Before I Began To Grow

Chapter Twelve

After both John and Sherlock got stitched up, stayed in hospital for one night, and was given medication, they left for the warmth of a fire at Baker Street. The snow was still thick and sticky on the ground, like it had been for the past few weeks. It was still cold. The wind was always biting...but, it had changed. And, for the better. 

They were together. Can you believe it? After all those years! They had known each other for a whole nine years, nearly ten years, and they were only getting together now. But, it was better that it was happening now, as opposed to never happening at all.

Sherlock was happy. He was at complete peace with himself and he felt better than he had felt in years. One, he actually had John. John really, really liked him. Two, John  had owned up to what he had done. It was so relieving to hear him say sorry. But, now that they had said their apologies, Sherlock wanted to make sure John didn't feel haunted by the guilt. He knew how terrible it must feel to know you're the reason of someone's downfall...but, since Sherlock knew that John knew this...he just wanted it to be happy now.

John was...Well, actually. He felt a little stupid. He was older now. Much older...and he felt like he barely knew himself.  People usually figure out their sexuality in their teens or early twenties...but, obviously not for John. Apparently he likes guys too...or maybe it's just that he likes Sherlock. Maybe Sherlock is John's exception. John felt he could live with that comfortably.

So, now it was Christmas morning and Sherlock woke up to find John snuggled up to him. He had never done that before, but Sherlock liked it. He smiled to himself and looked as his digital clock. It was eight in the morning. Usually, he would let John sleep...but, this was Christmas. And, when it came to Christmas, Sherlock found he could be very childish indeed. He nudged John lightly and called his name in a whisper. John stirred in his sleep and cracked his eyes open. He instantly grinned at Sherlock, remembering what the day was.

''You want your presents, love?''

Sherlock gave a small smile. ''Only if you want to get up.'' Sherlock answered, his voice scratchy.

John brought a hand up to Sherlock's cheek. ''You sound sexy when you're tired.''

Sherlock let out a small laugh, his face burning up. ''I think you're slightly delirious, John.''

John pulled himself up. '' I am not! You're just...surprisingly modest.''

Sherlock rolled his eyes and pushed his covers off himself. He walked over to his wardrobe and pulled out his dressing gown and some slipper socks. ''I'm not modest, John, I'm brilliant.''

John snorted and climbed out of bed, grabbing his own dressing gown off the floor. ''I hope you don't mind me coming in here last night.''

Sherlock smiled a little to himself, his back facing John. ''No, no...it was...nice.''

John looked up at Sherlock. Over the past week, he had noticed that Sherlock was actually quite shy when it came to admitting how he felt. John found it adorable. ''Nice, was it?''

Sherlock turned around to John, biting his lip. ''Very much so, yes...I wouldn't mind that at all.''

John stepped towards Sherlock. ''So...I can come back, can I?''

Sherlock smiled sheepishly and kissed John on the cheek. ''Anytime you want.'' He murmured, then pulled away, a childish look of glee on his face.

John took his hand and smiled. ''Presents?''

Sherlock nodded enthusiastically. ''Yes.''

John led Sherlock out into the sitting room. He switched on their light and walked over to their ''christmas tree''. It was about two feet off the ground and was made of plastic...but, they weren't going to try and fit an actual tree in here. Around it, there were about eight presents scattered about. Sherlock shivered, wrapping his dressing gown around him tighter. ''I'll get a fire going.''