It was the end of May and it was the Big Day for John.

No, actually it was the second Big Day of the week for John.

The first had been the previous day, when John had finally moved in with Sherlock. It hadn't been much hard since John hadn't really got many belongings in his old flat. The most of them were clothes and kitchen stuffs. It had required him only one travel with a rented van for the occasion. Sherlock had been on seventh heaven. John had spent the night before the move with him and he had never seen Sherlock such anxious and excited at the same time. John had tried to calm him down, not really managing to, since he was overly excited himself. The mere thought of starting a new life beside the person he loved the most, made his eyes sparkle with excitement and anticipation, his heart jittering and his mind floating.

"John, is it really happening?", had asked Sherlock as soon as John had stepped in with a suitcase full of clothes.

"I'm asking the same question. Is it real, Sherlock? Because I'm rather confused.", he smiled.

"I'm saying it's real only if you confirm it, John."

"Then it's real. I think."

"We could ask Mrs. Hudson!"

And Sherlock had called the landlady out loud. She had appeared from the door.

"What's that, boys?", she had asked.

"Mrs. Hudson.", had started Sherlock in a resolute voice "Can you see John Watson here in front of me?"

She had given a puzzled look at Sherlock.

"Of course I can. Why shouldn't I see him?"

John had fought hard to not laugh his heart out.

"So, do you confirm that you can see doctor John H. Watson in flesh and blood standing here?"

"Yes, Sherlock, but…", she had furrowed.

"Thank god!", the young man had smiled, hugging John and kissing him on the lips.

Then they had parted and looked at each other in the eyes, giggling.

"Definitely not a dream.", had grinned John.

"Definitely not." , had replied Sherlock.

"Boys.", had muttered Mrs. Hudson rolling her eyes, then giving them a big, warm smile "Sherlock, I've never seen you so happy in your life, dear. And I'm so happy for you!"

"You'd have to thank Mr. Watson for this.", had resumed the young man trying to keep a straight face "It's exclusively his fault that I've ended like…this."

And he had made a disgusted face, which had come out as incredibly funny instead.

"Yeah, yeah.", had mocked John "It's my fault and I claim myself guilty of this tremendous, horrible crime on behalf of love."

"I think I'm going to arrest you and lock you up in the flat. You deserve punishment for your behaviour…", Sherlock had grinned, purring into John's ear.

"What kind of punishment?", John had raised an eyebrow and had grinned wickedly.

"Boys!", had shouted Mrs. Hudson "It's not decent!"

"Who cares about 'decent'? I'm in love! Love is not 'decent'!", Sherlock had said, kissing John harder and pulling him into the flat.

Needless to say that he had brought back the van to the car rental three hours later than the expected time. And he had had to pay the fine for it. Never in his life he had been so willing to pay a fine more than that day. He remembered, while he was adjusting his necktie in front of the mirror one day later, that he had simply smiled his brightest smile when the rent assistant had said he should have paid a fine. A totally worth fine for a two hours sex marathon. He smiled once more in front of the mirror.

But definitely this was the real Big Day. The resignation day.

John was immensely nervous. It was nothing really important, but it was, and he knew that too well, the second step to future things. He had promised Sherlock he would have resigned by the end of the academic year, as Sherlock had wished, even if the young man had still tried to make him quit his decision.

Especially one day. He remembered the conversation, happened at the beginning of May, very clearly.

"John, you shouldn't. Really, you shouldn't."

"Why shouldn't I? Seriously, it's the eighth time we're discussing about this."

"Because you're a damn good teacher."

"It's not even my proper job! And your judgemental abilities are obfuscated by your feelings."

"Don't ever say that! I thought you were great even before starting this."

"Sherlock, I can't! You'll be in the same university for one more year and I can't just fake I'm not involved with you! I can't just go around and pretend there's nothing between us!"

"Neither do I! I'd just want to enter the building walking hand in hand with you, then separate for our lessons, then meet during the breaks!"

"For the umpteenth time, Sherlock…this is not how it works! There are rules out there!"

"I'd gladly break them all for you!"

"And I don't want to ruin your university career, for the heaven's sake!"

"I could withdraw…"

"And I could decide to not marry you! God, Sherlock, you're so stubborn sometimes!"

"…sorry…"

"No, Sherlock, don't do that face…I didn't mean to yell at you…sorry, come here…"

"…ok…"

"It's just…I want you to graduate and I don't want to interfere with it. If there are rumours spreading…I don't want it. I want to stay with you, freely, without these problems. And I want to marry you."

"…thanks…"

"Love you."

"Love you too, John."

Eventually Sherlock had accepted it.

Yet, what had surprised John the most was the sudden change in Sherlock's behaviour towards university lessons and exams. Instead than lazily sitting on his chair in the front row, he had started to actively participate at the lessons, taking notes, doing the assignments. He had never missed a lesson anymore. Every teacher was stunned.

Conversation at the canteen, as heard by John Watson, on Wednesday 11th May.

Professor Maycomb: "I can't believe it. I think it's a miracle of some sort."

Professor Holborn: "What's happening, Maycomb?"

Professor Maycomb: "Holmes. He's following my lessons! Every single damn lesson."

Professor Holborn: "Really? Are you serious?"

Professor Maycomb: "Never been more serious in my entire life."

Professor Donovan, sitting at the table: "What's up?"

Professor Holborn: "Maycomb is saying that Holmes is attending every single lesson!"

Professor Donovan: "I've heard. Sybil told me the other day."

Professor Maycomb: "So, do you think he's serious or he's planning something?"

Professor Donovan: "The latter."

Professor Maycomb: "I can't say. He seems…different. Happier."

Professor Donovan: "Don't make me laugh!"

Professor Maycomb: "We'll see, I guess."

Professor Donovan: "What do you think professor Watson? You two seemed to get along."

Professor Watson: "I don't know. That student is a mystery. I agree with Maycomb, though. He seems different. For the better."

John had tried to kept the straightest face while saying that, the result had been satisfying. None of them had seemed to notice his cheeks turning slight pink. Nevertheless what had amazed John the most was that Sherlock was actually studying for his exams.

Sunday 15th May, 14.33

What about a stroll in the park, love? –John.

Can't. –SH.

Why not? –John.

Busy. –SH.

Don't tell me it's a case. And if it is, you can go on later with that. Park? –John.

Can't. Busy. It's not a case. –SH.

What's that then? –John.

Studying. –SH.

Exams incoming. –SH.

Are you serious? –John.

Does it look like I'm joking? –SH.

Are you really studying? –John.

Do you want me to repeat the obvious? Yes. Studying. –SH.

Because SOMEONE has posed a condition on a certain SOMETHING. –SH.

Oh. –John.

Let me study. –SH.

Oh. Ok. –John.

Are you really doing that for me? –John.

Let me study. –SH.

Love you, idiot. –John.

Sunday 15th May, 14.54

I'll be done with this by 19.30. Dinner? –SH.

Gladly. –John.

Go back to your studying. –John.

I hate you for this. –SH.

You don't. –John.

Right. I don't. –SH.

I love you. Even with that stupid condition. –SH.

Love you more knowing you're studying for me. –John.

I'll study more, then. –SH.

Good boy. –John.

Don't ever say that again. –SH.

I'm not good and I'm not a boy. –SH.

Good boyfriend? –John.

Future husband. –SH.

Oh. –John.

Back to study. –SH.

John put on the grey jacket and looked in the mirror one more time. Seven thirty. The meeting with Mike had been arranged at eight fifteen of that Monday morning. Sherlock was waiting in the living room for him to come out from the bathroom. John's heart was drumming hard in his chest and sweat was gathering just below his hair on his forehead. Sherlock and him had rehearsed the speech dozens of times. Nevertheless John was well aware that it would have been a totally different with Mike before his eyes, instead of Sherlock. Yet he also knew that what he and Sherlock had decided was the best.

"Why have you asked for a meeting, John?"

"Sherlock, Mike doesn't speak that way. You're making him sound like a chicken."

"He's a chicken."

"Not really. And can we, please, go on? Stick to your voice, don't try to mimic his."

"Why have you asked for a meeting, John?"

"Because…"

"Firmer, John. Your voice is shaking and it's so low I can barely hear you."

"Ok. Ok."

"Why have you asked for a meeting, John?"

"Because I want to resign."

"Perfect."

"You should have said 'what?'."

"I mean: the voice was perfect. Firm and resolute."

"Go on, Sherlock. This is killing me."

"You don't have to do that."

"Do not restart with that already. Just…go on."

And they had acted every possible objection that Mike would have made. Everything was perfectly planned. Everything. But John was nervous mainly for a particular reason. And the reason behind the fact that he had named the day of his resignation "The Big Day" was that he and Sherlock were actually going to the meeting together. And John would have told Mike about their relationship. They had agreed on that a few days earlier in a conversation in Sherlock's flat.

"John?"

"Yes?"

"What do you think about moving in with me on Sunday?"

"You mean the day before my meeting with Mike?"

"Yes."

"I guess this should be the part where one says 'I have to think about it', right?"

"Do you have to think about it?"

"No."

"And the answer to my question is 'yes' or 'no', John?"

"Yes. I will move in with you on Sunday."

They had kissed. Then there had been silence.

While slowly fixing his hair, John smiled as the next piece of conversation came to his mind.

"Sherlock…?"

"Yes?"

"What about…ahem…making our relationship official?"

"Isn't it already official? Mrs. Hudson knows, Lestrade knows, my brother surely knows, even if I didn't say a word to him."

"Well, I guess it wasn't that hard to deduce, considering I was in your flat quite a lot when he was here too."

"Still it doesn't give him the right to know about my personal life!"

"He's your brother, Sherlock!"

"Yes, he is. And that's a disgrace."

"I give up. Anyway: I meant 'official' by saying it to Mike."

"What?"

"I thought about it and I d prefer to not lie, Sherlock. Mike is a friend of mine and he had done a big favour to me. I can't lie to him. And I'm sure he won't say anything if I ask him not to."

"What about the speech we had prepared?"

"We just have to add this part to the one we had. Would you like it?"

"John…"

"Yes?"

"Of course I would like it!"

And so it had been arranged. John gave a last glance to the mirror and returned to the living room. Sherlock was sitting on the sofa, drinking the cup of tea John had prepared for him. Obviously he hadn't eaten more than a single, lonely biscuit. And John, since they were now living together, was planning to make him change that debatable behaviour. But his thoughts about it drifted away as he looked at Sherlock.

He was wearing a short-sleeved dark blue shirt which deeply contrasted with his pale skin and reflected in the aquamarine of his eyes, giving him a much more mysterious appearance. In the morning light his skin glowed of a bright white light and he seemed to shine in the room.

"Sherlock…", he said, mouth-watering.

"What's up, John?", the young man answered, raising his eyes to meet John's.

"You should be illegal.", John stated.

Sherlock raised more than an inquiring eyebrow.

"Why?"

"Because…you're illegally, stunningly gorgeous!"

"John, that makes no sense whatsoever.", teased Sherlock.

"It's the love speaking. Can't help.", he smiled.

"And my love speaking says that you look gorgeous too in that suit. It's a pity we should go…"

And Sherlock put down the empty cup of tea and moved closer to John.

"…because, right now, I'd do something else…", he purred in John's ear "…something illegal if performed in public."

John swallowed, trying to resist his body which was sending him clear messages of arousal as Sherlock gave his neck a long lick.

"Later, Sherlock.", he said in the most commanding tone he could manage in that moment.

"Yes, later.", Sherlock jumped back, grinning "Ready for the war?"

"We aren't going at war, Sherlock.", he smiled.

"Yes, we are."

"If you say so."

They exited the flat, greeted by a 'good luck, boys' by Mrs. Hudson, who knew everything because had forced John to undergo a third-degree questioning session.

The day was overly beautiful. The trees were fully blossoming with green leaves and varicoloured flowers which filled the air with the sweetest scents. Birds tweeted in their nests, hidden inside their tree shelters of leaves. The sky was of an incredible crystal clear blue and the sun, already high up, seemed to shine brighter in the vastness of that ocean-like vault. White clouds drifted in the mild wind, converging and parting in silky fibres, getting smaller and smaller until they vanished.

John breathed the fresh air around and kissed Sherlock before they got into the taxi.

"John, I'm sorry that you have to resign.", said the young man as he sat in the cab.

"Sherlock. We've talked about it…seriously, I don't even remember how many times.", he huffed.

"I'm sorry anyway."

John kissed him one more time, gaining an odd look from the cabby.

"I want it, Sherlock. I want it for us. And, as I've already told you, it won't be hard to find a proper job. So stop worrying. Seriously."

Sherlock answered with a swift kiss, gaining the second odd look from the cabby. The young man huffed in annoyance.

"Is there something that bothers your low I.Q.?", Sherlock asked to the man.

"No, sir."

"Because you seem pretty bothered by me and John kissing."

"I am not, sir."

"Liar. Don't ever lie to me."

"Sherlock…", stepped in John "Just…let it go."

"He's stupid!"

"Sherlock…just…please…not now.", pleaded John "Not this morning."

"Sorry, John.", Sherlock lowered his eyes.

John smiled and kissed Sherlock one more time.

"Let him think what he wants.", he whispered in Sherlock's ear "I love you and he's just stupid. I just don't want you in a court by tomorrow."

Sherlock replied with a grin.

"I love you too.", he whispered.

They arrived at university at eight o'clock. The department was almost empty since the lessons had ended the previous Friday. John had done his last lesson and now he had only to face the exam session. Nevertheless he wanted to communicate his will to leave his job as soon as the exams would have been concluded with some anticipation, so that Mike could start to look for a substitute. Sherlock had told John that he would have not sat the organic chemistry exam for obvious reasons. But he would have sat other three exams and John was extremely proud of him. Mostly because he was sure that Sherlock would have passed them all and that meant that their wedding was somehow approaching. Butterflies started to dance in his stomach at the thought.

They walked to Mike's office. Sherlock had decided to wait outside until Mike had asked John the reasons of his resignation. Then John would have called Sherlock in. Every step that John took, he became more and more nervous.

Eight fifteen arrived and Mike's secretary called him.

"Don't worry, John. You'll do great.", smiled Sherlock.

He walked the last steps to Mike's office in a state of trance. That was it. From now on there was no possible turning back. And, god, he wanted to follow that way more than anything else. Because that path he had chosen meant Sherlock. And Sherlock was all that counted.

"John, good morning!", the chubby face of Mike greeted him "It's been a long time since we last saw!"

"We've both been busy with the school.", smirked John.

"Yes, very busy. I didn't expect that being vice-chancellor would have given me lesser and lesser time."

"You're doing a great job."

"I'm trying to, at least.", Mike smiled "But, back to you, why have you asked for a meeting?"

"The reason is…"

Damn, he should have said 'because'. Oh, whatever. He went on.

"…I wanted to resign."

"What? Why?", asked Mike, giving him a more than perplexed look "The students literally adore you! I've received lot of praises about your wonderful job!"

"I…", he cleared his throat "am very grateful for that, but my decision is irrevocable."

"Why, John? Is something wrong? Harriet again?"

"No, Mike. Nothing is wrong. Actually, quite the contrary."

Mike goggled.

"What do you mean?"

"This should have been be the part where I would have told you that I found a new job.", John started "But that would've been a lie. At the moment I haven't got any job except this, but I'm already working on it to find a suitable one. But the reason for which I'm resigning is a different one."

"You're being mysterious, John."

"Mike, I…", he took a deep breath "…have fallen in love."

"And you're going to resign because you've fallen in love?", Mike asked, astonished.

"I've not just fallen in love, Mike. I've fallen in love with the most brilliant human being on this Earth.", he smiled.

"Still, it doesn't make sense. Doesn't she want you to work here? Because it would be pretty arrogant of her."

"No, no. The person I'm talking about is outside and didn't even want me to resign. And is a 'he'."

"A 'he'? Well, I didn't expect it, but I see no problem in that. There are other gay male teachers here if you are worried about that."

"Can I call him in?", asked John.

"If it helps me understand what you're blabbering about, I'm more than positive about calling him in."

John turned away to the door and went straight to the corridor, Sherlock stood up from the chair and followed in.

"Holmes?", was the more than shocked question coming from Mike "What are you doing here?"

"Morning, vice-chancellor Stamford.", Sherlock smiled.

"He's here, Mike, because he's the person I've fallen in love with. I could have told you a pitiful lie about me not wanting to teach anymore, I've decided for the truth. I'm in love with him and I can't pursue a career as a professor while I'm actually living with him. It won't do any good to the university, but mainly it won't do any good to him.", John said, holding Sherlock's hand.

"So you have decided to leave?"

"Yes. I will do the exams, then my resignation will be effective. Sherlock won't do his exams with me around, if that worries you."

Mike stared at John agape.

"John, I really don't know what to say…I'm speechless. I didn't expect…"

John held Sherlock's hand stronger.

"Mike, if months ago you had told me that something like this was going to happen, I would have laughed to no end. I would have said you were crazy. But it happened. And I'm the happiest man on Earth for this."

He saw Sherlock's cheek turning pink.

"Well, John, I understand your point of view and I fully accept it. I'm really sorry to lose such a good teacher, it saddens me, but I accept your resignation. It will be effective from the last week of June after the exams."

"Thank you, Mike. I knew you would have understood."

Mike smiled, then turned to Sherlock.

"Mr. Holmes, can you please give us two minutes alone?"

Sherlock and John furrowed.

"Don't worry.", Mike smiled "I've only got to say something to John."

Sherlock unwillingly left the room, John looked at Mike more than puzzled.

"Whatever it is, Mike, you could have said it in front of him. We're together. Unless you want to insult him or persuade me it's madness. Because in that case I assure you it won't end well."

"Don't fend, John! It's nothing like that. Actually I congratulate with you.", he smirked "It looks like your company is doing good to him. All the other professors were wondering about what had happened to him."

"So, what did you need me for?"

"You said that you are going to start looking for a job, right?", asked Mike.

"Yes, I did. But…"

"I didn't know if you would have felt embarrassed in front of him if I gave you this."

And he handed John a card with a number.

"It's a friend of mine. He's looking for a doctor to work in a small clinic. Nothing big, but good enough."

John looked at Mike.

"Now I am the one who's speechless, Mike. You're saving me a second time!", he cried out.

"You saved a whole academic year, John. Don't forget that. And, even if I shouldn't put my nose into it, I think you've just saved Sherlock Holmes too. That's what I wanted to say without him hearing."

John opened in his brightest smile.

"Maybe he saved me too. I don't know.", he said.

Mike smirked and stretched his hand to shake John's.

"Thank you, John. And be happy!"

"Thank you too, Mike. And I will surely be!"

And John stepped out of the room, joining Sherlock and telling him about what Mike had just said. He didn't want to be secrets between the two of them. And they walked away, smiling.

But John didn't hear Mike's call some minutes later.

"Any news?"

"Yes, it went as you had imagined."

"Has he suspected anything?"

"Not at all."

"Good. Thank you for your collaboration, Mr. Stamford."

"You're welcome, Mr. Holmes."