(Y/n) and John had sat in silence during the ride to Baker Street. The doctor thinking that perhaps it was better to let her have these moments so she could come to terms with what he had told her.

It had been terrible for John and Mary to watch the once feisty woman, slowly seem to fade before their eyes. A part of the doctor no longer recognising the person that sat across from him. John having to wonder what Sherlock would think of her slightly grey pallor, her sunken cheeks and dark rimmed eyes, when he properly saw her again in the light.

It was obvious too that she hadn't been eating; her figure scarily more slender than it had been, before Sherlock's supposed death. It sometimes seeming that she herself might not last much longer in the world. Yet John could feel hope now, as he looked at her; sure, that if Sherlock could grovel enough to have her forgive him, then (Y/n)......the real (Y/n), might be able to make her way back to them.

"Here, guv.........." The cab driver called out, as the carriage pulled up outside the front of 221B Baker Street. John climbing out and paying the man, before carefully picking up (Y/n) and making his way to the door of the smart terrace row; the ingress opening before either of them got a chance to knock. It obvious that Misses Hudson had been watching out for them.

"Oh, my dear child............"

"I am so sorry, Misses Hudson.......I should never have run off like that....never have left you.........."

"You have nothing to apologise for, my dear.........." The landlady interrupted, smiling kindly as she opened the door fully so that John could make his way inside, before she took one of (Y/n)'s hands in hers.

"I can quite understand why you did what you did. I can only imagine how scared you must have been when........well, don't you worry I have already given him a piece of my mind for what he did. Though..........." The older woman's gaze turning to (Y/n)'s bare, bandaged feet.

"What have you done to yourself..........."

"It is nothing to worry about, Misses Hudson. When (Y/n) ran out, she had nothing on her feet, and they got a little cut up. Nothing that a few more day's rest won't fix....." John explained. Misses Hudson nodding.

"Of course, and I will make sure that she gets that rest. But for now, perhaps........" John following the older ladies gaze up the stairs.

"Yes, you are quite right. And I think that some tea would be appreciated, Misses Hudson. If you don't mind........"

"Of course not, Doctor Watson......" The landlady replied, as she watched the doctor carry (Y/n) up the stairs.

                                                          >>---------------------------------<<

Sherlock had been looking out of the window all morning; in hopes that at any moment John and (Y/n) would arrive. He knew that he had so much to make up for; so much he would have to do before (Y/n) might forgive him. But whatever it took, he was prepared to do it.

Until he and John had met her, Sherlock had never believed that there was a woman out there, that would be able to understand him, never mind be able to put up with him for an extended period of time. That, and love had always seemed to have been something that was out of his grasp; it meant for others, but not him. Yet one day, there she had been, a smart, feisty, funny, beautiful woman that had managed to turn his world on its head. A woman that had brought new possibilities, new adventures to his life; she the perfect replacement for John, when more and more of the doctor's time had been taken up with Mary. Sherlock finally realising that there was more than just a friendship between he and (Y/n), only a short time before Moriarty had brought those that he cared so much about, into their shadowy game. The younger Holmes knowing that he would do anything necessary to stop the professor, when Moriarty had threatened (Y/n), in particular. And despite the fact that he knew that he had hurt her; he had had to ensure that all possible further dangers were eliminated, before he came back to her.

Suddenly, a cab pulled up out of the front of the residence; a smile making its way onto his lips, as he saw not only John, but (Y/n) too. The consulting detective rushing around the sitting room in a vain attempt to somehow clean up a little. Sherlock trying to work out the best way to appear, before they finally joined him. Yet afore he could decide between standing next to the mantlepiece while puffing on his pipe; or sitting in his chair with his violin in his hands, the door was opened. Sherlock's heart beginning to thump against the inside of his chest as he saw (Y/n) cradled gently in the arms of his friend; he having to admit that he felt a pang of jealousy, as her arms wrapped around John's neck. Yet he smiled through it.

"Watson..........." He greeted, as the doctor made his way into the room, then placed (Y/n) carefully in one of the only uncluttered chairs.

"Sherlock........." John watching as his friend slowly made way over to where (Y/n). The younger Holmes finally dropping to his knees in front of her.

"Hello, darling.....I've missed you........." Sherlock's eyes closing, as (Y/n) reached up and hesitantly placed her hand on his cheek.

"It.......it really is you. You really are here........."

"I am. And I swear that I am never going to leave you again..........."