A Dinner Miracle

As I was attempting to fall asleep last night, my mind was going over my conversation with Angie. This issue with Seb needed sorting soon; it couldn't be allowed to continue. I eventually started to drop off and something very strange happened. Jim was behind me, his arms securely round my waist and his hand resting on my stomach, we nearly always fell asleep like this, it made us both feel safe. As I was drifting off I was sure I felt a flutter under Jim's hand inside me. This instantly woke me. I thought about how I had been feeling lately. Angie had asked for a miracle, and I thought I might have one. I had previously asked her where John was working, she wasn't sure, but Mycroft knew and apparently he'd taken on some shifts at Bart's hospital, perfect.

I woke really early on Saturday morning, leaving a note for Jim telling him I was off to get food for tonight, giving me time and an alibi. I had to keep reminding myself not to get my hopes up, the chances were minuscule, but in theory possible. It had happened to a friend at Uni.

I called John and asked to meet him at the end of his shift; he was working nights, so he was finished by 8:30 am.

"Morning John thanks for this."

"Morning Percy, what's up?"

"Um I don't know where to begin, is there somewhere private we can talk." I saw John's demeanour shift into doctor mode.

"Of course, let's go up to my office." John led me through the hospital and into his small, but cosy office.

"What's up Percy, you seem nervous."

"Right, well, um, okay, I just need to say this. When I was a teenager I got rather badly bullied, I was beaten up a few times, one time was rather bad and my abdomen was very badly bruised, it caused some internal damage. At eighteen I was kidnapped, beaten and severely dehydrated, not long after overdosed on a bad mix of drugs and alcohol. These events combined caused a lot of damage. I was told I probably couldn't have children, but there was a slim chance. I've been with my partner, and now husband, for eight years, we obviously didn't use any contraceptives because of the minute chance that I could conceive." I took a deep breath, amazed that I had go that so coherently.

"It's alright Percy, take your time." John was so calm it was reassuring.

"Over the last couple of weeks I have been really off my food, getting severe waves of nausea and odd cravings. I ignored it thinking it was stress and nerves due to getting married etc, but the symptoms have continued, I seem to get sick at about three in the afternoon and for the last week I have been throwing up. I think I might be pregnant John and I don't know what to do."

"Right, have you had any other symptoms? Tender breasts? Increased libido?" I was slightly embarrassed but I nodded.

"Yeah. I've been very hormonal, I keep crying at strange things."

"I assume you didn't have a regular cycle?"

"No, um maybe once or twice a year, sometimes nothing all year."

"Okay, have you taken a pregnancy test yet?"

"No, I couldn't at home, James doesn't want children, I really don't know what to do or if I'm imagining it and its just stress."

"We'll do a blood test and see what the results are, it's the most sure test."

"Can it be under a fake name, please, I need to know without anyone being able to trace it." I blurted this out realising that I couldn't let John know my married surname and Holmes would flag up and both Sherlock and Mycroft would swoop down and cause too many problems.

"It's okay Percy, calm down. Deep breaths." I was close to panicking. John went into a cupboard and got out a needle, cotton wool, tape and a vial for my blood. He was very gentle taking my blood and good at distracting me. He sent it to the lab and asked for it to be rushed. It had to be the longest hour of my life. We made small talk, but my mind kept drifting back to the 'what if?' question.

A nurse knocked and entered with the test results. It was the moment of truth. John offered me the paper but I shook my head, not able to read the words until I had heard them.

"Are you sure you don't want to read this yourself?" John asked one more time. I just shook my head again, words getting stuck.

"Alright. Percy I can confirm that you are..." Just as John was about to tell me my further, my pone went of breaking the spell.

"Hello?" I answered.

"I woke up and you were gone, where are you?" Replied Jim, worry I his sleepy voice.

"Sorry darling, I wanted to get to Borough Market early to get food for tonight. I left you a note in the kitchen." It was true, that's where I was headed after my other business.

"Okay love, I was worried something had happened. When do you think you'll be home?!"

"Eleven, maybe half past."

"Okay, have fun. Love you."

"Love you too." I ended the call. "Sorry the other half checking up on me." I smiled half heartedly, the minute distraction only adding to my anxiety.

"It's fine. Where was I? Oh yes. Percy you are pregnant, about 4 weeks gone." John said, his voice fading in and out. My ears were pounding. How could I be pregnant, this couldn't be possible. What was I going to do?

"Percy are you alright?"

"Not sure."

"Do you want me to call Angie?"

"NO!" I almost shouted. "No, no-one can know. I need some time to think. Thank you John." I got up hurriedly and tried to leave the hospital, getting lost and confused, I eventually found my way out. I walked swiftly past St. Paul's and over Millennium Bridge and through the back streets behind London Bridge station to Borough Market. I let the hustle and bustle of the all the people carry me. The sight and smells of all the different foods overtake my senses. I bought everything I needed in a slight daze; I kept handing over my list and asking for what was on there.

I collected up my bags and walked over to London Bridge station to get the tube home. I got onto the jubilee line and got of at Baker Street, decision warring with me if I should talk more to Angie. I fought against it and arrived home a little early, it was quarter to eleven.

"I'm home." I called as I opened the door and headed it I the kitchen.

"Morning gorgeous." Said Jim entering the kitchen, taking me I his arms and kissing me. "Get everything you needed?"

"Yes thanks, it should be a good night tonight."

"It will." I agreed.

By the time the cooking had to begin I was too busy to think about my other predicament and Angie's worries about Seb and his current stalker behaviour, the afternoon flew by in a blur and I had to go and get ready to receive our guests. Tonight was a casual affair, so I wore my favourite grey skinny jeans and a clack strapped top with a black lace cardigan over the top. I kept my hair off my face, but left it down as I was at home.

At half seven the doorbell rang and our first guest arrived, Andrew and Sara where the first to arrive and shortly after so did Mycroft.

"Come on brother dearest, you can help me open the wine." We entered the kitchen and his Holmes sense was buzzing away.

"Are you alright, what's wrong?"

"There is nothing wrong." Oh God he knows, my mind screamed. "I'm a bit nervous of Jim and Sherlock being in a confined space together, but you and Angie will help out there, help me avert World War three." I smiled, pouring four glasses of wine without thinking. We walked back into the 'formal' living room.

"Here you go Sara, how is everything going?"

"Well thanks. I've got some exciting news," She paused and whispered, "we're trying for a baby, fancy being auntie Percy?" I balked at her statement; I was on my second glass of wine.

"Oh wow, that's incredible, and of course I'll be auntie Percy." Before I could dwell too much on the baby topic coming up again as the door bell rang. I went to answer to door and greeted Issy and Jasper.

"Ah! Percy you go married! This is amazing!" Squealed Issy. We embraced and started talking a mile minute.

"I know, how insane is this, I'm married! Oh Is, it was wonderful! Oh Jasper, hello love, how are you?!"

"Hi Percy. Congratulations. I'm well thanks. Busy with work." Jasper said. Always quiet but brilliant, he and Issy had been dating since we started college.

"Come on through and we'll get some drinks. What do you fancy?"

"Wine, red please." Replied Issy.

"Jasper?" I asked.

"Coke for me please, I'm driving tonight."

"Sure. Make yourselves at home." As I entered the kitchen the door bell rang again.

"Welcome Mycroft, glad you could come." I heard Jim greet my brother. I handed Jasper and Issy their drinks and went to greet my brother.

"Hello Mycroft, thanks for coming. Can you help mind Sherlock tonight?" I smiled up at him.

"Hello Percy, of course I'd come; and yes, I'll keep an eye out. I assume Miss Watson is coming too?"

"Yes, they should be here soon."

"Good, good."

"Sweetie, can you get Mycroft a drink and I'll get the door." I asked Jim.

Everyone was mingling and getting along nicely. I excused myself to answer the door and get cooking. All our guests accept Angie and Sherlock had arrived, I was most nervous about them arriving, I assumed this had to be them.

"Hi Angie!" I said, hugging her.

"Hello!" Greeted Angie. "Your house is huge! I can't believe this whole thing is for two people!"

"I know. It's lovely though. Thank you for coming tonight." I glanced back and realised I should greet Sherlock. "Hello Sherlock."

"Persephone."

"Please call me Percy, Persephone makes me sound old." Sherlock just found at me and continued to ignore me.

"Hi Angie. Sherlock. Thank you for coming." Welcomed Jim, coming to stand beside me.

"No problem. Hello, Jim."

"Anything to drink guys?" I offered diffusing the tension. Tonight was going to be tense.

"I don't suppose you have soda? If not, just water for me."

"Whatever you have." I rolled my eyes at Sherlock's rude behaviour.

"Sure Angie, come through to the kitchen. Do you want red, white or rose Sherlock? Lead the way."

"Red's fine." I poured him a glass and handed it to him. He just stalked out of the kitchen and towards Mycroft. Angie chose to stay and keep my company in the kitchen.

"Is Sherlock being especially charming tonight?" I asked with a wry smile.

"Yeah. He's just a bit high-strung. Understandably." This made me laugh; I suppose this was a difficult situation for him. I needed everyone to get along for my plan to work.

"Angie, do you prefer Coke or fruit juice? I think we have mountain dew somewhere!" I paused as I rummaged through the cupboards and the fridge. "If he offends anyone tonight with his deductions, Jim will be lest of his worries."

"I think he knows that already. Coke, please." I opened the bottle and poured the drink into a glass.

"Here you go. I hope he knows. Oh Angie, I wish you could've been there."

"Percy, have you seen backdoor key?" Asked Jim as he came into the kitchen. Odd I thought.

"Sorry love, no. Can you take this through please, careful the plates hot." I handed Jim the plate of warm starters, kissing his cheek.

"Me too, Percy. You're going to show me your dress, though, right?"

"Of course, after dinner, I need to keep an eye on the kitchen, Jim can burn water. It's weird about the key, I wonder where it's gone?"

"That's fine."

"How are things at home? Sherlock still being all hot and cold?"

"Yeah. I don't get it. It's like he wants to help and be nice and everything, but then he just shuts down."

"Is he scared of something?! Maybe he doesn't want to share you?! In an odd way it's kind of cute, if infuriating. I don't think me talking to him will helped, he still hates me."

"I don't know, but he doesn't hate you." I wasn't so sure about that, but we'll see. A thought struck me.

"I've been meaning of ask you, is it odd seeing Jim relaxed and at home, not trying it be scary?!"

"Yeah, it's weird, considering the last time I saw him like this, it was all a lie, and the last time I saw him..."

"Okay, if you say so. Yeah sorry about that, I promise it won't happen again. It's sorted."

"I know Sherlock well enough to know that he doesn't hate you. Although, honestly, nowadays, I have no idea what he's thinking."

"Does anyone other than Sherlock know what he's thinking? He's an enigma to most, I think even himself most of the time. Mycroft is even finding Sherlock hard work at the moment." I replied.

"Probably not. It's kind of worrying me." Said Angie.

"He'll sort himself out, he can't live without out you, he just has a stupid way of showing it sometimes." I turned to start mixing the gravy and heard Jim re-enter the kitchen, putting the empty plate down.

"Angie, whilst we have five minutes, I wanted to apologise for my appalling behaviour towards you. It was unfair and cruel; I hope you can forgive me?" Bless him, he really was trying, he rarely apologised to anyone except his Mum and me.

"For which time?"

"All of them."

"I just don't think I can. Sorry, Percy."

"Thank you, Love." I whispered into Jim's ear as he passed me.

"It's alright Angie." I understood it would take a long time to get past some of the things that happened.

"Anyway, it smells delicious!" Exclaimed Angie, changing the subject.

"Thanks, roast lamb and roasted potatoes and vegetables for the meat eaters and cheese soufflé for a veggie options with extra vegetables! Lots of cake for pudding!" I beamed, it was the first big dinner I had done in the kitchen and I loved every second. Also I had had a really bad craving for lamb, so I had a good excuse to cook it.

"Mmm! I'm hungry already! Hope you made enough potatoes, you know how much I love those!"

"Yeah I made extra just for you! Seriously carrying two huge bags of potatoes was hard work!"

"Aw, thanks! You could have called me, I would have helped!"

"It's okay, I bought everything fresh early this morning, after seeing John, it wasn't too bad. I made Jim do all the heavy lifting with the drinks and moving furniture around!" I laughed. "Oh have you met Jim's cousin Andrew, he's lovely, I think you'd get on. He's a lecturer at Cambridge."

"Oh, how is John doing? I need to call him. I promised we'd have lunch after I got back; and no, I don't think I ever have. Of course, Cambridge is a big school."

"John's good, he looks tired, but well. Oh and can we keep it between us that I went to see him? Yeah Cambridge is big, Andrew teaches at the same college that Mycroft went to." I really hope Angie didn't start asking questions, I don't know how to answer anything at t the moment.

"Um, sure, I won't tell anyone? Is anything wrong? Oh, Mycroft went there, too? Weird. That's where I got my bachelor's for criminology."

"Not necessarily wrong just needed a medical opinion. Well it's a small world. I'd forgotten you went to Cambridge." I t was true there wasn't anything wrong with me; I just needed a doctor's knowledge and conformations.

"Medical opinion? Percy, what are you not telling me? Yeah, I try to block most of that part of my life out."

"I'm sure college wasn't that bad, was it?!" I asked avoiding her question.

"The first few years weren't bad. Well, they sort of were because I was stuck with Irene Adler as a roommate. And then I met Seb, Alex back then. I mean, it didn't seem bad back then, but on hindsight, I just don't even want to think about it; and you're avoiding the subject! What medical opinion?" I winced thinking about having the walking harlot for a roommate and Seb as a boyfriend. Damn, she'd caught on. How was I going to deflect this?

"Okay, I can see why college was less fun with Her as your roommate and Seb can be nice occasionally, when he wants something. I'm not avoiding anything, just not 100% certain; I don't want to jinx anything."

"Come on, you can tell me! I promise I won't tell!" Angie pleaded.

"I can't risk anyone knowing." I said getting worried. I took a deep breath and lowered my voice. "Do promise not to tell anyone? I mean it Angie, no-one can know."

"Not even me? You're best friend? You already told John, and if I ask him, he'll think it's okay for him to tell your best friend, especially since he knows I can keep a secret. Please?" How could I refuse Angie, she would know what to do.

"John couldn't tell you as my doctor, patient confidentiality, but, oh wow I can't believe I'm going to say this out loud. I think, well I am...four weeks pregnant."

"Really?! Congratulations! I had a feeling that was it; but why did you think you couldn't tell me?" Her reaction shocked me, she was happy.

"There was such a small chance of me being able to have children, I didn't want to say it and be wrong and Jim doesn't want children. I don't know what to do." I was honestly scared. I was so out of my depth. I am only twenty-five; I'm not grown up enough to look after a baby. Jim entering ht kitchen broke my train of thought.

"Is dinner nearly ready Perc? Shall I start taking stuff through?" I smiled and nodded.

"Yeah the veg and potatoes are done, and the gravy can go on the table." As Jim left the kitchen, Angie half spoke, half whispered.

"Is he crazy?! Or is it because of his stupid job and it's too dangerous? We'll think of something, don't worry." I smiled weakly at her. "Wait...four weeks? Did you say you've been married for a week?"

"I don't know, he's never wanted children, I think they scare him. Yeah four weeks, we got engaged 5 weeks ago, we've been together nearly 8 years, and we did sleep together before we got married."

"Oh. Uh, okay. Um...he's scared of children? Why would he be scared of children? Well, if he's going based off of his niece." This confused me, Jim didn't have a niece.

"His niece? Huh? I don't know, but we had the children conversation once before and we broke up for a month, this was about four years ago."

"Well, maybe things have changed now, since he's married now. Yeah, I've met his demonic little niece Meagan I think it was? She helped him out with one of his plots to torment me; I really do not want to talk about it."

"That can't be his niece, Jim doesn't have any siblings."

"I hope so 'cos I'm going to have to tell him eventually, he might notice when I'm six months pregnant!"

"Well, the whole situation was just another big lie, who knows who she really was; and yeah, you're not gonna be able to keep it secret for very long." S

Just at the wrong moment, Sherlock entered the kitchen. I groaned internally, if he worked this out he was going to spill it to everyone and cause so much more trouble than I had tome deal with.

"Keep what a secret?" Asked Sherlock.

"Nothing, Sherlock." Was Angie's curt reply.

"Angie, you're obviously keeping something from me. Again." Why did he have to push the issue?

Alright, fine. It is a secret, but just so you know, just because you're a detective doesn't mean you get to be let in on every secret in the world." I saw what Angie meant, Sherlock was being more odd than usual in his reactions.

"Sherlock please leave this alone. I'm asking as your sister." I hoped sincerity would help? I was wrong.

"Yes, because I'm going to show consideration to my sister who had me come have dinner from probably the one man who hates me most in this world, whom my sister just happened to marry, by the way. And Mycroft."

"Yes, Sherlock, you are going to show her consideration. Leave. It." Ordered Angie, but Sherlock still wouldn't back down.

"Fine Sherlock, deduce away, but ruin tonight and I will make life so unpleasant. You think Jim was bad, you haven't experienced anything yet. Mycroft is our brother, so that means my brother too and he's on my side, so is Angie. Why do you have to try and ruin everything?!" My tone both sharp and exasperated, I left Sherlock stood there and turned to Angie.

"Angie, want to carry through the soufflés? I'll carry the lamb."

"Sure, Percy."

"Thanks Angie, you're a star." On our way to the dining room, Angie added.

"Oh, Percy, I told off Anderson last week."

"Oh Anderson, really?! What did he do? I really loathe Anderson."

"Well, I had to go down to Scotland Yard to talk to Greg, and of course, Anderson was there, and he was just being an idiot. He said something about Sherlock, and I'd been having a rough couple of weeks, and I remembered you said how he'd been flirting with you, and I told him that if he didn't stay away from you, I'd strangle him and everyone would just turn the other way. Oh and I told him who your older brother is, so that might keep him away." I laughed. I'd have paid money to see Anderson put in his place by Angie.

"Thanks, I'll put your theory to the test, I need to go and thank Greg, he sent us a wedding present this morning. I'd love to see you take on Anderson, it would be hilarious."

"Haha, want me to go down with you, see what Anderson's reaction is? Come to think of it, I don't think Greg realises we know each other. Besides, I need to check up on somebody that he was helping."

"Oh yes, let's take Anderson down a peg or two. I can't wait to see the look on face now I'm married."

"Haha, great! We can go down there tomorrow."

"This is going to be great!" We both giggled louder.

"Who's Anderson?" Asked Jim.

"Sherlock would you like the honour of describing what a parasite he is?!"

"He's an idiot." Replied Sherlock.

"Yeah, well, you think a lot of people are idiots. You could be a bit more specific than that." Snapped Angie, Sherlock really was irritating her.

"I agree, he has boundary issues for one, but he is an idiot!"

"He was one of the knights in your little story, Jim, one of the Knights of the Round Table who didn't believe Sir-Boast-a-lot." Sniped Angie.

"Angie!" I snapped back, slightly taken a back at what she'd said. Why was she referencing some stupid video?

"Well, it's the best way to explain it to him!" Cut in Angie. Did they all know something I didn't?

"It might be, but a little subtlety wouldn't go a miss!" I replied.

"Wait, wait, boundary issues? What does that mean?" Asked Jim, sounding a little worried.

"Yes, what does 'boundary issues' mean?" Concern and ire lacing his voice.

"Umm…boundary issues...he nearly lost his job because he couldn't keep his hands to himself when I was about 19. It's all right, Mycroft saved the day, got his suspended for three months with no pay. He's always flirting with Angie too!" I said, knowing I'd dropped Angie in it.

"No he didn't." Doubted Sherlock.

"Sherlock, you wouldn't know flirting if it bit you in the leg. And the first time I met him, he tried to flirt a few times. Before you ask, Sherlock, it was when you were in Florida."

"He did Sherlock, I helped clear his desk. Angie's right, never doubt her!"

"He did what? Do I need to have words with this Anderson?" Cut in Jim, getting all-protective, I love him like that. I turned to Jim adding.

"No love, you don't need to talk to him, he's scared of Angie and Sherlock and Mycroft and me."

"And Gregg will keep him in line." Smiled Angie, we shared a knowing look.

"Who?" I rolled my eyes, Angie had mentioned before that Sherlock didn't know who Greg was.

"Lestrade. Greg Lestrade, that's his name. You'd think you'd know that by now!" Said Angie, exasperated at Sherlock again.

"He's good at controlling Anderson most of the time. It's that awful Donavon women I can't stand."

"Ah, Sally Donovan. The other knight in dear Jim's story." Everyone ignoring that last comment.

"Percy, How do you end up at Scotland Yard all the time?"

"I blame Mycroft, I'm his personal post lady."

"What, Mycroft can't afford to hire someone? Or does he not trust anyone else?"

"You're changing the subject."

"Shut up." I had to stifle a laugh, it was obvious that Angie was the one in charge.

"I don't know, I've worked with and for Mycroft since I left school." I shrugged, not really understanding the fuss.

"You left school when you were 16. Well you've always been unconventional, one of the many reasons I love you."

"Love you too darling. It was all freelance stuff, odd jobs here and there." I didn't see what Sherlock did, but it warranted Angie smacking him, again I had to stifle a laugh.

"Well, the main reason she got out of school so early is because she's so brilliant!"

"Aww thanks Ang!"

"Percy, you don't think...I mean, about the backdoor key...you don't think it might...Moran?" Asked Angie in a low voice. Her question joined all dots. It had to be him, who else would steal our backdoor key?

"It had crossed my mind. Seriously, I am going to kill him."

"Well said Angie, and so true." Added in Jim, looking at Angie. She looked as though she was about to bite back with something, but stopped as she met my gaze.

"Who's Moran?" Enquired Sherlock.

"No-one for you to worry about. He won't be a problem much longer." I snapped at Sherlock. I had a plan, it was going to work.

"Angie, who is he?" Asked Sherlock

"Don't ask me." If her body language didn't said leave it alone, her tone of voice did.

"You obviously know him based on your reaction." Apparently Sherlock was being more dense than normal and kept pushing the subject.

"Did you actually say hi to your brother?" Asked Angie,

"Don't change the subject. Angie, is he the one stalking you?" Demanded Sherlock.

"Sherlock, shut up and talk to Mycroft, now." I ordered my tone clipped. I had had enough of his behaviour already,

"Thanks, Percy." Mouthed Angie, the tension leaving her shoulders as Sherlock departed

"Your welcome sweetie." I mouthed back.

We put the food on the table as everyone entered the dining room, taking a seat next to Angie and Mycroft, serves him right for being an ass. I went to sit next to Jim, as I sat he stood up.

"Welcome everyone, I wanted to thank you all for coming tonight. We wanted to bring our friends and family together to celebrate our wedding. Percy agreed to marry me a little over a month ago, after nearly eight years together, and last Wednesday we finally got married. So please raise your glasses to my beautiful bride, and chef of our wonderful dinner. To Percy!" Everyone echoed his sentiment. I smiled and said.

"Help yourselves everyone, and enjoy."

The dinner went down a storm. I was surprised that Sherlock even ate, and had the good grace to only be mildly insulting; although he kept giving me odd looks throughout the meal. Conversation was amusing if a little tense in places. Especially when Issy commented on how Mycroft and Sherlock looked a like. I had to quash much laughter as Issy also described Angie and Sherlock meeting over there shared job as romantic. Everyone finished their food and let it settle before pudding, Jim helped me to clear the plates. I had baked mint chocolate cupcakes, chocolate cherry brownies and a vanilla and strawberry sponge cake. Luckily, everyone enjoyed the pudding most trying a bit of everything.

Everyone retired to the sitting room with tea and coffee whilst I started to put some of the plates in the dishwasher. I heard the music change to Florence and the Machine 'Dog Days are Over' and I couldn't help but start dancing and singing along. Jim came and joined me, also dancing and generally making me laugh so hard breathing was an issue.

Percy and Jim didn't notice Mycroft, Angie and Sherlock watching them as the messed around in the kitchen. It was obvious how in love they were; also seeing the world's only consulting criminal dance around his kitchen and get covered in soapsuds was rather surreal for all observers. They were happy, to Mycroft and Angie that was all that mattered. Sherlock wasn't convinced, he still felt betrayed by Percy and couldn't begin to trust Moriarty.