That Night

Sherlock drummed his fingers on the bed, trying to wait patiently for Adelaide to return. She had stepped out to take a call from a colleague about the antidote treatment and discuss any adjustments with the Lab. He appreciated her taking that initiative to help him recover, but more than anything he just wanted to hold her close.

They'd only had a few minutes alone after he'd woken up and calmed down. After that it had been a constant buzzing of doctors, nurses and lab chemists zipping about and hovering. Sherlock doubted he would look at syringes and needles the same way after being a test specimen for as long as he had. He reacted so strongly earlier that John and Adelaide had to play nurse and reinsert the IV ports, which he had ripped out in his panic, and administer the different drips.

It made him upset that he was reacting that way and necessitating such accommodation. He felt weaker and more unstable than he wanted to permit. He wanted someone to tell him to snap out of it, but no one had said anything of that nature. They didn't question his responses at all. Not even Mycroft. Why?

Sherlock sighed and looked over at the door, deciding that he would ask Adelaide when she came back. Shouldn't be long. He got his phone, which had been recovered at the car park, and out of boredom scrolled through his burgeoning inbox. There were several that he was able to solve on the spot, but most weren't interesting enough for him to consider. And under the effects of medication, it didn't take him very long to get a headache and shut off his mobile.

About ten minutes crawled by before the door opened and Adelaide stepped in, "That was a long call with your colleague." Sherlock remarked.

"I know, but she was having too much fun critiquing the antidote formula and I couldn't get a word in edgewise," Adelaide hummed and walked over. He saw a bottle of water and a couple bags of snacks in her hands. She noticed and explained, "These are for you, when you're ready. Antidotes, specifically antivenom, tend to make the recipient-"

"Nauseated, yes. No food for now, only the water," Adelaide nodded and handed it to him, setting the snacks on the table, "Thank you, Love."

"No problem, Darling." She replied and kissed him gently on the cheek. Sherlock took a few small sips of water as she hopped onto the bed beside him, grabbed the remote and switched on the telly, tuning into the Great British Bake Off.

Sherlock set the water down on the table and leaned back against the pillows. After a minute he piped up, "Love?" She looked over at him and turned down the TV volume.

"Yes, Honey?"

"Why haven't you or John, or even Mycroft told me to get over my apprehension to needles today?"

"Get over?"

"Yes."

"Because it's not something that you should force yourself to get over. You were subjected to several injections by syringe over the past few days at the hands of two deranged poachers. That sort of thing will affect you, and it has. You're not childish or weak for reacting negatively to needles after that experience. So no one should tell you that you need to snap out of it and grow up. It was a very traumatic experience. You can't just forget something like that- it's not your fault."

Sherlock scanned her face, knowing she was being sincere and honest. And right. He sighed, "How do you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Manage to convince me that I'm human?"

"I don't know. Maybe you've just learned to listen to and believe me when I remind you that you are human," Sherlock smiled gently and leaned over, resting his head on her shoulder, "Tired, Darling?" He nodded and turned his head, pressing a kiss to her neck before sitting back up.

"You're exhausted too, Love. You should've slept last night."

"How could I? We were hot on the trail and I needed to make sure that you were okay." Sherlock hummed and moved over a bit on the bed. Then he grasped her hand.

"Cuddle?"

"I don't want to knock out your IVs, Sherlock, or hurt you-"

"Nonsense. I will be fine. John made certain that the IVs can't come out that easily," He assured. Adelaide smiled and he lifted up the blanket for her to snuggle down against him. She hugged his torso and rested her head on his chest, wrapping one leg over him before he tucked the blanket back down. Sherlock then slipped his arms around her and exhaled deeply as he leaned his head on hers, "Better."

"Mmm..," She closed her eyes and breathed him in, "I missed you, and being able to do this... So much..."

Sherlock pressed a kiss to the top of her head, "I know, Lovey. I did too."

"I'm so sorry we couldn't find you sooner." She sniffled. He recognized that she was starting to come off the adrenaline super-high and anticipated the effects on her emotions. He hugged her closer.

"It's alright, Adelaide. You did your best and performed amazingly well. Mycroft said he was very impressed with you and glad to have you as the newest bearer of the Holmes name," He hushed, "I'm exceptionally proud of you, Angel."

"Really?" Her voice was light and slow. He angled her head up and kissed her passionately. She immediately reciprocated, and when they split he nuzzled her again.

"Of course I am, Angel."

It didn't take very long after that for her to relax and doze off. Sherlock turned off the telly and lamp, focusing only on his bride. Just as he fell asleep he smiled. Now we are as we should be.

Together.

Thank you for reading!!! Love y'all!! 😚😘

Also, I've started my classes so updates will be slower because of my new schedule and schoolwork (and the mental exhaustion). But unless something big does come up, I will still be working on this and planning my next fanfic, so stay tuned for updates here or on my Profile!