Authors Note: You guys keep on asking for it, and I'll keep it coming! I adore Charlotte and I can't wait to see how her life unfolds. I'm really enjoying writing this fic. Thanks for your support everyone!
John Watson was never one for enjoying parties, and the previous party at Baker Street, 4 years ago, had come to a rather odd ending. Yet on further thought about that previous party, (and how it ended with two men snogging in his room) he was beginning to like the idea of another party…. as long as he and Sherlock were the ones who ended up snogging in his room this time. He decided Sherlock and Charlotte could have a gathering if they really wanted to, but they were in charge of planning it.
Charlotte was very excited to plan a party, it was the first time her fathers were hosting a party she would be able to remember. She had put herself in charge of decorating the flat, even though John had insisted that decorations were not necessary. Sherlock ordered some desserts from a bakery down the street, hoping his brother would enjoy the pastries.
The petite girl wanted to make tea, but John told her to stay away from the stove. When he wasn't looking, she put a kettle on to boil. She had seen him turn on the stove many times before and knew exactly how it worked. "Charlotte, didn't I tell you to stay away from the stove? You will burn yourself!" John cried.
Charlotte smiled, "Sorry Daddy John. I just didn't want you to have to do it. I can do it myself!"
John shook his head, "Ask Sherlock or me for help next time okay?"
Charlotte nodded and replied, "Yes father." Then she skipped off to finish hanging the paper chains she had made. Ironically, she had made the chain follow a rainbow pattern, not realizing the fitting symbolism.
The guests due to attend were the same as Charlotte's first birthday, Mycroft, Lestrade, Donovan, Anderson, Mrs. Hudson, Molly and Harriet, but this time, Harriet was bringing Clara along. (They were back together now that Harriet was finally TRULY sober.) They all arrived in a timely manner, and filled the flat to the brim.
When everyone had taken a seat, Sherlock stood in front of the small crowd to make his announcement. John hid himself in a corner, wishing he could disappear. He thought, This isn't necessary.
Sherlock began, "So you are all probably wondering why we called you here!"
Mycroft interrupted, "Nope. Not at all."
Sherlock was sincerely taken aback. John rolled his eyes. Sherlock rebutted, "But Mycroft… how could you know? I didn't tell you yet."
Mycroft winked and said, "I'm your big brother. Big brothers know these kinds of things. I've known all along. And of course, I have my sources to confirm my suspicions." He looked over to Charlotte, who was sitting on top of the table, attempting to match the height of her fathers' friends. Mycroft had been referring to her messages.
Everyone else at the party seemed to be confused and distracted. Anderson just wanted to eat something and leave. Lestrade just wanted to get home so he could have some private time with Mycroft. Donovan was just regretting that she'd showed up in the first place. Molly sat twiddling her thumbs, bored. Mrs. Hudson was wondering why she was missing her favorite television show for this. Harriet and Clara just sat awkwardly, their thoughts unclear. Charlotte sat up on the table, smiling.
Sherlock, after pausing to think for a moment, asked, "By sources… you mean to tell me that my daughter tattled on me to my older brother? How? When? What?"
The displeased guests moaned, fed up with this pointless babble. Anderson cracked, "Come on Sherlock, just tell us what this is all about so we can get out of here!" For once, everyone else agreed with Anderson, nodding with approval. Sherlock was now unsure of how he had planned to word his speech. He attempted to mutter something, but failed.
John was just as frustrated as everyone else and decided this could not go on any longer. "We finally gave in. We're gay, ok?" He barked.
After letting their initial reactions set it, each guest laughed a bit.
