A/N: So, I don't own it... 'nuff said...
'… and when you get down to it, the point is John, I love you!' There was a pause.
'Sorry, what?' A more than slightly surprised John Watson said.
'I, Sherlock Holmes, love you, John Watson, and I am now realizing that you probably don't feel the same about me ad are completely embarrassed to be in this situation.. I'll just…' He trailed off and started toward the door.
John quickly closed the door, trapping Sherlock. He then walked over to him and said, 'Say it again'
'What?'
'Say it. Again' John lifted Sherlock's chin with one finger. They were so close that if they had been taking deeper breaths, they would've touched.
'John…'
'Say it, Sherlock, please' John whispered.
'I can't'
'Very well. Your brother just dropped me off with a case…' John walked over to the table where the file was.
'Yes, you said' John nodded. 'John, I'm sorry'
'No, don't be. It's not like it matters anyway. We're colleagues and flatmates. Nothing more. C'mon, the case'
'Do you honestly believe that?'
'That we have work? Yes, I do'
'You know very well that's not what I mean'
'I don't want to talk about this, Sherlock'
' Well, I do' John looked at Sherlock, shocked.
'The "high-functioning sociopath wants to talk? Okay, then, Sherlock, I love you. And I'm not afraid to say it! I'll say it every day until the day I die if I have to! Why can't you?'
'I can't lose you, John. You're an invaluable friend and from your previous relationships… I- I don't know how I could continue'
'Sherlock, those relationships didn't last because they saw what I couldn't. All those girls, they knew I loved you before I knew it myself. So, please, Sherlock, tell me you love me… and if you don't, I'll drop it and never speak of it again'
Sherlock, without a moment's hesitation, crossed the room and kissed Watson full on the mouth, with everything he had. When the need for oxygen became too great, Sherlock broke the kiss, set his forehead against John's and whispered 'I love you, John Watson' then smiled and stole one more quick kiss before returning to the case.
The case was solved in a matter of hours. (It was obvious, Sherlock had said, the evidence pointed right at the maid. Honestly, even Anderson could have solved that!)
John and Sherlock returned to 221B Baker Street and, quite awkwardly, said goodnight and went to their own beds. They both smiled to themselves as they drifted off to sleep.
Exactly 2 years later, John and Sherlock laid breathless in their bed after a bout of celebrating that anniversary.
'Do you realize-' John started
'I'm sure I have'
'-that this all started because you got upset I moved your violin?'
'Worked didn't it? You haven't touched my violin since'
'Don't tempt me…'
