Archive of Our Own

It was shaping up to be a regular or rather very dull afternoon at 221B Baker Street. Since Sherlock's return to London, many things have changed, but there were still elements that were the same. For example his room, it looked like it hadn't been touched, still as messy as ever and the faded chemical scent lingered around. Apparently, Miss Hudson had refused to touch the room for the three years he had been away, even if there was never any certainty that he would return. A part of him wondered if that was because she couldn't bear the thought of sorting through his 'mess'. But on the other hand, maybe Miss Hudson really did just miss him; the first theory was probably the most accurate, even through death, she held his messy apartment over his head... that and he did owe her a month's rent before conveniently falling off of a bridge to his death.

Catching up with London life had been strange, considering he and Liam had spent most of their days together in their shared apartment in New York. It was a change he didn't necessarily welcome completely but one that might have been needed at this moment in time. He and Liam would have their time together, and he knew they wouldn't be apart for too long. Besides, it wasn't like they didn't visit each other regularly.

In the meantime, John would visit, and they would work on cases together like old times. Currently, Sherlock was sprawled out on the couch looking rather undignified with a cigarette hanging from his lips while his partner sifted through paperwork.

"Anything stand out to you?" John asked and let out a small sigh when his gaze fell back to the detective.

Sherlock took the cigarette from his mouth and let out a puff of smoke before lifting his head. "Hm? If you're talking about the case revolving around the Richardson family, I've looked through those reports, and it seems the yard has put together literally no evidence that's even remotely useful."

"Hah, so I guess that means you'll try and find something yourself?" John smiled to himself and set the reports back down on the desk. 

"Obviously, I'm just bored." The detective glanced at the calendar on his desk and found himself staring at it for longer than he intended to. Allowing his mind to drift back to his time in New York for just a few moments.

John had seemed to notice this and he also shifted his gaze to the same point Sherlock had been fixed on. "Is there something specific you're looking at, Sherlock?"

"April 1st." 

"What?" Came John's response instantly.

"It's almost April 1st, how could I forget?!" Sherlock sat up and gripped his hair gently and let out a small groan.

"April Fools Day? Sherlock, I didn't take you for the prankster sort."

"What? No. I don't care for that ridiculous excuse of a holiday, but it's Liam's birthday, and that's far more important." The detective groaned and laid his head back. "I've been so caught up with our return to London that I almost forgot."

"Oh- of course this is about William." John sent him an almost knowing look. "You still have time to get him a gift."

"No, I can do better than that." Sherlock held up a hand and quickly shot to his feet. "But I'll need help- I'm going out." He stated while reaching for his jacket.

"Um, where exactly are you going?" John frowned.

"I have an idea and I'll tell you more about it later." He held up a hand in a goodbye and then headed out of the door. 

"Sherlock... what are you planning?" John shook his head and fell back into his seat.

Sherlock took a carriage to the Moriarty estate. He didn't expect Liam to be here as he knew he had recently taken up teaching again, but right now, he didn't come here for his lover. He came here for 'business' and perhaps a proposition for the younger Moriarty brother. 

Louis had been making tea for himself when he saw a carriage pull up just outside their main gates. It put him on edge because they weren't expecting visitors today; he subconsciously reached for his cane and quietly made his way to the front door. Once the door opened, revealing an all too familiar detective standing at the gate, the younger Moriarty felt a little more relieved (and perhaps a jolt of annoyance) fall over him.

"Mr. Holmes to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?" Louis asked, faking a small smile. He had been hoping for a peaceful day today.

"Louis! It's good to see you!" Sherlock seemed to mirror Louis' smile, and he was definitely overdoing the enthusiasm.

The gates opened up to let the detective inside and Louis took a few steps closer. "My brother isn't here right now... but you would know that."

"Evidently, I'm here to talk to you actually." Sherlock stuffed his hands in his trouser pockets and titled his head.

"How may I be of assistance to you?" The blonde asked.

"Let's go inside? We can discuss more there." Sherlock explained and with that, he allowed Louis to lead the way.

"A surprise party?!" Louis exclaimed from his seat and set his tea down. "horrendous idea."

"What do you mean?" Sherlock asked, frown gracing his lips. "We could invite the others too." 

The two men had found themselves in one of the small living areas of the house, sitting opposite each other while they discussed this current hypothetical party over a cup of warm tea that Louis had finished preparing earlier for himself, it would have been rude not to offer some to the man his brother was so taken with even if he did show up here uninvited.

"Others? I hope you're suggesting a dignified tea party and not just a get-together with lots of alcohol?" Louis questioned incredulously.

"Alright, my budget won't stretch to an expensive tea party though... also, would that really be Liam's style? Think about it."

"Of course it won't, you're a pest." Louis countered. 

Sherlock gasped. "You take that back right now." He pointed at him sternly.

"Pointing is rude, Mr. Holmes. Didn't anybody teach you manners? I suppose they didn't." Louis let out a small huff. 

"Right-" he attempted to compose himself. "I thought we would be able to get along now, but I guess I was wrong. For the sake of Liam, though, we can at least come together to do something fun for his birthday, don't you think?" 

Louis shook his head in response. "In what world is becoming inebriated and making a mess of our home fun to you?"

"Well, that's why I'm here, I want to plan a surprise party, but I need you to help me." Sherlock pleaded, hoping they would both call a truce here.

Louis lowered his gaze and let out a small sigh. "By that, you mean the funds as well, I presume... Fine, but if we are doing this, it will be with limited drinks, and we're keeping it to one room."

"Limitied drinks?" The detective pursed his lips in a pout.

"Don't push your luck, Holmes."

They ended up in the main dining hall which they had both agreed would probably be the most suitable place to hold the party. Things weren't going smoothly and that was probably to be expected.

"We could put the table here and have a large buffet prepared with Liam's favourite snacks?" Sherlock suggested and gestured towards the back of the room.

"Buffet? This isn't a children's party, Holmes. We can organise a sit-down meal; I'm sure that would be to my brother's liking." Louis crossed his arms over his chest, the more they disagreed, the bigger his headache was becoming.

Sherlock seemed unimpressed by the idea and he turned towards the younger brother. "Sure, if we were having some kind of upper-class event where everyone dressed to the nines in expensive clothing and expects to spend most of their time together sitting at a dining table discussing politics or injustices in the world- sounds rather dull if you ask me, I thought we were planning something fun?"

"Just so you know, I do not appreciate the tone you're using... What do you have in mind then?" The blonde grits his teeth but allows the other to continue.

"There won't be many of us, correct? So we can have a buffet prepared on the long table at the back, a couple of tables around the side, perhaps some music and space for people to dance if they would like." Sherlock tried to imagine what the room would look like, fully decorated, and perhaps a cake on a table in the corner of the room made especially for Liam. "Some drinks and fancy wine, I know you have a cellar full here."

At the mention of wine specifically, Louis turned his nose up. "This is starting to sound like a bad idea." The blonde tucked a strand of hair behind his ear and frowned to himself. "Actually, it has always sounded like a bad idea, why would a party be required? Can't we do something small?" 

"It will be a small party. Come on, It's one night, and your team have been working hard. Don't they also deserve a break? Some time to let loose a little, have a few drinks, dance, play some party games." Sherlock shot him a grin. "Spend some time with Liam on his special day."

"It sounds messy, and I'm pretty sure you'll be the one spending most of your time with Will. You cannot lie." Louis clicked his tongue.

"Alright, but he's my partner so I feel like that's allowed." Sherlock countered.

Louis sent him a small glare and he gripped the cane in his hand tightly. "I understand this to be true but it does not mean I have to be okay with it."

"Come on, Louis, be rational about this. We're basically family now, aren't we?" Sherlock sent him a sheepish smile.

"No." Louis took a step closer to the detective with a sharp glare. "You may never call me family." He hissed, still clearly put out by the idea of Sherlock Holmes being romantically involved with his brother.

"Alright then..." Sherlock attempted to calm him and set a hand on Louis' shoulder, patting it awkwardly a few times before taking a step back. "... moving on to decor, I think we should use red-"

"Blue." Louis cut him off quickly. "Royal blue to be specific, it matches the wallpaper in this room."

"Are you sure? Because I think red would be-"

"We're going with blue and that's final."

Sherlock let out a deep sigh and he ran a hand through his hair in mild frustration. "You're just as stubborn as your brother it seems."

"A Moriarty trait I suppose."

There was a beat of silence before Sherlock decided to break it.

"Alright, but can I make one suggestion on the red-"

Louis bristled and quickly used the cane in his hand to trip Sherlock up causing him to fall to the floor.

"Oh- you're asking for a fight?" Sherlock shook his hair out of his face and sat up with a huff of frustration. "Don't test me, Louis!"

This started a long string of arguments, small arguments at that, things that probably didn't need to be argued about at all, but the longer these two were together, the more the tension kept building. This led them to their current compromising position, where Louis had Sherlock pinned to the floor with his cane blade pressed at his throat. 

"Why do you always think you're right?!"

"I don't think it, I know it." The detective huffed.

"Your arrogance is unwelcome here, you're an unfit match for my brother and to this day, I still don't know what he sees in you." Louis hissed, anger flaring in his eyes.

"In case you have forgotten, I saved Liam's life!" Sherlock lifted a hand to grip Louis' shirt tightly. "As per your request!"

"Yes, you who also had kept his survival a secret from us for three years and please, you had your own benefits for saving him to!"

"We both faked our deaths for good reason and you know that! This is an unfair argument- look let's focus on the real reason I came today?!"

On the other side of town, Albert had taken a carriage on his way back home and picked William up from his final class of the evening, this had become a regular occurrence for the both of them since William's return to London and it didn't take them long to settle into their new schedule at all. They had made it back at their usual time, but the minute they walked through the main entrance they heard scuffling and yelling coming from the dining hall. A quick glance at each other and they could both tell what the other was thinking as fear glazed over their faces. In only a few seconds they were hurrying down the hallway.

William pushed open the door and his eyes fell to the position his partner and his brother had gotten themselves into. "What happened here?!"

Albert shifted awkwardly and then leaned in to whisper. "I didn't even know Holmes was visiting today."

There was a long pause in which no one spoke or moved, it seemed the tension in the room settled only slightly before Sherlock decided to break through the silence.

"Liam!" He called from where he lay on the floor with bright eyes and a big smile.

"Don't-" Liam dismissed him for now. "care to tell me why my dear brother is five seconds away from murdering you?" He shook his head in disbelief. 

Louis responded before the detective could speak, his piercing gaze fixed on Sherlock. "He's being irritating and arrogant and thinks he knows what's best for you." 

"It's just a surprise party! It's really not something we should be murdering someone over!" Sherlock let go of Louis' shirt and he let out a breathless yet wary chuckle.

"A surprise party...?" Liam asked and titled his head before realising why they would be planning a party in the first place. "For me?" 

"Well done, now you have also ruined the surprise." Louis lowered the cane and moved back to his feet, attempting to straighten out his shirt.

"Oh- sure, I'm the one who ruined it." Sherlock sat up with a scoff and rolled his eyes before gazing over Liam with an affectionate smile.

"You know, if I wanted to keep dealing with children I would have called for another lecture" Liam glanced between the two of them and smiled slightly when he heard Albert snicker in the background.

There was a brief pause but it seemed the atmosphere had settled and the tension was slowly fading away, it was painfully obvious that Sherlock and Louis didn't get along so it begs the question, why would Sherlock even go to Louis first rather than just use his own initiative and plan a party in secret, at least it would have avoided any conflict.

"A party could be entertaining." Liam forced himself to look away from Sherlock, an overwhelming sense of happiness fell over him, it was a nice notion that two people he cared about dearly were trying to plan something special for him. "allow me to help plan it, evidently if we were to leave it up to the both of you one will surely end up dead and my bets would be on my Sherly, no offense."

"None taken, Louis is a force I can tell." Sherlock lay back down on the floor in a huff.

The younger blonde couldn't help but feel a little proud after hearing the comment and he quietly composed himself. "I feel I may have let my anger get the better of me a little."

"Maybe just a little." Sherlock added helpfully.

"Dont antagonise him, Sherly." Liam crouched down next to his partner and peered over his face, while holding a hand out to him. "It's good to see you."

Sherlock gazed up at him longingly and then gripped his hand to help him back to his feet. "It's great to see you too, Liam." He gave his hand a small squeeze before letting it go.

Albert stood to the sidelines and brought a hand to his chin. "I'm pretty sure Louis was having fun here."

"No, you're mistaken I was angry... taking it out on him for a while made me feel better." Louis smiled to his older brother and then moved to his side. 

"Wha- hey!" Sherlock was about to argue again but was tugged back by Liam. 

"Louis doesn't hate you completely, just know that he respects you." Liam reassured and leaned in to press a soft kiss to the detective's cheek.

Sherlock almost melted into Liam's affections but still found it hard to believe the younger Moriarty respected him completely. "Is that true Louis?"

Louis pushed his glasses further up and lifted a hand to tuck his hair behind his ear. "I'll neither confirm or deny."

As if reading William's mind his older brother seemed to be wondering the exact same thing regarding Sherlock's appearance here today.

Albert hid a laugh behind his hand and turned away from the others. "Holmes, I'm unsure of why you decided it would be a good idea to try and plan a party with our dear Louis but I will also help out so that these arguments are kept to a minimum."

"So now we have to be supervised?" Sherlock questioned and shot a small frown towards the brothers.

"I feel it's probably for the best." William added with a sheepish smile and rest a hand on Sherlock's shoulder gently.

And that's how Sherlock and the three Moriarty brothers came to be sitting around a dining table discussing plans for the not so surprise party for the very person who was now involved in the planning of said not so surprise party. Thankfully this time around they were having a much more productive conversation and in a way it was nice to have William's input, offering ideas of his own to help make it something he would be sure to enjoy. The group hadn't even realised how late it had gotten until Albert had glanced at his pocket watch. 

"My, we really have been having this discussion for quite a while. It might be best to turn in for the night." Albert pocketed his watch again and excused himself from the table, bowing his head politely. "I wouldn't advise you stay up too late either, I wish you all a goodnight." He gave a slight smile before taking his leave.

The others offered a small 'goodnight' in return and their gaze followed the older Moriarty brother as he left the room.

"I can show you out Mr. Holmes." Louis clearly didn't intend to allow the silence to settle.

Sherlock shook himself out of his thoughts and it now dawned on him that he would have to leave Liam again, he frowned slightly but made a move to stand only for a hand to tug him back down into the seat. "Huh?"

"That won't be necessary, Louis I'll have him stay here for tonight." William gave his brother a soft smile and gripped onto Sherlock's arm rather tightly, apparently he and the detective were both feeling the same way.

Louis bristled slightly but managed to keep his composure. "It's not like I can deny your wishes, brother." He knew Will had been pining for his lover since the last time they saw each other, even if sometimes he and Sherlock didn't get along he knew his brother was happy with him around and he couldn't deny that fact. "So be it, goodnight both of you." With that the younger Moriarty brother headed out of the dining hall.

A silence fell between Sherlock and Liam, nothing awkward just a comfortable sort of peace they allowed themselves to fall into sometimes.

"I've missed you." Sherlock spoke up and leaned into the former blonde now raven haired man.

"Although we saw each other recently, I've also missed you very much." William whispered and moved from his seat, tugging Sherlock to his feet. 

They had quickly settled themselves on the sofa in the room, now that they were alone it was easy to make themselves comfortable, they fit together so perfectly. Liam's head lay on Sherlock's chest, their arms loose around each other.

"Have you grown used to the new hair yet?" Sherlock asked and lifted a hand to play with his hair gently.

William let out a soft hum and found himself leaning into the touch. "A little dark for my liking but it seems to keep my identity hidden well so I cannot complain, besides it washes out easily so you don't have to miss my- how is it you described them? 'Beautiful blonde locks' for long."

The detective pressed a kiss to the top of his head and chuckled under his breath. "You're beautiful in every way, Liam... but you definitely exaggerated there, I have never made that statement at all."

"Really now? A shame, I remember it clear as day and you always tell me how brilliant my mind is, you're doubting me now?" William raised a brow and sent his partner and smug grin.

A blush dusted his cheeks and he lifted a hand to ruffle Liam's hair so that his bangs fell infront of his face. "Smart arse." He mumbled.

"A question for you Mr. Holmes." William shook his hair out of his face.

"Yes, professor?~" he spoke in a low tone, one he knew would make his lover shiver.

William seemed to brush off the teasing quite well though. "A surprise party sounds like something you could have planned alone yet you requested the help of my younger brother, now we're both fully aware of his feelings towards you so then why?"

"I think you know the answer to that already." 

"Oh do I? Because I could only deduce two conclusions and one of them sounds a little farfetched." He pursed his lips and held a finger up. "One, you needed a location and the funds to plan something like this for me so you required the help." He then held up a second finger. "Two, you intended to spend time with my brother. I know you've mentioned before that he puts you on edge sometimes and that because he is important to me, you want the both of you to get along but I'd like you to explain."

A sigh escaped the detective's lips. "I care about you a lot, I thought this would be a good opportunity for Louis and I to bond, maybe it just caused more issues but I can tell that he also cares so much about you... ah- and I also didn't have the funds so you're right on both stances."

"Of course." William laughed and lifted his head to nuzzle into Sherlock's neck. "For what it's worth, I appreciate you trying and like I said before Louis does not hate you, though seeing you both together makes me realise just how lucky I am to have two people who care about me so much."

After a beat of silence Sherlock cupped Liam's face gently before leaning in to close the gap between them and press their lips together, it didn't take long for the kiss to escalate to something deeper with hands exploring each other in ways they both knew the other loved.

April 1st came around so quickly, the guest list was simple and consisted of Sherlock, John, Miss Hudson, Mycroft and the members of MI6. Louis appreciated that they had all agrees to keep the party to the main dining hall and he made sure to make Sherlock promise that he would help tidy after the festivities were over. During the last few days something had shifted between them, call it a new found respect maybe, but there were still moments they would bicker, ultimately a sense of calm had settled over them and compromises would be made along with agreements. 

They both stood in the large doorway leading to the dining hall, looking over their work. The decorations had been set up with the help of Fred and James, needless to say the room was looking grand and William was sure to love it too. Albert was going to attempt to help with the food but Louis quickly and kindly asked him to help set the table instead. That's how he found out the older Moriarty was quite inept at cooking, in a way it was nice to learn more about these people and he was slowly starting to consider them more like family than mere friends.

"Very good." Louis smiled to himself and held out a champagne glass for Sherlock. "I think we deserve a glass don't you agree?"

Sherlock reached out for the glass and allowed Louis to fill it half way with a bottle of fancy looking champagne. "Cheers!"

The blonde lifted his glass to clink it against Sherlock's and both of them took a sip, celebrating their hard work.

"Holmes, when I am wrong, I will admit to that." Louis lifted his head to look over the decorations again. "The red was a wise choice."

"Hah- You know, you're not such a stick in the mud like I first thought, Louis." Sherlock grinned and leaned against the door frame in a rather undignified fashion.

"And you're not always that much of a twit." Louis countered and turned to face the detective.

"Thank you?" Sherlock blinked a couple times, as if trying to process those words.

"You are so very welcome." Louis gave his usual bright and innocent smile in return.

It only took a moment for them both begin laughing, apparently Sherlock had been right to use this opportunity to bond with the younger Moriarty sibling.

"I do appreciate everything you have done for my brother." Louis spoke up after his laughter had calmed down. "I have said this before, as long as even just one person acknowledges your existence you can have the courage to keep on living... Brother was that person for me and I was right to assume you were that person for brother."

"Louis." Sherlock spoke up after a moment. "When you asked me to speak with you before the final plan could be enacted, I saw just how scared you were. Truth be told, I was scared too. I knew Liam's plan and the thought of losing him completely was painful. I believe he is a genius mastermind, but his way of atoning for his sins was idiotic. Still, no matter the risks involved, eventually he understood. Regardless of his decision, I had made up my mind to go with him."

Louis took another sip of his drink and then set the glass down. "I have a question, if I may?"

"Sure." The detective offered a nod.

"You had your suspicions of brother being the Lord Of Crime from quite early on. If you had solid evidence that traced back to Will, would you have contacted Scotland Yard to have him arrested?" Louis leaned against the table behind him and gave a slight tilt of his head.

Sherlock brought a hand to his chin and hummed to himself, though it didn't take long for him to come to a quick conclusion. "No. The yard is useless most of the time and I had always intended to apprehend him in my own way. The fact that the Lord of Crime and Liam were one and the same only made this situation better."

"Better?" Louis asked in bewilderment. "Has anybody told you that you have a very odd way of handling cases?"

"Numerous people. It's not my job to enforce the law. Besides, it would have been hypocritical of me to arrest him when my hands are also stained with blood. I'm far from innocent and I'm not saying that murder should be justified... but Milverton was a pest." Sherlock finished his drink and set his own glass down with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Ah- him." Louis' eyes widened and he pursed his lips in thought before chuckling to himself. "Yes, I agree with you there."

"I'd also like to add that I'm really impressed with all the work you've done with MI6." Sherlock's lips quirked up into a very small smile.

Louis seemed taken back by the compliment but accepted it nonetheless. "Thank you, Sherlock."

"Sherlock? Does this mean we're calling a truce?" Sherlock teased with a small grin.

"Your arrogance is still very off-putting, so don't let it go to your head." Louis countered with a soft laugh.

Soon William joined them in the room and glanced around before his gaze softened when he saw his brother and his partner laughing together. "It is good to see you both getting along."

"I am afraid that what you are seeing is deceitful, brother. We actually deteste each other." Louis nudged Sherlock's shoulder causing him to loose balance.

Sherlock stumbled back a few steps and snickered to himself. "Oh completely, he's my worst enemy."

"I see." William glanced between them but was not convinced of their previous statments. "Yet you've both out done yourselves."

"This wasn't just us, you can thank the others too. Bond has a keen eye for decorating and Fred is very precise and made sure everything was placed perfectly, Moran had minor input." Sherlock stepped closer to Liam and offered him a hand.

"Moran had no input." Louis corrected with a slight scowl.

"Are we surprised by that fact?" A laugh escaped Liam's lips and he took Sherlock's hand but was left surprised when he was spun around, he stumbled over his feet but soon the detective was leading him in a few dance steps. "You are showing off now~"

Louis watched the two of them and noted his brothers affectionate smile and soft gaze. There was no denying that William was deeply in love with the detective, seeing him this happy was something he desperately wanted to protect and he knew in turn that meant protecting Sherlock too. 

The party went on without much of an issue, there was chatter and laughing around the table at dinner and the best part is William seemed to be having fun, there was a light air around him and Sherlock figured that was because he was surrounded by his family and friends, in the end they could have done anything for his birthday, it would have been received the same way regardless.

"Sherlock, I don't mean to alarm you but your brother seems to be intoxicated." John leaned across the table and pointed towards Mycroft who was apparently using the older Moriarty brother as support to stay on his feet.

"That bastard, look I'm sure he's fine." Sherlock waved it off but soon caught Albert's gaze from across the table. "Urgh, Fine." He grumbled and shifted from his seat, he lay a hand on Liam's shoulder, letting him know he would he excusing himself before heading towards his brother.

Mycroft pressed closer to Albert and smiled drunkenly. "Aha, you're so beautiful Al, I'm so lucky to have you and to work with you..."

"So you have told me many times tonight." Albert tried to regain his composure but with Mycroft so close it was hard. "I told you not to drink that much."

"Hm? I did not drink all that much, maybe two-"

"Five... you had consumed five glasses." Albert cut him off to correct him with a small chuckle.

"Five glasses?" Sherlock asked as he approached the pair. "I thought you were supposed to be the responsible one out of the two of us, Mycroft."

Mycroft lifted his head and shot him a glare but in his current state it was very unthreatening "hush, I am clearly not intoxicated."

Albert shifted from his seat, removing his support for Mycroft and both he and Sherlock watched as the older Holmes sibling fell forward into the seat next to him.

"Clearly." Albert hid a laugh behind his hand.

"The evidence provided means your statment wouldn't hold up im afraid." Sherlock crossed his arms over his chest but despite the frown he held previously he laughed along with Albert. 

"What are you even talking about?" Mycroft hiccuped and lifted himself up but ended up leaned against the back of the chair, reaching out for yet another glass of wine.

"Right, maybe we should take him to lay down." Sherlock suggested.

Albert was quick to take the glass of wine from Mycroft before he could even pick it up and he sent Sherlock an appreciative smile. "He could stay in my room, I'll lead the way." 

"Next time listen to your partner." Sherlock teased and lifted one of Mycroft's arms over his shoulder.

Albert mirrored his actions with the other arm and he blushed slightly. "I wouldn't say he's my-"

Sherlock shot Albert a look as if to dare him to finish that sentence. "He's your something that's for sure."

"You may be right." Albert couldn't deny that fact.

They both carried him to Albert's room and Mycroft made no complaints about crawling under the covers, sheets bathed in a scent he had grown to love.

"Will you be joining me, my love?" Mycroft held out a hand for Albert.

"Perhaps, later." Albert took his hand and leaned forward to press a kiss to the back of it gently. "For now rest, my dear."

With that, the both of them left Mycroft to rest. When the door closed behind them Sherlock and Albert were left in a quiet hallway. 

"It's odd to see my brother so taken with someone." Sherlock stepped away from the door and began to walk back towards the dining hall.

Albert followed his lead but found himself walking in step with the younger Holmes. "I had the exact same thought about Will and you when I first realised you were both together, but it makes sense. When I look at you both I don't just see a couple in love, I see soulmates."

"Soulmates? They don't exist."

"I agree, but I am sure that you and Will are perfect for each other which to me is as good as the notion of soulmates." Albert explained with a small smile.

Sherlock thought about it for a moment before giving a slight shrug. "I've never seen Mycroft so soft with anyone before like he is with you, I know you tend to keep your relationship private but whatever it is you two have is very special, I'm very glad that he found someone like you."

Albert's eyes widened slightly. "Likewise. You saved my brother and in turn saved all of us from the heartbreak of his final plan."

"No, you've got it all wrong that was all Liam." Sherlock stopped just infront of the doors to the dining hall. "I may have jumped off of a bridge for him but he made the decision to keep living."

"We do owe you some gratiude though, we could not reach him no matter what we said or did... he's stubborn to a fault but you were the only one who could get through to him, he saw you as something more than just his plan, you showed him something worth living for." Albert glanced to the door infront of them. "And it is thanks to you we have him back with us, be it black hair and one eye... he's here." A forced smile graced his lips. "The amount of guilt I had for my brother's, none of this would have happened in the first place if I hadn't dragged them into my world."

"You're wrong, there's no need to dwell on the what if's or what could have been but arguably I believe if you hadn't taken those two in things may have turned out similar if not worse." Sherlock shook his head and gave Albert a small reassuring smile. "Liam loves both you and Louis so much, I know how much he cares for you. While we were in New York he would talk about you a lot, he would tell me daily that he hoped you were both doing alright... and trust me Albert he thinks the world of you, you're the best older brother he could have asked for and I know that to be a fact because he has told me himself."

Albert felt a few tears rise to his eyes and he quickly took out his handkerchief from his pocket to wipe them away. "Thank you for sharing that with me, it means a lot." He bowed his head politely. "Just so you know, Sherlock I would be proud to call you my brother-in-law."

"Yes- well that feeling is mutual." Sherlock glanced away to hide his smile before pushing open the door to the dining hall, allowing them both to re join the party.

The party continued until around midnight which is when the others began to excuse themselves to turn in for the night. John and Miss Hudson had called a cab to taken them back into town though Sherlock had decided he was going to stay. He still had something very important to gift Liam and was waiting until it was socially acceptable to steal him away from everyone else.

"Hey." Sherlock took a hold of Liam's wrist and gently guided him into an alcove where the moon shone through the window, lighting their faces perfectly. 

"I was looking for you." Liam smiled and willingly followed him, immediately taking a step closer to the detective.

"Apologies, I had to say goodbye to John and Miss Hudson. I hope you don't mind if I stay? It's a little late to go with them now."

"Not at all, I would have expected as much." Liam grinned and leaned in to press a soft kiss to Sherlock's jaw.

Sherlock lifted a hand to Liam's cheek and met his gaze, he tucked his thumb underneath his eye patch of his left eye and lifted it ever so slightly so that he could press a kiss just below his scar. "I have a gift for you." He whispered and took a seat on the window ledge before putting a hand into his pocket to take out a small box.

William raised an eyebrow in surprise and sat down next to him, taking a hold of the box and inspecting it carefully. "You didn't have to get me anything, the party would have been more than enough." 

"I wanted to." Sherlock gave a loving smile that most people would think he was incapable of giving.

Liam tentatively opened up the box to reveal a small ring, the band was a gold and relatively simple design however it was decorated with beautiful diamonds, red and blue alike, it represented the both of them and he understood why Sherlock had picked it out. "My, I didn't expect you to propose so soon, Sherly." He teased and took the ring out gently.

"If I were proposing I would have done a better job than just this, you deserve that." Sherlock chuckled and reached out for his hand, carefully taking the ring from him to slip it onto Liam's finger. "Think of this like a promise."

"A promise?" Liam titled his head and lifted his hand up, smiling as the light from the moon reflected on the diamonds. "It is very beautiful."

"A reminder of my love for you and a promise to stay by your side for as long as you will allow me to be here." Sherlock took his hand again and pressed a kiss to the back of his hand. 

"I do not see how this is any different to a proposal then, considering my reply would be that I'd want you at my side forever." Liam pursed his lips in thought and intertwined their fingers. 

"If this is your way of saying you want to marry me then you have to wait until I actually ask you." The detective laughed softly and looped an arm around Liam to bring him closer.

"Hm, what if I change my mind between now and then?" 

"Then I guess I'll sell off that ring and show myself out."

"No way, this is mine now." Liam held his hand close to his heart. 

"I think we both know that this." Sherlock gestured between them. "Will never fade."

Liam hummed in agreement. "In that case I do not see a reason why you wouldn't ask me now."

"For the-" Sherlock shifted from where he was sat and kneeled down infront of him. "Liam."

"Sherly." 

"Would you do me the honour or being my husband?"

Liam gazed down at him with bright eyes and then all too quickly responded. "No."

"I-" Sherlock's shoulders fell.

"Because we cannot actually get married, but I would like to be your husband."

"Right, rules and regulations- men cannot marry men, blah blah blah." Sherlock mumbled, clearly disinterested in that. "Do you think I give a damn what others deem is right? It's none of their business."

"It would be seen as a sin." Liam added with a distasteful tone, clearly not happy with the current laws.

"I know that's not how you see this." Sherlock remained in his kneeling position. "Just because the world wouldn't accept us it doesn't mean I can't call you my husband."

Liam moved to his feet and held out a hand to help Sherlock up, once they were face to face he lifted his arms to wrap them around his partners waist. "I feel the same way."

Sherlock's arms came up to hold Liam close, a hand resting on the back of his head. "We have never obeyed the law before, why start now?" 

"I know you enjoy a little deviation now and then." Liam chuckled and pulled away slightly to rest their foreheads together, a devilish grin replacing his smile.

"You know me well." Sherlock whispered lowly before meeting Liam's lips in yet another kiss. 

"Come with me... you mentioned that you were staying the night?" Liam stepped back but held onto his hand. "I can think of a few other ways to celebrate my birthday."

"I have a few theories on what you might be implying." The detective allowed Liam to guide him down the hallway.

"Then I cannot wait to hear them, Mr. Holmes~" Liam teased and lead the way to his bedroom.

If someone were to ask Liam, he would say that this was truly one of the best birthday's he had experienced. A few years ago he didn't know how many birthday's he would live to see but now he wanted to keep living and he wanted to spend special days like this with the people that he loved. Next year seemed so far away but he was excited nonetheless, excited for what was to come and grateful for the life he was able to live now.