AH Ms. Adler is here! I hope you like the relationship I establish between Tabitha and her. I'm trying to keep Sherlock in character as much as possible, even when he's romantic towards Tabitha and his feelings toward being a father, and all that stuff. I hope it's okay. Thanks for the AWESOME REVIEWS. I am so glad you like this. I'm working really hard on this.

CHAPTER 16 - Emotional Experiment

There hadn't been much conversation in the last half an hour between Tabitha and Sherlock, but there was comfortable silence. She had taken a seat on the couch, and he had awkwardly laid down, putting his feet on her lap. She had raised her eyebrows at him questioningly, but he covered his face with a newspaper he decided to read at that moment. Tabitha knew this 'bonding' thing was hard for him, but he was making an effort, so she would take what he gave at the moment.

After thirty minutes of Sherlock reading the newspaper and then reading a book, while Tabitha read her own romantic suspense book, Sherlock threw the book across the room and pulled himself up violently.

"What's wrong?" Tabitha asked, gently saving her place and putting the closed book the coffee table. Sherlock paced the room with a frown, and she leaned back on the couch, one arm draped over the couch arm and the other on her lap.

"I feel like I should be, I don't know, courting you," Sherlock huffed, running his hands through his hair and ruffling his hair. "I don't know how to do this!" he suddenly yelled, stomping to the kitchen and sitting on a stool.

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Sherlock stared down at the experiments on the table, his teeth clenched together. It had been a long time since he had felt real panic, if any, and now it was making it hard to breathe. He felt Tabitha's eyes on him, and pressed his lips tightly together. He began to fiddle with the experiments, although he couldn't focus completely because his mind kept going back to the fact that he was going to be a father. In roughly nine months he'd have a little human being that he was responsible for, not to mention a woman that he needed to take care of.

His fists clenched on the table, and he felt hands on his shoulders. They kneaded his shoulders, and he felt the tension loosening bit by bit.

"Sherlock, talk to me. It's new to me, as well," Tabitha murmured. Sherlock let her words flow over him, through his mind and over his body.

"No, it isn't new to you. You've been married, had a relationship, and dealt with all this sentiment. I'm too smart for this," he murmured, flinching away from her kneading hands. She paused a moment, and then her hands were back on his shoulder, squeezing just enough for him to realize she was angry now. Sherlock held still as her breath touched his ear.

"You will never compare to T.J., no matter how brilliant you are," she said, her words a bit harsh. "He was perfect for me, but now he's gone. You and I are connected now, whether you like it or not. You can either make it work, or you'll regret missing out at a chance for a woman to love you for you, not just your mind or your body. And trust me, that kind of love is going to change you for the better."

She pulled back and he heard her stomp toward the bedroom. He mulled over her words in his head. Obviously, he was nothing at all like her late husband. The only similarities were that they were both male. Sherlock was probably smarter and more attractive. On an emotional level, T.J. would be higher on the scale.

Love. The only thing love would do to him was make life complicated, messy, and make him weak. Weakness was not something he could show – the last time he had played his hand, Sherlock had to fake his death. It had taken over three years to get himself back into good graces of the people so he could get cases. Could he risk it all for a woman? For a child, a child that had half his DNA?

A quick thought of a dark-haired boy with his mother's gray eyes popped into his mind. He'd have his father's mind, obviously, and his mother's talent to understand emotions. Without realizing it, he felt a soft smile curling over his lips. He immediately changed it to a straight line of no emotion, but the warm feeling in his chest wouldn't leave. The door opened, and John walked in. Sherlock was a bit surprised that Mary wasn't behind him – they spend all their time together. There had been no argument, John looked just as normal as he was before.

"What did you do?" John sighed, stopping at the frame of the kitchen.

"What do you mean?" Sherlock asked, his brows furrowed, focusing back on his experiments, a bit easier since he thought through the things that had been nagging him.

"I hear Tabitha stomping around your room." John looked at Sherlock expectantly.

"I don't know what I did."

"What did you say, you idiot?" Sherlock snapped his eyes to his friend, and opened his mouth, but John held up a hand. "You are an idiot with woman and people in general, shut up. Tell me exactly what you said."

Sherlock repeated his words to Tabitha before she had gotten upset, and John put a palm to his forehead. Sherlock went back to his work, waiting for John to explain it to him.

"Sherlock, you can't bring her late husband into your relationship. She will never fully be over him, but she is trying to make this work with you!"

"We have a child on the way, John, we aren't in love, nor in a relationship."

"Not in a relationship! Christ!" John exclaimed, throwing his hands up in defeat. "She's in love with you, she's having your child, and if you stay in denial about your feelings for her, you'll lose her and the baby!" It was John's turn to stomp down the hall. Sherlock gathered that he would talk to Tabitha now, to get her side of the story.

Sherlock needed a cigarette. He got up, not bothering with his coat, smoothed his hand over his suit jacket, straightened the collar on his dark blue button up shirt, and left the flat.

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For the rest of the afternoon before her evening with Ms. Adler, Tabitha stayed in the bedroom. John had spoken to her for a few moments, and she had calmed down. It was obvious to both John and her that Sherlock was struggling with emotions that were new to him. John had been through this before, at least a little bit, and convinced her to not give up on the man. Tabitha had hugged John, thankful to have someone who knew Sherlock as well as she did.

She looked out the window of the bedroom, the sun low in the sky signaling that she should start getting ready for dinner. Sighing, she was again reminded that she was in a different universe than where she was born and lived over two weeks before. Her bookstore wasn't hers anymore, and she hadn't kept much contact with T.J.'s family. Her distant cousins weren't close to her, either, so no one would miss her. Thinking about her assistant at the bookshelf made her long to see her friend again. The woman, Nancy, was of retirement age, but still sharp as a knife.

Looking at the clock, she decided to write a quick letter to the few people who would miss her. The Doctor would make sure they get them, Tabitha was sure of it! Grabbing a random notebook and a pen, Tabitha sat on the bed and started to write.

To T.J.'s parents, she wrote:

It's been a while since we talked. I just wanted to say thanks for all the support you've given. I've decided to take a new turn on my life. I've moved to London. I've even met someone! I promise to stay in contact, but it will have to be through letters. Paying for a cellphone is more expensive than I thought! I know it's sudden, but I hope you know that I will always love your son. Please take care of his grave for me – it needs to be kept nice, like you said! Don't be afraid to write back – it will get to me somehow.

Love, Tabitha

To Nancy, she wrote:

I've decided to stay in London. I'm taking your advice – moving on and trying something new! I don't know if this makes it official, but I am giving you my store. Look after it – it still needs some growing! You are in charge now, my dear, and I know you'll take care of it for me. I promise to write when I can, as long as you promise to reply when you can.

Love, Tabitha

Smiling sadly, she tore the two letters out of the notebook and folded it as she walked into the living room. She wasn't surprised to see John lounging on the couch, watching the television. Sherlock was deep in thought, leaning back in his desk chair as he stared at his laptop. John glanced at her, but didn't say anything, when she came into the room. Tabitha walked behind Sherlock and smelled smoke on his shirt.

She felt guilt hit her – he had been doing so well, and she had made him crave a cigarette so bad that he now had to start over.

"Do you know how to get in contact with the Doctor?" she asked out loud. John let out a quick 'no', while Sherlock seemed to jump at her words. He turned his head a bit so he could see her behind his chair.

"You should be getting ready for your dinner date," he commented, looking her up and down.

"I will, but I need the Doctor to make sure these letters get to the people in my universe," she replied back with raised eyebrows. He watched her for a moment and stood up. He took the hand that didn't hold the letters, and pulled her into the kitchen, away from John just enough so he wouldn't hear them if they talked in low voices. Tabitha leaned back against the counter with her arms crossed while Sherlock put his hands in his pockets, staring at her. She waited, and glanced over at the clock on across the room.

"It has come to my attention that I am… being difficult with our situation," he started, taking his time to figure out the right words to say. He cleared his throat as Tabitha didn't make a sound. "You have been nothing but patient with me, and I return it by making it sound like our… relationship… is nothing but logical because of the… child."

Tabitha let a small smile slip over her lips, and he caught onto it. His eyes showed his relief, but his face stayed blank just like normal.

"You know almost everything about me, from your universe and that… television show. After all that, you still trust me with your life, with a child's life. I know you from all the deducing I can do, but you still surprise me when you show me a little bit more of yourself. It's not just that you're sexually attractive to me, your mind is cleverer than I realized."

"Are you saying that you do have feelings for me?" Tabitha interjected, her smile turning into a grin. Her hands unfolded and landed on the counter on either said of her body.

"I'm saying that… that I enjoy the thought of experimenting with a relationship – my first real emotional relationship, with you," he said, his brow furrowing with nervousness at his admission.

"That is actually romantic, coming from you," Tabitha chuckled, pushing herself away from the counter and putting her arms around his neck. Sherlock pulled his hands out of his pockets and lightly put them on her hips. It was different from the other times they had touched like this – those were times of sexual need. This touch was more of an emotional admission for Sherlock. His face softened, and a nervous smile came to his face.

"Hamish. You should call the baby Hamish."

Tabitha laughed loudly at that – it reminded her of the episode with Irene and Sherlock and the 'beg twice' conversation.

"That is a horrible name," Tabitha commented, than surprise Sherlock with a brush of her lips on his. Their lips moved softly together, both of their eyes fluttered closed. Sherlock's hands tightened on her hips, and Tabitha pulled their bodies closer. Before it deepened, she pulled back, and saw desire on Sherlock's face. "Since you want to… experiment emotionally, why don't we cut out sex for a few weeks?"

"Why?" Sherlock questioned, clearly not wanting that option.

"Sex is physical – we know that works with us. For myself, a relationship like we are … experimenting with takes more than physical connection."

"Hm. You mean we should learn how each other's mind works to see if we are compatible mentally," he basically repeated. Tabitha chuckled again, and lightly kissed his mouth.

"Exactly!" She pulled away. "Now, I need to get ready. Back to why I came out here – do you know how to contact the Doctor?"

"He apparently has a mobile – he texted me a few hours ago stating he had gone to see Lestrade about the people after you."

"Tell him to come by and pick up the letters!" she called as she went back to the bedroom to get ready.

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Just over an hour later, Tabitha was picked up by a sleek black car in front of the flat. To her surprise, Irene was sitting in the car waiting for her. She slid into the seat, and the driver shut the door behind her. The woman had on a body hugging red number, sleeveless, stopping at mid-thigh and with a high neckline. Tabitha had chosen a yellow strapless dress, the loose from her waist to her mid-thighs. The top portion look a bit like a corset, with faint lace along the hemlines. Both of their hair were up off their necks – Tabitha's in a stylish pony tail with loose bangs over her forehead and parted to the side, with Irene's up in her iconic pin-up style.

"Mycroft most likely knows you're alive," Tabitha commented as the car took off. Irene let out a light laugh. One hand resting on her lap, holding her precious phone, and the other was resting on the arm rest between them.

"If he does, he hasn't made any contact with me," she commented with a wave of her hand. She didn't seem worried at all. "This dinner is not about work – let's be friendly, my dear." Irene winked at her with smokey eyes and leaned toward Tabitha a bit. Her hand found a spot on Tabitha's arm. Tabitha's hands stayed on her lap, lightly holding her small white clutch.

"Those smokey eyes and sexy voice won't work on me, Ms. Adler," Tabitha chuckled. Irene raised a perfect eyebrow and pulled her hand away with an amused smile.

"They will if I truly want them to," Irene replied. "We have reservations at a quiet restaurant along the strip – Italian and very expensive. My treat, of course."

"Of course. I'll even gossip about Mr. Holmes if you buy me dessert."

"Sounds like a plan," Irene grinned. They arrived at the restaurant, and were led through a private door just inside the public entrance. It opened into a dim, romantically lighted stairway, and the women, one waiter, and two body guards made their way up to a platform on the roof. It was secluded, lightly decorated to look inviting, and candles were lit all around.

"Are you trying to seduce me?" Tabitha asked with her eyebrows raised. She wasn't trying to joke – she was honestly curious if the woman was trying to seduce her. Irene just gave a delicate shrug and murmured to the waiter to bring them a specific type of wine to get their meal started. They took seats across from each other.

"How are you handling this… universe?"

"Ah, you do believe me." Tabitha was again surprised. The waiter brought a red wine, poured it into the glasses near each woman. Tabitha looked down at the glass, and figured it would be fine to have a few sips. The waiter poured glasses of water, and then left.

"I've spent some time looking you up. You appeared in the systems after you, let's say, arrived here. I assume that was Mycroft Holmes's doing?"

"Yes. I'm keeping him updated on Sherlock."

"You actually took the money?" Irene looked surprised.

"Why not? I needed it to start a life here, and it's not like Mycroft can't get the information he wants another way. It's just easier for everyone if I keep the line open."

"Smart girl. Now you have both Holmes brothers under your thumb," the other woman grinned approvingly. The waiter brought out menus, and the women ordered. Tabitha got a chicken and pasta plate, while Irene decided on a light chicken salad with some kind of dressing she had never heard of.

"I'm not trying to have them under my thumb. I care about them." Tabitha watched the woman across from her. Remembering their conversation from the last time they had been together, she changed the subject. "You know who wants to kill me. Who is it? Sebastian Moran?"

Irene jerked her head up, eyes wide, the rare emotion of being caught off guard apparent on her face. Tabitha just smiled at her with her hands on the table. Irene took another sip of wine and straightened in her chair. She pushed back enough to cross one of her legs over the other knee and place her hands delicately on her thighs. Irene and Tabitha stared at each other for a few moments.

"How do you know about Moran?"

"He's in my universe, although not on the television show. He's in the books. Unfortunately, I haven't done much reading of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, so I don't know much about the man." Tabitha sipped her wine nonchalantly, but her head was starting to move quickly. Irene continued to watch her silently. "Irene, I like you. I'd like to be friends, but if you put me or the people I love in danger, again, I will take responsibility for your unfortunate ending. Without Sherlock as your savior."

Tabitha had never issued a threat in her life, but the thought of her child in danger changed her thoughts on issuing warnings. Irene seemed to think about Tabitha's words, then undid her legs and scooted closer to the table. The waiter was bringing their dishes. The women were quiet as the man sat the plates in front of them, then hurried off. The two bodyguards watched him as he went through the door, and then turned their gazes back to the woman. Tabitha had to admit, they were intimidating, standing on each side of the door that led back down the stairs.

"To anyone else, your words would have no meaning," Irene finally replied. She took a dainty bite, and waited until after she chewed and swallowed to continue. "However, I am very good at reading people. You, Tabitha, are very serious." Tabitha opened her mouth to issue a reply, but Irene held up her finger to stop her. "You are a good match for our Sherlock Holmes. I, dear I say it, am still in love with him. Or rather, his mind, I suppose you could say. I don't want you in danger."

"You aren't going to pick sides, though, am I right?" Tabitha nibbled on her own food, and hummed with appreciation at the flavor. Very nice. Irene just sent her a small smile in reply, and the woman nibbled on their food for a few silent moments.

"You are staying in this universe, I presume?" Irene asked with an honest smile.

"Yes. Some things have… happened, and I think it's for the best. I am sending letters to important people, to make sure they don't worry about me."

"You've been in love with Sherlock since you appeared here – that is not the thing that has changed your mind. What has happened?" The woman across from her put down her silverware and looked curiously into Tabitha's eyes. Her hands ended up under her chin, propped up on the table. Tabitha looked away, feeling her face flush a bit. "Oh, I suspect something big has happened, Ms. Hunter."

"It's not technically something we know for sure, but I am most likely pregnant." As soon as the words came out of her mouth, Tabitha realized it may not be something she should have told Irene. The woman looked at her in shock, her red lips forming an 'o'. Tabitha realized this information could be precious to a man like Moran, and Irene wasn't picking sides. She would have no reason to protect this secret, unless Tabitha gave her something in return. Irene seemed to pick up on her panicked look, because she reached out and placed her hands on Tabitha's hands that were placed on the table.

"I know what you think of me, but I have never put a child in danger. I manipulate adults – men and women alike, but a child is innocent. I give you my word that this information will never leave my lips."

"Moriarty was not an innocent child," Tabitha pointed out, relieved and still a bit cautious at the same time. Irene pulled her hands away and started to finish her meal. Tabitha did the same. They continued to talk for the next few hours, even after the meal was finished and decided to enjoy the scene from a bench that looked out into the beautiful view below. They watched the sunset together, and Tabitha felt she had made a new ally, even if the woman had said that she wouldn't pick sides.

Please Review!

PS I've decided to introduce Rory, Amy, and Melody into the story, but they won't be the Doctor's companions - remember, they are just normal people in this universe.