Slick Cement

Hospital

*Molly POV*

"Is he okay?"

"No. I...we need you to come down here please."

"Okay, I'm on my way. Calm down, keep Sherlock calm as well."

"Thank you."

John hangs up, line going dead.

"Sherlock, how are you feeling?"

"Its passing. Slowly."

Sherlock reaches out, fingers brushing mine. I take his hand, noticing the colour is continuing to leave his face.

"Has this happened before?"

"Yes."

"What is it?"

"Ill be fine, its passing."

"I cant help you if you dont tell me what's wrong."

"Not right now. Please not right now."

Sherlock starts shaking again, so Redbeard lies down on top of Sherlocks chest to calm him.

"You need to calm down Sherlock, youre going to be okay. Please, let me help you."

He nods, closing his eyes and taking a few deep breaths before answering me.

"Its...its because I...I havent been eating. And...its been a few days since I actually had anything."

"How long?"

"A few days."

"How many?"

"Four."

I reach out to grab his hand again, surprised when he flinches.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"You just flinched."

"Habitual reflexes, not easy to ignore."

He reaches out this time, letting me take his hand.

"See? Its okay."

Sherlock starts crying again, slowly sitting up and leaning against me.

"Calm down, your brother said he was on his way."

"Molly! Sherlock!"

John kneels down beside us, a look of clear surprise on his face.

"What happened?"

"I...I umm..almost passed out again."

"How many days this time?"

"Four."

"Damn it Sherlock. You need to...more often."

I notice John isnt giving specifics, watching Sherlock as he speaks.

"She knows. Its fine."

Sherlock calls Redbeard back over, holding his arms out for the dog to sit across his lap. He starts running his fingers through Redbeards fur, slowly being able to steady the shaking.

"How far away is Mycroft?"

"He had to go in to work today."

"How long ago did you call him?"

"Ten minutes. He should be here soon."

John nods, sitting back on his heels.

"All the usual?"

"Yeah. All the usual."

"Damn it. You know what this means, right?"

"I'm not staying overnight again."