The First Solution

A Jem in the Dark

"And that's how the professor killed the dentist, neat, don't you think" Sherlock said in that sweet voice he used for children. John walked in at that moment and began making a cup of tea. "Telling her about the latest case?" John asked. "Yes, she's quite the fan but she kept saying dada" Sherlock said a bit confused. John stopped half way through a sip of tea and almost spat it out. "John are you alright, your tea wasn't poisoned was it?" Sherlock asked. "What, no it's just that, wait, why would you think that?" John said back. Sherlock held up a playing card with a red background and a golden M on it. "I found it in with the mail, he could have set up a replacement I guess but that's not very him, perhaps there's fingerprints on it, no maybe it's a clue but it's just a normal card, most likely a sign, but what, we'll a threat of course!" He explained as fast as thought when he spoke.

"You think it's a threat, why and who ?" John asked. "Bit slow today aren't we John, because I am the only person who could figure out what's going on, it's a challenge, this has to be related to Moriarty" Sherlock said and got himself a cup of tea as well. "Why?" John continued to ask questions. "John it's just a card, I cannot possibly figure everything out just by looking at it" Sherlock responded bluntly. "I'd suggest getting someone to take care of Rosie somewhere else for the time being, we don't know how far this person would be willing to go to get to me" he added.

"I'm sure my parents would love to meet her" John remarked. "Your parents, aren't they, isn't your father" Sherlock started but couldn't seem to say. "What is it Sherlock?" John asked with a confused look on his face. "No, I promised I wouldn't deduce things about you"  Sherlock said. "Well it's too late now, isn't it" John replied. "Well alright, isn't your father extremely homophobic?" Sherlock half asked, half stated. John was lost for words. "How did you, how did you know?" John asked in a low voice. "Honestly all I needed was how quickly you denied being gay ever time someone implied it" Sherlock said "Well that and your obvious divide between your sister and the rest of your family". "Sherlock I've kept my bisexuality hidden for years, can we not tell them until I'm ready?" John asked. Sherlock gave him a sympathetic nod. "If that's what you want" Sherlock said obviously holding back.

Sherlock was surprised, what seemed like him to be a chance for a new case was turning out to be his first introduction to John's family. They decided to go down to his parents house in the countryside. "Oh John dear, how are you, this must be Rosie" John's Mother said at the door "she has grown so much since her christening". "You remember Sherlock, he was the best man at the wedding" John said. "Of course, come in, come in" she said. "Sherlock, I'll show you to your room" she then added as she started up the stairs. "I'll go talk to dad" John said to her and walked off to another room.

As Sherlock made his way up the stairs he saw some pictures of a young John. "He was always the sweetest child, he used to play pirates with the other kids" John's mom reminisced. Sherlock gave a small smile at that. They reached the landing and she pointed to a room at the end of the hall. "That's your room and right across is John's, we're at the other end of the hall" she explained to him. Without even trying Sherlock deduced several things about her. She was a sweet woman and open minded too. "I'll go put this is my room" Sherlock said.

Later they sat at the table. "John, shouldn't we be investigating the obviously suspicious card?" Sherlock asked with a bored look. "No, we're using this as a chance to introduce you to the family" John explained in a mumble as they ate. "You should get yourself a pr team Mr Holmes because I don't know how you stand having people think you're gay!" John's father loudly announces. "There's been a lot of worse things to happen to my reputation then a small love rumour" Sherlock said trying not to sound angry. "You really think that?" He asked. "Five years ago comes to mind" he mumbled. "The worst part is your getting my son involved in all that, he is a proud man who would never be like that. John looked to Sherlock and could see him going red. John couldn't bare to see Sherlock like this and because of something he had done.

"You know Mr Watson I'm actually gay so I would appreciate it if you would excuse me" Sherlock said angrily as he stood up smashing his hands onto the table. "No, wait Sherlock" John said before Sherlock began to walk away. "You mean the most to me in the world, I don't think I can ever forget Mary and I don't want to but I won't let the love of my past affect the love of my future" he began "I love this man, and if that means that I'm not a real man to you then so be it, I never wanted your approval anyway". "Sherlock, this isn't the best place and its kinda early in our relationship but well, we already live together and raise a child together" he said. His father opened his mouth to complain after the shock of what was happening but John told him to shut up. "Sherlock will you go to church, have dinner with me, go on a short holiday and then continue living with me?" He asked getting down on one knee and holding out a ring box.

Sherlock stood there for several moments. "Shit" he said. John's face dropped. "What?" He asked. "Well I can't make a snarky comment now can I, you would just call me a cock" Sherlock explained. "Of course, but if there's not another attempted murder then I will be sorely disappointed" he finally said. John let out a sigh of relief and right in front of his parents they kissed the most passionate kiss they ever had.