The Holmes Called A [Sherlaide III]

Tomorrow [A]

One Hour Later 

"Anything you need, Adelaide?" 

I resist the urge to cough as my throat is sore and dry from the breathing tubes and cannula, and manage a simple; "No... I'll be fine..."

Nan sighs and brushes back my hair again,  "Alright. I'll be back in the morning. Rest well tonight, Ada, you've earned it," She turns to Sherlock, who's just put Mirabella down in the hospital bassinet, "Try and get some rest too, Sherlock."

"I make no promises, Iona."

She shakes her head in jest and gives me a quick kiss, then leaves me and Sherlock alone. Since I'm still lethargic from everything that's happened in the past 48 hours, I let my eyes shut. No sooner do my eyelids meet I feel Sherlock grab my hand and squeeze, "Adelaide." 

"Mmm..?"

"Are you alright, Love?" 

It feels like the thousandth time I have heard that question since I woke up. Every time I've given the vaguest of impressions that I could possibly be going downhill again, they jump up to make sure I'm still here.  

I cough a little to clear my throat again and nod, opening my eyes again. Sherlock tries to hide the look of fear on his face as soon as I do, but I see it, "Sherlock, I just gave birth and went through surgery all in 24 hours. I'm exhausted, okay? Nothing to worry about..." 

"But... the first 24 hours after anaesthesia are the most dangerous... You're awake now but-" 

I manage to squeeze his hand in return and he stops rambling, "Sherlock, I'm fine, okay?" When he doesn't answer, I rub my thumb over his hand, "... What is it, Darling?" 

He shakes his head a bit, lowering himself into the chair with a soft thud and leaning onto the bed, "Nevermind, Adelaide..." 

"No, Honey, I want you to tell me. You know you can tell me what's going on inside that brilliant mind of yours... So what is it?" I persist, shifting a bit to see him better. I look into his reddened eyes and focus on the clear blue of his irises, hoping for an explanation. He and Nan did not tell me very much- they were both too ecstatic I woke up and were constantly asking me how I felt and if they could get anything for me. Just from looking at Sherlock I know whatever happened drove him nearly to the edge. But unless he tells me, I can only guess, and there's no way for me to help him just by guessing. 

He sighs deeply and runs his fingers over my arm to assuage me, "Not right now, Angel. Perhaps tomorrow, once you're a little stronger." 

"Sherlock..." 

"No, Adelaide, I can't right now, alright?" He replies, "Perhaps tomorrow, when you're stronger. All that is relevant is that you've awoken." 

Alright, a guess it is, "... My surgery didn't go exactly planned, did it, Sherlock?" His face contorts and his eyes take on a pained hue of grey. It didn't. I frown and nudge him, "It's okay to tell me." 

He inhales sharply, "It did not. But could we please discuss it tomorrow, Adelaide?" 

I nod and drop the issue, "Yes, Darling." 

Relieved, he puts on a small, tender smile and lifts my hand to his lips. I'll get him to open up about it tomorrow. I smile in return, feeling another wave of fatigue roll over me. He sees it and sighs, "As much sleep as you've had today, you still need to rest."

"Mmmm..." I reply sleepily. He stands up and pecks a short kiss on my forehead.

"Then sleep, Adelaide. I won't be going anywhere. I'll be here when you wake up."

"Thank you," I breathe, "I Love You, Sherlock..."

He catches my lips in a kiss, letting it linger for as long as we both dare before answering, "I Love You more, Adelaide."

I give Mirabella a last, loving gaze and then slip into dreamland again.

Tomorrow... Tomorrow either he will tell me or I'll have Mycroft tell me. I need to know what happened...

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