[Discontinued] When Shadows Collide, The Game Begins

Chapter Six

John Watson did come back the next day. In fact, he moved in the next day. Within a week, he was basically a second father to Harry. He was constantly astounded by the boy's intellect, even more than he was by Sherlock's. Both Sherlock and Harry found this very entertaining. However, there was one thing that only Harry was picking up on. It seemed that John was slowly falling for the mysterious detective. Harry, though not particularly good at it, had watched enough crappy soaps to see when love was in the air. He had confronted Sherlock about it, and the detective had gone bright red. It was funny to see them dancing around each other, John with a new girlfriend just about every week, and Sherlock with his emotionless facade.

After about a month of this, Harry did the only logical thing. He sat them both down on the sofa as if they were clients, and began to talk to them.

"It has come to my attention that the two of you are avoiding something. It is something that even a blind man could see. I will be starting school next week, so you two will be spending a long time alone together. Might I recommend you put aside your pride and admit you have feelings for each other?" John opened his mouth to protest, but Harry kept on talking. "John, every single one of your girlfriends has been tall, slightly boring, and will almost always be wearing a dark overcoat, much like my father sitting next to you. I have made reservations at a restaurant somewhere, ask Mrs Hudson, and you are going to stop ignoring your feelings and confront them like the adults you are. Thank you." Harry stepped out of the room and went to read on his bed.

Sherlock and John looked at each other.

"That bloody kid," said John. They shared an awkward laugh, then relaxed slightly. "So," said John, "Was he right?" Sherlock sat silently for a moment.

"I think so. I guess we'll find out tonight."

"I wonder which restaurant it is," said John.

"The Ritz, most likely. There was a rather large sum of money transferred to my account this morning by my brother, Mycroft. I have a feeling he might be in on it too. He does adore Harry."

John looked astonished. An army wage did not get you to the Ritz. They sat in silence for a few minutes. It gradually grew more awkward until Harry burst through the door and dove onto the floor. He picked up the remote and turned on the TV, flicking through channels until he was on CBBC. Horrible Histories was on, the one show that Harry could never miss. John and Sherlock laughed and the tension resolved itself. Everyone in the family loved the show, even Sherlock. It was the only history that he knew. Harry was constantly making references and talking about it, so it was worth it. 

While Sherlock taught Harry everything he would need to know academically, John taught him how to talk to people and how to be social. The one thing that Sherlock had taught him was too never say any deductions while at school. It would lead to nothing but insults, he had said. Harry couldn't figure out why, but that was something he knew better than to question. 

Because school for Harry was starting the next day, there was little time for John and Sherlock to discuss the events of the morning. They were both fine with that. Harry had been looking forward to school since he had moved in with Sherlock. Learning was such a fun thing for him, and Sherlock had said that if he got good scores in everything he would be allowed to start working cases and going to crime scenes. That was the best motivation for Harry and he made a vow to work as hard as possible on every subject.

*  *  *

When the evening came, Sherlock and John were dressed their best, both trying very hard not to blush.

"You look very nice, Sherlock."

"You too, John," he replied. Mrs Hudson tutted and ushered them out of the door into a waiting taxi. They drove off into the night. Mrs Hudson turned to Harry.

"Well done for making them see sense. Now, you've got a big day tomorrow, so you go get ready for bed and don't wait up for your father." Harry nodded and ran up the stairs into his room. His brand new uniform was hanging off his wardrobe door handle. The uniform consisted of a white button-down shirt, a blue and yellow striped tie, black dress pants, and a navy blue blazer. His brand new school shoes were sitting on the floor next to his wardrobe. Harry stared at it excitedly. He was going to school tomorrow! Harry smiled again and changed into his pyjamas then climbed into bed and almost immediately fell asleep. 

Four hours later, Sherlock and John made their way up the stairs to the flat, holding hands. Both of them were more than a little drunk. The stumbled through the hallway and into Sherlock's room. They then collapsed on the bed and passes out.