HOLD ME

CHAPTER 10

The following morning Joan woke up to the sound of violin playing. She didn't recognize the song, it must've been one of Sherlock's own compositions. It was slow and it was played at a peaceful and calm cadence, she slowly became aware of her surroundings as her mind was lulled by the beautiful music. She lazily opened her eyes and instantly smiled, knowing that when he was finished he would come to wake her up, but for now, she stretched in her bed like a cat and looked at the ceiling.

She had had the first restful sleep in quite a while. The previous week or so had been a nightmare both for her and for Sherlock, and her nights had been marked for tossing and turning in bed, only falling asleep in the wee hours of the morning when exhaustion overtook her. Sherlock, as far as she could tell, had been living a similar nightmare, with the added fact that he knew it was all his doing and he felt guilty for it.

Joan sighed and ran her hand through her hair, scattering it around the pillow and tousling it even more than it was. She was concerned about the possible consequences the events of this week might have on Sherlock and his little side. Would he be willing to regress now, or would he fight it? Would Sherlock still be comfortable around her and want her as his caregiver? Lots of questions ran through her head, and she sighed, not knowing the answer to any of them. She guessed she would have to give him time to put his thoughts and feelings in order, he always took some time to process things before he confided in her. She wasn't worried, she was aware that was how he operated and was willing to give him space and time he needed, as long as he finally turned to her when he was ready.

Her thoughts were interrupted when suddenly the music stopped and not long afterwards, the door of her bedroom opened.

"Morning, Watson" came his happy high-pitched voice from the ajar door. Joan turned her head to look at him and smile, he was already dressed in his usual attire but no shoes, his socks bright red and green. Her smile grew wider as she scoffed, he had a particular love for eccentric, colourful socks.

"Good morning" she answered, already sitting up on the bed and resting her back against the bedpost while Sherlock went into the room, violin in one hand and bow in the other "what a great way to wake me up, Sherlock, that song was beautiful"

"Well, you know rousing you is a rather lovely pastime of mine" he answered with fondness and a sweet smile, even as she noticed his neck and ears turning a slight shade of red in embarrassment "kettle's just boiled and breakfast is ready downstairs. Will you come?"

"Of course. Give me five" she answered, already moving the blankets and sheets and getting out of bed.

Sherlock nodded and gave her a smile before retreating, letting her time to put her red cardigan on and go to the bathroom first.

When she got to the kitchen, she was momentarily surprised. Sherlock's breakfasts were usually elaborate and included a bit of everything, but this was like something out of a hotel: coffee, tea, fruit, sausages, scrambled eggs, bacon... everything she might fancy was on the table, hot and ready to be eaten.

"Sherlock... wow, this is amazing" she commented while looking at all the food with wide eyes, hearing her stomach rumble. She could see his nervous expression and twitching of his lips out of the corner of her eyes "what's this for?"

"Nothing" he answered trying to sound nonchalant, but the bouncing on his feet betrayed him "I just... wanted to thank you. For everything"

He said nothing else but he didn't need to. Joan looked at him, his warm but nervous gaze, the way he bounced on his feet and his arms wobbled at his side... he wanted to do something nice for her, and was anxious about her response.

Joan smiled widely, and she closed the space between them in two strides to quickly peck his cheek. He looked surprised, but soon his eyes softened and he smiled shyly.