Eastern Winds (JohnLock)

Chapter 9 - Human Error

Sherlock's P.O.V:

I held John's gaze for only a moment before directing my eyes to the floor. "Sherlock, is that... Is that for me?" I could hear his smile as he spoke. I nodded before making my way back to him. Perched on the edge of my bed staring at the poorly wrapped gift in my hands. It was the first wrapping I'd been left unsupervised to do as Mrs. Hudson or John would help me on special occasions. I gingerly passed the gift to John. I looked up and only saw John grinning back at me.

"John, I can only apologise for the state of the paper, you see I hadn't informed Mrs. Hudson of the gift I had bought for you... I was-" I gulped. "I had planned on leaving this gift behind for you when I had, well, um" my eyes began darting around the room, since when am I, Sherlock Holmes, a nervous man? "You know."

I could see the blush working it's way up John's neck, I often witness John turn this shade of pink as he is the worlds easiest man to embarrass, especially when people would comment on our relationship in the past. I couldn't help but smile as I watched the man infront of me turn pink once again. "Sherlock, you really didnt have t-"

"No John, I did have to, now open it before I do it for you, looking at the appaling state of the wrapping is driving me wild."

John's raised a single eyebrow at me before he tore into the paper revealing the ocean blue, cashmere sweater I had purchased in Selfridges just weeks ago. "John, I have the recipt still if you wish to return it."  Oh god, why did I buy him another jumper? He probably has hundreds of the ruddy things! Nope.. Twenty eight actually, well, twenty nine now. I should have been more thoughtful. Oh God. He's going to hate it...

John must have been able to see the worry and panic in my face because suddenly I was pulled backwards from my seat on the edge of the bed and I was englufed by John's embrace. "Oh Sherlock! I love it, It's the most beautiful gift you've ever given me, then again, one year you did get me a human foot for my birthday." I chuckled. Remebering fondly, the displeasure John had expressed that day. "Sherlock, just one thing, why? The gift I mean, why give it to me, Why now? Why not before you left?"

"Well, John, I had to repay my blogger, we have been a... team for years, you have killed for me, and I, you. Do you remeber the case we took at Baskerville?" John nodded, "I meant what I said, I don't have friends, I only have one. That's you John. You are one of the few people who have changed my life, for the better. I couldn't bare to give the gift to you before I left, I didn't want to drag out the process of my sudden departure and so I had planned to leave it behind for you, here in Baker Street. I was going to leave it on my bed in hope that one day you would pluck up the courage to enter, and see the gift I had left behind for you."

John's eyes began to fill with tears, but I still haven't finished... " I wanted you to know, that despite the miles between us, I value you and your friendship more than my own life which is why I have killed for you. I would do anything to ensure your safety John, and upon finding the gift I hoped you would understand, all I have done the past few years was for you."

My voice broke, along with my composure as I let a single tear fell. Human Error. John leaned forward once more, and wiped the tear away, his hand lingering on my cheek.

I couldn't help but notice the tears escape from his eyes too.