"Sherlock..."

Mycroft stared hard at the sight before him, trying with all his strength not to lose control. But it was just too much. Heaven help him, but the situation had spiraled out of control and his patience was at an end.

"Sherlock for the last time, let it go. Let her go. She is gone already."

From the hospital bed he was laying in, his younger brother shot him a heated glare. "How dare you. She deserved more than that."

Mycroft refused to allow the petty connection between his brother and that unfortunate woman continue any longer.

"That is quite enough." Punctuating the end of his sentence with a firm tap of his umbrella against the floor. Hoping beyond hope that Sherlock would have enough emotional restraint to simply let the matter drop. It would be better for everyone involved. But like a desperate man snatching at a line, Sherlock simply refused to let the offense go so quickly.

"That woman should have been fired on the spot! She attempted to stab me!" Sherlock shouted at him, losing whatever last bit of restraint he had maintained.

"Sherlock, she is a nurse, she had to give you something to calm you down. Least you over exert yourself." His younger could be quite dramatic when he so wished.

A very childish huff was Sherlock's only input. All the older brother could do was sigh for the hundredth time that day and pray that the medical officer would soon make an appearance.

A few minutess later, thankfully, the doctor entered and gave both men the news they had been keen to receive.

Sherlock wasted no time demanding to be set free of all the medical devices hooked up to him. The staff scrambled to assist the single-minded detective before he could cause further damage to himself and the hospital equipment. Mycroft watched the scene with ill-concealed amusement.

"I do hope that in your emotional upheaval you have not forgotten your own injuries."

Sherlock barely gave him a glance as he exited, intent on making his way toward the hospital room Jane occupied. "Oh please, given the fact that you straightened your tie five times in the last thirty minutes, you cannot claim to have not been concerned over her well-being either."

Mycroft could only blink and watch on as his brother rushed off. He had been hoping his brother would be too wrapped up in his own turmoil to notice his fidgeting. Mycroft's pristine black shoes clicked rhythmically as he made his way down the white hallway in the direction Sherlock had gone. He knew that they had both tried not to show how much recent events impacted them. The bottom line was they had failed to protect Ms. Watson.

Moriarty had gotten the upper hand this round, and there was no denying how the consulting criminal's interest in the good doctor had shaken his younger brother. Finally reaching his desired destination, the ginger Holmes came to a halt at the open room's doorway.

Dr. Watson looked rather pale laying against the hospital bed sheets, her eyes had a dazed gleam about them, and the strain her body was under was obvious. Yet her gaze was perfectly fixed on Sherlock, her hand tightly grasped in the detective's. Sherlock hovered over her pallid form, despite the fact that he was kneeling at her bedside.

They made quite a pair, displaying various injuries. The aftermath of their encounter with the criminal mastermind had left the couple with an assortment of scrapes and colorful bruising. But now that they were in each other's reach once again, there was an unmistakable light in their eyes.

Few and scarce were the times Mycroft had witnessed such warmth in his brother's gaze. Which is one of the reasons why Mycroft decided to delay his approach. He would let them have their tender moment together.

Or at least, Mycroft would have if it had remained in his power. Scotland Yard had chosen to make their entrance, seemingly having also heard that Dr. Watson had finally regained consciousness. Inspector Lestrade tried to hastily make his way into the room before Donovan, but the dark-skinned sergeant beat him to it.

"Oi Freak! What kind of mess did you land Jane into this time!"

Well that was certainly a mood killer.

*A few weeks later*

"Wow. They are certainly very...expensive?" Jane blinked rapidly trying to assure that what she was staring wide-eyed at was actually there. The flustered woman was not sure of what else to say at the sight of the three wedding dresses, each vaguely resembling an exploding cupcake, being presented to her.

It had been some time since the incident with Moriarty and Jane's back was finally beginning to lose its soreness. Though the scars left behind, both physical and mental, would never fully disappear. But Jane was determined to move past the incident, just as she had moved past every other trial in her life.

After days of being in the hospital with overzealous doctors and an over-protective-yet-irritated-for-being-locked-up-to-heal Sherlock, Jane had been only too glad to return home to the normality of Baker Street.

The first few days back at the flat had been strange. The couple had tiptoed around any conversation involving Moriarty and the events that had taken place.

Sherlock had wanted to share his concerns with Jane over the madman's new found interest in her, but as time progressed it became clear that Jane wanted nothing to do with anything relating to Moriarty. And after Mycroft assured him that the man had all but vanished from London, Sherlock was willing to keep the matter between his brother and himself.

Nothing had drastically changed for the two flatmates, except for more intimate moments here and there, but neither one of them felt that a formal wedding was required. They planned to go to the courthouse at some point so they could reap the benefits of a legalized marriage.

But to the new couple's shock and surprise, neither Mycroft, Lestrade, nor Mrs. Hudson were willing to let the pair's lack of urgency continue.

It took about a week for Jane to realize that everyone had basically started planning her own wedding behind her back. Even most of police force had gotten involved!

Mrs. Hudson had taken charge of planning the after dinner, Lestrade (with some reinforcements) forced Sherlock to pick out a suitable outfit for the ceremony, Molly helped choose and coordinate the decorations, Sally assisted with the bridesmaids' dresses, Antonio volunteered to send the invitations, and Mycroft, well, let's just say Jane would not be in need of an overbearing mother-in-law with Mycroft around.

It seemed as if Jane would be getting her traditional wedding after all.

And that was how Jane found herself sitting on the couch in her living room, in the awkward position of having to pick one of three ridiculously pompous wedding dresses, none of which she particularly liked.

Mycroft nodded at her former comment, "Yes, each dress would fetch a pretty price of around fifteen-thousand pounds."

A strangled gasp escaped the future bride, her eyes widening to the size of saucers.

Goodness, those dresses combined probably amounted to more than the building she was currently living in! How could something worth so much be so visually unappealing?

"You don't have to let him bully you into picking one of his choices." Her husband's baritone voice caused Jane to give a small jump of surprise. Sherlock quickly made his way through the room and into her line of vision to stand between her and his brother.

"He does love placing an unnecessary amount of value on appearances." The dark-haired Holmes all but sneered at his brother.

Jane only shook her head as the two began their not-so-subtle bickering again. The two brothers seemed to be at each other's throats all the time these days. Well, more so than usual. Normally, the blonde tried not to meddle in the Holmes's squabbles. Never mind the fact that the two geniuses would just attack her with deductions until she stormed off in annoyance. Jane just learned to pick her battles more carefully that's all.

Besides, the ex-army doctor could get a lot more stuff done when the two tall-sods were preoccupied with each other. With that thought in mind, Jane set to sorting out the numerous case files that had taken over the living room table. A small movement in the corner of the room pulled her attention away from the white paper stacks.

Four women had accompanied Mycroft during his visit. Most of the women were pretty but in a forgettable kind of way, Jane had assumed they were part of Mycroft's revolving agents. But the women that caught Jane's attention, she belatedly realized, did not fit into the group. She was around Jane's height, with graying hair and wrinkled skin around her eyes. Her hair was pulled up into a delicate bun, her clothing was casual in style but of fine material.

The elderly woman's lingering gaze is what caused Jane to notice her presence.

Not on her, thankfully, but on the Holmes still quarreling in front of the fireplace. Perhaps the woman had never seen her boss behave in such manner. Jane fiddled with the end of her navy blue jumper, suddenly feeling a little second-hand embarrassment for the Holmes. She had spent enough time around the brothers to know that underneath all the sibling rivalry, there was an older sibling who wanted to protect the other, and a younger sibling who just wanted to make the other proud.

So like a good hostess, Jane put herself into the line of fire. She came to stand a little to the left of Sherlock's side, hoping she would have better luck reasoning with her intended.

"Come on Sherlock, we need to start making some key decisions if we are ever going to be ready in time for the wedding date. Don't forget you promised me we would have a real ceremony."

It was a low blow on the doctor's part, as they had really believed they were going to die that day. But the idea of a regular wedding had started to grow on Jane, especially with everyone else's enthusiasm on the subject.

Sherlock merely raised an eyebrow at her. "Do you have it in writing?"

Releasing a mumble of irritated curses Mycroft hurriedly excused Sherlock and himself, then proceeded to drag his younger brother by the coat collar out of the room. Even with the door closed, Jane was pretty sure the whole building could hear the British government shouting at his brother for being a "stubborn-headed mule", along with various variations of "what would mummy say!" thrown into the scolding as well.

"Oh dear, they will go on like that for a while now. It is not very proper." The grey bun-haired lady said, walking over to stand closer to Jane. Both women's eyes fixed on the direction of the front door.

The older woman looked so genuinely upset that her boss was causing such a scene that Jane couldn't help but reach over to pat her shoulder softly.

"Don't worry, they'll get over it eventually." the blonde doctor kindly reassured. "That's just the Holmes brothers expressing how much they really do care for each other. Fancy a cuppa?"

The elderly lady turned her gaze to Jane, searching, before smiling appraisingly at her.

"Yes, I suppose you're right." The woman then placed a wrinkled but graceful hand over Jane's, reversing the position they had been in. She leaned in as if she was about to share a secret. A clean flowery perfume reached Jane's senses.

"Now look dearie, I know you don't fancy any of these dresses. And that's fine." She raised a hand to stop Jane's protests, her voice clear and willowy. "Why don't you show me what kind of dress you would like to wear on your special day? After all, the least I can do is buy my future daughter-in-law a wedding dress she likes."

Seeing a familiar twinkle in the elderly woman's eyes, Jane's own widened in understanding.

"They didn't introduce you on purpose." Oh Jane was going to give those two a severe reprimand first chance she got.

The mother of the Holmes boys gave the gobsmacked doctor a good-natured smile.

"I wanted a chance to meet you without all the usually pomp."

Now, Jane had never been good at the deduction thing. She can admit that she tried multiple times to deduce a random stranger after watching Sherlock make it look so straightforward. With little to no success each time. That is why Jane cannot explain what occurred during the next moments in which the two women considered each other.

It was plain to see the elegance and pride Sherlock's mother held herself with. Her confidence and quick wit draped around her presence like a well-worn armor. Jane could see that behind all the years of life that weighed upon her, that same glimmer of sharp intelligence and mischief both Holmes brothers had. The woman's own storm-colored eyes pierced through Jane, pulling apart her defenses and staring into her very soul.

But for a second, the connection was two-way.

The same way that the Holmes's mother could (no doubt) read her whole life like an open book, Jane could also read her's. This woman, who against all odds found someone who had loved and cherished every part of her including her unconventional 'gift', now simply wished the same good fortune for her beloved youngest child. After years of watching her children live in isolation, she longed for them to experience the same faithful love and companionship she had.

Can I trust you with my son?

Jane stared evenly at her, letting the mother see all that she needed to be assured.

Without a doubt.

Without the exchange of any words, the two women fell into a peaceful alliance of sorts. The foundation for an amicable relationship laid.

"Shall we go shopping for your accessories?" The elder Mrs. Holmes asked, gesturing for Jane to follow her. "There is a lovely shop nearby that sells the most precious adornments."

"As long as you don't spend a thousand pounds. " Jane joked, walking to the flat entrance to put on her brown overcoat.

The Holmes matriarch gave a light laugh, her fondness for her son's finance growing all the more. "Don't be silly my dear girl, I never spend less than six-thousand pounds when it comes to jewelry."

Mrs. Hudson leisurely climbed up the steps that lead to the flat Sherlock and Jane shared. The elderly woman was so excited for the two! But a small disagreement had arisen about whether lilac or lavender would go better with the shade of yellow the bride had chosen for the theme. Reaching the top of the steps, Mrs. Hudson raised her hand to knock on the door.

"Come on Sherlock...push harder!"

The elderly woman blinked, her closed fist stopping just inches of the door.

"You understand...that for this...to work… it is going to...take more than effort...on just my part!"

She wasn't imagining things, those were her tenants voices. And were those grunts..?

"Look it's been...awhile since...I've...done this."

"This is…one of the most...ridiculously pointless things...I have ever done!"

"Well it's a perfectly...reasonable...demand...now that we are officially together!"

"Fine...but, don't expect me...to do this...often."

"what...ever."

Mrs. Hudson stifled a giggle behind her hand, before walking as quietly as she could back to her room. After all she had heard she could not help the blush that colored her face nor the hopeful smile that bloomed. Far be it from her to disturb the new couple. She could not wait to hear the pitter-patter of little feet around the flat soon.

Meanwhile inside…

"Why isn't this stupid couch moving?!"

Jane was sitting on the floor with her back pushing against one side of the large sofa. Sherlock was next to her in the same position, they had been trying for a good while now to move the couch from one side of the room to the other.

"I still do not understand why the furniture must be moved." Sherlock huffed, annoyed from the moment Jane had suggested remodeling the living room.

Jane only responded with a huff of her own, tired of Sherlock's whining and wanting the task to just be done with. Unable to take much more of the mediocre chore, Sherlock got down on his elbows because honestly why was the piece of furniture not moving? Bending down to look for clues under the sofa, a dull shine of metal caught his eye.

"Jane..."

"What?" She responded pushing her hair out of her face.

His wife was not going to be pleased. "This piece of furniture is bolted to the floor."

A silence hung over the room.

"You know on second thought, the sofa looks pretty good just where it is."

Sherlock gave Jane a playful smile. "Now that is something my dear wife and I can agree on."

And the sofa was never moved since.

"For the last time, WE ARE NOT INVITING MY COUSINS."

Jane rubbed her forehead tiredly. They had been at this guest list for almost two hours, and so far they only had twelve people Sherlock approved and many Jane was going to invite without his consent anyways.

"Why on earth not, Sherlock?"

"Because!" the beyond-irritated man shouted while gesturing wildly with his arms. "It was their fault I was blamed for the exploding turkey that stole great-grandfather's portrait!"

Jane paused for a moment before decidedly shaking her head. She really didn't want to know the story behind that incident. The bride-to-be scratched out yet another name on her notebook. They would invite only five of his cousins instead of all then.

"Alright, alright. But we need to pick your best man." Jane said, flipping her notebook to the page that had a list of their close friends. She had already decided on her bridesmaids (Molly had actually teared up when Jane requested she be her maid of honor). It was best to just get the groom's side of it out of the way as well.

"And why would I need something like that for our wedding?" Sherlock sniffed rather haughtily at the paper.

"It's a someone, and it is traditional to have one. Please just pick somebody or," Jane paused for dramatic effect, "by default it will be Mycroft." she threatened with a hard look.

From his crouched position on the sofa, Sherlock's eyes snapped to her own. "You can't be serious."

Jane turned back to the page, lifting up her pen. "Okay, one lucky Mycroft Holmes down for the best man. Just imagine all the photo opportunities, not to mention the quality time you two will be spending..."

"FINE! Fine! Gavin, I choose Gavin." Sherlock practically growled out.

Jane raised a brow at him. "Who?"

"Gavin Lestrade."

She could only look at him with disbelieving eyes. "Greg, you mean Greg Lestrade."

"Whatever." Sherlock threw in her direction, as if he had not known the man for years. He fell back dramatically until his body took up the whole couch, eyes fixed on some insubstantial spot on the ceiling. "Besides when did you two become so intimate?"

Jane couldn't help but grin at her detective's antics.

"Oh come on, don't start sulking. When you think about it, all this wedding business isn't really that bad."

Standing up from the wooden table, Jane made her way over so she could sit on the couch's edge. She began to lightly stroke his soft dark curls.

"Anyways, you owe me for taking so long to admit that you love me." Jane said smiling cheekily. The man scoffed, but could not manage to look very annoyed as he enjoyed the warm attention his Jane was giving him.

"Then you owe me for taking so long to understand that I had been trying to tell you I love you." He retorted with a grin.

Jane shook her head laughing and responded back teasingly. "I still can't believe you told Moriarty that you were in love with me, before you told me!"

"Now that was a point-blank shot Captain." He said starting to pout. She paused her ministrations to hold his hand instead, loving the comforting weight it gave.

"All's fair in love and war." She whispered. Sherlock gazed intently into her blue-eyes, his hands coming up to gently cup her face. The mood had taken a somber turn, and there was almost a desperate plea in his silver eyes.

"I should not have allowed you get hurt because of Moriarty. I promise you Jane, he will not come near you ever again."

"You don't have to promise me that, it is not your fault." Jane could feel her eyes starting to burn, but she refused to cry. "Besides people get hurt all the time, things just happen."

She did not think it possible, but Sherlock's fixed stare suddenly felt even more intense.

"But you are not like other people Jane."

The detective could only stare at her. Sherlock wanted Jane to understand how special she was to him, how unimaginable the thought of losing her was. All these new fervent emotions were swirling and raising up in him, burning him. The detective did not know how to convey that he needed her, the same way his body need oxygen to live. That he would do whatever it took to ensure she was safe and happy. All the knowledge in his brain and he could not find the words to reach-

Jane kissed him.

Looking deep into his eyes and seeing the spark that she had never thought she would see in her best friend's eyes, an incredible happiness swelled in her heart. She had leaned forward and kissed him.

Surprisingly, this was not their first kiss. To maintain their cover during one of the cases Sherlock had swooped in and given her a quick peck on the lips. This was before Jane had developed feelings for him, when they were still barely in the friendship phase, and Jane had not enjoyed been caught off guard but she did not completely dislike the experience all together.

This kiss was nothing like that staged kiss. At all.

Sherlock was finally beginning to understand why such a large portion of the population partook in such activities. Softly, they broke apart. The couple glowing with satisfaction, faces heated with a light blush. Jane sat fully back-up before intertwining her fingers with Sherlock's again.

"And I promise," She stated, "I'll do my best to make sure this wedding doesn't cause us too many uncomfortable situations."

A knock suddenly came from the front door, and Mrs. Hudson soon let herself in without waiting for a response.

"Oh Jane, there is a young woman here who says she's your family. I tried to stop her, but she insisted on coming up to see you." She stood aside anxiously clasping her hands with an apologetic look on her face.

Momentary confusion crossed Jane's mind (as she did not have a sister), before her estranged long-haired brother, Harry, burst into the room with an outraged (not to mention rather high-pitched) whine.

"I can't believe you didn't tell your own brother that you were getting hitched! I had to find out through your blog!"

Oh bother.

Author's Note: So yeah, I'm back! I had this unfinished chapter sitting in my computer all this time, and the inspiration to write finally hit me again. I actually split this chapter into two because I didn't want to delay putting it out any longer. So the second part of this chapter should be out soon hopefully.

I am going to keep updating and writing, but I have no set schedule yet. A big thank you to all the people who followed and favorited this story during its hiatus, it's nice to know that people are still interested in this story and I really appreciate it.

So this chapter mainly focused on Jane and Sherlock, up next Moriarty will eventually make an appearance again. As you can tell, Sherlock's family in this story deviates from the show's version.

Also heads up that story's format is going to change in the near future, I will be editing some parts, plus combining chapters 1 and 2 so that both are on the same chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sherlock or any of its characters. Reviews are welcomed.