It had been just over a week since Sherlock had clumsily admitted his feelings for John and really, the new dynamic hadn't changed much between them. Sherlock often initiated cuddling on the sofa, John introduced him to the idea of kissing (which Sherlock found very interesting and decided he needed to make a repeat experiment of). They kept all physical contact to inside the flat, away from the prying eyes of Scotland Yard; they didn't want the likes of Donovan or Anderson to have the satisfaction of winning the betting pool of when they'd get together.

Sherlock and John came to an agreement to keep their new relationship under wraps until they were one hundred percent sure that it was going to work out. John decided to maintain his "not gay" charade, while Sherlock pretended to be utterly uninterested, all the while trying not to ogle John in public.

Lestrade had been put in charge of a particularly puzzling murder and had, of course, called in the consulting duo's help. As usual, Sherlock waltzed onto the scene, concluded that the woman had been killed by her husband and that to find him, he was hiding out at his mother's house around the corner.

As usual, Sherlock left Lestrade quickly barking out orders to his team with a sharp, "come along John."

Not as usual, Sherlock grabbed John's hand and intertwined their fingers in order to pull him along faster.

Scotland Yard's officers stare after them while Lestrade mutters, "it's about time," under his breath.

They're halfway to Baker Street by the time Sherlock realises he's still holding John's hand. He quickly untangles their fingers and shoves his hands inside his pockets, trying to ignore the faint burning in his cheeks. He mumbles a quiet sorry and turns to continue walking, but is stopped by John's hand on his shoulder.

John smiles up at him, "it's fine, you know."

He reaches down to pull Sherlock's gloved hands from his pockets and twines their fingers together once again. He gives Sherlock a little tug and they start walking slowly, easily falling into step and leaning into each other.

When they arrive back at 221, Sherlock takes John's other hand in his and stands in front of him. A serious expression paints his face.

"Are you sure you want them to know?"

John smiles, "if you're okay with it, then I'm okay with it."

Sherlock matches John's smile and leans down to rest their foreheads against each other.

"And anyway," John continues, "I was getting a bit bored of repeating myself to everyone."

Sherlock laughs and turns to drag John up the stairs into their flat. He pulls John down onto the sofa where they wrap their arms around each other and sigh in contentment.