry. He's holding in but he's in so much pain-SH

You: I'll be there soon. JW

Stranger: I think if you lose Christopher, Frederick will soon follow-SH

You: I won't lose him. JW

Stranger: (No reply)

You: Have them ready for me to scrub in as soon as I get there. JW

Stranger: Yes alright-SH

You: And stay with Fred, yeah? JW

Stranger: Mycroft and I haven't moved from his side, John. I'll never leave him as long as he needs. Just save his brother-SH

Stranger: Save /your/ brother-SH

You: I'm coming as quick as I can. JW

Stranger: I assume you're over your tantrum?- SH

You: I'm doing the surgery and then I'm leaving. JW

Stranger: For gods sake-SH

You: They don't want me there. JW

Stranger: You were the fucking one who told them you wanted nothing to do with them!-SH

Stranger: No no no-SH

You: What? JW

Stranger: He's-SH

You: Sherlock. JW

Stranger: He's gone-SH

You: Tell them to keep defibrillating. JW .

Stranger: (10 minute delay) he's gone, John... Christopher is gone-SH

You: Tell them to keep defibrillating! Load his heart with adrenaline for all I care. JW

Stranger: He's dead, John!- SH

You: I don't fucking care! Keep them resuscitating him until I get there. JW

Stranger: There's no point! He's gone!- SH

You: I get to make that call, not you! JW

Stranger: Five doctors have declared time of death! He's gone!- SH

You: Fuck. JW

Stranger: (No response)

You: (delay) How's Fred? JW

Stranger: He's sobbing into my brothers arms. He's broken and he wants his brothers-SH

You: I'm nearly there. JW

Stranger: Don't bother if you're going to be an arse-SH

You: Shut up, Sherlock. JW

Stranger: I'm serious, John-SH

You: I'm not going to be an arse. I just lost my brother too. JW

Stranger: You might not care that Christopher is dead, but he does-SH

Stranger: Good-SH

You: Of course I bloody care! JW

Stranger: Hard to believe-SH

You: Fuck off. JW

Stranger: (No response)

You: [To Fred] I'm on my way, Freddy. JW

Stranger: You told me never to talk to you again-F

You: I was mad. I'm sorry. JW

Stranger: He thought. He-F

Stranger: He thought you always hated him-F

You: He knew he had you. He always preferred you anyway. JW

Stranger: He loved you and I equally! Don't you ever say that again!- F

You: Pretending he didn't have favourites isn't going to bring him back, Fred. Of course he preferred you. He could do things with you. I was just the annoying one who tagged along and couldn't do anything. JW

Stranger: No he didn't! How can you be so.... I'm not talking to John. No, this isn't my brother. My brother is kind! Christopher loved you more than you'll ever understand!-F

You: I know he loved me. Of course he did. But he loved you more. Always. JW

Stranger: No he didn't!!!-F

You: There's a reason that you two got captured but I didn't. Because you two always stayed together. Just like when we were kids. It was always you two together. JW

Stranger: He came after me because I had a knife against my throat. Then we had the enemy on our tail, and if we came back to you, you would have been taken as well!!! Don't you ever, /ever/ say he picked favourites! I need to go-F

You: I had a gun to my back, Fred. He chose you. JW

Stranger: No he didn't-F

Stranger: I'll be gone, tonight. I can't do this. I can't do any of this. Goodbye-F

You: Freddy, please. I'm almost there. JW

Stranger: I can't do this, John. You think he didn't care, well he did. Do you know what he said before they took him in surgery? Tell John I love him, tell him I'm proud of him-F

Stranger: He loved you. He loved us both equally. And you won't bloody see that. I can't /do/ this-F

You: (long delay) I was on my way to take over the surgery. JW

Stranger: He loved you-F

You: I know. JW

Stranger: Just as much as me-F

You: He was proud of you too, you know. JW

Stranger: No he wasn't-F

Stranger: It doesn't matter-F

You: Of course he was. JW

Stranger: I'm not a doctor. There's nothing to be proud of. And-F

You: And what? JW

Stranger: (No reply)

You: Fred? JW

Stranger: He's. Hes. Christopher!-F

You: Freddy, it's okay. JW

Stranger: It's not! He's dead-F

You: You're right. It's not. JW

Stranger: I can't do this-F

You: I'll be there soon. Please don't go anywhere. JW

Stranger: I don't want to. He-F

Stranger: He's gone-F

You: You leaving isn't going to change that. JW

Stranger: Me living isn't going to change anything either-F

You: We still have each other. JW

Stranger: I thought you hated me. I thought you hated him-F

You: I didn't. How could I? JW

Stranger: He always thought you despised him-F

You: How could he think that? I adored him. I wanted to be just like him. JW

Stranger: I need to-F

Stranger: I need him. I need you-F

You: I'll be there very soon. Have you seen him since they took him into surgery? JW

Stranger: The handsome one says I shouldn't see him-F

Stranger: He said it'll make me cry more-F

You: We'll see him together when I get there, yeah? JW

Stranger: I don't know if I want to. Handsome is right... I can't live knowing I'm the reason he's dead. I can't live knowing those wounds on his body, that pain is because of me-F

You: Don't think of it like that. JW

Stranger: It's the truth-F

You: If they'd tortured you too then you'd both be dead. JW

Stranger: He took twice the amount of torture. If I was tortured too, he'd be alive-F

You: You'd both have been too injured to escape. JW

Stranger: (Long delay) I don't want him to be gone- F

You: Neither do I. JW

Stranger: I'll see you soon-F

You: Yeah. JW

Stranger: (Paras?)

You: (Sure. Do you want to start or do you want me to?)

Stranger: (I'll start)

Stranger: Frederick looked much like John, blond hair and brown eyes, he was a little taller than him, and his shoulders were a bit wider. He usually possessed a cool, calm feeling. But today. It was ripped from him, his brother was dead. He sat curled up on the handsome mans lap as he gently soothed him, tears falling down his cheeks freely. He wanted to die. Handsome man cuddled him close to his chest. He was strong and warm, much like curly man, but handsome man seemed to understand more. He felt safe in his arms, crying as he waited for John.

You: When John arrived, his eyes were red and it was clear that he had been crying but he had managed to compose himself on the way. He had to be there for Freddy. He walked in, or limped since it seemed that his psychosomatic limp had come back which hardly surprised him. "Freddy," he said quietly when he spotted his older brother curled up in Mycroft's lap. He didn't look at Sherlock, still mad at him for saying that he didn't care about his brother dying. He moved closer to Fred and when he was close enough, wrapped his arms around him, holding him close.

Stranger: Freddy grabbed one of handsome mans hands as he cuddled into his brother. Three years... He cried again, sobbing against his brothers chest and handsome rubbed his back, soothing him gently. "C-Christopher "

You: [Mycroft (20) is eight months pregnant. Sherlock (13) is very overprotective of him] Mummy and Father are going away for a week, Lock. MH

Stranger: Where are they going? SH

You: Germany. MH

Stranger: Oh. Why would they leave when you're so close to having the baby? SH

You: Father has some work to do over there. MH

Stranger: Oh. SH

You: It's only for a week. MH

Stranger: I know, but still. Anything can happen in a week. SH

You: That's true. But I'll be fine. MH

Stranger: Because you still have me to keep you company, My. SH

You: Of course. I know you'll look after me. MH

Stranger: Mhm. Always. SH

You: They were only going to go for a few days but they're worried that if they don't leave today, they won't make it because of the snow. MH

Stranger: Do they both have to go? SH

Stranger: Mummy could have stayed . SH

You: You know how Father is. He'd probably get lost if Mummy wasn't there with him. MH

Stranger: True. SH

Stranger: Well, we can have fun together then. SH

You: Exactly. It will be great fun. MH

Stranger: We can do deductions! SH

You: I'll beat you. MH

Stranger: Nope. You won't. SH

You: I always do. MH

Stranger: I've been practicing alot. Sh

You: Have you? Let's test it out then. MH

Stranger: Okay. Let's. SH

You: Should we go for a walk? MH

Stranger: I'd love to. SH

You: Alright. Let me get changed. MH

Stranger: Can we go to the morgue too? Maybe even a Scotland Yard? SH

You: Maybe. We have all week to have fun though so lets not do too much in one day. MH

Stranger: I knooow, but can we at least go to Scotland Yard today? The morgue can be for some other day. SH

You: What are we going to do in Scotland Yard? MH

Stranger: Talk to that police officer you think is cute. SH

You: He's probably busy. MH

Stranger: I don't think so. SH

You: Why not? MH

Stranger: I texted him to check. SH

You: Of course you did... MH

Stranger: You know you like seeing him. SH

You: Of course I do but I don't want to be so obvious about it. MH

Stranger: Well, he's obvious about it. SH

You: He's just flirting. I doubt he would want anything serious though. MH

Stranger: Who wouldn't? You're great, My. SH

You: I'm about to have a baby. It makes the whole dating thing a bit more complicated. MH

Stranger: He doesn't seem to mind, though. SH

You: Maybe not now but he will when I have less time for him. MH

Stranger: I guess. SH

You: We'll find out once the baby is born, I suppose. MH

Stranger: I just want you to be happy, Myc. And you're always so happy around him! SH

You: I'm happy around you too, Lock. MH

Stranger: I know... But it's not the same. SH

You: They're just different kinds of happy. MH

Stranger: You're right. SH

You: Okay, we'll go see him. MH

Stranger: Maybe he'll show me some cases. SH

You: Maybe. That would be exciting. MH

Stranger: It would! SH

You: Do you want to go there first then? MH

Stranger: Yes. SH

You: Alright. I'll meet you in the living room then and we'll go. MH

Stranger: Okay, I gotta change. SH

You: Hurry up then. MH

Stranger: Okay, okay. SH

You: I'm waiting for you in the living room. MH

Stranger: After a while Sherlock ran down the stairs to the living room, where he saw Mycroft sitting on the couch. "Okay, lets go." he said, helping his brother up off the couch while also trying to tame his mess of curls.

You: Mycroft smiled as he stood up. He had very subtly tried to make himself look better than usual since they had decided that they were going to go see Gregory. They walked outside and started making their way to Scotland Yard. "Careful of the snow," he warned.

Stranger: "I know, I know." he laughed, trying to kick some snow each time he walked. He liked seeing Greg, he always made Mycroft's face light up. "So, do you like him enough to date him?" he asked after a while, holding his hand.

You: Mycroft nodded. "I do. But like I said, I don't think that he would like to date me," he frowned. "Because he'd be signing up for more than just a boyfriend. I mean, I'm always looking after you and then I'll have a baby to look after too."

Stranger: "You're only say and think that because of your old boyfriend. Lestrade is different, Myc. He doesn't seem to care." he shrugged, stopping before they crossed the street to let cars pass.

You: When the cars passed, Mycroft led them across the road. "Still. It isn't very fair to him," he frowned. "It's a lot more commitment than it usually is. And if we did start going out and then we broke up I'd be sad and you'd be sad and even the baby would be sad."

Stranger: "I'd be more mad than sad. but, still, you can't think like that. You two have fancied each other since I ran into that fine scene about a few months ago." he shrugged, looking around at the shops.

Stranger: *crime

You: Mycroft nodded. "But it's easier when you're just fancying each other," he pointed out. "It gets harder the more involved you get." He sighed softly and squeezed Sherlock's hand. "Besides, he hasn't asked me out anyway."

Stranger: Sherlock squeezed his hand back and frowned. "Relationships seem complicated and tiring." he said with a little smile. "But, I bet you'd say yes if he did ask, right?"

You: Mycroft blushed a little and nodded. "Of course I would," he chuckled. "How could I say no?" They reached Scotland Yard and Mycroft turned to Sherlock. "Don't tell him I told you that though."

Stranger: Sherlock chuckled. He liked seeing his brother get that way. "Well, if asks me then I can't lie." He smirked and ran off into the direction Lestrade's desk was located, knowing that Mycroft was following close behind.

You: Mycroft chuckled and shook his head as he followed behind Sherlock. He saw Greg and smiled. "Hello, Gregory," he said, sitting down in the chair across from his desk because he'd been on his feet for too long.

Stranger: Greg smiled when he saw Mycroft, he stood up and hugged him before sittiing down. "Hey, Myc. Hey, Sherlock." he greeted, ruffling Sherlock's unruly curls. "Where are the pictures?" the bky asked to which led to Greg handing him a file.

You: Mycroft chuckled. "Straight to business as always," he said, watching Sherlock. "We're not interrupting anything are we?" he asked, looking around to see if anyone was watching them. Surely people must have noticed that they were regular visitors by now.

Stranger: Greg shook his head, "Nah, my shift is about to end in five minutes. Do you want to do something after this?" he asked. He knew that Sherlock would be busy with that file no matter where they went. "We could go for some food, or good pastries if you're up for that." he laughed, wiggling his eyebrows playfully at the man across from him.

You: Mycroft laughed. "Food sounds wonderful," he said, glancing at Sherlock to see what he thought but he was too focused on the photos to even pay attention.

Stranger: "Perfect!" he said with a smile, admiring the other for a bit. "So, How've you been. The little one in there hasn't been giving you too much trouble today?" he asked moving to sit im the chair right next to Mycroft.

You: [Mycroft (20) is eight months pregnant. Sherlock (13) is very overprotective of him and always looks after him.] Mummy and Father are going away for a week, Lock. MH

Stranger: That's fine. We will need to do some shopping then, Myc- SH

Stranger: I'll do it, though, you should rest- SH

You: I'll come. As long as we're not out for too long, I'll be fine. MH

Stranger: No you gotta stay home- SH

You: You're not going shopping by yourself. MH

Stranger: I'll take the driver in with me- SH

You: [Delay] Fine. But don't be gone long. MH

Stranger: You be careful. Don't do any work- SH

You: I'll be fine, Lock. MH

Stranger: No work. Relax. Il be back soon- SH

You: I'll just do a bit of cleaning. MH

Stranger: No! I'll do that when I get back. You gotta rest- SH

You: Just a little bit. It's good for me to move around a bit. MH

Stranger: Not too much- SH

You: Not too much. I promise. MH

Stranger: Good. See you soon- SH

You: Buy some cake while you're out? MH

Stranger: You need to eat healthy fruits and vegetables, Myc- SH

You: I'll eat them too. MH

Stranger: Fine, only a little bit of cake- SH

You: Fine. MH

You: [half an hour later] Are you coming home soon? You've been out a while. MH

Stranger: Not yet- SH

Stranger: There was some troubles- SH

You: What troubles? MH

Stranger: Don't worry. - SH

You: Tell me. MH

Stranger: Just go sit down, Myc. I'm fine- SH

You: Sherlock, tell me right now. MH

Stranger: (No response)

You: If you don't tell me, I'm going to come over there. MH

Stranger: No no! Don't come anywhere near the shops! There's a siege- SH

You: A seige?! MH

Stranger: Yes. Don't come down. Not like you'd be able to get in, anyway. Stay safe- SH

You: Are you okay? MH

Stranger: No- SH

Stranger: Stay home and be calm- SH

You: Sherlock, I want you to do everything they tell you to, okay? MH

Stranger: (No response)

You: Sherlock? MH

Stranger: Mycie!- SH

You: Sherlock, tell me what's going on. MH

Stranger: Myc Myc Myc- SH

Stranger: They shot the driver- SH

You: Stay out of their sight. Keep quiet. MH

Stranger: He's... He's dead- SH

You: I know. I know. It's okay. You need to stay calm. MH

Stranger: They're coming my way.... I love you mycie. Take care of the baby. I love you I love you- SH

You: Hide, Sherlock! MH

Stranger: (No response)

You: Sherlock? MH

Stranger: (No response)

You: I love you, Lock. Please be okay. MH

Stranger: (Half an hour later)

Stranger: Incoming call: Sherlock

You: Mycroft picked up the phone as soon as it started to ring. He'd been watching it for the last half hour, praying that Sherlock would message him and say he was okay. "Sherlock?" he asked quickly. "Lock, are you okay? What's going on? Talk to me."

Stranger: "Hi, I'm officer Lestrade. Sherlock's here with me, he's been shot, in the arm. He'll be okay. He's being moved to the hospital now. He said it was urgent I call you. Are you his guardian?" The man asked, riding in the ambulance with the little boy.

You: Mycroft let out a small sound; half relieved to hear that Sherlock was alive and half distressed to hear that he'd been shot. "I'm his brother," he answered. "But our parents are away so yes, I'm his guardian. What hospital is he going to? I'll meet you there."

Stranger: "Bart's. Don't worry, sir, I got in there before anything could happen that was extremely bad" he smiled softly. "He'd like to talk to you, is that alrignt?"

You: "Yes, of course," Mycroft answered quickly. He needed to hear Sherlock's voice. He was already pulling on his coat, getting ready to hurry to the hospital. He knew he shouldn't have let Sherlock do the shopping without him.

Stranger: The man held the phone next to Sherlock's ear. "Mycie... I'm okay. Are you okay?" He asked, his voice a small and soft.

You: Mycroft couldn't help but chuckle at how even after being shot, Sherlock was still worrying about him. "Yeah, I'm okay," he said softly. "I'm on my way to the hospital now. I'm going to meet you there. How's your arm?"

Stranger: "It hurts... But it's nothing compared to what the police man has" he said, looking up at him. "He's my hero, Myc"

You: Mycroft smiled softly. "We'll have to give him a very big thank you," he said. He didn't know how he'd ever be able to repay the man though. Nothing would come close to the value of his brothers life.

Stranger: "No body else would come in to help me. They were all scared but he came in. He's the bravest man ever, Myc" he said. The officer smiled softly. "Your life is worth it, Sherlock" he said.

You: Mycroft smiled. "I'm so glad he did, Lock. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you. I'll see you very soon, okay? Do you want me to bring anything with me when I come?"

Stranger: "Caramel lollies. And be careful, don't run" he said, still ever so worried despite his own injuries.

You: "I won't," Mycroft promised. "Alright. I'll be there soon with caramel lollies. I have to go now, okay? I'll see you very very soon." He didn't want to hang up on Sherlock but he knew he had to. "I love you, Lock."

Stranger: "I love you too Mycie" he said. "See you soon" and with that, he hung up and the ambulance drive them to the hospital.

You: Mycroft was as quick as he possible getting to the hospital. He hurried in, running even though he told Sherlock he wouldn't, and went up to the reception desk. "I'm here to see Sherlock Holmes," he said quickly. "Where is he?"

Stranger: "Room 203" the nurse said politely. Inside, the officer was sitting down in the chair, one hand covering a bullet wound to his side and the other covering his shoulder while Sherlock lay on the bed.

You: Mycroft hurried into the room and quickly moved over to Sherlock's bed. "Hey, Lock. How are you doing?" he asked, bending down to kiss his forehead. He pulled the lollies out of his pocket and set the down on the bed beside Sherlock.

Stranger: "I'm fine Mycie. It doesn't even hurt anymore" he said opening the packet and holding out a lolly for the officer. "Here you go. Thank you for helping me" The man smiled, he stood up on one limping leg and accepted the lolly. "Thank you Sherlock. I-I'll leave you both to it then"

You: Mycroft turned to the officer. "Thank you so much for saving my brother," he said, feeling intensely guilty when he saw how injured the man was. "I don't know how I could ever repay you. He means the world to me."

Stranger: The man winced as he moved. "You're very welcome. Sherlock here deserves to live and no one else would give him that chance. I might lose my job for disobeying orders but it was worth it" he smiled at the older of the brothers then down at the younger. "Hope you get well, kiddo" and he started to move from the room.

You: Mycroft watched him leave and turned back to Sherlock. "Do you know his name?" he asked as he sat down on the edge of Sherlock's bed. "Did he say Lestrade before on the phone? We must check up on him later and make sure he's okay. And we'll buy him a big thank you present too."

Stranger: Sherlock nodded. "He said to call him Greg. He saved my life, Mycie... " he said. "I want him to come back" he poured.

Stranger: Pouted*

You: "How about we give him a chance to get fixed up by a doctor and then I'll ask him to come back?" Mycroft asked. "Do you want to tell me what happened in there?"

Stranger: "Okay. The driver took me inside, and we were shopping and the next thing I know, I hear a gunshot and the driver shoves me under one of the stalls to hide while people are getting shot. Then he got shot and the people came towards me. An they pulled me out and shot my arm... Mycie they had the gun to my head when the police man came in. He didn't have a vest or a gun. He was the only one that wanted to save me. He managed to get me safe, but he got shot in the side, arm and leg" he said.

You: Mycroft wrapped his arms around Sherlock, being careful of his arm, and held him close. "I'm so so glad he did," he said quietly. "He's very brave isn't he? And a very good person."

Stranger: "He's a hero, Mycie. He saved my life when no one else wanted to and now he's hurt" he said, cuddling up to his brother.

You: "The doctors will make him better," Mycroft promised. "And you'll both have some battle scars so you'll have lots of good stories to tell to people when you meet them."

Stranger: "He said he might lose his job... Mycie we... We new to thank him. Take him to dinner or something" he said.

You: Mycroft nodded. "Okay. We'll take him to dinner when you two are both allowed to leave the hospital." He kissed the top of Sherlock's head as he held him.

Stranger: "I was so scared, Mycie. So so scared" he whimpered. Just as he said that, nurses and doctors went rushing past.

You: Mycroft held on to Sherlock as he watched the nurses and doctors run past. "I know," he soothed, rubbing Sherlock's back. "But you were very brave, Lock." He wanted to go see what the problem was but he didn't want to leave Sherlock.

Stranger: Sherlock looked over his brother's shoulder to see the officer being rushed to the operation room on a stretcher. "Mycie!"

You: "Shh, it's okay," Mycroft said softly, soothing the younger boy. "Do you want me to go make sure he's going to be alright?" he asked gently.

Stranger: Sherlock nodded, pointing to where the wounds and blood littered the man's body. "Mycie he's so so hurt"

You: "The doctors are very good," Mycroft assured him. "They know how to make him better." He carefully stood up and stepped out of the room, finding a doctor. "Is he going to be alright?" he asked.

Stranger: "Hard to tell. The man has internal bleeding and possibly a concussion... You know, this guys a hero, word has it he saved a kid when the other officers wouldn't go in" he shook his head, watching him be rushed into a room. "Shame if he passes"

You: Mycroft bit his lip. He would never forgive himself if the man died saving his brother. He should have never sent Sherlock to the shops. "Will you keep me updated?" he asked. "Please? I'm staying with the boy he saved in room 203."

Stranger: The man's eyebrows raised he nodded. "Yeah, of course. Give all the best to the little boy and I hope this officer makes it out" he said, frowning as he looked towards the room.

You: Mycroft nodded and went back to Sherlock's room. "Budge over," he said softly, lying on the bed next to Sherlock. "They're taking him into surgery so that they can fix him up. The doctor is going to let me know how it goes."

Stranger: "He better be okay, Mycie.... How are you doing, I'd the baby okay?" He asked, looking over at his brother.

You: Mycroft nodded. "We were both very worried about you but we're fine now," he promised as he wrapped his arm around Sherlock. "We're both so glad you're safe."

Stranger: "I'm glad you didn't come. I would rather me getting shot than you and little Mycroft" he said. Cuddling up to Mycroft, he frowned softly. It hurt, but he couldn't imagine what the officer was going through.

You: (brb)

You: Mycroft kept Sherlock close to your side. "I shouldn't have let you go shopping," he murmured. "And I should have been there to protect you." He sighed and pulled Sherlock closer still.

Stranger: "No, they would have hurt you. And the police man protected me" he said kissing his cheek. "I love you mycie and I'm glad you weren't there"

You: "I love you too, Lock," Mycroft said softly. "Let's try and get some rest, yeah?" he asked, shifting to get more comfortable in the bed. "The doctor will wake us up when they have news about the police man."

Stranger: "Okay mycie" he said. He closed his eyes and fell asleep quite easily in his brothers arms.

You: Mycroft stayed awake for a little while, making sure his brother was safe, before he finally drifted off to sleep.

Stranger: Around two hours later, there was a knock on the door by the doctor. "Mr Holmes?"

You: Mycroft stirred and woke up, blinking at the doctor. "Hi," he said quietly, not wanting to wake Sherlock up.

Stranger: "Um, to start, your brother will need to have a cast fitted, then he's welcome to go, and as for the officer, he's alive, only just"

You: Mycroft nodded, taking it all in. "Can the cast wait until he wakes up?" he asked. "And the officer, can I go see him?" He wanted to be there to make sure that the officer was alright.

Stranger: "Yes of course, I'm sure he'll appreciate that, he doesn't have any family here" he said, smiling sadly.

You: Mycroft nodded. "What room is he in?" he asked as he carefully got out of bed, being careful not to disturb Sherlock.

Stranger: "207. Just down the hall" he said, holing the door open for him.

You: Mycroft smiled at him. "Thank you," he murmured as he walked out and made his way down the hall and into the officers room. "Hey," he said quietly as he sat down in the chair beside the bed.

Stranger: Lestrade looked over at the man, he offered a small smile and tried to sit up a bit. "Hello, Mr Holmes, can I do something for you?"

You: "I just came to see how you were doing," Mycroft said. "Sherlock has been so worried about you. And it's Mycroft, by the way. I haven't properly introduced myself."

Stranger: "Oh, well... I'm doing alright, I suppose. " he chuckled softly. "I'm worried about him, is he okay? And I'm Greg, by the way"

You: Mycroft smiled. "He'll be fine. He's sleeping at the moment but when he wakes up they're going to put a cast on his arm and then he's free to go home."

Stranger: "Wonderful. Job well done then" he smiled, leaning back in his bed. "I'm sorry I didn't get in earlier"

You: Mycroft shook his head. "Don't be. I'm just so glad that he's okay," he smiled. "I was so worried about him when he texted me and told me what was going on. I thought I was going to lose him."

Stranger: "I wouldn't let that happen.... I'm very glad he's okay, though, sir" he said, taking a deep breath. "I'm glad he's okay and that you're happy. That's my job... Or, was" he chuckled.

You: "Surely they won't fire you for today," Mycroft frowned. "You saved a boys life and I think your injuries are more than enough of a punishment for disobeying orders."

Stranger: "You'd be surprised. I don't only disobey orders, I disobeyed them to the power of ten" he smiled. "It was worth it"

You: "Perhaps we can hire you as Sherlock's bodyguard for when he goes shopping then," Mycroft chuckled softly. "You've already passed the test."

Stranger: He chuckled softly, sitting up, he offered his hand out. "It's nice to meet you, Mr Holmes"

Stranger: Brb dinner

You: "Mycroft, please," Mycroft said as he shook his hand, being careful not to hurt the man anymore than he already was.

Stranger: "Right. Sorry. Mycroft" he smiled, shaking his hand. "I hope everything goes well with the cast"

You: "Considering today's events, I think the cast will be the easy bit," Mycroft chuckled softly. "Oh, I almost forgot. Sherlock wants us to take you to dinner when you're all better."

Stranger: "To dinner, oh, you really don't have to. Him being alive is thanks enough" he smiled, hissing as he moved his leg.

You: Mycroft winced at seeing Greg in pain. "Are you alright?" he asked nervously.

Stranger: Greg gasped a little. "Yeah yeah. Just, hurts when I move" he said, shifting into a more comfortable position.

You: "Let us take you out for dinner," Mycroft said. "Just one dinner and then you never have to see us again."

Stranger: "What makes you think I want to get rid of you?" He said, looking over at him.

You: Mycroft shrugged. "Well you're not exactly begging us to let you come to dinner, are you?" he teased.

Stranger: "No... It's just. I don't want to be any trouble for you. I'm sure your partner is worried, and your parents too, and I don't want to waste your time"

You: Mycroft shook his head. "I don't have a partner. And my parents have gone away for a week so it's just Sherlock and I at home anyway. And it really wouldn't be wasting our time."

Stranger: "Oh... I'm sorry for assuming." He said, bitting his lip. "Dinner would be lovely, then" he smiled.

You: Mycroft smiled. "Wonderful. You better hurry up and get better then," he said. "Because otherwise I'll have Sherlock asking me every hour when we get to have dinner with you."

Stranger: "The doctor said I can be out in two days if I want" he said, brushing his fingers through his hair. "He's a good boy, completely worried about you though"

You: Mycroft nodded. "He always is. That's why I wasn't at the shops with him today. He told me I had to stay at home and rest. He didn't even want me doing anything at home."

Stranger: "He's a good brother. Reminds me of mine. He'll freak when he gets here." He chuckled.

You: Mycroft chuckled. "Oh, the joys of having brothers to look after you," he said.

Stranger: Greg smiled, chuckling along with him," very true, difference is, he's my big brother. He's completely protective. He'll be here soon, so, heads up"

You: "When he gets here I'll go back to Sherlock and check on him," Mycroft smiled. "Hopefully he's still asleep."

Stranger: Greg nodded, offering a smile. Soon after, a broad shouldered brunette came into the room. "Greg?" He walked up to Greg and pulle him into a hug, careful of his wounds "I'm so glad you're okay"

You: Mycroft smiled at them. "I'll see you later," he said quietly to Greg before stepping out of the room and going back to Sherlock's room.

Stranger: Sherlock was up, and smiling, looking around the room when Mycrodt came back

You: Mycroft smiled. "Hey, Lock. How are you feeling?" he asked as he sat down beside him on the bed.

Stranger: "I'm fine. Doesn't even hurt anymore. The doctor will be coming into put a cast on my arm soon" he said, shuffling over.

You: Mycroft smiled. "Then we can go home. I saw Greg. He's looking lots better. He agreed to come to dinner with us when he gets out."

Stranger: "Good, I wanna get out of here" he said, hugging.

Stranger: Huffing*

You: "Very soon," Mycroft promised as he held on to Sherlock. "I think we might get our groceries delivered though."

Stranger: "Agreed" he said, while it didn't hurt, he didn't exactly want to get shot anymore. "I hate shops"

You: "Don't worry, I'm about 99% certain that that is never going to happen to you again," Mycroft promised.

Stranger: "Better bloody not" he pouted, hugging Mycroft as a doctor came in.

You: Mycroft held on to Sherlock's good hand while the doctor put the cast on.

Stranger: It was all over and done with in a matter of ten minutes. Sherlock smiled up at his brother and slid off the bed

You: Mycroft smiled. "Should we go say goodbye to Greg before we go home?" he asked.

Stranger: Sherlock nodded, grabbing Mycroft's hand as he walked out the door

You: They walked into Greg's room and Mycroft held his hand out to him. "We're heading home. How about dinner at Angelo's the day after tomorrow?"

Stranger: Greg smiled and nodded, looking over his brothers shoulders. "Sounds perfect. You feeling alright, Sherlock?" The boy nodded happily. " thank you police man greg"

You: Mycroft smiled at Sherlock as he rested a hand on his shoulder and turned back to Greg. "Well we'll see you then. Thank you again for saving Sherlock."

Stranger: "It was my pleasure" he said happily. "I'll see you both at dinner"

You: Mycroft smiled and led Sherlock out of the room. "Let's get home then," he said, keeping his hand on his brothers shoulder.

Stranger: Sherlock smiled and hugged his brother as they left. "How is baby doing?" He asked.

You: "Good," Mycroft smiled, hugging Sherlock back. "I think it's sleeping at the moment."

Stranger: " I was worried about you both" he said, smiling at Mycroft's belly.

You: "You shouldn't have been," Mycroft told him as he hailed a cab. "We were both safe at home."

Stranger: "Well I was still worried. You like Greg, don't you?" He asked with a smirk

You: Mycroft blushed a little. "Well, he did just save my favourite brothers life," he pointed out. "Don't go telling him that I like him though, will you?"

Stranger: Sherlock crossed his heart. "Promise. And I'm your only brother anyway"

You: "Doesn't mean you can't be my favourite," Mycroft chuckled, ruffling Sherlock's hair a little. "What do you want to do when we get home?"

Stranger: "East ice cream and watch movies. And I wanna tell my friend John that I got shot. He totally has the hots for me"

You: Mycroft chuckled. "Does he now? I'll have to keep my eye on him then, won't I?" he said, resting his head against the window of the cab as he shifted a little to get comfortable.

Stranger: "Yeah, he totally like me. I like him too" Sherlock blushed. He cuddled against Mycroft. "I love you"

You: "I love you too, Lock," Mycroft smiled as he wrapped his arms around the smaller boy. "I don't think anything will happen between Gregory and I though," he murmured.

Stranger: "Whys that? He totally liked you too" he said, looking up at him.

You: "No one wants to start dating someone who's about to have a baby," Mycroft sighed.

Stranger: "He just risked his life to save some kid he doesn't know. I think he's not an ordinary someone" he said, kissing his brothers cheek. "He's special"

You: Mycroft smiled. "I sure hope so," he murmured, cuddling Sherlock closer to him. "So tell me about this John fellow? Do you think he'll pass all my big brother tests?"

Stranger: "He definatly will. He's a gentlemen, smart, kind, accepting. He's strong too, he doesn't let the bullies hurt me"

You: "Good," Mycroft nodded. "So when do I get to meet him?" He kissed the top of Sherlock's head, brushing a hand gently through his curls.

Stranger: "I guess he'll want to come over today to check on me. So probably then" he said,

You: Mycroft smiled. "Brilliant. Maybe tell him you're okay before you mention that you got shot."

Stranger: "Nah, because then I might get a kiss" he said, winking. "Yeah I'll tell him that first"

You: Mycroft chuckled. "You're a cheeky little thing. You know that?"

You: I went to the doctor like you told me to. SH

Stranger: And how was it? JW

You: I had to have lots of tests. They'll call when they have the results. SH

Stranger: How do you feel about your tests so far? JW

You: I didn't like the MRI. SH

Stranger: It's over now. You won't have to deal with another one for a long while. JW

You: Unless the results come back with bad news. SH

Stranger: Yes, but I'm hoping for the best. JW

You: And as a doctor what do you think it's more likely to be? Good or bad? SH

Stranger: I'm sure there will be some consequences from your poor eating habits. Along with a few other habits of yours. But it seems like it won't be anything too drastic. JW

You: And if it is? SH

Stranger: Then I'll be with you. JW

You: What if I can't do cases anymore? SH

Stranger: Then we can bring the cases to you. Ones that you can solve inside the flat. JW

You: They'll be the boring ones. SH

Stranger: Better than nothing. JW

You: How long do you think the test results will take? SH

Stranger: Few weeks since you had a number of tests. Though, you could always convince Mycroft to quicken it. JW

You: I think I might. SH

Stranger: You don't have to be scared, if you are. JW

You: It's playing with my memory, John. My brain. Without my brain, what have I got? SH

Stranger: You are still you, Sherlock. If this affects your memory, it doesn't mean that it affects who you are. You will always be Sherlock Holmes. JW

You: No. I'll be a shadow of Sherlock Holmes. SH

Stranger: Not to me. JW

You: To me. To everyone else. SH

Stranger: Why does it matter what everyone else thinks? JW

You: Don't pretend that you don't care what people think of you. SH

Stranger: Yes, but you're Sherlock Holmes. You insult some of the most influential people of our country and take pride in your work with gruesome murder cases. JW

You: And if I can't do that anymore then I'm nothing! SH

Stranger: You are always worth something to me, Sherlock. If no one else, you have me. JW

You: I'm having Mycroft speed the tests up. SH

Stranger: [Delayed] Alright. JW

You: And if they're bad, I'm leaving London. SH

Stranger: Where to? JW

You: Sussex? SH

Stranger: A cottage in Sussex. JW Beehives?JW

You: Yes. Lots of beehives. SH

Stranger: Sounds like you. JW

You: Will you come? SH

Stranger: Yes. JW

You: And no one else will find out. SH

Stranger: You and me against the rest of world. JW

You: I love you, John. SH

Stranger: [Delayed] For how long? JW

You: What do you mean? SH

Stranger: I knew I loved you that moment at the poolside. When I realized I'd give up my life for you with the bombs strapped to my chest and the snipers aiming at us. I knew I loved you then, even if it was bad timing. JW

You: I knew I loved you when I saw you walk out and I thought you were Moriarty and it crushed me and then I realised you were covered in bombs and I didn't know whether to be relieved or even more crushed that I might not be able to get you out of there. SH

Stranger: I love you. JW

You: I'm so large it's uncomfortable. MH

Stranger: I'll give you a massage later on? GL

You: That would be amazing. MH

Stranger: Especially your back. I hope they come soon. GL

You: So do I. I feel like they've been ready for weeks. MH

Stranger: Well it is a few days past your due date and they said multiples tend to come early. Seems like they just like you too much. GL

You: I'd like them a lot more if they'd hurry up. MH

Stranger: At least you know I like seeing you this way too. GL

You: I didn't mind when I was smaller but not I'm huge and every movement is so difficult. MH

Stranger: Yeah. Shall we take a small walk after dinner? GL

You: Will that be before or after the massage? MH

Stranger: Whichever you prefer. GL

You: Maybe after the massage. MH

Stranger: Alright. That's fine with me. GL

You: Thank you, Gregory. MH

Stranger: You're welcome Myc, besides I have responsibility too. GL

You: I suppose so. MH

Stranger: Love you. Let me know if anything happens. GL

You: I will but I don't think anything will happen. MH

Stranger: You never know. GL

You: I wish something would. MH

Stranger: Walking might help, that's why I suggested it. GL

You: I hope it does. MH

Stranger: Sex and spicy food too. GL

You: We could make a night of it. MH

Stranger: You want to try everything? GL

You: I'm growing desperate. MH

Stranger: If you're up for it. Curry for dinner then. GL

You: Okay. Wonderful. MH

Stranger: See you later Myc. GL

You: Don't be home too late, okay? MH

Stranger: I wouldn't. I want to spend my time with you after all. GL

You: And hopefully by the end of the night we can spend it with our pups too. MH

Stranger: I doubt labour would end so quickly even if contractions come tonight my dear. GL

You: But we can hope. MH

Stranger: Yeah we can. GL

You: I want to have them at home. MH

Stranger: I know. The doctor said there should be no complications. GL

You: Perfect. MH

Stranger: But I'll have John come in just in case alright? GL

You: Alright. But just John. No one else. MH

Stranger: And Sherlock probably but that's all. They'll be outside unless needed. GL

You: Not Sherlock. MH

Stranger: Why not? GL

You: He will just be distracting. You know how he is. MH

Stranger: I do actually...John will make sure he keeps out of trouble. GL

You: Alright. If you say so. MH

Stranger: He's concerned about you. GL

You: He is? MH

Stranger: He asks about you whenever we have a case, albeit nonchalantly. GL

You: He never cares about how I am. MH

Stranger: Both of you have such weird ways of caring. GL

You: I suppose so. MH

Stranger: Is there anything you want me to get? GL

You: Ice cream? MH

Stranger: Chocolate? GL

You: Yes. MH

Stranger: Got it. GL

You: You're wonderful. MH

Stranger: No, you are. Perfect. GL

You: Hardly. MH

Stranger: Smart, handsome, pregnant. Sounds perfect to me. GL

You: So once I have these pups, I'll need to get pregnant again so I'll still be perfect? MH

Stranger: Of course not. You'll always be. GL

You: I wouldn't mind getting pregnant again though. MH

Stranger: You're saying that too early. GL

You: Am I? MH

Stranger: You haven't gone through labour. You'll be wanting to kill me then. GL

You: Probably. MH

Stranger: But I wouldn't mind having more either. GL

You: We'll see how we go. MH

Stranger: Yeah. I'm almost done with my work. GL

You: Good. MH

Stranger: Get some rest if you can. GL

You: Wake me up when you get home? MH

Stranger: I'll give you that massage when I get home. GL

You: Perfect. MH

Stranger: (sentences?)

You: (Sure. Do you want to start?)

Stranger: (okay)

Stranger: Greg pours through his work quickly and was glad to have it done before 6. He buys them curry for dinner and heads home to his mate, opening the doors softly so as to not wake Mycroft up. Settling on the bed, he gave the other a kiss on the cheek and belly before starting to massage Mycroft's legs that were propped up by pillows.

You: Mycroft moved a little to try and get comfortable, which was becoming harder and harder every day as the pups inside of him continued to grow, making his stomach bigger and bigger. As Greg started to massage his legs though, Mycroft started to visibly relax, sleeping sounder than usual.

Stranger: Greg slowly makes his way up Mycroft's legs then his arms and rolled him to his side carefully so he could knead the flesh between the neck and shoulders. He gave his mate's back light hits as he ends his massage, having him lie on his back once more. Lifting Mycroft's shirt, he took the cream and rubbed it across the large belly where their pups moved around occasionally.

You: Mycroft stayed asleep throughout the massage but stirred when Greg started rubbing the cream into his belly. He blinked and smiled sleepily at Greg. "Hey," he yawned, shifting again to get comfortable. "Did you already give me that massage? I feel so much better."

Stranger: "Good afternoon to you too." Greg chuckled and gave Mycroft a kiss on the lips. "I did, you were sleeping so soundly so I didn't want to wake you. Are you hungry? I could go heat up the food." He pulls the shirt back down and fluffs the pillows to put it behind his mate's back so he could lie against.

You: Mycroft kissed Greg back and nodded as he sat up a little, leaning against the pillows. "We can test the spicy food and see if it helps to move things along a little bit." He kissed Greg again and smiled. "You really are wonderful, you know that. I love you so much."

Stranger: "I love you too." Greg smiled and got off the bed, "I'll be right back with food." He heats up the takeaway and toasts the bread given, putting them on a tray and brings them up. "Smells good doesn't it? I poured you some juice to drink too:

You: "Brilliant," Mycroft smiled. "Thank you, Gregory." He sat up a little more and took the tray, resting it in his lap as he started to eat. "Should we go for the walk after this?" he asked as he began to eat.

Stranger: "No problem." Greg got his own food as well, settling comfortably beside Mycroft and ate his curry with rice. "That would be a good idea. We can just take a small walk to the park, rest and enjoy the scenery."

You: Mycroft nodded as he rubbed his belly subconsciously. "I really do hope this works," he said. "I want these pups out of me as soon as possible." He ate a bit more, resting his head on Greg's shoulder.

Stranger: He nods understandingly, it must be hard on Mycroft to carry the pups since they were surprisingly not small as one would expect. "They seem to be less active these few days, I think that's a sign that they would be coming soon."

You: "I hope so," Mycroft nodded. "I think they do feel lower as well but it's a bit hard to tell with so many of them. Hopefully next time we won't have as many all in one go. This childbearing business is harder than running the government."

Stranger: "It was a surprise to know we were going to have 4. You and Sherlock were not even twins." Greg finished his food and licks his lips, putting the container to a side so he could put an arm around Mycroft and gently touch the side of his belly.

You: Mycroft moved closer to him. "It's all very exciting though," he smiled. He moved Greg's hand up on his belly a bit. "This little on kicks more than the rest," he said as he felt the pup kicking.

Stranger: "Yeah it is isn't it. I keep wondering who they would look like more and if they'll all look alike. It's going to be difficult to identify them correctly without the bands we bought." Greg hums as he felt the kick against his palm, rubbing and hoping to calm the pup. "How does your chest feel today?"

You: "Worse than yesterday," Mycroft said. "I suppose that's another sign that they're getting ready to come." He finished eating and wrapped his arms around Greg's middle as he leaned into him. "It doesn't look like the spicy food worked," he sighed.

Stranger: "I hope so too. Can I do anything to help?" Greg asked, taking away Mycroft's tray and places it together with his own. "It'll take awhile to digest. Do you need a bath before we take a walk or shall we share a nice warm soak later on?"

You: "I think we should take a nice soak later on," Mycroft said, cuddling into Greg. "Do we know any other ways to bring on labour apart from spicy food, walking and sex?" he asked.

Stranger: "I would prefer that option too." He keeps Mycroft close and shook his head, "That's all I know unless you would like to induce labour? I don't think it's recommendable though. Come on then, let's have some fresh air." Greg helps his mate to stand and he brings their dishes to the kitchen.

You: Mycroft walked slowly through the house, one hand on his back and the other gently rubbing his belly. "Are you ready to go?" he asked Greg as he pulled his coat on. "We want to get there and back before it gets dark."

Stranger: "Almost done." He washes the dishes and dries his hand, putting on his coat as well. Greg places a palm on Mycroft's back, locking the door and they took a short walk to the park nearby. "The weather is nice today, it isn't too cold."

You: Mycroft smiled. "It is nice," he said, leaning into Greg as they walked. He glanced at Greg. "What do we do if I go into labour and John is busy?" he asked. "Or have you already checked with him?"

Stranger: He has his arm around Mycroft once more, "I did check with him and even if he is busy, he should be at our place before you start. But since there are no complications so far, I would like to think we'll be okay." Greg finds them a nice clean bench facing the pond.

You: Mycroft carefully lowered himself down onto the bench, looking out at the pond. "This is a lovely view," he smiled as he rested his head on Greg's shoulder. "Do you like it?"

Stranger: "I do. It's nice to see the children and animals around. The air is good too. I don't have work tomorrow so we could come again, or go out for lunch." Greg leans his head atop Mycroft's, feeling at ease.

You: Mycroft smiled. "That would be nice," he hummed. He looked out at the pond for a while before he froze, placing a hand on his belly and letting out a breath. "Although we might be a bit busy," he murmured.

Stranger: Greg noticed that Mycroft tensed up and looked over worriedly, "Are you okay Myc? Did the spicy food and walk worked after all?"

You: Mycroft hesitated before nodding. "Yes. I think it might have," he said. "Although it could just be a false alarm." He rubbed his belly gently. "Maybe we should head home though."

Stranger: "It could very well be just another braxton hicks huh but let's head back then." He pulls Mycroft up and they took their time to walk home. Greg opens the door and took off his coat, "I'll go get that warm bath filled up."

You: Mycroft nodded. "Okay," he said as he walked slowly into the bedroom to get undressed. As he was undressing he felt another pain. "I think this might be the real thing," he told Greg.

Stranger: "That's good isn't it?" Greg smiled as he pocked his head out of the bathroom. The water was pleasantly warm and he helps Mycroft into the tub before getting inside behind his mate. "I'll contact John once we're out of this."

You: Mycroft nodded, leaning back against Greg and shutting his eyes. "This is really nice," he murmured, relaxing. The water eased the pain in his back and he felt a lot more comfortable in there.

Stranger: He wraps his arms around Mycroft and leans against the tub. His hands wander everywhere he could reach, and gently cups his mate's chest, kneading them gently. "Tell me if you don't feel comfortable."

You: "No, this is really good," Mycroft smiled. "We should do this more often." He turned a little, shifting to get more comfortable and resting against Greg. He felt relaxed enough that he thought he could fall asleep in there.

Stranger: "I don't think we'll have the time once the pups are here." He washes Mycroft and himself, letting the other relax. When the water gradually drops in temperature. he drains the tub and rinses them off with water. "Feel better, love?"

You: Mycroft nodded but frowned as he felt another pain. "I think we should call John now," he murmured. "I hope this is a quick labour. I don't want it to be going into tomorrow."

Stranger: Greg dries himself then Mycroft, wearing his clothes before sending a quick text to John about the situation. "Me too. You'll be expanding alot of energy on those 4." He blow dries his mate's hair so he could lie down on the bed and take a rest. "I'm going to gather the things we need."

You: Mycroft nodded. "I might try and nap for a bit," he decided. "Get as much energy as I can." He kissed Greg before lying down, trying to get comfortable and sleep through the contractions before they got unbearable.

Stranger: "That'll be good. I'll join you later on." He doesn't get a reply from John but figures they would still have time anyways. Greg gathers all the towels they have, gloves, chocolate and some drinks to put into their room. Making sure that everything is in order, he slips under the blanket and tries to get some sleep too.

You: Mycroft cuddled into Greg and managed to sleep peacefully for a few hours. As the contractions began to worsen, he whimpered in his sleep and curled closer to Greg.

Stranger: Greg hugs Mycroft and strokes his back, trying to rouse himself from his sleepy state. He times the minutes between each contraction and realises they were getting much closer to 10 minutes apart. "Myc, they'll be here soon."

You: Mycroft made a small noise as he shook his head, keeping it buried into Greg's chest. "I want more sleep," he mumbled. "Is John here yet?" He kept curled close beside Greg, not wanting to move.

Stranger: "Not yet, they were chasing as usual and had just gotten home to bath. They'll be here in half an hour. I'm surprised you managed to sleep." Greg smiled, "And your waters haven't broken yet.'

You: "Good," Mycroft grumbled. "I don't want them to break until I've had a proper sleep." He had been so impatient for the pups to come that he hadn't stopped to think about what that meant. Now that he was in labour, he decided he'd rather that they didn't come yet.

Stranger: Greg gets up carefully and tucks Mycroft in, "Get all the sleep you want. I'll prepare." He lays a sheet of plastic and many layers of towels atop, having to move his mate a little such that the bed was covered.

You: Mycroft tried to get back to sleep but every time he almost made it, another contraction came and woke him up. They were getting worse now and eventually he sat up. "How about another back massage?" he asked, wincing.

Stranger: "Of course love. Anything for you." Greg starts his massage, working the knots on the shoulders and gave small pounds of his hand down the side of the spine. "Want something to drink or eat?"

You: Mycroft shook his head. "I don't feel so good," he murmured. "I read somewhere that people can throw up during labour. I don't want to tempt it." He rubbed his belly, trying to soothe the pups inside.

Stranger: "Oh is that so? Sips of water should be alright though." Greg doesn't stop massaging until the doorbell rings. "I'll go get them. Want the to come up or shall I just have John and Sherlock take a rest. They should be tired after all that running."

You: Mycroft nodded. "Let them rest in the spare room. Don't be too long. I need you." He reached over for the glass of water that Greg had brought in before and sipped at it.

Stranger: "Yes sir." He replied with a smile. Ushering John and Sherlock in, he told them to take a rest and are free to use the kitchen. Greg thanks them for coming over before heading back to the room. "They're going to sleep I think."

You: Mycroft nodded. "I think I need to walk for a bit," he murmured. "Will you help me?" He hoped that walking would help to relieve some of the pain that was quickly getting more and more unbearable.

You: (brb)

Stranger: "Yeah." He goes over and lends his hand, holding onto Mycroft as they walked around the room, letting gravity help. "I think we should check your dilation soon. It's around 8 minutes now." (ok)

You: Mycroft nodded, rubbing his belly as they walked. "My water still hasn't broken," he murmured. Another contraction started he stopped walking, holding on to Greg and burying his face into Greg's shoulder.

Stranger: Greg stops when Mycroft does, just being a support to his mate as he rode through the contractions barely making a sound. "I know, it should soon or we might have to break it."

You: Mycroft looked at him, wide eyed. "How do you break it?" he asked, not liking the sound of it at all. He let out a small groan as the contraction reached its peak and then relaxed, continuing to walk a little.

Stranger: "With my finger. I asked John about it just now. It will not hurt." Greg turns on some classical music to help Mycroft relax, rubbing the tummy over and notices the pups were quiet.

You: "Maybe John should do it," Mycroft murmured. It wasn't that he didn't trust Greg to do it but Greg wasn't a doctor after all. He stopped walking and sat on the edge of the bed, resting his hands on his thighs as he leaned forwards.

Stranger: "Yeah. I'll call him." Greg gave a small smile and went out, hoping the couple were not engaged in anything else other than sleep. He knocks on the door and waits for a response.

You: Sherlock was the one to open the door. "Does he need John?" he asked. "How is he doing? We haven't heard any screaming or anything." He tried not to look concerned but he was really a lot more concerned than he would have liked to admit.

Stranger: "Hey, yeah he does. His waters haven't broken yet and I think we might need to do it." Greg smiled at Sherlock, knowing he was concerned for his brother all the same. "He's still calm about it for now. Can you wake John up?"

You: Sherlock nodded, moving over to the bed and gently shaking John. "John, wake up," he said softly. "Myc needs you." He kissed John's temple, trying to wake him up as nicely as possible.

Stranger: "I'll head back first and you both can come over once he's awake. Thanks Sherlock, I'm sure Mycroft would be glad to have your support." Greg waved and hurries into their room, "How is it?"

You: "Hurts," Mycroft murmured from where he was sitting, doubled over in the middle of a contraction. He looked up and frowned. "Where's John?" he asked as he let out a groan.

Stranger: Greg squats down and wipes away the beads of sweat with a handkerchief. "Coming soon, Sherlock is waking him up. You're doing well love, really well."

You: Mycroft relaxed a little as the contraction ended and Sherlock came in, followed by John. Sherlock looked uncomfortable at seeing Mycroft in such pain and didn't come in much further than the door.

Stranger: Greg looks towards Sherlock and brings him a chair closer to the wall, "Sit down Sherlock, please?" John was relatively awake as he helps Mycroft settle on the bed more comfortably, taking away the pants and spreading his legs apart. "It'll be uncomfortable and slightly more painful once the water cushion is gone," he warns as he pulls on the gloves and lubes his fingers, inserting them inside Mycroft.

You: Sherlock nodded and sank quickly onto the chair. Mycroft groaned as his waters broke and he understood what John meant about it being more painful. He doubled over, sweat pouring down his face.

Stranger: "There we go," John smiled as he broke the sac, "You can push whenever you feel like it, Mycroft. You're dilated already." Greg had moved to settle behind Mycroft, holding him closely.