IC Inbox (v1.0)

[jumpthegun]

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

Comments

[jumpthegun]

Well, they came on yesterday, so slowly. [Enjoy the dry tone, Alfie.] My nose isn't really a problem. It just hurts like hell. The ribs make it worse trying to walk and it's not... he didn't break my leg. Just sort of... stabbed it. Think he got one of my tendons.

Maybe a month to heal for the nose, little bit more than that for the ribs.

[There's a drawn out pause.]

Five or six months for my leg if it isn't permanent.

[devoutish]

It's not gonna heal cleanly if you can't rest it, and you can't here. But you know all this, I'm sure. How deep is the stab?

[jumpthegun]

[He does know.]

Deep enough, I'd give myself stitches if I could. I'm making do.

He offered to carry me so I wouldn't have to walk. I told him that was stupid considering I had to take his arm off this morning. Frostbite and gangrene. We'll see what happens when we start north tomorrow.

[devoutish]

Yes - around him, you can't know what will happen tomorrow.

[jumpthegun]

That's not how I meant it. [There's note of irritation.] He's really sorry about what happened and watching himself more closely. You'll be pleased to know it's the Avengers who're gonna occupy themselves minding him. Should keep them busy.

[devoutish]

Oh, did they barge in? I'm not surprised.

[jumpthegun]

No. I contacted Mr. Barton to request assistance. He contacted Ms. Romanov directly to ask her to come. He's from their world, Alfie. Or something near enough to it.

[devoutish]

Well. That's better than how I imagined it went.

[jumpthegun]

Like I said, we've got it sorted here... we're getting it sorted. I just need to figure out what I'm going to do after. I don't think I'll be able to do supply runs like this.

[He's not going to be much use for anything now unless people come to him, and it's frustrating beyond words. John has been trying to set that aside, though. It's not going to do any good getting upset, certainly not directly at Bucky.]

[devoutish]

Stay with someone. Don't go running off on your own.

[jumpthegun]

I'm going to be a liability to anyone I'm with, Alfie.

[devoutish]

Yeah, you will be, a bit. And you'll die in a day if you're alone. That's a pickle you've gotten yourself into, mate.

[jumpthegun]

F... [He holds off the swear. Keep it down. Keep calm. He'll figure out a way to do this.] People who're alone don't get attacked by anomalies as often. Or I can... maybe see about making some sort of sled. [Frustration is creeping into his tone, and he can't help it.]

[devoutish]

You're not gonna convince people to leave you on your own.

[jumpthegun]

Well, you're the only one who knows at the mo. And... Davesprite. And the Avengers. They're more worried about my patient. Davesprite's moving on in the morning, as well.

Don't tell Fiona, please.

[devoutish]

Does she know you're hurt?

[jumpthegun]

No. I just told her I was caught up with treating my frostbite patient. Which... isn't technically a lie.

[devoutish]

She's gonna want to stay with you. Don't ask me to force her away.

[jumpthegun]

I'm not asking you to do anything. I'm asking you to not do something.

[devoutish]

Yes, but I know what'll come next, when she does find out.

[jumpthegun]

I won't ask you to keep her away this time. I know you'll say 'no.'

[And as much fun as it is, beating his head against a stubborn wall...]

[devoutish]

Good man. Maybe the both of us will come by.

[jumpthegun]

[John balks.]

I'm heading north. We'll see where I end up.

[devoutish]

I think she's going to want to come no matter where you head, mate.

[jumpthegun]

Dunno. She likes you. Might want a bit of time alone together.

[Yes, he's pulling the 'I know you're probably snogging her' card.]