"Their eyes lock, and it's like everything else melts away – there's nothing but the two of them, here, in this little room. For a moment, the rest of the world ceases to exist. Sherlock imperceptibly leans in, unable to breathe. Perhaps he really could just… kiss John." - or - five times Sherlock almost kissed John, and one time he did.

"Okay. You can open your eyes." Sherlock complies, and when he does, he's immediately met with the sight of a small cake topped with five candles. He blinks, almost not understanding, until John says, "Happy Birthday, Sherlock. Make a wish." And oh. It's his birthday today. Of course. So that's why, then.

They're at Lestrade's. For a New Year's Eve party. And the place is full of people Sherlock doesn't know and doesn't care about. He only came for John, because John wanted to come. And of course, Sherlock is so ridiculously, one-sidedly in love with him that he couldn't possibly refuse.

Two years ago, Sherlock Holmes jumped off of the roof of St. Bart's Hospital in an attempt to fake his death and save the lives of his friends and lover. The plan failed. Two years ago, Sherlock Holmes died.