Work Text:
Another gunshot. Another cry for help. Another life he needs to save. His hands are surprisingly steady. They have to be. There is no room for trembling. A sudden burst of pain in his shoulder and he cries out.
Then another sound. A gentler one. Softer. One from another time. Saying one word. His name.
"Watson." Holmes whispers gently. "Watson."
Watson wakes with a start and his eyes lock on the grey ones belonging to his friend.
"Holmes," he breathes.
His hands tremble now and his heart beats out of his chest.
"Shh." Holmes envelopes him in a hug. "You're okay. I've got you."
Watson clings to the front of Holmes' nightshirt and sobs quietly.
"Shh. I'm here. You're safe."
Holmes picks up an object from the ground and pulls away slightly. Watson panics but calms when he sees his friend lift his violin. Soft, gentle music fills his room and he feels his breathing slow. He lays back down and watches his dearest friend play. Eventually his eyelids start to droop and sleep threatens to take him once more.
Holmes smiles at him as he lowers his violin.
"Holmes?" Watson whispers.
"Yes dear fellow?"
"Stay with me?"
Holmes perches on the end of Watson's bed and takes his hand in his own.
"Always dear fellow. Sleep now Watson. You are safe, I promise."
Watson falls asleep holding his best friend's hand. Somehow, even in sleep, he knows that he is untouchable if Holmes is looking out for him.