For the first time in so very, very long, tears build behind his eyes and slip between his lashes. It's the release he has been craving ever since he saw Sherlock, broken and bloody, lying on the sidewalk. Every single emotion and every wave of heartbreaking pain that he has suppressed, crashes into him all at the same moment, and his knees finally give way.
Sherlock's arms and hands cradle John as he collapses, handling him gently until they are pressed from knees to chests, and their foreheads knock together. John is crying, gasping for air, and wetting his cheeks and gown with his tears. "You stupid bastard," he mutters, tugging firmly at the hair by Sherlock's temples. John pulls his head back only slightly and cracks their skulls together once again.
Absolutely beautiful. Very few things can bring me to tears, but this story did it. Heartbreaking but with happy ending.
A must-read. Currently the #1 among my favourite stories.