Author's Note: This is a drabblet that one day could grow. I don't know. I just see a bit of a back story forming behind why Sherlock is in such a state. Merry Christmas, and I hope you have a happier holiday than Sherlock and John! (:
"This lonely house don't need no mistletoe, 'cause I'm the only one that comes and goes."
Sherlock wandered through the icy streets, avoiding the gaze of cheerful street-goers. Snow fell from the sky as he stumbled down the festive road. Everywhere he looked, there were people. The streets were clogged with carolers and drunkards, families and couples. It seemed everyone was out on the streets, spreading Christmas cheer and feasting on holiday spirits wherever they went. But he couldn't focus on the world around him. The muffled tunes of joyful songs buzzed in his ears and he tried to swat them away with his shivering hands. There was only one reason he had left his dingy, secluded room for the bustling London streets. While observing from behind the one grimy window in his basement home, Sherlock eyed a short, blonde figure strolling down the road. Fearing he would lose sight, he acted fast: grabbing the now worn coat from its solitary hook, pushing open the creaking door, and tripping up the cracking cement stairs and into the world above.
He now ambled through the crowd, his head pounding. Sherlock knew he must keep following him; it had been far too long since they had last spoke. Down the maze of London they went, one walking at a brisk pace and the other staggering behind. After a while, the crowd began to thin. Soon it was only the two of them left.
Sherlock's addled mind still kept him alert enough to stay out of the other man's sight. They kept on their path, Sherlock ducking out of sight when necessary, hiding behind poles and abandoned cars. Before long, the man he was following happened upon the gate to the cemetery. Sherlock found himself behind a tree as the man walked up to a snow-capped headstone.
"Happy Christmas, Sherlock," he said to the grave.
"Happy Christmas, John," Sherlock replied.