The Final Chapter

Christmas

*Sherlock POV*

John and I have been rushing around all day, trying to make sure everything is set up proper for tonight. Molly and Mrs. Hudson dont get here for another hour or so, but that does nothing to alleviate the pressure.

"Can we help with anything daddy?"

"Did you two get the table set and ready?"

"Yes."

"Go make sure the dog has had a bath please. After that, go get dressed."

"Okay."

They run upstairs, calling Honeycomb up behind them.

"Sherlock, come sit down. Everything is fine, and you haven't sat down all morning."

John grabs my hand, pulling me to one of the chairs in the kitchen.

"Relax, I'm going to go get you some tea. Stay here."

I watch him move through the kitchen, smiling when he comes back over to me.

"Here, drink this. Are you hungry?"

"No, I'm fine. Thank you John."

He sits in the chair beside me, leaning his head against my shoulder.

"What time are the girls coming?"

"Soon. Did your sister respond? Is she coming?"

"She hasn't said anything, so I don't think she's coming this year."

"Oh."

"Its fine, she doesn't usualy attend any family events anyways."

We sit in silence, waiting for someone to show up. The boys run down the stairs, followed closely by Honeycomb. They managed to wrestle him into a christmas sweater, and he doesnt look happy about it. William has a suit on, as I do, and Hamish has a sweater on that matches Johns.

"Is anyone here yet?"

"No, not yet. Soon though."

Someone knocks on the front door, making the dog bark and the boys jump up in excitement. They run out of the room, unlocking the front door. I step past them, undoing the chain across the top, and open the door. Mrs. Hudson and Molly walk in, hugging the boys before John and I. Mycroft and Greg come into the front room, making their way over to say hello. I take a few steps back, moving out of the small crowd. John notices this, taking my hand and leaning against my side.

"Its okay."

"Yeah."

We go into the kitchen, followed by everyone else. John and the boys help me set the food out on the table, everyone sliding into a seat quickly. The boys sit between Mrs. Hudson and Molly, across from John and I. Mycroft and Greg sit beside us. Honeycomb runs into the room, sliding under the table to sniff for crumbs and dropped food during the meal. William and I are slipping him small things throughout the meal, not unnoticed by John and Mycroft.

"William..."

"Yes?"

Both Will and I respond, looking over at my brother.

"Stop feeding the dog, he's going to get sick."

Mrs. Hudson starts laughing, soon joined in by everyone else. We finish dinner happily, everyone excited for pudding. The boys baked with Mycroft this year, running into the kitchen to grab what they made. John and I pull the food off the table to make room for the sweets, setting everything on the counter in the kitchen.

"This is wonderful, thank you boys."

Everyone helps clean up after we are finished eating, quickly whisking away the dishes into the kitchen. William and Hamish volunteer to clean up the kitchen, turning on a set of Christmas carol CDs. Once the cleaning is done, everyone gathers in the sitting room. There isnt enough space for everyone on the furniture, so I find myself holding John in my lap. As tradition, we each get one present to open tonight. The rest are saved for tomorrow morning. Hamish suddenly leaves the room, just as we are passing out gifts. He comes back a few moments later, jamming a Santa hat on my head. I notice he has a few more hats clenched in his fist, moving from person to person and slipping something on them. Mycroft, Greg, and the girls get sets of raindeer antlers. John gets a set of elf ears, and the boys each slip on a matching pair. William passes gifts around the circle, handing a parcel to everyone. After we have opened our gifts, Mycroft volunteers to take the paper to the rubbish. He takes a few minites longer than usual, even going upstairs before he comes back. He has a box, and something is moving around inside.

"John, Sherlock."

John takes the box, opening it with me. I pull something out of the blanket that is lying across the bottom, yelling when it moves. John takes the small creature from me, laughing as he holds it up. Mycroft and Greg got us a hedgehog. The boys immediately run over, holding out their hands to pet the fuzzy animal.

"Its so cute!"

"Do you like him?"

They nod eagerly, wide grins spread over their faces. Will gently hands him back to John, who cuddles it against his chest. After watching a Christmas themed movie, The Grinch, everyone starts filing off to bed. Mrs. Hudson and Molly head out back to the cars, driving home. John and I each pick up one of the boys, carrying them up to bed. Mycroft and Greg say goodnight, stumbling into their room. After I shut the door to the boys room, I head back downstairs. John follows, sitting on the couch as I start composing. We stay downstairs until the fire dies off, last flames too dull to provide enough light for me to continue. John is half asleep, a content smile on his face.

"Sherlock..."

"Hmm?"

"Come lie down."

I pull him off the couch, arm around his waist as we walk up the stairs together. He collapses on the bed, burrowing under the blankets. I slide in beside him, kissing him lightly before snuggling against Johns side. He wraps his arm around me, tugging the blanket tightly around us.

"I love you Sherlock."

"Love you too John."

John falls asleep quickly, small smile still on his lips.

The end?