Holmes vs Dracula, part 3.

"Holmes, get back to bed this instant! Are you trying to kill yourself – again?"

I scowl mutely, conceding halfway by sitting down on top of the blankets. Perhaps my legs are still feeling a trifle unsteady, but what of it? Once Watson allows me real food, instead of the pap he tried to tempt me with earlier, I shall be perfectly all right again.

"And don't even think of asking our host for any tobacco, your throat's taken enough punishment already." As if I hadn't deduced earlier that Father Michael doesn't smoke.

Watson sits down beside me, then carefully reaches up to the wrappings on my neck, unwinding them slowly. Despite his care, I shudder at the contact, blushing crimson a moment later as I collect myself. "So, Doctor? What's the damage?" If only it were possible to croak nonchalantly.

"Well, I'm sorry to say... the prognosis is that you'll be raising my blood pressure for many more years." Watson's frown becomes an apologetic smile. "Although these claw marks are probably there to stay – I assume you can live with that?"

I nod emphatically – better to be clawed than bitten! – then try to remain still while Watson bandages me again. "That's assuming either of us... lives to see tomorrow..."

"Well, yes, there is that." Watson's hopeful look makes my heart ache. Poor fellow, he has so much to live for! And I can make him no promises, I never could... "Any ideas? Preferably something with half a chance of success, I'd just like to make that clear."

I open my mouth to answer in kind... only to close it again miserably, shoulders sagging. What is the use? Even if I had the least idea of where to find Moriarty, how could either of us hope to defeat such a powerful adversary, and in his own lair?

"Holmes..." I manage to meet Watson's eyes, the doctor's voice full of compassion. "I know you're afraid; I am, too... but we are going to get the bastard."

I am surprised into a huff of laughter, which is more like a sob than I care to admit. How can he have such faith in me, even now?

I only realise that I've spoken aloud when Watson answers. "Not you, old friend – both of us. Besides..." He grins sheepishly. "Mary would kill me if I came home without a pulse."

I find myself grinning back, albeit shakily. "...you hope..."

"Damned right," he chuckles affectionately. "And don't think for a minute she wouldn't do the same for you – you're her family, too, remember?"

I never would have imagined that such a macabre thought could make me feel better.

Just a double 221B this time. It popped into my head while I was trying to write vampire!Reichenbach, which will hopefully cooperate for next episode...