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This little nugget is about the time I had to explain to Sherlock Holmes why I can't have kids.
We had spent the weekend out at my parent's summer house in the country, our first time away together alone (if you get my drift). I'd already had the conversation with John, obviously, but when we returned Sherlock made a callous remark about hoping we hadn't turned John into a father, as that would interfere with their cases. I usually get on fine with Sherlock but that is a bit of a soft spot for me and frankly just rude. So, I fired back, in the most irritated voice I could muster, that he needn't worry because it wasn't possible.
That elicited a curious, albeit harmless, "Why?" from him to which John groaned, "Just leave it Sherlock, please?"
I didn't want to cause a row so I told him very bluntly and quickly before the two could start arguing, "When I was 17 I was kidnapped." I waved my hand about acknowledging the irony of being kidnapped more than once. "I wasn't so lucky that time and the damage was irreversible, hence no kids for me, ever." I could feel John wince next to me. He was expecting the worst and most hurtful thing to come out of Sherlock's mouth, but his friend surprised us.
"Oh. I didn't realize. Terribly sorry . . ." he trailed off like he was thinking of saying something more, but he remained silent. John gawked at him. I smiled.
"It's fine" I said honestly. "It was a very long time ago and it's not something I dwell on."
He looked at me through narrowed eyes for a moment and I knew he was mentally tearing me apart. If he found anything of interest he kept it to himself as he always did. To this day I have yet to experience the "Sherlock Rundown" as I like to call it.
"Anything else you'd like to know?" John muttered at his friend, obviously put out by the conversation but knowing that it was just easier to get questions out of the way and over with.
"Yes" he replied. "How did you take the news that Mary is wealthy?"
"We didn't talk about it really but I did manage to figure that one out, thanks."
"And?"
"And what? She doesn't particularly want to talk about it. You know, kidnapping and all. I don't particularly want to think about it either, if I don't have to. We can blissfully pretend it's not an issue if you don't mind."
Sherlock nodded thoughtfully. "Give my regards to your flat mate Mary, and Molly tomorrow. Good seeing you. I have some things I need to discuss with John now."
I smiled at him. "Well that was easy. I expected more questions or cheeky remarks. This awkward conversation was handled with far more grace than I'm used to."
Sherlock smirked. "I try not to anger you Mary. You have the power to take John away from me. Plus you saved his life. That counts for something."
I hugged John, noting he was trying to hide his embarrassment. It must be awkward being the center of two people's universes like this but that's just a testament to the kind of guy he is.
"Well, thanks for that." I went over to Sherlock and wrapped my arm around his neck, enjoying his discomfort. "I could never take him from you, you're his first love" I whispered in his ear so John wouldn't hear.
"See you later!" I called as I left the two of them, John watching after me and Sherlock watching John. I know because I turned and looked.
It was a moment worth remembering, and I always will.