It wasn't a Christmas card. And John Watson doesn't get letters. So how did Mrs Hudson have a letter for him? Curiosity burns. He knew that handwriting. But how could it be...?

25th December 2013

Dear John,

Before I say anything else, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything I put you through. It wasn't fair. None of it was fair. But there was nothing else I could do. It was the only way to keep you safe. And if not safe, then alive. I couldn't come back to my life if you weren't there. You think I abandoned you. But I could never do that. I was always there, always watching. Anderson was the only one how still believed in me. Anderson of all people. It's embarrassing. And of course Molly knew. She helped me execute my plan. She knew I was going to die.

You're not crazy, John, and this isn't fake. This is me. Sherlock Holmes. I couldn't stay away without knowing you knew I was okay. Or at least alive. I don't want to lie to you, John. I won't ever be okay again. There is always going to be another enemy around the corner who even I couldn't predict. But it doesn't have to be that way for you. Let Mary love you. Yes, she likes you - isn't it obvious? And yes, I mean Mary Morstan, the blonde one who works on the desk at the hospital. Give her a chance. No one will bother you again. I will make sure of that.

Or you can come and meet me at St Bart's at 7:30 today.

You have to know that I love you, John. Since the say we met I have been in love with you. Why else would I keep you around? Offer to become your flatmate? Be so interested in your sister's love life? How many hints did I need to drop before it fitted together in your simple little mind? When you asked me whether I had a boyfriend I panicked. Mycroft told me to play 'hard to get'. And of course Mycroft knew. He knew before I did. And now you know. My silly little blogger. My lovely caring Doctor. Notice me, notice me, notice me! That was all I could think when you looked at me. The thing with Irene? Apparently jealously doesn't work.

I don't mind, John. Stay where you are, if it makes you happy. If you want the 'sweet wife' you always talked about then ask Mary out. And if you want adventure, danger and me then it's 7:30 outside St Bart's. Losing you once nearly killed me for real. I can only guess what will happen to me if I lose you again.

I love you,

Sherlock Holmes

John's hands shook as he put down the letter. Everything he had dreamt about... Could it really be true? Sherlock was an idiot to doubt him.

"I'm coming, Sherlock," He said, checking his watch as he grabbed his coat. 7:25, "Always,"