A/Note: Thanks inspiremepatrick for favoriting my story!

I got it wrong yesterday, John sees, but never observes. At least not yet. Soon. ;)

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12. The holiday

Sherlock started laughing and couldn't stop. John looked hilarious. After the whole afternoon skiing, his eyes were red, watery and his hair stood up from removing the wool cap. His cheeks were also red, and his expression, a mix between tired, stunned and bewildered.

'Shut up, Sherlock. For your information, your hair also looks ridiculous.'

'But your face, John!'

'Yeah well, I'm a beginner, so what?'

'Sherlock!' Mrs. Holmes touched John's shoulder. 'John, you did very well. I was impressed you could use the edges. And this is only your third time?'

'Yes it is. I'm just proud I didn't fall. I'm knackered though.'

'We all are, dear. We'll probably all have an early night.'

...

Sherlock lay awake in his room the whole night, unable to relax.

...

On the following day they headed for the slopes after breakfast. By lunch time, John spoke sheepishly, 'Sherlock, would your parents be offended if I went back to our lodge? I don't think I can handle it the entire day. I'm already knackered. Not to mention, these ski boots really hurt my ankles.'

'Of course they won't be offended, John. I'll go with you.'

'No, no, don't stop just because of me. I know you like it. I'll just shower and watch some telly, to be honest.'

'Nonsense John. Mummy and father think I love skiing, but more than anything, it was always an opportunity to get away from all the noise, from Mycroft, from the world. Out here, everything is quiet and muffled.' Just then a pair of snowboarders swished by, hollering and whooping. 'Most of the times, anyway. But don't tell them I said that.'

'All right, I won't. But I do have to remove these boots now. I don't think I can wait for your parents. If I go now, would you mind explaining it to them?'

'Of course not. I'll wait for them to come down and I'll let them know. I'll be down at the lodge in a bit.'

'Thanks, mate.'

...

Sherlock walked in and heard the shower. He was immediately apprehensive and started making noises in the kitchen so John would know he was back. After a while he heard the bathroom door open, 'Sherlock? I'm done, so you can shower too if you want.' He walked slowly around the kitchen, just in time to see John's back and a towel around his waist, as he disappeared into his room, closing the door.

Sherlock took a deep breath and got what he needed for a shower. Afterwards, he put on a dressing gown and went quickly into his room. He was just too self conscious to wear only a towel around his waist like John had done. Despite his improved strength nowadays, he was nothing like John or Allan, muscular, toned, "fleshy". Ever since they had started training, Sherlock made a decision to keep up with some of the exercises Mr. Bart had made him do. Deep down, he wanted to look good for John. Which was truly difficult, as he didn't seem capable of gaining muscle mass, and Allan was exactly his opposite. No, it would seem he would be forever skinny and bony. Cursed genetics. At least I don't have to battle my weight like Mycroft.

He had spent hours beforehand deciding on what clothes to bring, so getting dressed was easy, fast and seemingly not at all self conscious or deliberate. Today's choice relied on simple and casual elegance: a t-shirt, a v-neck cashmere jumper and black jeans. He put socks on, he thought it would look more homely and relaxed. He inhaled deeply, then stepped out.

John was wearing a t-shirt, a sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms. He was barefoot, and his hair was messy, still a bit damp. He was lying sideways on the sofa, watching telly. There was something about that combination of clothes that always made John look so alluring to him.

'Hey,' John pulled up his legs to give him room.

'Hey,' Sherlock replied, sitting on the opposite end.

'Were your parents okay? With me doing only half a day?'

'Obviously. This is a holiday, not a ski training camp. Mummy made me stop on the way back and get some takeaway. Are you hungry?'

John grinned, 'Starving!'

One of the things Sherlock appreciated about John was that, even if they talked about nothing, it was still fun and he always had a good time. They ate while sitting side by side on the carpet, with their plates on the coffee table. They were facing the telly; not really watching it, but chatting the whole time. Afterwards they went on a stroll at the touristy area nearby. Usually this wandering aimlessly around shops was extremely boring and pointless to Sherlock, but today it was fun because John was with him. Every little thing he'd see at a shop made him think of his friend, so he'd point them out to him. He had to contain himself, for any time John did like something, he wanted to buy it for him. Which would be awkward. He did suggest John buy some elastic bandages to cushion his ankles; he'd be able to cut enough for padding and still fit in the boots.

'Sherlock, that's a brilliant idea! Let's go to that chemist's,' he pointed.

...

'John, I think you're right in wanting to be a doctor.'

'Hm? Why do you say that?'

'I've never seen anyone so riveted standing at a first aid aisle.'

John snorted and grinned, somewhat proudly.

As John made his purchase, Sherlock stood out of the way. His eyes stumbled upon a display a few feet to the right of the counter that showed several brands and variations of condoms. And also... some tubes, where a brand had two boxes marked "his and hers", sold as a pack. A young man walked up to it, grabbed a pack of condoms and a tube and went straight to the queue, all in just a matter of seconds. Frequently buys them, knows the brands and what he likes. Single. Straight. Here on holiday. Had his girlfriend been here with him, he would have already brought them along. So he's cheating on his girlfriend tonight, girl he just met. He looked towards the entry door and a young woman was waiting, hands in her pockets, not shopping for anything.

...

That night it took him a while to fall asleep. When he finally did, it was fitful, crammed with square shaped packs, tubes, tanned skin and towels.