John shifted again in the high backed leather chair, Anthea had said Mycroft was in a meeting. John told her he would wait but the waiting was killing him, maybe he should just leave and come back.
Just when he decided on retreat the doors to the room opened and the taller man entered swiftly. John frowned catching the quick analyzing glance from the older Holmes. For a painful moment he was reminded of Sherlock, and just as quickly Mycroft looked away.
"Doctor Watson I haven't seen you in a while. How are things? I hear you've moved out of London. "
John rolled his eyes ignoring the idea that Mycroft didn't know where John was living now, the British Government might not have a security detail on him but he would still have his way of knowing.
John decided to play along "Yes. I've opened a small practice nothing big just a small clinic. "
"Yes. I understand it's doing quite well. You know doctor I was a bit confused when and I'm sure as was the bank. When you set out to borrow the money when you already had such funds at your disposal."
"Mycroft I told you and your pushy solicitor. I didn't want the money. I don't need the charity."
"My brother named you soul executor to his estate. He made it clear in his will that you inherit his trust. Tea John?" Mycroft offered the Doctor a cup the man accepted it.
John side stepped the old argument "Mycroft I'm not here about that."
The older man sat back his hands under his chin in another all too familiar manner. Those gray eyes combed over the doctor's expression and John could see the wheels of Mycroft's brain in motion. He was looking for an answer to why John would show up out of the blue in his office and John took pleasure in the fact that Mycroft Holmes was unable to deduce the reason.
Of course he could see John had hurried and dressed carefully but the older Holmes didn't know why. Sherlock however would have, only because Sherlock knew John's every facial expression was involved in every aspect of John's life. He would have known about Mary saying yes before John could blink.
"Is everything alright with Ms. Morstan?"
Ah, he was close and John couldn't help but smile he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Yes. She's actually quite well, fantastic really. That's why I've come."
That put Mycroft off, the man narrowed his eyes and John knew the older Holmes was confused. His mind no doubt whirling in every direction possible.
"I've asked Mary to marry me. She's said yes." John straightened up putting his tea on the small table near him.
"Well congradulations doctor-"
"In two weeks the ceremony will be held at a small church. She doesn't have any family so it will only be a very small gathering of friends and my family of course."
"Dare I ask what the rush is? I take it this was your idea and not hers."
"No, we both thought it best before-uh." John cleared his throat, why was this so difficult? It's not like Mycroft was his father or his big brother. These things happened all the time and yes couples hardly got married over an unplanned pregnancy in this modern age but John wasn't most people. And he truly did love Mary and he was going to do this right.
"John?" Mycroft was tense John could read it in the man's posture.
"Mary is pregnant." There he said it, Mycroft looked thoughtful now.
"And you're sure-"
"Yes. It's mine." John snapped.
"That wasn't what I was going to say John." Mycroft quickly interjected. "I merely feel this is a bit rushed. Are you certain that you wish to marry Miss. Mortson beyond the feeling of obligation to the unborn child. I do understand it is the modern age and these situations-"he cleared his throat uncomfortably "sometimes occur."
John held back the urge to laugh, Mycroft really looked painfully uncomfortable in chosing his words.
"Yes. Mycroft. I love her. And I had planned on asking at the end of the year when things were a bit more settled at work. However there is no sense in waiting. I only wanted to let you know first before we told anyone else."
Mycroft nodded "Thank you doctor I'm honored. Now since you are certain, I propose a drink. Scotch."
Mycroft was on his feet moving to his small minibar he took out the most expensive scotch and poured a generous amount for the good doctor he then handed him a Cuban cigar.
"Congratulations John. I wish you both the best of happiness and of course a healthy child."
The two men discussed John's clinic and Mycroft asked subtle questions about John's plans for the future. Where the two would move, obviously needing more room than Mary's small flat provided. Mycroft had given John a card of a relator that would be of some use. He then informed the ex army doctor that as a gift he would like to help in the planning of the wedding. Seeing how John was busy with work and Mary had her job and the extra tutoring she did after, their schedule would be tight. It would be a relief to have Mycroft's highly efficient people take care of the details.
John also knew it was no use to argue with the British Government when he had the "this isn't an option John" face on.
And John said his quick goodbye after leaving Mycroft to his work hurrying home to let Mary know how his meeting went.
She of course had worried that he thought Mycroft would disapprove of their sudden nuptials, but everything was fine.
"John!" Mary greeted him leaving the bedroom a big smile on her face, she wasn't showing yet at four months, but John couldn't help but be drawn to her side his and resting on her flat stomach.
"Your home." She kissed his forehead, "I had the most exciting day."
John allowed her to sit him on their small couch, she was wearing a dark blue swing dress with a pink cardigan, her hair pinned back still fell over her small shoulders. John examined her beaming face, "When I was on my way home from the shop, oh don't give me that look. I'm barely four months a long doctor. You know I'm capable of carrying some milk and bread home. Anyway, an expensive black car pulled up and this lady wearing a black suit skirt and holding a blackberry got out. I was a bit nervous but she said she worked for your friend Mr. Holmes and that I was to go with her."
John winced "I've been kidnapped in similar ways." But Mary was smiling and not annoyed by the way she'd been picked up. Her small hands took his.
"Well I was a bit nervous but then we arrived at this posh dress shop. You'll never believe it! The lady introduced me to the sales woman and I spent the next hour trying on dresses. Oh, John they wouldn't even let me see the prices. Anthea I believe she said her name was, she said it was gift from Mr. Holmes. Oh it's beautiful! I cant wait for you to see it."
John kissed his wife to be, her excitement was infectious, sweet Mary.
"Well he also has decided he'll be taking over the details from here. I know this was supposed to be our wedding but Mycroft Holmes can be rather pushy when he sets his mind to it."
Mary smiled "John, you are very lucky to have such people in your life. He obviously cares for you. What did he say about the baby? Did you tell him?" She looked nervous, biting her lip.
"I did, after asking if it was something I wanted he congratulated me. And then informed me he would be taking things from there." John couldn't help but grin "I almost forgot how pushy these damn Holmes can be. He's probably already booked the church and banquet hall."
Mary laughed hugging her husband her head resting on his shoulder "You are a good man John Watson. Only you would make such friends. Our son will be very lucky indeed. Something tells me he shall want for nothing."
"Boy? How are you certain?"
"I just know." She smiled "Hamish is what I want to name him."
"It's a funny name." John frowned kissing Mary's forehead.
"I like it, it's your middle name."
"If it's a girl then what shall we name her?"
"Oh, John it's a boy. So we wont have to worry."
It wasn't long after that Mary passed, the wedding dress had been beautiful and John would never forget that day until the day he died.
When he'd received the call from the hospital there was a car waiting for him at the hotel and Mycroft's agents were escorting him down through the lobby. He arrived and it was too late, his Mary was gone like a candle's flickering flame, she was gone. And he had a sick infant that wouldn't make it through the night. Mary was gone and Hamish would follow.
John hardly remembered the days and weeks, but somehow his son pulled through and he returned with a son to his small home. A home he was supposed to share the rest of his life with Mary in.
When Mycroft showed up some time later John had felt like a zombie, everything was a blur.
Then there stood Mycroft in a hauntingly familiar situation, he had come to take John away from the dark. Just like he had when John was a kid bruised from his father's angry words and heavy fists.
~0~
John pulled away from these memories his head still throbbing, he wished he had accepted the pain meds now.
"Doctor Watson how fitting. Here I thought I'd have to hunt you down but it seems that it's you who has found me."
Sebastain Moran was sitting on the ledge of the roof, his 9mm out and pointed at John.
A/N: sorry for another cliffie but i promise to update soon. this next chapter is written out i just have to give it a once over to see if i like how it works. thanks for the follows!