bits & pieces of a life lived, fully or otherwise.
“You promised you wouldn’t.”
“…Promises are just words.”
“Don’t…” Hamish’s lower lip trembled.
It was uncomfortably silent in the Holmes estate library. Hamish had sought refuge there after the heated argument he had witnessed in the family conservatory, between Sherlock, Mycroft and their mother.
“Sorry.” Sherlock apologized softly.
“Y-You promised you wouldn’t leave again.” The boy still wouldn’t look at him.
The detective tensed, “This is my job, Hamish. These men are dangerous and need to be stopped, and in order for that to happen… I need to do a bit of… travelling.” He seemed to pick his words very carefully.
“Then take dad with you if it’s so dangerous…” Hamish countered.
Sherlock sighed, “That’s precisely why I’m not informing him. I need you both here. Safe. Mycroft will fill him in when you both return to Baker Street. There’s a car waiting outside now.”
Hamish knew his dad was at surgery for the night shift, and had absolutely no idea what was transpiring between his uncle and father. He didn’t know about the new case, and he didn’t know Sherlock was leaving in pursuit of it. Yes, the doctor was in for an upsetting surprise…
“I-I… you… you can’t leave…” Hamish’s eyes began to water, and Sherlock could see the etching impression of a tantrum growing on his features.
So, he did the only thing he knew how, “Hamish, that’s enough.” He snapped firmly. “You have the intellectual capacity of a college student at the age of twelve. I will not baby you. Crying won’t change anything.”
His father had been firm with him, so, the logical step was to pass on that parenting method, wasn’t it?
Hamish’s face contorted in embarrassment and sorrow despite the warning, and - still without looking his father in the eye - he strode forward and burrowed his face into Sherlock’s stomach; clutching at his father’s coat with his small hands.
Sherlock froze. He had to keep it together; like Mycroft, and their own father, he had to remove himself from sentiment. It would only serve to hinder him, to endanger his family; Alone protects me…
“Are those r-really the last words you want to say to me before you leave?” Hamish’s small voice asked.
The detective slowly closed his eyes. He exhaled. There. There was that emotional perception Hamish had undoubtedly picked up from John. They could read him too easily - son and partner both.
Kneeling down, Sherlock grasped Hamish’s shoulders in his large hands, and pushed his son away ever-so-slightly, so they could finally see eye to eye.
“Will you look after him?”
He didn’t need to mention John’s name. Both knew who Sherlock’s mission would affect more. Hamish clenched his mouth shut, and tried to swallow back any remaining tears. He nodded, and fell forward to rest his head on his father’s shoulder again.
Sherlock finally wrapped his arms around his son, and embraced him tightly. Trying as best he could to convey the emotions that were still so foreign to him…
“Good boy.” He rumbled gently. “I’ll be back soon. A few days, a week at most.”
Hamish nudged his face closer. “Promise?”
“Promises are just words.” Sherlock repeated, attempting to cover any slight hitch or break in his voice from his son.
Hamish gripped his coat tighter, “…Promise anyway.”
Sherlock kept one arm wrapped around him, while his other hand found a familiar place to rest on the back of Hamish’s head, cradling it gently.
“Promise.”
music (x)
|| Nomnomnom fluffy parentlock angst. Oh well.
I don’t agree at all, I don’t think he looks anything like Sid from Ice Age.
but now Sid from Ice Age is all I can see when I look at Cumberbatch’s face.
wtf, mates?
(I also have this bad feeling that I made this all up, and so there’s really no reason for me to be associating Sid from Ice Age with Benedict Cumberbatch. I don’t think that’s going to stop me)
Introduction to the tie-in edition of Sherlock:The Hound of the Baskervilles, written by Benedict Cumberbatch. open in new tab or click: 1 2 3 4 for high res.
Many thanks to L.H. for sending me the scan.
Benedict is such a lovely troll. You should read this.
