Part 5
Mary was awoken by a strange sensation; it felt almost as if she were being kicked in the stomach only more gentle and from the inside. She sat up with alarm, and rubbed her ever-increasing stomach. What was that? It feels so odd, it’s not really painful, but all the same it’s not too pleasant. She leaned over and gentle woke her husband.
Dr. John Watson opened his eyes slowly, when his eyes could finally focus he saw his wife looking frightened, and holding her stomach. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. I felt something”
Watson sat up quickly he reached his hand over and rested it against the middle of her swollen belly, gently he pressed. “What did you feel?” He was in full doctor mode.
“Like.OH! There it is again” She had the same feeling of being hit from within.
Watson’s eyes grew wide, Mary began to worry. He kept his hand on her swollen belly and moved it around a little, again the same feeling. Watson smiled and laughed a deep rich laugh, one Mary hadn’t heard in years. Tenderly he kissed her cheek. “The baby is moving his arms and legs about. You can feel it stronger now. It’s perfectly normal. And the more the pregnancy progresses the more frequent and stronger this will become. I know it’s an odd sensation, as many of my pregnant patients have told me it feels like being hit from the inside which indeed is just what it is.” He ran his hand down as if chasing something; each time he pressed and rubbed slightly she felt the same movements. She too began to laugh. ”I worried over nothing” She smiled sheepishly I am sorry” She lay back against him. She sighed contentedly.
“It’s quite alright my dear, a lot of first time mothers get nervous when the baby first kicks or punches. “ He kissed her head. “Now lets get some sleep.”
“Once again you have been of great assistance to me Mr.Holmes, I can’t thank you enough.” Inspector Lestrade vigorously shook Holmes hand. “I’m just sorry our Doctor friend couldn’t join us on this case”
Holmes reached for his key. “Yes quite so” He fumbles with the key and unlocked his front door. “Do come in Lestrade, it’s far to late to stand on door steps. I’ll pour you a drink if you like.” Holmes moves aside to allow Lestrade to enter first, but he declined. “As you pointed out it’s late and I tired and must go home and get some rest. Thank you for the offer.” With a wave he was off down Baker Street.
While the conclusion of most cases gave Holmes a feeling of satisfaction, this one left him feeling lonely. This was his first case since asking Watson to join him on his investigations, without his assistance. He missed the explanations and after case banter they shared. Not to mention the fact that they usually ended up in bed together, either blissfully exhausted from making love, or just exhausted from the case yet wanting to share that extra closeness. Holmes made his way to his bedroom and undressed and put on his nightshirt. Reaching for the nightstand he picked up the waiting syringe and plunged the needle into his arm then collapsed upon the bed with a moan. Perhaps this was not the cure for loneliness, but it certainly could dull the pain. Watson would be so disappointed. But then again he isn’t here is he. He moaned softly as the drug began to take affect.
Watson woke to the bright morning sun shining through partially drawn curtains, he yawned and stretched, the sudden pang of his shoulder reminded him of his recent injury. Now healed, but as with the previous injury remained stiff and painful. He found himself wishing for one of Holmes massages. Holmes knew just where to apply the pressure and it always radiated such heat and warmth, it always eased the pain and stiffness, and it relaxed all his muscles, well all but one of them. Watson smirked at the memory. It had been weeks since he had seen Holmes; he had kept his promise to Mary and stayed clear of him. But He was finding it difficult, when he stayed away too long he grew moody and felt lonely, and he always worried that Holmes would find distraction in the cocaine or worse. Perhaps I will stop over and see Holmes. Mary cannot possibly object to a visit of an hour or two.
Holmes sat slumped in bed. Despite his efforts to escape the black hole of depression it seemed that he was destine to be sucked in. Part of him new the cocaine had made it worse and part of him didn’t care. He was in the blackest of moods and resolved that noting would remove him from bed, not even the persistent banging on the bedroom door. “Go away.” He barked.
“Holmes? It’s Watson, may I come in?” The muffled voice called out.
Resolved as he might have been, he got out of bed unlatched the door and then resumed his position on the bed. “Do come in Watson” he tone was emotionless.
Oh Holmes. Why couldn’t I have been wrong about this!
Watsons dispirited manner made him feel guilty, “Don’t look so glum, it’s not ALL your fault” His voice had a tired humour to it.
“Holmes...” Watson had no words he knew Holmes was teasing him, but he still felt responsible. He moved slowly to the bed and sat down next to Holmes. Holmes moved closer and rested his head against Watson's chest. Watson placed his arm around Holmes and with slowly stroked his fingers through his hair. They remained this way in contented silence, until Holmes fell peacefully asleep, Watson kissed his head and it wasn’t long before he too fell asleep.
Watson woke to the same stiffness as he had in the morning, this time his wish was granted as strong warm hands lovingly massaged his aching shoulder. “Mmmm Holmes, your hands are magic, I am completely under your spell”
“I think you have that quite backwards.” He leaned forward and kissed Watsons cheek. "Shall I continue with massage or shall I ask Mrs. Hudson to bring up something to eat?"
"That’s a tough one I love your touch, but I am also quite hungry" Watson stomach growled and they exchanged side-glances.
"Well that decision was clear enough" Holmes chuckled at Watson's embarrassment. "Come on Doc, let’s get you straightened up and presentable" Holmes pulled Watson by his lapels, and smoothed his crumpled shirt.
"Doc?" He looked at Holmes curiously
Holmes shrugged and smiled and radiated warmth that seemed to soften his features and made his eyes shine with what could only be called love. A rare look indeed, as he marvelled at the effect Watson on him, just a few hours ago he was in the blackest of moods, and now here with Watson he was in a jovial and playful mood. What a strange emotion this love is, it brings joy and sadness, pleasure and pain. There are so many things I have yet to understand, and days when I wish I had remained guarded to it. But right here and right now is not one of those times.
Holmes took Watson by the arm and led him to the sitting room, "I shall endeavour to meet your appetites "
"All of them?" Watson turned to Holmes mischievously
"If there is time you might well be satisfied,” Holmes teased before going to talk to Mrs. Hudson.
Watson was delighted that he and Holmes could share the good-natured teasing and flirtation of their old days, and even more delighted they could share each other. He hadn't felt this good in weeks. He felt even better as he and Holmes spent the rest of the afternoon in friendship and in passion, both their appetites being fully satisfied.
When Watson had risen to go Holmes stood and hugged him tightly, "Thank you for a most delightful afternoon"
Watson returned the hug, "I'll be back tomorrow Holmes" Watson smiled at him.
"What about your promise to your wife?"
"As long as I don't go away with you on a case, I am keeping the promise, as it was more not to go with you." Watson fumbled with the last button of his coat.
"MMM You’re rationalising. But I do appreciate it” Holmes opened the door "Until tomorrow then Doc" He winked at Watson who merely shook his head and smiled, then nodded his agreement as he walked out. Everyday for the next few weeks similar scenes were played out, each day drew them closer until they were once again inseparable.
Watson had developed a routine; he would wake and go down to his surgery by 7am, see patients until about 9:30. then head out of the house. He would arrive at Baker Street by 10 am. Holmes would wait for the knock at the sitting room door, though he did think it odd that after all this time and given their relationship that he knocked. They spent the time talking or playing chess or making love, or a combination. Since Watson could not accompany Holmes on a case that would take him away for more than a few hours at a time they contented themselves with more trivial cases as Holmes called them.
Watson hardly spoke of Mary, save in the sense that he spoke of impending fatherhood, he had even asked Holmes to be the child's godparent, at first he flat out refused, reasoning that his complete dislike of children made him the wrong choice.
Watson on the other hand reasoned that seeing as they were the greatest of friends, there was no one more qualified to give guidance to his son than Holmes. Holmes had laughed at that and quite simply replied, "Why not wait and see, your son might well be a daughter. Either way I will consider your kind offer” Things would not work out the Watson had wanted however and there were circumstances which prevented Homes form even deciding.
Holmes had just finished up a case, it was late in the evening and he expected no one to be up, to his surprise there was a light on in the sitting room. Excitedly he entered thinking perhaps Watson was there waiting. He rushed up the stairs two at a time. He had been correct in a way, Watson was waiting for him. A heavily pregnant Mary Watson.
Holmes stood speechless in the doorway.
"Oh Do come in Mr. Holmes" She said a little to cheerfully.
Cautiously Holmes stepped through the sitting room door, he glanced around in search of Watson.
"Don’t bother looking for John, he isn't here" her tone was as icy as stare.
"Why are you here?" he asked as he crossed to the fireplace to warm himself. He turned to keep an n eye on his unwelcome guest.
“Mr. Holmes I think we both know why I am here.” She cleared her throat.
“I assure you Mrs. Watson I have no idea why you are here.” He leaned against the mantel and sighed.
She shifted in the chair and ran her hand absentmindedly over her swollen belly, a gesture showing what she could give to Watson that he so obviously could not.
“I know that John that has been, how shall I put it... unfaithful to me” Her tone was cool, but her eyes betrayed the inner turmoil.
Holmes sighed deeply, “ Mrs. Watson, it’s late, and I don’t wish to be rude but this sounds like a matter best discussed with your husband,” he waved his hand as if to dismiss her.
“No this is a matter I wish to discuss with his lover” She looked him directly in the eye as she said this.
“Ah so you wish me to discover the woman's identity for you?" He smirked and reached for a cigarette.
“No Mr. Sherlock Holmes I do not want you to find out who the person is. I KNOW who it is I SAW THEM, not once mind oh no, but TWICE” She swallowed hard.
She was trying very hard to control herself. He was such a pompous, arrogant son of a bitch she found it hard to keep from screaming.
“Did you now” his tone was quite patronising.
Mary gazed at Holmes and no longer could she hold back the anger and emotions she was feeling. She leaned forward and spoke in a tone vehement and through clenched teeth,
"Don’t stand there all smug and mock me Mr. Holmes! YOU know full well I am talking about you." She spat at him.
The cigarette Holmes had been puffing fell from his lips and he coughed. "Excuse me?" He suddenly felt sick and cold he closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them again he had regained his composure and his gaze did not falter. If she had been a complete stranger she would not have noticed the slight change in his demeanour. She was not a stranger
and leaned forward, the slight change gave her a certain satisfaction and she allowed her herself a smile.
"Aren't you curious to know just when I made my discovery?" Again she rubbed her belly, this made him uncomfortable, and he shifted slightly.
"I don't know what it is you think you have discovered, but pray continue, if only for your own amusement" He gave a wry smile.
"You will NOT remain so arrogant when you hear my tale Mr. Holmes"
He waved his hand as if to dismiss her.
"And you will NOT be so dismissive. I have long suspected that you were not all that you seemed and that there was something improper in your relationship with my husband. A few months ago, the time of John’s injuries the day I was to take him home as matter of fact, I had the misfortune to witness just HOW improper it was." She shuddered as the memories of what she saw came flooding back. "Does my husband give good head Mr. Holmes?" She gazed at him a mixture of curiosity and rage.
"I do not know what you thought you saw, but your imagination has got the better of you” He cleared his throat and leaned heavily on the mantel
She laughed a bitter ironic laugh. "Yes that’s what I thought too, and would have dismissed the incident as such. However... how shall I put this your rather religious out burst and declaration of love proved beyond shadow of a doubt that I was not imaging." She smirked at him, her eyes were filled with rage, the rage of a woman scorned.
Holmes looked white as sheet he nervously ran his hand through his hair, Mrs. Watson I… I think you’d better go and discuss this with you husband.” He lowered his gaze no longer looking straight at her.
Mary gave a dry chuckel, ”You don’t deny it then?
Holmes he glanced at her briefly and sighed. Best to remain silent.
"For your information I did ask John about you, he simply said that you and he were close friends and that I had nothing to worry about. But I was worried; worried John would be with you when I went into labour. I made him promise to keep his distance, promise he would not go on any cases with you. I told him point blank I didn't know how much I could take. And then and there…" Her voice cracked and she began to sob uncontrollably. "He promised me" her tears of sorrow fell like rain as she cradled her stomach. "He promised us…"
She composed her self and continued. "For a time it appeared as if John had kept his promise, however he grew sombre and uncommunicative. Then a few weeks ago his entire mood changed. I had my suspicions and so one day I followed him, and low and behold where do you think he ended up! I waited a while before curiosity got the better of me.
I knocked but no one answered, the front door was open so I came in .I climbed to the top of the stairs and hesitated, I could hear the two of you talking but could not make out what you were saying. I knocked lightly and waited to be let in, but no one came to the door, I opened the door a tiny crack… “ She stopped to catch her breath then continued. “ Do you know what I saw Mr. Holmes?! There the two of you stood, half naked, entwined in a very passionate kiss." She gasped as if seeing it all again, the she spit at Holmes, “You’ve corrupted him, you disgusting bastard!”
Holmes closed his eyes briefly, he was unsure of what to say, to deny what she had seen would be pointless, and yet to admit would be disastrous. It was a no win situation either way he looked at it.
Mary looked at Holmes, “Are you just going to stand there? Do you have nothing to say for your self and your disgraceful behaviour?”
Holmes sighed a deep disinterested sigh; he could not let this woman see the turmoil with in. He turned away from her. Then suddenly Holmes spun around and looked at Mrs. Watson, and as calm as he could muster said “ I don’t know what you want me to say.” He wrapped his dressing gown tighter around him as if to protect himself from his own inner turmoil. Holmes coughed and dropped into the chair by the fire this time he curled into a ball as if to shut out what was happening.
"You could apologise for corrupting him, and for ruining our life!” She sadly shook her head.
Holmes sighed deeply. “Why do you assume that it was I who as you so aptly put it corrupted him?" He murmured to the air.
"At this stage of the game the point is mute. I have come to realise Mr. Holmes that nothing short of death will keep John away from you. Despite being able to give him children YOU obviously give him something I can not." She rose from her chair. "You may tell John that I am leaving him, if he cares that is. He should NOT try and find me, despite the fact I love him I wish to forget him and YOU. " A despondent look crossed her features.
"Mrs. Watson you can not be serious. Where would you go in your condition?" He was more curious than anything else. "And what about the baby would deny Watson his own child?"
She glared at him. "Perhaps you and John should have considered that before engaging in you scandalous affair. Don't worry though your sordid little secrete is safe with me, that is unless you try and find me. If that happens, I might have to release what I know to the police or perhaps the news papers" Her tone was as icy as any he could have mustered and he was shocked by her bluntness, he knew that these were not idle threats.
"If you do this it will devastate him" Holmes tone was filled with regret
"Maybe but I am sure he will find solace with you." She reached for her cloak "Good-bye, and good luck to the both of you!" And with that she was out the door.