Hey guys. I'm sorry I haven't posted. Some stuff had happened, but I'm trying okay?

Anyway, hope you like the chapter. And I'm sorry, but Sherlock isn't going to be himself.

-Line Break-

POV SHERLOCK

John had patched up all of the scars that had opened and the bit on her head. Sherlock sat beside her waiting for her to wake up. It was now six in the morning. They had cleaned up the blood on the stair and on her back. John and Mary had taken their showers to get the blood off. Mary was asleep on the couch and John was in his chair watching Sherlock. John got up and walked over to his friend, leaning on the doorway.

"Sherlock get some sleep-"

"Why are they there and how long have you known?"

John blew out whatever air he had pocketed in his mouth and look at Sherlock.

"I've know for about four months now. The day Max said she was sick, was the day this got bad. They reopened, every single one of them. Not as deep as when they were made, but enough to need stitches. As to why they're there, well she could tell you that. It's not my place to tell Sherlock so don't look like that."

Sherlock's head snapped up and he stared at John.

"Why didn't she tell me? Why did she only tell you and Ms. Hudson?"

"Sherlock she didn't want to tell us. Ms. Hudson walked in when her nightmare was taking place, so she explained it to her, to calm her. The only reason she told me was because they need medical attention. Ms. Hudson had to force her to call me that day."

John searched his friends eyes for any kind of understanding. When he found none he sighed and tried again.

"She doesn't want to be pitied Sherlock. She hates it. She didn't want to tell you cause she thought you would treat her different afterwards. Max doesn't want you to worry about her. Now stop it. She's fine Sherlock."

Sherlock looked away from John and back at Max. The wounds were closing nicely and it seemed like she was alright. Sherlock nodded his head. Then got up and went to his room, shutting the door behind him. 'She'll be okay." He slid down and sat on the floor his head resting against the door. He closed his eyes and thought about who, why, and how that happened to her. She didn't want to be pitied? It was the only reason he was here instead of out there. He didn't want her to think he pitied her even before he knew what happened. He wasn't sure how long he had been there, but he heard a soft tap on the door. He got up and opened it just enough for her to come in.

"You shouldn't be moving much, you'll tear the stitches."

"A little break never hurt anyone."

Max smiled softly and glanced up at him. He had an amused smile on his face, but his eyes were filled with concern and confusion. Max sighed.

"I'm okay Sherlock. This happens a lot. I knew you would find out sooner or later. I was just hoping for later, really."

Sherlock gestured for her to take a seat on the bed and she took it. He sat down next to her and Max leaned over to rest her head on his shoulder. Sherlock didn't hesitate to place his arm around her.

"Promise me something?"

"Anything."

"Promise me you won't treat me like I'm worthless. Like I can't do anything, like I'm scared by what happened. Because I'm not scared, not mentally. I'm proud of what I did. I feel like its one of my greatest accomplishments. They are all okay now. We got them out of harms way."

Sherlock looked at Max. How could he pity someone who's proud of what they did? Out of all things shouldn't he be admired by it? He nodded his head in agreement. Max took a shaky breath and began with the call she had gotten early in the morning.

-Line break-

POV MAX

When she was done Sherlock wanted to see her back. So she turned slowly and he examined them. He had traced some to see how long it took its place down her back. When he had finished he had turned her around. He looked into her eyes and saw absolutely nothing. She was pushing everything down. He smiled at her weakly.

"You don't have to do that."

"What?"

"Hide like that. I won't judge you on it. Max you have been strong for way too long. Its time you take a break."

Sherlock got up and walked out his door, John and Mary sat on the couch waiting for them to come back.

"She's sleeping. Don't worry, I'll look out for her. I'll call you when she wakes up. Go and thank you for your help. You must need sleep."

Sherlock opened the door for them and watched as they left. Mary asking Ms. Hudson if she wanted to come and eat with them. After the three had left he shut and locked the door. Walked up the steps and to his room. Max, who had changed into her pj's, was still sitting on his head, eyes empty. Sherlock still had a weak smile place there on his face.

"They're gone. All of them. You can stop now. Stop hiding it. You can't fool me, I can see it hurts you. Please trust me. Please?'

"I trust you. I do, I just... I'm afraid of what you'll think..."

Sherlock laughed softly.

"The only thing I would think, I can possibly think, is how on earth have you been so strong when all the world wants to do is push you under. I only think of how admirable you are, outstanding. You're amazing Max and I couldn't think of anything else to think."

Max smiled up at him and then she slowly began to relax. She felt the stabbing pain in her chest and for once instead of fighting against it she let it consume her. Sherlock saw it snap in her eyes and began to walk unsure of himself toward her. She put her head down and her whole body shook with the effort to keep it quite. The pain racing through her now completely and it hurt. It hurt so much, her vision soon was blinded and she was gasping for air. Sherlock placed his hand under her chin to lift her face. He moved her hair out of his way so he could look at her. She was shaking and he could see in her eyes the pain and sorrow she had hidden all those years ago. How alone and abandoned she felt, how hope had drained from her. How helpless and scared she truly felt. Sherlock took her into his arms and held her. He wanted her to feel how loved she was, how she wasn't helpless or abandoned. He wanted her to know that it was ok to break every now and then, to let all the misery go. He wanted her to know that he would be there, to make sure she was safe, to keep her life full of joy, that he wasn't going to let her slip. He whispered it was okay repeatedly and she pulled him closer she wanted to know someone was there to help her. To make sure everything was okay, someone she could trust. She needed to know he was truly there, and he truly cared. She had been so terrified and helpless. All those kids counting on her to save them, protect them. When her tears had subsided and her breathing was leading back to normal, she found that they were lying down. Sherlock still holding her tightly for she was still shaking uncontrollably. She looked up at him and saw the bags under his eyes.

'He's been awake for far too long.'

He looked down at her and moved his hand to her cheek wiping away the tears that had recently fallen he smiled.

"Still as strong as ever."

Max smiled and buried her head in his chest. She slowly began to drift to a dreamless sleep, but for now she felt safe. Right where she was, and after Sherlock was sure she was asleep and better he fell down to darkness too.

-Line break-

POV MAX

She woke up and found she wasn't in her bed. Her back was sore and her cheeks cold. She listened for movement and when there wasn't anything alarming heard she opened her eyes. Sherlock had his arm draped over her on top of the covers he had pulled up on her. She smiled and gently turned around. She could tell by his breathing he was a wake. He looked down at her and smiled.

"Good morning."

He kissed her head lightly. Max brought her head closer to his chest.

"Good morning."

"Does your back hurt?"

"Just a little stiff is all. It'll be fine."

He wanted to move her closer, but wasn't sure how. Max felt him struggle and laughed slightly.

"What? What's so funny?"

"Sherlock, its stiff. It won't hurt if you touch them."

Sherlock's face turned bright red and Max pushed herself closer to him. He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed tightly. They stayed like that for a long time. There was a knock on Sherlock's door and with a groan he got up and crossed the door. He flung the door up to find an uncomfortable John. John looked Sherlock up and down.

"You're missing a shirt."

"You're ruining my day off. Good Day."

Sherlock shut the door and leaped on to the bed. Max was laughing and she shoved him for being rude.

"Oh come on. I told him I was taking a break today."

"Oh the all mighty Sherlock is taking a day off. Guys no crimes! He needs a break."

Sherlock laughed as Max got up reaching for the door. He picked her up and she squealed with delight. He twisted her around and kissed her before she could reach it. She kissed him back and he let her go. He grabbed two shirts. Threw one to her, so she wasn't wearing just a tank top, and put the other on. Once they had them both buttoned up, he gave her another kiss and threw the door open.

"What is the problem now?"

"No problem. There hasn't been a case yet, but there is a need for a check up."

Max came out from the room and looked at John.

"A check up?"

"Yes, a check up. Mary thinks you've lost way too much blood way to quickly."

"John! I wanted to explain this to her."

"Well Sherlock looks like hes about to snap my neck so could we hurry it up?"

Mary ran up the stairs and gave Max a hug. She looked at Sherlock and hit his chest.

"Down boy. I made him come. I was just thinking of how people get sick over a huge loss of blood. Max I wanted him to check, there are people who have gotten really sick from just one cut. You've had many."

Max looked at Mary for a bit then nodded. She sat on the kitchen table and pulled the back of her shirt up. John began to do a series of check ups. Checking everything he could to make sure she was alright. After two hours of checking he had come up with a very low blood count. He looked at Sherlock and nodded for him to follow. She need hospital assistance, it was the only way she could get the blood count back up. Sherlock nodded and went to Max. He laid his hands on top of hers and smiled at her. Max saw right through it and knew something was up.

"I have to go to the hospital don't I?"

"Yes, but only for the blood count. Nothing too serious, but enough to where you need to get it back up."

Max nodded and Sherlock backed up so she could slid off the table.

"Alright. Lets go."

-Line Break-

Alright guys. I have the rest of the story revised and IF things go according to plan then It should all be up by Sunday. See ya later guys.