The bells of Christmas Eve tolled loud and joyously across the white glittering expanse of London, inviting the young, old, rich and poor to come and worship the Christ's birth. Couples and families were leaving the trees and presents behind them, dressed in their Sunday best and bundled up to make their way through the snow-dusted streets.

Sherlock Holmes was no exception. He put on his best cuff links and the ruby-red cravat Mrs. Hudson had given him, crowned himself with his very finest top-hat, and was out the door to meet Watson, who was dressed in equal finery.

Despite the festive occasion however, the cab ride to St. George's was cold and quiet; both men were lost in their own thoughts.

For Holmes, it was the remnants of his latest case, interspersed with a concerto by Corelli and the hope that he hadn't left a chemistry concoction bubbling away on the side table.

For Watson, it was quite a different matter. As he sat elbow-to-elbow with Holmes, he reflected that this was the first Christmas in three years he wouldn't have to spend without his dearest friend. It was only this last April that Sherlock Holmes had returned from the dead, springing out of an unseen disguise in his very own consulting room. Three long and miserable years he had spent alone, first grieving over the death of his friend, then the abrupt and heartbreaking passing of his sweet Mary. For a long time, he painfully waited to see what else would be taken away. He was ever cautious, not daring to invest in further relationships lest he lose them.

But lo and behold, the detective had returned, pulling Watson out of his mire of depression with his usual theatrics and insatiable energy. In many ways, it seemed as if he'd never been gone at all. Watson glanced sidelong at the detective, and was surprised to see that he was watching him.

Holmes shifted in his seat to look him square on. "My dear fellow, are you well?"

"Quite, Holmes. Just...thinking."

"Oh?" Dark eyebrows raised, prompting an explanation.

"It's nothing," Watson replied, but he knew the detective was far too observant to believe the statement. "...I was just thinking that I'm going to have a merry Christmas this year." He said after a moment.

A soft smile played at the corners of Holmes' mouth. "And why is that?"

The cab rolled to a stop in front of the church, and the two men stepped out.

The cold evening air stung sudden tears in Watson's eyes. He had to swallow before he could get the words out. "Because you're home again, and I'm glad." He concentrated his gaze on his gloves, then rose his eyes to a nearby lamppost, valiantly fighting against the tears, when suddenly he felt Holmes' arm around him.

The embrace was quick but strong, and when the detective stepped back, Watson could see the pain and regret clear in his friend's eyes. "So am I, Watson." Holmes flashed him a smile. "I did so miss my Boswell."

Watson laughed, and the tears were gone.

Notes:

St. George's was mentioned in The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor (NOBL). It was also where a scene of "My Fair Lady" was filmed - you may or may not know that Jeremy Brett, who played Sherlock Holmes in the much-loved Granada series, played Freddy Eynsford-Hill.

concerto by Corelli - The specific one I am talking about is commonly referred to as the "Christmas Concerto" by Corelli. It is from the concerto grosso op. 6 no 8 in G minor, and was featured in one of my very favorite films, "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World."

All for now, but I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and God's blessings!