Sherlock story

Deleted Memories, Chapter 161

Warning: post Reichenbach spoilers. Hope you enjoy

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"Character isn't something you were born with and can't change, like your

fingerprints. It's something you weren't born with and must take responsibility

for forming." ~ Jim Rohn

Two Weeks Later

Present Day

Sherlock groaned inwardly as he put yet another Deerstalker hat on his head. He was told that it was a gift from the department again with Sergeant Sally Donovan picking it out. The brown checker patterned hat was on top of his head at the insistence of the press.

Sherlock looked at Sally Donovan who was in the corner smiling from ear-to-ear. Sherlock glaring at her only had her smile broader as she sent a silent kiss his way.

Sherlock noticed Anderson in the opposite corner looking at Donovan when she threw the kiss and then scowling.

So, Sherlock thought, Donovan stood her ground and is still not sleeping with him. Good for her. Sherlock looked closer observing. He is still drinking. If fact he is drinking more. He is more of an idiot that even I thought he was. Does he not realize that he needs to get help? If not for his sake then for his children's sake. That BBC-1 reported is having an affair with the camera operator, the married cameraman. Oh, she is also having an affair with the reported from the other television network. Is that not a conflict of interest?

Anderson looked briefly at Sherlock then looked away. Sherlock noticed.

Anderson looked slightly guilty when he glanced at me. What's that about, Sherlock wondered. Before Sherlock could further analyze, he was drawn out of his thoughts at the reporters' newest title for him. They were always coming up with some nonsense in his opinion.

"The Modest Marvel." John without losing a smile whisper to Sherlock so that only he could hear. "Modest? They really don't know you. And, I told you, not the constipated smile. Smile like a normal person."

Sherlock accidentally elbowed John, who did not lose his smile despite the slight exhalation of air heard.

"Excuse me John," Sherlock said sweetly out loud while he did not lose his smile. If fact, his smile seemed genuine now.

The press was finishing-up their questions. The attention was turned to DI Lestrade.

A small crowd was allowed in the Scotland Yard office. A small smiling face caught his attention. The smiling child was holding the hand of her aunt. Sherlock searched the small crowd. He looked at the mother now. A smile was also on the face of the normally stoic woman.

Her appearance was different. Her hair was loose and her clothes, even though still designer were more casual in appearance. The biggest change was her face. The normally stoic woman had a smile on her face. She took her daughter's hand from her sister and held her daughter just a little closer.

Katie Green wiggled her fingers as she waved at Sherlock.

Sherlock eyebrows raised not quite used to responding to children. He did want to acknowledge her so he walked off the podium while all attention was on Lestrade. John whispered his name but he ignored it. John rolled his eyes but kept a forced smile. He thought Sherlock had simply had enough until he followed his eyes.

Katie's smile widened as she saw him.

"Ms. Katie, you're looking well," Sherlock said. He did not understand why he had a desire to… smile.

Katie raised her hands and looked up.

Sherlock raised his eyebrows. Sherlock deduced by the raised arms and wiggling fingers she must want him to pick her up. He was not completely sure but went about testing his hypothesis. He picked her up. Apparently, he had been correct.

Flashes of light were flashing on his back. Sherlock's eye narrowed as he felt anger rise. He noticed John looking. He put back on a forced smile and thought of the timing that John always talked about and not saying anything stupid.

Of course, he never considered anything he ever said stupid but knew that John disagreed. He thought of a few things that he would like to tell the photographers. At least the television crew was still focused on Lestrade. He quickly considered a strategy.

He turned still smiling falsely and said, "Do you mind, she's a young child. I would not want her upset, just a moment of privacy then I promise to allow a few photos." He glanced at John who seemed to exhale the breath that he was holding.

Apparently, what he said was acceptable to all parties involved. There was one more flash then they walked back to Lestrade who was still speaking as he too glanced at Sherlock out of the corner of his eyes.

"Hi Sherlock," She glanced at her mother. "I mean Mr. Holmesy."

"It's Sherlock, but only to you."

Katie giggled and tested his name again, "Sherlock, I like your name."

He raised one eyebrow. "I glad it meets your approval." That earned another chorus of giggles.

Sherlock took the time to look her over, comparing in his mind the last time that he saw her. She looked good. All slight injuries healed, and she looked… happy. Katie touched his cheek. Sherlock was fully recovered with no bruises now. She thought about the last time that she saw him. He had a few big hurts on his face.

They talked about what Sherlock considered pure nonsense for ten minutes. He was about to correct her several times but decided just this once not to. Pure nonsense seemed to make her happy. He decided that if it made her happy then maybe he did not need to correct her after all. He was surprised to discover that her being happy was more important than correcting her illogical assumptions.

He would never admit this out loud of course. He tried to block out John's surprised look and smile as John listened to the two talking. It was annoying.

"I'm glad you're better Sherlock."

"Hum," Sherlock answered while still trying to work out why she thought her teddy bear Boki had magical powers. What were they teaching them in school these days, he wondered.

"Your face," her small hands touched it, "It was hurt. I kissed you before I went to the hospital to see my Mum, that's why you're better," she declared with certainty. Sherlock studied her quietly then looked at her inquisitively before responding.

"Oh, of course, it did the trick."

"We need to let Mr. Holmes get back to what he was doing now Katie." She frowned slightly then decided to be a big girl about it. She gave him a quick hug and another kiss.

Sherlock was curious but said nothing. He did not need to.

Katie rolled her eyes and sighed while patiently explaining. "That's just in case that you still have a hurt. It'll get all better now," she explained as if he was a little slow mentally and should have known such things.

Sherlock cleared his throat. "Oh, of course."

Sherlock was unsure of why the innocent gesture provoked the dreaded emotions. He gave her the Deerstalker hat, glad to have an excuse to be rid of the thing.

"Thank you," Katie said smiling from ear-to-ear, as she put the treasure on. It was a little big but she did not care.

Before she left Mrs. Green asked to speak to Sherlock alone. Katie's aunt took the waving child and walked a distance away.

"Edward Green," She paused, "I mean Katie's father asked me to give you this letter." She looked at her daughter then looked back to Sherlock. "Thank you," She kissed him as well and with one last smile quickly left.

She had made some major changes in her life Sherlock decided as he heard John's footsteps approaching. He did not notice that most of the press had left and the television crews were packing up.

"Don't say a word," Sherlock warned before turning to John.

John opened his mouth with a smile to say something anyway when he noticed Sherlock's eyes narrowing in a dare. John raised an eyebrow and wisely decided to close his mouth after saying, "I'm shutting up now."

Sherlock let out a breath, relieved.

Sherlock looked at his watch and commented. "Mycroft's car should be outside now," as he started to walk. He turned questioningly as he did not hear John's footsteps behind.

"Let me tell Lestrade we're leaving."

He looked him up and down then simply nodded and turned to walk, "Do try to hurry up. You two can talk forever when you're gossiping about me."

"No promises Sherlock," John responded.

Sherlock walked toward the stairs. Now that he was back to himself physically. He had no patience for the lift.

Lestrade walked over to John as they both stared at Sherlock's retreating form. "He did pretty well that time." Lestrade said, "Even though I thought he was going to call the first reporter an idiot for a minute."

"So did I." John smiled, "I think he clinched his teeth together so hard I heard the grind."

There was a brief moment of silence.

"He did well with the kid." Lestrade finally broke the silence.

"Yea, that surprised me. He usually thinks kids are, and I do quote, little monster or aliens." John thought aloud.

"He must have met my niece." Lestrade tried to hold back a wicked smile.
John chuckled at that.

"Well, I lived to see it." Lestrade said with a voice of barely concealed emotions.

"See what," John asked confused.

"I've known Sherlock for a long time. He used to be so distant; he was almost like a big, walking computer with no feelings. He also proclaimed himself a sociopath. Even though I'm no expert, I don't think he was ever truly sociopathic. I think you've done the near impossible, John."

"He is still definitely Sherlock but a little more human version of Sherlock I'd say. I wonder sometimes what he would have been like if he had not met you."

"It goes both ways Lestrade; he made me a better person too. He gave me a reason to live again, I think." Lestrade looked at John and smile, "I suppose you're right. You've been good for each other."

"Sherlock Holmes have always been a great man. Today we were lucky enough to witness him become a good man."

John was a little embarrassed that he became emotional as he nodded his agreement until he realized that Lestrade was holding back tears just as embarrassed.

As they looked at each other, they could not help the smile.