19 September 2011

I wanna hold your hand...

I think I've talked about this before. Sorry if I'm boring you.

Spending the day eith John today was lovely. It really was. Sunshine, fresh air, the bike running like a dream, no major traffic snarl ups, good coffee, walking by the river...you know, just sickeningly perfect, like you see in films.

Except... Just sometimes, I want to hold John's hand. Or put my arm around him whilst we walk, or wrap my arms around him when we look in a shop window or any number of other things.


And I don't. Or if I do it's because I've looked around and decided there's no one to witness it.

But a part of me wants to do those things so people can witness it. A part of me wants to get a big sign out saying 'look at me, look at this gorgeous man who chooses to spend his life with me. Aren't I a smug, lucky, bastard?'.

I don't want to be stared at though. Or have anyone comment on us. Or worse. Especially if we're with the boys.

But someone has to do it, right? To ever have a hope of it being 'normal' then people like me just have to suck it up and do it and stop worrying. And why shouldn't that someone (those someones) be us? I mean, coming out at work was/is probably easier than I expected. I know people talk about me, and I get the odd occasion of someone thinking they're funny by sticking rainbow stickers on my nameplate or flyers for gay clubs on my car or bike or that sort of stuff. But generally everyone just gets one with it.

So, what do you think, John? Next time we're out...should I be brave? Would it make you uncomfortable? What if there was trouble? Do we run, or stand and fight...

Am I massively overthinking this? I'm sure I didn't used to. But then again, I used to get in far more fights...

175 comments:

John H. D. Watson said...

It wouldn't make me uncomfortable. I'm more or less used to being stared at, and for worse reasons than because I'm holding your hand.

Greg Lestrade said...

Being stared at doesn't bother me so much...it's other things. Comments, or violence.

I don't know. I'm probably imagining things will be far worse than they really would be.

Too used to Bryan going out of his way to antagonise people and get us in fights.

Just...lots of things recently making me think about us and how people see us. Everyone on here are so...nice. sort of forget some other people aren't as accepting.

John H. D. Watson said...

Is this because of what it was like in Italy?

Small Hobbit said...

I think it would be great if you were able to do so. I occasionally see blokes holding hands and I do notice and I tend to think "Oh, two blokes, oh, okay." The more I see it around, the less I'm likely to notice. Which has to be good. And I'm assuming you would be restrained rather than "in your face" - like any other couple.

It may be different when you're with the boys. After all, there is nothing worse than being with an embarrassing parent/responsible adult, for whatever reason you're embarrassing. (Yes, I spent years when my very presence was an embarrassment)

John H. D. Watson said...

I'm not sure it's actually possible to embarrass Sherlock.

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah. A bit. I kept thinking of all the things I'd want to do with you and show you and places we could go...and then thinking how we'd be perceived. How people would react.

This is a poster used by Berlusconi's party in the election in 2006, in Rome.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/37/122164961_e6b7b172c4.jpg

Which I suppose could look supportive, if you can't read the text. It isn't.

It says "Father and Mother? (using the masculine form for 'mother'). "This is not the family we dream."

they bloody won the election. They're still in power. They just decided that The anti-homophobia bill going through parliament was against the constitution, and not only prevented it passing, but banned all further discussion about it.

And that makes me not want to take you and the boys to a place I love and would like to share with you.

John H. D. Watson said...

I'm sorry, love. That's... Well, it's bad. And it's not going to change in the next few years, although I have hope that it'll change within our lifetimes, at least a bit, for the better. But that doesn't help a lot right now.

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah. It was just a depressing wake up call. Still, glad I was reminded of it before I dragged you all over there and got reminded the hard way.

And obviously there are loads of Italians who agent homophobic in the slightest. But everything's that bit harder to cope with when you're not on home turf. Especially if the boys would both understand what was being said.

Greg Lestrade said...

Aren't...not agent. Agent Homophobic sounds like a bad cartoon character...

John H. D. Watson said...

True enough. There are idiots everywhere, and good people everywhere.

What do you want to do though?

Greg Lestrade said...

I don't know.

If we went I'd definitely check with any hotel that they wouldn't decide to refuse us entry because we're two blokes. Beyond that...I honestly don't know. To change the world with a click of my fingers? And lots of other impossible things.

John H. D. Watson said...

To change the world with a click of my fingers?

Oh, yes, of course that. Me too. I meant here though, more than Italy, since here is where we are.

Greg Lestrade said...

Here...

Tomorrow morning I would be honoured to walk back from Sherlock's school, hand in hand with you. And stop somewhere for breakfast and quite possibly be disgusting romantic about it all.

And your comment about Italian lessons on.my blog, added to this conversation reminded me of an essential phrase you need to learn.

"Mi dispiace, ma non posso proprio uscire con te. Vedi, appartengo già a quel gran pezzo di poliziotto laggiù."

Okay?

Anonymous said...

Maybe start with holding hands in England. It's never going to feel normal to you, or anyone else, until you can reach a point of doing it without thinking about it. It makes me sad that you need to think about it at all, but you do and that's just where the world is at at the moment. But it can change little by little.

My sister got married over the summer at a quaint little B&B in New England. The next day a bunch of us were wandering around the village near by poking into the shops. They just got married, of course they were holding hands (if they hadn't had to wait 17 years to be allowed to get married they'd likely have been doing much more than that). I spent most of my time watching other people to see if they were reacting. I am fiercely protective of my big sister and on that day of all days I didn't want anyone hassling her. Nobody did. I didn't even notice anybody noticing. That surprised me, but in a good way. The reaction probably would have been different in other parts of the country, but little by little anyway a better definition of "normal" is spreading.

John H. D. Watson said...

...I'm sorry, I can't...something with you? And then possibly something about a...big piece of police?

I believe I see where this is going, heh.

Greg Lestrade said...

Kholly - I entirely understand the fierce protection. Although in a way that worries me too... neither Danger or I would exactly be shrinking violets if someone did have a pop. (shrinking pansies? Heh.)

Danger - roughly speaking, it says 'Sorry, I can't really go out on a date with you. You see, I already belong to that hunk of a policeman over there.' :) see, essential.

Lupe said...

:( I'm sorry, Lestrade. I hate il Cavaliere, he's a prick and I don't understand how people could possibly vote for him. :( But well. At least more and more people are realizing he's a jerk and they can't just let him dilapidate the country's money in orgies and whatnot. -_-'' Sorry, don't wanna get political here, but ugh. I don't like that guy.

Perhaps if you go as tourist, people wouldn't bother you? :( Since you're a tourist, nobody would care what you do or what you don't as long as you eat in their restaurants and buy their souvenirs? :D At least that's how it is here. And some regions might be homophobic and some might not? :( I'm sorry. I wish you could just go anywhere you wanted without worrying about this. *hugs*

Tink said...

Holding hands and having a romantic brunch sounds like just the thing! You guys are in love and I'm glad you are thinking about this Greg. It shows just how much you worry, which shows just how much you care.

Also, I googled what you told John to learn and I giggled madly :D

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure what I would have done. I'm much more of a whimp than either of them are. I do things like sign petitions and write to my representatives. I just didn't want her to have to think about it.

I think anyone who would be stupid enough to have a go at you - one cop and one ex-army, hello - would deserve whatever you gave them, from a stern talking to to a punch in the jaw.

John H. D. Watson said...

L - Ha! Clearly essential. I'll work on it. And I'd be happy to be disgustingly romantic with you tomorrow morning.

Greg Lestrade said...

Kholly - yeah. It's the same old problem I have of not wanting to get into grief with work...but every instinct being to give someone a swift uppercut. I think I'm just basing far too much assumption on irrelevant past experience.

Danger - essential from my point of view.

Noticed a new place this morning...claim to roast their own coffee. Worth a try? Might even hold your hand over the table.depends how brave I feel...

I keep nearly typing in Italian after all this. My brain is so confused.

starbright said...

Relevant to your past discussion of the Oxford comma...

http://chzdailywhat.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/oxfordcomma.jpg?w=500&h=654

John H. D. Watson said...

L - sounds very nice. I'm sure your brain will straighten out eventually, and until then you're providing me with endless entertainment.

Sherlock said...

You MAKE me hold your hand when it's busy or we're in a shop or we have to cross the road, and I'm a boy. Just make John hold your hand too.

Greg Lestrade said...

It's not quite the same, Sherlock. And I don't want to make John do anything.

Plus, he can (almost always) be trusted not to wander off, or get so excited by ponds/parks/ice cream that he runs into traffic...

Greg Lestrade said...

and what do you mean 'endless entertainment'?? I haven't spoken Italian once today!

Sherlock said...

But he's just a boy!

We're all just boys.

Adults are SO STUPID sometimes. You're supposed to teach me things and you're just silly.

John H. D. Watson said...

Almost always.

I haven't spoken Italian once today!

Are you suuuuure?

Greg Lestrade said...

You're evil.

Have I?

John H. D. Watson said...

Maybe. :)

Bronwyn said...

I'm totally with you on that one Sherlock. Adults are so stupid. However, many many people are motivated by fear, and they fear what they don't understand. People don't understand what makes them uncomfortable and what makes them uncomfortable is the unfamiliar.

Fifty or sixty years ago, that was mixed race couples (at least in the U.S.) But with time and exposure and the efforts of some very brave individuals, more people saw and learned and became comfortable, and eventually, most people stopped fearing.

Today, it's single-gender couples. People are afraid, and it's not fun, or right, or okay, but that's what is, right now.

tl;dr You're right, though. Adults can be idiots.
Toodles,
Bronwyn

Greg Lestrade said...

Well I don't think I have. Apart from some possible swearing. But I did that anyway.

I choose to believe I haven't accidentally spoken Italian all day, just like you choose to believe you don't suck your thumb... wait, no, because I really haven't spoken Italiano.

John H. D. Watson said...

I still think you invented that to wind me up. I can see my girlfriends not mentioning it, maybe, but if I'd done it in the Army I never would've heard the end of it.

Italiano

Haven't spoken it at all, right...

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm not going to ask how many people watched you sleeping in the army. I'd probably just get jealous.

However, I like to think you just feel safer around me, and therefore regress.

That was typing, not speaking, Gian Iacopo.

John H. D. Watson said...

I'm almost afraid to ask what that one means...

Greg Lestrade said...

It's nothing bad! Just the roughest of translations for 'John Hamish'.

John H. D. Watson said...

Heh. Italian for Hamish. That just doesn't seem right somehow.

Greg Lestrade said...

Well...I said it was rough. It's not really a translation for 'Hamish' exactly, more for 'James', because Hamish is a form of James (or vice versa)...yeah, like I said, rough. I prefer Iacopo over Giacomo or Jacobo. Sounds more Hamish-like.

Greg Lestrade said...

Meant to ask, how's the leg after being on the bike for so long? Want a rub down?

John H. D. Watson said...

It's fine actually, but can I say yes anyway?

Greg Lestrade said...

You can. Once I've deposited a very tired I'm-almost-six year old into bed. And gone over everything we said yesterday about going to school in the morning...again.

John H. D. Watson said...

You're a very good person.

And I can't believe he's almost six...

Greg Lestrade said...

You know there's another birthday on the 22nd, don't you?

John H. D. Watson said...

What? Whose?

Greg Lestrade said...

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

...Ladies and gentlemen of the internet, welcome to the world's most boring blog.


Nothing Happens to You. Right?? Nothing.


....right.

John H. D. Watson said...

Oh my god. Have I really been writing this thing for an entire year?

Greg Lestrade said...

Yes. And as you can see, no one's reading it. At all. It's just so humdrum, boring, everyday... you should liven it up with some dogs, helicopters, burglars, drama, stink bombs, sex....

Oh, wait...then it might start getting unbelievable or something...

Bronwyn said...

Woo-hoo! BLOG PARTY!
*wheees*
Bronwyn

Greg Lestrade said...

Sherlock says he has to have the day off school tomorrow to check we're holding hands...

John H. D. Watson said...

My life is unbelievable. Especially compared to this time last year.

John H. D. Watson said...

Tell him we'll take a picture.

Greg Lestrade said...

Mine too. Brilliant, isn't it?

Small Hobbit said...

Definitely BLOG PARTY. Can we have cake?

John H. D. Watson said...

L - yeah, it is really is. Amazing.

SH - Rainbow cake with sparklers?

Greg Lestrade said...

Right. Soon as this one's asleep (I estimate about 30 seconds) I shall be down to give you a rub down.

Assume the position ;)

Anon Without A Name said...

Yay blog party :-)

(I keep reading "sparklers" as "spankers". Oh my poor mind)

Greg Lestrade said...

I should get a job as a nanny or something. Sherlock and John, both fast asleep, both probably sucking their thumbs...

And John only needed two bedtime stories tonight...

Anon Without A Name said...

Awwwww :-)

In response to your actual blog post, I think you've already come up with an answer for now, and I hope you two have a lovely time on your walk home tomorrow. But I think one of the important things is to remember that you only need to do what you're comfortable with. You don't have to take personal responsibility for breaking down those social barriers every day. You and John are already incredible role models for Sherlock and Mycroft; maybe sometimes that's enough.

[Overstepping boundaries alert]
OTOH, you previously mentioned that Steve would be proud of you for coming out at work. Maybe this is something he'd be proud of, too?

innie said...

I can't believe he's almost six
I have a feeling Sherlock might be like my younger nephew, who just cannot believe the unfairness of him never catching up to his older brother's age (they're eighteen months apart). My favorite example of this? On his sixth birthday, I gave him a big cuddle and kiss and said, "Happy birthday, [younger nephew]! Can you believe you're six today?" And he replied, "I'm almost seven."

Sherlock says he has to have the day off school tomorrow to check we're holding hands...
Nice try, buddy. No, seriously - that's a pretty solid effort.

Becca said...

Innie, my sister is three years younger than me. One year, on my birthday, she said I wasn't allowed to be as old as I was, because it meant she was older, too.

Greg Lestrade said...

Nameless - yeah, there's wanting to and...wanting to. Anyway, as Danger's happy with the idea...we shall play it by ear.

Steve would roll his eyes and say something like 'Jesus, Greg, you're talking about holding hands in the street, not doing it doggy style in Westminster Abbey. Just do it!'. :)

Anonymous said...

Two cents:
I moved to a very small, rural town in Montana for work about three and a half months ago. Two weeks ago, my girlfriend moved in with me. Previous to this we've only been together in large, liberal, metropolitan cities. It's a hard thing to have to think about, but I'm not going to stop holding her hand or touching her in public. I won't be stupid, but I won't be ruled by fear either.

You know your city, which areas are safer and which aren't. You have people who love you and will be happy to counter any hatefulness with support and a good arse-kicking (or arrest) of the offending party.

Greg Lestrade said...

Hsavinien - yeah, the route to and from Sherlock's school is very 'safe'. Nice area, good time of day...we'll see how it goes. It woukd be fantastic to one day not have to think about such things, and just do whatever you feel.

Small Hobbit said...

Hope you too have a great day today.

L - As others have said, just do what you feel happy with - and: don't think too much.

J - Definitely rainbow cake with sparklers for the blog party.

Small Hobbit said...

*two - I am not awake today

Anon Without A Name said...

Steve would roll his eyes and say something like 'Jesus, Greg, you're talking about holding hands in the street, not doing it doggy style in Westminster Abbey. Just do it!'. :)

Heh :-)

(I'm frequently accused of living in my head too much, and over-thinking things. I try to tell myself it's not always a bad thing)

Anonymous said...

So, can we see the picture you took to prove it to Sherlock?

Seriously though, how'd it go? I'm going to assume until proven otherwise that your silence in the morning means that your romantic coffee turned into Italian lessons, etc when you got home. And if there had actually been fist fights or strong words you'd have been telling us all about it.

Greg Lestrade said...

There were indeed...Italian lessons. Etc.

And no fights. Although a couple of people did helpful point out to us, via shouting, that we were poofs/homos, presumably in case we hadn't realised. (not even strictly true in Danger's case.)

The morning put me in such a good mood I've even got through all the boring chores I had to do (and a phonecall from Bryan-the-wanker) with barely a break in my smile.

Because I am ridiculously lucky to have John to share my life with.

Bronwyn said...

I think you should retaliate by shouting out hair colors of the passers-by. "Blond! Brunet! Pink! Oh, we weren't shouting the obvious at each other? Sorry."

Or maybe not.

Toodles,
Bronwyn

P.S. Captcha says "Hylia". I really should play Legend of Zelda again.

Greg Lestrade said...

They don't stick around for a response, Bronwyn. Just drive by yelling.

I mean, if they got too close we might be unable to resist their manly charms and jump them... safer for them if they keep their distance.

Desert Wanderer said...

Maybe this will make you smile a bit? Today is the official end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the US military.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/07/22/getting-dont-ask-dont-tell-done

Anonymous said...

I usually just ignore it, but one time back when I had really short hair, a few teenage boys on the bus called me a dyke, and I turned to them and said, "Yeah. And?" And they shut up. I then got off the bus two stops earlier than normal, but I still remember the incident with pride.

Greg Lestrade said...

Desert - nothing will stop me smiling today. But that is great news. Wonder what difference it will make?

Anon - I've done a few things I'm proud of in that vein. But far more I'm not, sad to say. Well done to you.

John H. D. Watson said...

Anon - well done indeed. Harry had that same conversation with a number of people at school, though she usually followed it by getting in their faces and asking what they were going to do about it. Getting off the bus was probably a wiser choice.

DW - that is excellent news.

Desert Wanderer said...

To be honest? I think not much of one, but in a good way. I don't think most people honestly care all that much. It will be interesting to see the logisitics, though (who rooms with whom, etc.) given that men and women are not currently allowed even to be suitemates (separate rooms sharing a bathroom) whatever their sexual preference. What will happen when you have two lesbians, or even (gasp shock horror!) a bisexual person?!

There will be some people who won't get over it, much like when the military was desegregated, but the answer to them is discipline. Just like it's always been.

Sorry. Didn't mean to take up your space with politics...

Greg Lestrade said...

Not taking up space. Discussion is welcome.

After today I have great hope about people not caring much :) and can almost imagine not thinking about it when reaching for Danger's hand.

Sherlock said...

What did you learn in your Italian lesson, John? I can help too.

Trills said...

Slightly off topic but I used to have such short hair it was almost completely covered when I walked to college in a wooly hat. The school boys waiting at the bus stop on my route used to shout dyke. I always ignored them but I always really wanted to wear a bald cap one day so when they shouted at me I could whip off my wooly hat and say "Actually I've got cancer." to maybe shock them into not judging people's sexuality by their haircut.

People are stupid. I used to have a friend who was one of those people who was scared the girl she went to school with who later came out as a lesbian had been checking her out in the changing rooms the whole time. She used to swear blind she had the best gaydar in the world. This amused my bisexual friend who was out to me but not to her no end.

John H. D. Watson said...

Sherlock - mainly parts of the body. I can't seem to remember face though. Or hair.

Trills - people really are stupid. And much too eager to define everyone else by their own standards.

Greg Lestrade said...

I think we need to revise more, Danger...

No kisses on any body part you can't name...

John H. D. Watson said...

You may regret saying that...

Greg Lestrade said...

Dunno, I can remember them all...you better pucker up. You, however, could go for days without a kiss, if you don't pay more attention in class, and not get so distracted all the time...

Anonymous said...

shock them into not judging people's sexuality by their haircut
I actually had a gay friend recently look at a picture of me from last summer and say, "No wonder you couldn't get a date, you had lesbian hair." Really? From you too? I don't think he's right though as I haven't cut my hair in a year and there hasn't been much change on the dating front. I think it stems more from the fact that the new guys I happen to have met are gay.

Have fun practicing your Italian boys.

John H. D. Watson said...

L - I think you're overestimating your ability to not kiss me. I can remember elbow...

Greg Lestrade said...

Willpower of...steel, me. Or whatever strong willpower is made of. You may have a kiss on the gomito.

So...sort of meant to ask this yesterday, but then...well...I didn't.

What do you think your parents will be like, when we go up there? I mean...I know they've had a long time to get used to Harry, but in my experience, Dad's don't always react very well to their son's boyfriend. Think he'll take me aside and ask me if my intentions are honourable? (obviously he won't if he reads this blog...hah.)

And...knowing how seriously you take marriage, will they...I don't know...

There, wasn't that a succinct and to-the-point question??

John H. D. Watson said...

Harry sort of broke them in on the subject of living together without being married, but they wouldn't say anything to you in any case.

They'll be...polite. I'll be surprised if you and my dad have a conversation that doesn't involve football, rugby, or What's Wrong with the Government. Or maybe the bike, he might be interested in that. Pretty sure he had one before Harry was born.

If they have anything negative to say, they'll say it to me, while no one else is around. And it's unlikely to be about you or the boys.

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm never going to let you out of my sight.

And I'll tell them I tap your phone.

John H. D. Watson said...

Ha.

Sorry, I'm probably making sound worse than it'll actually be. Don't worry.

Greg Lestrade said...

Worse for you, yeah.

Just...well, exactly like you were earlier when Bryan rang, when you gave me a hug and were just...there, and made everything better. That's what I'll try to do for you.

But you are exceptionally good at it, and I am a mere Padawan.

John H. D. Watson said...

Thanks. I think you're pretty damn good at it, actually.

You're terrible at not kissing me though. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

You sound like you're complaining! You looked like you needed it. I now return to only kissing Italian bits of you.

Hey, Mr 5-years-and-364-days, what do you want for breakfast tomorrow? I've twisted Sal's arm so I don't have to be in until nine.

Sherlock said...

Pancakes! Octopus shaped ones!

John H. D. Watson said...

I'm not complaining!

Greg Lestrade said...

We had pancakes on Sunday - and where did octopus shaped ones come from??

Sherlock said...

Because the ones you made before had sort of tentacles so it should be easy to make lots of tentacles and they could have chocolate bits for eyes! Or blueberries.

Greg Lestrade said...

Right...I will do my best. They may end up more like jellyfish/mutant octopus. Would that be acceptable? (As in, I can't promise eight legs/arms on each.)

Danger - don't know how you can put up with me. I'm clearly not in control of my mind or my body right now.

John H. D. Watson said...

What? Is this related to your tentacle pancakes?

Greg Lestrade said...

They're not my tentacle pancakes.

No, my inability to stick to one language and my complete failure to stop kissing you.

John H. D. Watson said...

They're going to be your tentacle pancakes.

Oh, that. Yeah, what's wrong with you? Do please continue to fail at not kissing me.

Greg Lestrade said...

Think I'm losing it.

And I'm supposed to go back to work and be a sensible adult tomorrow. Can't see it happening.

I shall have to find another way to entice you to learn Italian.

Sherlock said...

You should stay home and then I could stay home and we could all go and do something AMAZING!

Greg Lestrade said...

Or....you could go to SCHOOL, with no protests, and that would be AMAZING!

Surely you want to go to school and see what Mrs T's going to do to help you celebrate your birthday?

Sherlock said...

I hope it's cake.

Greg Lestrade said...

Is there anything you want for your birthday that isn't edible?

Sherlock said...

DEGUS!

And camping and to go in an airplane and dry ice to play with and to visit Molly and look at her dead people. And I want to go and see John's war but I know everyone is going to say no to that.

John H. D. Watson said...

It's not my personal war, Sherlock. I did have help.

Greg Lestrade said...

That....is quite a list.

Have you ever been in an aeroplane? I know you've been in a helicopter, obviously.

And yes, everyone will say no to going to see a war. It's not a tourist attraction.

Sherlock said...

Yes but I was only a baby and I don't remember it so I should get to go again. And I also want liquid nitrogen.

I'm not a tourist!

Greg Lestrade said...

Well, I imagine in the not-too-distant-future we could all go somewhere involving an aeroplane.

As for dry ice, liquid nitrogen etc., I'm fairly sure having those things in the flat probably isn't going to happen.

The dead people in Molly's mortuary aren't 'hers', she just looks after them and finds out why the people died. And unless people, or their families, specifically say so, then it's not okay to just go and look at them.

however, some kind people do leave their bodies specifically so people can look at them, and learn things about them. So maybe, one day, you'll be lucky enough to see someone who's chosen to do that.

Tourist or not, you're not going to a war zone. It's dangerous.

Greg Lestrade said...

You are, however, going to bed.

Sherlock said...

Then could we go to the ice cream place where they make it with liquid nitrogen again? You said we could get ice cream.

Couldn't we ask the dead people's families if it's okay? I don't see why they would mind.

Greg Lestrade said...

We can indeed go to Camden for liquid nitrogen ice cream.

And no. People get very upset when someone close to them dies. It's a very difficult time. The last thing they want to think about is someone staring at the body of someone they loved.

I know it might not make a lot of sense, because the person's dead, but emotions are funny things.

That's why it's better if people make the decision themselves, and let the people close to them know what they want. Then it's easier for the people left behind to know what to do.

Sherlock said...

People can definitely look at my body when I'm dead. Do I have to write it down and sign a paper?

Can I have a story before bed?

Greg Lestrade said...

Right now you can just tell us and your Mum, and we'll all hope that it's not an issue because we want you to live for a long, long time.

But when you're older then yes, you can write it down and sign it to make sure everyone knows.

Just like in my wallet there's a card that says people can have my organs when I die, if it would help somebody else get better and live their life to the full.

You might also be able to give blood, when you grow up, and then you'd be alive AND helping people. Which is something that not nearly enough people do.

Yes, you can have a story.

Sherlock said...

All right but people can't have your organs because you can't die.

Greg Lestrade said...

Well, I could. Unless you've been slipping me immortality pills in my sleep.

But we'll all hope that none of us die any time soon.

What sort of story do you want on your last day of being five?

Sherlock said...

A really long one so I don't have to sleep until midnight and then I'll be six!

Greg Lestrade said...

Good answer, but not going to happen.

John, you coming up for a story, too? The last one with a 5yr old Sherlock? Just try not to fall asleep yourself tonight...I'll put my back out carrying you to bed.

John H. D. Watson said...

Sure, I'll come along.

Greg Lestrade said...

no snoring though, Danger. Right Sherlock? He'd drown out parts of the story...

;)

John H. D. Watson said...

I don't snore either. :P

Greg Lestrade said...

I agree you don't snore.

Be difficult, with your thumb in your mouth.

John H. D. Watson said...

Yeah, yeah. Get on with this story you've promised us!

Greg Lestrade said...

All right. But you're in this for the long haul. Until he's asleep.

Then we can escape and prep for the morning. Because there's no way we'll be up earlier than he is. Unless we just stay up.

John H. D. Watson said...

We're not just staying up, or at least you're not. You have work in the morning.

Greg Lestrade said...

You're not if I'm not.

Depends how much Italian you can remember, too. Need to be able to kiss you goodnight before I go to sleep. And that could take a while, if you haven't remembered any of our lesson earlier...

John H. D. Watson said...

I'll look it up on my phone if I have to.

Greg Lestrade said...

Right. Looks good, huh? Now bed.

I don't think i'll be quite so appreciative of this amount of glitter at 4am, or whenever he wakes us...

John H. D. Watson said...

He'll love it though.

Anon Without A Name said...

Have you guys glittered the flat? That is so great :-)

Anonymous said...

Some day Sherlock is going to be your age and he is going to remember his 6th birthday as one of the best days of his life. Don't know exactly what will happen, but no one can be loved that much without it making an impression.

mazarin221b said...

Aw, you guys are the greatest. He'll love it, I'm sure. Oh, jeez! Only 10 more minutes until the official start to the day!

Anon Without A Name said...

no one can be loved that much without it making an impression.

This.

Desert Wanderer said...

Happy birthday, Sherlock! I'm sure it'll be great!

Ro said...

Happy birthday, Sherlock! I can't wait to hear about what a great day you have!

timberwolfoz said...

Happy birthday, Sherlock! Looking forward to hearing about what a wonderful day you've had!

Becca said...

Happy birthday, Sherlock! Enjoy the chocolate!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Sherlock! Let us know all about how those pancakes turn out!

-A from NW

Mazarin221b said...

Now that it really is your birthday, posting again to say Happy Birthday, and I hope you enjoy your day! Take a big breath to get all of those candles at once!

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, Sherlock! I hope you have a great day and eat lots of cake! ;-)

Lupe said...

It's still the 20th over here, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHERLOCK! :D I hope you have a great day, and that you continue to be awesome and do everything LIKE A BOSS! :D xoxo

Also, have a lil' card: http://tinyurl.com/3dyxeaz

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, Sherlock! Six is a really good year. I always wanted to be six when I was little and it didn't disappoint. Have fun with the glitter, pancakes, ice cream and all the other birthday fun. Everyone wants to hear all about it tonight!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Lupe, someecards always says it best: http://tinyurl.com/3jbjolq

Amy said...

Happy Birthday Sherlock! May your day be filled with cake, chocolate, hugs, glitter, rainbows, and your favourite people. :)

Greg Lestrade said...

If the volume and velocity of our wake up call is any indication...I think he did like it, yeah.

:)

Small Hobbit said...

Happy Birthday Sherlock.

Have a wonderful day.

Liz said...

Happy Birthday Sherlock!! I hope you have a wonderful day full of the things you want and the people that are important to you, I'm assuming Mycroft will send his wishes to you?! Let us know what happens and how much fun you have.

Liz -x-x-x-

Anon Without A Name said...

Happy birthday Sherlock, have a wonderful day :-)

Trills said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERLOCK!!!!

Hope you have a fantabulous day but still find time to let your internet friends know exactly what John and Lestrade did to make you so volumous and... velocitious?

Now I'm just making words up...

Paula said...

Happy Birthday Sherlock. :)

Sally said...

Happy Birthday, Sherlock! I hope you have a great day. I hear you might be coming in later to drag your DI off for dinner and ice cream, so I hope to see you then and hear all about your day.

(John, you need to keep this man of yours on a leash or something. Striding in here this morning, dressed in leather and with a tan that looks like he's been lying on a beach in the Caribbean for a couple of weeks, not working a case, half of the officers in were virtually drooling! Luckily he's been dragged off to a debrief, so at least there's some work going on again.)

innie said...

Happy birthday, Sherlock! I'm so glad your big day started off right with glitter and cuddles. I hope your pancakes had the appropriate number of legs!

Rider said...

John, you need to keep this man of yours on a leash or something

I am not sure why you think that will create less of a disturbance!

Bronwyn said...

Happy birthday, Sherlock! You made it and we want to hear all about it! Woo-hoo!

Also, Sally, thank you. I'm going tonhave an image of Greg dressed like one of Village People all day. Specifically this one: http://www.awanstars.net/epages/es106349.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es106349_awanstars/Products/AW10500. I hope you're happy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERLOCK,
Bronwyn

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday Sherlock!!! Hope you have a great day.

Sally said...

You're right. John in here too would cause some sort of riot. Before leashes were even introduced. (I'd tell you the sort of comments I was overhearing on the touchline of that rugby game, but kids read this. Let's just say they were pretty steamy before everyone realised he was a doctor...and then it went off the scale. All that and brains too? I'm surprised the only people dragging him to the floor were the opponents.)

John H. D. Watson said...

I told him he looked good when he got back.

Greg Lestrade said...

You're biased.

When are you coming to take me away? I need ice cream, a hug and to get my good mood back. All of which I'm sure seeing you and Sherlock will provide.

John H. D. Watson said...

Right now if you like? We're within walking distance.

Greg Lestrade said...

I would like.

However, having shown up late this morning, my DCI would not like.

So it'll have to be another hour at least. What are you up to in town?

John H. D. Watson said...

Looking for ducks to harass in the park. Also, Sherlock's showing everyone the birthday boy badge Mrs Hudson gave him.

Greg Lestrade said...

Is he announcing it to passers by, like this morning? Is there anyone in Greater London who doesn't know its his birthday?

Just talking to you like this has already got the smile back on my face.

Greg Lestrade said...

Right. You can come and get me.

And there might be a surprise in store for Sherlock before dinner...

John H. D. Watson said...

There is no one who doesn't know. We might as well have got someone to sky-write it or flown a banner off the top of Tower Bridge.

John H. D. Watson said...

Oh good, because we're almost there.

Greg Lestrade said...

Don't give him ideas about sky writing...

John H. D. Watson said...

Excellent point.

Sherlock said...

Where are we going? Why won't either of you tell me? It's my birthday! You should tell me!

John H. D. Watson said...

Because it's a surprise, silly!

Tink said...

Happy birthday Sherlock! I hope you have a lovely day today and year ahead of you! Your internet aunties are very proud of and happy for you! <3

Sherlock said...

We can get a plane, and I can write in the sky, because Mrs T says my writing is really neat now when I don't rush.

Surprises shouldn't take this long to get to. You should just tell me.

John H. D. Watson said...

It'll be a better surprise if we don't tell. More surprising.

Greg Lestrade said...

It's only been a few minutes, and I'm afraid rush hour doesn't get cancelled just because it's your birthday.

Sherlock said...

No one's rushing anywhere! We're barely even moving! It's stupid!

Elizabeth said...

I know I'm late to the game, but better late than never: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHERLOCK!

Now We Are Six
By A.A. Milne.

When I was one,
I had just begun.
When I was two,
I was nearly new.
When I was three,
I was hardly me.
When I was four,
I was not much more.
When I was five,
I was just alive.
But now I am six,
I'm as clever as clever.
So I think I'll be six
now and forever.

Post a Comment