"Why is Daddy in the hospital?" Victor asked as he held onto the hem of Susanna's jacket with one hand, clutching William's with the other as the four entered the St. Bart's Hospital. Susanna readjusted Kimberly in her arms and sighed.

"One of the bad guys beat him before Uncle John could stop them. He got hurt pretty bad."

"Mum, you don't have to dumb it down for us. We're smarter than some adults." William guffawed.

"Hamish."  Susanna warned and he silenced, "Good. Now when we do see him you have to be gentle. Alright?"

"Can we give him a hug?" Victor inquired nervously.

"Yes, as long as it is gentle and you're careful. I'm sure hugs from you would help him feel better though, honey." Victor brightened a little and loosened his grip a bit.

They approached the room where Sherlock was and entered quietly. John was there chiding Sherlock for being reckless and the consulting detective, wrapped with bandages and stuck with needles, was mostly tuning him out. But when he saw Susanna and their children he lit up, "Here you are!"

Susanna nodded, "Yes, here we are. I presume John gave you a good scolding for me?"

"He tuned me out as always but yes." John answered and the two laughed. Then she turned her eyes squarely to Sherlock and came up to the bedside to give him a kiss.

"What are we going to do with you, hmm?" Sherlock's eyes glimmered and Susanna chuckled and pressed another kiss to his cheeks, "I  love you, Sherlock."

"I love you too, Susanna."

"But don't think you won't get a lecture from me when you're out of here." She whispered in his ear.

"Of that I am sure, Love." William and Victor treaded softly to the gurney and the former hoisted the latter onto the bed. He was, of the two boys, the more sensitive. He cautiously scooted towards Sherlock, who held out his arms for him.

The six year old paused, "Are you okay, Daddy? I don't want to hurt you." Sherlock's eyes softened and he reached out, bringing the young boy in for a gentle hug that was quickly returned. Victor clung to his father and Susanna and John smiled at the sweet sight.

"I'm fine, Victor. Don't worry. We'll be back to playing pirates in no time, alright?"

"A-Alright."

William climbed up next and simply sat on the edge, "They'll keep you here for two days, Dad?"

"Yes. And if he tries to get out early-"

"I'm past the point of escaping the hospital, John. No need to threaten me with that again." Sherlock cut off. John was satisfied. His mobile went off and he looked at it.

"I'd better go. Rosie needs help with her Biology Project."

"Of course. Tell her we say Hi, John. And stay safe on the road." Susanna called after him.

"Always." The army doctor left and then William moved closer to Sherlock. Enough for Sherlock to ruffle his rowdy chocolate curls.

"This does not mean you can take my place on cases."

"Aww, but-!"

"No, William. Only when you're with me and John."

William sighed, "Yes, Dad."

Finally Victor detached from Sherlock and Susanna placed Kimberly in his lap. The little girl stood up and he planted a kiss on her chubby cheek, "Hullo, little one. Have you been good for Mummy today?"

"She has." Susanna chimed with a light chuckle.

"Oh, excellent, Kimberly," She babbled and giggled gleefully as he tickled her feet, "And that's the sound we love hearing, little one! But we'd love to hear your first word!" He exclaimed.

Victor eventually curled back up beside Sherlock and William joined them. Susanna took the chair beside the bed and snapped a few pictures and a video of the four just being family. Sherlock always feared not being able to be a good parent and sometimes couldn't see how much the kids adored him. Playing pirates or deductions, going out on cases, practicing violin, and helping with his experiments were their most beloved activities with Sherlock. They were always ready to tag after him, and he had done well to avoid the same mistakes that had been made when he and his siblings had been growing up. He's doing wonderfully. I tell him every chance I get but he won't listen. I just hope he doesn't give up when they reach their teen years.

"You look very thoughtful, Love."

She smiled and hummed, "Just thinking about you, Darling."

"I can't say I disapprove."

"Oh, Sherlock!" He smirked and she chuckled, standing up and leaning over to press a loving kiss to his lips, "Next time, try not to get hospitalized?"

"I shall endeavor to avoid the medical facilities as best I can."

"Good. Because I hate not having you at home with us."

"But we're together here. And that's all that matters."

"Yes, I suppose so."

Thank you for reading!!