IC Inbox (v1.0)

[jumpthegun]

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

Comments

[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.