She was standing on the mansion steps as the car pulled up and even through the blacked out windows John can see her outline. Mrs Hudson sitting next to him, is chatting away at 'not Anthea', who in turn is ignoring everything going on around her. John however is staring at the ghostly outline on the mansion steps. The door of the car is locked, and although they have stopped moving they will have to wait for the driver to let them out. Mrs Hudson starts fussing with him, and he tries to bat her away gently as their driver opens the car door for them. John looks up, and smiles at Lucy, standing on the steps of the Holmes mansion. She is wearing a long red evening dress; her blonde hair perched on her head in a Roman knot. He can see the diamonds at her throat, and for a moment his breath is taken away as she gives him her sharks smile. Then as he struggles to get out of the car, her face changes, and he groans as she runs towards him.

He's limping, and the hateful cane is back. She runs to him, her Suzanne Nielson dress catching somewhat in her heels as she hurries towards him. As she closes on him, she notices his left hand is shaking, and she feels physically hurt by it. In her heels and with his new stoop she is noticeably taller than him, and she drags him into a hug, placing her head by his left ear.

Mummy is watching us, she whispers quickly. Lucy knows what has happened to John, he's missing the danger he's missing Sherlock. What Mycroft has done to John is worse than leaving her out in the country to rot, or locking Sherlock away somewhere, he's mentally damaged John, she would bet any money the nightmares where back as well. Mrs Hudson started fussing over her now, and she let the older woman, stroke her, and comment on her dress and how well she looked, all the time not taking her eyes off the damaged ex-soldier in front of her.

Baby John is starting to learn to walk, his chubby fingers grasping at anybody and anything to help him to propel himself about the room. Simon 7 years older was content to sit and read a book, silently observing everybody in the room. Mummy Holmes was a very formal older lady, John thought she was about sixty, she was still very attractive with the high cheekbones of her boys, and greying blond hair, more like Mycroft's than Sherlock's. Lady Holmes, had introduced herself formally to John, she had been at the boys Christening six months previously but hadn't actually spoken to anyone that John remembered. However 'not Anthea', was hugged and kissed, her dress commented upon, and referred to as darling Catherine. John assumed either she was unaware of John's connection to her son, or worse did not improve. It seemed more likely the latter as Lucy was treated rather coldly, and had of course been imprisoned at the mansion for over a month. Presents would be given out after lunch, and the Lady Holmes had said the few words that made John's heart skip a beat. Lunch would wait until Mycroft and Sherlock got there.

When Lucy heard the car on the gravel outside she had attempted to scoop baby John up and run to the front door. However Lady Holmes sitting close to her daughter in law, had hissed at her to sit and show some decorum. The old ladies fingers bit into her arms, and she unwillingly passed the baby to his adult namesake, and sat down again. John was pained to see her brought so low, she looked beautiful, as ethereal as her husband, but her eyes were darker than the first time he saw her, and since she had first seen him that day she hadn't smiled. The room went quiet as the sound of two men walking quietly up the hallway towards the drawing room was clearly heard. John cursed himself that he didn't have Sherlock's deductive powers, to prepare him for the sight of his lover. Sherlock would have been able to tell, than Mycroft was walking in front, he would have understood why the younger mans gait was slow, and before he'd even seen him, Sherlock would have recognized the prison tan on his lovers features. Sherlock didn't look up into the room, he didn't acknowledge anybody, and while Mycroft went a kissed Mummy Holmes, Sherlock just stood stock straight in the doorway, far far away.

Mycroft whispered to 'Catherine' and she and Mrs Hudson took Simon outside to play, Mrs Hudson tried to take the baby as well, however an evil look from Lucy made her change her mind. Mycroft dragged his brother into the drawing room, and then carefully locked the door behind him. John suddenly realized that Lady Holmes and Mycroft were now sitting directly in front of himself, Sherlock and Lucy. This was a trial of sorts, and as Lucy realized that as well, she squeezed her baby son, and grabbed for John's hand.

We have had DNA tests done of both children, we know Sherlock is the biological father, so whatever you are trying to suggest with that look Lucille it's not going to work. Lady Holmes voice cut through the silence of the room and John looked shocked. He knew for certain who the father of Lucy's children was, and would have never suggested it was anyone but Sherlock. Sherlock however made the first noise John had heard from him, it was a curse. Whatever was coming next Sherlock and Lucy had tried to protect him with a stupid lie.

Is this just another battle in the war of the Holmes's or have we actually done something wrong this time? Lucy asked challenging her in-laws.

You're damaging the bloodline! Lady Holmes announced in an exasperated voice. Lucy's jaw clenched, and she started grinding her teeth.

You've just told me the boys were both Holmes's, you have an heir and a spare, what else do you want of me? I'm not being unfaithful to Sherlock, he told John he could have me, and what the hell has any of this got to do with you? Lucy screamed, making baby John squirm and cry. The adult John soothed his namesake and looked to Mycroft normally the sanest of the brothers.

What is going on Mycroft? Sherlock and I are in love, before the Andrew Maddox case you were happy enough to leave us be, why have you done this to us, and what the hell have you done to Sherlock? John asked, quietly but authoritarian.

Mycroft sighed and Lady Holmes gave him an appraising look. Then to the surprise of everyone in the room Sherlock started speaking.

When I was 21 I kidnapped the girl next to me, I ran away, and I avoided you.

When I was 22 I married the girl next to me, it was a mistake, and you arranged it.

I became a drug addict, I raped my wife, I played Russian Roulette, I fought, I played, I was a complete mess, and you did nothing.

My wife fell pregnant, and I didn't care, I dragged her through the most dangerous battlefield in the world, and you just looked on.

My son was born, to what everyone assumed was a dying starved drug addict, and you sent a congratulations card.

I left my wife and child to race after murderers and scum, and you just watched.

When I was 29 I moved in with a crippled Army Medic and you kidnapped him.

We were nearly blown to kingdom come, and you send a get well soon card.

I went on a bender and knocked up my wife for the second time, and you didn't worry.

My wife and I became involved in a three-way relationship, and you ignored us all.

My second son was born, and again I abandoned my wife, you arranged a christening.

I leant my wife to my lover for one night, and you kidnap us, lock me up and refuse to let us contact anyone.

The room went quiet again, and it was John's turn to deduce something, that's not the problem, Sherlock, it wasn't that I borrowed Lucy he looked apologetically at her, but she just shrugged, it was what happened afterwards.

Exactly, said Mycroft, we are concerned about your…hmmm…preferences, hence this period of…cooling down. However, it seems you are more dangerous without each other, and so we are willing to allow you back together.