Joan woke up the next morning to Sherlock's arm wrapped protectively around her. For a moment, she felt safe. For those few short minutes she was able to shut the world out. But like most good things in Joan's life, the moment didn't last. She started replaying yesterday's events over in her head. Her anxiety started to build. She was pregnant. Joan didn't know how to be a mother. She wasn't ready for this. She couldn't do it. She just couldn't.

Joan couldn't stay in that bed any longer. Couldn't stay wrapped up in his arms. What was comforting mere moments ago now felt suffocating. She had to get out of this room. Out of the apartment all together. Joan decided she'd go for a jog. Exercise always helped clear her mind.

She ran for an hour, pushing herself beyond her limits. By the time she got home she was exhausted. The run hadn't done much to clear her mind, but the endorphins were working to ease her anxiety. She plugged her iPod into the charged and headed to the bathroom for a shower.

Joan waited for the water to reach the warmth she craved before stepping in. She let the water run over her, easing her tension. As she was lathering her hair, she heard the door click open, then shut. Within moments Sherlcok had joined her in the shower. He stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her and resting his head between her shoulder blades.

They stood there in silence for a few seconds before Sherlock spoke softly, "Good morning beautiful. How'd you sleep?"

Joan smiled at the endearment. Even in her times of worry, Sherlock could always make her smile. "Mmm, okay. How about you?"

"Like a baby," he said with a grin.

The remainder of the shower was spent in relative silence. Sherlock seemed to sense her tension, so he didn't make a move. He tried to keep things sweet and innocent. Helping her wash-up, a few chaste kisses on her neck and between her shoulder blades. Nothing too racy.

After their shower, they dry off and head out to the living room. Joan starts heading for the kitchen, but before she gets very far Sherlock stops her by gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

She turns to look at him questioningly. Sherlock smiles, "You sit, I'll make us some coffee."

Joan nods in response and mumbles, "Coffee to please."

Sherlock chuckles lightly, no matter how upset Joan may be, she never passes up on caffeine. Everyone has their vices. With that in mind, Sherlock sets out to make them breakfast and get Joan her caffeine fix.

Fifteen minutes later, Sherlock heads back out to the living room, coffee and food in hand. He stops abruptly when he sees the look on Joan's face, spilling a little coffee on himself. He doesn't really notice the coffee though, he's more focused on the Joan's look of distress.

Sherlock approaches her slowly, giving her time to notice his presence. "What's wrong Joanie?" Sherlock asks concerned.

It takes her a few seconds to come out of her thoughts, but when she does, she glares at him. "Sherlock, how many times do I have to tell you, don't call me that. I'm not a child."

Sherlock stepped back slightly, stricken by her sudden hostility. "I'm sorry, I just… You looked so upset… I'm worried about you Joan," he stammered.

Joan studied him for a few moments, taking in his response. She realized she was being harsh and she felt badly about it. She knew it wasn't his fault, but a small part of her blamed him for this. She couldn't help but think that if it wasn't for him, she wouldn't be in this situation to begin with.

She sighed, defeated. "I'm sorry, I've just got a lot on my mind." Joan looked down at her hands self-consciously, nervous about what she was about to say.

"Sherlock, I don't know if I can do this," she admitted softly. The whisper was almost inaudible. If Sherlock hadn't have been listening so closely, he would have missed it.

He sat down beside her, placing a hand on her thigh, squeezing lightly. "I know this is a lot to take in, but we'll get through this. You're going to be a great mother Joan. And besides, it's not like you're alone in this. I'll be right here with you every step of the way." Sherlock said reassuringly.

Joan smiled at him and leaned into him. He was right, she wasn't alone. As scary as this experience was going to be, she knew she'd have him. She knew she had lucked out with him.