no subject

...That's good.

[A part of him almost wants to cut it off there - to retreat, to act as if nothing happened.

But - not now. Not after everything they've been through.

To act like nothing changed - it would be a lie. One he wouldn't relish doing, and so -

With a soft groan - and shaky limbs - he rises up slightly from his bed, to prop up the pillows he has so he can be in a reclining position.

He always did recover fast, after all - though he is pushing himself a little.]

I - do you....feel up to....

[He pauses.

It's - so hard to make this next step, to admit that his mask is down. But...as always, he goes ahead, anyway.]

....Please. Talk with me. If...if you're able to.

[And in those few words, there's...a vulnerability that he's never really let Sherlock see before.

The cautious lowering of a barrier and a trembling extension of a hand.]