Disclaimer: If Elementary was mine, we'd see a whole lot more of Moriarty.

A/N: Doaa asked for Moriarty's reaction to something that happens in the season 7 finale. Here is my attempt to answer.

Warnings: Spoilers ahead! If you haven't seen 7x13, stop right now!

Prompt: Whispers in the Dark

"We found him."

"Did you?"

She doesn't look up. Those taxes won't do themselves.

"In the hospital. Overdose."

She pauses. Familiar dread creeps up to her heart, clenches it painfully.

"I heard that song before."

"Boss."

Ellory's voice tones are heavy. She swallows.

"Give me the address."

"I'm sorry, ma'am. Mr. Holmes isn't allowed any visitors for the time being."

The nurse doesn't look sorry enough for her taste, but she doesn't have time to lose with this. She smiles, then glances at Ellory – distract this imbecile. Ellory nods. Five minutes, then she slips away.

His room is easy to find – but the moment she gets close to him, she has a second of doubt. Surely this cannot be Sherlock? Frail and sickly, his mottled grey hairline receding, dark purple dips under his eyes, the man sleeping in that bed looks so –

– old.

She hesitates, then sits by his side. His breathing is shallow. His skin is warm. Some of his usual vitality peeks through despite the damage, and she releases the relieved breath she hadn't realised she was holding.

"You cannot die," she whispers, fingertips brushing against his temple.

Lingering is too much of a risk. But his hand clenches slightly around hers, as if he felt her presence in his sleep, and –

– perhaps she can stay a bit longer.