The Truth

I studied him as I sipped my peppermint tea. He looked the same, but I could tell he was worn. His eyes were slightly red, and I could see the nicotine patches hidden under his shirtsleeve. He caught me staring at him, and he quickly straightened himself.

"So, erm. What have you been up to recently… with John." He said, looking nervous.

"Well, we've gone on some trips… looked at a few houses on the country side, and…" I turned beat red. "And he wants to have a baby." I said, not meeting his eyes.

He was quiet for a minute while he processed what I said. I could feel the tension rising in the room.

"He wants a baby." Sherlock said finally.

"Yes. He wants to have… a baby." I said, trying to swallow that sentence.

"But you don't." He said, sitting straighter in his chair. "Did you tell him that?"

"Of course I want to have a baby, Sherlock. John has been there for me, and the least I can do is give him a child." I said, looking away again.

"But you clearly can't stand the fact that a parasite would be feeding off of you for 9 months, and then you'd have to raise it with a man that you don't truly love." He said, staring me down.

"Who are you to say who I do and don't love?" I said, glaring at him.

"Because Emily, I know what you want. I can read you like a book. You don't want John. You want me."

"What! Why on earth would I want you? You left me. I needed you, but you were never there! John was there, he's kept me sane while you went and got a new job, and completely forgot about me!" I screamed, tears started to well up in my eyes.

"Forgot about you? Emily, there wasn't a second that went by that I wasn't thinking of you. In fact, I've been by here several times to check on you. But John never let me in. He told me that I hurt you enough, and I needed to keep my distance. So I stayed away because I thought you hated me." He said as he stood up and came closer to me.

I looked at him as he sat next to me. He hesitantly wrapped his arm around my waist and tugged me closer to him.

"I had no idea… John never mentioned anything." I said, trying to choke back my tears.

"Emily, I'm so sorry that all of this happened. I thought being with John was a good thing for you, but I was wrong. I realize that I need you. I've never cared about anyone more than I care for you. And I can't let you go."

"Sherlock… I can't. I'm with John now. I promised him-"

"Children? You promised him something you don't want. You can't even tell the 'love of your life' that you hate kids. That doesn't sound like a healthy relationship."

I cracked a slight smile at that.

"Ok, I guess I should tell him that. But he won't be happy." I said, biting my lip.

"Exactly. But I will. I don't need children. I just need you." He said, staring at my lips.

I sadly shook my head, and tried to stand up, but he pulled me on top of him. He wrapped both arms around me and pressed me against his chest. He brought his lips inches from mine, and spoke in a growl.

"You can't tell me that this doesn't feel right… Emily." He closed the space between us, and kissed me.

I didn't want to admit it, but it did feel right. We were meant for each other, and I couldn't deny it any longer. I relaxed in his arms, and I kissed him back. When he realized I gave in, I could feel his lips curl into a smile. He pulled away, and kissed my neck as he talked.

"It's about… time… you admitted that you love me."

I let out a sigh, and tilted his head up to mine.

"Just kiss me, Sherlock."