Adler-Holmes

Collar Full

"You know, it's your birthday today, Lott," Jim stated as I looked up from my meal at him.

"Nineteen," I quietly confirmed.

"Let's make a toast," Jim lifted up his glass as I followed suit.

"To Lott, thank you," He clinked his glass with mine and took a sip as I did the same, all the while pondering over what he meant by "thank you".

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"So I meant to do this earlier, Lott, but close your eyes," Jim spoke to me from across the hotel room. I did as he said, hearing him rustle a bag before feeling him place something in my hands.

"You can open your eyes," he told me. I did as he said, looking down to see a small box in my hands. I looked up to him, his face not giving anything away. I slowly unwrapped the box, knowing full well the man who gave me this was able to make bombs.

I opened the box gently, revealing the Heart of the Kingdom necklace.

"Jim," I gasped, "How... How did you get this?" I looked up at him.

"Do you like it?"

"It's beautiful. But, how?"

"Let's just say I have people who can get me what I want," he winked, before standing up and moving behind me, picking up the necklace and tying it around my neck. He sat down in front of me.

"Jim... thank you..."

"You're welcome. I want you to know you're appreciated," I looked for signs of lying in his face and body language, but there were none. Could that really be true?

"Jim..."

"Hey, get some sleep. We've got another flight tomorrow."

"What happened to a day in Los Angeles?" I teased.

"I thought the necklace would make up for it. I promise we'll come back soon."

"I have a better idea... Disneyland," I winked, earning a laugh.

"Maybe. Get some sleep."

"Goodnight, Jim."

"Goodnight, Lott." He got off of my bed, giving me room to climb in.

Could it be that I just didn't miss my family when I was with Jim? I was starting to recall their faces, leaving me with a pang in my heart over missing them, but when Jim and I were talking or out, they barely crossed my mind. John did more than my mother and Sherlock I suppose more than him, but not as often as I would count as the norm. I rolled over, trying to eliminate any feelings of guilt or regret, for they would get me nowhere. But maybe instead of guilt for not missing my family, it was guilt of realising that, somewhere inside of me, there was love for Jim. And I would be his downfall.