IC Inbox (v1.0)

[jumpthegun]

You've reached Dr. John Watson. Please leave a message.

Comments

[devoutish]

What was it?

[jumpthegun]

Just some things he said. I think he's scared and there's something wrong with the body he's in. He's still having trouble controlling it, even though he's back to himself. Doesn't usually get to me when he says things to push away. It just sort of did this time. There's a lot going on.

[devoutish]

Yeah. Anything else going on that I don't know about?

[jumpthegun]

Mary's not back to herself, yet. I'm starting to get worried.

[And that's... really the tip of the iceberg, but he hopes it will be enough to get Alfie to not ask too many more questions.]

[devoutish]

How long has it been, again--?

[jumpthegun]

It's been more than ten days. I don't remember anyone having a price last longer than that.

[There's a silent question, one he doesn't want to ask, but it hangs in the air for Alfie to see and pick up on.

'Do you think it's permanent?']

[devoutish]

But there's never been one that's permanent. Eh?

[jumpthegun]

Not yet, no. [Yet being the operative word here.]

I just... miss her. [His voice breaks a little bit before John pulls it back together. He lets a little more slip, though.] Mycroft's furious at me, as well. I told him I won't help him kill Stephen so we can put Sherlock back in a body that looks like his own. He's going insane. He's always been off where Sherlock's concerned, but not like this. I don't think.

[devoutish]

Watson.

[Alfie leans towards his tablet. It's audio, so John won't be able to see, but his voice will sound a little closer.]

Will you take advice from me on this?

[jumpthegun]

I'll listen.

[Taking is another matter. But he'll listen to his friend.]

[devoutish]

Fuck Mycroft. Yeah? Just fuck him, mate. Handling him is not your fucking responsibility right now.

[Or ever, in Alfie's opinion, but right now especially.]

[jumpthegun]

Well, yeah. I told him to fuck off, but if he tries to send someone after Stephen... I've warned him, at least. But I'm still worried about him.

[devoutish]

And you can't write him off?

[jumpthegun]

He's Sherlock's brother and he's dangerous. I can't write that off, no.

[The 'unfortunately,' remains unsaid.]

[devoutish]

He's Sherlock's brother, not your own.

[jumpthegun]

Sherlock loves him and wants to protect him. That makes it my problem as much as his.

[devoutish]

Sherlock loves and wants to protect you too, doesn't he.

[jumpthegun]

I'm not gonna make him choose between me and his big brother.

[devoutish]

He doesn't have to choose. He has to stop expecting you to babysit the man.

[jumpthegun]

[John runs a hand through his hair.]

Might tell him I'll only look after Mycroft if Sherlock's around.

[devoutish]

[Alfie grunts. It's a start.]

It causes nothing but stress for you, mate. That's all I'm telling you.

[jumpthegun]

I'll deal with it. [He has to deal with it.] All of us have enough to worry about without me throwing more of a wrench into things.

[devoutish]

[Dryly:]

Yes, much better for you to take it all on yourself.

[jumpthegun]

[John sighs.]

Not really in the mood for this argument, mate. Can I take a raincheck?

[He'll keep rainchecking it forever if he can.]

[devoutish]

I'm not gonna press, now. But I'm gonna keep bringing it up later, as I see fit.