What they don't get, what they never get, is that John Watson is the most important person in his world, full stop. He is everything that Sherlock never thought that he'd have. John Watson loves him, would die for him, would kill for him, would live for him, and will never force him to do anything more than eat or sleep when he needs it.

Sherlock has lived his whole life trying not to let the world see what he is. Because Sherlock is an enigma. Sherlock is brilliant, without a doubt, and he is always the smartest man in the room. Always thinking beyond the impossible and into the depths of every mind he's ever encountered. Even John's.

But Sherlock is also scared. And he is frighteningly alone. He's always found that knowledge is the best companion of anything. It gives and gives, and takes nothing. The drugs give him that intense high that he craves more than nicotine, and he loves it. But they also take his health, his friends, and any respect Lestrade could give him.

But John is different. John gives and takes equally, and doesn't treat Sherlock like a freak. Because John is straight, and Sherlock is asexual, and they are in love with each other.

There are no rings, no touches, but there is bliss.