The Holmes Called A [Sherlaide III]

Lights [A]

Early December   

I carry the box of Christmas lights down from upstairs, careful to dodge Teddy as I walk into the living room, "I'll let you see them in a minute, Proton, no need to jump up."

Of course he doesn't need to jump, he just does. In the time we've had him he's reached his adult size and filled out healthily. It's not much of a challenge for Teddy to get at whatever I'm carrying since I'm short and when he stands he reaches my shoulders.  Luckily be doesn't do it often, and when he does it's because we're holding something suspicious or he wants a hug.

I set the box of lights down on the desk and give Teddy a quick pet, scratching around his floppy ears, "This is your first Christmas isn't it, bud?"

"Considering the information we have retrieved, then yes it is his first winter and thus he has not experienced Christmas yet," My husband's voice rings from the stairwell. I smile at him as he walks in and we kiss, "You're home early, Love."

"The museum closed early to put up the next temporary exhibit so we were able to leave sooner. So I decided to start decorating."

"So I see. And Teddy's been keeping you good company?"

"Of course he has. He's been quite helpful too. Isn't that right, Teddy?" Teddy trots over to Sherlock and he leans down to greet him, scratching his sides and under his collar.

"By my deductions, Teddy has in fact reached his adult size and should maintain his current healthy weight. He certainly has come far from when we first found him. Oh, that reminds me, John and I tracked down his breeders today and turned them in for animal cruelty and abuse. As I predicted they were not in fact legitimate, reputable breeders. It was a ring of breeders so DI Dim and Gavin will have fun taking down the rest of them."

"That's great, Honey!" I cheer and hug him tightly, "I was hoping you'd get them before the holidays!"

"I can barely manage to disappoint you, Angel. Of course I was able to nab them before the holidays. And now that that's over, my docket is empty," He sighs, "Did you talk to your boss about the days off?"

"I mentioned it and he said no. I won't have a clean slate until next year and all my personal days are spent. But I do have Christmas and New Year's off, of course. Everyone does."

"Well, neither of us are surprised about that then." Sherlock finally goes and hangs up his scarf and coat, switching his blazer for his camel dressing gown. Teddy follows at his heels, sniffing the strange scents from outside. Meanwhile I turn back to the Christmas decorations and hum, turning on some music.

"Well, since you're home we can start decorating together, right, Sweetie?"

"Naturally. Just don't tell anyone else. I do have some small reputation to uphold." At that I roll my eyes and start extracting various twists of lights and boxes of ornaments.

We picked out our tree last night while out on our daily walk with Teddy, so it already has the tree skirt and is perfectly trimmed. So once everything is unpacked and appropriately sorted, we begin decking the halls. I can't resist the opportunity to snap a few photos of Teddy with a light garland or reindeer headband on, or of a few different santa hats on Sherlock when I get the right timing. Of course the big challenge is enforcing rules for Teddy about the Christmas tree and the many ornaments- he wants to sniff and by extent nibble on the decorations- but we manage to keep everything mostly intact.

With the flat now lit with multiple colors and filled with holiday cheer, and the tree satisfactory, I pull out a Snowflake tree tropper and Sherlock and I place it on top of the tree together. After sharing another kiss I giggle, gazing around the flat with a grin, "It looks wonderful, doesn't it, Sherlock?!"

"Of course it does, Lovey."

Teddy yips for attention and then whimpers, scampering over to the door, "It's time for his walk then. Shall we?"

"Yes, Angel." I put on Teddy's harness and leash and Sherlock helps me slip into my coat. While he's bundling himself up I put on my gloves, winter cap and scarf. I also put on Teddy's new red coat and snap another picture. While on our walk, Sherlock takes the leash and we maintain a leisurely pace, holding hands. On our way back we get hot cocoa and stop at a few places to see some of the seasonal lights and displays. I get to stop in and say hello to Peter when we pass by the bookstore.

When we finally get home it's a warming sight to see the flat done up so well. After unbundling and getting Teddy to his crate for the night, Sherlock goes to the desk and attends to some business on his laptop while I curl up in my chair behind him, deciding to read a book. I lean over a few times and kiss the back of his neck and he hums pleasantly in response. Eventually I put the book down and yawn, getting up to go to bed, "Are you coming, Darl?"

"I'll be there in a minute, Adelaide. Go on to bed."

"Alright." I kiss his cheek and walk into the bedroom, climbing into bed and burrowing under the covers. I look over at one of the dressers that I managed to set up with a strand of lights and a few Christmastown figurines. Sherlock joins me as promised and we snuggle up close for warmth.

"Mm... Sleep well, Adelaide."

"Sleep well, Sherlock..."

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