A/N: Hello Everyone! So this popped up faster than I anticipated! Yay! Quick disclaimer, I don't own anything related to Sherlock or the BBC only dear Percy and Angie belongs to the every superb naturerocs. Thank you to those who follow and review the story!
Chapter 19 – Pictures Never Lie
I sat down in the living room with my laptop. I logged onto my e-mails then, of course, straight onto Facebook. I got the biggest shock; there at the top of my news feed was Angie and Moran, looking extremely close and glamorous.
"Oh my God! What is this?!" I exclaimed with shock. I saw the comment Angie had posted.
"Okay, I just want to note that I did NOT post this! I do not WANT it up, and I am currently trying to take it DOWN!"
Five minutes later the doorbell went. It was Angie. She looked a little dishevelled.
"Come in Ang. Sit down." As she came into the living room she flopped onto the sofa next to the laptop. She saw the screen and her face fell a little more.
"So you've seen it then?"
"Yep." I said simply.
"I don't know what to do." I felt bad for her, but I would be honest with her, this was disastrous.
"Do not let Sherlock see this." I said simply.
"I know! I keep trying to delete it but it won't go away! It's on my phone, too, won't delete off that either, and I even reformatted it! I think Moran's using one of Jim's computer viruses or something. I already contacted Facebook about it, seeing if they can take it down. I swear, I'm gonna kill him!" She was angry and hurt; understandably, this was a violation of her trust. Jim came in at the worst moment.
"My, my Angie, what a lovely couple you both make. Does Sherlock know about this?!" Said Jim perching on the arm of the sofa, his hand on my shoulder.
"Just shut up, Moriarty! Did you help him with this?!"
"Darling, make us some tea?" I asked, trying to diffuse the situation, I couldn't face a huge row. "I don't think Jim had anything to do with it, he isn't speaking to Moran, they've had a professional and personal falling out." I said after Jim had left the living room, he came back with three mugs of tea. Angie just looked at the mug of tea like it would bite her I stifled a giggle.
"As amusing as this is, Percy is right, I had no hand in it."
"What are you even doing here, Moriarty? I thought you'd left for a while.
"Finally in a place with Internet connection and thought I'd catch up with daily goings on at home, and there you are with Sebastian, looking all love up, what a scandal! I'm only winding you up Angie, relax."
Said Jim flippantly, although he ground out Moran's name.
"No, I won't relax around you. That was ten years ago. I did not put this up, Moran did, and I am doing my best to get the stupid thing down!"
"Jim try and behave, I know it's hard for you!" I said, kissing his cheek so he knew I was only joking. Ever since our rather mean argument we'd been treading on eggshells around each other.
"Sorry dear." Smirked back Jim.
"Play nice children, please?!" My plea didn't work.
"The only reason I believe that is because Percy told me, because I have no reason to believe you, Moriarty."
Snapped back Angie, she still hated Jim for so much and I didn't blame her. To break the tension between my best friend and my husband I focused the conversation back onto my brother.
"This is bad Angie, very bad. Sherlock is going to flip out. Oh Moran is in so much trouble." I was as annoyed as Angie; Moran was breaking into our lives and leaving a trail of devastation.
"I know, Percy! And with Harry's big mouth, he's probably gonna find out soon."
"Harry's staying with you?! When did that happen? Urgh poor you, I even feel sorry for Sherlock." I said shocked. Oh it must be like World War three over in Baker Street.
"Yeah, she just came today, and John's flat is still a mess, so she can't stay there, no money for a hotel, won't accept money for a hotel, can't go home, and John begged and I couldn't say no to him. It's been half an hour, and I already can't handle it."
"Sorry to say it Ang, but I really loathe Harry. She's so horrid."
"Don't feel sorry, I hate her, too. First thing she says to me is an insult, and then it doesn't stop."
"Well I'll insult her back, I'm not the timid little girl she bullied in Wales.
"I thought I'd be like that, too, but unfortunately it's not turning out like this. I just want to run and hide." As the word 'bullied' left my mouth I felt Jim stiffen next to me. He was so protective of me.
"Who is this Harry? I don't like the sound of her, why did she bully you Percy?"
"Harry is a woman that I'm unfortunate enough to be related to. She's my older sister."
Harry thought it was fun to torment me when I was school after Angie left. It was unpleasant and so I graduated early and left Wales to live with Mycroft, you know everything after that."
"Yeah, after I left, Harry didn't have anyone else to pick on, she got bored, and unfortunately, she takes her boredom out on people, not the wall."
Yes, she likes to burn stuff, preferably your school bag or your clothes. If she's in a good mood she'll only assassinate your character publicly, maybe throw water all over you in the middle of winter on your two mile walk home?! Simple childish things."
"Or burn your sketchbook, even though she knows how important it is to you, or push you into an icy pond, and yet somehow your parents still don't believe it's her because they think you're just a clumsy 13 year old. Oh, and then later on in life, it gets worse because she's becoming an alcoholic."
"She's truly a vile person. I remember when she started drinking, it was unpleasant."
"How dare she treat that you like that." Jim was getting angrier by the second; I could see the darkness creeping over him. I almost pitied Harry if she ever crossed Jim's path. "I think I'd like to meet this woman, maybe give her something to think about. Does she still do these things? Do you want me to stay Percy?"
"It's okay love, you have lots to sort out. I have Angie with me and I'll set Mycroft on her if she's too vile."
As bad as she is, and as much as I hate her, she is still family, and you are not to go anywhere near her, Moriarty."
"Don't worry Ang he's just being all protective, Jim won't do anything. Feel free to spend as much time here as you like." Jim left the living room as his phone started to ring. I turned to back to Angie and in a hushed voice told her with a smile.
"Jim will be gone after lunch, so it will be safe for you to come over more."
"Okay, thanks, Percy." She paused and took a deep breath.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but, wasn't there this whole big argument between us and him, and he left, and you two were boiling mad at each other?" I looked down, and thought about the huge talk we'd had. It had been so emotionally draining, but it had begun to heal the damage. There was a long way to go, but we would heal. Eventually I answered, my voice quiet."
"Umm...Maybe...We made up and talked through everything. Jim knows everything now so it's a little easier to cope with." Angie nodded and sighed as she spoke. Jim re-entered the living room, he'd changed into a suit and tie. I thought he looked gorgeous, but saw Angie suppress a shudder; the image of him as Moriarty and not Jim was too much of a reminder of his criminal activities for her.
"I'm off Percy, my flight's at 4. Bye Angie."
"Moriarty." Was Angie's stiff response. I stood up and went into the hallway with Jim.
"Goodbye love. Stay safe." I said into his neck as we embraced. Jim held me tight to him.
"For you, always. Will try and stay out of trouble?" Jim asked.
"I promise." I really would try.
"Good. I love you Percy." Jim kissed me, a kiss filled with passion and love.
"Love you too. Text me when you land." I kissed Jim once more on the cheek and waved him off. I was going to miss him; he would be away for two weeks at least. I hoped he cleared up whatever had gone wrong soon. I turned and walked back into the living room.
"Well, at least your relationship's working out." Sighed Angie, looking a little glum.
"Its not always sunshine and roses as you witnessed, its a bit messed up at the moment, its almost too nice?!" I replied, it was going good, but we both trying so hard not to upset the other person; it wasn't normal.
"Well, it's got to be better than what I'm going through with Sherlock." My mood darkened, what had my idiot brother done now. I was going to beat some sense into him if I had to.
"He said he doesn't want kids." At Angie's words my heart broke for her. Sherlock said the worst thing possible. I knew how badly Angie wanted children; she'd be a wonderful mother one day. Angie explained what happened.
She had just come back from doing the shopping and was carrying bags of groceries into the kitchen while trying not to trip over Toby.
Sherlock glanced up from his book. "Halloween's coming up."
Angie glanced at him as she started putting the food away, and smirked. "Yeah. Don't tell me you actually do something for that? Of all the holidays to celebrate..."
"No, I'm just saying to make sure the front light outside isn't on so we don't get any..." He made a face, "trick-or-treaters."
Angie looked at him. "What, you get nervous around kids?"
He frowned at her. "No. Children are a bother, meaning I would never bother having any."
Angie's smile faded, and she just stared at him. She hadn't known what to say to that, so she just locked herself in her room the rest of the day.
"Oh I'm sorry sweetie. Do you want me to talk to him?"
"No offense, but I think that'll make it worse. It just aggravates me HOW he said it. He said, and I quote, 'that kids are a bother', meaning that he would never bother having kids. I just want to strangle him right now!" I was so sad for my friend and raging at my brother.
"It's fine. I'm so sorry Ang; he's the world's biggest idiot!"
Not the biggest idiot. She's cussing out the TV in my flat right now.
Oh her, yes, I had almost forgotten she existed! I'm going to hit Sherlock next time I see him.
"Right now, I wish she didn't. It won't do him any good, even if it's in the head. Do you mind if I just stay over here for a bit? I don't think I can go back home yet."
"Of course. You have a room whenever you need. Just make yourself at home. I am so angry with my brother."
Honestly, I'm mad at mine, too. I mean, is he crazy thinking that Harry staying with me was a good idea?!"
"Argh! Stupid boys! I don't know if I can come over to yours, I will try and kill both Harry and Sherlock. They are both annoying. John knows how badly you two get on. He should have to deal with Harry."
"I'm thinking he's trying to get us to make amends. Which is never going to happen.
I know she's your sister, but she was so horrible to you growing up. I can't forgive her, I don't know about you?!"
"There's no reason to forgive her. I don't plan to any time soon."
"Understandable." I replied.
We sat in silence for a few minutes. Suddenly, Angie stood up and put her coat on.
"Come on."
I looked at her, confused. "Where are we going?"
Angie smiled. "I'm going to introduce you to your mother."
My eyes widened, excitement bubbling inside of me. I jumped up and grabbed her coat, and we left the house. Angie hailed a cab, and we headed out to Surrey, just outside of London.
I nervously played with her fingers; the excitement had dulled in to anxiety. "I'm nervous."
Angie smiled. "There's nothing to be nervous about."
"Yeah, well, I'm still nervous." How could I not be? I was going to meet the woman who had given birth to me. What if she hated me? After a while, we pulled up to a huge mansion. This house was incredible, like the fairy tale house I'd always wanted to explore and lay in as a child. Angie double-checked the address, although, considering how the Holmes brothers were, especially Mycroft, it was already obvious they came from a very wealthy family. We got out and, I paid the driver, and we stared up at the mansion. My mouth dropped open.
"It's practically a palace!" I exclaimed. I was in awe of the house, but slightly intimidated. We looked at each other and went up to the door and rang the bell. A few minutes later, a butler answered the door.
"May I help you?" Asked the butler, looking down his nose at us.
Angie smiled. "Yes, we're here to see Lady Holmes."
"May I ask who's calling?" Again, a note of disdain in his voice.
"Angie Watson, I am…was dating her son, Sherlock." Angie hesitated as she spoke. The butler glanced at me, looking me up and down like I was unworthy. I managed a nervous smile.
"And a friend." I added lightly.
The butler nodded. "You may wait in the hall."
Angie smiled. "Thank you."
We walked in, and were even more amazed at the inside of the house.
Angie lowered her voice as the butler walked away.
"And I thought your house was big!"
I nodded, agreeing with her, as I stared at the intricate woodwork.
"So did I." Everything I was so beautiful.
A few minutes later, the butler came out of a nearby room.
"Lady Holmes will see you now."
We walked into a parlour that looked like it was straight out of Pride & Prejudice. I never wanted to leave this magical place.
Lady Holmes smiled as she rose. I was so scared; I wanted her to like me so much. I could see the resemblance between Sherlock and his, our Mother. Mycroft obviously took more after his, our, Father.
"Hello, Miss Watson." Greeted Lady Holmes.
Angie smiled as she shook her hand. "Please, call me Angie."
"Well, then you can call me Adelaide. Who is this?" She looked at me with that same hawk like stare that both Mycroft and Sherlock had, and smiled at me.
I returned her smile nervously.
"I'm Percy."
"Nice to meet you, Percy."
"You too."
I couldn't look away from Lady Holmes, she was such a beautiful woman and so elegant. I was stood in font of my mother, my real biological mother, it wasn't a story or a dream it was real. She had that feeling of old and ingrained wealth, but a kind heart. I could tell she was a sharp as a whip and took no nonsense, but she was loving and warm. I couldn't speak; my mind was so full of wonder and random questions, like what her favourite sandwich was? We sat down, and Adelaide smiled at us.
"Have you had lunch? I could have some tea brought in."
Angie smiled. "No, thank you, we're fine."
"Well, then, what brings you round today, Angie?"
We glanced at each other.
"Um, first of all, has Mycroft told you anything about what's happened recently?" Asked Angie, delicately. Adelaide smiled.
"You mean about Sherlock? Yes, I finally worked it out of him. Those boys tell me nothing. Sherlock actually told you, then?"
"Yeah, well, sort of. I kind of had to find out for myself."
Adelaide shook her head and sighed.
"I don't know where that boy's manners have gone."
Angie frowned a little. "Yeah, well...but, as glad as I am that you actually know that, that's not what I'm talking about."
Adelaide frowned. "I'm not sure I know what you mean."
Angie glanced at me, I was so nervous and all this dodging around the topic was making me more nervous so I decided to just come out with it.
"Um, I was adopted. And I never met my real parents, but I recently found out who they are, and that my mum had to give me up, and...Mycroft's known my dad...my adoptive dad, for years, so I'm really close to him, and he helped me get everything straightened out as to my real name. And before I got married recently..."
Adelaide smiled. "Oh, yes, I could tell, congratulations."
We stared at her in shock for a minute; apparently the mother had the same skills the rest of the family had. I smiled and continued, still rushing my words.
"Uh, thank you. Anyway, before I got married, Mycroft helped me switch to my birth name, my real name..." I looked at Adelaide and faltered, suddenly saying it didn't seem such a good idea. Angie gave me a little nudge and an encouraging smile. I glanced back at Adelaide.
"Uh, anyway, so then my name was...Persephone Elizabeth...Holmes."
Adelaide looked at her for a minute. Angie and I glanced at each other, not knowing what to do. Finally, Adelaide smiled at me.
"Persephone...yes, Mycroft's told me all about you, dear. Oh, I'm so glad we finally get to meet." I smiled, relieved that her reaction was positive.
Adelaide smiled and took my hands. "Oh, look at you, you're beautiful!"
I smiled. "Thank you. I'm sure I take after you."
Adelaide laughed. "Oh, you're sweet. I tried to get Mycroft to bring you by before, but he said he was too busy. Quite frankly, I think he's gotten a bit too big in the British government."
Angie smiled. "Sherlock says he is the British government."
Adelaide laughed. "Probably. Though, the boys have never got on well with each other. And holiday dinners..." We all winced; I could imagine how awkward they could be.
A nearby door opened, and there were voices, one of which was Mycroft's.
Adelaide looked up.
"Oh, speaking of which. I'll ring for the butler to send him in."
Angie stood up. "Oh, don't worry about it. I'll get him." She smiled. "Give you two a chance to catch up."
Adelaide and I smiled at Angie.
"Tell me about yourself Percy, Mycroft tells me nothing useful."
"I don't know where to start. Um…I left school at sixteen, I took my exams early, and went to live with Mycroft for a while and when I was old enough I went to Art College and studied costume design and met my now husband at a college exhibition. I've been with James for nearly eight years, and we've been married for about a month."
"Lovely, what about your life before, were you happy?"
"Yes, I had a wonderful childhood and lived all over when Dad was still in the Army, Mum was a history teacher. They loved and cherished me."
"I'm so glad." Adelaide paused, and met my gaze. "I never wanted to give you up. The moment I knew I was pregnant I loved you. When I lay eyes on you I wanted to keep you so badly. I think the boys would've liked a sister. Sadly I had to give you up, Lord Holmes wasn't an affectionate man, and he desired only sons to carry on the family name and business. Neither of the boys followed him into banking." She had a sad smile on her face. I couldn't stop the tears that fell.
"I always wanted to find you when I was little, Sherlock and Angie helped me find you. Sherlock worked it out from the locket." I sniffed.
"Come here dear, you are so welcome in this family. I want us to get to know each other." Adelaide pulled me into a tight hug and we sniffed our tears back together. The questions that had followed me throughout my life were finally going to be answered, my biological family wanted me, and they loved me too. I was so happy.
"Now, let's stop these tears, I have something to show you." She walked over to the bookshelves and brought our three large albums. Inside were so many picture of the family, but best of all were the pictures of Sherlock and Mycroft growing up. Before long we were both laughing as Adelaide told me the story behind each photograph.
"Oh that sounds like Angie and Mycroft, she has to see this picture of Sherlock." I beamed.
I leaned out the parlour door, smiling.
"Angie, you've got to get in here!" I saw my brothers and my smile widened.
"Oh, hello." I laughed. "Seriously, Angie, you've got to get in here!"
Angie glanced at Sherlock, and walked back into the parlour.
Sherlock frowned. "What are they doing here?"
Mycroft shot him a look. "How would I know?"
"Oh, you don't spy on them?"
"Percy has already scolded me for that, and considering John's reaction to my following him, I didn't want to encroach on Angie's privacy."
Sherlock smirked. "Basically, you were afraid they'd get mad at you."
Mycroft glared at him. "I'm not scared. I've spied on people far more dangerous, and deadly. I simply have certain moral boundaries preventing me from spying on innocent young women."
"Since when are either of them innocent? You know what kind of lives they have, you know what kind of things they've had to see."
Mycroft looked at them. "Fine. I don't spy on them for the same reason why you won't tell Angie what you're doing."
Sherlock looked at him. "You won't spy on them for their safety?"
Mycroft smiled. "Hardly."
Sherlock just looked at him as Mycroft headed for the parlour, and followed.
The boys frowned as they walked in on Percy and Angie laughing as they were looking through a photo album.
Sherlock frowned. "Oh god, please no."
Adelaide smiled at them. "Hello, boys. Sherlock, were you really going to come here and leave without even seeing me?"
Sherlock walked over and kissed her on her cheek. "Hello, mother."
"You know, you gave me quite a fright a few months back, and dear Angie. Making us all think you were dead. Shame on you."
He frowned as he stood next to her chair. "I apologise."
Angie looked up and smirked. "Has he always apologised this much?"
Mycroft smirked at Sherlock. "Not until you came into his life, Miss Watson."
Adelaide smiled at Angie. "Very admirable if you can affect Sherlock."
Angie and Sherlock glanced at each other.
Adelaide smiled at me. "You said you were married?"
I smiled, thinking of Jim, I wish he could be here. "Yes."
"And just who is my new son-in-law?"
The one question I couldn't answer, how do you tell a woman her son-in-law tried to kill her other two children and also her child's girlfriend and his best friend? That even sounded bad in my head. The four of us glanced at each other. I managed a smile.
"Uh, he's a...businessman. He's away on one of his business trips right now."
"Well, that's nice."
Angie looked down and bit her tongue.
Adelaide smiled. "So does this mean that I'll be getting my first grandchild from you?"
Her question floored me I had to be strong. I frowned, this would confuse Sherlock and Mycroft, but they can be dealt with later.
"I can't have children. I had some...trauma when I was a teenager."
Adelaide frowned. "Oh, I'm so sorry."
I shook her head. "It's nothing. It's fine."
Adelaide nodded, not sure what to say. I looked down, not able to meet they eyes of those around me. As I focused on the album in front of me a particularly young Mycroft caught my attention, I couldn't control the giggle that escaped.
The picture was of a very, very young Mycroft, looking as debonair as ever.
Mycroft frowned. "The baby photos? Really, Mother?" Mycroft sounded exasperated and a little embarrassed. Adelaide just smiled, and Sherlock chuckled.
Angie smiled at Sherlock.
"Don't laugh, Sherlock. Your mother was very kind and gave me a few photos to take home."
Sherlock frowned he was confused. "Why would you want pictures of Mycroft?"
Angie sat back and smirked. "Not Mycroft. You." He frowned; he knew he hadn't heard the end of this.
I laughed evilly. "I love looking at other people's baby pictures."
Angie smirked at her. "I have some of yours, too."
I looked at her and grinned as I said. "And I have some of yours."
Angie went back to the photo album, blushing. "Anyway..." tailed off Angie as I laughed harder.
Sherlock glanced at Angie, looking slightly perturbed and he then glared at Mycroft, and walked out. I frowned as he left, then stood up. I had a bone to pick with my brother. "Um, I think I'll call Jim, make sure he got there alright."
Angie looked at her watch. "He said his flight was at 4, didn't he?" I wish she wasn't so observant sometimes.
I glanced at a nearby clock. It was only 3:30.
"Oh. Yeah, well, make sure he got to the airport alright, talk to him one more time before he leaves." I smiled and walked out, ignoring the look of confusion on Angie's face.
I pulled Sherlock by the arm into the study he'd been in with Mycroft. I shut the door and turned on my brother. I was annoyed with him.
"You are the world's biggest idiot! Seriously, do you not have a heart?! You have no idea how much trouble you are in." I spat out.
"What are you mad at me for now?!" He sounded bored. I was annoyed for the very reason he gets annoyed with ordinary people, he was the one being dense.
I'm annoyed because you have no brain and the emotional capability of a dead fish. So the usual, oh and you upset Angie."
"What do you mean I upset her? How?" He seemed to be slightly worried, and confused by my statement.
"Your comment about not wanting children. Do you have any idea what that means to Angie? You are so thick sometimes!"
"I didn't mean to hurt her. I simply stated a fact. With my life, it would be dangerous. An enemy could use that child against me; they could end up getting hurt. It's already dangerous enough to be involved with Angie, but it would be wrong to put an innocent child into that situation. Angie should know that, she's just too emotionally compromised to see logic."
"Well you did hurt her. I understand your fears, of course I do, but you assume that your grand sweeping statements of emotionless disdain are what's best for both you and Angie. You now share your life with another person, you have to let her in, and it's not all about you. You are just using your job as an excuse. I know you think I'm the enemy and not like you, but I really am, I have days where I don't want to talk and my brain whirs round driving me insane, but I learnt to temper my deductions, I beat my addiction, I learnt to be more social, I learnt that love isn't all bad. You can do it Sherlock and for the sake of our family you WILL do it."
"No, Percy, I won't. I know you're going to get mad at me for this, but I can't. Please, just believe me..." Sherlock paused; he actually looked tired, defeated. My ire settled a little at the lost expression on his face. Sadly the next words out of his mouth refueled my anger.
"And...in the upcoming months...make sure you stay close to Angie. She's going to need you."
"I won't, I can't believe you, and I know you are capable of love and compassion, you need to let Angie see that. She loves you so much, Sherlock. Don't you disappear on her again, she genuinely thought you were dead, don't make her go through that for a second time. Sherlock don't do this to Angie, please, she needs you. Hell, I need you. I don't want you to get hurt. I don't want my brother to get killed."
"I'll be fine. I just need to take care of a few things. I promise I'll come back. But I can't afford to get Angie, or you, or anyone else involved. It would endanger my plans, and more importantly, her. I am doing this for her own good, whether any of you want to believe that or not."
"It is never for our own good, you're going to do something rash and stupid. Why won't you listen to me?!"
"Alright, since you're so stubborn! I have to take care of a few...messes, which were ultimately cause by your dear husband. I had already started doing this before, but then I heard about my look-a-like hanging around Angie, so I came back to take care of that, and then she found me and made me come back home. But I still need to take care of those problems. And I can't risk getting Angie involved, so I need to do this so...it'll be easier to leave."
"Well on the flip side, you're causing more problems than I'd like to deal with. Thanks to you, my dear husband is never home and you constantly upset my best friend." I ranted; he said nothing as I looked at him.
"Sherlock, I can't stop some of these people, how are you going to do it?! You didn't answer my question, why aren't you listening, to me. I know these criminals; I know what they can do. Please leave it alone you will get yourself killed."
"It's not my fault you married a criminal. And I'll be fine. I have my ways. And I am listening to you, and I'm trying to explain it to you, you're the one not listening. I've already taken care of quite a few I'll be fine.
"I am listening, I want you safe. I'm not blaming you for my choice of husband. Your ways nearly got you killed once before, you had to fake your own death."
"Again, that was your dear husband's fault. I've taken extensive precautions, and that's why I need to leave for a while. You can be mad at me for this all you like, but I swear, you had better not tell Angie."
"I won't tell Angie, but you if return with one hair out of place, you deal with me. Try not to kill my husband either, I know you hate him, but for me I ask that you don't. I'm still angry with you. Whilst you're away you need to think long and hard about how you are going to propose to Angie and how you will love her forever. I'm deadly serious Sherlock; stay safe.
"I will." A short reply, but I knew he wouldn't break his word.
"Good." Our argument halted at least he might do half of what I'd asked? He had to marry Angie to keep her safe, I wasn't going to be around forever and I needed Sherlock to be back and in one peace to keep Angie strong. I thought about my plans. I never wanted to implement them, but I had a growing sense of dread lately that maybe soon I would have to. It would hurt so many people.
Sherlock and I kept staring at each other, and only broke our gaze when Angie entered the room. She knew something was up. I really didn't want to lie to her. Sherlock swept passed, pausing in the doorway as he looked back at Angie, sadness in hi eyes. In that moment I understood. Sherlock really did care about Angie, he loved her but he was scared. That moment of emotional vulnerability let me see my brother as a man in love and not the sociopathic detective.
"What...what are you two talking about?"
"Nothing sweetie, just some sibling rivalry." I lied, smiling at Sherlock.
"Alright, just...don't start arguing again." Angie looked at us both with a warning in her voice.
"Speaking of sibling rivalry, I need to go and speak with Mycroft."
"Remember what I said Sherlock." I met Sherlock's eyes.
"Alright." Said Angie as Sherlock left room; she lowered her voice in case either of my brothers was in earshot.
"Percy, are you crazy?!" She hissed at me
"Oh you heard? Sorry, but I'm not crazy Ang."
"Will you stop trying to get me and Sherlock married?! It's never gonna happen!"
"It so will, just trust me. I just want to see my family happy and that includes you." I thought back to my plans, to Sherlock's plans. A lot was going to go wrong very soon, I could feel it.
"You do realise this is Sherlock we're talking about?"
"Yes, but just trust me!"
"What were you really talking about?" The million pound question that I couldn't answer.
"Sherlock proposing to you. Me telling him off for being male, you know the usual. Nothing of consequence." It wasn't totally a lie, just not the truth either.
"Are you sure that's all?"
"Yes, now stop worrying. Lets go find out embarrassing stories about the boys!" I tried to leave the room before Angie asked any more questions, but she grabbed my hand and stopped me.
"Just hold on! Percy, I've got enough people keeping things from me, I don't need you lying to me, too." I knew she was hurt; Sherlock was tough to deal with at the moment.
"I'm not lying to. I was giving Sherlock my strongly worded opinion on the fact that he needs to show you more affection and make an honest woman out of you. That's all, I promise."
"Percy, if you're keeping something from me...wait, what do mean make an honest woman of me?!" Wrong choice of words, I needed to back pedal and fast and lie better.
"I'm not keeping anything from you. I mean that Sherlock needs to get his act together and marry you and stop denying the fact he loves you back."
"I appreciate this, Percy, but please, just let us deal with it. Please?"
"Okay, I'll drop it." I'm glad Angie wanted to subject dropped. This was going to be harder than I imagined.
"Thank you." Replied Angie.
We walked back into the palour to find Sherlock and Mycroft looking rather uncomfortable as Adelaide poured tea and declared it was time for some family tales.
After a blissful afternoon and interesting family dinner at Holmes Manor we all headed back to London, again an awkward Taxi ride. Sherlock and Mycroft really knew how to sour an atmosphere when in the same room or confined space together. I personally thought it was hilarious, they really liked to torment each other for no reason and they both got all pouty when either Angie or I sided against the other in the constant sniping. If arguing were an Olympic sport they would get gold.
We arrived at Baker Street and Mycroft continued in the taxi alone back to his home in West London.
"Fancy a cup of tea before you go home?" Asked Angie.
"Please. I'm not looking forward to being in that huge house on my own. I hate it when Jim's away."
"We're only round the corner and you're not too dull."
"That's 'Sherlock' for come over anytime."
'Thanks." I said with a smile, Sherlock really did have an odd way of showing affection.
Sherlock opened the front door and we all trooped up the stairs, Sherlock was being surprisingly pleasant and I had had the most wonderful day meeting Lady Holmes, my birth mother. She was everything I had hoped for and more. I couldn't wait to get to know her better and be part of her family. We were all happy and content for the time being, but the sight that met us shattered that. Harry. Passed out on the sofa, drooling and exposing more skin than was decent. The room stank of booze and lying on the floor next to her was three empty wine bottles and spilled fourth.
I felt so sorry for Angie. This was the last thing she needed at the moment and I could see both her and Sherlock getting angry. Sherlock would inevitably storm out in a foul mood leaving Angie alone; not two minutes later he swept by muttering and slamming the doors. I'd stay with her, help her get Harry to bed, as we'd done as teenagers so her parents didn't find out. This was about to be a very long night.