Chapter 7: When parents fight, we eat Chinese

We started walking away from the Cathedral. Sherlock appeared to have a dark cloud floating over him; it had a little thunder. "So… I take it that Lestrade took the news well?"

John just gave me a brief look, stating I shouldn't say anything else. I took his silent advice. Sherlock walked ahead of John and I, obviously working and molding the puzzle pieces of the case in his head, along with the case of myself and my mother. I could tell by his tense body and the fiddling of his fingers behind his back. He felt overwhelmed, and was attempting to hide it.

"Your father is a good man you know." I took a sly glance at the Doctor who seemed to have also picked up Sherlock's emotions. "Yes he can be a pompous prick, but he will always come through for you." I looked at the Doctor and smiled at him.

"I am guessing you would both protect each other."

He nodded, "Along with Lestrade, Mrs. Hudson, and...your mother." I took his words and locked them in my mind so I wouldn't forget.

While returning home, I continued to understand my relatives. He was tense and guarded; he rarely let people in. However, he had a small circle that was allowed into his mind and soul: John, Lestrade, Mrs. Hudson… and my mother.

The evening had finally arrived. Mom decided to have us stay at Sherlock's flat. That way we would be under watch by Mycroft's men—and because the hotels were all booked for the season's tourists. John had to go and meet his daughter Rosie at the airport hours earlier, and said he might be back with her at the flat later that evening. However, for now it was the three of us.

Mum and Sherlock sat in his parlor in complete silence, just staring at the fire. She placed herself on John's usual seat, and Sherlock was on his own. They just continued to stare at the fire. I was on his sofa reading an article that was rather boring. It had been an hour, and I finally had enough. I had to say something to break the tension. "Alright. Why are you both acting awkward? Who saw who naked?"

They immediately turned toward my direction. "Good, now that I have your attention, I shall leave you alone for a small amount of time to go and get food. I can tell we are all obviously hungry, but we are all too stubborn and nervous to say anything. So, while I go get supper, you will talk and be civil. If I detect anything other than that, you are both in a heap of trouble."

"Scarlet!" exclaimed my mother. "We are perfectly capable of discussing this without you prompting us."

I gave my mother the look, "Really? If you guys were able to talk, why have you been staring at the fire for the past hour?" Before she could argue, I answered, "You both are too nervous and stubborn to say anything. Grow up, and talk. I should be back in a half hour. Does Chinese sound acceptable for the evening?"

There was silence, for a brief second. "You're not supposed to be alone, Scarlet. It is too risky."

I gave myself an internal smirk, and answered Sherlock. "So, it's safer for me to attend a murder scene than going down two blocks to get us dinner? Oh, and I forgot to mention that I have pepper spray. What are your thoughts?"

"Wait, what about a murder? Sherlock! Did you take Scarlet with you to one of your cases?!" My mum bellowed.

Sherlock gave me a look, Guess pops didn't ask mommy first about going to a murder scene. Uh oh.

"Now Molly, I-"

"Oh, don't you Molly me, she is not going to

Any more murder scenes if she is here under your roof. How dare you Sherlock!"

Sherlock scoffed, and rolled his eyes. My mother started to continue her tirade towards Sherlock, meaning I could skip out unnoticed. Estimating how heated it started, and how stubborn the two variables are, I have at least an hour and a half until they broke their argument. Plenty of time to go and get food then walk around.

As I started walking down the stairs, I saw John waking up with a young woman. She had long pale-blonde hair, was about a foot and a half shorter than myself, and had green eyes. Rosie, obviously.

"Ah Scarlet, this is Rosie. Rosie, Scarlet."

She smiled and held her hand out, I returned the favor. "Pleasure to meet you, shame it wasn't sooner…I mean it's not like you could have helped it and...I just keep on blabbering."

"Better to actually use your voice than stay quiet in my opinion Rosie." She smiled at my remark. Boy was she taking her breakup too hard.

John piped in, "Is that an argument I hear coming up there, from your...parents…?"

"Yes John, it just started. Mum didn't get informed of my outing with you and Sherlock today, and she is not exactly pleased about it. I suggest you go and let them talk for a bit. I mean it has been twenty some years so this is good. What kind of entree do you want for Chinese?" John looked startled.

"Well, I guess Rosie and I shall stay with Mrs Hudson for a bit…"

"Dad," said Rosie, "What if I went with Scarlet while you stayed with Mrs Hudson? That way she and I can 'gal pal' as you call it. I know what you like."

John shrugged and said why not. I on the other hand, did not like the sound of us gal palling whatsoever. "If that's alright with you Scarlet, of course."

I shrugged and motioned her to come along. "What do you want Mrs Hudson for Chinese?" I exclaimed as I exited the flat.

"Anything that doesn't have beef is fine with me dear," said the landlord.

As we walked the streets, I noticed how Rosie seemed almost free from the presence of her dad. We walked in silence towards the restaurant until I said something. "Pity about the breakup. Hopefully your father won't notice the pregnancy. Don't worry, I won't tell him. Just a tip, act normal with your ordering and eating so he won't notice." Her face turned pale, "Congratulations by the way."

She stopped in her tracks and looked like she was almost going to faint. "How did you…? I never said anything? How, what?"

I smirked, "Simple, you have obviously been crying based on your preference in wearing multiple dark layers of makeup to match your eyes. Also, your clothes are wrinkled but fashionable, showing how you're trying to feel comfortable but you are subconsciously avoiding being perfect at the moment. As for the pregnancy, you have a particular way you've started walking that no normal girl would travel unless they were feeling slightly uncomfortable. You also seem like you are hiding back sickness. Finally, you are wearing sneakers with a dress, and based on how well-dressed you are, you would never normally pick this outfit. There are other principles that would insult you, but I haven't bought you dinner yet, and I'm not rude like that."

She scoffed, then looked at the ground contemplating on what I said. Then, out of the blue, she started to laugh. "My, you are the well-mannered version of uncle Sherlock." I shrugged and continued to walk down the street. "What else can you deduce about me? I am now just bursting with curiosity."

"Now now, if you keep pushing me to read you like an open book, then you're going to owe me dinner."

"Oh common, you know you want to show off more. Do not deny it. This is the perfect opportunity for you."

I smirked and gave her a side glance. "Fine. You are obviously a college Senior and decided to major in philosophy and a minor in sociology. Along with that, you just broke up with your boyfriend who did not react well to the news (not your fault and congratulations). You were taught hand-to-hand combat so if anyone genius attacks you, they would be crippled. You also ate pickles with pancakes this morning for breakfast. Interesting craving might I add, might have to try it at some point."

I saw the giddy nature blossom through Rosie's eyes. "My gosh, you are good. The only other person that skilled is Sherlock. I guess you can also deduce the fact of why I am nervous about this trip?"

I scoffed, "Of course. Your father doesn't know, and as soon as Sherlock sees you he will spill the secret and that will open up a whole can of worms for the rest of the night. Bad enough that your Uncle has a daughter he did not find out, but now yours will be a grandfather. I understand that Sherlock is a big show off and can't keep a real secret that isn't his own."

She nodded. "Mind if I read you now? It seems like you got to the end and figured out my central theme, seems fair that I take a gander." I didn't respond and she took it as a yes. We continued to walk, she studied my every move. "Alright, I think I have a brief synopsis. You are not a sociopath, but you have the tendencies of one. You are also slightly sociable, but only when the need calls for it. You don't care about attracting the other sex or else you would be showing off your figure. Finally, you don't care to show off but assure people if they are nervous. Compassion perhaps?"

I checked and smirked, "I can tell my father taught you a few tricks over the years huh?" I asked.

"Yes. Said I couldn't be clueless like my father forever."

"Oh common, your dad isn't that oblivious."

"He got a call from the same woman, neighbor mind you, asking for small favors for three months. Still doesn't realize she's coming onto him."

I shook my head and laughed, "He's better with people in a professional environment than social, let's just put it at that. At least your father doesn't make the strongest crumble with his personality."

Rosie gave a lighthearted laugh, "Alright, you got me there."

I smiled. We stopped when we saw the restaurant. As soon as we placed the order, we had to wait for fifteen minutes. During that time, Rosie and I sat down and talked some more.

Compared to her father, she had made herself an individual. Yes, she was gullible and cared for people in a weird way that her father did. However, she had a history. Probably because of her mother being dead a majority of her life and growing up around Sherlock. If anyone tried to hurt her, they would be pinned down to the ground.

Rosie also had a personality that was, well, unique. She seemed to be comfortable around large groups(unlike myself). However, she didn't seem to care for the spotlight. All she wanted to do was to be a part of something important. I guess she is on that track as of now.

"So," Rosie broke my deductions. "I know you haven't been here for, well, long. But, I was curious how you-"

"You mean how I feel about the whole greatest consulting detective being my genetic link?" I interjected. Rosie just nodded. "All I can say is at least he isn't a hoodlum your mother regrets for the rest of your life; just a druggie she doesn't want to look back at." She just nodded and continued to study me. She observed me like a patient in a post-mortem. Trying to figure out the reasons why I tick-and-tock. Or in this case, how my gears turn to make me function. "Let me guess," I started, "You are wondering if I currently attend a University, and if I do, what am I studying?" Rosie nodded. "Figured as much. Well, since you seem to have a true grasp on deduction, care to take a dive? I mean, I can't have all the fun witnessing people's priceless expressions."

Rosie chuckled and studied me. When she is in deep thought, and rubbed her fingers together to make a slight background sound for her thoughts to flow through her mind. "When you are in deep thought and observation, you move your fingers like you are playing the piano. I am guessing you enjoy music, so you are studying music, is that correct?"

I motioned my hand for a partial correct. "Not bad. Yes, I have studied music. I already attend a music school and have earned a degree in music composition. However, there is another detail that is obvious, but you have not announced it yet, but probably suspect it."

Rosie studied me again, then smirked in victory. "Sociology. I am disappointed I didn't say anything sooner." I shrugged and chuckled. This girl was fun, smart, and feisty. I liked it. "So why the two? Both fields of study are completely different from one another...so why?"

I smirked and could hear the fine of a bell in the background. "Elementary Rosie, Sociology is the study of human behavior correct? Music can be used to study this behavior. Both opposing fields as you put it, are like yin and yang; they can complement each other." She looked perplexed. "Only I truly understand at the moment, but in the future, it will be revolutionary." I turned around and handed the payment to the transactor. As soon as the woman left, I made friends with Rosie, and held the food in the air "I think everyone should be ready to dig in by the time we're done, don't you agree?"

"It was one severed head, you don't have to keep harping about it. It was over twenty years ago," Rosie and I entered the flat and heard this part of the parents quarrel. It was amusing; like an old married couple, but more like two adults who just learned to co-parent. Oh joy.

"Well Sherlock, it does become a big deal when it revolves around a case and my kid!" Rosie and I looked at each other, and chuckled. Then, just like a dog hearing the dog whistle for its master, John and Mrs Hudson came out once they smelt the MSG hit their nostrils.

The group and I started walking up to Sherlock's flat; mum and he seemed to have lost the concept of time since it had been almost an hour of their conversation. "My oh my, hopefully mummy and daddy make up," I stated in a cynical tone which earned a snicker from Rosie and Mrs. Hudson. I carefully placed the food on the coffee-table while John got the tableware.

Mum and Sherlock were still arguing over the fireplace, unaware of their audience. It was comical really. "She is not the average young woman Molly!"

"Exactly Sherlock, which is why I don't want your dangerous career stopping her! She needs to follow her own path, not yours! Just because she has the ability to solve cases, that does not mean she should do that! t She is her own person Sherlock!"

"Can you pass the spring rolls please?" asked John, which somehow broke the argument my parents were having. They just stared at us in shock while we continued to serve ourselves.

"What is all this?!" examined my mum.

"It was late, we were hungry, I got us food. Simple and such. Oh, and Rosie got here too. Spring roll?"

Third Person P.O.V.

Sherlock looked at the scene before him, completely baffled. He had gotten so wrapped up in his argument with Molly(he probably enjoyed it too much to be honest). "...Spring Roll?" Scarlet held a Chinese box of spring rolls towards him and Molly.

"How long have we been at it?" asked Molly.

Scarlet shook her head in thought , "Thirty to Forty minutes."

Molly shook her head and rubbed her face in annoyance , "Oh goodness…"

"It's alright, it happens to the best of us." Rosie then grabbed a wonton, and placed it into her mouth intensely.

Sherlock observes the young woman, finding each puzzle piece that held a clue to why she seemed to look ill. The next thing he knew, Sherlock was being served food once he figured out what was the matter. "Rosie, you're—"

Scarlet jumped up and grabbed the detective and brought him to the lower part of the flat, "I saw this wonderful picture and was wondering if you could help me figure out what era it was made, I am truly curious."

Sherlock was reluctantly pulled down the stairs, and out of the flat in the freezing cold. Scarlet let go of his shirt, and stared him down. "Do not tell John."

He was slightly confused as to why. "Don't tell John what?"

She gave him a dirty look, "About Rosie. I know you picked it up as soon as you noticed her."

"Oh… the fact that she is pregnant?"

"Yes."

Who told her she could talk to me like this?- , "Why on Earth not?"

Scarlet sighed, "It isn't your story to tell. She needs to tell him herself so she can explain what happened. If you just say that your niece is pregnant, it will make the situation worse than what it is. It might cause problems that are unwarranted if you spot off your trap about Rosie."

Sherlock studies his daughter. At this current moment, he learned something new about his daughter. She did not try to hide her compassion the way he and Mycroft did; it was embraced by her. Instead of hiding her emotions to hide weakness, it made her stronger. "Alright, I will keep my trap shut as you put it."

Scarlet nodded, and left him to go back to their group, leaving him by himself with his thoughts.

Molly had always shown her emotions on her sleeve, while he hid his under lock and key. Scarlet, she had her emotions in her back pocket and brought them out as a weapon when desired. To him, this was an unnatural phenomenon.

I truly do not know my daughter, thought Sherlock. The man who could read everyone by a simple conversation; the detective who could spout off a person's life story by a stain on their shirt; Sherlock Holmes, the man who knew everyone, failed to understand who his daughter was.

Maybe these next few days will allow them to understand one another better than what they thought was possible. As he continues to think on the matter, Sherlock walks back to the flat, awaiting the next round of the bitter evening.

A.N.

Hello! I apologize for the long gap of silence when it came to publishing this chapter. I also wanted to say that I hope you are all doing well during this...challenging time.

I am going to get a little personal here right now. I know that this is a very scary time, and we have no idea what is going on and when it will get better, but I feel like having a positive outlook right now will help. Even though we cannot be as physically close right now as we wish, if we are still connected for each other emotionally, everything will be alright.

I want to say thank you for reading this little rant, and if you feel scared or alone, that is not true. We are all here together on an emotional level, and we will get through this. Have a good evening!

Starlord Jr. Out!