"Jesus, Sherlock, it's not rocket science!" John exclaimed, trying to figure out how to extricate his partner from the ribbons and tape he'd managed to cover himself in.
"No, John, it is infinitely more complex. Rocket science has a formula, has a reason, this, this nonsense has no reason to it. It's all—frills, and ribbons, and paper!" Sherlock ranted, trying to get himself out of the paper and ribbon. John laughed lightly, stepping nearer and undoing the tangles deftly.
"Oh, you silly bugger," John laughed, dropping the tangled mess to the floor next to them. He moved to kiss the detective, but he was stopped.
"No time for that, John, you have to show me how to do this," Sherlock insisted with all the tenacity of a child. John only laughed again, shaking his head indulgently as he sat down on the floor next to where all the wrapping supplies and gifts were spread out. John had been left in charge of gift buying, and he'd agreed so long as Sherlock attempted to help with the wrapping.
"Sit down, Sherlock, otherwise I can't show you. Pass me Mrs. Hudson's earrings, it'll be best if we start small," John said, pulling out a length of wrapping paper. "First, double the width and length of the box, and add a bit on each end, then cut it." He cut the paper. "Fold it over like this," here he demonstrated, "and tape it." He held his hand out for Sherlock to give him the piece of tape. The detective complied, his sharp eyes taking in every movement of John's hands. "Now fold the other piece over like this," John said, taping it firmly in place. He glanced up to ensure that the detective was following. Sherlock gave a nod and John continued. "Fold the sides into triangles and tape them to the sides, see? And then you're done," John pronounced, flipping the box over with a smile.
"There's no bow," Sherlock commented, sounding confused.
"Well, you've got to put it on, Sherlock," John answered, keeping his face straight. Sherlock's brow furrowed as he reached for the spool of ribbon. John smiled, placing his hands over Sherlock's and guiding them gently as the pair wrapped the ribbon around the box and tied it into a large bow at the finish.
Sherlock picked it up and examined it. "I think I've got it," he proclaimed.
"Why don't you try it, then?" John suggested, passing him the gift he'd chosen for Lestrade, one of those fancy money clips that people often used instead of wallets.
Sherlock nodded gamely, turning his back so John couldn't see how he was getting on. John snickered quietly and Sherlock shot him a look over his shoulder before going back to his wrapping. A few moments later, he turned around and proudly displayed the box. John stared at it blankly for a moment, and then glanced back at his. In comparison, Mrs. Hudson's gift seemed bulky, unevenly wrapped and messy.
"That-That's a far sight better than mine," John finally said. Sherlock laughed, a light sound that John never got tired of and didn't hear nearly as often as he'd like to. He leaned over and pressed a kiss gently to John's cheek.
"Much as I'd like to do this all night, we do need to wrap the remaining presents," Sherlock said after finally withdrawing.
John gave a frown and tugged Sherlock over to him. "We'll get them tomorrow," he said, kissing Sherlock again. Sherlock smirked quietly and pressed closer to John with a happy sigh.