IC Inbox (v1.0)

[jumpthegun]

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

Comments

[devoutish]

It was a frustrated tone.

[jumpthegun]

'Yes' is a lot shorter to type, Alfie.

[devoutish]

Watson.

[jumpthegun]

Solomons.

There is such a thing as tact. It works wonders sometimes, you know? I was able to explain to her the dangers related to Stein and provided her with alternatives without treating her like she was incompetent.

[devoutish]

Excellent, you're truly a bastion of patience.

[jumpthegun]

[John rolls his eyes.]

You like this woman, yeah? At least give her a little more leeway than you would others.

[devoutish]

Why should I? Honestly, tell me. Why should I be less hard on the ones that I like, when they're the ones that I depend on?

[jumpthegun]

Because it's a good way to drive the people you care about away? Not everyone takes that kind of thing well. Different approaches for different people.

You're a businessman. I doubt you handle all your clients the same way, whether it's for any legitimate business or the black market things. You don't have to be less determined with them, but tailor the message, mate.

Did you tell her part of the reason you were getting frustrated is because you care about her? That can make a big difference on how people perceive things. Even if it should be understood, just saying it can mean a lot. I care about Sherlock, and I tell him that when I have to yell at him for being an idiot.

[devoutish]

For fuck's sake, Watson.

[Yup, that's all he gets.



... At first, anyway. Part two of the message comes a few minutes later.]

I don't treat all my clients the same. No. But I don't treat everybody like my clients, and I've never done well with thin-skinned people.

[jumpthegun]

[John gives it a bit before responding. And what do you know? Mr. Solomons has more to say.]

If you want to keep on with her, learn to deal with her, and what she might be willing to tolerate. You're gentler with the kids. I know you are. Maybe extend a bit of that to her. She's not like Fiona; she didn't grow up on Pandora.

[devoutish]

I know she didn't. I don't expect her to be able to do everything, but I expect her to be willing to learn.

[jumpthegun]

She was willing to learn when I pitched it as you worrying about her safety and what Stein might do to her because of everything else he's done to other people that you know or care about. On top of this being outside your realm of experience.

You're a little bit of a control freak, Alfie. Comes with the territory and your background. That's important for her to know, as well. So when you're faced with situations out of your control, she knows that's part of what's getting you 'frustrated' and not just her.

[devoutish]

I should not have to pitch something that should be common fucking sense.

[jumpthegun]

Maybe you shouldn't, but life's not fair, and this place is especially not fair. Sometimes you've got to do things that seem ridiculous to you to make something work.

[devoutish]

It will be better for her in the long run if she isn't coddled.

[jumpthegun]

There isn't a long-run, Alfie. Not here. We get out or we don't in a couple of months.

[devoutish]

There's a lot that can happen in a few months. I'm not going to say nothing matters because we're nearing the end.

[jumpthegun]

That's not it. I mean there isn't much time afforded for you to be kind or just to be with her.

[Maybe he's projecting a bit. Just a tiny bit.]

[devoutish]

No. There isn't.

[jumpthegun]

Make the most of it, then, and try to be more patient, for her sake and yours.

And mine. I'd like to see you a bit happier, you git.

[He means it lovingly.]

[devoutish]

I am more patient with her than with many people.

[Which... says a lot about how not patient he is with other people.]

[jumpthegun]

How patient are you with her relative to how patient you are with me?

[devoutish]

A bit more.

[The Alfie Solomons Order of Patience goes men -> women -> kids.]

[jumpthegun]

[So not very.]

Give her a bit more when you can. That's all I'm asking, mate.

[devoutish]

I'll let her speak for herself on this one.