Texting Sherlock

Revival

Multi-Part Chapter: Part 1

The waning crescent shyly peeked into the living room of 221B Baker Street from behind some tall oak trees. The flat was warm and cozy, the inhabitants had the small fireplace going. The gusting wind outside didn't bother the two men, who were sitting side by side on their respective armchairs and facing the fireplace. They weren't talking, they were just sipping spiced tea, watching the fire, enjoying each others company, and listening to the tree branch hit the window every couple of seconds when an especially big gust of wind came along. 

It was nearing Christmas time, and London was decked out in bright colors, the residents of the bustling city eagerly awaiting the arrival of the New Year. John and Sherlock had always loved Christmas. It was a sort of down time from the rest of the year, which tended to be a little hectic (okay a lot). Not as many people were eager to commit crimes during the Holidays, so the police department was less active. Greg Lestrade had taken a holiday with his wife, in the hopes of fixing their aimlessly broken marriage. Molly and her new friend (now fiancé) were headed to spend a week and a half in Brighton, to be a little closer to the water (which Sherlock didn't understand because "it was bloody freezing on the seaside right now"). Mrs. Hudson had a spur of the moment idea to volunteer at a shelter in Africa, so that's where she was headed now (she left John and Sherlock a batch of homemade Christmas cookies in the fridge, which they both highly appreciated). 

Sherlock and John were left all alone in their flat. It was starting to snow quite heavily outside, so the men couldn't even go for a walk around town. Sherlock wasn't used to all the quiet and calm of the holiday season, but he was acting quite happily and decently towards John and the situation (which made John extremely proud of his friend). Sherlock hadn't made any remarks about how this was "boring" or "a waste of my time" or "why do the Holidays even exist". He was just genuinely enjoying spending time with John. John had looked over at Sherlock a couple of times when he was just too quiet, but only to find the man gazing into his cup of tea, a small smile on his face. That was one thing that you didn't see often. 

Sherlock was humming Sleigh Ride when John had found himself tired all of a sudden. His head felt heavy and the task of holding it up seemed near impossible. John really wanted to head to bed, but he didn't want to ruin the moment the two had going here, after all, when is the great Sherlock Holmes so calm. Somebody, please take a picture... 

"Sherlock, are you heading to bed? I'm awfully tired and..." John glances at the clock on the opposite side of the room, "it's nearing eleven at night". 

"I'm fine for now. You can go if you want, but I'm okay" Sherlock replied, his voice as soft as velvet.

"I don't want to just leave you here, though" 

Sherlock got up from his seat and went to the couch to get something, but John was to tired to even whip his head around and look at what Sherlock was carrying back for him. 

John had only realized what had happened when a blanket was placed on him, and a small pillow was placed behind his head. 

"Thanks, Sherlock. That's not quite like you" John stifled a dry laugh.

"I'm happy, John. I'm just happy" Sherlock said, looking into John's eyes, and John realized just how sincere that sentence was.

Suddenly, John's need for sleep was the last thing on his mind. Sherlock had said he was happy. That was a first, there was always something wrong during all the other years they had spent together. Either it was too hot or too cold, the tea was too bitter or too sweet, the bed was uncomfortable or too comfortable, the traffic was bad or they got to their destination too quick. Sherlock had always found a reason to be annoyed or upset (usually that reason would tie to his brother, however), and right now... he was happy. 

Sherlock didn't feel the need to retreat back into his mind palace, or to leave the flat, or to shoot something, or to dissect something, he was just happy. It was a fairly new feeling to Sherlock too, but one he had grown to love. 

"I'm happy too, Sherlock" smiled John, "I'm happy too".

[I <3 HEARING FROM YOU]
Many Happy Returns!
With Christmas right around the corner and the new season of Sherlock coming, I decided to revive the book. Honestly, I miss writing to so much and I miss the interaction with you guys. If you care about why I didn't write for so long, here it is: I am a senior in high school & that comes with a lot of work. I haven't had my muse really, and I didn't want to put out work that I wasn't proud of. 
How am I? I'm great. I'm happy, I'm excited for the Christmas time and the New Year.
So... How are you? I really want to know.
Also, what do YOU want from this book? Feedback is always appreciated, guys.
Oh, it feels good to be back.

MISS ME?