The Woman

13. New Case

Sherlock's pov***

Annie is doing much better; she is staying safe and healing. I don't know why she is always getting hurt or terrible things happen to her. Someone is trying to get to me through her, that's certain. I stare outside my bedroom window out into the dark street. Everyone has gone to bed, so it's a perfect time to think without disturbance. Annie is in grave danger, and she doesn't even realize that Her time may be short on this earth. I heard a slight tap on my door, so I go over opening it, I see Annie standing there looking at me. She wore her sweatpants and a black tank top. Her face was troubled. "What are you doing up?" I whisper, trying not to wake John.
She didn't say a word but only looked down at the ground. I knew she had another nightmare; she's been having them frequently. "What was the dream?" I ask her. She hasn't told me anything that happened in them yet, still terrified of them. Usually, she just thrashes around in her sleep, moans, or wakes up in a panic, which leads to her heavy breathing.

"Same one." She mumbled. "I watched you die, then I was put in a coffin and buried alive." She explains lowly. I know being put in that coffin caused physiological harm to her, she hates anything to do with swimming or tight spaces. "I see." I nod my head, not knowing what to do next, so I pulled her in for a hug. She quickly wrapped her arms around me, burying her nose into my chest. "Can I spend the night with you, Sherlock?" She asks like an innocent child.

"John will catch us, Annie." I point out the undeniable facts. I would rather keep a secret about mine and Annie's relationship than John finding out and lose his temper.

"John went out; he's at a girl's house," Annie informs me while keeping her arms wrapped around me.

"How do you know?" I pull back, asking her as I stare her in those blue eyes.

"He left in nice clothes, and his hair was combed with gel, he was wearing cologne and rushed to the door."

"You are getting better at deductions," I smirk at her as I brush her blonde hair behind her ear.

"I've learned from the best." She blushes as she stares into my eyes. "Also, I heard him on the phone." She giggled.

"Ah, the truth comes out, you almost had me fooled there."

"So, can I spend the night with you?"

"Sure, as long as you leave before John comes back." I agree then go back to the window. I watched as Annie climbed into bed, getting all settled. This would be the first time we both slept in the same bed; I don't think I'll enjoy this at all. "Sherlock, come to bed, hun, it's late." I must admit, I do enjoy it when she calls me hun because Her southern accent comes out when she says it, I smirk before getting into bed with her. I lay on my back, trying to sleep; I felt her cuddle next to me. "Sherlock, can you hold me?" She asks, her voice sounded like she was about to cry. I do what she says without question. This is rather nice. I must admit, feeling her next to me is so calming. "Annie?"

"Yes?"

"Don't try any funny business," I warn her.

"I wouldn't, I know you aren't ready, and I just want to lay with you. I can leave if you want." She goes to sit up, but I hold her tighter. "No," I tell her sincerely. "Alright, then." She continued to lay her head on my shoulder.

**
I wake with Annie still in my arms fast asleep. I never thought I'd be where I am today. Caring about another person, letting her invade my mind. Love is nothing but human error; I am not in love, nor will I ever be. I'll be damned if anything happens to her, I can't even bear the thought of it.
***
I sit in my chair with my hands together gently pressed to my nose. I watched as an overweight man comes in who was clearly in shock. I set up a video call with John, who was on the scene since I didn't feel like leaving the house today.