Sherlock's Gift

by starwarsfreak95

Sherlock Holmes is a scientist. Before he makes the famous fall, he leaves one last successful experiment- a child of his and John's. Over the course of the next four years, John lives to be father to little Elspeth, never dreaming that Sherlock is alive. What will happen as he finally reveals himself to John, and their daughter? Can he integrate himself into his own family?

1. Prologue

A/N- I wanted a more unconventional way to get the story I wanted, and I got it. This prologue is kinda weird, which is why I'm uploading the first chapter with it. Don't judge my story by its rather weird prologue, please! Cheers 3

Prologue- Sherlock's Letter

"You're wrong you know, you do count. You've always counted and I've always trusted you. But you were right, I'm not okay."

Molly stared at the man of ice as he finally opened up to her.

"Tell me what's wrong," she insisted, frightened.

"Molly, I think I'm going to die," Sherlock's eyes were tortured.

"What do you need?" at that moment, she placed herself in his power without a second thought.

"If I wasn't everything that you think I am, everything that I think I am, would you still want to help me?" his expression baffled her for a moment. Then she realized- Sherlock Holmes was afraid!

"What do you need?" she repeated steadily.

He looked at her, searching her face for something. Not finding it, he looked directly into her eyes again.

"You."

Molly knew she'd have to tell John soon, just in case Sherlock had been wrong about the man. It was highly unlikely, especially given that it was John, but even Sherlock wasn't infallible. As she placed the letter into 221b's post box, she hoped that Sherlock was right about John.

John recognized Molly Hooper's handwriting immediately. Some weird instinct made his heart fill with fear, just holding this thing in his hands. Brushing the feelings aside, John opened the envelope. A letter fell out, and just after it, another envelope. He went first for the envelope, but froze when he saw what was written on the front. My Dearest John the envelope was labeled in that familiar, untidy scrawl. John gulped back tears as he went for the letter.

John, the letter began.

I'm sorry it took me so long to tell you about this, but he told me to wait until I was sure that it was going to work. Well I'm sure. Read his letter, then call me about what you want to do. I'm so sorry, John.

Molly

John stared at the letter for a solid five minutes before he could open it. FInally, he ripped it open and grabbed the letter out.

My dearest John this letter began. John's jaw dropped as he read the story of Sherlock's final successful experiment. John's brain whirled with terms like "chromosomes," "artificial implantation," and the like. The basis of the letter was this- Molly Hooper had agreed to be a surrogate mother for a child that his Sherlock had created using his and John's DNA. According to Sherlock, it was his final gift to John, this child of theirs. A product of a conversation where John had wished to be allowed to be a father. He cried, reading the end of the letter.

You'll be a wonderful father, John, better than I ever would. This child will hopefully give you something to live for. You have no idea how sorry I am. Remember me, John. Remember me and remember that I love you and will forever. Goodbye, John Watson thank you for showing me that I can love just as well as anyone.

Love forever,

Sherlock

After drying his tears, John texted Molly Hooper, "Come to Baker St. We need to talk."