[Masterlist]
Whew, this one was so tough, but I got it done. I'mpretty pleased with how it came out, even if it does still feel a little rushed. Warning: Awkward family dinners ahead.
OT3 for this prompt: Sherlock/Jamie/Joan from Elementary.
It would never cease to amuse Sherlock, how flustered Joan could get whenever her family was involved. Her mother had been hassling her for a few weeks with pointed comments about how little time Joan spends with her family, and Joan had been getting more and more frustrated until Sherlock suggested Joan just get it over with and invite her family to dinner.
“With what money?!” Joan had demanded.
“So don’t go out. Have dinner here.” Sherlock had replied. After talking her through a last few illogical protests, Joan had agreed. A week and a lot of stressful – for Joan, at least – preparations later, they had the whole Watson clan around a rather nice old dining table, complimenting Joan on her cooking skills as they dug into a home-cooked meal.
“Sherlock helped.” Joan deflected when her mother commented for the third time on how nice the food was for something home-cooked.
“Oh, really?” Mary asked, looking impressed and surprised enough that Sherlock felt a little insulted. “You know how to cook, then?” She asked.
Sherlock shrugged. “I know the basics.”
“When I can get you to apply them.” Joan muttered, amused now that her mother’s focus was no longer on her.
Sherlock shot her a resentful look, but at least Joan didn’t get to enjoy the reprieve for long, because the next words out of her mother’s mouth were “Oh, look at you two. You’re practically married already. I don’t know why you won’t admit you’re together and have done with it.” Across the table, Oren choked back a laugh and hastily put his glass back down without taking a drink.
“Mum-!” Joan began to protest, cheeks colouring. “It’s not like that-!”
“Really, Joan? You think a mother can’t tell when her daughter’s in love?”
Sherlock decided he’d had enough. “I can’t imagine living my life without Joan, but that doesn’t mean I have any desire to have sex with her, Mrs Watson. Or her with me” Once again, Oren had to duck his head to hide a laugh, while Joan muttered a heartfelt agreement to her plate. Mary just gave Sherlock a very arch look. “Joan and I are perfectly content with our relationship as it is, and if that changes, you can rest assured we will behave like responsible adults, and discuss it.”
Sherlock was almost looking forward to what Mary might say to that, but they were interrupted by the doorbell going. “Saved by the bell.” Oren muttered, drawing his mother’s stern look onto himself as Sherlock jumped up to get the door.
Upon opening the door, he found himself face to face with Moriarty, her eyes alight and her lips quirked with wicked mischief. “Sherlock. I heard you were having a dinner party, so I thought I’d stop by. I’m not too late, am I?” She asked.
Sherlock had to bite his lip to keep the smile off his face. “You’re a little late, but I think we can make room for another place setting.” He agreed, offering her his arm. She accepted with a fond smile and closed the door behind her as she stepped inside and let Sherlock guide her through to the dining table they’d set up in the kitchen. When they came into view, everyone around the table looked up curiously, although Joan’s expression quickly became shock.
“Joan!” Moriarty greeted brightly, beaming as she abandoned Sherlock to round the table, lean down and greet Joan with a kiss that was only barely fit for polite company. Across the table, Oren dropped his fork in time with his jaw. Moriarty drew back, looking distinctly pleased with herself. “It’s lovely to see you again. I’m so sorry I’m late.” She looked up. “You must be Joan’s family. I’ve been ever so looking forward to meeting you all.”
Joan blinked up at her for a moment, then propped her elbows on the table so she could bury her face in her hands and bemoan her fate. “I hate the both of you. You couldn’t behave for just one evening? Just one?!”