Chapter 26

Sheryl opens the door to find the Holmes boy in question standing with his back turned to her, talking to himself.

"Sheryl, I think that I- no that's stupid. I think that we, um…could maybe-"

"Maybe what?" She asks, startling the boy. He stares at her, slack-jawed. Sheryl had taken off the coat and donned her new jumper, again tying the scarf around her neck. At seeing her so different than he's used to, he begins to stammer incoherently. When he can finally speak, he mutters something along the lines of "Perfection" before he cups her face in his hands and presses his lips to hers.

Sheryl is surprised at how wonderful it is; his lips are so full and soft and warm. She takes the opportunity to run her fingers through his hair, causing a rumble deep in his chest. She giggles against his lips and Hamish never wants her to stop.

Upstairs, the adults pass around the winnings as Molly shoos them from the window.

Sheryl pulls away and smiles at the boy's pout about the kiss ending.

"I had a speech planned."

"I liked the kiss better." She grinned.

"So am I enough of a present for you?" He jokes. She absentmindedly runs a hand through his curls again, causing him to shut his eyes blissfully.

"I would say yes, if I hadn't seen the one in your pocket." She mumbles, placing a small kiss on his lips.

"Oh yes, that. It took me weeks to find an adequate gift for you. It was a lot to think about. Here." He holds it out to her carefully.

"All right." She opens the box to find a golden locket glittering up at her. Holmes + Watson glimmers in silver lettering.

Inside is the picture of the two of them at the Watson's costume party last year. She wears a beige jumper and carries a laptop, and Hamish is in a coat of his father's and a charming grey deerstalker. She recalls that they had swiped a pair of handcuffs from Greg and spent the party trying to lock their fathers together. She laughs at the memory.

Hamish looks worried.

"Did I get it wrong?" He asks. She hugs him quickly.

"No, I was just remembering how Sherlock managed to cuff us together by the end of the party. I was afraid you would sulk when it happened, but you just grabbed my hand and we took off running for Angelo's."

"Not a bad idea." He adds, brushing her lips with his.

"No, Hamish. We can't just ditch the party. Not even you are better than cake." She winks at him, grabs his hand, and hurriedly drags him up the stairs. The apartment erupts in cheers when the two burst in. Sheryl looks at the ground and blushes at the attention. The sight is so amazing to Hamish that he instantly lifts her chin and plants a kiss on her lips in front of everyone.

Irene hugs the two tightly, causing Hamish to blush as well. John gives a half-hearted glare, Mary giggles, and Sherlock winks at the pair of them. Greg claps the boy on the back while Molly and Mrs. Hudson raise their glasses in a toast. Mycroft takes in the locket resting on top of Sherly's scarf.

"Pay up, gents." He says, and the room chuckles with him.

They all go into the kitchen and eat the cake. No one comments when Mycroft takes three pieces. They're all too busy pretending not to notice Sheryl and Hamish slip away, running hand in hand through the London streets, all the way to a romantic evening at Angelo's.