The Holmes Called A [Sherlaide III]

Patience

A Week Later

"Come on, Little One! Something! You don't have to tap dance or be an acrobat, just please move! Your mum and I have been waiting very patiently!"

Adelaide sighed sadly, lowering her book and gazing over her growing belly at the scene taking place at her feet. Sherlock was kneeling in front of her, arms folded over her lap. He was talking to their daughter, trying to coax her to move. They'd just gotten home from their 26 week check up, and while Doctor Lear assured them that she was perfectly healthy it was obvious that even she was beginning to be concerned about the lack of movement. Sherlock was more eager than anyone, and had been encouraging Adelaide to try various techniques to help stimulate their baby.

But still, so far, no luck.

Adelaide reached down and ruffled his curls, "I'm sorry, Darling. I've been as attentive as possible and tried every tip and trick I've heard of..."

"No, it is not your fault. She is simply obstinate," He hummed, glancing up at her before returning his gaze to her abdomen. He lifted his hand and placed it on top, stroking gently, "Persistently obstinate."

"Well, maybe just keep talking to her, then. I can't think of what else to try."

"Mmm..."

Adelaide exhaled and returned to her book, feeling much more depressed about her baby's behavior than ever before. Sherlock watched as her bright blue eyes dimmed and glazed over.

He frowned and let his head fall limply onto his arms. He lowered his voice to as smooth a whisper as he could manage, "Come on, little one. Just a bit. You're making me and Mummy worry. That's not the Holmes way, silly. We Holmeses are always asserting our presence. Don't be like your Uncle Mycroft, he's the exception." He sighed again when there was still no detectable response. What's it going to take for her to finally come around?

He pressed around the baby bump again, hoping it would get the baby girl to shift around even a little to evade the probing. But she still wouldn't budge even after several minutes, so he groaned and gave up that route.

"Come now, little one. You've got to be itching to move- quarters are beginning to get at least a twitch cramped. No doubt you're bored. Or maybe you're going to take after your Mum, and you're entertained just listening to every one."

"There's no need to get cross with her, Sweetie." Adelaide gently stated.

"I know, Angel. But it's difficult not getting upset with the situation."

"I know, Darl. I know."

A minute or so went past before Sherlock spoke again, "Again, little one, we're not asking you to perform. We both love you and just want to make sure you're healthy and growing to be the strongest girl you can be. You're beginning to scare us all. So please, show us you're actually there."

They both teared up. Adelaide set her book aside and placed her hands over his. Sherlock squeezed them tight and kissed her knuckles, feeling if only a twinge of the anguish she did. After a while when it became apparent that his heartfelt speech had again been answered with disheartening silence, he groaned and lumbered to his feet, "Can I get you anything, Lovey? I might as well give it a break and experiment for a while."

"... Maybe some chocolate milk with extra salted caramel syrup?"

"Very well." He leaned down and kissed her forehead before walking into the kitchen to fulfill her craving request. He knew it wasn't the healthiest but he didn't feel like depriving his wife of something that could cheer her up, even a little. Once he'd assembled the beverage he delivered it to Adelaide and then made the kitchen table his work desk. A small distraction at least.

Adelaide meanwhile savored the concoction, feeling a sense of appeasement. When it had been finished she whisked it to the kitchen and then padded into the bedroom, wanting to bury herself under the covers and sleep away her worry. She made sure to lay on her left side and pulled the duvet over, exposing only her face.

She was about to fall asleep when she felt the oddest, most startling sensations in her abdomen. They were so sudden and definite that she gasped sharply, immediately placing her hands over her tummy. When it happened again, even more pronounced, her fingers felt it too and without recognizing the event at first, cried out in shock.

Sherlock came flying in, nearly blowing the door off its hinges, and beelined for Adelaide, "Love, what is it? A-Are you in pain? Should I call Doctor Lear or an ambulance!?"

And then all of a sudden she broke into hearty, tear-evoking laughter, "Adelaide, what is it!? Tell me! What's going on!?"

She pushed herself up against the headboard and lifted the hem of her shirt, grabbing his hand and placing it on her baby bump. He froze as she finally answered, still half-laughing, "H-H-Hiccups, Sherlock! She's got the hiccups, and s-she's probably frustrated because she's finally kicking!" He grinned, ecstatic that their patience had finally paid off.

And then promptly fainted onto the mattress.

Thank you for reading! If you haven't already, please read my other fanfiction "Asylum". Once I finish this book then I will be focused on that series, so please check it out and let me know what you think!!

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