IC Inbox (v1.0)

[jumpthegun]

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

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[devoutish]

Mm.

[Royce had suggested ending it early too, but Alfie gives the same answer here.]

No. I might not wake up. There's a good chance of it, yeah? I'd rather live as long as I can, even if it's here.

[Even if it's in horrible pain.]

[jumpthegun]

[There's a lump that forms in John's throat, and he has to swallow a few times to clear it. How did he get this attached? Of course, it had barely taken a week for Sherlock, and he's known Alfie longer, but Sherlock... bloody hell. Alfie is the man who held a scalpel to his neck, the scalpel he's carrying now.]

Okay. Yeah. There's still a chance, though. You're not getting rid of all of us that easy, mate.

[devoutish]

I'd like to dream of Camden. Those docks where my warehouse is; where you took your woman.

[Did he say that already? He can't remember.]

The bakery-- we really did bake bread sometimes, you know. It wasn't just a cover.

[jumpthegun]

[He'd mentioned, but that's fine. John's chest tightens, and so does his voice.]

What was your favorite type, then? Me, I love a good sourdough.

[devoutish]

Sourdough... mm, yeah, I like a good sourdough. A good rye. Rye's my favorite. Warm and fresh from the oven.

[jumpthegun]

We'll get you some when you get back, too, yeah? I've been meaning to see what's downtown. Good place to resupply for runs if the weather's good.

[There's a catch in his throat, and John falls silent for a moment, forcing down the emotion.]

I heard there's chocolate ice cream, too. Promised that to Ecks a while ago.

[devoutish]

You lot and your ice cream, in this fucking weather. I'll take the bread.

[jumpthegun]

It's dessert and she's never had it before. Can you blame her wanting to try? I think it's cute.

[devoutish]

Give her something warm. Another pie. Or was it cake?

[He wouldn't turn down either.]

Give her an apple cake.

[jumpthegun]

I'll see what they have at the grocery. Maybe apple turnovers. Those'd be nice.

[devoutish]

Apple turnovers with cinnamon and warm whipped cream.

[jumpthegun]

Mug of hot chocolate wouldn't go amiss, either. D'you have that back in your day?

[devoutish]

Yeah. Haven't had it much. I drink tea, coffee.

[jumpthegun]

I'd die for a cuppa. Nice earl grey. Not actually die. You'll be taking care of that for the both of us. They'd best put a few teabags in your pack for the trouble.

[He really is not going to be able to handle this if he doesn't fall back on some gallows humor.]

[devoutish]

They gave Ecks pie; did you see that? Two of the lads got cake, too.

[jumpthegun]

[He doesn't have the heart to tell Alfie they've already talked a little about Ecks getting a pie.]

I did. Lucky gits. Listen, Alfie... it sounds like you're having a little trouble catching your breath. Why don't you take a break? We can talk a little later, right?

[Maybe, maybe not. His heart is breaking just a bit at the moment, though.]

[devoutish]

I think I do need to close my eyes for a bit, yeah. But I'm not dead yet, am I.

[Still, he can feel himself fading, and the haziness is getting worse and worse.]

Later. Talk later.

[jumpthegun]

Remind me to sing you a song the next time you call. Think you might get a kick out of it.

And Alfie, I... [He swallows.] You have to come back. Okay? It's selfish, but you have to come back.

[devoutish]

If I thought I was gonna go home, I'd tell you to fuck off. But I don't wanna be dead yet.

[And he really thinks that's most likely what would happen, if he didn't come back. People's "visits" home are probably just dreams, no matter how real they feel.]

Sing your song now, eh? I might not call back in time.

[jumpthegun]

[It takes a few seconds for John to clamp down on his emotions enough to respond. He clears his throat.]

I'd fuck off if I thought you'd be going home, mate.

[John begins to sing quietly]

For life is quite absurd,
And death's the final word.
You must always face the curtain with a bow!
Forget about your sin -- give the audience a grin,
Enjoy it, it's the last chance anyhow!

So always look on the bright side of death!
Just before you draw your terminal breath.
Life's a piece of shit,
When you look at it.

Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true,
You'll see it's all a show,
Keep 'em laughing as you go.
Just remember that the last laugh is on you!

[And he'll whistle throughout where he needs to. When he finishes, his voice is a little stronger.]

Bit more to that song, but that's the important part, yeah?

[devoutish]

[Alfie manages a chuckle, and a hazy grin.]

Sounds like a soldier's song, mate.

[jumpthegun]

Doesn't it just?

Call back if you can, Alfie. I'll talk to you later, if not.

[devoutish]

Keep well, John.