News?

Sherlock watched as Joan slipped her jacket off. He knew he was right, she was thinner than ever - a consequence of the chemotherapy and the cancer battling in her body. He knew the phone call had been from the hospital but that she had refused to discuss it with Kitty and the children there. It seemed strange to him but over time Kitty had become almost like a daughter figure to Joan and she protected her as much as she could from the harsh realities of the world. Now Kitty was on a date with Marcus and both children in bed he had an opportunity to get her to tell him the truth. He sighed slightly, unsure as to how to go about it. Joan was just as protective of him as he was of her and he knew there was a very good chance that she would be reluctant to tell him any more bad news.

"Sherlock." She turned to him as he sat on their bed. "What is it?"

"You are not telling me something. I can tell. I understand your need to keep certain information from Kitty and the boys."

"But not you." She smiled slightly as she crossed the bedroom to sit next to him. "You are wondering who it was that called me earlier."

"Yes."

Joan nodded. He had a way of making her feel like an idiot and the most important person in the room at the same time. She sighed. "I see. Well, if you must know it was the hospital. The results of my latest biopsy and scan are back. You know, they have decided to stop my chemotherapy and start radiotherapy?" She took his hand as his eyes locked with hers.

"I do." He nodded.

"They want to see me tomorrow. 9 am."

"Did they say why?" He asked. Her heart broke for him the moment she heard the fear in his voice. She touched his face.

"Only that the results were back and at this stage in treatment it is best if they are given in person. The doctor's receptionist was quite happy on the phone. I think now I am taking that as a good sign." She smiled slightly as he watched her. "Its going to be ok. It is, Sherlock. I am going to beat this," She sighed as he laid on the bed, taking her with him so she was laying with her head on his chest and wrapped in his arms. She closed her eyes for a moment as his steady heart beat steadied her nerves. Sherlock remained silent, hoping and praying she was right.

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Kitty left the restaruant with Marcus at her side. She was glad to be back in America, having missed all the drama and exitement of living in such a big city. She had to admit it but she was worried about her friends back at the Brownstone, feeling almost guilty for enjoying her time with the detective. Marcus took her hand as they walked towards the cab rank.

"So, no motorcycle tonight?" She raised an eyebrow.

"No." He smiled at her. "I didn't want Sherlock threatening me or assuming I would put you in danger." He watched as her eyebrows shot up. "I also wanted to know we could have a drink if we wanted to and I wouldn't have to drive." He held her hand tightly as they walked across the street. "I enjoyed tonight."

"Me too."

"Kitty?"

"Sorry, I'm not the best company. I didn't mean." She sighed as he turned her to face him. "I enjoyed this too." She smiled but it didn't reach her eyes.

"But?"

"I feel guilty." She sighed. "I see my son playing happily and I know in two, three years time I will still be here for him. Joan doesn't have that security. I know I can pick my baby up from school for the rest of the year. She doesn't. It just isnt fair." She blinked back a tear. "I mean, Joan is a good person. She doesn't deserve this."

"Hey." He pulled her into his arms, hugging her to him. He sighed, gently kissing her hair. "I agree, she is a good person. But cancer doesn't work like that. You know that." He sighed. "And it isn't fair. Nothing about what is happening to her and Sherlock is fair. But feeling upset and guilty for enjoying a night out isn't going to change that. And Joan would not want you to feel guilty because of it. You know that." He kissed her cheek as she pulled away slightly. She nodded once before reaching up to kiss him. Marcus held her gently before pulling away to lead her to the cab that was waiting for them.

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The Doctor's office was pretty much as he had remembered it. The flowers in the vase at reception were different but the woman at the desk was the same, the magazines on the table were the same old, outdated fashion magazines as before. He sat next to Joan, hands on his knees as he stared ahead. Joan sat primly next to him, just as nervous but determined not to show it. The scans and biopsy result would determine not just her own future but affect those around her. She hated the idea of Arthur growing up without her but knew after six months of treatment it was still a possibility. She got to her feet as she heard her name called.

"Well?" She turned to Sherlock. He nodded, getting to his feet and taking her hand. Whatever the news was, they would face it together.

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