A/N: Prompt 19 from trustingHim17: Watson is the type to buy everyone a present, while Holmes probably ignores the holiday altogether. Explore a conversation just before a major gift-giving holiday (Christmas optional but highly encouraged
This happens after events in chapter 9:Gift. Watson may be a little out of character here...
Watson's POV
Wrapped
At last!
We've reached that day at last!
Like every single Christmas past...
The day for wrapping gifts and such,
With extra care and skilful touch.
I like this happy task so much.
I've had my Christmas shopping spree
And chose each gift so thoughtfully;
Not bought them quite half heartedly
Like one who shares this flat with me.
He's not so keen on gifts, you see
He calls them festive frippery.
Now...
Ribbon, wrapping paper, card;
A triple bow, it's not that hard.
A touch of glitter, fancy label,
Thumbnail sketch of straw and stable.
Gifts placed neatly on the table...
A pleasant time
Devoid of crime.
A joyful task at Christmas time.
~0~
And...here is Holmes...no gifts at hand?
I really hoped he'd understand,
I truly thought he'd understand,
And go along with what I'd planned.
Not spoil the fun;
No shopping done.
It's clear his inner Scrooge has won!
But wait, I shan't assume the worst,
I'll ask him if he's purchased, first.
Not let my festive bubble burst...
~0~
Alas, though hopes eternal spring...
He says he hasn't bought a thing.
No cards, no gifts, no anything!
He says he had no time to shop!
And smirks, and sees my spirits drop,
And hears my festive bubble pop.
My festive bubble just went...pop!
~0~
Oh, Holmes, I thought I'd made it clear
I really needed Christmas cheer,
In such a strange, unsettling year.
And now the date is almost here
You've made such thoughts just disappear.
I'm sad enough to shed a tear.
Not very soldierly, I fear...
~0~
But wait!
A glint of mischief...wait!
Yes, Holmes is hiding something...wait!
I sense my tear evaporate.
He's pointing, such a silly grin;
A box beneath the tree...within,
A stack of lovely festive gifts.
Such joy and cheer, my spirit lifts;
My friend has wrapped some lovely gifts.
~0~
But, oh!
Holmes lied...
The truth denied.
He clearly bought some gifts...then lied.
That makes me feel quite sad inside.
I wonder why he smiled then lied?
I asked him why he smiled then lied,
And listened while my friend replied...
~0~
Once Holmes explained, all joy returned;
Those gifts weren't bought at all, but earned.
He'd helped all sorts of folk, I learned;
Fine jewels and wallets all returned.
A lad whose life of crime was spurned,
An honest weekly wage now earned..
I'd really, truly feared the worst
And jumped to wrong conclusions first.
My Christmas bubble now...unburst.
~0~
So...
Ending with this festive scene;
The finest gifts I've ever seen
Are placed beneath our evergreen,
And fire-proofed Christmas tree; the scene
Complete with many boughs of green,
Yes, lots and lots and lots of green.
With shiny baubles strung between
The lots and lots and lots of green.
And endless festive frippery
Is wished to all, from Holmes and me.
And peace to all, from Holmes and me.
And joy and hope, from Holmes and me.
My complicated, closest friend.
That's it...I think I've reached
The end.
It really, truly
Is
The End.
~0~