IC Inbox (v1.0)

[jumpthegun]

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

Comments

[devoutish]

We'll see if you stand by that when I'm not dying and making you feel sorry for me, mate.

[He's teasing here, not angry or seriously dismissive.]

[jumpthegun]

No, I mean it. I didn't get to tell- [He cuts himself off there, his tone earnest.] I know you're not just heartless. I care too much. I know I do. I have trouble shutting it off - doesn't help with clear judgement. Having someone to balance me out helps, even if I... might not appreciate it all that much in the moment.

You have to come back. God knows someone needs to get a proper rise out of Batman, and you're the man to do it.

[devoutish]

It's not caring too much. It's being too nosy. But I don't wanna argue about that now, yeah?

-- You told me not to get a proper rise out of Batman.

[jumpthegun]

[Their definitions of 'caring too much' and 'being too nosy' may well overlap. John just prefers the sound of his, and Sherlock, the king of nosiness never accused him of it. Nor has anyone else, for that matter, outside of criminals. And... well. He does drop it in favor of the other part of the discussion.]

Well, he's gonna punch you if you do, but if you're all right with that, better you than some of the other blokes around here who can't take it.

[devoutish]

You were right. He's more unflappable than I was expecting.

I hope I dream of home while I'm out. Forget this place and everything in it for a while.

[jumpthegun]

I want you to know I'm keeping this message for posterity and whenever I feel like punching you in the future. 'You were right.' That's nice to hear now and again.

And if it's not home, I hope they'll give you the nicest tropical resort you can imagine. Sun and heat baking into the bones.

[devoutish]

[He chuckles, either at the first comment or the second or both.]

Tropical, eh? I've never been anywhere tropical before.

[jumpthegun]

Well, if you ever get a chance for a holiday from the bakery that doesn't involve being snatched away to another univers, Cuba's lovely.

[devoutish]

Cuba. You've been?

[jumpthegun]

I have. Six Continents Watson. It's the nickname some of my mates had for me back home. I like to travel. And you're not the only one who likes women. The ones in Cuba are very nice.

[devoutish]

Did they call you Six Continents Watson because of the travel or because of the women, mate?

[jumpthegun]

I don't kiss and tell. Wouldn't be very gentlemanly, would it?

[devoutish]

I think you just did.

[jumpthegun]

[John just tuts.]

Excellent fishing there, as well, if that's anything you're interested in.

[devoutish]

Never was one for fishing. I'm a city man.

[jumpthegun]

Havana's the place to be, then. D'you like clubs?

[devoutish]

Not really. I don't spend much time in 'em. The biggest one in my area's owned by an Italian gang, and we're rivals.

[jumpthegun]

Rivals? Here I'd've thought you'd be all about making alliances.

[devoutish]

We're back and forth on each other. We were rivals when I left here. When we're getting along, some of my men do go to the Eden Club.

It's a bit too modern for me. I might be too old to appreciate it.

[jumpthegun]

Too old for clubs, too young for fishing. You're a difficult man to plan a holiday for, Mr. Solomons.

[devoutish]

[Alfie's quiet for a moment on his end. Just those few longer sentences had taken a little bit of a toll on him, and he needs a moment to catch his breath.]

Didn't turn down the women, did I.

Swimming?

[jumpthegun]

Well, there is an ocean, and it's warm. And there are women on the beach. [The mental image of Alfie in some 1920s stripey bathing suit with his beard, snorkeling in Cuba is so bizarre and hilarious, though. He wonders if he might be able to get Emily to draw it for when he comes back.

And he will come back. John's bound and determined. This is too stupid a reason for him to die to not come back. But John can hear his labored breathing, and that's another wrench.]

You could work on your tan. Reckon I could do with that. Been in England too long, got all pasty again.

[devoutish]

Women on the beach. Mm.

Was there a special woman for you in Cuba, John?

[jumpthegun]

Rosalyn, the Cuban Rose. Met her at a bar a few days into my holiday. Found out she liked swimming, too. Went for a few dips in some of her favorite spots around the island while I was there. [Innocuous comment about swimming adventures or innuendo? You decide, Mr. Solomons.] Always best to get tours from the locals, y'know?

[devoutish]

The Cuban Rose was a name you gave her?