ValLock Christmas

Two in the morning, and neither of them could sleep. It was very normal, though. Sherlock never slept, and Val slept, just around the same amount as Sherlock.

This morning just happened to be Christmas Eve's morning, and Sherlock was mulling over what to get Val. He still hadn't got her anything and he was running out of time to do so.

He opened his eyes halfway and looked over at his fiancée on the couch from his chair.

She was lying on her back with her eyes closed, but only an idiot would think she was sleeping. Her eyes were moving quite quickly under her eyelids and you could see her moving her hands ever so slightly as she thought.

He looked her down and caught sight of the black engagement ring.

He had already gotten her that, so he couldn't get her more jewelry and he wouldn't know what other jewelry she would like. Plus she seemed to be allergic to some types. He wouldn't want to make a mistake of getting the wrong kind.

He had considered asking Aim, figuring she would know, but she was busy with her own Christmas.

He sighed and stood, going over to the window. He never had been a good gift-giver. In fact one time he gave John an essay about how to tell that his friends hated him... Not the best idea in retrospect.

He picked up his violin and tried to choose a song to play while he thought.

Perhaps he could get her a new violin. She knew how to play after all. And this one he could request to be made custom. But in time for Christmas? ...No. Not enough time. Her birthday maybe.

Val opened her eyes and looked over to Sherlock. She figured he was just thinking about how bored he was. She thought he had already gotten her one, and it was eating at her that she hadn't got him one yet either.

"Sherlock?" she asked, not moving other than looking at him. He looked over at her.

"What do you want for Christmas?" she questioned, just finally asking him.

He raised an eyebrow ever so slightly.

"I'm not much of a Christmas person; you know that," he answered with a bit of a shrug. He was a bit surprised at the question. He thought she had already gotten him the perfect gift.

"I know, but hypothetically," she insisted. He thought for a moment and picked something off the top of his head.

"Another Bunsen Burner."

"Not something you need. Something you want," she sighed, rolling her eyes a bit. She didn't ask why because she knew SJ had broken the one he used to have.

"I want another Bunsen Burner," he shrugged.

"No you don't," she gave him a bit if a stern look.

"What if I do?" he began playing a tune he made as a child absentmindedly.

"I know you don't, Sherlock. What. Do. You. Want?" Val stood and went over to him with a determined look.

"Honestly, I don't want anything. I just want to be with you," he sighed, not liking sounding corny but not seeing any way around it.

"But I can't /not/ get you anything. You probably have gotten me this amazing extravagant thoughtful gift and I've got nothing for you," she ranted a bit, gesturing with her hands rather wildly.

He looked at her in a bit of surprise, lowering his instrument.

"You haven't gotten me anything yet?" He asked, feeling pleased but it not showing yet.

"No. I'm sorry. I just haven't been able to think of anything," she sighed, frowning up at him.

"No no no don't feel bad," he immediately said, putting down his violin and putting his hands on her shoulders. "I haven't gotten you anything either. If anyone is incompetent here it's me."

"You aren't incompetent. Don't feel bad either. How about... We don't get each other anything now, but when one of us sees something that we want the other has to get it for them," Val offered, stepping into him more and putting her hands on his shoulders.

"We do that anyway," Sherlock smiled, moving his hands down to her waist and holding her to him.

"I know. But we can call them late Christmas presents, since we both feel all guilty for not getting each other anything," she shrugged.

"That works I suppose," he chuckled and kissed her forehead.

She smiled and cupped his face with one hand fondly, then slowly kissed him.

He kissed back slowly and couldn't help but be disappointed when she drew back.

"I love you," She said quietly, sighing happily and resting her head on his chest.

"I love you too." He kissed the top of her head and stroked her hair, sitting down with her in his chair.

They fell asleep there for the first time in a few days in each other's arms, and neither one could be happier.