A/N: Just an idea I had. To the people who are waiting for updates on my other stories, I am sorry. It will take a little more time (read one or two weeks) Consider this story compensation of sorts.

Dear Hamish,

If you are reading this, it means I and John believe that you have come of age. That you are finally ready to break out of the shell we've made for you. I know that you've been very eager to "take on the world", but I assure you, it is not as beautiful as you've painted. There aren't many things that you will actually like but they are the things worth fighting for. They are the things that will define you and your life.

I remember the day you were born. I and John were so tensed if you would be okay or not. John was walking up and down, his fists clenched. At the end, John couldn't take it. He went inside and performed the C-section. The other doctor didn't even object. It was understandable – the fire in John's eyes said it all. I was there too but I didn't do much except for sitting still like a statue. I will admit it was one of the scariest moments of my life.

You were an adorable baby, with your two dimples and black hair. You inherited my hair and my blue eyes but you inherited John's height (don't tell your father I said that). John tells me I spent three days merely looking at you after you were born. Not surprising, really. You, Hamish, defy all logic. For no rational reason, I fell in love with you as soon as I saw you. You've given me the best gift there is Hamish – parenthood.

Now, to the matter at hand. The main purpose of this letter is to give you some piece of advice which will hopefully help you in this quest called life.

On the matters of trust, Hamish, it is a very fragile thing that is the beginning to all relationships. Do not break one's trust without good reason. And, also, do not trust easily. But of course, I trust your uncle Mycroft has a lecture and an exam prepared on the topic so I will not dwell on that.

On the matter of love. Firstly, we do not care as to who you love. Never be scared to be who you are (I know what you prefer, and I am not disappointed) And, Hamish, do not believe, even for a single second, fairy tales are restricted to books. If you wish so, you could make your own fairytale. I know that you will be cynical, no doubt due to you uncle's training. But, let me give you an example. My life with John has been a fairy tale. True, it's unbelievable, especially since we live he life of the common couple. Yes, we fight about who gets the milk. Yes, your father had to buy two refrigerators. We bicker a lot. We are old people now, who merely drink tea and research about bees. All of this will have given you the impression that we are the most common, dull, routine couple there is. But, there is more to that, Hamish. Did you know your father killed a person for me on the very day I met him? Did you know that I asked him help in hundreds of cases where he could have been killed but he never faltered? Actually, he was once under gunpoint and wrapped up in semtex – enough to completely demolish an apartment. I was so sure he would leave me after that. After all, which crazy person would be willing to stay? I think that's the question Hamish, are you willing to stay after you know how crappy the other person's life is? You don't know how broken he was after the Fall. You don't know what I had to do to save John. I was ready to die for him. It all comes down to that, Hamish, what are you willing to give up for your person? This are the questions I want you to ask yourself before you propose.

Even though I've encouraged you to believe that a fairytale is possible, I am afraid that I cannot promise you a happily ever after. The world isn't that kind. It hasn't been kind to me, either. In fact, sometimes, you'll feel like the universe has conspired against you. You'll feel like your heart is breaking and there's nothing you can do about it. There will be times when you will have to smile while witnessing the darkest moments of your life. There will be days when you have to stay strong when you can't. There will be days when you'll stop hoping, when you are resigned to the fact that you could never be happy again. In times like this, Hamish, you'll have us. You'll have me, John, Mycroft, your godmother Molly and lot of other people who will be there for you. Always.

Relationships are never easy and I've learnt that the hard way. There can, and there will be, other people in your and their life. Do not dwell in the past. Rather, make your future. I had to go through the agony of watch the love of my life marry someone else. To rub salt on my wounds, I was best man. So, don't commit the mistakes I've made. Never be a coward. If you love someone, tell them. Tell it to the world. Tell them everyday. Show them as well. Yes, you will fight, there will be words. There always will be. But, is the person worth it? John is worth it.

Finally, Hamish, I wish you a lot of happiness. We will always be there for you, no matter what. We'll be there when you fall. We'll be there when you try. We'll be there when you fall again. We'll be there when you reach the top. Nothing matters to me more than your happiness. I hope you'll find your John Watson and have what I have now. Take care of your sister when we are gone.

Your loving and annoyingly observant father,

Sherlock William Scott Holmes-Watson

A/N: Please review!

Do you want me to write John's and the others letters as well?