Hello readers! I'm amazed with the sheer amount of people who have read this and are following! You guys are wonderful :) Thanks for all the support! I do have a funeral tomorrow so forgive me if the next chapter takes longer than usual. As usual, I would love to hear your thoughts and/or ideas for later chapters. Thanks for reading. Enjoy!

Sherlock laid in bed, staring at the ceiling, his fever too high to let him sleep. John had dragged in an arm-chair to keep an eye on Sherlock, and the genius could clearly see his friend was exhausted. But John refused to fall asleep until Sherlock was snoozing, so Sherlock had faked it until Watson finally succumbed to sleep.

Now as Sherlock rested in his cozy bed, his thoughts never strayed from one subject. His incredible mind circulated completely around one thing.

John Watson.

Why did he care so much? Why was he so kind to Sherlock? Why did he put up with Sherlock's insane antics? Why on Earth was he so concerned for Sherlock?

It was a rare moment when Sherlock had no idea what the answer was. He wanted to ask John right out, but, again, it was rare moment when Sherlock was completely out of his element. He felt, of all things, shy.

Sherlock Holmes felt shy.

The sentence was the most ludicrous thing Sherlock had ever had cross his mind. 'Shy' and 'Sherlock' never, ever belonged int he same sentence. It simply didn't work like that.

Sherlock's train of thought broke by John shifting restlessly in his sleep. The consulting detective sat up, watching the small man toss and turn. John flinched, and Sherlock's mind went racing.

"Nightmare," he said aloud. "Loud noises. Most likely gunfire. He is a veteran so it's probably a memory from his time in Afghanistan. Judging from his facial expressions and movements it's a very traumatic experience. I should wake him. It's rather annoying."

Sherlock threw back his blankets swinging his legs off the bed. His bare feet planted firmly on the floor, he hefted himself out of bed. He teetered for a moment, but he managed to make it to John without too much trouble.

"John" he said. His long arm reached out, grabbing John's small shoulder. "John, wake up."

John's eyes flashed open. His body trembled, his pupils dilated in fear. He stared at Sherlock for a moment, his mind rushing to the present. As soon as he was fully aware, his mask appeared and the fear vanished.

"What are you doing out of bed?" he barked, snapping to his feet. "You're sick, Sherlock. If you won't let me take you back to the hospital, at least rest and try to get better." John rubbed his bloodshot eyes, dark purple bags beneath his fingers, and Sherlock could see his knees shaking. John was barely standing.

'I hardly ever get sick," Sherlock said defensively. "It will pass quickly enough. You, however, should be the one resting."

"I didn't get shot."

"I'm not having nightmares."

John faltered for a moment, and when he spoke his voice was quiet and slightly choked. "How could you possibly know that?"

"I'm incredibly intelligent and observant. Are they about your time in Afghanistan?"

"No," John said stiffly. Sherlock noted that he wasn't lying.

Sherlock looked bemused for a moment, his mind running through the options.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to my bed to sleep," John said, not wanting Sherlock to finish his train of thought. John brushed past him, heading to the door. Sherlock's arm snapped out automatically, grabbing John's shoulder. John spun around, face pulled tight, annoyance and anger in his every feature.

"What?" he demanded.

"Sorry. Automatic. Nothing," Sherlock replied quickly. His hand dropped to his side.

John marched out the door without another word.

Sherlock flopped back into bed, yanking the covers up around him. He sighed, staring at the plaster ceiling, his thoughts right back where they had started.

I have a vague idea for the next chapter, and it should be rather exciting, so stay tuned! Sorry this one was rather quiet. It's been a slow day and my brain is fried. :) I promise action is on the way! Thanks for reading and have a lovely day/night.