Chapter Text
From the moment that the plane took off carrying Sherlock away forever then back to him things had changed for John. Emotions and realizations shifted into place. When Sherlock disembarked from that hateful plane the game had been on, again. They immediately started the hunt for Moriarty, again. The trio along with Mycroft had gone to Baker Street to review the information they had. John had instantly been sucked in. He remained continuously at the detective's side to the point of being neglectful toward Mary. Her due date was fast approaching with little headway in the case of Moriarty's return. Though it was starting to appear as if it may have been a hoax of some sort. At the very least Moriarty was not a continued threat. The good doctor spent more nights than not in Baker Street. He had to admit, even if only to himself and barely then, that being with Sherlock and in Baker St felt more right and like home than anything he'd experience thus far. That included his flat with Mary, you know his wife. That was a bit not good he knew but there was nothing for it.
Time marched on. It seemed that Moriarty was actually Mycroft. He had had his people create the video and Anthea(or whatever her name was this week) to ensure it's broadcast at the proper moment. it wouldn't do to tell Sherlock or I of the fact however. God forbid. Though I suppose to an extent it makes sense. It couldn't be too obvious that Moriarty's return was faked or revealed too soon. Otherwise Sherlock would have been shipped off anyway. So seeing as he got Sherlock back and for good I wont beat him to a bloody pulp for being a colossal prick. I have my best friend and that's enough. Sherlock has been able to finally relax after what seems like ages. His post case burn out has lasted much longer than usual. As if the thought that all his effort and sacrifice being for naught and drained him to his core. That he is still trying to pull himself back together from the shock of it. There has been much more sleeping and lazing about in 221B than was seen before. I can't say I dislike this docile Sherlock. It's nice to be able to spend time with him without Sherlock flitting around the flat like a hyper 2 year old. We watched telly. I have even been able to catch him up on pop culture shows and movies! It's bloody amazing. He eats. We have had more meals together at this point than i can count. All good things come to an end however. One evening in the mist of our dinner my mobile rang. I glanced at the display to see Mary's name blinking at me. "Hello? Mary is everything alright?" "John! it's time! The babies coming!" "Time?! Are you sure...? I..I mean...have you called an ambulance? Do I need to come drive you?" "Yes. No. I'm having them take me to Bart's. Oh I hear the ambulance. See you." "Yes! Right! See you." I clicked off. I wanted to get up and rush out the door. I wanted to celebrate with Sherlock and see if he would even go to hospital with me. But I couldn't seem to move. Everything seemed to hit me like an elephant on my chest. In a matter of hours I'll be a father. I'll be responsible for another person, a tiny, helpless person. It's all well and good parenting a consulting detective. An actual baby is another matter. I seemed to be lost in the abyss of my self doubt for hours but as it turned out it was only a minute or so. Then I heard, "John? Aren't you supposed to be leaving? Mary is in labor, correct?" That brought me round. I gave a start then turned to my friend. "Come with me? You're about to become an uncle after all", I said with a good natured grin. It earned me a dark glare in return. But after a few moment and a long suffering sigh Sherlock said "Right. Give me a few moments to dress and I'll accompany you. But! If my brain rots from boredom I'm holding you accountable!" I couldn't help it I laughed. Long, loud and hard. I'm to be a father!
Well this is tedious. How long do I have in this horrible room? Is this shade of white meant to be soothing? Honestly? The detective sat in the maternity ward waiting room. John was in with Mary but had promised to come fetch him soon. He had wanted to see what was going on and be sure Mary was up for company, especially that of the Sherlockian variety. That left Sherlock to wait. He got out his phone and began to tap away. After what seemed like hours the doctor appeared again. A raised eyebrow and slight tilt of the head the only response to his appearance. "Yes. Everything's fine with Mary. Thanks for asking." John chuckled softly. "Well come on then Mary's waiting."
Sherlock follows John into the room. Mary looks reasonably well under the circumstances. "Hello Sherlock. Come for the festivities?" The detective's face contorts in confusion for a moment. There will be festivities after the birth? John laughs. "It's humor Sherlock. You know what humor is, yes?" A glare now. "Obviously." With a huff Sherlock sank into the nearest chair. After a few moments of waiting Sherlock said, "Well what are we waiting for? Get on with it." Both Mary and John turned to Sherlock with aggravated frowns. He shrunk back in his chair slightly. "These things take time. I've got a while to go yet." Mary told him. "Then why am I here John?" John gave an exasperated sigh. "For godsake Sherlock! Just behave for once. Honestly!" Having been thus chastised Sherlock slumped into his chair further and proceeded to simple observe. To take in this experience. It is unlikely he will ever have another like it. This is his pseudo niece(or perhaps nephew) after all. There may even be something to learn here as well.
Time ticked away. Sherlock grew restless. John wasn't much of a distraction. He was too focused on Mary. Labor progressed somewhat slowly. Eventually Sherlock couldn't stand it any longer. "I'm going for a walk. Text me when something interesting happens." With that he strode out of the hospital room then the entire hospital. He thought about simply going back to Baker Street but decided to turn around and go to the lab instead. When he reached the lab Sherlock found he was alone. It took a few moments of thought to decide on an experiment to perform. Soon enough the detective was absorbed in his work. Meanwhile John was supporting and coaching Mary through her labor. It was several more hours before anything happened. But eventually it was time for Mary to push. John encouraging and comforting Mary all the while. After a few strong pushes Mary gave birth to a healthy baby girl. John was overjoyed. He had a daughter! A little precious girl! Baby Watson had a tuff of dark hair on her head and brown eyes. The doctor passed the baby to Mary. She cried as she held her. She and John shared a loving awed look. They were parents. They basked in the glow of the birth for a while longer before John recalled Sherlock. With a gasp he said, "Oh! I need to tell Sherlock! We're parents! We've got a little girl! I'll be just a moment love." Rushing from the room John took out his mobile and phoned his friend. It took several rings for Sherlock to pick up. "Is the baby here?" was the detective's form of greeting. "Yeah! She's here! I'm a dad! I...I can't believe it! My daughter......." John's excitement was palpable. It bled into Sherlock somewhat and he found himself smiling slightly. "That's wonderful John.......Should I come back...or?" Now that the moment had arrived the detective felt a bit apprehensive. This was a family moment. A family he wasn't a part of. He didn't belong. Perhaps now John would see that? Before Sherlock could go too far down that rabbit hole he's fears were abated with John's answer. "Of course you git! You're her godfather. You better come meet her you idiot!" came the good natured answer. On a relieved sigh Sherlock informed John he would be there shortly. Ending the call he started to dismantle his experiment. As he tiddied up he found himself becoming a bit giddy. Godfather John had said. Godfather! What was the man thinking! Ah well. John has always been strange.
Within a few minutes the detective found himself outside Mary's room once again. This time to meet his, what? His goddaughter? Niece? Something in between? No matter there was time to consider that later. Now to congratulate John. Lifting a hand he knocked on the door. John called out to him to come in. "Hello again John. Mary." Sherlock's eyes sought out the tiny form in Mary's arms. It was mostly concealed by the swaddling blanket. "Well come on then! Get over here and meet her!" It took only three short strides to reach the bedside. Mary beamed at him, turned the baby towards him and pulled down the blanket. When the baby was revealed Sherlock couldn't stop his eyes from widening quite noticeably. Those keen eyes known for seeing what no one else can bounced between John Mary and the baby seemingly without end. This wasn't right. It...No it couldn't be. He couldn't be seeing this. He was wrong this time. Just this once. He had to be! Had to be! He couldn't....He can't do that to John. To his friend. His BEST friend! As these thoughts raced through his head Sherlock heard John's voice. "Sherlock? Sherlock? Are you alright? What's? What's wrong? Sherlock? it's getting scary now. Answer me please." Shaking himself Sherlock returned to the present. "Ah. Uh congratulations John. She's lovely I'm sure. Well I think I'll head back to Baker St now. Goodbye John. Mary." A sharp nod had Sherlock spinning on a heel out of the room. John stood dumbstruck. What had just happened? What did I miss? It only took a couple seconds for him to get his bearings and head after Sherlock. Dashing down the hall he saw a telltale black coat tale trail around a corner. With a burst of speed reminiscent of the chases they tend to engage in John rounded the corner and called out to the detective. "Sherlock! Sherlock! Wait!"
Hearing his blogger's voice Sherlock felt cold dread run down his spine. He didn't want to stop. He didn't want to turn around. To face John. But he had little choice. John deserved answers. He deserved to know. Slowing to a stop Sherlock turned to face him. "John?" he said with a raised eyebrow. "Don't give me that crap Sherlock! You know why I came after you. What was all that about just now?! What was that look?! That was your deduction face. Talk. Now." He had taken his captain stance radiating authority. it set Sherlock's nerves a bit on edge. He really did not want to answer but John was not giving him much choice. "John I,....perhaps we should...discuss this at a later date?" he tried. "You're not getting out of this Sherlock. Talk or so help me..." A bone weary sigh escaped the man in front of John. "You're not going to like what I have to say John. Are you sure you wish me to continue?" "When do I ever like it when you deduce me? Out with it." A deep breath then, "John. You are a doctor. I may refer to you as an idiot at times but even you should realize that the odds are nearly astronomical for a blonde blue eyed man and woman to produce a dark hair dark eyed child. I had thought her reaction to my deduction at the wedding was strange. She did not simply seem shocked at the news but afraid. Odd dont you think? Why would a woman react that way to finding out she's pregnant at her wedding of all times? She wouldn't. Now, however, it makes sense. Now I understand. She suspected even then John. I'm sorry."
There seemed to be no air in this hallway. Why is there no air? Why can't I breathe? What is Sherlock telling me? Why is he telling me this?! Why now?! I can't....I dont understand. What's happening? John's hands had begun to shake. He brought them up to his face and let out a shuddering gasp. At that moment his legs started to give way. Sherlock reached out to steady him. John's head landed on his friend's shoulder as he continued to try to breathe in the seemingly oxygenless hall. Sherlock fully supported John and eased them down to the floor. He held the doctor in his arms as his world crashed down around him.