By the time John wakes up the next morning, late and after another restless night, the detective is already gone, without a word, but the keys to the flat are still sitting on the table where John had left them. A little relieved that he doesn't have to deal with the madman just yet, the doctor instead goes to get himself a long, hot shower, dressing warmly before he comes back out into the main room. For a moment he stares at what a mess the detective managed to make overnight, and John shakes his head, rubbing a hand over his face before he heads to the kitchen to make himself some tea.
Next to the kettle on the counter is a plain looking bag, but as the doctor starts to open it, he notices that it has a foil layer inside so it's a bit thermal. Inside is a take away container that has eggs, sausage, french toast and ham that are still quite warm. A small chuckle comes from John and he nods as he finishes going about making his tea before he pulls out the plastic utensils, finding a plate to put his food on before he starts to eat.
It being Christmas Eve and all, John is starting to get a little excited, smirking a little as he thinks about the present that he got for Sherlock, but he also feels like he should get him something else. But what do you get a man like Sherlock Holmes, who is brilliant, and insane. Finishing his food, John compulsively cleans up the kitchen a little bit before he returns to the bedroom he's been using, pulling out the laptop which was a gift from Sherlock that he intends to return, opening it and considering as he tries to think. Since no inspiration comes to mind immediately, he gets up and puts his boots, scarf, jacket and gloves on, taking the keys before he texts Sherlock to let him know he has the flat keys, then he steps outside.
What greets him outside makes him smile, looking up at the sky as light fluffy flakes of snow come down, already building up a little on the sidewalk and roads, but nothing that they can't handle. John chuckles a little, zipping up his jacket a little more and putting his hands in his pockets to keep them warm. Orienting himself so he knows where he is and where to go, the doctor finally sets off in the direction of some shops. When he gets there, he notices that he's not the only last minute shopper out. Nothing can really dampen John's mood though because it's snowing on Christmas Eve, and he is in London, the place he probably loves best in the world.
John is not the only one out doing Christmas shopping this afternoon. Sherlock left early, having gotten a few hours of sleep on the couch, and a few more hours of meditation in his Mind Palace, which is restful and accomplishes a lot of things that sleep does, for him at least. Or that's what he tells himself in any case. It's been bothering him, the comment about getting John something for Christmas, it's something that he never really thought of before. But it is a social convention and he doesn't want to upset his friend. He does enjoy seeing the doctor pleased when he gets something just right. He has an idea, but it has not been easy to find so far.
The shops that he's been to have not had quite what he wanted, but he did find two things at a little novelty shop that he thought John would like, letting the sales lady wrap everything for him because frankly he can't be bothered. A slight glance into a shop window makes him stop in his tracks, slowly turning on his heel until he faces the window, confronted with the very thing that he was looking for.
Unfortunately before he can go in to purchase the items, his phone buzzes in his pocket and he pulls it out, looking at the caller ID before he sighs and answers it. "What is it, Lestrade? I solved your case for you, you can't possibly have another one yet." He says in an annoyed tone as he glances around the street.
"Oi, don't get all defensive, Sherlock. I just wanted to tell you that we got the woman, found all the evidence you pointed us toward. Should be enough to put her away for a long time. That was an odd one. Also wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas." Lestrade says with less tolerance in his voice than he might develop later.
"Good to know you can still do your job when you're pointed in the right direction." Sherlock says with his usual sarcasm, looking back into the shop window, leaning over to look a little closer at what caught his eye earlier. "It may have escaped your notice, but it's not yet Christmas." He points out dryly, already bored with the conversation.
Sounding more exasperated now, Lestrade continues after a moment. "Well, no, but I've got things to do on Christmas, spending it with my family. Not exactly going to call you then, am I?" He points out before he sighs. "Sorry I didn't get a chance to talk to Dr. Watson again, he seems like a good man. Is he going to spend the holiday with his folks?" he asks curiously, kind of curious about what Sherlock does for Christmas but he knows better than to ask him a direct question like that.
Sherlock sighs a little as he straightens. "Not that I know of. To my knowledge we will be spending Christmas in my flat. Which I, for one, am somewhat grateful for. One more excuse not to spend the holidays with my family. Now, is there anything else, Lestrade?" he asks as he glances around once more.
"Nope, that was it. Thanks for your help, and have a good holiday." Lestrade says with slightly more amusement in his tone, finally hanging up.
With a slight bit of annoyance, Sherlock glances at the screen of his phone as he hangs up and then clears the screen, tucking the phone back in his jacket before he smirks at the shop in a way that most might be concerned about, given it's the same smirk that he uses when he is feeling particularly smug. A moment more of thought before Sherlock steps through the door to purchase the last present for John, and have them gift wrap it as well, already thinking about a few other arrangements he'll have to make to have the items shipped back to John, doubting they will fit on his luggage. Yes, it will be perfect, he concludes as he steps out of the shop and heads back toward the flat.
I have my computer back! Well, it's not my old one, it's a new laptop, so still breaking it in, but I am able to write again, yay! :) And here's a cute little chapter for you, looking forward to Christmas! I think I may have been inconsistent in my timing, but I will have to go back and read to make sure. Either way, I'm sure you guys won't mind that Christmas is coming. :) Hope you all enjoy, I should be back on a proper writing schedule now. :)
Reviews/Comments welcome!