Finally got the time to update this, lots of angst I hope you'll enjoy
8
John woke up with one thing on his mind: Moriarty. Today was the day that he and Sherlock would finally see him again after his 'death'. He quickly got out of bed and headed downstairs. He opened the door to see that Sherlock wasn't in the living room. His first reaction was panic as he looked around but when he saw that the door to Sherlock's room was closed he let out a sigh of relief. He's probably sleeping John thought as he headed towards his room. He reached for the nob but then stopped, it was a big day and Sherlock needs rest, he'll wake up on his own. He went back to the bathroom to freshen up and made himself breakfast.
While eating breakfast he noticed that Shirley was starting to fuss. He hurried with the remainder of his breakfast and got a bottle for Shirley.
"Good morning." John said picking her out of her crib. He set her down by her toys and played with her. The area around her crib has become somewhat of a playground. She had a little rocking horse, building blocks, and several stuffed animals. He always made sure not to let the range spread too far, he worried Sherlock might trample over her blocks. He heard a door behind him open and he turned to see Sherlock. His hair was disheveled and he was wearing pants and an untied robe that revealed his thin yet muscular chest. John blushed as he tried to focus on Sherlock's eyes.
"Good morning Sherlock," He said and Sherlock's head snapped towards him.
"J-John?" Sherlock stuttered and tied his robe, "What are you doing up?" John suppressed a chuckle when he saw Sherlock's face turn a slight shade of pink.
"It's 9 Sherlock, I came down and you were still asleep and I didn't want to wake you," John said smiling but turned serious as he continued, "big day today…thought you needed the extra rest."
"Mmm. Well thank you." Sherlock muttered as he headed for the bathroom.
John began to feed Shirley while his mind wandered to Moriarty again. He was in the middle of an imaginary scenario when Sherlock returned, with fixed hair, and sat in his chair entering his Mind Palace.
"Sherlock, breakfast." John said taking him out of his Mind Palace.
"I don't need breakfast." Sherlock argued trying to go back to his Mind Palace but John insisted, "Sherlock you need energy, you have got to eat."
"I don't need food. I ate pasta last night." Sherlock retaliated, but John was already heading to the kitchen.
"Just one slice of toast." John said as he popped bread into the toaster. Sherlock groaned but didn't say anything.
When the toast was ready John took out the jam and was about to spread it on the toast for Sherlock, when Sherlock got up from his seat and just took a bite from the toast and set it to the side. Sherlock went back to his seat and John sighed knowing that he couldn't get Sherlock to eat more. He went to his chair across from Sherlock and nervously sat down.
"So, what do you plan on doing when we see him?"
"Stop him that's for sure." Sherlock replied curtly and John took the hint that he didn't want to talk about Moriarty now.
"Let's visit Mrs. Hudson," John said getting up from his chair, "she must be worried sick."
"She wouldn't be if you hadn't told her." Sherlock said slowly getting up.
"She needs to know." John said getting Shirley and heading for the door. Sherlock went back to his room and left the door ajar. He came back out a few moments later wearing his suit and his trench coat hanging from his arm. They exchanged shy smiles as they headed for Mrs. Hudson's flat.
They made their way downstairs and knocked on Mrs. Hudson's door. A moment later Mrs. Hudson answered, delighted that they came and offered them tea as she sat them down on the couch.
"No thank you Mrs. H. we just had breakfast." John politely declined her offer.
"Really? Even Sherlock?" She asked looking at Sherlock in disbelief. John chuckled when he noticed a carrier seat along with several other toys in her hall.
"Oh no Mrs. Hudson you shouldn't have." John said reaching into his pockets for his wallet. Mrs. Hudson turned her head to where John was looking at and almost immediately replied, "Nonsense John, Shirley is like a granddaughter to me."
"No, no you didn't have to get all that, you shouldn't even be taking care of her this much, I'm sorry it's just-" John said as he tried giving her 100 pounds
"No John," She said and rejected the money, "you and Sherlock are doing very respectable things, going off and stopping crime, but you can't do that with a child along, and you can't just leave her alone."
"You are a miracle worker." John said and hugged Mrs. Hudson. She smiled and blushed, Sherlock always felt better seeing Mrs. Hudson so happy. They spent a couple hours with Mrs. Hudson before they left, just before leaving John dropped the 100 pounds on the table next to the door. They went back up to their flat, John checked his watch, it was only 2, they had about six hours before they had to head over to David Saxby's.
Once they were up Sherlock informed John that if he needed him he'll be in his Mind Palace and John replied that he'll be off to do some errands. He walked out of the flat and begun walking to the grocery store, despite the fact that they didn't really need anything. John just wanted to occupy his time, which is why he chose a farther store instead of the one just eight minutes away. He walked around the store for about twenty minutes and leaving only with frozen food, some fruits and vegetables for Mrs. Hudson, and snacks he hoped Sherlock would eat.
As he left the store he questioned whether he should go to the bank or not, he wasn't behind on any bills and he had an adequate amount of walking around money, so he decided not to. Walking down the streets he saw many people on their phones and thought of Molly, and how he hadn't seen her in ages. Maybe when he gets back home he'll drop off the bags and go visit Molly for a while, yeah he thought, that's a good idea.
He walked for several more minutes till he reached the door to the flat. He walked in and knocked on Mrs. Hudson's door first, she greeted him with a large smile and hugged him.
"Oh John, that's very kind of you." Mrs. Hudson said as he handed her the bags.
"Oh no problem I was already out," John said, not completely lying, "anyways I gotta get the rest of this back up to the flat."
"Of course, goodbye John." Mrs. Hudson smiled and waited till John was at the stairs to close her door. As he made his way to the door he heard Shirley crying and jumped to the door. Dammit! Sherlock said he'll be in his Mind Palace, he probably can't hear her he though, but to his surprise when he opened the door Shirley wasn't near her toys, she was in Sherlock's arms. He was rocking her and humming 'Hush Little Baby' when he turned to John. He continued rocking and humming but he looked up and gave him a shy half smile before returning his attention to Shirley. John stood there for a moment, shocked at the gorgeous sight, as Shirley's crying slowed and then stopped. He slowly set her in her rocker and she stared at the toys attached before laughing and playing with him. Sherlock stood back up and approached John.
"I see you got groceries," Sherlock said and took the bags from his hands, grazing his hand in the process, "thank you."
John noticed Sherlock smile when they brushed hands but quickly returned to his expressionless face, John wished he could do the same, he knew his cheeks were turning red.
"I didn't know you were good with kids," John said trying to sound natural but he knew he was failing miserably when he saw Sherlock smirk, "you have a-a nice voice, well you were humming but it was a nice…hum." John said wanting to punch himself over how stupid he sounded.
"Thank you," Sherlock chuckled but turned serious as his eyes ran up and down John slowly, "well I can take care of her if you're planning on going out."
"What?" John asked quickly, "I wasn't planning on going out." John thought he sounded convincing, but no one could lie to Sherlock Holmes.
"No?" Sherlock asked skeptically raising his eyebrow, "Okay than, well if you need anything, just call." And with that he sat back down and was back in his Mind Palace. John knew that he could trust Sherlock with Shirley but he didn't want to leave now, he just wanted to stay with the two people he cared about most in the world before Moriarty. Reluctantly he sat down and opened his laptop, trying to find something to do to occupy his time.
John looked to the clock and back at his screen every few minutes once 8 o'clock came. He played with Shirley from time to time and fed her and managed to write the beginning of his blog entry for the current case. As he looked back to the clock 8:40 finally came but he waited a little longer before he went to Sherlock, to make it seem as he wasn't counting down.
"Sherlock?" He said a minute later, "Sherlock it's time." Sherlock's facial expression didn't change but he placed his hands down and got up from his chair.
"Let's go." He finally said as he grabbed his coat. John followed him as he walked down the stairs and out of the flat. As they walked down Baker Street Sherlock raised his hand to hail a cab and as always, there was a cab around for Sherlock Holmes. They entered the cab and Sherlock told their destination to the cabbie, which was roughly 17 minutes away. Sherlock sat on his side keeping his eyes forward, probably thinking, while John's eyes kept wandering out the window, and was unable to keep his thoughts in order.
"So, any plans?" John asked trying to make the cab ride a little less unnerving.
"Several," Sherlock replied swiftly, "but one can never be sure when dealing with Moriarty, his moves are unpredictable, but it still felt necessary to try and think of an outcome."
"And?" John asked after waiting for a few moments. When Sherlock remained silent keeping his eyes ahead John knew he wouldn't get the answer he was hoping for and Sherlock would keep silent, for John's sake.
The rest of the cab ride was silent and John kept his head facing the glass, looking at the buildings and people. John knew they were close when he felt Sherlock shift in his seat.
"Stop here." Sherlock said and he gave the cabbie his money and hopped out of the cab.
"Have a good day gentlemen." He said as John was getting out of the cab, he turned back and nodded to him, "You too."
He and Sherlock began walking down the street to where Saxby's was. As they approached the small black shop Sherlock turned and walked to the other side of the street and John trailed behind. Sherlock casually leaned on the wall of the shops parallel to Saxby's.
He saw a figure moving around the shop folding clothes, defiantly Aaron, he thought. He was about 5"8 with spiky brown hair, he deduced that he was in his early 30's and had a wife and child. When he turned around Sherlock noticed a small bulge on the back left of his pants, left handed and armed, Sherlock thought. A shorter thin man came into view, his boss, Sherlock deduced, and said something to Sidney in which he smiled, said something back, and headed for the back exit.
"Come on John." Sherlock said and involuntarily grabbed Johns hand and ran across the street to Saxby's. As he ran, he thought about the smaller man's hand in his, it was soft and smooth despite his years in the military, holding guns all the time. He heard a door open and stopped as he reached the corner of the shop. He saw Sidney walking out of the store and close the door behind him. He waited till he was several feet away and began walking slowly behind him.
They walked on for about three minutes, turning the alleys in silence, Sherlock paused a few times thinking that Sidney became aware of his and John's presence, but Sidney continued walking and so did they. Sherlock began to wonder when Moriarty would appear as he turned the alleys and saw Sidney pointing a gun at him.
"You picked the wrong man." Sidney growled at Sherlock walking closer to them, slowly lowering his gun, "What are you doing here?"
"Saving you, or trying at least." Sherlock said casually and he felt John squeeze his hand as if telling him to stop. Sidney gave a curt laugh and pulled the gun back up and pointed it at John's head.
"Let me ask again, what are you doing here?" Sidney asked when a chuckle was heard from behind him. A tall, thin man in a black suit walked out of the shadows and into view, it was Moriarty.
"He's telling the truth Sidney," Jim said in his smooth voice grinning, "Hello boys." He looked over Sidney to Sherlock and John. Sherlock could feel John's grip tighten and he did the same, he wasn't sure if it was out of his own fear, or if he was just trying to reassure John that it would be fine, that Moriarty would be stopped.
"Y-You're alive?" Sidney stuttered and lowered his gun and turned to Jim, "How?" Moriarty's grin turned into a scowl.
"I've left people in charge of the web. You think I die and you're free? No no no, I don't think you see what you've done." Sidney fell to his knees.
"Sir, I am so sorry I have made stupid choices without you there to guide me, please, please give me another chance." He tried holding back his tears. Moriarty crouched down and gave him a scolding look.
"I think you already know my answer." He stood up and took a few steps backwards, he kept his eyes on Sidney and nodded and three muffled blasts came from behind Sherlock and John. Sidney's body folded over his legs as his blood pooled around him. John winced at the sight, for a moment he was back at the hospital and Mary was back on the floor, bleeding. Moriarty walked forward, and showing no respect, walked over Sidney's body making his way to Sherlock.
"James." Sherlock nodded, greeting him, disregarding the fact that a man had just been killed.
"Sherlock, John, long time no see," He said as if he were an old college friend, "How have you been?" He smirked looking at John and Sherlock's conjoined hands.
"Lovely, I see you've been busy ever since you came back," Sherlock replied not letting go of John's hand, "how did you, by the way?"
"No actually, quite the opposite," Moriarty walked closer to Sherlock and said in a loud whisper, "want to know why I did this?"
"Why?" Sherlock asked and Moriarty took a step back making sure John can see him clearly, "I was bored." He said casually.
"I remembered that February 1st was Mary's spectacular due date and the idea just popped. I bet you were surprised upon the connection Johnny Boy, never thought your lovely bride would have worked for me?" He smirked, and John wanted to smash him against the alley walls and beat him but he held himself back, hoping that the plan Sherlock hasn't told him about would kick in soon.
"You know, she came in contact with me before the wedding." Moriarty started and paused noticing John's confused look, "Oh yes, she knew I was alive. She told me about you and the wedding. It was better she told me rather than me finding out myself- which you know I would have- I would have been quite displeased. Of course I couldn't be happy for her, a sharpshooter like her would be wasted as a house wife, but being dead was so boring" he sang looking at Sherlock, "you'd know, the times you weren't wrecking my web, it gets boring. Anyways I played along, pretended that I was glad for her, and let her get on with the production.
"Of course I sent a spy to the wedding, lovely it was, really. I saw the face you made when you heard the news about the new addition, I knew the real reason you were shocked. Ever since Sherl came back you and Mary haven't been as…active." He finally decided on the word and chuckled. He looked to the sky as if in deep thought, "Shirley? Defiantly not the name I'd choose for my baby, it's a rather difficult choice for me, which is why I left you to do it. I guess I can't be surprised you named your baby after the man you actually wanted to have a baby with" He chuckled once more and John didn't think he could handle another second, he was disgusted in thinking that Shirley wasn't his, he was ashamed of Mary, and he was scared for the child who wasn't his.
"Till the next murder boys, such a lovey chat." He said sweetly and began to walk down the alley. Sherlock didn't utter a single word, John couldn't believe it, he held back and bit his tongue for nothing. His anger exploded as he let go of Sherlock and ran to Moriarty about to jump on him when Sherlock's surprisingly strong arms pushed him to the wall of the alley and placed a firm grip on his shoulders.
"Armed snipers John," Sherlock whispered and Moriarty turned to see what was going on, "we can't do anything."
"Your boyfriend's right," He said with a superior look, and turned back around. John couldn't believe it, so Sherlock didn't have a plan, he looked at the consulting criminal and back to Sherlock, how could Sherlock just accept this? He thought. Right after than he heard a swarm of footsteps running in the alley, he turned from Sherlock and saw the gang from Scotland Yard, all armed, surrounding Moriarty.
"You didn't really expect us to come alone did you? Now I know you've got your snipers, but how many people can they kill in the amount of time it takes to pull a trigger?" Sherlock said, finally taking the upper hand. John couldn't even begin to describe his relief, Sherlock had a plan, he just didn't tell him because he wanted it all to seem real. John thought they had won when he heard Moriarty laughing, and he turned to them.
"You didn't really expect me to expect you to come alone?" He walked and stood in what seemed to be the center of the alley and laughed again, "Ciao." He saluted as the concrete fell open under him, giving him the perfect escape route, and closing back up.
