"Never...ever...again."
Hot, wet tears mingle with ragged, dirty clothing.
"You hear me? Don't you ever leave again."
Hands fisted in cloth, half-strangling the recipient of a massive bear hug.
A tired, weary chuckle. And perhaps a bit...relieved?
"My dear John, I don't intend to."
Once smooth hands gently threaded through tawny blonde hair.
"Promise me Sherlock."
Rundown ocean blue meets rusted stormy grey.
"I promise you, John. Never again."