Fill- A Lesson from Bohemia 4a/?doctorkaraMarch 7 2011, 17:29:26 UTC
I really hate the word cap! haha XXX
Mycroft had never been more grateful for Mrs.Jones (or to John she was called Anthea, today though she was going by Xena), while he was helping schedule the funeral for Irene she was already moving Esmond’s things to England and setting up the flat appropriately. Irene Adler was an American and even though she had no family (other than her son), she had her fans from her times in the Opera, or on Broadway, even from her few movies. It was only appropriate to let her be buried in the country she called a home. Their affair had been a short one, they hadn’t been married but that didn’t mean the emotions weren’t there.
When he had found out she was pregnant, neither of them lied to themselves thinking marriage would have been a good answer. Instead he visited his son in America every time he had a chance and on his son’s first trip to England, to see his father’s home, the terrible accident. Mycroft felt the knot in his throat but was able to put his emotions into check as he sat next to Esmond with the lawyers to make sure everything would be correct. He would now be the sole guardian of his son.
Irene had left almost everything to Esmond or a charity so it had been easy to get everything settled on that end. He would just have to hire people to take care of her estate until Esmond was old enough to decide if he wanted it or not. Maybe they could even go there for the summer if Esmond would like that.
Mycroft would be lying if had told anyone that he was comfortable with the whole situation. It was going to change things. But it wasn’t his son living with him that was bothering him. It was his ability to be a parent that he had no faith in. Even on his visits to America Irene would tease him about his fathering skills, how was he going to be able to do this? He wondered idly if it would not be kinder to the child to send him off to boarding school or to someone who could care for him properly.
But it was Mycroft’s own selfishness that he wanted to keep Esmond with him. He may not have been there for every moment but Esmond was his son. He had watched him grow up and slowly take more and more after his mother. She wouldn’t have had it any other way. Mummy had never been happy with the scandal and Sherlock seemed to spend more time focusing on putting Irene in prison than anything else. Mycroft frowned slightly at the memories as the lawyers continued talking, it seemed that lawyers had that in common no matter what country they were from, they did love the sound of their own voices.
Mycroft looked down as a small hand gripped onto his. Esmond was looking up at him like he was supposed to have all the answers. And Mycroft supposed it was only fair for a son to believe that of his father, but the lump was back in his throat and he squeezed the small hand in his hoping Esmond would forgive him for his lack in this ability.
The last person he had tried to look after ended up hating his mere presence after all.
He hoped idly that Esmond would at least wait until he was eighteen to do so.
Re: Fill- A Lesson from Bohemia 4b/?doctorkaraMarch 7 2011, 17:30:16 UTC
XXX
“You’re supposed to hold my hand when we cross the street.” Mycroft raised an eyebrow as he looked down at his smiling son holding up his hand but he didn’t argue and took it into his before they stepped on the street. After all the boy had a point, what kind of parent would let their seven year old child cross the street by themselves?
“Of course.”
They had agreed upon a school together, one that had a decent program but Mycroft was also aware it was close to Sherlock and John’s flat should a problem arise and he not be able to attend in person. He learned very quickly (or had been told rather firmly from Esmond) that the boy did not like being dropped off or picked up in cars, espcially if they did not have Mycroft himself in them.
Esmond seemed to have a certain dislike for Mrs. Jones (Elizabeth today), but would not explain to Mycroft why but he didn’t see a reason to press the matter. Even if she had been rather upset by the news.
“I trust you will keep me updated on the rules of school going as they progress and change?” Mycroft smiled as Esmond laughed and nodded. Esmond seemed to think Mycroft spoke funny but he liked it.
Thought Mycroft had never been aware that his speech pattern should be considered humerous for anyone before.
“Can we have pizza tonight?” Esmond let go of his hand after they crossed the street and were in front of the school, he looked up at his dad expectantly. This kid was hell on his diet, Esmond didn’t like it when they ate different meals at home.
“I will see what I can make.” Mycroft nodded as his son beamed before turning to go into the school.
“Bye Da!”
“Bye.” Mycroft said back even though he was sure Esmond couldn’t hear him as he walked into the school. He found himself looking over at the other parents, mostly mothers, who waved to their kids and some of them were teary eyed even though this was the fourth week of school. Some of them were dressed for work while others looked like they were going to crawl right back into bed when they got home. One woman was off to see her lover. Another father saying goodbye to his daughter was in the middle of getting separated from his wife and they hadn’t told their daughter yet.
Mycroft shook his head, he had work to do, now was no time to people watch. His phone buzzed in his pocket.
“Yes?” Mycroft gave one more glance back to the school before crossing the street and heading back to the car that had parked a block away, where his umbrella was patiently waiting.
Re: Fill- A Lesson from Bohemia 4c/?doctorkaraMarch 7 2011, 17:31:32 UTC
XXX
John couldn’t believe what was happening in front of him and at this state in his life it had to mean something.
Sherlock Holmes was sitting on his couch, silently, starting at Esmond Adler-Holmes (Esmond had wanted to take his father’s name yet not get rid of his mother’s) and Esmond was sitting in John’s chair staring right back, just as silently. They both seemed to be studying each other intently as if daring the other to make the first move.
John set down a glass of tea and a glass of milk on the table.
“Thank you, Dr. Watson.” Esmond didn’t move but the thank you had John smiling as he looked over at Sherlock who had started frowning. He had tried to convince Esmond to call him John but it didn’t seem like Mycroft’s son would allow himself to call any adult by their first name unless there was some form of relation.
There was a knock on the door but neither of them flinched, keeping eye contact. John sighed with a smile. “Come in Lestrade.”
The Detective Inspector came in, “It’s really quiet is Sherlock doing something I shouldn’t know abo-” Lestrade stopped when he noticed Esmond and Sherlock’s staring at each other. He gave John a questioning look.
“They’ve been at if for a while.” John admitted with a small smile motioning to go into the kitchen. He switched to a whisper, “Something came up with Mycroft, I had to pick him up from school.”
“Is everything okay?” Lestrade looked worriedly over at Esmond. John smiled and shook his head.
“Who knows? But I’m sure it if was anything war-causing he would have given us a warning.” He joked making a cup for the Detective Inspector. “Isn’t today your day off?”
Lestrade looked slightly embarrassed as he nodded, “I’ll have to admit I was hoping it would be slightly more exciting over here than it was at my flat.” John laughed, it seemed that he and Lestrade were making to be pretty good friends, thought Sherlock seemed rather annoyed whenever they went to the pub together.
“Didn’t your mother teach you it wasn’t nice to stare?” Both men in the kitchen spit their tea out as they heard Esmond speak. They looked into the sitting room to see Sherlock looking slightly offended and a little embarrassed if the blush was anything to go by.
“You’re staring too.” Sherlock mumbled glaring at Esmond.
“You started it.” The boy stated matter of factly before grabbing the glass of milk on the table and taking a drink. “Would you like me to show you how to make friends?”
Sherlock scoffed offended, Lestrade let out a hearty laugh and John couldn’t help the giggle that left his lips. “No thank you.” Esmond seemed to think about it for a bit before deciding that Sherlock was probably hopeless at this age and his help wouldn’t be very good. Sherlock glared at him.
“Brat.”
“Sherlock!” John looked at the other man surprised.
“Diva.” Esmond responded. Sherlock glared. John and Lestrade both snickered.
“Half-wit”
“Stink-face”
“Spawn of hell.”
“Are you always this dumb or is today a special occasion?”
Fill- A Lesson from Bohemia 4d/?doctorkaraMarch 7 2011, 17:33:01 UTC
“Alright thats enough out of the both of you!” Both of them were suddenly surprised by Lestrade whacking both of them on the back of the head. “If you can’t say anything nice then don’t say anything at all.” The Detective Inspector put his hands on his hips and glared at both of them before pointing at Sherlock. “You’re an adult, or so you keep telling me, act like it.” He looked at Esmond who was staring up at him with wide-eyes. “Don’t let him bate you into things and I hope you know better than to act like this in school.”
John was impressed that both of them looked rather sheepish and embarrassed.
“Sorry Detective Inspector.” Esmond was looking up at Lestrade still slightly wide-eyed as if he coulnd’t believe the man actually whacked him upside the head.
“That’s child-abuse you know.” Sherlock mumbled glaring at Lestrade, who suddenly looked slightly embarrassed for whacking Esmond.
“I think he needs another whack.” John laughed as Sherlock glared at him.
“You can call me Greg you know.” Lestrade settled for ignoring the now bickering Sherlock and John. “And you know, sorry for whacking you on the head, I shouldn’t have done that, you’re not my kid.”
“My mom used to do that to me.” Esmond admitted a little embarrassed. Lestrade smiled and ruffled the kid’s hair earning a laugh. The boy was only seven years old and had already been through so much.
“I still shouldn’t have done that, forgive me?” Esmond nodded with a small laugh before looking over at the fire place. Lestrade followed the boy’s gaze to the mantel where there was a picture of Irene Adler sitting and next to it was a rather extravagant necklace. Lestrade bit his lip. This boy was her and Mycroft Holmes’ son.
Mycroft, Lestrade would be lying if he said that man hadn’t made an impression on him when they first met. He spotted the man every now and again but they only really talked if Mycroft needed something or if it was about Sherlock. There was something different about the taller man that Lestrade couldn’t figure out, he found himself wondering if they could ever be friends.
“You should just arrest him now Lestrade, taking both of his parents into consideration that boy will turn into a fine criminal.” Sherlock was suddenly talking to them and Lestrade jumped glaring at Sherlock. This really wasn’t appropriate stuff to be saying in front of Esmond, he was pretty sure.
“Like you would be able to prove any of it.” Esmond laughed and Lestrade wondered if the kid thought Sherlock was joking. He looked over at Sherlock who looked at his feathers had just been ruffled. Who knew a seven year old would be able to have such a reaction to the Consulting Detective.
Sherlock sighed dejectedly before flopping on the couch (more graciously than should have been allowed) and stretched out. “I guess I will have to take him under my wing, he does have some Holmes genes in them, even if they are of lesser value than my own. I will have to teach him to observe before he decides to persue the life of crime.”
Lestrade suddenly got the feeling that Sherlock could make a very interesting Uncle. John walked over to the couch and moved Sherlock’s legs so he could sit down. Esmond was smiling over at Sherlock almost like he was a new toy to play with.
“You will do no such thing.” John sighed taking a drink of the tea he had given to Sherlock earlier, if the man wasn’t going to drink it than he would. “Normal kids want to go out and play and have friends. Besides, “ Sherlock had scoffed at the word ‘normal’, “I don’t think Mycroft would enjoy you treating his son like an experiment.”
“I can observe.” Esmond frowned at both men on the couch, “I play the game with Da whenever we are bored.”
Lestrade rolled his eyes, only a Holme’s would make that into a game.
“Really?” Sherlock looked interested and Esmond grinned.
“Lets see … “ The boy looked around the room before looking at Lestrade. “Detective Inspector Lestrade is off duty today.”
Sherlock rolled his eyes and flopped back. Lestrade couldn’t help but grin back at Esmond. “Hopeless, maybe a life of crime is the only path you have.” Sherlock drawled.
Esmond glared a him. “I can observe that you’re a prat.”
Fill- A Lesson from Bohemia 4e/?doctorkaraMarch 7 2011, 17:35:19 UTC
Lestrade and John both choked trying not to laugh, even Sherlock’s lips twitched a bit but everyone turned as someone coughed at the door. Lestrade flushed slightly at the appearance of Mycroft Holmes leaning against the doorframe, three piece suit on, umbrella in hand and smirking over the room in general.
“Language you learned from your mother no doubt.” His low voice demanded the usual respect and Lestrade found himself standing taller.
“She said it a lot.” Esmond admitted blushing slightly but getting out of the chair at the arrival of his father. “Da are you a bad guy?”
Mycroft glared slightly at Sherlock before meeting his son’s eyes. Lestrade smirked when he heard John smack the Consulting Detective.
“Of course not.” Mycroft smiled slightly. “If I was I am sure that the Detective Inspector, on duty or not, (Lestrade wondered how long Mycroft had been there) would have to arrest me on principle.” Mycroft nodded over at Lestrade and Esmond looked up at his expectantly.
“Of course I would, if your Dad was a criminal.” Lestrade quickly answered with a laugh. “Ignore Sherlock, he’s an idiot.” Lestrade shot a glance at Mycroft who was watching him, he flushed and looked over at John who had laughed at the ‘idiot’ comment.
“And a prat.” Mycroft smirked glancing at his brother before getting on his knees and fixing the collar of Esmond’s shirt. The boy giggled.
“It sounds funny coming from you Da.” Esmond giggled again. Lestrade bit his lip wanting to tell the boy that it sounded a little bit funnier coming from a seven year old with an american accent. “Can we go home now?” Mycroft frowned slightly before nodding his head and motioning at the room.
“Say good bye to everyone.”
“Good bye Uncle Sherlock, Doctor Watson … “ Esmond looked up at Lestrade and bit his lip with a grin “Good bye Mr. Greg.” He giggled as if he just got away with doing something bad and looked up at his father. Mycroft raised an eyebrow but nodded his head at the door motioning for Esmond to go ahead. He looked back at the men in the room before settling on John.
“Thank you for picking him up, I hope it wasn’t too much trouble?”
“Of course not and it wasn’t a problem.” John smiled ignoring Sherlock’s groan. “Seriously, any time you need us to. He’s a good kid Mycroft.”
“Thank you Doctor, see you soon Sherlock,” Mycroft looked over at Lestrade and nodded, “Detective Inspector.”
Lestrade nodded back, his mouth suddenly dry as he watched the man leave and close the door behind him. He took a breath and sat down in the chair the boy had taken not a moment before. John was picking up cups from the table and heading to the kitchen. Lestrade looked over at Sherlock who was watching him, eyes narrowed.
“What?” Lestrade asked glaring back.
“Nothing.” Sherlock gave Lestrade the once over before sitting up in what Lestrade was starting to think of as his thinking pose. “Nothing.”
Fill- A Lesson from Bohemia 4f/?doctorkaraMarch 7 2011, 17:37:39 UTC
“You should probably refrain from the criminal talk around Esmond, Sherlock.” Lestrade looked up as John spoke and sat down next to his flatmate. “He probably doesn’t know anything about that stuff and I’m sure Mycroft would like him to stay that way.” John was obviously annoyed. Sherlock looked at him raising an eyebrow.
“So you’re not joking about it then?” Lestrade leaned back, he had never worked in a case that involved a Irene Adler but then again, who knew what Mycroft could cover for his … late wife? Lover? Lestrade wondered what kind of turmoil the man might be going through, he bit his lip.
“Of course not!” Sherlock stood up walking over to the fire place staring at the picture on the mantle before grabbing the necklace and tossing at Lestrade. “The Maharaja’s missing jewel.”
Lestrade almost dropped the necklace in surprise, it was an amazing piece of jewelry. “Wh-what are you doing with it?!” He would forever deny the squeak that came out of his mouth.
“She left it to me.” Sherlock was looking at the picture again so Lestrade couldn’t quite see his face but the tone reminded Lestrade of how human the Consulting Detective was. “She was the most brilliant woman I have ever met … “
“Out smarted him on several occasions from what I’ve gathered.” John teased smirking over at Sherlock.
“I could never link her directly to anything but I knew.” Sherlock’s tone was full of affection. “Her only flaw was getting with Mycroft.” With the last part he huffed, grabbed the necklace from Lestrade and put it back on the mantle and flopped back down on the couch.
“You liked her then?” Lestrade couldn’t help but ask.
Sherlock scoffed.
“Like has nothing to do with it. I don’t like being outwitted.” He rolled his eyes. “You know I don’t care for … things .. like that.”
“Anyways,” John suddenly piped in sounding slightly agitated, Sherlock smirked. Lestrade was lost. “I didn’t realize you were so good with kids Lestrade.”
“Of course he’s good with kids, Gabrie-“ Sherlock stopped and Lestrade froze and closed his eyes. It was silent for a few moments. He looked up to see Sherlock looking at the ground. John was giving Sherlock a questioning glance.
“It’s okay.” Lestrade took a deep breath. It had been six years after all. “It’s fine Sherlock.”
Fill- A Lesson from Bohemia 4g/?doctorkaraMarch 7 2011, 17:38:14 UTC
I’m sorry.” Sherlock mumbled and it seemed just like that Lestrade was reminded of the man six years ago, addicted, too young and completely helpless. Helping him solve a case before he even thought to call himself a Consulting Detective.
And really it was fine. It had been six years. Even if Sherlock and Lestrade had come to some sort of silent agreement to never talk about it that didn’t mean it had never happened. Lestrade had already seen therapists and gotten on with life hadn’t he?
“Heh,” He let out a small laugh shaking his head before settling to stare at his hands. “It doesn’t get any easier does it?” He looked up at John knowing the man had no idea what was going on. “I guess I should start from the beginning yeah? I don’t know if you knew this but I was married a while back. Tobi Gregson, she was my CO when I joined the force and well, love at first sight.” He grinned rubbing his hands together thinking about it. “If you could call it that, more like she saw me as competition and well I couldn’t tell you when it all started but that was just us.”
“Well we got married and it was good. Too good. And then we had a baby girl, Gabrielle, and it was even better.” Lestrade had to pause as the memories came rushing back. It wasn’t that he forgot, no he could never forget. It was just hard remembering it was something he would never have again.
“They were killed by druggie trying to mug them. He was too far gone and must have freaked out when he saw her badge.” Lestrade’s throat felt tight. “She was seven.” The same age as Esmond.
“That was the first time we met.” Sherlock continued for Lestrade and he was thankful. “First time I helped the police anyway. Helped them find the junkie.” He paused for a second. “Get a junkie to help you find a junkie, brilliant actually.”
Lestrade smirked. “I stole that from her, not that I was really allowed to work on the case but I still helped when I could. We found him.” Lestrade added at John’s sombre expression. “He’s still serving time.” They sat there in silence for a moment.
“That-I … I never … Lestrade thats … “ John ran a hand through his hair.
“I thought Doctor’s were supposed to be good with this sort of thing.” Sherlock teased with his lips twitching slightly. Lestrade couldn’t help the bark of a laugh that he gave out. That seemed to cause John to relax enough to let out a small giggle.
XXX
Mycroft had never been more grateful for Mrs.Jones (or to John she was called Anthea, today though she was going by Xena), while he was helping schedule the funeral for Irene she was already moving Esmond’s things to England and setting up the flat appropriately. Irene Adler was an American and even though she had no family (other than her son), she had her fans from her times in the Opera, or on Broadway, even from her few movies. It was only appropriate to let her be buried in the country she called a home. Their affair had been a short one, they hadn’t been married but that didn’t mean the emotions weren’t there.
When he had found out she was pregnant, neither of them lied to themselves thinking marriage would have been a good answer. Instead he visited his son in America every time he had a chance and on his son’s first trip to England, to see his father’s home, the terrible accident. Mycroft felt the knot in his throat but was able to put his emotions into check as he sat next to Esmond with the lawyers to make sure everything would be correct. He would now be the sole guardian of his son.
Irene had left almost everything to Esmond or a charity so it had been easy to get everything settled on that end. He would just have to hire people to take care of her estate until Esmond was old enough to decide if he wanted it or not. Maybe they could even go there for the summer if Esmond would like that.
Mycroft would be lying if had told anyone that he was comfortable with the whole situation. It was going to change things. But it wasn’t his son living with him that was bothering him. It was his ability to be a parent that he had no faith in. Even on his visits to America Irene would tease him about his fathering skills, how was he going to be able to do this? He wondered idly if it would not be kinder to the child to send him off to boarding school or to someone who could care for him properly.
But it was Mycroft’s own selfishness that he wanted to keep Esmond with him. He may not have been there for every moment but Esmond was his son. He had watched him grow up and slowly take more and more after his mother. She wouldn’t have had it any other way. Mummy had never been happy with the scandal and Sherlock seemed to spend more time focusing on putting Irene in prison than anything else. Mycroft frowned slightly at the memories as the lawyers continued talking, it seemed that lawyers had that in common no matter what country they were from, they did love the sound of their own voices.
Mycroft looked down as a small hand gripped onto his. Esmond was looking up at him like he was supposed to have all the answers. And Mycroft supposed it was only fair for a son to believe that of his father, but the lump was back in his throat and he squeezed the small hand in his hoping Esmond would forgive him for his lack in this ability.
The last person he had tried to look after ended up hating his mere presence after all.
He hoped idly that Esmond would at least wait until he was eighteen to do so.
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“You’re supposed to hold my hand when we cross the street.” Mycroft raised an eyebrow as he looked down at his smiling son holding up his hand but he didn’t argue and took it into his before they stepped on the street. After all the boy had a point, what kind of parent would let their seven year old child cross the street by themselves?
“Of course.”
They had agreed upon a school together, one that had a decent program but Mycroft was also aware it was close to Sherlock and John’s flat should a problem arise and he not be able to attend in person. He learned very quickly (or had been told rather firmly from Esmond) that the boy did not like being dropped off or picked up in cars, espcially if they did not have Mycroft himself in them.
Esmond seemed to have a certain dislike for Mrs. Jones (Elizabeth today), but would not explain to Mycroft why but he didn’t see a reason to press the matter. Even if she had been rather upset by the news.
“I trust you will keep me updated on the rules of school going as they progress and change?” Mycroft smiled as Esmond laughed and nodded. Esmond seemed to think Mycroft spoke funny but he liked it.
Thought Mycroft had never been aware that his speech pattern should be considered humerous for anyone before.
“Can we have pizza tonight?” Esmond let go of his hand after they crossed the street and were in front of the school, he looked up at his dad expectantly. This kid was hell on his diet, Esmond didn’t like it when they ate different meals at home.
“I will see what I can make.” Mycroft nodded as his son beamed before turning to go into the school.
“Bye Da!”
“Bye.” Mycroft said back even though he was sure Esmond couldn’t hear him as he walked into the school. He found himself looking over at the other parents, mostly mothers, who waved to their kids and some of them were teary eyed even though this was the fourth week of school. Some of them were dressed for work while others looked like they were going to crawl right back into bed when they got home. One woman was off to see her lover. Another father saying goodbye to his daughter was in the middle of getting separated from his wife and they hadn’t told their daughter yet.
Mycroft shook his head, he had work to do, now was no time to people watch. His phone buzzed in his pocket.
“Yes?” Mycroft gave one more glance back to the school before crossing the street and heading back to the car that had parked a block away, where his umbrella was patiently waiting.
Time for work.
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John couldn’t believe what was happening in front of him and at this state in his life it had to mean something.
Sherlock Holmes was sitting on his couch, silently, starting at Esmond Adler-Holmes (Esmond had wanted to take his father’s name yet not get rid of his mother’s) and Esmond was sitting in John’s chair staring right back, just as silently. They both seemed to be studying each other intently as if daring the other to make the first move.
John set down a glass of tea and a glass of milk on the table.
“Thank you, Dr. Watson.” Esmond didn’t move but the thank you had John smiling as he looked over at Sherlock who had started frowning. He had tried to convince Esmond to call him John but it didn’t seem like Mycroft’s son would allow himself to call any adult by their first name unless there was some form of relation.
There was a knock on the door but neither of them flinched, keeping eye contact. John sighed with a smile. “Come in Lestrade.”
The Detective Inspector came in, “It’s really quiet is Sherlock doing something I shouldn’t know abo-” Lestrade stopped when he noticed Esmond and Sherlock’s staring at each other. He gave John a questioning look.
“They’ve been at if for a while.” John admitted with a small smile motioning to go into the kitchen. He switched to a whisper, “Something came up with Mycroft, I had to pick him up from school.”
“Is everything okay?” Lestrade looked worriedly over at Esmond. John smiled and shook his head.
“Who knows? But I’m sure it if was anything war-causing he would have given us a warning.” He joked making a cup for the Detective Inspector. “Isn’t today your day off?”
Lestrade looked slightly embarrassed as he nodded, “I’ll have to admit I was hoping it would be slightly more exciting over here than it was at my flat.” John laughed, it seemed that he and Lestrade were making to be pretty good friends, thought Sherlock seemed rather annoyed whenever they went to the pub together.
“Didn’t your mother teach you it wasn’t nice to stare?” Both men in the kitchen spit their tea out as they heard Esmond speak. They looked into the sitting room to see Sherlock looking slightly offended and a little embarrassed if the blush was anything to go by.
“You’re staring too.” Sherlock mumbled glaring at Esmond.
“You started it.” The boy stated matter of factly before grabbing the glass of milk on the table and taking a drink. “Would you like me to show you how to make friends?”
Sherlock scoffed offended, Lestrade let out a hearty laugh and John couldn’t help the giggle that left his lips. “No thank you.” Esmond seemed to think about it for a bit before deciding that Sherlock was probably hopeless at this age and his help wouldn’t be very good. Sherlock glared at him.
“Brat.”
“Sherlock!” John looked at the other man surprised.
“Diva.” Esmond responded. Sherlock glared. John and Lestrade both snickered.
“Half-wit”
“Stink-face”
“Spawn of hell.”
“Are you always this dumb or is today a special occasion?”
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John was impressed that both of them looked rather sheepish and embarrassed.
“Sorry Detective Inspector.” Esmond was looking up at Lestrade still slightly wide-eyed as if he coulnd’t believe the man actually whacked him upside the head.
“That’s child-abuse you know.” Sherlock mumbled glaring at Lestrade, who suddenly looked slightly embarrassed for whacking Esmond.
“I think he needs another whack.” John laughed as Sherlock glared at him.
“You can call me Greg you know.” Lestrade settled for ignoring the now bickering Sherlock and John. “And you know, sorry for whacking you on the head, I shouldn’t have done that, you’re not my kid.”
“My mom used to do that to me.” Esmond admitted a little embarrassed. Lestrade smiled and ruffled the kid’s hair earning a laugh. The boy was only seven years old and had already been through so much.
“I still shouldn’t have done that, forgive me?” Esmond nodded with a small laugh before looking over at the fire place. Lestrade followed the boy’s gaze to the mantel where there was a picture of Irene Adler sitting and next to it was a rather extravagant necklace. Lestrade bit his lip. This boy was her and Mycroft Holmes’ son.
Mycroft, Lestrade would be lying if he said that man hadn’t made an impression on him when they first met. He spotted the man every now and again but they only really talked if Mycroft needed something or if it was about Sherlock. There was something different about the taller man that Lestrade couldn’t figure out, he found himself wondering if they could ever be friends.
“You should just arrest him now Lestrade, taking both of his parents into consideration that boy will turn into a fine criminal.” Sherlock was suddenly talking to them and Lestrade jumped glaring at Sherlock. This really wasn’t appropriate stuff to be saying in front of Esmond, he was pretty sure.
“Like you would be able to prove any of it.” Esmond laughed and Lestrade wondered if the kid thought Sherlock was joking. He looked over at Sherlock who looked at his feathers had just been ruffled. Who knew a seven year old would be able to have such a reaction to the Consulting Detective.
Sherlock sighed dejectedly before flopping on the couch (more graciously than should have been allowed) and stretched out. “I guess I will have to take him under my wing, he does have some Holmes genes in them, even if they are of lesser value than my own. I will have to teach him to observe before he decides to persue the life of crime.”
Lestrade suddenly got the feeling that Sherlock could make a very interesting Uncle. John walked over to the couch and moved Sherlock’s legs so he could sit down. Esmond was smiling over at Sherlock almost like he was a new toy to play with.
“You will do no such thing.” John sighed taking a drink of the tea he had given to Sherlock earlier, if the man wasn’t going to drink it than he would. “Normal kids want to go out and play and have friends. Besides, “ Sherlock had scoffed at the word ‘normal’, “I don’t think Mycroft would enjoy you treating his son like an experiment.”
“I can observe.” Esmond frowned at both men on the couch, “I play the game with Da whenever we are bored.”
Lestrade rolled his eyes, only a Holme’s would make that into a game.
“Really?” Sherlock looked interested and Esmond grinned.
“Lets see … “ The boy looked around the room before looking at Lestrade. “Detective Inspector Lestrade is off duty today.”
Sherlock rolled his eyes and flopped back. Lestrade couldn’t help but grin back at Esmond. “Hopeless, maybe a life of crime is the only path you have.” Sherlock drawled.
Esmond glared a him. “I can observe that you’re a prat.”
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“Language you learned from your mother no doubt.” His low voice demanded the usual respect and Lestrade found himself standing taller.
“She said it a lot.” Esmond admitted blushing slightly but getting out of the chair at the arrival of his father. “Da are you a bad guy?”
Mycroft glared slightly at Sherlock before meeting his son’s eyes. Lestrade smirked when he heard John smack the Consulting Detective.
“Of course not.” Mycroft smiled slightly. “If I was I am sure that the Detective Inspector, on duty or not, (Lestrade wondered how long Mycroft had been there) would have to arrest me on principle.” Mycroft nodded over at Lestrade and Esmond looked up at his expectantly.
“Of course I would, if your Dad was a criminal.” Lestrade quickly answered with a laugh. “Ignore Sherlock, he’s an idiot.” Lestrade shot a glance at Mycroft who was watching him, he flushed and looked over at John who had laughed at the ‘idiot’ comment.
“And a prat.” Mycroft smirked glancing at his brother before getting on his knees and fixing the collar of Esmond’s shirt. The boy giggled.
“It sounds funny coming from you Da.” Esmond giggled again. Lestrade bit his lip wanting to tell the boy that it sounded a little bit funnier coming from a seven year old with an american accent. “Can we go home now?” Mycroft frowned slightly before nodding his head and motioning at the room.
“Say good bye to everyone.”
“Good bye Uncle Sherlock, Doctor Watson … “ Esmond looked up at Lestrade and bit his lip with a grin “Good bye Mr. Greg.” He giggled as if he just got away with doing something bad and looked up at his father. Mycroft raised an eyebrow but nodded his head at the door motioning for Esmond to go ahead. He looked back at the men in the room before settling on John.
“Thank you for picking him up, I hope it wasn’t too much trouble?”
“Of course not and it wasn’t a problem.” John smiled ignoring Sherlock’s groan. “Seriously, any time you need us to. He’s a good kid Mycroft.”
“Thank you Doctor, see you soon Sherlock,” Mycroft looked over at Lestrade and nodded, “Detective Inspector.”
Lestrade nodded back, his mouth suddenly dry as he watched the man leave and close the door behind him. He took a breath and sat down in the chair the boy had taken not a moment before. John was picking up cups from the table and heading to the kitchen. Lestrade looked over at Sherlock who was watching him, eyes narrowed.
“What?” Lestrade asked glaring back.
“Nothing.” Sherlock gave Lestrade the once over before sitting up in what Lestrade was starting to think of as his thinking pose. “Nothing.”
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“So you’re not joking about it then?” Lestrade leaned back, he had never worked in a case that involved a Irene Adler but then again, who knew what Mycroft could cover for his … late wife? Lover? Lestrade wondered what kind of turmoil the man might be going through, he bit his lip.
“Of course not!” Sherlock stood up walking over to the fire place staring at the picture on the mantle before grabbing the necklace and tossing at Lestrade. “The Maharaja’s missing jewel.”
Lestrade almost dropped the necklace in surprise, it was an amazing piece of jewelry. “Wh-what are you doing with it?!” He would forever deny the squeak that came out of his mouth.
“She left it to me.” Sherlock was looking at the picture again so Lestrade couldn’t quite see his face but the tone reminded Lestrade of how human the Consulting Detective was. “She was the most brilliant woman I have ever met … “
“Out smarted him on several occasions from what I’ve gathered.” John teased smirking over at Sherlock.
“I could never link her directly to anything but I knew.” Sherlock’s tone was full of affection. “Her only flaw was getting with Mycroft.” With the last part he huffed, grabbed the necklace from Lestrade and put it back on the mantle and flopped back down on the couch.
“You liked her then?” Lestrade couldn’t help but ask.
Sherlock scoffed.
“Like has nothing to do with it. I don’t like being outwitted.” He rolled his eyes. “You know I don’t care for … things .. like that.”
“Anyways,” John suddenly piped in sounding slightly agitated, Sherlock smirked. Lestrade was lost. “I didn’t realize you were so good with kids Lestrade.”
“Of course he’s good with kids, Gabrie-“ Sherlock stopped and Lestrade froze and closed his eyes. It was silent for a few moments. He looked up to see Sherlock looking at the ground. John was giving Sherlock a questioning glance.
“It’s okay.” Lestrade took a deep breath. It had been six years after all. “It’s fine Sherlock.”
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And really it was fine. It had been six years. Even if Sherlock and Lestrade had come to some sort of silent agreement to never talk about it that didn’t mean it had never happened. Lestrade had already seen therapists and gotten on with life hadn’t he?
“Heh,” He let out a small laugh shaking his head before settling to stare at his hands. “It doesn’t get any easier does it?” He looked up at John knowing the man had no idea what was going on. “I guess I should start from the beginning yeah? I don’t know if you knew this but I was married a while back. Tobi Gregson, she was my CO when I joined the force and well, love at first sight.” He grinned rubbing his hands together thinking about it. “If you could call it that, more like she saw me as competition and well I couldn’t tell you when it all started but that was just us.”
“Well we got married and it was good. Too good. And then we had a baby girl, Gabrielle, and it was even better.” Lestrade had to pause as the memories came rushing back. It wasn’t that he forgot, no he could never forget. It was just hard remembering it was something he would never have again.
“They were killed by druggie trying to mug them. He was too far gone and must have freaked out when he saw her badge.” Lestrade’s throat felt tight. “She was seven.” The same age as Esmond.
“That was the first time we met.” Sherlock continued for Lestrade and he was thankful. “First time I helped the police anyway. Helped them find the junkie.” He paused for a second. “Get a junkie to help you find a junkie, brilliant actually.”
Lestrade smirked. “I stole that from her, not that I was really allowed to work on the case but I still helped when I could. We found him.” Lestrade added at John’s sombre expression. “He’s still serving time.” They sat there in silence for a moment.
“That-I … I never … Lestrade thats … “ John ran a hand through his hair.
“I thought Doctor’s were supposed to be good with this sort of thing.” Sherlock teased with his lips twitching slightly. Lestrade couldn’t help the bark of a laugh that he gave out. That seemed to cause John to relax enough to let out a small giggle.
It really wasn’t appropriate.
But Lestrade wouldn’t want it any other way.
XXX TBC
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“Are you always this dumb or is today a special occasion?”
Sounds like it came right from a 7 year old Mycroft!
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