John rubbed his eyes and finished his tea. Writing up this case had thrown him into a wide range of emotions. Anger, mirth, sadness. Every sentence hurt to write. But it helped. It was nice to remember his old cases, even if it did push home the fact that his best friend was no longer with him. Even if he cried at the happy memories.
He turned the laptop off and picked up the framed picture sitting on the desk. Mary had made a copy of the photo of him and Sherlock laughing and had it framed. It now sat on his desk where he saw it everyday. It reminded him why he was doing this. To clear his name and ease the hurt the man had caused.
"Night Sherlock" He told the photo and headed to bed.
Irene was unsure what she was going to find. After all, only one person could have written that text. Was she right? Was he alive? Or was it all an elaborate hoax? The flat was small, one might easily pass it in the streets and pay it little attention. Outside waited a familiar vehicle belonging to Mycroft Holmes. She walked up to the front door and gently knocked.
A mousy-haired young woman answered. "Hello" She smiled warmly. "Are you Irene Adler?". The Woman nodded and Molly moved to the side to allow her and Kate entrance. "They're just through the next room. Expecting you of course..hope you.. um.. like chinese food" Molly took their coats and ushered them into the living room.
Sherlock lay alone on the couch, his brother by his side, poking him with a chopstick. "You have to eat something, you've been ill. Do not make me force feed you. Again." Sherlock groaned, turning to the side, his back to his brother. This only served to annoy Mycroft further, who continued to poke his little brother in the back with the chopstick.
Irene remained silent, her lips curling at the private display of brotherhood before her. Molly pushed past her causing Mycroft to turn, frown and place the chopstick back on the table. "Wonderful to see you, Miss Adler..and associate." Irene walked over towards the little table set up in the middle of the living room. She patted Mycroft on his suit breast and proceeded to kneel down in front of Sherlock.
"So you are alive..I knew it"
"If you knew, why bother stating?" Sherlock droned into the side of the couch. "Haven't changed a bit have you?" Sherlock turned and Irene could see the months away had not been kind to him. His face was still flushed from his fever last night, he'd lost weight as well and there were several tell tale signs of a recent skirmish between him and another individual.
"Brother you have guests, do be at least a little bit sociable, please"
"Why?"
Irene smirked. "You should listen to your brother. He has your best interests at heart" Sherlock scoffed at the very idea. "Sit down and eat your dinner, Sherlock Holmes" Sherlock rolled his eyes, dismissing the very thought. Irene leaned forward, clasping his ear with her manicured fingers and twisted it. Getting the desired reaction she twisted it until he finally got the message, he sat up and reached for his noodle box. Smiling, Irene grabbed hers and sat beside him. Molly , Kate and Mycroft watched amused from the table.
"This is why I believe it to be a perfect idea for her to work with you, Sherlock, she can keep you in check"
"Who keeps her in check then?"
"You"
John awoke the next morning to Mary pottering around his kitchen. They'd swapped keys so it wasn't uncommon for the other to pop over unannounced. Their relationship was moving along so quickly, John could scarcely believe it. "Good morning, John" She made her way over to him with a warm mug of tea and a plate full of jam and toast. She kissed him lightly on his cheek, placing the food and drink on his desk.
"You should check your blog"
John raised his eyebrows, watching her leave for the shower, a secretive smile spread across her beautiful face. He turned to his computer and sat down in front of it, turning it on.
His recent blog post had already received several comments.
Good to see you back to writing mate. I believe.
Mike Stamford 5:43
Loved the photo! Still makes me sad. We all miss him. I believe in Sherlock.
Jacob Sowerby 6:00
I believe in Sherlock Holmes!
C Melas 6:30
John, Glad you are back to posting, mate! I missed the adventures of my favourite Hatman and Robin! I think he looks great as a ginger, too. I can't believe all the bad press going round, it really isn't fair. It's obvious somebody like him only comes around once in a lifetime, maybe three. He was definitely real, and the rest of us Believers won't stop until everybody knows. Sherlock was real. He always was, always will be.
Elizabeth Austin 6:58
John, why haven't you answered any of my call's or texts?
Harry Watson 7:12
Please, we need to talk. I'm here for you.
Harry Watson 7:21
finally a new case. it's about time.
Theimprobableone 7:34
John, Glad you are back! We still believe in him Doctor Watson&we will never stop believing in him. The word is spreading about Sherlock Holmes and the word is strong and positive. The fight for his good name is growing. The world may have tried to fail Mr. Holmes but we will not let it win out. He will always be remembered. Your partnership and the good you did will never be forgotten. Please continue writing&I hate the thought of losing you both.
Little_Lotte 7:45
Adorable photo, John
the-whip-hand 8:00
Must have missed this case mate. Love the hair. Keep writing.
Greg Lestrade 8:14
Have followed your blog from the beginning. Do keep writing. I believe in Sherlock Holmes.
Normund Sigerson 8:22
Hope you're doing well mate.
Bill Murray. 8:34
Oh I remember how embarrassed he was about that hair colour. But it did suit him. Hope you're doing ok.
Mrs Hudson 8:41
Dear John,
Never give up the memory of a friend. The moment you do is the one you start to give up your love for them.
Sincerely,
Emily 8:55
See, John. I told you this was a good idea. xxx
Mary Morstan. 9:00
Hello John. How are you? Oh..he was quite cute with that red hair.
Molly Hooper 9:11
Have always loved your blog. I believe!
IbelieveInSherlockHolmes 9:15
:) Please write more! Your stories are like beacons of light in this never-ending darkness. We miss him too, but won't give up believing, so stay strong!
WatsonsWarriors 9:23
It's nice to see another case. I hope you post some of your others soon. Sherlock was no fraud. I believe, always will.
Henry Knight 9:28
John ran a hand over his open mouth. He'd expected maybe one or two kind comments and then half a dozen or more angry ones. He certainly had not expected this many. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He settled on both, laughing as tears streamed down his face. It gave him hope. These people believed in his lost friend and John would make sure none of them ever forgot him.
There were too many people for him to give individual replies so he set about writing up a new post to thank them all.
'Do you really think its a good idea to be posting on his blog, Sherlock?" Irene ran a finger along his cheek. He gave her a bemused look and returned his gaze to the computer screen. "He won't know its from me. Perhaps this way I can stay in contact and keep a closer eye on him. He still needs protection, Moriarty's right hand man is still out there." Irene withdrew her finger, picking up the glass of wine on the table.
"I suppose you know best"
"Of course"
John smiled as he pressed send. He stood, wrapping his arms's around Mary's neck and resting his head against her shoulder. "You were right. This was a good idea." Mary smiled, turning to kiss his cheek. "Of course". Grinning John took her face with both hands and brought his lips to hers.
Thank you all so much for your kind words. Some of you I have kept in touch with, others I have not. For that I do apologise. And many others, I have never met before. Thank you for taking the time to comment. It's much appreciated. I'm sure he would have appreciated it too. In a way. I have a new email address, my other kept receiving hate mail, so if you wish to contact me please let me know.
I thought, in thanks, to upload some of my photos of Sherlock. Enjoy.
Thank you again. I will post again soon.
Before John closed his laptop he noticed his recent blog post already had one comment.
I should like to contact you again sometime, Dr Watson.
Normund Sigerson.
A/N: Should you wish to see the photos please go to my profile. Thank you for your reviews. They are much appreciated.
