Disclaimer: None of it belongs to me (unfortunately). It all belongs to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and BBC.
As usual, this story is dedicated to my dear sister who annoyed me to death until I decided to start writing again.
Hope you like it.
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John followed Sherlock downstairs as the detective got ready to leave the flat and talk to the press.
He knew they had already talked on the train, when John thought they were going to die and Sherlock tricked him into saying he was forgiven, and as far as John cared, he really was. But he still had some things to say.
He stood at the foot of the stairs with his hands behind his back while facing Sherlock's back.
"You know, when you were dead, I went to your grave" he said
"I should hope so" the answer came as something unimportant as Sherlock fixed his scarf around his neck, as if he hadn't considered the possibility of John not visiting his grave.
"I made a little speech…I actually spoke to you"
If anybody were in John's place at that moment, they'd think Sherlock didn't care at all about this conversation, but John knew better. His time with Sherlock had taught him how to read even small signs, like the way Sherlock's body tensed up a little and the way his head moved up slowly as if he was preparing himself for something he couldn't avoid anymore.
After some seconds, he finally turned to face John.
"I know. I was there" he confesses slowly, meeting John's eyes for the first time during the conversation.
John tries to maintain eye contact, but his eyes sometimes fall to the floor when he speaks and he moves his weight from one foot to the other quickly.
"I asked for one more miracle. I asked you to stop being dead"
He knows he doesn't have to explain, Sherlock had just admitted having listened to what John had said that day, but he feels he just has to say the words; to make sure that Sherlock really understands.
"I heard you" was all the detective said in response, but his eyes showed more to John. His eyes showed that he had not only heard what John had said, but really understood and done everything in his power to make that request come true.
They kept looking at each other for a few seconds and during this time they were able to express what they didn't dare say out loud.
"I missed you"
"Me too. I'm sorry"
"Thank you for not being dead"
"Anytime".
