The Black Book - AU - Locked to seaweed_writes

[ihadabadday]

He was lucky with his expertise he was able to find a job relatively quickly in a field he was familiar with. John looked down at his mobile as the alert came through. Christ. It was going to take him at least twenty minutes, if he was lucky, to get to the scene. But, he packed his things into the case and headed out.

He had been in Afghanistan for five years. First as a medic, then a doctor, and finally a hunter. He still was a doctor, but he had been assigned to an elite unit in the desert. Part of him felt a bit odd about all of it. But he didn't quite mind.

He made sure he had everything before he left.

He heard the annoyed voices, before he saw anyone as he entered the room.

"Oi. Who're you?" A man with two days of stubble and mussed black hair asked.

John paused and looked him over before his eyes landed on the gentleman in the suit with salt and pepper hair. There he was. "DI Lestrade? I'm Doctor John Watson, the new Occult Specialist, I just started last month." He gave him a smile, wanting to be nice, but not too friendly. People got jumpy around the occult. He saw it all the time in Afghanistan, and even here in London.

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[seaweed_writes]

Time seemed to both fly and crawl at the same time. John had taken time off of work again, and was mostly at home, to make sure that their baby was safe. So far there hadn't been any scares, but there was still a long way to go.

***

Martha picked up the phone, looking at the ID by the number.

"Oh, John." She had been trying to call him John more. He had requested it many times, but it was hard for her to change how she'd called him for over 50 years.

"Nice to hear from you. I hope my grandson is well?"

[ihadabadday]

John put a hand on his flay belly and smiled softly when his mother answered.

"Hello Mum." He said.

"William is well. He's very excited."

[seaweed_writes]

"Well, that's good."There was a little bit of an awkward pause. Things were a lot better between them than when Sherlock and John met, but there were still times when they weren't sure what to talk about or what to say. There had been many years of strained relationships before.

"So." She said softy. "I assume that you have something to talk about?" Neither of them made superfluous phone calls, it just wasn't their way.

[ihadabadday]

It was refreshing, not to have to participate in small talk. He got enough of that during the day at William's school or at work.

"Mum, I'm pregnant." He told her.

Last time she had not had a favorable reaction. He wasn't sure how she would react this time.

[seaweed_writes]

There was a long pause, and then a soft "Oh." And then after another pause, a longer. "Oh!"

"Was this planned? You've waited a long time since William was born. I hope you are taking care of yourself. Remember last time you were on bed rest most of the time. What does William think? Is he excited about being a big brother?"

She could have asked more questions, but she finally ran out of breath and had to pause again.

[ihadabadday]

"Not really planned, but definitely wanted. I've been on bed rest since I told Sherlock. I've been in contact with that demon." He said as he rubbed his belly, "William is very excited. He wants a little brother." John chuckled.

"I would like a girl. And Sherlock just wants a healthy child."

"I will have to discuss with someone a method of birth control."

[seaweed_writes]

"The healer will have an herb that you can take for birth control. Or you can use the more.. common human method. " There was a grin on her face that shone through in her words.

"I... and I shudder to say this.. but I.. agree with Sherlock. I just want a healthy child. Although I have to admit that a boy and a girl would be nice." She sighed. "I do worry about you, but I can hear it in your voice. You are so happy."

[ihadabadday]

John just settled for rolling his eyes at his mother, even though she couldn't see it. "I will discuss it with him next time I go down." He saw the demon once a month.

He laughed. He couldn't help it. His mother agreeing with Sherlock. They didn't get along, but were always in agreement when it came to William. And now the newest member of the family.

"I am Mum. So very happy. Sherlock makes me happy. My son makes me happy."

[seaweed_writes]

"And this new child makes you happy." She finished the thought for him. "I get the feeling that you would be okay with having more children. But sadly, as your body is not made for it, every child is a danger- for you and for them.

"When will you see the healer next? I assume that he will be able to show you your child when visit next. I would guess that you are far enough along that you should have told me long ago." She chuckled. "I know you, John." She said with a smile in her voice.

[ihadabadday]

"I know. Sherlock gets so worried when I'm pregnant. I know it's because my body isn't made for this. But at the same time, it's rather sweet." He hummed, "He's got the kid gloves on with me."

"In a week." He answered, "And yes, I'm four months along. I meant to call you ages ago, but things have been so hectic. Sherlock wants to remodel. Again. I think we're finally getting that second bathroom."

[seaweed_writes]

"That's very nice to hear." She replied softly. "I'm glad that he is worried for both you and the baby. Even from the first time I met him, I could see that he was protective of you."

Her tone changed. "I am upset that you took four whole months to get in touch with me. I understand that life with a child can be busy, but four whole months?" She went on her little tirade, then calmed down again.

"Are you going to find out the sex of the baby when you visit the healer next week? I know with William you decided not to."

[ihadabadday]

"I know Mum. I kept telling myself that I needed to call you. And then I just didn't." He admitted, "I think Sherlock is telling Mycroft today. So I should see an increase of people watching the flat."

He chuckled softly to himself. Even though Mycroft presented this cold exterior, he did quite care for his grandson.

[seaweed_writes]

"Alright." She said with a finality. When they did talk, it was never for very long. "I want you to call me after you visit the healer. And if you decide to find out, I want to know if you are having a boy or a girl. I am glad to hear that the Vampire" (She rarely called him by his actual name unless she had to) "Will have your place protected. If anything were to happen to any of you..." She let her voice trail off ominously.

She knew what would happen. She would bring the forces of Hell upon Earth and no one would be safe.

"I'll hear from you soon, I hope. Don't do anything foolish or strenuous. "

[ihadabadday]

"I promise, I will call you after the visit." He said, "I love you Mum, I will take care of myself." He promised before hanging up.

He looked down at his phone and sent a text to Sherlock.

When will you be home?

[seaweed_writes]

Already on my way. Didn't go as badly as I had thought. We have some time before William needs to be picked up. Lunch?

[ihadabadday]

Starved.

Mum is happy for us. Upset I didn't call her sooner.

[seaweed_writes]

Sherlock smiled at the text.

Same. And Same. M was not particularly pleased that I took 4 months to tell him. He's know for a while. Of course he has ways of finding out things.

He sighed, then sent another text.

Meet me at Angelo's, or should I bring something home to eat. What strikes your fancy?

[ihadabadday]

Of course he has. He can't just send a card can he? When can I expect to start seeing external security?

I'll meet you. I want out of the flat.

[seaweed_writes]

Sherlock took a moment to inform the taxi driver of the new address, then texts again.

M? Send a card? That is well beneath him. I have a feeling that the security will be there by the time we get back to the flat. I should be there in less than 15 minutes.

[ihadabadday]

I'm leaving now.

If I beat you there, I'll get our usual table.

[seaweed_writes]

Don't let Angelo bully you into not paying. See you soon.

Sherlock put his phone away and looked out the window of the cab. Even in the taxi, he had to keep his hood up. He hated that it made him so conspicuous. Everyone knew that he was a Vampire.

He really didn't give a toss what people thought of Vampires, or of him, but he cared that he stuck out like sore thumb, when all he wanted to do was blend in.

[ihadabadday]

John got to the restaurant before his mate and stepped in. He looked around for Angelo and then waved to the proprietor before going to take his seat at the table he and Sherlock always sat at.

He made himself comfortable and began to browse the menu. He didn't quite know what he was craving yet. But he would know it when he saw it.

John smiled as he saw spaghetti carbonara on the menu. Angelo had added it finally after Sherlock continually ordered it.

[seaweed_writes]

Sherlock loved their table. It was in the back of the restaurant, near the door where the waiters enter and exit, which means its far from the big front windows and all their light. Not only are there less prying eyes on then, but Sherlock can remove his hood and eat in relative peace.

He pulled his hood back as soon as he stepped in the door to Angelo's. Sure, it hurt for a few seconds as he stepped away from the light into the nice dark and cool back of the restaurant, but he didn't mind the short pain for the long term gain.

Without a word, he slid into the booth across from John and took his hand. "I trust it all went generally well then?" He asked, not even bothering to pick up a menu. Angelo already knew what he wanted.

[ihadabadday]

John perked up when Sherlock slid into the booth across from him. He smiled and squeezed his hand.

He loved seeing his mate. Looking at him. So gorgeous.

"It did." He answered, "Mum is over the moon and quite pleased to hear Mycroft is going into over protective grandfather mode again."

[seaweed_writes]

Sherlock nodded, holding John's hand and not really caring who saw.

Angelo came over and fawned over them a bit, but they managed to calm him down enough to order some drinks and their food. He rushed off, and they were off again.

"Yes, M is definitely in protective mode. And he has requested that we find out the sex of the baby this time. I told him I would have to talk it over with you. I am good with whatever you want. I know you have that appointment soon."