Advent Drabble 12 - Midnight

[earlgreytea68]

For rifleman_lincoln 

It’s a good thing they don’t do Father Christmas, because John has no idea when he would accomplish the subterfuge of bringing in the presents, given how scattered Oliver’s sleep schedule is.

But on the Christmas when Oliver is five, he surprises John by falling asleep in front of the fire early in the night, a book on communicable diseases open on his chest. John doesn’t have any secret presents to arrange, so he sits and watches Oliver sleep.

The clock chimes midnight, and Sherlock doesn’t even look up from his experiment when he murmurs, “Merry Christmas.”

“Indeed,” John agrees.

Comments

[rereader]

Awwwww, acting his actual age is adorable!

[chocolamousse]

Rereader, I don't want to contradict you but I'm not sure that a five-year-old who reads a book on communicable diseases on Christmas night is "acting his actual age". :D

[rereader]

I was referring to the falling-asleep-before-midnight part. :)

[chocolamousse]

I know, I was joking! I mean, I know that American children might be different from French children but not that different. :D

[rereader]

Cultures—and individuals!—do differ!

[chocolamousse]

If they did Father Christmas John could put all the presents in a big bag with "Toys for average five-year-olds" written on it. Oliver will take a look, say "Boring" and move on.

[rifleman_lincoln]

"...falling asleep in front of the fire early in the night, a book on communicable diseases open on his chest."

Classic Oliver!!

Thank you so much! That's delightful.

[brunettepet]

John can thank the book for lulling Oliver to sleep! Enjoy, John, it won't happen again.

[earlgreytea68]

ahahahaha! :-)