sherlfiction

[sherlfiction]

All about Mary

“Sherlock?”

“Hmm…”

“Sherlock, can I ask you something?”

Sherlock mumbled something inaudible.

Rosie sighed, she had to try something else.

“Dad!”

“Yes, what is it?”, Sherlock said looking up from his morning paper.

“What was she like, I mean really?”

Sherlock frowned. He looked at the now 15-year-old daughter of John and Mary. She had become his daughter after Mary’s passing in a matter of speaking as well. How many times didn’t they have this kind of conversation already? Every time he tried to brush them off, trying to shield her form, yes from what exactly? He wanted to respect John’s wishes, John didn’t want to tell her until she was older, but he didn’t agree. She always tried to talk him into revealing more when John was away to work for a longer time. How did she try this time? Ah, by calling him ‘dad’… She always was searching for ways how to name him other than just ‘Sherlock’, and of course he wasn’t her father, but he and John were living together, they were lovers after all.

“Well?”, Rosie tried again impatiently.

“You are so like your mother”, Sherlock couldn’t help but smile. “How did you want to extract information this time, Watson? Trying to call me ‘dad’, did you?” Sherlock grinned when Rosie started to blush. He put down his paper and opened his arms. “Come here”, he softly said.

Rosie jumped into his arms. Sherlock gave the best cuddles.

“I know you want to hear all there is to know about your mother”, Sherlock said “but you also know that I would get in so much trouble with your dad if I was the one who would tell you”

Rosie nodded with her head against Sherlock’s chest. His hands stroking her hair.

“Sherlock?”

“Yes, Rosie?”

“You are kind of my dad too you know”

Rosie felt his chest vibrate when Sherlock chuckled and suddenly stop again.

“I certainly feel like your dad, Watson”

“Why do you always call me by my last name? Not that I mind, it’s kind of funny, Holmes & Watson. Like I’m one of the guys”

“Oh, but you are one of the guys! In a few years I expect you to go with us around London and solve crimes!”

Rosie tilted her head and looked at Sherlock; “Really?”

“Absolutely! I can tell you this much, your mum did, even when you were a baby and you went along with us. So, we can’t wait for you to be old enough”

Rosie laughed and kissed Sherlock on his cheek “Thanks Sherlock, I feel much better now”

“Good, now homework, young lady or no crime fighting for you in the near future”

“When I need to start choosing classes for college, what should I choose, being a future consulting detective?” Rosie frowned.

Sherlock chuckled and said; “Well, don’t you want to be a doctor like your dad?”

“Oh, gosh no, that would take me ages, no straight to the crime fighting business!”

“Well, lets see, you could join the police, your mother was in the CIA for a while after all” as soon as he had said it, he knew he shouldn’t have.

“Mum was what?”

“Forget I said that”

“Oh no I won’t!”

“Rosie” Sherlock said with a warning tone in his voice.

“Sherlock, this is proper information! Has she ever killed anyone? Have you? Oh, I bet I can find information online if you won’t tell me!”

Rosie ran out the door before Sherlock could stop her.

“Rosie! Come back here at once! Oh, for God sake!”

“Oehoe” Mrs H knocked on the door. “Did I just see Rosie ran out the door?”

“Teenagers” Sherlock mumbled.

“Oh, Sherlock, you know you have been one too”

“Did you want something Mrs H?”

“I just wanted to ask Rosie to come over, but she ran past me without even saying something, is everything alright?”

“I hope so”

----

When John came home an hour later, he found Sherlock pacing the floor.

“Oh dear, what happened” John asked knowing all too well that Sherlock pacing wasn’t a good sign.

“Rosie” was all Sherlock said.

“What about Rosie? Did something happen? Where is she?”

Sherlock stopped pacing and started explaining.

“And then she just ran out”, he said shrugging.

“She ran out…” John was angry, Sherlock could see the veins in his jaw go up and down. “And you didn’t text her or call her?”

“I did, but she didn’t pick up her phone”

“So, you have no idea where she’s gone off to! We had an agreement, Sherlock, we would wait till she was old enough to tell her everything!”

“I know John, I didn’t tell her everything, you know how she is, she started about her classes and what to choose for the crime fighting business”

“So, you thought it wise to blurt out her mum was former CIA? Why not tell her mum was an assassin as well! Get it over with!”

“Mum was an assassin? Wow!”

“Bloody hell!” John jumped up. “Did you just sneak up on us?”

“Dad, you never want to tell me anything about mum”

“For a good reason, Rosie, you’re just 15!”

“Oh, come on dad, I live with to gay dads, one a doctor, one a consulting detective, who have clients over, do all kinds of things that other kids my age never get to see. Do you really think I’m that ignorant? I hear things, I see things. Plus, Uncle Mycroft isn’t that quiet when he talks when he’s over…” Rosie rolled her eyes.

“Rosie, I am trying to protect you, that’s all”

“I know dad, but don’t you think that I’d rather hear it all from you than from tabloids, or newspapers or kids at school who whisper behind my back, and yes they do”

“I told you”

“Oh, don’t you start, Sherlock”

“Sherlock hasn’t told me anything I didn’t already overhear, dad. Just fill in the blanks, please!”

John sunk into his chair; he knew he was defeated. “I just want you to stay a little girl for a little longer”

“Oh, dad, I haven’t been a little girl for years!” Rosie giggled.

“She is so her mother” John sighed. “Right, sit down. Sherlock and I will tell you, but this won’t leave this room, you have to promise”

Rosie nodded “Promise!”

John and Sherlock started to tell how they met, how they started, every little detail from Moriarty, to Reichenbach, John mourning Sherlock who wasn’t dead after all. When he met Mary and wanted to ask her to marry him and Sherlock turned up, alive and well. All the way up to the wedding, Rosie being born and finally about A.G.R.A. leading up to Mary jumping in front of a bullet for Sherlock. All that time Rosie sat there listening quietly. Her eyes filling up with tears.

John stopped “Are you okay, love?” he asked.

“Yes” Rosie softly said “Please go on dad”

John hesitated, it meant he had to talk about the part where he was so angry at Sherlock. He had buried that part and wasn’t eager to dig that up again.

Sherlock started talking, he talked about the disc Mary had left him, with an assignment; Save John Watson she had said. Go to Hell Sherlock and save John Watson. He had done exactly that.

Almost at the cost of his own life. They were both saved and after a few years John realised that Sherlock has always been there for him and loved him from afar. Surely but slowly John had fallen for Sherlock.

“And now we are here” Sherlock ended.

Rosie sat there sniffling.

“Are you okay, Rosie?”

“It’s a love story” Rosie said. “Mum would be so proud and happy” she smiled through her tears. “Thank you, dads”

© KH

[sherlfiction]

AO3 won the 2019 Hugo Award for Best Related Work!

Here’s the speech given by Naomi Novik when the award was accepted:

All fanwork, from fanfic to vids to fanart to podfic, centers the idea that art happens not in isolation but in community. And that is true of the AO3 itself. We’re up here accepting, but only on behalf of literally thousands of volunteers and millions of users, all of whom have come together and built this thriving home for fandom, a nonprofit and non-commercial community space built entirely by volunteer labor and user donations, on the principle that we needed a place of our own that was not out to exploit its users but to serve them.

Even if I listed every founder, every builder, every tireless support staff member and translator and tag wrangler, if I named every last donor, all our hard work and contributions would mean nothing without the work of the fan creators who share their work freely with other fans, and the fans who read their stories and view their art and comment and share bookmarks and give kudos to encourage them and nourish the community in their turn.

This Hugo will be joining the traveling exhibition that goes to each Worldcon, because it belongs to all of us. I would like to ask that we raise the lights and for all of you who feel a part of our community stand up for a moment and share in this with us.

[sherlfiction]

Christmas with the Holmes’

6. Happy New Year

John was sitting on the sofa with a book and a cup of tea when Sherlock walked into the room smiling. John looked up from his book and asked; ‘What are you smiling about?’

‘I just talked to Mrs H on the phone. She is delighted to meet you, her words. So, if you want, we can take the train and look at the flat today, and be in London for New Year’s if you like’

‘Won’t your parents mind that we aren’t here?’

‘Mother just informed me that they will leave this morning for their annual skiing trip’ Sherlock said.

‘How do you feel about that?’ John asked.

‘John, are you studying to be a psychologist? If not do not pretend you do’ Sherlock snapped.

John looked at Sherlock ‘Where did that come from?’ he softly said.

‘Sorry’ Sherlock said ‘I’m used to be in the defence mode I guess, but honestly, I am used to being alone. My parents have their own life, always had, Mycroft is older and was living on his own when I was just a teenager, so I was alone quite a lot you know’

‘So, they don’t know you are planning to go to London then?’ John stood up and walked to the kitchen to put his cup in the sink.

‘Nope’ Sherlock answered ‘there’s no need for them to know either’

---

A few hours later, after they had said goodbye to Sherlock’s parents “Don’t be late in college, Sherlock, leave this place as we left it and John it was nice to have you” Sherlock looked at the car as it drove off and sighed ‘Well John, what shall we do without parents to keep us in check?’ he smirked ‘we have two hours until we have to leave to catch the train, what shall we do with all that extra time?’ he rolled his eyes at John who started to giggle.

‘Well’ John started ‘I know something we could do’

‘You do, John?’ Sherlock’s eyes squinted ‘take a long walk maybe?’

‘Oh, if you’re going to be like that’ John grumbled

‘No, packing’ Sherlock said looking stern ‘I have seen your room but that alone will take two hours’  

John sighed ‘Yes I’m afraid you’re right’

They both went upstairs and started packing their suitcases. Sherlock was finished quickly and went downstairs to see if everything would be as his parents left it and when John came down, he went back up to check the bedrooms again.

‘Control freak much?’ John mumbled.

‘My parents should think we have stayed here for one more week before we left for college’ Sherlock said emptying the bin and putting it outside. ‘Not that they get suspicious’

‘Right, no you are absolutely right of course’ John nodded ‘but what if they ring you here?’

‘They won’t, they never have, so they won’t’ Sherlock brushed it aside. ‘Well, let’s go to the station, shall we?’

---

They arrived in London early in the afternoon and walked to 221B Baker street.

‘Well’ Sherlock said when they stood in front of the flat ‘here it is, what do you think?’

‘It’s a door’ John said.

‘Ah, yes but not any door’ Sherlock smiled, and he knocked with the door knocker.

The door opened, and a middle-aged lady stood in the door ‘Sherlock!’ she smiled with wide open arms ‘it’s been ages, come here you!’

She hugged him tight and Sherlock smiled ‘Hello Mrs H, how are you? This is John Watson, I told you about him’

‘Oh, of course’ she winked at Sherlock ‘Hello John’ she hugged John as well ‘come in, come in, tea?’

‘We really would love to see the flat first, Mrs H’

‘Sure, dear, it’s up the stairs. Go have a look for yourself, I’ll bring the tea up in a minute, just this once, you know I’m not your housekeeper!’  

Sherlock and John lifted their suitcases and walked up the stairs. On top of the stairs they stood still in front of a door which was closed. Sherlock looked at John ‘Ready?’ he asked. John nodded.

Sherlock opened the door to a cosy furnished living room with a fireplace. Two chairs on each side of the fireplace and a sofa on the opposite side of the room. A table under the window and a small kitchen with a table and two chairs.

Mrs H walked in with tea ‘The bedroom is over there’ she pointed with her head because her hands were full. She put down the tray on the small table next to the chairs. ‘There is another bedroom upstairs if you’ll be needing another bedroom’

‘Thank you, Mrs H,’ Sherlock said and kissed her cheek.

‘Oh Sherlock’ she smiled ‘It will be so lovely to have you here, and you, Dr Watson is it?’

‘John’ John said.

‘John’ she nodded, she walked to the bathroom ‘here is the bathroom and this’ opening the bedroom ‘is the bedroom. Upstairs is a small bedroom, but this is a big bed. Well, there are all sorts here you know’

‘We take it Mrs H, but we both have six more months of college to complete as you know’

‘Oh Sherlock, you know I will keep it for you’ she giggled.

‘We’ll be staying here until we need to go back to college if that’s alright’

‘Of course, it is, dear, I’m away to a New Year’s Eve party but you’re welcome to come!’

‘No, thank you, we’ll be fine’ Sherlock smiled.

‘Here are your keys and I’ll be downstairs if you need me’ Mrs Hudson said waving and she closed the door behind her.

‘Tea?’ Sherlock grinned.

‘I’ll be needing that after all this’ John said sitting down in one of the chairs facing the window. ‘We will need to get some groceries before the shops close though, I will go get some after I’ve finished my tea’

---

When John was grocery shopping, Sherlock was unpacking his suitcase in the bedroom. He looked at the big bed and started to doubt himself again. What if John didn’t feel what he felt? What if he had read the signs all wrong again? John would need the extra bedroom, he was sure of it.

John came back in and started to unpack the groceries in the kitchen. ‘I’m back, Sherlock!’ he called out.

Sherlock walked back into the room and looked at John.

John stood there looking at him ‘Sherlock? What is the matter? Why do you have that look on your face?’

Sherlock pulled John’s arm toward the sofa and pushed him on it. ‘Listen John’ he said with a hoarse voice ‘I am a man who often puts his emotions away, hide them from everyone. Some people call me cold even, emotionless. But I have tried to let someone in before, a man, or rather a boy, and I got hurt. I won’t get into it any further but needless to say that I got more careful with opening up to anyone. When you began talking about me being hot with my coat collar up and all that, I already felt something for you, that had begun when you had bumped into me the day before. I just couldn’t let it control me again, I had to put it away before I would get hurt again’ Sherlock started shaking, he was holding in all his emotions for so long that he couldn’t control them, he couldn’t hold them back in any longer. ‘John, when you started to kiss me, all those emotions came rushing out all at once and I did not know what to do with them, I could not control them, they were controlling me. I have never done this’ pointing on John and himself ‘before, not with a girl and not with a boy’ Sherlock sighed.

John sat there on the sofa looking at Sherlock ‘Oh my’ he exclaimed suddenly.

Sherlock looked up ‘Not good?’

‘Oh no, it is good! Really good!’ John stood up and walked over to Sherlock. ‘I have never done this either’ he said ‘yes I have had a girlfriend before but to be honest, I never felt like this with her like I do with you, this feeling of… utter excitement! I feel butterflies in my stomach every time I look at you, let alone if I just touch your hand or brush by you, oh hell the sparks are even flying between us!’

They started giggling. John reached out for Sherlock and Sherlock grabbed on like a life-jacket and just held John tight.

‘I love everything you said’ John whispered ‘I understand everything you said, about being careful and such. We will take it easy, alright?’

Sherlock nodded, holding John tighter.

John smiled ‘I’m here for you Sherlock, I won’t let go, I promise’

‘But some days my mood can get very dark, like dark weather and I can feel forlorn. On days like that I am hard to deal with’ Sherlock said.

‘So?’ John whispered ‘than I just have to love you more and make your dark mood bright again’

‘But I am difficult and…’ Sherlock hesitated

‘What are you trying to do?’ John took a step back and looked Sherlock in the eyes ‘are you trying to scare me away? Because I can tell you now you won’t be able to. I love you, Sherlock Holmes and I will be here whenever I can, I will learn to be a better doctor in the army and I come right back to be here with you. I know you are waiting for me and I have something no, someone to come back to. You won’t get rid of me that easily’

‘I don’t want to get rid of you’ Sherlock softly said ‘I want you to stay. But that is unfair, you need to go and be the best doctor you can be’

‘I brought champagne’ John said, ‘wait I’ll get us some’ John walked to the kitchen and poured two glasses.

‘Here is to new beginnings, to a new flat and to having someone to come back to’ John said holding up his glass.

‘I will drink to that’ Sherlock said holding up his own glass and added ‘here is bumping into someone and falling for them. I love you too, John Watson’

They sipped at the champagne and heard Big Ben chime 12 times and the fireworks started.

‘Happy New Year Sherlock’

‘Happy New Year John’

And they kissed, champagne glasses still in hand, holding each other tight with the other.  

[sherlfiction]

Christmas with the Holmes’

5. Falling for you

Sherlock was up later than usual and when he got downstairs, he found John in the kitchen just finishing his breakfast.

‘Good morning, Sherlock’ John smiled ‘I already started breakfast if you don’t mind, I’m famished!’

Sherlock smiled ‘Well that can only mean that you are feeling better’

‘I do actually. The fever is gone, and I feel like my old self again’ John grinned ‘So, that means that we can go for that long walk today if you are up for it’

‘Definitely’ Sherlock answered ‘but I’ll have a light breakfast first before my mother starts her ‘most important meal of the day’ speech’

‘I heard that!’ Mrs Holmes’ voice came from the other room.

‘Good!’ Sherlock said ‘I am eating something, you can ask John if you do not believe me’

Mrs Holmes walked in, her arms crossed, looking stern ‘Sherlock Holmes, are you trying to say I am a nagging mother in front of a guest?’

‘Of course, not mother, I wouldn’t dream of it. Speaking of nagging, where is Mycroft?’

‘He had to go back to London. He will send the car for you when you are going back to college’

‘He is not coming to pick me up himself?’ Sherlock asked surprised. ‘That’s a first. But I am quite capable to go back by train, mother, there is no need to send his car. I’m sure he needs it himself’

‘I will tell him the next time I will speak to him’ Mrs Holmes said.

‘We are going for a long walk today’ Sherlock said to his mother.

‘That’s nice dear, be sure to take some sandwiches with you. Oh, and John, don’t fall into any frozen ditches this time’

John blushed; ‘I won’t Mrs Holmes’

They took some sandwiches and a container with some water and John put it in a rucksack. ‘Well, I’m ready, show me the best spots in the countryside. I can’t wait to see all the spots where you were going when you lived here, when you were growing up here’

They walked for a while quietly side by side. It was a clear sky, but it was still very chilly. The snow lay frozen on the ground still and there was no sign that it would snow again. The sun was shining even, although it remained cold. But walking kept them warm. After a while John stopped to get some water out of the rucksack. He drank a few sips and offered the container to Sherlock. Sherlock never took anything with him when walking but he took a few sips of water anyway.

When he handed the container back to John their hands touched ever so slightly. It was like an electric pulse went through their hands, it even sent of a tiny spark.

‘Wow!’ John exclaimed.

‘It is due to the dry wintery weather’ Sherlock started to explain. ‘That and our clothes (you are wearing a jumper) are rubbing against our skin and they are charging electric pulses or are getting static’

‘And here I thought sparks were flying off between us already’ John laughed.

Sherlock looked shocked at John, he couldn’t have noticed that he really liked John, could he? John smiled at him; ‘Well, let’s go’ and walked on.

No, Sherlock thought, it was all in his head again. With all his brain or intellect, he was so stupid when it came to affairs of the heart. But in all honesty, how would you tell someone you really liked them? It wouldn’t be the first time that the other person would laugh in his face. It seemed that John liked him, but he wouldn’t love him, not like he would want to. He had to face it, he was falling for yet another man who didn’t feel the same. He sighed.

John looked over his shoulder to Sherlock; ‘Is something the matter Sherlock? You are so quiet and that isn’t like you, or at least… I don’t know you for that long yet, but I do know you like to talk about things. So, let’s hear it, what is bothering you?’

Sherlock swallowed hard; ‘It’s nothing John, it’s silly of me, just let it go’

John put his hand on Sherlock’s arm, and felt that electric spark again and giggled. Than he got serious and said; ‘Sherlock, you can trust me. Is it the thing with the flat you are worried about? Because I have thought about it and it sounds like a wonderful idea, that I have something to come back to I mean after I come back from where ever they are sending me. A place I can call home’

‘You don’t have to say that on my account John’ Sherlock said.

‘Oh, no I don’t, I think it’s a great idea!’ John sounded all excited.

‘You do?’

‘Yes, can we go and look at the place soon?’

‘Oh, if I ring Mrs H, she will be delighted to show it to us’

‘Mrs H?’

‘Mrs Hudson, the landlady, she lives downstairs. I helped her with something once and she told me she would keep a room for me and if I needed it, I should ring her’

‘That is very generous of her’

‘Of course, I still need someone to share it with, I got her to drop some of the price and between the two of us we can afford it’

They walked along the meadows for a while not talking, each to their own thoughts. The sun made the dewdrops glisten and the crows in the fields were searching for food. It still was a chilly December morning and Sherlock put his coat collar up. John looked at him while he did that.

‘Can I ask you something?’ John’s eyes were fixed on Sherlock’s.

‘Of course,’ Sherlock replied.

‘Why are you doing that?’

‘Doing what?’

‘Putting your coat collar up all the time’

‘Excuse me?’

‘Do you have any idea how hot that is? Of course, you do, you must know. You do it all the time!’ John stood before Sherlock with his hands in the pockets of his jacket against the cold.

‘I do what because it is what?’ Sherlock stammered.

‘Oh, you know very well what I mean and don’t do that!’ John pointed at Sherlock nervously ruffling his hair ‘when you do that, you very well know’ John put his hand back in his jacket and wanted to walk away but reconsidered ‘Why, Sherlock, do you want someone to live with you? No, why do you want me to live with you in London? Is it because you want me to live there because you like my company or is it just to share the rent? I want an honest answer please’

Sherlock ruffled his hair nervously, there it was, the moment where he would have to tell the truth and where John would walk away.

‘I need the rent’ Sherlock said ‘who can afford anything these days in London of all places and we are just starting out. Come on John, I really do not know what you mean’

‘Really Sherlock?’ John’s eyes turned a darker shade of blue.

‘I honestly don’t know what you want me to say’ Sherlock said.

‘Yes, you do but you are afraid to say it’ John said disappointed.

‘John’ Sherlock softly said, but John already walked on ahead ‘I have been so disappointed for so many times already, thinking this was the one’ Sherlock added, thinking John could not hear him. ‘I don’t think I can do that anymore, it would break my heart’

John turned around ‘But not taking any chance at all, won’t that leave you empty Sherlock? Won’t that leave you like an empty shell living without love?’

Sherlock looked up, tears filled his eyes; ‘I am not good at this, John’

John walked over to Sherlock and stood before him. He was slightly shorter than Sherlock was and had to look up a bit ‘Sherlock’ John said taking Sherlock’s head in his cold hands ‘I am falling for you’ John pulled Sherlock’s head a bit lower so that he could kiss him. It was a little kiss, soft and tender.

Sherlock’s eyes were now completely full of tears so that he could not see John’s blue eyes anymore who looked at him full of warmth. ‘I don’t know what to say’

‘Don’t say anything’ John said ‘just feel’

John repeated the kiss, this time it was longer, more tender and John pulled Sherlock toward him, holding him close. John wrapped his arms around Sherlock’s neck and Sherlock took John around the waist after some hesitation.

‘How did that feel?’ John whispered.

Sherlock just stood there completely baffled.

‘Okay, so you need more proof then’ John grinned ‘You are greedy, aren’t you?’

This time John went all out, and grabbed Sherlock’s curls, he put his tongue in Sherlock’s mouth and tasted him. The kiss was eager and promising more and full of hunger.

After a while John said ‘You taste like cinnamon’

‘That’s the bun I ate at breakfast’ Sherlock whispered.

They started giggling.

‘Is this real?’ Sherlock asked, ‘am I not dreaming?’

‘No, you are not dreaming, why? Have you dreamt of me? Oh, come on, tell me!’

‘That’s too embarrassing’ Sherlock smirked.

‘Let’s walk back home. Here a sandwich’ John pulled a sandwich out of the rucksack and gave it to Sherlock. ‘You will taste of strawberry marmalade later’

Sherlock grinned ‘You know, when we’re back, I will ring Mrs Hudson, so we can meet her in London soon’

‘I can’t wait’ John smiled.

‘John’

‘Sherlock’

‘I am falling for you as well’

‘Good!’ John smiled ‘as long as it is not in a frozen ditch’

They both started giggling which lasted till they were back home in the cottage.  

[sherlfiction]

Christmas with the Holmes’

4. Staying over

When John was warmed up inside the cottage and had put some of Sherlock’s clothes on, even though they were too big, they all sat down for dinner. John still shaking and shivering.

‘Poor John’ Mrs Holmes said ‘perhaps it’s best if you stay here tonight and go right to bed after dinner’ When she saw John wanting to protest she added; ‘I thought you were a doctor? Don’t you think you should take every precaution not to get ill? Your own clothes are still being washed and need to dry so I don’t want to hear no for an answer’

Sherlock smirked, he liked it when his mother got like this, with other people of course, not with him, plus the prospect of having John around for a bit longer made him happier than he would have thought possible.

After dinner he asked his mother if she needed help cleaning up, but she told him to show John the guestroom and to take him there. ‘The poor boy is shivering all over, I really hope he isn’t getting a cold’

Sherlock and John went upstairs. The guestroom was across Sherlock’s bedroom ‘So if you need anything, I’m across your room and I am a very light sleeper, just call me’

Sherlock drew the curtains and John slid into bed. He felt very warm and cold at the same time. He knew it must have been from falling into the frozen ditch but still, he hoped it wasn’t a fever or something.

Sherlock wished him good night and quietly left the room.

John was glad to feel the cool sheets against his skin and slid into a deep sleep.

Sherlock stood outside John’s room not knowing if he should go back down to the Christmas party or to his own room. He looked at the time; it was just nine and the guests were having coffee. He knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep for a while and went back down.

‘Is he sleeping, Sherlock?’ Mrs Watson asked.

‘Yes, Mrs Watson, he immediately fell asleep’ Sherlock answered.

‘Poor thing’ Harry’s voice came.

Sherlock looked behind him where Harriet stood with bloodshot eyes. She clearly had been drinking heavily.

‘Harriet!’ Mr Watson warned her.

‘What? Can’t I feel sorry for my little brother?’ Harry sarcastically said. ‘John is always the better one, oh Sherlock you should know, you have a brother like that as well! Always the better part, always getting comments like; “Why aren’t you more like your brother?” Am I right or not?’

Mr Watson took Harry by her arm; ‘You listen to me, have you been drinking?’

‘Well… let’s see, have I?’ Harry tilted her head ‘Perhaps a teensy-weensy bit’ holding her thumb and finger an inch apart. She started laughing maniacally when she saw her mother’s face ‘Oh come on mother, like you never drink when daddy is away on ‘business’. You know’ she whispered to Sherlock ‘our dad is an adulterer, ssshhh’ she put her finger to her mouth.

‘Harriet!’ Mrs Watson had tears in her eyes and a red face. ‘I’m so very sorry for my daughter’s behaviour’ she said to Mrs Holmes.

‘It’s alright, she clearly had too much to drink’ Mrs Holmes said ‘you just take her home. John can stay here as long as he likes’

‘Thank you so much’ Mrs Watson whispered ‘I think that is best, for him as well. I will take his things over tomorrow if that’s alright?’

Mrs Holmes walked with them to the door. More guests were leaving now after that incident, talking about what had happened. Sherlock saw his mother patting Mrs Watson’s arm before she got into her car. In the car there was a heated discussion with Harry and Mr Watson going on.

‘And you thought we were a troubled family’ Mycroft said while standing behind Sherlock watching.

---

The next morning Sherlock woke up before it was even light outside. He had thought he heard a noise. He was lying still in his bed and listened, there it was again, a muffled sound. He got out of bed and put on his dressing gown. He walked out of his room and heard the sound coming from John’s room.

Quietly he walked to the guestroom and knocked; ‘John’ he whispered, ‘are you alright?’

He didn’t hear an answer, but he softly opened the door.

‘John?’

He closed the door behind him and walked to the bed. John was dreaming it seemed. He had himself entangled with the sheets and was tossing and turning. Sherlock tried to feel his head, he didn’t think John had a fever but couldn’t be sure. ‘John, wake up, you are dreaming’ he shook John.

John woke up startled and in a daze. ‘What, where am I?’

‘You are in the guestroom, John remember? You fell in a frozen ditch yesterday and were so cold that it was best to stay here’

John rubbed his eyes ‘Oh yes I remember’

‘How are you feeling?’ Sherlock asked.

John looked confused still but started to feel his neck and cheeks ‘I think I’m okay’ he smiled. ‘How was the rest of the Christmas party? Anything happen?’

‘Perhaps you should lie down again while I tell this’ Sherlock said and started telling him about Harry.

John’s mouth opened and closed a few times and Sherlock could see his blue eyes getting darker.

‘Please don’t talk too loud or shout out of anger, everyone is still asleep’ Sherlock warned.

‘I told you she was a drunk! How could she embarrass our mother like that! I should have been there, I could have stopped it’

‘John, you were ill’ Sherlock calmly said.

‘So now they want me to stay here for the rest of the holiday? I bet they do, they are sending Harry away and they are going their separate ways again. So, my mother is bringing my things today?’

‘That’s what she said’

John was sitting in his bed shaking his head ‘Unbelievable’

‘It’s alright John, you can stay here as long as you want’

‘It’s not that, Sherlock, I know I can but …’

Sherlock put his hand on John’s. ‘It’s alright, I know how you must feel’

John smiled at Sherlock ‘Thank you Sherlock, I’m glad I can stay here, and we have more time to take long walks together’

‘Perhaps we should avoid frozen ditches next time’ Sherlock smiled.

John looked at Sherlock and started to grin ‘That sounds like a plan’

[sherlfiction]

Christmas with the Holmes’

3. Christmas day walk

Sherlock woke up on Christmas morning by a knock on his bedroom door. He lifted his head to see who walked in and saw his mother. She walked to the window and opened the curtains. He moaned and put the blankets over his head.

‘Too bright’, he mumbled.

‘Happy Christmas to you as well, sweetheart’, his mother smiled and walked over to his bed. She sat down and brushed her fingers through Sherlock’s luscious curls. ‘You need a haircut’, she said knowing very well he would never agree to that. ‘Will you get up soon, dear? Breakfast is ready and in a few hours the guests will arrive’

Sherlock moaned some more when he looked at the time; ‘Mother, it is Christmas day!’

‘You should be thankful your father and I are not taking you to church’

‘You never have’, Sherlock yawned stretching his arms above his head.

‘I rest my case’, his mother illogically said and stood up from the bed. ‘I am expecting you in fifteen minutes, young man’

‘Yes mother’, Sherlock sighed.

When his mother left, Sherlock quickly took a shower and dressed in a suit and tie, knowing his mother would want him to be immaculately dressed for the occasion. With his curls still damp from the shower he walked downstairs and saw his brother already sitting at the breakfast table.

‘Good morning, little brother’, Mycroft said with his Cheshire Cat smile, which was more of a grin, Sherlock thought, like it was plastered on throughout the holidays.

‘Good morning’, Sherlock answered in general as his father just walked in.

‘Ah, Sherlock, morning, slept well? Tea anyone?’, and without waiting for an answer he poured the tea from the teapot into the cups.

The all sat at the table to have breakfast, something which Sherlock could not remember they ever did or at least not in a very long while. His parents seemed always in a hurry to go to work and Mycroft, being older, was either in college or working as well. It seemed a bit awkward for everyone, being together for breakfast for once. The conversation seemed stuck somehow, Mycroft was sitting there with his idiotic grin in between bites or sips of tea and his mother or father were trying to keep the conversation going, whether they liked to or not.

‘So, Sherlock, how is college? You’re almost done, aren’t you, I mean just six more months, right?’ his father tried.

Sherlock swallowed away his toast before answering; ‘Yes, father, almost done’

‘What are your plans, Sherlock, after college?’

‘Not sure yet, father’

‘But where will you live?’

‘I have a meeting soon with someone about a flat, mother’

‘A flat? Where?’ his parents seemed a bit too relieved Sherlock thought.

‘In London’

‘London? But you need to pay for that, with what?’

‘Mother don’t worry so much, I’m sure Sherlock has thought of everything, besides, I live in London, so I will keep an eye on him, as always’, Mycroft said, rather smug.

‘Oh Mike, that would be wonderful!’

‘Mycroft mother, it’s not that difficult, you’re the one who came up with the name’.

---

After breakfast Sherlock longed to go outside for a walk but he knew he would not get a change today. He helped his mother with the dishes and his mother prepared for the guests to arrive that afternoon. He played some chess with Mycroft (and won of course).

The first guests started to arrive around three o’clock in the afternoon. His parents were greeting everyone, and Mycroft still had his Cheshire Cat smile prepared. Sherlock could not remember the cottage ever being this filled with guests. He looked out to see if the Watsons with their son would arrive, which they did half an hour later.

‘Sorry we’re a bit late, old chap’, Mr Watson laughed shaking his father’s hand, ‘the roads are terribly slippery’

‘Sherlock’, Mr Holmes said ‘These are the Watsons and their daughter Harriet and son John. Isn’t John graduating next year either?’ he asked turning to Mr Watson.

‘He is in fact, our John is becoming a doctor if you believe it!’, Mr Watson laughed ‘Sherlock is graduating as well then?’

‘He is but nobody really knows what he wants after college’, Mrs Holmes said shaking her head.

‘Kids, eh?’ Mr Watson said, and the Watsons walked in the room to greet the rest of the guests.

‘Parents can be so embarrassing’ John said joining Sherlock.

‘Don’t remind me’, Sherlock shook his head. ‘Christmas breakfast was very enlightening’

‘How so?’ John asked.

Sherlock explained that he told his parents about living in London and that he got the impression that they were relieved that he didn’t have the intention to come back home. ‘They were looking at each other and I could see the relief’, Sherlock shrugged.

‘Wow’ was all John could say.

‘I am used to it really’, Sherlock said ‘See my brother over there, normally he is pretending to be a very important member of the government, but mother has told him not to talk about work this Christmas. He doesn’t know what to do with himself and he (we both do) hates Christmas. So now he is looking like the Cheshire Cat all day’

John almost choked in his eggnog and laughed ‘You’re right, he is looking like that’ pointing at Mycroft’s frozen grin on his face.

‘So, you have a sister?’ Sherlock asked.

‘Don’t remind me’, John said shaking his head. ‘I don’t know where she is now, but I bet you she took the first bottle of liquor or wine she saw and is now somewhere drinking off her hangover from Christmas Eve. She’s a drunk, my sister and my parents are very good at pretending she’s not’

‘I’m sorry’ Sherlock said putting his hand for a single moment on John’s arm.

John looked at Sherlock’s hand and smiled wearily ‘Oh, that’s okay, thanks. I’ll be done with all that soon anyway’

‘What do you mean?’ Sherlock asked.

‘Shall we go outside for a walk?’ John asked ‘It’s so warm here, I need some fresh air’

‘Gladly’ Sherlock said.

They got their coats and slipped away through the backdoor without telling anyone.

Sherlock put his coat collar up and wrapped his scarf around his neck.

They walked in silence next to each other for a while in the snow. Some spots were slippery indeed and they had to be careful where to put their feet.

Suddenly John started talking ‘I told you I was done with it all earlier’ he said ‘I’m done taking care of that broken family, pretending that everything is okay. That my dad isn’t cheating on my mum whenever he is away for work or that Harry isn’t drinking all the time. So, after college I am going into the army, to be an army doctor’

Sherlock looked at him pensively ‘Isn’t that a bit drastically? I mean, there are other ways to deal with family problems you know’

‘Like going to live in a flat in London without even knowing what you will do with your life you mean?’ John blurted out.

Sherlock raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that’

‘No, perhaps you are correct to say that’ Sherlock said ‘maybe I am not facing my family problems as well, but it is something else to go in the army to escape them’

John nodded, and they walked on next to each other.

‘There is no girlfriend then who is waiting for you?’ Sherlock heard himself say.

‘God no’ John said.

Sherlock couldn’t help but smile.

‘You? Moving in with someone?’ John asked.

‘As a matter of fact, I am looking for a flatmate’, Sherlock said ‘You know to split the rent and all. But since you’re off to god knows where…’

John stopped and looked at Sherlock ‘Are you asking me to move in with you after college?’

‘Dr Watson, London is in need for doctors as well as you know, not only the army. The flat will be waiting when you return, if you want to of course’

John stammered ‘I… I really don’t know what to say to that Sherlock’

‘Ah, well, I will continue my search for one than’ Sherlock said with disappointment.

Had he really misread the signs? Could he be this wrong? He had been wrong before, but he was so sure this time. He was such an idiot!

‘We should head back to the cottage before we are missed’ he said softly and started walking back.

It started to snow again. Soft snow falling on his curls and coat. He put his coat collar back up and hunched his shoulders. He was getting cold and his mood did not improve either.

John came running up behind him ‘Sherlock, wait up. I didn’t mean, I was, I mean I wanted to…’ suddenly Sherlock heard a thud and a muffled scream.

He turned around and John was gone. He walked back to where he had left John standing.

‘John, John!’ he cried out ‘where are you?’

He heard a sound and when he looked to his right, he saw John had slipped on an icy patch and fallen down a steep path into a frozen ditch.

‘John!’ Sherlock carefully walked over to the ditch and stretched out his arm to reach John’s. He pulled John out of the ditch and to the side of the road. John was all wet and shaking like a leaf.

‘We had better take you out of these clothes, Dr Watson’ Sherlock said ‘before you catch a cold’

John was shivering and could hardly speak from the cold, but he managed to say; ‘We’ve only mm met yesterday and you already ww want to take my clothes off?’

Sherlock stood there baffled and suddenly burst out into laughter. His baritone voice was filling the cold air and John almost felt like that voice alone could melt his ice-cold body.

[sherlfiction]

Christmas with the Holmes’

2. The day before Christmas

Sherlock’s was packing his suitcase which he had delayed until the very last minute. Mycroft would be here in fifteen minutes. He hated Christmas but he knew that it was no use to try to stay behind in college. His older brother would drag him home if need be. Everyone was excited to go home for a few weeks, people were running around in the corridors shouting to each other.

Suddenly there was a shout into his room which made him startle and he turned around from his packing.

‘Well Holmes’ Sebastian leaned against his door ‘you’re finally off for a holiday then?’ he grinned sarcastically.

‘I do not see why it is any of your business but yes I am’, Sherlock answered.

‘Mummy told you to come, did she?’, Sebastian laughed about his own remark.

‘Yours is dreading you’re coming home I bet’, Sherlock replied ‘with all the ‘friends’ you are bringing home with you’.

‘At least I have friends, Holmes’, Sebastian snarled ‘happy holidays and many deductions to you’ Sebastian walked off and his laugh was heard throughout the corridor.

Sherlock closed his door with a bang. Idiot Sebastian with his idiotic friends, he thought. He was glad he was rid of them for a few weeks.

He packed the last of his things in his suitcase and walked downstairs to wait for Mycroft. He put his coat collar up against the icy wind. He looked at the clouds, snow was coming this Christmas. Great, that would mean he couldn’t probably go out for his long walks and had to stay in with all those people his parents had invited.

Mycroft’s car pulled in the driveway and Sherlock put his suitcase in the trunk before he got in.

‘Good morning, little brother’, Mycroft said putting away the morning paper. ‘I’m glad you decided to come’.

‘I do not think I had another choice’, Sherlock sulked.

‘No’, Mycroft said pensively ‘you really didn’t but still, I am glad you are here’

Sherlock glanced over at his older brother, sometimes he really didn’t get him.

They were quiet for the most part of the drive, which took almost two hours. Sherlock was looking outside where the first snowflakes were coming down. He sighed.

‘What is the matter, Sherlock?’ Mycroft softly asked.

‘Nothing, I just… I don’t know really’, Sherlock fell silent.

‘I love the snow, don’t you?’ Mycroft said. ‘It’s always so lovely at home in the country. Don’t get me wrong, I would not trade that for the city at any time! But still it is very lovely’

Sherlock looked at Mycroft; ‘You hate Christmas as much as I do’, he said.

‘God, yes I do’ Mycroft smiled at Sherlock ‘But that doesn’t mean that it is nice to be with family’

‘You hate family’, Sherlock said still sulking.

‘Not all family’, Mycroft said still smiling.

‘Don’t make me puke before I had eggnog’, Sherlock said while he turned back to watch the snow getting thicker.

 ---

 ‘Sherlock!’, Mrs Holmes ran out hugging her youngest son who pulled a face to his brother who was still smiling like the Cheshire Cat.

‘Hello mother’, Sherlock said brushing his coat before entering the house.

‘Mycroft’, his mother said hugging her oldest son ‘I’m so happy you convinced him to come, thank you’

‘You’re welcome, mother’, Mycroft said smiling.

Sherlock felt like a small child again, wanting to stick his tongue out to his brother for being such a well-behaved good son. It wouldn’t be long or he would hear it; ‘oh Sherlock, why can’t you be more like Mycroft?’ he hated that!

He walked in the house and greeted his father ‘Sherlock! How happy this makes me to see you home for Christmas!’ his father smiled, shaking his hand. ‘Your room is just the way you left it, you can put your suitcase there’

Sherlock walked up the stairs to his room which was indeed just as he left it, tidy but with his science books still open like he had been reading them just the night before, which he found odd. He put his clothes away in the closet and looked out the window. It would be dark soon and he really would love to go for a walk. His parents would never allow him to go now. The next days would be crazy with Christmas parties and people and too busy for his liking. He walked downstairs and put his coat and scarf on.

‘Mum, I’m just going out for a little walk before dark, alright? I’ll be back soon’

‘That’s fine dear, just be home in time for tea’ his mother said.

‘I will, thank you’

Good, he had a little more than an hour, he thought. He walked outside and breathed in the fresh crispy air of freshly fallen snow and frostbite. He put his gloves on, put his coat collar up and with a quick pace started to walk.

He had to admit, as much as he loved the city or college, being away from home, he had missed it somewhat. The countryside especially, the wideness of it all. One could feel forlorn this time of year, in the vastness of the countryside when it was almost dark and especially when it was dark weather. He didn’t mind, he loved autumn and winter, with dark clouds or rain or snow. It often matched his mood.

Sherlock was pondering and so much in his own thoughts that he didn’t see someone was running in the lane next to him. It was getting darker and the runner hadn’t seen Sherlock either and when he went around the bend of the road he bumped into Sherlock who fell into the snow.

‘Oh gosh, I’m so sorry’, the runner stammered ‘I really didn’t see you walking there. You’re all dressed in black so I really didn’t notice you’.

The man helped him up and Sherlock brushed the snow off his coat.

‘Story of my life’, he mumbled.

‘Pardon?’, the man asked.

‘Never mind, it is not your fault’, Sherlock answered.

‘You’re all wet now’, the man said ‘Do you live around here? You’ll catch a cold if you don’t put warm clothes on’

‘Yes, I live over there, or rather, my parents do’, Sherlock said pointing towards the cottage where the lights were lit in the distance.

‘Isn’t that the Holmes’ cottage?’ the man asked ‘Sorry, I’m John Watson’, he held out his hand and shook Sherlock’s. ‘My parents are invited to Christmas dinner at your parents home. My dad knows your dad apparently’

‘Really?’ Sherlock looked at the man who bumped into him better now. He was a bit shorter than Sherlock was, perhaps a bit older too, not much though. But Sherlock liked his face, he had kind eyes. ‘Sherlock Holmes, nice to meet you’

‘You really should get out of those wet clothes, you’ll catch a cold. Sorry, bad habit, I’m a doctor, well, almost, erm I’m almost a doctor I mean, I graduate next year’

‘Ah, I see, well one must always do as his doctor says’, Sherlock smirked. ‘I will see you tomorrow then, Dr Watson’

‘Yes, yes, see you tomorrow, Mr Holmes’

[sherlfiction]

Christmas with the Holmes’

Chapter 1

1.  Deducing Sebastian

‘So, start your guessing game, Sherlock’, Sebastian Wilkes laughed.

Sherlock rolled his eyes annoyingly; ‘It is not a guessing game, I am deducing.’

Sebastian laughed even harder; ‘You hear that fellows? Mr. Holmes is deducing!’

‘Fine, I won’t then’, Sherlock started to walk away.

‘No, no, we want you to’, some redhead friend of Sebastian said. Sherlock didn’t know half of these college students. He didn’t care to either. He knew Sebastian because he had some classes with him, but he didn’t like him very much.

For some reason Sebastian was in awe of his deduction skills and every weekend Sherlock had to ‘perform’ in front of Sebastian’s friends. At least, that was how it felt, a performance. But Sebastian was rather stupid and a gambling man, betting every time on the wrong deductions which gave Sherlock some more money for buying more books or other things, he didn’t want to bother Mycroft about. Of course, he could have asked his mother but since she always sent Mycroft to deal with things, this was much easier.

‘Oh, come on, Sherlock’, Sebastian whined with his annoying voice.

‘What’s in it for me?’, Sherlock asked.

‘Come on boys, cough up your money’, Sebastian grinned, and the table was covered with pounds in no time.

‘You’, Sherlock pointed at the redhead who blushed immediately, ‘You went home alone last night’.

‘That’s no deduction!’ the boy shrieked.

Sebastian laughed. ‘It’s true though and he couldn’t have known that! Go on, Sherlock’

‘Sebastian, do you really want me to?’

‘Yes, yes I told you’.

‘Are you absolutely sure?’

Yes, go on’

‘Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you’

‘You just don’t know it, do you?’ Sebastian looked at his friends with a grin.

‘Sebastian’, Sherlock said, ‘why the girl of your best friend? The blonde one?’

‘What?’, Sebastian quickly turned around facing Sherlock.

‘What are you talking about?’, Sebastian’s friend yelled angrily.

‘He doesn’t know what he is talking about clearly’, Sebastian shrugged sheepishly and tried to grab the money.

‘Wait a minute, Sebastian’, Sherlock said and pulled a long blonde hair from Sebastian’s shoulder. He sniffed Sebastian’s sweater and Sebastian’s friend. ‘You both smell like sweet vanilla perfume which isn’t a men sent but it is hers’ pointing at a girl who just walked by leaving a whiff of vanilla behind.

‘You did what?’ the friend screamed, making the blonde girl turn around.

‘You don’t even care for her like I do!’ Sebastian yelled back.

The men were screaming at each other with all the other friends standing around them. Sherlock smirked and took the money from the table and put it in his trouser pocket. He walked away to his room. Stupid Sebastian, god he hated stupid people.

In his room there was another surprise, his brother Mycroft. Great, he thought as he tried to quietly turn around and leave again without being seen.

‘Hello Sherlock’, Mycroft said without turning away from the window. ‘Is that your doing?’, he said pointing outside at Sebastian and his friends who had taken the fight out into the yard.

‘None of your business Mycroft’, Sherlock mumbled.

Mycroft turned around; ‘Actually everything you do is my business, Sherlock. It all reflects on me and the family. But that is not why I am here; I am here to tell you to come home for Christmas.’

Sherlock opened and closed his mouth and opened it again; ‘I don’t do Christmas’.

‘Mummy and daddy decided to stay home this year for Christmas and need you to come home. There is going to be a Christmas party with some of mummy and daddy’s friends or daddy’s business partners. I think the Watsons are coming as well’ he said raising an eyebrow, ‘I don’t really know why though’

Sherlock looked up; ‘Is there any reason why they couldn’t tell me themselves?’

Mycroft ignored him; ‘It is your last year here and I am not requesting this, Sherlock. I am coming to pick you up myself with the car, am I making myself clear?’

Sherlock didn’t say anything, but he only looked disgruntled; his first reaction was to walk away, go as far away from here as he could.

‘Sherlock, you are too old for these silly games, no walking away this time please’, Mycroft said as if he could read Sherlock’s mind. Mycroft walked to the door; ‘Behave’ he said before he left.

‘Bah, humbug’, Sherlock sighed and plumped down on his bed.

[sherlfiction]

Heatwave

Sherlock was standing by the open window looking down onto the street. He saw few passers-by on foot battling the scorching heat that rose up from the asphalt. He really should close the window but a tiny breeze came through the flat right after he had opened the kitchen window as well. He rolled up his sleeves and unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt. It was the summer of hell, he thought. The stifling heat today was unbearable. 37°C was not his idea of an ideal temperature. He walked to the kitchen to put the kettle on, yes tea was a hot beverage but one could always drink tea, in hot or cold weather.

He looked up when he heard the front door slam. ‘John, is that you?’ he called out.

‘Yes, coming’ John said while he walked up the stairs panting. ‘Bloody hell, it’s hot outside’ he said stating the obvious.

Sherlock smirked. He loved seeing John looking casual in his shorts and T-shirt.

‘Did you have a good visit with your mother?’ Sherlock asked.

John looked at Sherlock with a grin. ‘What you’re really asking is; ‘Did Rosie mind being left behind at my mother’s?’ and no she didn’t, she waved goodbye whilst sitting in her tiny pool in mum’s garden under the parasol and everything. No, there wasn’t too much water in it and yes my mum was watching her like a hawk. Don’t worry, Sherlock, my mother is going to spoil her rotten’

‘That is what I’m afraid of’ Sherlock mumbled under his breath.

‘What?’ John asked.

‘Tea?’

‘Ta, you’re reading my mind!’

While they were sitting at the kitchen table John looked up at Sherlock ‘You’re missing her already’ he said.

‘Me? No, it’s just the damn heat!’ Sherlock said

‘Yeah, sure’ John smiled ‘It’s okay to miss her Sherlock’ John put his hand on Sherlock’s. Sherlock just stared at John’s hand for a bit and rubbed his thumb over John’s.

‘You know…’ John said with a smile ‘Now that Rosie is with my mum, we have all the time in the world and we can do whatever we want, all day, for a week!’

‘Well Dr Watson, what did you have in mind?’ Sherlock smirked.

John got up from his chair and walked over to Sherlock. He stood behind him and started slowly to unbutton his shirt. ‘What I mean is’ John whispered into Sherlock’s ear, touching the curls with his mouth ‘that we can make love everywhere in the house without having to think about waking up Rosie and since I know you are having trouble with this hot weather, you won’t mind if I undress you’

‘I don’t mind’ Sherlock agreed

John started to kiss Sherlock’s neck and got rid of the shirt. His hands were all over Sherlock’s bare chest. Sherlock moaned softly.

‘It’s so hot’ Sherlock said while John noticed Sherlock sweating.

‘You know what, I’ll fill the tub for you with nice cool water and then I’ll join you’ John walked to the bathroom and Sherlock heard the water running. He quickly closed the window and walked to the bedroom to take off his clothes and fold them neatly. When John walked in he couldn’t help but smile.

‘You’re such a control freak’ he laughed ‘come here you’

He held Sherlock’s head in his hands and tenderly kissed his lips, slowly. Sherlock kissed back, eagerly.

‘No’, John said ‘not too fast, we have all the time in the world’

He took Sherlock’s hand and the walked to the bathroom. Sherlock slipped into the bath, the cool water was refreshing on a hot, smothering day like this. Sherlock closed his eyes and sighed. John always knew what he needed. John slipped in behind him and started massaging his shoulders. Sherlock leaned back with a sigh. John’s hands were relieving him of all the stress he had been feeling the last weeks, stress of unsolved cases, of difficult cases, of a sometimes difficult toddler even. Now, this week if only for one week, it was their time off. Now if only he could shut his mind off too, he thought. John was a big help though, John’s skilful hands which were now somewhere below his waist.

‘Let it go, Sherlock, don’t think so much’ John whispered.

‘You know me so well’ Sherlock mumbled.

John put Sherlock’s head against his chest to rest. He knew it would take some time for Sherlock to let it all go, the cases, the parenting, well he would never let that go of course but Sherlock would need time to get relaxed. They never took time for just the two of them and they really should do that more often. John looked at Sherlock’s luscious curls, his long eyelashes, his gorgeously curved mouth, his bare chest. He was his, John thought. He never in his wildest dreams could have imagined it but they’ve been together for little over a year now and every day with Sherlock was special, even the simplest things as having a cup of tea together and now just sitting here in a bath together.

‘Sherlock?’ John said but then he realised that Sherlock’s breathing had become more slowly and regular. Sherlock was sleeping. John chuckled, there he was having other plans with Sherlock’s body and he was now lying against him sleeping.

‘You go and sleep, god knows you need it’ John whispered. Sherlock was a very poor sleeper, going to bed at the same time as John but getting up in the middle of the night to pace around in the living room.

‘We have a whole week still’ John whispered ‘plenty of time to make love’

He gently planted a kiss on the curly head and tried to get as comfortable as he could in a bath with a sleeping Sherlock on his chest, smiled at Sherlock’s sleeping body and quietly said; ‘Christ, I love you, Sherlock Holmes’

  © KH

[sherlfiction]

Nightmare

Welcome to my nightmare

I think you're gonna like it

I think you're gonna feel

You belong

- Alice Cooper

Mycroft was just stepping out of his car in front of 221B Baker Street when he saw Dr Watson close the front door and try to walk away. “Dr Watson, a moment please.”, Mycroft said in a demanding tone.

“Yes? What can I do for you?”

“How is my little brother doing? I mean I am on my way up there right now but, well you know, he’s been not himself of late”

“Yes that was to be expected, he never is around this time of year.”

“Quite so, but seeing that you have been up there…”

“I am not going to tell you anything that you can’t see for yourself. You’re his brother after all. Perhaps he needs you now more than he needs me.”

“Do you really think so?” Mycroft didn’t seem to know what to do with that information.

“I do, now if you will excuse me, I have to go. I am late as it is.”

“Of course.”, Mycroft nodded and looked as Dr Watson walked away and hailed a taxi. He shook his head to chase the circle of thoughts of old away that made cobwebs inside his head again and made his way inside and up the stairs to Sherlock.

He knocked and walked in to find his brother sitting in his chair in his thinking pose.

“Mycroft”, Sherlock simply said.

“Sherlock, how are you?”

“Do you really want to know the answer to that question or is it misplaced politeness?” Sherlock answered.

“I am capable of having feelings for my own brother you know.” Mycroft tried sounding indignant.

“I’m sure.”, Sherlock just said and gestured to the empty chair.

“I just saw Dr Watson leave”, Mycroft said.

“Yes”

“Are you on a case?”

“No”

“Do you need one?” Mycroft sounded worried.

“No not really”

“Have you been arguing with Dr Watson?”

“Why are you interrogating me, Mycroft?” Sherlock sighed.

“Sorry, I didn’t intend to”, Mycroft saw the look in Sherlock’s eyes and knew when he had gone too far. “Chess?”

“We might as well”

They played a game of chess and when they finished (Sherlock won again) there was a knock on the door and Lestrade came in.

“Afternoon, sorry am I disturbing you?”

“No we have just finished playing”

“I won with 6-2”

“Yes, I know, I haven’t forgotten that”, Mycroft rolled his eyes.

“I thought you said you were the smart one?” Lestrade said to Mycroft.  

Sherlock snorted.

“Anyway, I need you Sherlock. The guys at the station can’t figure it out. You know the murder on Paddington station which I told you about”

“No”

“I really need you Sherlock”

“We’ll come, Greg, just give us a few”

They turned their heads to see the person that had come into the door.

“Ah Dr Watson, back already?” Mycroft asked.

“No” Sherlock said again.

“Yes, we will come” and in a low voice to Lestrade “just give us some time alone, we will come I promise”

“Ta, much appreciated”

“Well brother dear, I must go, next time I will beat you”

“Not a chance, big brother”

Mycroft smiled and walked out of the door. At the door he looked over his shoulder one more time and nodded, it would be alright, or so he hoped.

“You can stand there saying we are going until you’re blue in the face, I said no” Sherlock said with a sigh closing his eyes.

“But Sherlock I promised Greg we’d help out”

“I heard, perhaps you should go”

“I said ‘we’ not me alone”

“You shouldn’t make promises for other people, haven’t I taught you anything?”

“Sherlock, staying busy is good for you”

“Don’t you start”, Sherlock looked up, his eyes darkened. “I have always given into you, couldn’t resist those eyes, his eyes. But I can see now that I perhaps have given in too many times. Don’t whine with me young lady! Not now, not ever! They all can call you ‘Dr Watson’ but you have to prove to be worth the title!”

She looked at him, her eyes filled with tears; “Don’t you think I miss him too? Don’t you think I cry at night too? Don’t you think I would love to have him back with us too? Because I do! He was my dad and I really miss him! But if you are behaving like this it’s like… like you are gone as well! Like both my dads are gone.” Rosie started to cry softly.

Sherlock looked at her, at her blonde curly hair, like her mum’s, at her blue/greyish eyes, like her dad’s. She was grown up now and a real doctor herself for some time now. She had gone with them on cases early on from when she was in her teens already; she knew the tricks of the trade. She was good at it too. Sherlock felt proud even now looking at her but also sad because he missed John. It was the second year of his passing, when on one of their cases some thug had suddenly shot John. At first it didn’t seem too bad, but then there were complications and he died. He just died! He hadn’t been coping very well, but there was Rosie who never left him, who helped him through the difficult times, who comforted him and he her. They had each other.

“I’m sorry” he whispered and held out his arms. Rosie crawled on his lap like she was a child and they both cried together, for the loss of a father and a husband.

“I’m sorry too” Rosie snivelled. “If you’re not ready, you’re not ready”

“Perhaps we should go” Sherlock said a few minutes later “You and me against the rest of the world”

She smiled through her tears and he whipped them away as if she still was a little girl “Soldiers” he said.

“Soldiers”, she swallowed and tried not to cry all over again.

Then they got up to put on their coat and help Lestrade solve another case.

“Soldiers”, Sherlock whispered and tossed and turned in his bed “Soldiers, Rosie” “Oh god no John!”

“Sherlock, Sherlock wake up”, John was shaking Sherlock who was clearly having a nightmare. He even had tears on his face. “Sherlock!” John almost shouted.

Sherlock woke up completely disoriented. He opened his eyes and looked at John with surprise “John?”

“You were having a nightmare Sherlock” John tried to comfort him.

“I was? You’re not dead?” Sherlock carefully touched John to see if he was real.

“No I’m not dead. You were dreaming I was dead?” John looked shocked.

Sherlock rubbed his face. He was still confused.

“Rosie” he said “Rosie was all grown up”

“Well I can tell you she’s still one year old.”

Sherlock looked at John’s chest. He went over it with his hand. “You had a gunshot wound and you died”

“Oh god” John said.

He grabbed Sherlock and held him close. “I’m not letting myself get shot, promise. I won’t leave you and Rosie, ever”

He felt the tension in Sherlock’s body slip away the longer he held him close to his own body; his right hand circling over Sherlock’s back and his other hand behind his head in the beautiful bundle of curls.

After he felt that Sherlock had calmed down somewhat, he took Sherlock’s head in his hands and kissed him gently on his luscious lips.

“Are you okay?” John asked when he finally let go.

“Yes, I think so, still a bit confused”

Rosie began to stir and mumble at that moment. “Wait here”, John said “I’m right back”

A few minutes later John returned with Rosie in her pyjama holding her elephant. As soon as she saw Sherlock she grinned and stretched out her arms.

John got back on the bed with Rosie and she crawled to Sherlock and climbed on his chest “She…” she said.

“She always wants you”, John smiled with no sign of jealousy whatsoever. “Does this bring you back to reality?”

“She always does”, Sherlock smiled while Rosie hugged him. “John… I know I don’t say it as much as I probably should, but I hope you know anyway. I mean, I love you”

John smiled; “I know, I love you too” he leaned over for another kiss while Rosie giggled.

© KH

[sherlfiction]

Valentine’s Day

“John, hurry up will you?” Sherlock was shivering in his coat. It was freezing outside and even though Sherlock’s coat was quite thick he could still feel the cold creeping up. They’d just finished a case and were walking home when John thought to quickly go into the store to buy some groceries. Rosie was with Mrs. H. all evening because they’d not known how long the case would take. She would be asleep by now. Sherlock blew on his frozen gloved fingers. Darn it was so cold today. There was a fierce wind blowing, coming from the north-east.

“There’s an East wind coming, Sherlock” he could hear Mycroft say in his head.

He shook his head. Not now, not tonight. “Go away”, he said with a loud voice. He startled an elderly lady who passed him. He didn’t care. His mind sometimes played tricks on him, still. He needed to get rid of the thoughts inside before they took over.

“What was that?” John came from outside the store.

“Nothing”, Sherlock shrugged “Can we please go now, I’m freezing!”

“Yes we can go, but may I remind you that you wanted to walk home?” John smiled at Sherlock.

“No you may not”

“Oh are we in a mood?”

“For god sakes John” Sherlock stomped off.

“Okay…” John followed Sherlock. “This is going to be a delightful evening”

---

When they were home Sherlock put the fire on while John put the groceries away.

“What do you want for dinner, Sherlock? Shall I call in for some Chinese food?”

“I don’t care one way or the other”, Sherlock said and when he saw John’s face “Oh all right, fine, Chinese”

They sat down at the kitchen table when the food was delivered and quietly ate their dinner. John looked at Sherlock and cleared his throat; “The case went rather well didn’t it? It took a bit longer than we thought but…”

“John” Sherlock’s voice was more a warning than a start of a conversation.

After dinner John cleared the table and Sherlock just sat in his chair, his hands folded under his chin in his thinking pose.

John went to sit in his chair and pretended to read the paper but he was watching Sherlock. Something was bothering him, if only he knew what it was. Sherlock was frowning, his long lean fingers were pressed against each other and his jaw was clenched. John knew he’d best shut up when Sherlock was in a mood like this. Not that John himself was feeling angry, oh he was and lots of it. It was Valentine’s Day after all and they were supposed to be spending the evening in a whole other manner than sitting opposite of each other being cross. He had asked Mrs. Hudson to care for Rosie just because he wanted to surprise Sherlock with a night out but then the case got rid of that idea. He had a present for Sherlock in the bedroom, a bottle of champagne, some chocolates, all that typical Valentine’s Day stuff and they would have made love all evening and night. But the mood Sherlock was in now or the mood he had brought John in, there would be no love making whatsoever!

John looked at his watch; it was 10 o’clock already. Outside he saw snow falling softly in the lamp lights. He sighed; “I’m off to bed” and folded his paper.

Sherlock hadn’t moved an inch at all. He didn’t say anything so John got up and went to the bathroom where he brushed his teeth feeling rather sorry for himself. When he walked into the bedroom he saw Sherlock standing in front of the bedroom window staring outside to the falling snow.

“I’m sorry John”, he started “I’m sorry for being such a …”

“Cock” John tried to be helpful.

Sherlock turned around. “Thank you John, you have such a way with words. I’m sorry for being that. I know you wanted me to be more, to be better, more romantic perhaps. I cannot help not being the person I am not. I was too busy still with tonight’s case, with the damned cold, with… I don’t know with what but I just wasn’t there for you and I’m sorry”

“It’s Valentine’s Day” John said.

“You know I don’t care about things like that”

“But you could have considered for one second that I might have!” John practically screamed now. “That is what relationships are about you know, caring about the other person, thinking about someone else than yourself for a change!”

Sherlock just stood there, his shoulders hung and he said nothing.

“Say something damn you!”

“I don’t know what to say” Sherlock softly said “You are right, as always when it concerns matters of the heart I am a fool, John. I didn’t know this was important to you and I’m sorry, I should have been more thoughtful.” Sherlock walked away from the window and towards John. He stood close to him and with his large hands he took John’s face and held it. He looked into his eyes and said with his deep baritone voice; “Don’t you ever think that you don’t matter to me John Watson. You do. I am nothing without you” Sherlock leaned over and kissed John. A long kiss where there could be no doubt in John’s mind that Sherlock didn’t love him. Then Sherlock said with a hoarse voice: “I love you John, don’t you ever forget that”

Sherlock started to unbutton John’s shirt while kissing him. John’s hands were in Sherlock’s curls, grabbing them, pulling him closer. Sherlock’s hands were all over John’s chest. John pushed Sherlock toward the bed, grabbing his shirt to unbutton it. Sherlock kicked off his shoes, unzipped his pants and still kept on kissing John. When his pants were off he unzipped John’s pants and they both threw themselves onto the bed, heavily breathing, kissing, touching.

“I have champagne and chocolate” John breathed.

“Shut up” Sherlock gasped. “Would you rather have champagne or sex?”

“Point taken” John grinned.

---

The next morning John woke up and looked next to him where Sherlock was still sleeping. He smiled, he knew last night had a rough start but how it ended was fantastic. He couldn’t resist putting a kiss on Sherlock’s curls.

Sherlock stirred and opened one eye.

“Morning gorgeous” John smiled.

“Is it morning already?” Sherlock moaned.

“It is” John caressed Sherlock’s back all the way to his bare bum. He saw goose bumps appear. “Like some morning sex?” he giggled.

“You are insatiable Mr. Watson” Sherlock smirked turning around.

“Hmm, I guess I am”

They started kissing and didn’t hear a knock on the door but the sudden; “Woohoo, are you awake yet?” got them startled. “Quick, get up, it’s Mrs. H.” John hissed.

“Oh for god sake, don’t let her in the bedroom John, hurry get something on”

“I’m coming Mrs. Hudson, one minute” John said. He heard Mrs. H. chatting with Rosie and he quickly put some pants and a shirt on and gestured Sherlock to get up as well.

He walked into the living room where Mrs. H. handed Rosie over to him; “I’m so sorry to be here so early dear, but I have an appointment”

“That’s alright, thank you for watching Rosie last night”

“Oh no problem dear, she is such a sweetheart”

Mrs. Hudson left and Sherlock appeared in his pyjamas and robe.

“She…” Rosie said.

“Sure she says your name, but not dada” John went into the kitchen to make some tea and breakfast.

“Hello Rosie” John heard Sherlock say “How are you? Look I’ve bought you something. It’s for Valentine’s Day but dada and I don’t do Valentine’s Day but for you we make an exception” Sherlock took an elephant out of his robe pocket. It was purple with a big heart on its side.

“The elephant in the room” John whispered and smiled.

“What John?”

“Nothing, breakfast is ready”

“Come on Watson, breakfast” Sherlock picked Rosie up and put her in her highchair.

“So she gets a present?” John pretended to pout.

“She does”

“And I give you a present?”

“I seem to recall that you got something last night as well” Sherlock looked at John with a smirk.

“Ah, yes, right” John said blushing. “Let’s eat shall we?”

Sherlock laughed and Rosie started to laugh with him.

©KH

[sherlfiction]

Happy Anniversary

John woke up stretching his arms. Oh, today was a special day, he thought with a smile. He looked over to Sherlock who was still fast asleep. Sherlock was working late again last night on some case. He came home very late when John was already sleeping. It would be cruel to wake him. John watched Sherlock sleep; his curls hung over his forehead, his mouth slightly open with those luscious lips. His long fingers were besides his head. Of course he hadn’t bothered undressing. He lay on the bed fully clothed like he just crashed there. John sighed; he would really love to stay here next to Sherlock in bed but he had to go to the surgery and drop Rosie off at the sitter. Sherlock wouldn’t even remember that today was their anniversary. The day they’d met all those years ago when Mike Stamford had introduced them. As John took a quick shower he thought back about that day. About how he met Mike in the park and Sherlock in St. Bart’s where he amazed him from the beginning with his deduction skills. About their first case together and how he would have never thought how his life would have turn out this way. He quickly turned the shower off when he heard Rosie through the baby monitor and rushed to dry off and put his clothes on. He went to her room (his old room) where he picked her up from her crib.

“Hello my darling”, he smiled to his daughter who gave him a big toothless grin “ready to get a wash and get dressed? Oh you want breakfast do you? We have to be quiet though, love, Sherlock is still sleeping”

“She…” Rosie said.

“Yes Sherlock, sshh, quiet” John put his finger to his mouth.

Rosie looked serious “sss” she said firmly.

“Right” John grinned. He picked Rosie up and took her to the kitchen to make breakfast.

Before John headed out the door he peaked into the bedroom. Sherlock hadn’t moved an inch. John felt a bit disappointed. He knew Sherlock had been working until late but still he’d hoped Sherlock would have been up and would have remembered. He shrugged and softly closed the door and left with Rosie.

As soon as Sherlock heard John’s footsteps on the stairs and the front door closing he jumped up and rubbed his shoulder. He opened the bedroom door quietly to see if they’d gone. He walked to the window and saw John put Rosie in a cab, strapping her in, and climb in next to her. The cab drove off.

Sherlock chuckled. He went back to the bedroom to fetch his phone and made a few phone calls.

He took a shower and changed his suit. He took out his purple shirt and put it on.

“Mrs. Hudson” he yelled when he walked to the kitchen.

“Don’t shout dear” Mrs. Hudson said “you can always come down if you need me you know” she shook her head.

“Sorry, but I wanted to ask you if you could babysit Rosie tonight”

“Of course dear, have you got big plans for tonight?”

“It’s our anniversary, Mrs. H” Sherlock grinned.

“Oh Sherlock…” Mrs. Hudson put her hand on Sherlock’s arm “you’re such a romantic, I always knew it” she sighed. ---

John’s day at work didn’t go as quick as he wanted to. He was tempted to text Sherlock several times but didn’t. Sherlock would be busy anyway, he thought.

But around his lunch break he got a text.

“Busy?” SH

“No, having lunch”

“Not a big lunch?” SH

“Why?”

“Plans for tonight?” SH

“Nothing much”

“You do now” SH

“I do? What?”

“Oh nothing much just something I need you with” SH

“Oh right”

“You’ll see. Sorry I missed you and Rosie this morning” SH

“Yeah you were late last night, best let you sleep”

“Most considerate of you on the other hand you can always wake me for morning sex” SH

“Wait what?”

“Must go, laters” SH

John was completely baffled by Sherlock’s text. He’d never sexted him before. He read back what Sherlock had texted and blushed. He had never shown public affection either and lately John had wondered if Sherlock was just afraid to. This text was a step in the right direction so he thought.

---

Sherlock heard the bang of the front door closing and Rosie babbling followed by John’s steps on the stairs. He sat in his chair pretending to read the paper when they came in.

“She…!” Rosie’s voice came when she saw him.

Sherlock put down his paper and smiled “Hello Watson, how was your day?” he stood up and leaned over to John to give him a kiss “hello John” he said in his low baritone voice that made John shiver.

“She…! Rosie stretched out her arms to be picked up by Sherlock. Sherlock picked her up and her tiny arms held him around his neck. “I missed you too” he softly said to the blonde curls against his chest.

“Shall I start dinner then?” John said.

“No” Sherlock said “This young lady has a dinner date with Mrs. Hudson”

“Whoohoo” Mrs. Hudson said knocking the door on cue.

“She has?” John asked.

“Oh yes, we are going to have a girl’s night” Mrs. Hudson smiled to Rosie as she took her over from Sherlock. “Don’t worry John, I’ve done this many times, we’ll be fine. You go and have a great time”

Mrs. Hudson and Rosie left and John looked at Sherlock “We are?”

Sherlock took a small package from his jacket pocket and looked John in the eyes; “Happy anniversary John”

John stared at the oblong package then back to Sherlock again “You remembered” he said quietly.

“I’ve told Angelo we would dine there, I hope that’s alright” Sherlock said timid.

“Oh bloody hell Sherlock” John said as he opened the package and saw a watch inside. “That’s just… I mean I can’t even… You’ve got to…”

“I take it you like the watch?” Sherlock grinned.

“Jeez Sherlock like it, I love it, but it’s just too much!”

“Nothing is ever too much for my favourite blogger” Sherlock softly said.

“And to think all I have for you is a book” John handed Sherlock his package and Sherlock opened it to see a first edition of a Nikola Tesla book and was thrilled.

“I love it John, thank you”

They walked down the stairs and went into the waiting cab to Angelo’s where the window seat table was waiting for them.

Angelo’s smile was from ear to ear when they walked in “Sherlock! How wonderful to see you and your date! It’s been too long my friend, sit down, it’s all on me” “No, Angelo, not this time, it’s our anniversary. I’m paying everything tonight” Sherlock smiled.

“Ah, l’amore” Angelo took out his lighter and light the candles “Here is the menu, I’ll be right back”

When they were eating, even Sherlock was eating this time, John looked up at Sherlock.

“What?” Sherlock asked.

“Sexting Sherlock?”

Sherlock looked at John “You didn’t think I had it in me did you?”

“No to be honest”

“Well John Watson, you will see that there is more to me then you can imagine” Sherlock snapped his fingers and a violinist came to the table and began playing a romantic song.

“Sherlock, I really don’t know what to say”

“Shh, just listen”

The violinist finished playing, Sherlock thanked him and John said “I won’t ever forget this evening”

“And you haven’t even seen what I’ve planned for desert yet” Sherlock grinned with a naughty look on his face.

“Sherlock!” John giggled, was it the wine or the atmosphere, he didn’t know but he knew this night was perfect.

© KH

[sherlfiction]

From the other side

Sherlock was lying on the sofa with his hands folded under his chin when John walked in from putting Rosie to bed. John had worked all day in the doctor’s office and was feeling tired. Seeing Sherlock in his thinking pose he knew there was something bothering Sherlock and he was really not in the mood today. He went to his chair to read the paper. Sherlock sighed. John looked up but tried to ignore it. He had a busy day with lots of patients behind him and just wanted a quiet evening. Sherlock sighed again, longer this time.

‘Oh for god sake’ John lowered his paper ‘stop the dramatics and just tell me’

‘I miss Mary’, Sherlock said softly turning his head toward John.

John dropped his paper. He did not see this coming at all; ‘What?’ he asked.

Sherlock flung his long legs of the sofa, adjusted his robe and said; ‘You heard me the first time, John’

John stood up and walked to the sofa to sit next to Sherlock.

‘I’ve never realised that you miss her too’ he said in a soft voice.

‘I know it’s been a year now’ Sherlock said ‘but sometimes I can’t help but feel that my luck wouldn’t have happened if she hadn’t died’

‘I feel that too’ John nodded ‘I sometimes feel guilty if I’m happy with you’

Sherlock looked at John and nodded in agreement ‘And they say I’m the guy with no feelings’ he smirked.

‘You know Mary would be the first to say we shouldn’t do this to ourselves’

‘I know’

They sat there next to each other on the sofa for a while when suddenly there was a knock on the door. They got startled and John got up to open the door. It was Mrs Hudson with a package.

‘I’m sorry to disturb you boys but I just got back in and I found a package that was delivered at the wrong address; it’s for you both’

‘Thank you Mrs H’ John said and closed the door when she left.

‘What’s that?’ Sherlock asked.

‘No idea’ John said turning over the brown paper bag ‘it has no return address and it’s addressed to the both of us’

John started to open the bag and an old video tape came out. John stared at it and then looked at Sherlock ‘You don’t think…’ he started.

‘We know soon enough’ Sherlock said ‘There’s an old VCR in the bedroom’

Sherlock put the tape in, switched on the telly and they sat on the bed to watch the tape start.

‘Hello my favourite Baker Street Boys’ the voice of Mary came.

‘Oh god…’ John whispered.

‘If you watch this it means it’s been a year since I died. You John have probably moved back in with Sherlock and I’m guessing you both have moved back to your old routine. So I thought I’d return one more time from the other side to talk to you. I’m sure there are times that you feel that you miss me, don’t! Move on, live, love, and if I am reading it right, love each other, right Sherlock? No, do not correct me! I have always known you love John and I am more than fine with that. Recording this, knowing that I would be dead if you watch this, I would be so happy knowing that you two would be together. Holmes and Watson. Watson and Holmes. As it is supposed to be really. I know you both loved me as I loved you. But it is time to move on. Remember me but never ever feel guilty for being happy. Keep me in your heart.’ Mary blew a kiss to the screen and the screen went black.

John sat there with tears in his eyes and Sherlock just looked shocked.

‘How did she…’ he started.

‘Mary always knew everything’ John smiled through his tears.

‘Look there is a tape for Rosie as well for when she is older to fully understand it’ John held up a tape named ‘Rosie’.

‘I’ll leave you here to watch that’ Sherlock said ‘I have had enough for one day. Or you must need me?’

‘I always need you’ John smiled leaning over for a kiss ‘but I understand; I’ll watch this one alone, I don’t mind’

‘I’ll make tea’ Sherlock said unfolding his long legs from the bed. He hugged John and stood up ‘I love you John’ he said with his deep voice.

John looked up and smiled ‘I love you too Sherlock’

© KH

[sherlfiction]

Queer Bashing

In the Netherlands a homosexual couple was beaten last week for holding hands in public. It made a lot of people feel they had to do something, like hetero men holding hands as a statement that they don't agree and so on. This is sort of my statement that I don't agree. Live and let live, love is love!

________________________________________________________________

Sherlock was lying on the sofa in his thinking pose. John knew very well not to disturb him when he was like this but Sherlock was lying like this most of the time these days. He needed to get out more. “Sherlock?” he tried. “Hmm” was all the answer he got. “Sherlock, let’s get to the pub. We haven’t been out in ages” Silence… “Sherlock come on, I’m bored out of my skull. Rosie is asleep, Mrs Hudson can watch her and we can grab a pint or two” Sherlock looked up “That’s actually a splendid idea” he said jumping up. “What, are you serious?” John was stunned at this sudden enthusiasm. “Of course I am, come on, what are you waiting for?” Sherlock already had his Belstaff on and was busy with his scarf. “Right, on our way out we must tell Mrs Hudson we’re off” --- It was a pleasant spring evening which brought more people outside than on every other Tuesday evening. They arrived at the pub and ordered two beers. “I’m glad you talked me in to going out John” Sherlock said “you’re right of course, I’m cooped up inside too much but that last case keeps clinging onto my mind” “Better not think about it for a while, it will come to you when you least aspect it” John took a sip of his beer. “I’m glad we’re out too, we should do this more often” After a few beers they were laughing together and enjoying themselves more than Sherlock thought he would before they left. “John Watson I think I should stop now, you’re purposely getting me drunk” Sherlock started to talk funny. “Me?” John laughed “I wouldn’t dare to” They drank their last beer and put their coats on to go home. All giggly they walked home. “Can we walk back through the park?” Sherlock asked “I love the park in spring” John nodded in agreement and they walked through the park. Sherlock stopped and looked around “it’s so pretty here don’t you think so John?” “Yes it is” John smiled. Sherlock looked at John “John” he said but stopped. “I know” John took Sherlock’s hand, kissed it and they started to walk again. “You’re drunk” John squeezed Sherlock’s hand. “That’s your fault” Sherlock said, he turned and bent his head so he could kiss John. “Not that I mind” John softly said “Somehow you’re much more loose and loving when you’re drunk” Sherlock stopped again and said; “It’s just that I still have to get used to expressing my feelings for you because I held them in for so long, John. It will get better I promise” He kissed him again, longer this time until he heard voices behind them. At first they were in the distant but now they were coming closer. “John, we have to go, now” Sherlock whispered. “Why, what’s wrong?” John asked. The voices became louder; ‘Oy faggots!’ “Oh” John said looking around for the exit of the park that led to their home. Suddenly they were surrounded by 8 young blokes who were calling them names; ‘Aunties, get the fuck out of here. Fucking piece of shit, stupid queers, just out of the closet are you? Shall we put you back in then? Fucking nellies, out with your bum chum? Trying to bang in the park were you? Well not here you don’t, let’s give some to them boys so they won’t forget!” “John go, run!” Sherlock whispered but John wouldn’t leave Sherlock alone. The group had surrounded them and four were starting to beat up Sherlock and knocking him to the ground, kicking him wherever they could. They trampled on his face, stamped on his cheekbones, he felt his lip split, he tried to protect his head by holding his arms above his head but it was no use, the four against him. He tried to fight back, kicked some, hit some but the more he fought the more they hit back, some even with bike chains it seemed, until one of them took out a knife and held it against his throat. “Stop fighting or I’ll slice you open and you’re sissy boyfriend too” he hissed. Sherlock had to give up fighting back. He felt the blade against his throat. But worst of all he saw the same happening to John. The other four held John and made him look how Sherlock was beaten to a pulp. He had been hit in the face when he fought to free himself and now they had put a knife on his throat. “You seem like a decent fellow, like one who was straight but now has been lost your way, faggot. So see what we do to your boy here so you won’t forget how we treat fags like you, got it?” John couldn’t let them do that to Sherlock and tried to struggle free but finally they pinned him down and kicked him in his stomach and his crouch. Then they left as suddenly as they had come. John tried to crawl to Sherlock “Sherlock, talk to me” All he heard was a soft moaning. When he was close enough he saw Sherlock’s bleeding face, his cheekbones were bruised and his lip cut open, one eye was swollen and he seemed to have a head wound because under his curls blood was dripping. “Oh god Sherlock” John swallowed hard. He searched for his phone and thankfully they hadn’t taken it. He rang Greg Lestrade. “Greg… help please, Sherlock, beaten St. James’ Park, ambulance too, please” he hang up, he just couldn’t talk. The pain in his own body was nothing compared to the pain he felt when he saw Sherlock lying there… --- “You know I have to take your statement eventually John, the sooner the better” Greg Lestrade watched John pacing up and down the hospital corridor waiting until the doctor came with news about Sherlock. “Yes I know Greg, I will” “Better do it now, Dr Watson” a calm voice came from the doorway. “Mycroft, thank god you’re here” “There is a first time for everything I suppose” Mycroft said cynically. “You don’t look very well John” “You haven’t seen Sherlock yet have you?” John looked up his eyes filled with tears “I’m so sorry Mycroft” “What for, did you beat him up? No you did not so don’t be silly” “I should have protected him better. I’ve been a soldier for god sake! I know how to defend myself and others” “As I’m told you were pinned down and hit and kicked yourself right?” Mycroft asked. John nodded. “They even put a knife to your throat, so there was nothing you could have done” “How on earth do you know all that?” Greg asked “he hasn’t even given me an official statement yet!” “You must know by now I have my ways, detective inspector” Mycroft rolled his eyes at Greg “about that; do give the detective your statement John. It’s imperative those thugs are caught as soon as possible” “But if Sherlock…” “I will let you know immediately” Mycroft nodded. “You can do it here if you want” Greg said “No need to come all the way to the police station” John walked off with Greg to give his statement while Mycroft stayed and waited. --- Bright, the light was too bright. Sherlock tried to blink and open his eyes but could only open one eye. Pain, panic, John. He started to breathe heavily and all kinds of machines started beeping. A nurse came in and saw he was awake. “Glad to see you awake, Mr Holmes” she smiled “How are you feeling? Can you talk? Breathe slowly, you’re alright” Sherlock felt pain, he tried to mouth the word but couldn’t. His mouth wouldn’t comply. “It’s okay” the nurse said “it will come just relax. Nod if you can; are you in pain?” Sherlock nodded which hurt and he flinched. The nurse added some more pain medication into Sherlock’s drip. “The pain will be less soon” she said. “Are you up for some visitors?” Sherlock nodded again. “You can come in now” she said to someone outside the room. “Sherlock” John’s voice came. Sherlock felt relief, John was okay. His face was bruised but he was okay. “I’m so sorry” John said in tears. Sherlock still had trouble talking but instead he put his hand on John’s and looked at him. “I should have fought harder” John explained “I should have defended you” Sherlock shook his head which hurt like hell so he stopped and closed his eye (what was wrong with his other eye?). “That is exactly what I tried to tell him, little brother but he still feels guilty” Mycroft came in. Sherlock looked up to see Mycroft and Greg following him. “You look like hell” Greg said. Sherlock tried to smile but again that hurt. “Good grief, don’t try to smile, it makes you look even more horrible” Mycroft blurted out. “If you feel up to it, I need a statement from you too” Greg said. Sherlock sighed; he carefully turned his head and pointed to his glass of water. John reached out and held the glass with the straw under Sherlock’s mouth so he could drink. Sherlock cleared his throat and whispered; “I will Greg, but talking is hard” “I understand, but the sooner we get them, the better” Sherlock nodded “Can you give me a moment with John?” “Of course” Mycroft and Greg left the room. “Don’t speak too much Sherlock if you can’t just yet” John said. “John, don’t feel guilty” Sherlock whispered squeezing John’s hand. “Please, I saw how… they held the knife at your throat. They…” Sherlock coughed “said to me they would kill you” A tear rolled over Sherlock’s cheek “I have never been so afraid in my life. I don’t want anything to happen to you” “You let them kick the crap out of you to save me? Is that what you’re saying?” Sherlock didn’t say anything anymore but his silence was enough. John’s eyes filled with tears again, he blinked so Sherlock didn’t see it, he had to be strong for him now. “Rest now Sherlock, you can give that statement after you’ve rested” John kissed Sherlock’s curls and when he heard the slow breathing he left the room. “Can I go in now?” Greg asked. “No you cannot. You know what you can do? Find those losers, those homophobia queer bashers and lock them up because if I ever see those blokes again, I will fight back! You know what he just told me? He didn’t fight back to save me! Because some punk told him they would kill me if he would! You have my statement, his will be the same don’t you think? Let him rest now and go find those …” John grinded his teeth. “Right, I’ll come back later then” Greg said and left. “It will be alright John” Mycroft said. --- Weeks later Sherlock was still in hospital but his injuries were healing as well as could be expected. He had given his statement a few days later than John’s to Greg and now the doctor was in his room to tell him he could go home. “But Mr Holmes, I urge you to do the exercises we gave you here. If not you may have a very long way ahead of you” “I will see that he does” John said resolute. The swelling in Sherlock’s eye was gone and it left no permanent damage thankfully. He only had some minor bruises left and had to do exercises for his knee which was banged up pretty hard. He walked out with a cane. “The irony” Sherlock said looking at the cane which was John’s. “Yes well, I always knew it would come in handy” John answered. When he opened the door to 221B Baker Street he was welcomed by Molly and Mrs Hudson who was holding Rosie. He felt happy to be home again. The stairs was a bit of a climb with a painful knee but he managed and when he sat down in his own chair again he realised how much he missed being in his own home. John brought him some tea. “So much for getting you to go out” John said grim. “Well John Watson, you don’t let some thugs spoil a night out on the town with me do you?” Sherlock smirked. John looked at Sherlock knowing how much recuperation he had to do still, physically as emotionally and leaned in for a kiss. “Of course not, what was I thinking!” But they both knew that it would take a lot of healing for both of them to get rid of this scary experience. Nonetheless they also wanted to move on and leave this behind them and to do that they had to talk about it together and be more open about their relationship. Hiding it would do no one any good they thought. So the next day when Sherlock needed to practice walking to keep his knee flexible they were talking a stroll outside in St. James Park holding hands. Ugliness only comes out in darkness when you give it a chance, hate feeds hate, so they decided not to think about the kids who attacked them and let Lestrade deal with it this time. Which he did and it didn’t take long before the group of haters reared their ugly head again and they were all arrested. Love is love and no matter who loves who it is a gazillion times better than hatred.

[sherlfiction]

The Love Letter

John walked up the stairs with his hands full of groceries when Mrs Hudson called him from downstairs. ‘Oh John, this letter was accidentally delivered at my address but it has your address on it. It is strange though, there’s only an address not a name on the envelope’ John opened the door and walked to the kitchen to put down the groceries. ‘Thank you Mrs Hudson’ he said to Mrs Hudson who had come up with him to give him the letter. He took the letter from her and looked at it. ‘That is strange’ he mumbled. He sniffed at the envelope. ‘Cologne’ Mrs Hudson smiled ‘isn’t it romantic?’ John put the letter on the kitchen table and started to clear the groceries. ‘Aren’t you going to open the letter?’ Mrs Hudson asked ‘aren’t you curious?’ ‘No, but apparently you are’ John replied closing the fridge. ‘But John perhaps you have an admirer’ ‘Or it’s for Sherlock and I’m opening his mail by mistake’ ‘Sherlock, no when does he get romantic letters?’ she giggled at the idea of it ‘it must be for you, go on John open it. There’s no name on it, so it must be for you. All Sherlock’s mail has his name on it, go on’ she pushed him. ‘Oh for god sake, if it’s his you’ll get the blame’ John said while opening the envelope. A folded piece of handwritten paper came out and when John opened it some dried flowers fell out. Mrs H. sighed. John looked at her and she quickly closed her mouth. John started to read; Beloved, Never have I loved someone like I love you. The course of true love never did run smooth and neither did ours but I feel our love has grown. Not only do I feel like I am more than lucky to have you in my life, I also need you in mine. What a terrible mess I have made of my life I feel I don’t deserve you. I go about things the wrong way. Some may not think so but I am human and I need to be loved just like everybody else does. You know, with what we’ve been going through together I sometimes think to myself; with the world's fate resting on your shoulders, you’re going to need someone on your side. I want you to be my someone. I dreamt about you last night and I fell out of bed twice. I feel I can no longer wait to hold you in my arms. I need you, my love. I would not wish any companion in the world but you. Take me to the haven of your bed and hold me in your strong arms. Make love to me like you never made love before. I would like to give you what I think you're asking for you handsome devil. If these words seem odd to you coming from me than I am truly sorry, you are right. I know nothing of writing a love letter or of love making. I do know I love you and every word I wrote I meant even though I borrowed some of William Shakespeare and of Morrissey. They seemed appropriated for what I wanted to say, or how I wanted to express my feelings for you. I am an oaf in matters of the heart, John. But I hope that together we can find ways to express our love for each other better. With all my heart Love, Sherlock When John was finished reading his letter he fell silent. The only sound in the room was Mrs Hudson softly sniffling. He sat there letter in hand, the dried flowers on the table. ‘That was so lovely, dear’ Mrs Hudson finally said. ‘Where is Sherlock?’ John asked with a hoarse voice. ‘I am here John’ a soft voice came from Sherlock’s chair. It startled John. Mrs Hudson got up ‘I’m going now, John, don’t mind Rosie. I’ll take care of her tonight’ she said and to Sherlock ‘that was so wonderful dear’ When Mrs Hudson was gone John stood up and walked to Sherlock. ‘I… I don’t know what to say’ John stammered. Sherlock rose slowly from his chair. ‘You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to, John’ he said softly ‘If I misread the situation…’ Sherlock’s voice trembled. John could see how difficult it must have been for him to come forward like this. Mrs Hudson must have been in on it, he thought. Sherlock interpreted John’s silence for a negative reaction to his letter and started to withdraw to his room; ‘I am sorry’ he said before he started walking away. John realised how stupid he was not to say something sooner, after all it was Sherlock who felt everything different than other people. ‘God no Sherlock stop!’ he yelled out. Sherlock turned around, his face lit up a bit John saw. ‘Come here you fool don’t you dare walk away from me now!’ Sherlock walked back to John and when he was close to John, John pulled him even closer; ‘That’ he said ‘was the most beautiful letter I’ve ever read’ ‘Really?’ ‘Really, now come here you’ John pulled Sherlock close to him put his hand on the back of his curly head to pull him down to kiss him. When their mouths touched it felt as if time stood still and everything around them vanished. ‘Wow’ John said when he came up for air ‘if I knew you could kiss like that I wouldn’t have waited this long! Now you said something about a haven and a bed?’ Sherlock rolled his eyes but smiled. They went to the bedroom and when Sherlock closed the door John said ‘Not before you call me a handsome devil again’ and giggled. ‘I will do that and much more’ Sherlock growled taking off John’s shirt. ‘Bloody hell’ John sighed but that was all he could say as Sherlock’s mouth covered his again as they plunged onto the bed.

[sherlfiction]

The American

John’s phone beeped several times while he was in the shop to buy some groceries. His arms were full and he couldn’t reach his phone but he knew if he didn’t answer and it was Sherlock he’d hear it all evening. He sighed, put some of his groceries back in the basket, pulled away from the que apologising to everyone in it and picked up his phone when it rang again. It was Mycroft to his surprise, not Sherlock. ‘Mycroft, what can I do for you?’ John asked. ‘Am I disturbing you?’ Mycroft asked as if he was interested John thought. ‘Well, I was in a que to pay my groceries’ John started but Mycroft didn’t hear him. ‘Good well how are things with my little brother?’ ‘You know, the usual in quit times like these, bored out of his skull’ ‘I thought as much’ Mycroft said ‘I have a case he might be interested in’ ‘Good’ John said ‘send them over’ ‘Well perhaps I should explain whom it concerns first’ ‘Yes?’ John really didn’t have the time for Mycroft’s cumbrousness. ‘It is the American ambassador…’ Mycroft paused for effect. ‘So?’ John sighed; get on with it he thought. ‘You know how my little brother loves Americanisms don’t you?’ ‘Oh…’ It clicked finally. Mycroft didn’t only want to give Sherlock a case he also wanted to stir things up a bit ‘you’re evil’ he grinned. ‘I have no idea what you are talking about Dr Watson, expect us tomorrow’ John could hear Mycroft laughing when he hang up the phone. He could finally pay his groceries and go home. ‘Sherlock’ he called out when he got in. ‘Kitchen’ was all he heard. ‘We have a case, Mycroft will come over tomorrow’ ‘It is about time, I’m bored out of my skull’ Sherlock said while stretching his long arms above his head. --- The next day Mycroft came as promised with the American ambassador. John hadn’t told Sherlock who the client was. It was much more fun to see Sherlock’s reaction when the man started to speak. Mycroft walked in with a big smile on his face. The man next to him was sweating heavily and wiped his brow with a handkerchief. ‘Don’t you have an elevator in your apartment?’ the man started without introducing himself first. ‘You don’t even have a parking lot; I had to walk the whole block!’ John looked at Sherlock who was shaking his head at Mycroft. ‘No’ Sherlock simply said. ‘You haven’t even heard the rest yet’ Mycroft said ‘just let him speak’ ‘Mycroft, a very thin line…’ Sherlock warned his brother. ‘Sherlock may I introduce the American ambassador…’ But before Mycroft could finish the ambassador took Sherlock’s hand, shook it and said; ‘Nice to meet you son, very nice. So you’re the famous detective?’ ‘Mycroft…’ Sherlock hissed a warning. ‘Mr Ambassador please have a seat’ ‘Do you like it in London?’ John asked ‘I’ve only been in this new job for two months but I swear there’s nothing better than the States. I mean even the sidewalks here are uneven, I nearly fell when I had to jump on it. These idiots drive on the wrong side of the road!’ John could hear Sherlock’s teeth grinding. ‘You had a case for me?’ Sherlock asked. ‘Yeah, the other night while I was having a beer with my assistant her purse was stolen, her phone was in there as well which is the whole point’ ‘Elaborate’ ‘I don’t have to tell you what phones are for other than for calling someone do I?’ ‘There are pictures on there of you with her’ ‘Right you are sonny’ John hid his smirk when he saw Sherlock’s face. ‘You don’t want your wife to know’ ‘Or have pictures of me tide up naked in the trunk of my car smeared all over the gossip columns, no’ Sherlock just looked at him without saying a word. ‘Oh come on, I was on vacation. I can have a bit of fun on my own vacation! We took those pictures for the fun of it and forgot to delete them’ ‘You really are that stupid?’ ‘Excuse me?’ ‘Where is your assistant now?’ ‘At work in the office I think, why?’ ‘Call her’ Sherlock said. ‘Son, you’re pushing it. I thought you were just any regular detective but you’re just a douche’ Sherlock got up from his chair; ‘Tomorrow the papers will be filled with your pictures. I wish you a safe flight back to the United States, clearly you do not fit well into the UK’ He turned to John; ‘John, I am in need of a holiday I think’ John grinned and opened the door for a baffled ambassador; ‘Good day sir’ he said cheerfully. When the ambassador was out the door he could hear him make a phone call; ‘What do you mean she isn’t there anymore? She quit? What?’ The ambassador stamped down the stairs and left followed by Mycroft who apologised for his impolite brother. ‘This is the most fun I had in days’ Sherlock said. ‘Tea?’ John asked. ‘Hm love too’ Sherlock smiled. ‘I’ll put the kettle on’

[sherlfiction]

Gentle Storm

After Mary’s death John had felt at a loss alone in his big home. It didn’t feel like a home anymore, not without her. He had Rosie but looking at her only reminded him of her mother. He missed her so much that it hurt. He had his work as a doctor and the cases with Sherlock but still, coming home alone in that big silent house was beginning to get to him. He would walk through the rooms as if he was looking for her. He’d always end up in the rocking chair next to a peacefully sleeping Rosie, her tiny hands holding the pink elephant. He would watch her sleep while the tears silently came rolling down his cheeks. Not only because he missed her, he also felt guilty for neglecting her the last few months, for texting another woman, oh for so many things. He would just sit there rocking for a while, crying in silence before going to bed. Of course it was only a matter of time before Sherlock would notice. One morning when John walked in after yet another night of little sleep, Sherlock looked at him while John was pouring coffee in his mug. ‘What?’ John snapped. ‘You didn’t sleep well’ Sherlock simply said ignoring John’s mood. ‘So, what is it to you?’ ‘I am just concerned’ Sherlock shrugged. John sipped his coffee, the warm liquid seemed to calm his nerves; ‘I’m sorry Sherlock, I’m on edge for weeks’ he sat down at the kitchen table and sighed. ‘I understand’ Sherlock softly said and put his hand on John’s arm for a moment ‘If I can help… ‘ John looked at Sherlock’s hand. Sherlock noticed and quickly took his hand off John’s arm. John looked up, his eyes filled with tears. ‘I’m at a loss Sherlock. It’s so lonely and empty in the house, too big for Rosie and me, so cold. I don’t want to live there no more; I just can’t live there anymore’ ‘Why don’t you move back in here then, into your old room?’ ‘Are you sure?’ John’s eyes lit up. ‘Of course I’m sure’ ‘But with Rosie’ John hesitated ‘Wouldn’t you be too much disturbed by Rosie?’ ‘Of course not John, don’t be silly, I would love you and Rosie to live here, and I am her Godfather after all!’ Sherlock smiled. ---                                 Weeks later John was a different man, he lived back on Baker Street again and it felt as if he had never been gone. He felt so much happier. He watched Sherlock interact with Rosie as if she was an adult and he smiled. Her first word would probably be ‘Sherlock’ or ‘Obviously’ instead of ‘Daddy’ he thought and he didn’t even mind. Mary would think that was hilarious. He stopped to think for a while; it was the first time in weeks since he lived here that he thought of her, of Mary. He smiled, it was a good sign. ‘Is everything alright John?’ Sherlock asked. ‘Hmm’ he nodded ‘More than okay really. I’m happy I moved back here’ ‘I am too’ Sherlock smiled. John looked into Sherlock’s eyes. He could be mistaken but it wasn’t the first time he saw this. Was there something more there, something more in his concern, in his friendship, in his feelings? He shook it off, he was surely mistaken. Sherlock was Sherlock, the man without the emotions. Of course John knew him longer to know that wasn’t true of course. ‘Sherlock?’ he started but got interrupted by a knock on the door followed by the head of Greg Lestrade peeping around the door. ‘Guys I need you’ Greg said followed by ‘oh hello Rosie’ John watched Sherlock hand Rosie to Greg and Rosie grinning a toothless smile. ‘You needed us Greg?’ he said. ‘Yeah, that case from last week, we’re at a dead end, can you both come down to assist?’ ‘I’ll ask Mrs Hudson to watch Rosie’ John said knowing she would be happy to. --- ‘Greg, can I ask you something?’ John asked when he knew Sherlock was out of hearing range. ‘What?’ Greg turned. ‘Have you ever noticed something about Sherlock, I mean has he ever looked at someone… I mean not to deduce them but in a more romantic way’ ‘Sherlock? Now you mention it, I have seen him look at two people like that’ ‘Two?’ John was shocked to hear that really. ‘Yeah, that woman, what’s her name, Irene Adler, but I don’t really know if that was something to be honest, I mean romantically. I think he was intrigued. Yeah that’s the right word for it’ Greg nodded. ‘Who was the other one?’ John asked. Greg looked at John; ‘Come on John, do I really have to spell that out to you? It’s obvious right?’ ‘I wouldn’t ask if I thought it was’ ‘He’s always looking at you, mate. You are both my friends that’s why I never meddled with what I think is your business and yours alone, but since you ask…’ ‘I am asking Greg’ ‘I wouldn’t think twice if I were you. You can’t find a more loyal boyfriend than Sherlock Holmes. He would do anything for you, John. He has gone to hell and back again for you’ Greg patted John on the back before walking off to Sherlock who was waving at Greg to come over. ‘Bloody hell’ John whispered to himself ‘Bloody fucking hell’ --- When they returned to Baker Street and John had put Rosie to bed he sat on his own bed thinking about what Greg had said. He couldn’t believe how stupid he was. Mary knew, in her message she said it; Go to hell Sherlock, go to hell and save John Watson. He did go to hell and he did save him. Mary knew there was no other way. Mary knew Sherlock would do anything for him. He could be so stupid! He slowly walked downstairs and went into the living room where Sherlock sat in his chair reading the paper. He cleared his throat; ‘Sherlock can we talk?’ he asked softly. Sherlock looked up from his paper before putting it down ‘Of course John’ John sat down in the other chair ‘I don’t know where to start really’ he said ‘but first I’d like to thank you for giving Rosie and me a home again’ ‘Don’t even mention it John. This will always be your home too’ ‘Can I ask you a very personal question?’ John hesitantly asked. ‘I guess so’ John shifted in his chair; it was now or never. ‘Have you ever been in love? I mean really loved someone up to the point you would do anything for them to be happy?’ John paused and carefully observed Sherlock’s face. Sherlock just sat there his eyes fixated on John ‘why you are asking me that?’ he said with an ice cold tone in his voice. John knew he had to push through this time ‘Sherlock’ he said leaning forward towards Sherlock ‘I don’t want to pry in your personal life or your emotional one. It’s just that, and please correct me if I’m wrong, every time you look at me; I see a storm in your eyes. I can’t think normally, I feel like time will stop just for me to look in those eyes, to get lost in them. That the clocks will reset to the moment when we first met and we can start all over again and do it properly this time.’ John fell silent for a moment, not knowing where those words came from or what to say next. Sherlock just sat there staring at him. John never felt this uneasy. ‘Right’ he finally said ‘I clearly was wrong. I’m sorry’ he stood up and started to walk away but then turned around and said ‘Please forgive me for what I said. I hope we will stay friends, although I understand it must be awkward now’ When he was almost at the door he heard a noise behind him. He turned to look and saw Sherlock had his hands before his face. Sherlock’s shoulders shook. Was he sobbing? John quickly walked back to Sherlock to see he really was sobbing and knelt down to hold him. ‘Oh god Sherlock I’m so sorry. I’m such a cock. I really shouldn’t have said anything’ Sherlock mumbled something but John couldn’t hear him because of the sobbing. ‘What’s that Sherlock?’ ‘I can’t believe it’ Sherlock whispered ‘I can’t believe it’ John took both Sherlock’s hands in his hands and asked Sherlock to look at him. Sherlock’s eyes were still wet but he stopped crying. ‘You can’t believe what?’ ‘Did you mean what you said John?’ ‘Of course I did!’ ‘What took you so long?’ Sherlock sighed. ‘I have loved you for so long John, I have waited for so many years. I’d do anything for you, even see you get married’ a single tear rolled down his cheek. ‘It must have been so difficult for you’ John softly said ‘I can’t even imagine and I’m so sorry to have put you through it all’ ‘You didn’t know before, besides I loved Mary too and she knew’ ‘Of course Mary knew’ John couldn’t help but smile a little. Sherlock looked into John’s eyes ‘Are you sure now John, I mean really sure?’ John dove into those deep blue/greenish eyes like oceans, like the Universe and said; ‘I am very sure’ ‘Fall in love with me John, fall in love with me’ Sherlock breathed. ‘Everyday’ John sighed reaching to kiss Sherlock’s lips. And when they kissed it was as if everything fell into place. As if there has never been anything but their love for each other, if there had only been and only would forever be; John and Sherlock. © KH