~~One Week Later~~

John is stealing glances again. He stares at his laptop mostly, but occasionally he flickers his eyes sideways in my direction. It's so distracting.

I'm glad to be back solving cases. I realized in my absence just how much love numbs the brain. It may not be apparent to John, but I do still love him. I've just been pushing any and all emotions to the depths of my intellect. Though occasionally, the feelings seep through, and a sudden urge to kiss him overcomes me. I have fought it well so far. But the crack through which the urge oozes is growing wider and wider, and it is becoming more intense and unbearable.

Then I snap.

John is tapping an unrecognizable rhythm with his fingers on the table. He is concentrated on editing his latest blog post. His skin glows in the soft light of the laptop. Ever so often, his tantalizing eyes catch a glimpse of me. I see it every time, even if he thinks I don't.

But the glimpses turn to glances turn to looks turn to stares. And each time, my eyes linger longer and longer before looking away.

John stands up to stretch. Impulse and desire overtakes me. I rush forward, seize his beautiful face, and put my mouth on his.

He is shocked for barely a second before resting his hands on my shoulders and standing on his toes so he can be closer. I smile through the kiss. He has always been adorably short.

We mutually migrate towards the couch and fall on it, me pinned below him. What started out as gentle has turned ravenous. His hands slide to my chest and begin unbuttoning my shirt. I shift around to pull it off. We both start grabbing at his t-shirt and yank it over his head. He cools my burning flesh, and I shiver with pleasure. We roll over and fall to the floor. We begin the fight to be atop the other.

"Sherlock," he gasps between kisses. "Why… now?"

"Because…I needed… you… to know… I'm sorry… I've been… neglecting… you… and I… need… you to… remember…"

"Remember… what?"

"No matter… what I … show… I still… love… you…"

He breathes in bursts of air that mirror his heartbeats. He pulls at my hair with trembling fingers. I taste salt and realize he is crying. I hope it's because he is happy. I just want him to be happy.

We lie still on the wood floor, facing each other and kissing passionately. The feeling of intensity is there; it has always been there. We slow, becoming gentler and gentler, until all we are doing is holding one another. John cuddles into my bare chest, and I rest my cheek on his hair.

Then John looks up. "Sherlock," he whispers. "I thought you'd forgotten."

"I could never forget what we had. What we still have. I will always remember. Remembering is what memories are for. I'm making memories. I'm living in the moment. I'm living in love. With you. And you're all I ever need. Please remember, John."

"I promise." He smiles. He is so beautiful when he smiles. I kiss his forehead and lay back. He rests his head on my chest. We fall asleep together on the cool floor, resting in the embrace of our love.