"You can't let it get to you now" Sherlock sounded concerned. "Not after all you've done, all you've been through!"

John's shoulders slumped in an attitude of defeat.

"Sometimes I wish….." Drawing a deep breath, he found he couldn't finish the sentence.

Sinking down beside the distressed man Sherlock's hand hovered, unsure whether he had the right to offer comfort.

Deciding it couldn't hurt he gently laid his hand on John's shoulder, feeling the slight flinch then the warmth of the smaller man's trust as he relaxed and leant into the touch.

"Don't do this to yourself John," he said quietly, taking in the lines of exhaustion that left their stamp on John's face. "It's just tiredness talking."

"I'm fine."

"No, you didn't sleep well last night; I heard your nightmares…." Sherlock's cheeks reddened as he admitted his eavesdropping. "Then there was our pre-dawn start this morning. You've done so much for me in such a short time; let me do something for you."

With gentle hands he urged his friend to his feet and turned him towards the stairs.

"No," John protested. "Not bed. I'll lay on the couch and rest; you go and play with your chemicals." He carefully sunk down; resting his head on the cushions and smiling gratefully as the young man covered him with a blanket.