p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" align="CENTER"span style="font-size: large;"Where Joy Resides - Chapter 11/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"span style="font-size: large;"(three weeks later, in Baker Street)/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"span style="font-size: large;"The past three weeks had seen many changes to the flat. Sherlock's lab was downstairs in 221C, and was fully functional. John was exceedingly grateful for that fact, for it meant that their flat was no longer a toxic hazard. Even if they hadn't been planning for a baby, the change wrought by the lab's transfer was most welcome. John also gave Sherlock no choice but to relocate most of his many collections down in 221C, as well./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"span style="font-size: large;"The new rugs had been bought and installed, and made an immediate improvement in the atmosphere of the flat. They were a neutral medium grey colour, with a subtle ivory geometric pattern, and brightened the flat immensely. New curtains and sheers had also been purchased to coordinate with the the rugs, and the sheers lent the sitting room a new airiness, whilst keeping out prying eyes. The damask wallpaper with the smiley face had been replaced by a paper with a subtler pattern in grey and accents of deep red and navy, which went well with the wall by the fireplace. The remaining walls in the sitting room had been painted with a soft, silvery grey. The corridor leading from the kitchen area back to their bedroom had also been re-papered and looked much brighter. A new cooker and fridge stood in the kitchen. While they were making so many changes, John and Sherlock put a fresh coat of a medium teal paint on the walls of their bedroom, and went shopping online for new sheets and a duvet cover, and new curtains as well. Altogether, the flat looked almost new, and the boys were well pleased with it and themselves. Mrs. Hudson was delighted - for once, the boys had improved the place, rather than nearly destroy it!/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"span style="font-size: large;"The biggest news was happening in Dartmoor, however. Dr. Stapleton had phoned to tell them that eggs from Sherlock's cell line had been combined with John's sperm emin vitro, /emspan style="font-style: normal;"and three early embryos had been successfully created. Two were frozen for possible future use, and one was successfully implanted into the gestation device. The baby had so far grown as expected, and it would be only a few more weeks until they could get the first photo, a "scan" to show their friends. This would be done around 10 weeks and would also serve as a dating scan, to be certain the embryo was developing in a timely manner. The sex would be easily apparent at around 14 to 16 weeks' gestation. Sherlock and John planned to go up to Baskerville to find out the sex at that time. It would be their first visit to the baby. They had sent the iPod with music and their voices up several weeks before, and it was played every day through the sound system that linked into the gestation device./span/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"John had told Greg that they had found a surrogate through Mycroft, and that the embryo was successfully implanted. Sherlock had stopped by Barts the same day and told Molly the same information. They both said they wanted to see the scan photo when it was taken. Mrs. Hudson was also informed, and was over the moon, and already making plans to knit something tiny when they knew the sex. Sherlock's Mum and Dad were also surprised and happy, and called or emailed every few days to check in. Mummy was over the moon, as predicted, and was already knitting baby items in a neutral tone. She had also helped by choosing some small items to co-ordinate with the new dspan style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"é/spancor, which completed the new look nicely./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"While they had plenty of time, John finally persuaded Sherlock to get file cabinets to keep his case notes and other important papers. He helped his spouse to file away years of notes, and they were both amazed at the difference it made in the flat, when they were all put away properly. The files were secured by a lock and key which was kept on the mantel inside the skull, for now. They purchased an old-fashioned partners' desk, with room for them both to work, and which took up less space than the two they had been using. Sherlock even kept his side of it in a (mostly) neat manner - stating he might as well get used to new habits now. John couldn't agree more. /span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"They now had the nursery cleared out and were waiting for Sally to do the artwork – she had agreed and they settled on a basic design with woodland animals and a few trees and clouds. John had remembered having glowing stars on the ceiling of his boyhood room, and they both liked the idea, so they purchased some to apply when the artwork was complete. The main items of baby furniture were ordered, had arrived and would be assembled with Greg and Molly's help. Sherlock was the most appreciative, since he knew that John was likely to end up frustrated and swearing a lot, but accomplishing very little. /span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"John and Sherlock did go baby shopping online, using the sites Anthea found. They purchased some basic sheets for the cot, blanket sleepers, and some onesies that were gender-neutral, having animal or geometric prints. This would give them a few things to start with, and they were just bursting to order some more tiny clothes. They both knew they were putting the cart first a bit, but they knew even if this embryo were not to flourish, they still wanted a child, and would try again./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"One morning not long after they had finished decorating their new bedroom, the door to 221B opened and Mycroft strode in, looking suspiciously like a cat with canary feathers in his mouth. When he was sat in John's chair (leaving the couple on the couch together), he reached into his coat's inner pocket and drew out several pieces of paper, which he handed across to his brother. /span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"Sherlock and John looked at the papers, and realised they were the "scan" photos. They were thrilled to see the tiny being that was growing into their son or daughter. There were two sets of three different views each for John and Sherlock, and then a photo for Sherlock's parents, and Mrs. Hudson. "I - ah - I also made a copy for myself - after all, it isn't every day you get to see your niece- or nephew-to-be,' he told them. "I can send these over to our parents, if you like..." but was cut off by his little brother, who was shaking his head emphatically./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""span style="font-size: large;"No, Mycroft, I'll phone them up and see if we can go to lunch there tomorrow, and give them the pictures whilst we're there. I don't suppose the lab knows yet whether it's a girl or a boy?"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""span style="font-size: large;"No, they said it will still be a few weeks until that is easily determined. I'd let you know if I could. Well, I must be going - have a pleasant day, brother mine, John – see you soon." With that, he walked downstairs and was spirited away as usual./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"John and Sherlock sat with their heads together, poring over the photos. Since it was such an early one, not a lot of definite characteristics were to be seen, but just knowing that this was their child, was both exhilarating and anxiety-inducing at the same time. They looked until their eyes were tired, and then put the photos aside, in the archival sleeves that Sherlock had ready for them. /span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"Sherlock got up to put the kettle on, and he and John finally gave in to their default setting - giggling about the photos and just general happiness that the baby was doing well. When the tea was ready, they sat at their table with a plate of chocolate digestives between them, and decided that they'd wait to show Mrs. Hudson until they had already been to Sherlock's parents' home. It was only fair that the grandparents should get the information first. They would also tell Molly and Greg later, and let them finally spread the news./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"Sherlock scanned the photos into his computer, keeping the sleeve intact while he did so - he wanted a sequential record in his files. He then entered the photos and the information they had so far into the baby book that would be shown to family and friends. Somehow, the day passed, and when it was bedtime, John carried the copies of the photos into their room when they retired for the night. It just didn't feel right to let them stay in the sitting-room alone. They both acknowledged that they were being hopelessly sentimental, and smiled as they turned out the lights to watch a bit of telly before going to sleep./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"span style="font-size: large;"(three weeks later, in Baker Street)/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"span style="font-size: large;"The past three weeks had seen many changes to the flat. Sherlock's lab was downstairs in 221C, and was fully functional. John was exceedingly grateful for that fact, for it meant that their flat was no longer a toxic hazard. Even if they hadn't been planning for a baby, the change wrought by the lab's transfer was most welcome. John also gave Sherlock no choice but to relocate most of his many collections down in 221C, as well./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"span style="font-size: large;"The new rugs had been bought and installed, and made an immediate improvement in the atmosphere of the flat. They were a neutral medium grey colour, with a subtle ivory geometric pattern, and brightened the flat immensely. New curtains and sheers had also been purchased to coordinate with the the rugs, and the sheers lent the sitting room a new airiness, whilst keeping out prying eyes. The damask wallpaper with the smiley face had been replaced by a paper with a subtler pattern in grey and accents of deep red and navy, which went well with the wall by the fireplace. The remaining walls in the sitting room had been painted with a soft, silvery grey. The corridor leading from the kitchen area back to their bedroom had also been re-papered and looked much brighter. A new cooker and fridge stood in the kitchen. While they were making so many changes, John and Sherlock put a fresh coat of a medium teal paint on the walls of their bedroom, and went shopping online for new sheets and a duvet cover, and new curtains as well. Altogether, the flat looked almost new, and the boys were well pleased with it and themselves. Mrs. Hudson was delighted - for once, the boys had improved the place, rather than nearly destroy it!/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"span style="font-size: large;"The biggest news was happening in Dartmoor, however. Dr. Stapleton had phoned to tell them that eggs from Sherlock's cell line had been combined with John's sperm emin vitro, /emspan style="font-style: normal;"and three early embryos had been successfully created. Two were frozen for possible future use, and one was successfully implanted into the gestation device. The baby had so far grown as expected, and it would be only a few more weeks until they could get the first photo, a "scan" to show their friends. This would be done around 10 weeks and would also serve as a dating scan, to be certain the embryo was developing in a timely manner. The sex would be easily apparent at around 14 to 16 weeks' gestation. Sherlock and John planned to go up to Baskerville to find out the sex at that time. It would be their first visit to the baby. They had sent the iPod with music and their voices up several weeks before, and it was played every day through the sound system that linked into the gestation device./span/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"John had told Greg that they had found a surrogate through Mycroft, and that the embryo was successfully implanted. Sherlock had stopped by Barts the same day and told Molly the same information. They both said they wanted to see the scan photo when it was taken. Mrs. Hudson was also informed, and was over the moon, and already making plans to knit something tiny when they knew the sex. Sherlock's Mum and Dad were also surprised and happy, and called or emailed every few days to check in. Mummy was over the moon, as predicted, and was already knitting baby items in a neutral tone. She had also helped by choosing some small items to co-ordinate with the new dspan style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"é/spancor, which completed the new look nicely./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"While they had plenty of time, John finally persuaded Sherlock to get file cabinets to keep his case notes and other important papers. He helped his spouse to file away years of notes, and they were both amazed at the difference it made in the flat, when they were all put away properly. The files were secured by a lock and key which was kept on the mantel inside the skull, for now. They purchased an old-fashioned partners' desk, with room for them both to work, and which took up less space than the two they had been using. Sherlock even kept his side of it in a (mostly) neat manner - stating he might as well get used to new habits now. John couldn't agree more. /span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"They now had the nursery cleared out and were waiting for Sally to do the artwork – she had agreed and they settled on a basic design with woodland animals and a few trees and clouds. John had remembered having glowing stars on the ceiling of his boyhood room, and they both liked the idea, so they purchased some to apply when the artwork was complete. The main items of baby furniture were ordered, had arrived and would be assembled with Greg and Molly's help. Sherlock was the most appreciative, since he knew that John was likely to end up frustrated and swearing a lot, but accomplishing very little. /span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"John and Sherlock did go baby shopping online, using the sites Anthea found. They purchased some basic sheets for the cot, blanket sleepers, and some onesies that were gender-neutral, having animal or geometric prints. This would give them a few things to start with, and they were just bursting to order some more tiny clothes. They both knew they were putting the cart first a bit, but they knew even if this embryo were not to flourish, they still wanted a child, and would try again./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"One morning not long after they had finished decorating their new bedroom, the door to 221B opened and Mycroft strode in, looking suspiciously like a cat with canary feathers in his mouth. When he was sat in John's chair (leaving the couple on the couch together), he reached into his coat's inner pocket and drew out several pieces of paper, which he handed across to his brother. /span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"Sherlock and John looked at the papers, and realised they were the "scan" photos. They were thrilled to see the tiny being that was growing into their son or daughter. There were two sets of three different views each for John and Sherlock, and then a photo for Sherlock's parents, and Mrs. Hudson. "I - ah - I also made a copy for myself - after all, it isn't every day you get to see your niece- or nephew-to-be,' he told them. "I can send these over to our parents, if you like..." but was cut off by his little brother, who was shaking his head emphatically./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""span style="font-size: large;"No, Mycroft, I'll phone them up and see if we can go to lunch there tomorrow, and give them the pictures whilst we're there. I don't suppose the lab knows yet whether it's a girl or a boy?"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""span style="font-size: large;"No, they said it will still be a few weeks until that is easily determined. I'd let you know if I could. Well, I must be going - have a pleasant day, brother mine, John – see you soon." With that, he walked downstairs and was spirited away as usual./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"John and Sherlock sat with their heads together, poring over the photos. Since it was such an early one, not a lot of definite characteristics were to be seen, but just knowing that this was their child, was both exhilarating and anxiety-inducing at the same time. They looked until their eyes were tired, and then put the photos aside, in the archival sleeves that Sherlock had ready for them. /span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"Sherlock got up to put the kettle on, and he and John finally gave in to their default setting - giggling about the photos and just general happiness that the baby was doing well. When the tea was ready, they sat at their table with a plate of chocolate digestives between them, and decided that they'd wait to show Mrs. Hudson until they had already been to Sherlock's parents' home. It was only fair that the grandparents should get the information first. They would also tell Molly and Greg later, and let them finally spread the news./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: large;"Sherlock scanned the photos into his computer, keeping the sleeve intact while he did so - he wanted a sequential record in his files. He then entered the photos and the information they had so far into the baby book that would be shown to family and friends. Somehow, the day passed, and when it was bedtime, John carried the copies of the photos into their room when they retired for the night. It just didn't feel right to let them stay in the sitting-room alone. They both acknowledged that they were being hopelessly sentimental, and smiled as they turned out the lights to watch a bit of telly before going to sleep./span/p