His Last Vow (Johnlock)

Chapter 14: Love is What We Have

Sherlock - 6 months later

"Sherlock!" John shouts from the sitting room. "Sherlock! We're going to be late!"

"Coming!" I shout from our room. Our room. The words still send pleasant chills across my body.

We started sharing a room almost immediately after John was discharged from the hospital. It just made us both feel better to be closer to each other at night. Sharing a bed with John has proven to be very relaxing, and John has seldom had nightmares since.

As I stand in the middle of our room, I notice I'm fiddling nervously with my sleeve. I put my hands to my side and take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I face the mirror, looking myself over in my slim black trousers, white shirt, and a matching black jacket. I give myself a quick nod and promptly leave the room.

John is standing near the door eyeing his watch. He looks absolutely gorgeous in his black trousers and beige jumper with a little bit of white from his undershirt showing at the top near his neck.  He looks up upon my entrance.

"Finally! I was about to go in there and drag you out myself!" John says sternly, but a gentle smile graces his completely healthy face. My heart sings.

"So sorry, my love. I didn't mean to keep you waiting." I say, leaning down to give him a gentle peck on the lips. "Shall we go to dinner now?"

"Yes, please. I'm starving!"

I grab our heavy coats from the hook. The forecast said that snow was expected tonight. I hold John's open for him as he slips into it with a ta. I slip on my trusty Belstaff and scarf, and we leave the flat hand in hand.

We arrive at our favourite Italian restaurant. Antonio greets us at the door and gives us a private secluded booth near the window. He places a lit candle, and a single rose in the vase on the table before leaving with a wink.

"It's been ages since we've been here." John says.

"Yes, it has." I muse. "Last time we were here was during our first case."

"A Study in Pink." We say at the same time. Our eyes meet, and we smile at each other before we break into soft laughter together.

"I can't believe it's been eight years since we first met." John muses. His eyes looking down as a small smile plays on his lips at a long forgotten memory.

"What are you thinking about, love?"

"Our first crime scene." He chuckles.

"Yes..." I smile. "That's the first time you shot someone for me."

"And it wasn't the last."

John suddenly laughs out loud, causing some nearby patrons to look at us. My eyes twinkle in mirth at him.

"You were such a drama queen!" He laughs.

I recall our time together. Particularly our conversations about my brother.

I begin to laugh with him, my eyes crinkling at the sides.

"What was it that you referred to him as?" John muses, as laughing tears accumulate at the corner of his eyes. "Arch-nemesis?"

I huff out a string of laughter.

"Dear God. You're right! I did call him that." I say in between laughs.

"I thought to myself. Dear god, this man is insane! But I was so smitten almost immediately that I wanted to stick around to see what you'll do next and to this day you've never ceased to amaze me."

"I love you, John."

"I love you, too, Sherlock."

John