Well, this has been a long time coming and I do apologise for that. I have written this chapter three time! The first version had Arthur so traumatised by his experience that he was unable to resume his former life with Mycroft and the children, and it ended in a very sad farewell. The second had Mycroft and Arthur getting married by special licence at a registry office, with no family present and no big celebration. But I felt that both of those were kneejerk reactions and quite unsatisfactory. This is the third and final version of this scenario but I hope you agree it is the better of the three!

Epilogue

Arthur stood by the window in his room, looking out at the parkland that surrounded the Victorian mansion that housed the special government facility known as St Hugh's. He had been in residence there for two weeks – a very short stay compared to most of the in-patients but for Arthur it felt like a lifetime.

He had made progress. He was sleeping better and when the nightmares occurred he could deal with them. But he knew this was just a rehearsal for the real thing. It was easy to feel safe in this secure facility. Sherlock had proven it was possible to break out but, so far, no one had managed to break in or showed any inclination to do so. But this was not the real world. The real world was out there.

And that was the problem. It wasn't as if Arthur had been mugged in a dark alley, in a lonely place, in a dangerous part of the city. He had been taken in broad daylight, in a public park, in full view of dozens of eye witnesses. And not one of them had suspected a thing. 'Out there' was a dangerous place where bad things could happen.

Arthur was accustomed to danger. He had been in a war zone, after all. But in a war zone, he had known what he was up against and he had been prepared. In a city park, where people went to eat their lunch and meet with friends, how could one prepare for that? The thought of going back out there – back into the real world – was daunting, to say the least.

He had been visited by his mother and sisters, in the first week of his stay here. His father, they said, was too ashamed to come. Arthur wasn't sure how he felt about his father and was glad not to have to deal with all those conflicting emotions just yet. He was angry about the betrayal but he also blamed himself. The manner in which he had chosen to disclose his sexuality was rather abrupt and several years too late. He should have been braver sooner. His father would have either come to terms with the idea, by this time, or disowned him, long since. Either way, he would not have been vulnerable to Mick Robinson's insidious grooming.

Dr Matthews had taken the opportunity to speak with Josie, during the family's visit, to see how she was dealing with her own trauma but was satisfied that the young woman was coping extremely well. Josie had been primarily concerned for her brother's safety and to some extent this had shielded her from fearing for herself. A very effective coping mechanism, the doctor agreed.

Before they left to return home to Stalybridge, Arthur's sisters reminded him that they would be expecting wedding invitations in the not too distant future. He had smiled and given a non-committal shrug. That was a matter that still needed to be resolved.

Mycroft brought the children for a second visit and they all went for a walk in the parkland and through the woods. It was a lovely sunny day and the children were in high spirits at seeing Poppah again but, when it was time to go, Charlie was clingy and tearful.

'Be brave, Charlie. Poppah needs to get better and he can only do that by staying here for a while longer,' Mycroft explained, which made Arthur feel very guilty.

All their lives had been affected. Just a few short weeks ago, everything had been so good! Not perfect, of course, no one's life is perfect. But it was as though someone had taken that life and thrown it up in the air, like a pack of cards, for it to fall in disarray all around Arthur. To pick it all up and put it back into some sort of order had not been an easy task.

Today, however, was his final day at St Hughes. His bag was packed and he was ready to go home. He had asked to be discharged, against medical advice. He had been badly burned, Dr Matthews reminded him. He should take things a step at a time. But, so far as he was concerned, he had two choices. He could hide away like a frightened rabbit or he could confront his fears head on – step back into the fire. He chose the latter.

He pinched the bridge of his nose and rolled back against the wall, feeling the onset of a panic attack. He knew how to deal with those – he had practiced very hard. Eyes closed, he regulated his breathing and repeated the relaxation mantra in his head.

There was a gentle tap at the door but Arthur did not react, accustomed now to being monitored. The watchers would have noted his behaviour and sent a nurse to check that he was alright. That was all well and good but no one would come to his aid once he left here. He needed to take back control and get on with his life. Otherwise, Moran would have won – albeit a pyric victory because it would be a long time before he saw the outside of a prison again, charged as he was with the serious crimes of kidnap, murder and terrorism.

The door opened and someone came in. Arthur opened his eyes to reassure the person that he was OK but when he saw who it was he pushed off from the wall and strode across the carpeted floor. He met his visitor in the middle of the room and they embraced, each resting his head on the other's shoulder.

'I wasn't expecting you. I thought you'd be too busy,' Arthur exclaimed, when they eventually broke apart.

'I could never be too busy for you,' Mycroft replied, his sharp features softened by a gentle smile.

'Well, I'm all packed and ready,' Arthur assured him, inclining his head toward the travel bag by the door.

'Before we go, there's something that needs to be dealt with,' Mycroft announced and Arthur frowned, anticipating an interrogation. Was he sure he was ready to go home? Was this the best course of action to take at this point in his treatment? He had all his answers ready.

But he didn't need them.

Mycroft reached into his jacket pocket and took out a small velvet-covered box which Arthur recognised. Mycroft opened the box and showed the contents to Arthur, who gave a sharp intake of breath.

'You bought me another one!' he gasped, barely above a whisper.

'No, I got your one back,' Mycroft replied. 'When something so precious is stolen, one really has to get it back.'

He took the Claddagh ring out of the box, all cleaned and polished, with the special inscription around the band and, taking Arthur's hand in his, slipped it back onto the third finger of his right hand then lifted that hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to the fingers.

'Are you sure about this, Mycroft? Do you still want to marry me?' Arthur asked, still feeling the guilt of doubting his fiancé's integrity.

'My feelings have not changed, Arthur. If anything, I am more sure now than I was before. When I thought I might lose you, it was unbearable.'

Arthur glanced up at the hidden camera in the corner of the room, suddenly mindful of the watchers.

'Don't worry, my darling, I had them turned off before I came up here. This is a private matter between you and I,' Mycroft assured him.

'In that case, you won't mind my doing this, will you?' Arthur replied and pulled Mycroft into a warm, tender kiss which the other man returned with equal passion.

ooOoo

Sorry the wedding didn't happen yet but rest assured it will.

I'm taking a little break from writing now but will be back after the Festive Season with a whole new adventure.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!