Ok don't hate me! I know it's taken me forever to update but A LOT has been happening with me since the last time I posted. So here's a new chapter that will hopefully tide you over until I can get the next one up. Enjoy and PLEASE review! I love getting feedback!

~SSB

The first thing Caitlin registered was the sound of dripping water. The next thing she noticed was the sharp bite of the rope that she felt around her wrists and ankles. As she moaned softly she tried to open her eyes even though they felt heavy. Finally succeeding, Caitlin's eyes cracked open, her blurry vision slowly taking in the weakly lit room. The little she saw in the light wasn't much. The walls were bare and there were only two other pieces of furniture in the room besides the bed she was propped up on. Jumping slightly at the sound of a voice, Caitlin watched a figure step out of the shadows.

"Finally awake I see."

Trying to focus Caitlin forced herself to keep her eyes open before groaning. Attempting to speak, she grew frustrated when all that came out of her mouth was an undecipherable mumble. Taking a breath she finally managed to stutter out,

"Where am I?"

Receiving no answer, Caitlin watched as the man sat next to her with a smug and triumphant look. When her vision began to blur, Caitlin blinked quickly before speaking once more. This time it was a little easier.

"Who are you?"

Caitlin watched a frown appear on her captor's face.

"You know very well who I am."

Shifting slightly Caitlin spoke softly.

"No, I don't."

Before Caitlin knew what was happening her abductor let out an angry roar and jumped to his feet. Caitlin let out a cry when she felt a knife slice deep into her skin. As soon as his anger had come, it had also disappeared. Sighing as he looked down at her, Caitlin watched him through tear filled eyes.

"Oh no, look what you've made me do. I've marred your pretty face. Oh well, that's the way it goes I suppose. Now I'll give you one more shot. Who am I? Come on, I know you know."

Trying not to hyperventilate as she sucked in large breaths to try and get through the pain Caitlin whimpered,

"I don't know."

As soon as the words left her lips she screamed. He started to cut her over and over while he yelled enraged,

"You know you bitch! You betrayed me! You chose that bastard over me! ME! I could have loved you forever!"

Caitlin had screamed so hard and long that she had become hoarse. Before he had even finished his torture she had slumped over and started sliding into unconsciousness. The last sound that registered in her mind was the metallic 'clink' of the knife as it hit the floor.

John sat with Lestrade at the station trying to come up with some kind of a plan. Sherlock had been silent the whole time, which surprised and somewhat worried the two men. Finally deciding that he must be lost in thought as he was sitting in customary "mind palace" position, John stood to stretch before pouring himself some coffee.

Sherlock had heard everything the two other men had been saying but kept his input to himself for the time being. Closing his eyes with a frown, Caitlin's face from earlier that evening flashed through his mind. The hurt and disappointment that had been prominently etched on her features stood out the most. If he had known that would be the last time he'd see her….

Shaking his head as if to clear his mind Sherlock grumbled inwardly. No! That wasn't going to be the last time he'd see her. He would find her. As his eyes opened once more, one of their last conversations flooded his thoughts.

Sherlock lightly ran his fingers up and down Caitlin's back as they lay in bed. Closing his eyes, Sherlock began to slow his ministrations before he felt Caitlin shift slightly. Opening his eyes again, Sherlock found Caitlin gazing up at him.

"Sherlock?"

Tucking hair behind her ear Sherlock responded.

"Yes?"

"Sherlock….Do you love me?"

Caitlin felt Sherlock go completely still, his hand coming to a complete stop on her back. Caitlin cursed herself. Why did she ask that? She was about to murmur an apology when Caitlin heard a soft "I don't know."

Caitlin froze for a moment before she sat up to face him fully. Her brow furrowed as she looked at him curiously before asking,

"How can you not know if you love someone?"

Letting out a sigh Sherlock ran his fingers through his hair. Placing one arm behind his head, Sherlock looked up at Caitlin to reply.

"I don't know because I don't know what love is."

Caitlin was silent for a moment as she continued to gaze at him. Finally, she cracked a small grin and reaching out to brush his curls back stated,

"I think you do."

When Sherlock just raised an eyebrow at her she continued.

"You love your parents."

Scoffing, Sherlock stated nonchalantly,

"I tolerate them."

Rolling her eyes, Caitlin went on.

"I've also noticed that when I'm with you your eyes seem brighter. You obviously enjoy your banter with me because it's playful, not mean." Watching Sherlock's expression change, Caitlin just ran her fingertips lightly over his cheek before finishing.

"I see you smile more than you probably ever have in your entire life, and I highly doubt you sleep with just anyone."

Caitlin punched him in the arm as she heard him mutter "Well…"

Smirking at him as he rubbed at his shoulder she sighed,

"I could go on but that might take all night."

Letting out a laugh when Sherlock pulled her back down next to him he asked,

"How might I ask did you come to this conclusion Miss O'Connor?"

Leaning up and kissing the tip of his nose Caitlin smiled as she watched Sherlock blink in surprise before murmuring softly,

"It's just a matter of deduction Mr. Holmes."

As Caitlin lay back down and rested her head on his chest, Sherlock knew she was right. He loved her. Sherlock never knew however that three little words would be so hard to say.

"Caitlin…I…"

There was a long pause before he heard a sleepy,

"It's alright Sherlock. I love you too."

Snapping back to reality Sherlock rose from his seat, startling John and Lestrade as he stated,

"I need to go back to the crime scene."

Watching the taller man swoop out of the office, John and Greg sat in shock for a moment before jumping up and hurrying after him. Jogging to catch up with his flatmate and friend, John came to a stop beside Sherlock who was standing at the curb. They were both silent for a moment until John quietly uttered his friend's name. Moving as if he were about to respond, Sherlock opened his mouth but instead of answering his friend called out for a taxi. Sighing, John followed Sherlock into the car. He'd leave him be. For now at least.