The Trouble With Sentiment

Chapter Three

"Yes, thank God for those. The package got here late because of the weather. I was afraid it wasn't going arrive at all."

John stared at the scrumptious, flaky treats. "And they came all the way from France? That must have cost a fortune."

Vivian shrugged and gave him a small smile. "Every Christmas, no matter where I am, I order a box of these. A bit of a splurge, but well worth it. I certainly don't mind sharing them. Much better for my waistline."

John's heart twinged. No one should ever have to spend Christmas alone.

Her hand hovered above the open box. "Would any of you like one?"

A chorus of agreement followed, though Molly declined.

While Vivian handed them out, John moved his and Sherlock's chairs and one additional chair over to the coffee table in the living room, creating a rough oval shape with the sofa. Everyone settled in to enjoy their treat.

John took a bite of croissant, and the soft, buttery pastry gave way to warm, gooey chocolate. Sweet, but with just a hint of bitterness. "This is fantastic."

"Much better than the ones at work," Lestrade said around a mouthful.

Even Sherlock appeared to enjoy his as not a single crumb was left on his plate.

After everyone finished eating, Mrs. Hudson clapped her hands. "Right. Let's open our Christmas crackers." She passed around the brightly wrapped tubes. "Cross arms with the person next to you, and let's open them up."

Sharp pops like miniature firecrackers filled the air, and out came the gold paper crowns. Everyone put them on their heads, that is, everyone except for Sherlock, who flatly refused to play along. Every Christmas they tried to persuade, pester, and bargain with him to get him to wear the ruddy crown, but nothing had ever worked. A few years ago, they'd started a secret wager on who would finally manage it, but this year was the same as all the others, and they conceded defeat.

Vivian stacked Sherlock's crown on top of hers.

"You look like an idiot," Sherlock said, though the amusement on his face stole most of the sting from the words.

Her eyes narrowed. "Funny. You sound like one."

John laughed and raised his glass to her in salute.

Tossing a wink at him, Vivian rose from the sofa and gathered the empty plates and returned them to the kitchen. On her way back to her seat, she tiptoed up behind Sherlock with an impish smile. John held his breath as she took the extra crown and carefully held it above Sherlock's head. Ever so slowly, she began to lower it. Lestrade did his best not to react, while Mrs. Hudson masterfully continued her conversation with Molly as if nothing was amiss. Right before it could touch his hair, Sherlock's arms flew up, and he caught both her wrists. He tilted his head back to look at her. "You couldn't have been more obvious."

Vivian grinned down at him. "I'll have to try harder then."

He studied her for a moment. "You're not going to give up, are you?"

"You are observant. You should be a detective."

"Best just surrender now, Sherlock," Lestrade called out with a chuckle.

Vivian waggled her eyebrows, smile playful. "What's it going to be, Mr. Holmes? The easy way or the hard way?"

Sherlock gave a long-suffering sigh. Then to John's complete amazement, he released Vivian, and murmured, "Go on, then."

Her face lit up in shocked delight, and she settled the crown onto his head. The room erupted into a chorus of cheers and laughter.

Sherlock rolled his eyes. "This is ridiculous."