I do not own Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century! ^_^

EPILOGUE:

After two days Lestrade was released from the hospital she and Holmes had been recovering in. It was not the cheapest of places to be and Lestrade was thanking her lucky stars she had been on the Yard's clock while sustaining her injuries. Holme's would also be free of the traumatic shock of the hospital bill; maybe she would pull a prank on him when he was well. It wasn't often she was able to pull the proverbial wool over his eyes. Lestrade couldn't help but chuckle slightly. However her thoughts quickly took a sober turn when she entered the detective's room. It was silent, the soft humming of machines was the only sound, the gentle rise and fall of his chest was the only movement. However, it was enough to calm her suddenly shaking nerves.

She sighed softly, "Well," she thought, "at least he is off of the ventilator."

Lestrade reached out slowly to pull a stray piece of his hair away from his face. She had never seen the detective sleep. He appeared innocent and vulnerable. Innocent was something she could handle, but seeing him in such a vulnerable position was almost too much. The inspector retracted her hand and slowly laid her head into her hands softly sighing and slowly pulling her wild hair back. She wasn't sure she would be able to see him in so much pain that would surely lie in the days ahead. The frustration and exhausting days of recovery it would most likely take to recover, and even though she knew better, she wasn't willing to believe it wasn't her fault. She was pulled from her silent reverie when a soft sigh was heard from beside her, followed by a sharp intake of breath and a soft moan.

"Holmes!" she almost shouted his name...almost.

His head turned slightly and he allowed his eyes to focus before speaking, "Lestrade..."

"Yes?" she waited for him to finish, helping him swallow a bit of water.

He looked at her again, his bright eyes shining like stars in the dimly lit room, "...when I am well remind me to hit you...hard." His eyes softened slightly as a soft smile played on his lips at her anger and frustration and finally soft smile in return.

At that moment, she knew, he was back. This time she wouldn't let go.

Well there we have it! I know it was a long time in coming, but sometimes you just cannot rush these things. I want to thank everyone who took the time to read and review my story and also thank the people who read without reviewing. I 3 YOU GUYS!