Another Cinderella Story (Sherlock fanfiction)

Chapter 17

A week had gone by, the press finally leaving the couple alone after Mycroft came, along with some cops. Mycroft had told them to leave, and in return, Sherlock and Melody would be interviewed live in what they chose. Sherlock, was obviously annoyed at what Mycroft did, but was glad the press was gone. Now he could continue his case.
Sherlock had went and visited Lestrade at Scotland Yard, after dropping Melody off at her home. Sherlock was reluctant bringing her there, but finally gave in when she pulled puppy dog eyes at him. It was the most adorable thing he had ever seen her do, close to when she's sleeping peacefully.
"Are you sure about going in there?" Sherlock had asked her, glancing at the house warily.
"Sherlock, this is my childhood home, that my family has been living in for years." she said gently, staring at the house with sadness. "This home needs a bit of love now, since my step-sisters and mother don't care about this place."
"Okay." he sighed in defeat, hesitantly placing a kiss on her forehead, trying to get used to physical touch. "You know where to find me."
"Of course." Melody smiled, kissing his cheek quickly before hopping out of the cab. The cab driver had chuckled, mumbling, "Ah, love these days. You barely see something pure like this."
Sherlock had ignored him, waiting to be driven to Scotland Yard.
***
"Hey Sherlock." Lestrade greeted Sherlock, eating a doughnut. "How's the missus?"
"She's fine." Sherlock said absentmindedly, making Lestrade chuckle at how distracted Sherlock was, who didn't pick up the fact that Lestrade just called Melody Sherlock's wife. "I need you to bring me the files on Melody's father's death."
"Yeah, sure." Lestrade nodded. "Why?"
"We think he's been murdered."
"But Sherlock, this happened years ago -"
"Yet you still remember it?"
"Of course I do!" Lestrade exclaimed. "Her father was the most kindest man I have ever heard of in the department, along with his wife." Lestrade gave Sherlock a sad smile. "Her parents were brave people, you know. They were lawyer and cop. Father being the lawyer, mother being the cop."
"Why are you telling me this now?" Sherlock asked with narrowed eyes.
"Dunno." he shrugged, wiping his hands on his pants. "Probably because you never told me you were on this case 'till now."
"Just get the files." Sherlock said, walking out of the office. "I need to solve this case."
***
Melody opened the door quietly, to be met with silence. She hesitantly walked deeper into the house, spotting a note on the dining table.

Melody,
I know you're coming today, so I expect you to get back to the chores while your sisters and I are on a holiday for a week. The list of chores is on the fridge.
You better finish them before we come back, you wench.
-Sarah

Melody sighed in relief that they were gone, only to frown towards the fridge. She spotted the list and noticed how big the list was. "She's really giving revenge on me now." she muttered, ripping the list off the fridge. "Oh well," she sighed, bringing her hair into a messy bun, "might as well start now."
And so she started cleaning the house. . .
***
Sherlock paid the driver, before heading towards the gates of Melody's home. He tried opening the gates quietly, which did no good, since the gates were old and rusty.
Sherlock cringed at the noise, but continued his way up to the house, while observing the front dead garden. Sherlock could imagine what the yard would have looked like, and felt sorry for Melody. The garden could have looked beautiful. . .
Sherlock reached the door, and rang the doorbell. It was quiet for a while, until he heard familiar gentle footsteps heading for the door. Sherlock subnconsciously straightened up his stance, and smiled slightly when Melody opened the door, only to frown at the sight of her.
She was wearing an old, brown, worn out dress, and was covered in filth. "What happened?" Sherlock asked her. "We were only separated for two hours." Sherlock then realised something. "Where's your step-sisters and mother? Did they do this to you?"
"Holiday." Melody huffed, letting him in. "They made a huge list of chores for me to do before they come back. It's ridiculous." Melody handed him the list and watched his reaction.
Sherlock read through the chores, and raised his eyebrows in disbelief. "Repaint the living room?" he read out in disbelief. "Colour-code their clothes?"
"Sarah is definitely seeking out revenge because I 'stole' you from them." Melody grimaced, wiping some sweat off her forehead.
"Please. . ." Sherlock scoffed, rolling his eyes at the statement. "As if her daughters are eye catching."
"Anyway, " Melody said, leading him to the kitchen, "did you find anything on my father's murder?"
"I got the case file." Sherlock stated, revealing the said file. "I haven't looked in it yet. I was thinking maybe we can read it together, see if you find anything fishy."
"Sorry Sherlock," she sighed, giving him tea, "we can't do it now. I gotta repaint the living room so I can do the easy chores tomorrow."
Sherlock frowned at what she said, and stared down at the kitchen bench in thought. He then made a crazy idea. "Let me help." Sherlock offered, looking up at her tired, wary face. "Let John and I help you repaint."
"No," Melody shook her head, "no way in hell am I letting you two help. You don't need to do this."
"I want to." Sherlock insisted, though deep down, he was regretting suggesting the idea. Repainting sounds so boring to him. . .but if it is to quicken her chores so she can read the files with him, then so be it. "I'm sure John wouldn't mind helping. I'm going to call him now."
"No! Sherlock -"
Sherlock silenced her argument with a passionate kiss to her lips, pulling away to see a dazed look on her face. Got her distracted, good, Sherlock thought with a smirk, though frowned. It also distracted me for a moment. . .
"I'm calling John, end of story." Sherlock said gently against her lips, before walking outside to call John.
"That evil handsome man. . ." Melody sighed annoyed, though still smiled.