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After a warm yet lively reunion, the celebration eventually died down and what was left of the party was the slight scent of wine.
John and the rest of 221B Baker Street had already said their goodbyes, leaving Sherlock behind who volunteered to help clean up. The Moriarty team decided to call it a night as well — Fred and Master Jack were the first to leave, with Herder and Moneypenny following shortly after. James and Moran stayed behind for a quick round of drinks.
Louis has truly become grateful towards Sherlock, his brother was alive and well taken care of — It was more than he could ever have wanted.
He found himself wondering about how to express his gratitude. That is when Sherlock had suddenly appeared behind him, pausing his train of thought.
"What's on your mind aye? Been glancing at me all night as if you have something stuck down your throat." The long-haired man stated as he tidied his attire.
"Sharp as ever Mr.Holmes. As expected of someone close to my brother." Louis replied with a sheepish smile.
There was a slight pause in their conversation, Louis was still hesitating on what to say.
"It's about your brother isn't it? It must be a relief to see him alive and well. Honestly it's a miracle that billy managed to find us, do express all your thanks to him." Sherlock said with a softer tone in his voice.
Louis gave a small nod, knowing Sherlock had already seen through him — he still didn’t know how to express his gratitude.
“...Ehem. Thank you, Mr. Holmes.”
“Ah, it’s really no big deal—”
“No, I really mean it. I believed you were the only one who could save William, and give him the support he truly needed. For years, I tried my best for him, but I never realized how much he was carrying. I’m just glad you managed to lift that burden from him.”
Louis went silent until a gentle smile crossed his face.
“He’s my dear brother, and he’s always carried more than anyone should. So please, keep watching over him, Mr. Holmes.” Louis bowed slightly.
Sherlock was caught off guard by the sudden words. It struck him just how much Louis, and the rest of the team had grown and matured over the past few years until their return.
“Hah... you make it sound like you’re giving me your blessing to marry him. But you’ve got it — I was planning to take good care of Liam either way.” Sherlock smirked, brushing his hair aside with a sigh of relief.
—
After the two finished the light-hearted conversation, they opened the door to the main living room to see a sleeping James Bond, a barely sober Moran — And of course, a calm straight postured Albert, downing in his 50th glass of wine.
"Pardon the improper view, it's been awhile since we all had a drinking competition. Brings me back" Albert said with a hint of nostalgia in his sentence.
"William is still in the kitchen, I believe he would appreciate your help in the kitchen Mr. Holmes,"Albert added.
Sherlock nodded and made his way into the kitchen, where he saw the blond man standing by the counter — his sleeves rolled up, quietly rinsing the remaining dishes.
The slight clinking of glass mixed with the water running, filled the warm silence between them. William looked up at the sound of footsteps.
“Did Louis keep you for long?” he asked, glancing shortly towards Sherlock.
“Ah, he did,” Sherlock replied, walking to stand beside him and taking up a towel to help dry the plates.
“He speaks of you with real sincerity. It’s rare to see someone show their care towards their sibling. Mycroft would have to make a deal with the devil to see me say such.”
William let out a small chuckle before he smiled faintly, eyes softening. “He’s always been that way. Louis doesn’t hold back when it comes to the people he cares the most. He truly has grown up.”
Sherlock sounded in agreement, stacking the remaining dishes onto the cupboards. “It’s admirable really,” he said quietly.
A brief silence followed the pair, comfortable and familiar, the silence that only exists between two people who have stopped needing words to understand one another. Sherlock leaned against the counter shaking the last drops of water out of his hands — While William dried his hands, both lost in their own thoughts. For once, there was no plan to devise, no goal to chase — There only existed the many paths of possibilities.
Neither of them spoke, yet both found themselves wondering what awaited them in the future.
-End-