sixwordstories | (no subject)

coal again, then? i got a handsome new sweater.

it's a very kind gift, and a flattering shade of blue. santa mistakenly left another package under the tree for you, so perhaps we'll be matching shortly.

don't be needlessly cruel. the cost of yarn is surprisingly steep.

[ It's late and still Christmas, but the good doctor has managed to snag a cab. Hands full, he juggles packages and tupperware enough to press the bell downstairs with his elbow, and in a fit of impatience also give the door a solid knock with his foot. ]

[Holmes knows who it is, of course, from the moment he hears the cab stop outside. Who else would drop by at this time of night on Christmas accompanied with the sound of rustling packages. He waits, ever so patiently, while Mrs. Hudson answers the door and gives the doctor a plethora of Christmas wishes, keeping his eyes on the door to his room.]

[He makes a quick escape of Mrs Hudson, fending her off with a small tin of cookies Mary had prepared and a brisk goodnight. His leg isn't acting up much, so the stairs aren't an obstacle and it's hardly two minutes before he's bumping Holmes' door open with a hip.] I don't smell any smoke, so I'm assuming it's safe to enter.

You brought food - Mrs. Hudson must have taken it from you to plate it up. [Don't ask how he knows this.]

[Watson pauses, surprised.] Yes, well, there was plenty extra from dinner and I figured you would have kept to your normal diet of nothing at all. [He drops the last two packages on a chair, smiling.] Merry Christmas.

Yes, yes, happy Christmas. I trust your day was every bit the charming domesticity you'd envisioned?

It was quiet, yes. I was disappointed you couldn't make dinner. Other plans?

Absolutely. [All evidence of said "other plans" has been since hidden away.]

Shame. It was quite good fresh, but I'm sure it'll be perfectly edible warmed up. If you're hungry?

Famished. [Watson probably rarely hears those words.]