"You gotta go nuts. You never know how long this is gonna last. You get in these crazy situations and the only way you can deal with it is to not take it seriously." -Anonymous

Chapter Thirteen

Watson's POV

Eventually, Holmes and I got the girls settled down and ready for bed. I realized they still had no decent clothing and made a note to get that done tomorrow. We at least got them into a couple of Mrs. Hudson's nightgown's so their cloths could be washed, but I still felt bad for them.

After tucking them in, Holmes and I stayed up a little while in my room to discuss the situation.

"Holmes, we can't just turn them out on the street. They came here to us, doesn't that mean something to you?" I argued. Holmes stayed silent and eventually he went back to his own room.

Early in the morning, at about six, a scream from below woke me up instantly. I hastened downstairs, wondering if Holmes had just tried a prank on the girls. When I went into the sitting room, Holmes was standing well back from the girls. Both looked tearful and were hugging one another.
"What's the matter?" I asked, coming around to put a hand on each of their backs.

"Elzi had a nightmare." Shuri sniffled.

I looked over at Elzi, who wasn't meeting my gaze.
"About what?" I asked.

"Home." Elzi mumbled.
"Can't you go back if you want to?" I asked.

"No, we can never go back." Shuri said, sounding a little angry. "We're stuck here."

Holmes gave an audible gasp and I held my breath for a second. I realized how frightened they must be, how scared and lonely.

The fatherly part of my instincts caused me to draw them both into a hug. They didn't pull away, much to my relief. Rather they leaned in and rested against my shoulders.

"Will you adopt me Watson? Please?" Elzi asked, looking up at me hopefully.

"And since Elzi and I are a package deal, me too!" Shuri said.

Somehow, this felt right. When one thought about it, it made little sense, but the hush that fell over the room changed that. This was right, regardless of how much Holmes and I fought it, this was where Shuri and Elzi now belonged.

I looked back at Holmes, whose expression was both appalled and confused. I couldn't possibly say no to them though, could I? If I did take them, what would it mean for Holmes and I? What would it mean for the girls?

Elzi was currently shooting one of her puppy-dog faces at me. I sighed, nodding.

"Of course."

The girls broke out into a chorus of cheers and I looked back at Holmes.

"Watson you can't be serious." He asked. Thankfully, the girls weren't noticing his attitude.

"Holmes, these two need a good fatherly figure in their lives. Besides, that means I have the authority to make a bedtime, discipline them, and other parental powers." I remineded him.

The girls were wrapped up in conversation, so I stood and went over to Holmes.

"Are you sure you haven't gone mad Watson?" He asked me.

"If I can put up with you Holmes…"

"Don't say it!"

"I can put up with anything." I concluded.

"I said no." Holmes growled.

"Too bad Holmes." I said, shrugging.

"I can honestly say that Lestrade has more sense than you right now." Holmes said, looking angry.

Unfortunately, Elzi heard that and rounded on the detective. "Holmes!" She exclaimed, looking angry, hurt, and happy all at the same time.

"Well, if you don't want them here then we can leave." I told Holmes. I meant it.

Holmes ignored me. "What do you want, Elzi?"

"Be nice to Watson, Holmes, or he might just start to like us better. THEN who will treat you when you get injured on a case for the millionth time?" Elzi reminded him.

I was stunned by their loyalty.

"Yeah, you won't have your trusty doctor to save you." Shuri said.

"I can survive without Watson." Holmes said firmly. I was hurt, there was no denying I was hurt. I was so torn, but I didn't say anything. The girls laughed at Holmes, whose pride was being injured.

"I can!" He walked towards room, only to trip midway. "Meant to do that." He said.

The girls laughed harder. "Holmes, your helpless."

"Good job Holmes. Walk much?"

"That was very graceful Holmes." I said, unable to hide a smile.

Holmes glared at us. "I'm not injured though." Once again he rose to get up, only to stumble and again end up sprawled on the floor. He didn't move for a moment, and I began to worry.

"Holmes, are you okay?" I asked.

"Dignity is gone." Holmes said, going into his room and shutting the door.

The girls exchanged looks and I could read the concern in their eyes.

"Should we go make sure he's okay? I think this hit him pretty hard..." Elzi asked, looking sad again.

I went to knock on Holmes' door, asking him if he was all right.

"Please, just leave me alone." Holmes said. I didn't know how to take that and I looked back at the girls.

"Uh-oh, sounds like another black mood." Shuri said.

I wished I was still in bed.