[A few days was enough for Phil to let all the pettiness and desire for comeuppance dissolve, he figured he could try to reach out to Watson without both men fighting again. While he accepts his responsibility in having taught Sherlock, he’s more worried in how willing John was to pass the buck to someone else.]
Dr. Watson.
We should talk.
- PG
Dr. Watson.
We should talk.
- PG
[He could be indescribably Petty and say 'no,' but John's agitation has settled since Sherlock passed out in the snow in front of him.]
Mr. Gray,
Name a time and place and I'll drop in.
-JW
Mr. Gray,
Name a time and place and I'll drop in.
-JW
Feb 11th, cw: lobotomies, paranoia, Panem, discrimnation?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
belongsontv
2018-02-12 10:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[Pouring ones soul out on a page tends to leave anyone anxious, Milla is no better. She's torn between cutting the letter to just an apology or going through with what she's written.
Eventually reason wins out. John deserves some kind of explanation.]
John,
I’ve let this issue, this argument linger in the air far too long between us. I should have reached out to you much sooner. I feel like a child after a tantrum honestly. You deserve much better. I want to think we’re friends, but.. how can I treat a friend like that? I've at least used this time to work on myself some. Enough to finally offer you an explanation.
I wanted to apologize, I’m genuinely sorry for lashing out at you like that, for pushing you away when you meant to help. You didn’t deserve that. Phrasing issues or not, you meant well. You were extending a hand in kindness. Slapping it away and snarling at you should have not been my response.
I want to be candid with you given you’ve trusted me so much before. You deserve honesty, if not that, well at least an explanation of why things spiraled as they did. I hope it doesn’t sound like wild excuses to avoid blame. I just wanted to give you context I suppose?
What I will say here, you do not know my world. As I don’t know the extent of yours. Your phrasing carried some unintentional weight to them. I won’t go into deep detail, I’m sure you’d be bored if I did, so I’ll keep it brief. Psychics are held in… strange regard at home. Sasha and I have achieved some form of celebrity status with our exploits. A comfortable bubble of fame where we seem almost untouchable. It was very manufactured in a few ways. Truman Zanotto, the Grand Head wants Psychonauts to remain relevant, to be seen as useful by the government. A war machine made into something more. Not that he would say as much. He campaigned on bringing us back to the glory days. Sasha and I ended up as the faces somehow. That means you need… a very strong level of control, of competency, of professionalism others cannot achieve.
Because before Psychonauts, before the public image change, psychics were… well liked. Psychics were disowned, feared, lobotomized, taken care of in discrete ways. Being psychic was a burden. Being out of control psychic was dangerous. Losing control in any modicum is seen as a weakness, seen as an untrained danger. There is old baggage there no psychic of my age can really sort through as easily. If that makes sense?
I’ve been trained for quite a long time to have control. Control over myself, over my feelings, over my abilities. I should have thought instead of reacted. I let that old fear, that old wound do the reacting opposed to myself. My time in Panem has only made this need a lot worse than I would like to admit. Being monitored twenty-four-seven tends to leave a person a bit edgy to say the least, John.
But, I’m rambling. I’m sure you’re tired of this. Thank you if you did read all of this, darling. You’re a treasure.
I hope you’ve been doing well,
Warmest Regards, Milla Vodello.
Eventually reason wins out. John deserves some kind of explanation.]
John,
I’ve let this issue, this argument linger in the air far too long between us. I should have reached out to you much sooner. I feel like a child after a tantrum honestly. You deserve much better. I want to think we’re friends, but.. how can I treat a friend like that? I've at least used this time to work on myself some. Enough to finally offer you an explanation.
I wanted to apologize, I’m genuinely sorry for lashing out at you like that, for pushing you away when you meant to help. You didn’t deserve that. Phrasing issues or not, you meant well. You were extending a hand in kindness. Slapping it away and snarling at you should have not been my response.
I want to be candid with you given you’ve trusted me so much before. You deserve honesty, if not that, well at least an explanation of why things spiraled as they did. I hope it doesn’t sound like wild excuses to avoid blame. I just wanted to give you context I suppose?
What I will say here, you do not know my world. As I don’t know the extent of yours. Your phrasing carried some unintentional weight to them. I won’t go into deep detail, I’m sure you’d be bored if I did, so I’ll keep it brief. Psychics are held in… strange regard at home. Sasha and I have achieved some form of celebrity status with our exploits. A comfortable bubble of fame where we seem almost untouchable. It was very manufactured in a few ways. Truman Zanotto, the Grand Head wants Psychonauts to remain relevant, to be seen as useful by the government. A war machine made into something more. Not that he would say as much. He campaigned on bringing us back to the glory days. Sasha and I ended up as the faces somehow. That means you need… a very strong level of control, of competency, of professionalism others cannot achieve.
Because before Psychonauts, before the public image change, psychics were… well liked. Psychics were disowned, feared, lobotomized, taken care of in discrete ways. Being psychic was a burden. Being out of control psychic was dangerous. Losing control in any modicum is seen as a weakness, seen as an untrained danger. There is old baggage there no psychic of my age can really sort through as easily. If that makes sense?
I’ve been trained for quite a long time to have control. Control over myself, over my feelings, over my abilities. I should have thought instead of reacted. I let that old fear, that old wound do the reacting opposed to myself. My time in Panem has only made this need a lot worse than I would like to admit. Being monitored twenty-four-seven tends to leave a person a bit edgy to say the least, John.
But, I’m rambling. I’m sure you’re tired of this. Thank you if you did read all of this, darling. You’re a treasure.
I hope you’ve been doing well,
Warmest Regards, Milla Vodello.
Edited (last edit i stg) 2018-02-12 22:31 (UTC)
[John isn't expecting a letter from Milla in the first place. To have it and an apology in it just confuses him. He'd been the one who misstepped, who should bear the burden of more apologies. He's a little horrified to know that Milla's world was as it was, but a part of him isn't surprised, either. John's been on edge with everyone with magical powers since he arrived here. As an ordinary human, the thought of someone being able to look into his head makes his anxiety climb up and through the roof.
He can certainly empathize with the 24-hour surveillance concerns. Norfinbury had been the same. This place is technically the same, even if Zephyr isn't as obtrusive about it. It takes him a few tries to figure out what to write back.]
Milla,
I honestly don't know what to say. I don't think you need to apologize for this, but I'll accept it, anyway. I'm sorry for stepping in where I wasn't wanted or needed. And for mucking things up even past that. I wanted to help, of course, but that doesn't excuse making you uncomfortable or violating your mind and trust.
I've been working with Sherlock for a while now, and one of the things that's got drilled into me from our cases is that you look where people don't want you looking. Norfinbury didn't much help with that. You're not a suspect, though. Or a puzzle to solve. It was wrong of me to treat you like that.
I do know what it's like struggle with control. [God, does he ever.] Or even just the perception of it. Part of the reason Sherlock and I work so well together is that he's never treated me with kid gloves, like he was worried he was going to break me or have me snap and turn on him. After I got back from Afghanistan it felt like all the people I'd known before were doing that. He was the first one who made me feel normal.
I don't know if you have a person like that in your life. I'm not sure I can be that person, even though I wanted to when I came to you. I hope you have that person, though. Because what you've been through is a lot for anyone to manage, even for someone as strong as you are. I believe you have control. I also believe that having control doesn't mean there isn't still an issue, right? Maybe managing things is the best anyone can hope for. In which case, it seems like you're doing a pretty bang-up job. And I hope you can keep doing it.
Best,
John
He can certainly empathize with the 24-hour surveillance concerns. Norfinbury had been the same. This place is technically the same, even if Zephyr isn't as obtrusive about it. It takes him a few tries to figure out what to write back.]
Milla,
I honestly don't know what to say. I don't think you need to apologize for this, but I'll accept it, anyway. I'm sorry for stepping in where I wasn't wanted or needed. And for mucking things up even past that. I wanted to help, of course, but that doesn't excuse making you uncomfortable or violating your mind and trust.
I've been working with Sherlock for a while now, and one of the things that's got drilled into me from our cases is that you look where people don't want you looking. Norfinbury didn't much help with that. You're not a suspect, though. Or a puzzle to solve. It was wrong of me to treat you like that.
I do know what it's like struggle with control. [God, does he ever.] Or even just the perception of it. Part of the reason Sherlock and I work so well together is that he's never treated me with kid gloves, like he was worried he was going to break me or have me snap and turn on him. After I got back from Afghanistan it felt like all the people I'd known before were doing that. He was the first one who made me feel normal.
I don't know if you have a person like that in your life. I'm not sure I can be that person, even though I wanted to when I came to you. I hope you have that person, though. Because what you've been through is a lot for anyone to manage, even for someone as strong as you are. I believe you have control. I also believe that having control doesn't mean there isn't still an issue, right? Maybe managing things is the best anyone can hope for. In which case, it seems like you're doing a pretty bang-up job. And I hope you can keep doing it.
Best,
John
Edited 2018-02-18 21:22 (UTC)
cw: discussion of mental health, mentioned brain theft
belongsontv
- 2018-03-17 02:36 (UTC) - Expand[John didn't request a cupcake, Phil knows this. But there's something very warm about the red box with a white ribbon, a magic cupcake. It's a gift, one that he hoped would mend any old wounds and inspire curiosity instead of paranoia. It's a pair of Earl Grey cupcakes with a pair of grey ears and tail made of fondant, while the other has scales on top. The note reads:]
To Dr. Watson,
Happy April Fool's Day!
This cupcake was made specially in celebration of a fun day! These two, I made special, I consider you a friend I could trust with these instincts and you'll know why when you read this. With that comes special rules, but you know most of them through unfortunate means. Should you accept:
1. Before consuming this cupcake you must be in a comfortable spot, one you're familiar with. Wolves tend to wander but try starting out somewhere you know best.
2. You might experience something called instinct overload, as your new animal instincts and senses will take a few moments to adjust. Since you have a predator animal, you might experience some instincts to hunt prey. Take a moment to ease those thoughts and center yourself. I know you're strong-willed and as a wolf, you might have the urge to explore.
3. You will experience no discomfort in your transformation though I suggest accommodating your clothes for the tail.
4. This spell will last 3 days, so enjoy!
I made this spell because you were one of the first people I could trust with my lycanthropy condition, and kept it secret when I was accused. I consider you my friend.
As for Sherlock, there's a fish cake (no not a literal fishcake, I'm not that mean). He will be a merman for the 3 days should he accept this gift. If he does accept it, he should be in the ocean, and ready to swim. I don't know what's down there but I know he'll see wonders that no other eyes will ever see.
I made this one so he could explore new places and get away for a while. He might not care for me, but I care somewhat about him. He needs time.
- PG
To Dr. Watson,
Happy April Fool's Day!
This cupcake was made specially in celebration of a fun day! These two, I made special, I consider you a friend I could trust with these instincts and you'll know why when you read this. With that comes special rules, but you know most of them through unfortunate means. Should you accept:
1. Before consuming this cupcake you must be in a comfortable spot, one you're familiar with. Wolves tend to wander but try starting out somewhere you know best.
2. You might experience something called instinct overload, as your new animal instincts and senses will take a few moments to adjust. Since you have a predator animal, you might experience some instincts to hunt prey. Take a moment to ease those thoughts and center yourself. I know you're strong-willed and as a wolf, you might have the urge to explore.
3. You will experience no discomfort in your transformation though I suggest accommodating your clothes for the tail.
4. This spell will last 3 days, so enjoy!
I made this spell because you were one of the first people I could trust with my lycanthropy condition, and kept it secret when I was accused. I consider you my friend.
As for Sherlock, there's a fish cake (no not a literal fishcake, I'm not that mean). He will be a merman for the 3 days should he accept this gift. If he does accept it, he should be in the ocean, and ready to swim. I don't know what's down there but I know he'll see wonders that no other eyes will ever see.
I made this one so he could explore new places and get away for a while. He might not care for me, but I care somewhat about him. He needs time.
- PG
[Why do you do this to him, Phil? Why would you write a nice note and everything? It makes it much harder to just chuck the cute cupcake in the bin.
Damnit!]
Damnit!]
[John is his last stop of the night. He's tired from dealing with the other two, so he nearly slips away without knocking, but that would be disrespectful to someone he doesn't want to disrespect. At least, not on purpose.
So he shoulders his backpack a little more purposefully and strides up the path to the house that John seems to have spent equal times living in and not living in. He has an odd relationship with his best friend, much more strained than the one he and Steve used to share when they were both just ordinary men, but who is he to judge?
He doesn't want Sherlock to come to the door, so he'll take his standby and go in through John's bedroom window again, unlocking it from the outside if he must, and just wait for John to go in there for something.]
So he shoulders his backpack a little more purposefully and strides up the path to the house that John seems to have spent equal times living in and not living in. He has an odd relationship with his best friend, much more strained than the one he and Steve used to share when they were both just ordinary men, but who is he to judge?
He doesn't want Sherlock to come to the door, so he'll take his standby and go in through John's bedroom window again, unlocking it from the outside if he must, and just wait for John to go in there for something.]
[It takes a bit for John to come into the room. When he does, he's in his pajamas and houserobe. It takes him half a second--and a near heartattack--to recognize that it's Bucky in his room once more.]
Jesus, Bucky! [His hand drops from his pocket where he'd been going to a knife.] We have a door, y'know? One you can knock on. [The spoke of adrenaline when he'd been winding down isn't wholly welcome, but it only takes another moment for John to go from chastizing to concerned.]
What's wrong? Has something happened?
Jesus, Bucky! [His hand drops from his pocket where he'd been going to a knife.] We have a door, y'know? One you can knock on. [The spoke of adrenaline when he'd been winding down isn't wholly welcome, but it only takes another moment for John to go from chastizing to concerned.]
What's wrong? Has something happened?
[ Gabriel goes looking for John shortly after finding Bucky stuck in his house. He'll check John's house, first. Well, it's Sherlock's, kind of? But Gabriel figures John's moved back in.
If he's not there, Gabriel will head over to the clinic. John's got to be one of those two places, right? ]
If he's not there, Gabriel will head over to the clinic. John's got to be one of those two places, right? ]
[John is still, unfortunately, laid up in bed when Gabriel gets there. He hasn't been healed fully, yet. His leg is in a full cast and his face is a mass of bruises and swelling. Gabriel will likely be let in by Sherlock because John's not getting up for the door. He's just lying in his room, staring at the ceiling and feeling restless and unfocused.
When he hears the door open, he perks up. Seeing Gabriel has the doctor frowning slightly.]
Something I can do for you?
When he hears the door open, he perks up. Seeing Gabriel has the doctor frowning slightly.]
Something I can do for you?
[It's been about a week since his arm came off, and Bucky has been mostly hiding away in his house. But Zephyr hasn't done anything further to him, he could leave the boundaries of his property again after that night, and the books stopped pelting him after he skimmed through them.
The terror that's been clawing at him has dissipated a little, but that doesn't mean he doesn't still have a lot of making up to do. He feels fractured in a way that he hasn't in a long time, but more capable of fighting his way back to what he'd been. John is a big part of that, forgiving him and being there for him even after what he did. He owes this man a debt far greater than he can ever repay.
And now that he's no longer so much on the edge, John deserves a proper apology from him.
Which is why he knocks at the door for once, rather than sneaking in the window, though he's expecting to be called in to see John in bed, because he doesn't know that John got himself magically fixed up.]
The terror that's been clawing at him has dissipated a little, but that doesn't mean he doesn't still have a lot of making up to do. He feels fractured in a way that he hasn't in a long time, but more capable of fighting his way back to what he'd been. John is a big part of that, forgiving him and being there for him even after what he did. He owes this man a debt far greater than he can ever repay.
And now that he's no longer so much on the edge, John deserves a proper apology from him.
Which is why he knocks at the door for once, rather than sneaking in the window, though he's expecting to be called in to see John in bed, because he doesn't know that John got himself magically fixed up.]
[It's a moment before John is there, looking healed up in full, like nothing has happened.]
Bucky! Hey, you're out the house. Come in. Sherlock's out.
[He opens the door wider, carefully looking the other man over for signs of anything apart from the arm being off. He's still concerned about Bucky's knees, after all.]
Bucky! Hey, you're out the house. Come in. Sherlock's out.
[He opens the door wider, carefully looking the other man over for signs of anything apart from the arm being off. He's still concerned about Bucky's knees, after all.]
[A few days after their conversation, the following books can be found on John and Sherlock's front step:
A Vindication of the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstonecraft (there is a note attached to this book that reads "Start with this one".)
A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedman
The Second Sex by by Simone de Beauvior
That should be enough for now.]
A Vindication of the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstonecraft (there is a note attached to this book that reads "Start with this one".)
A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedman
The Second Sex by by Simone de Beauvior
That should be enough for now.]
Edited 2018-09-11 18:07 (UTC)
[These are going to be hidden away in John's room. He's not going to look at them for a very long while. He's just going to be a little mortified that a Fairy Tale fox is trying to teach him feminism.]
[Bucky's gone back and forth over whether he should actually tell anyone about this conversation, even John, but there are some other things he needs to talk about as well and it gives him an excuse to check in and make sure his idiot friend hasn't managed to get hurt. Again.
So he's dropping round as dusk falls, actually knocking on the door this time. He's dressed fairly warmly in a hoodie with one sleeve tied off, jeans, and army boots. Unfortunately, all of his clothes are now a bit smeared with blood from the boar carcass that he has slung over one shoulder.]
So he's dropping round as dusk falls, actually knocking on the door this time. He's dressed fairly warmly in a hoodie with one sleeve tied off, jeans, and army boots. Unfortunately, all of his clothes are now a bit smeared with blood from the boar carcass that he has slung over one shoulder.]
[A house call from Bucky usually portends trouble. When John opens up, he's surprised and maybe a little concerned.]
Is this your way of telling me you want me to eat more?
[John steps back and motions Bucky in.]
You can put it in the kitchen sink. I'll take care of it.
Is this your way of telling me you want me to eat more?
[John steps back and motions Bucky in.]
You can put it in the kitchen sink. I'll take care of it.
[The morning of November 6th John will find a slice of pie with cookie crumbles atop it is carefully wrapped in plastic in a small package in his mailbox. The pie slice has clearly been carefully packaged and carried over given how pristine it looks.
Taped to the package's side is a letter sealed with a wax stamp. Toriel's handwriting is precise and clean, the writing one expects to see on official letterheads.]
Greetings,
John. I wanted to write you this letter sooner, but, I must admit I was spending time collecting myself. I wanted to find the correct words to express myself. You've done me a great favor and I repaid it with callousness.
I am sorry about what happened earlier this week. Truly, I owe all of you a great apology. You, Royce and Renart were merely trying to help and I lashed out at you. It was terrible of me to do. Pulling on your souls like that, and demanding to fight is appalling behavior. I should know better. With what all of us have lived through, it is inexcusable.
Thank you, truly for aiding me in that time. I understand perfectly if you do not wish to speak to me in the near future.
I hope this letter finds you well.
-Toriel
Taped to the package's side is a letter sealed with a wax stamp. Toriel's handwriting is precise and clean, the writing one expects to see on official letterheads.]
Greetings,
John. I wanted to write you this letter sooner, but, I must admit I was spending time collecting myself. I wanted to find the correct words to express myself. You've done me a great favor and I repaid it with callousness.
I am sorry about what happened earlier this week. Truly, I owe all of you a great apology. You, Royce and Renart were merely trying to help and I lashed out at you. It was terrible of me to do. Pulling on your souls like that, and demanding to fight is appalling behavior. I should know better. With what all of us have lived through, it is inexcusable.
Thank you, truly for aiding me in that time. I understand perfectly if you do not wish to speak to me in the near future.
I hope this letter finds you well.
-Toriel
Toriel,
Not sure I can say it's really okay because that was a bit Not Good. But it is what it is. No harm done and you were in a bad place. Gave me half a fright, though. I haven't seen anything like that since I shared a nightmare with Frisk back in Norfinbury. I didn't realize you could even do that. I'm fine, but I hope you're feeling at least a little bit better. Happy to talk whenever you'd like. Do you have any plans for dinner? If not, why don't you come over to mine?
John
Not sure I can say it's really okay because that was a bit Not Good. But it is what it is. No harm done and you were in a bad place. Gave me half a fright, though. I haven't seen anything like that since I shared a nightmare with Frisk back in Norfinbury. I didn't realize you could even do that. I'm fine, but I hope you're feeling at least a little bit better. Happy to talk whenever you'd like. Do you have any plans for dinner? If not, why don't you come over to mine?
John
[Bucky really is not in the mood to be thwarted by a window tonight and so, when he finds that he can't break into John's window as easily as he usually could, he does the entirely mature thing of punching the reinforced glass a few times in frustration.
Damn it all.
Fine. He'll go and break into a different window, and then sneak through the house to make sure he avoids both Mary and Sherlock, and wait in John's bedroom that way.]
Damn it all.
Fine. He'll go and break into a different window, and then sneak through the house to make sure he avoids both Mary and Sherlock, and wait in John's bedroom that way.]
[John's back from the library a few minutes later. He steps into his room, flicks on the light and has a minor heart attack when he sees Bucky staring at him.]
Jesus Christ, Bucky! D'you want me going entirely gray... [He trails off from the moaning and frowns when he sees how disturbed his friend looks.] What's wrong?
Jesus Christ, Bucky! D'you want me going entirely gray... [He trails off from the moaning and frowns when he sees how disturbed his friend looks.] What's wrong?
[ A few days after Christmas, a package appears on John's porch. Inside is a puzzle box, which ideally will take John a while to figure out how to open just based on how difficult it is to decipher the codes and patterns on it. A letter accompanies the package: ]
Friends give friends puzzles to solve.
Merry Christmas, John.
- Royce
[ On the back of the letter, in invisible ink, is a clue to the start of one of the puzzles. On the inside of the box, when he finally gets it open, is a small carved wooden dog. ]
Friends give friends puzzles to solve.
Merry Christmas, John.
- Royce
[ On the back of the letter, in invisible ink, is a clue to the start of one of the puzzles. On the inside of the box, when he finally gets it open, is a small carved wooden dog. ]
[For a moment, John is a little confused. This seems more like a present for Sherlock. But... well. He does enjoy puzzles.
In return, Royce will find a box on his doorstep, as well. Inside, there are three carved figures. One is him, one is Alfie, and one is Emily. They're still a bit rough, but recognizable, and Emily's is definitely the best, showing his progression in skill as John worked on them. There's a note as well.]
Happy Christmas to your whole family.
- John
In return, Royce will find a box on his doorstep, as well. Inside, there are three carved figures. One is him, one is Alfie, and one is Emily. They're still a bit rough, but recognizable, and Emily's is definitely the best, showing his progression in skill as John worked on them. There's a note as well.]
Happy Christmas to your whole family.
- John
Edited 2019-01-01 02:20 (UTC)
[That's surprisingly sweet. Harley will receive a rough wood carving of a hyena around the new year for her trouble. John hadn't really been thinking about her for gifts, but here we are!
And he's sure as hell not carving a clown for her.]
And he's sure as hell not carving a clown for her.]
John
Hi. I’ve had something come up that could be an issue related to health that I need some help on. It’s nothing serious, but I’d like to talk about it in person. There a time you’re free?
Pokey.
Hi. I’ve had something come up that could be an issue related to health that I need some help on. It’s nothing serious, but I’d like to talk about it in person. There a time you’re free?
Pokey.
[That's mildly concerning.]
Pokey,
Swing by the clinic tomorrow around 9 AM. I'll see you then.
John
[True to his word, John is in the clinic, playing Sudoku puzzles while he waits. He looks up at the sound of the door opening and eyes the lad carefully. John is still a Weapon.]
Hey, mate. Let's head into the exam room. You can tell me what's going on.
Pokey,
Swing by the clinic tomorrow around 9 AM. I'll see you then.
John
[True to his word, John is in the clinic, playing Sudoku puzzles while he waits. He looks up at the sound of the door opening and eyes the lad carefully. John is still a Weapon.]
Hey, mate. Let's head into the exam room. You can tell me what's going on.
[By way of answer, John pulls out his magic compass and finds his way to Alfie, wherever that might be.]
Hey, mate, what's the matter?
[John's eyes lack pupils and his teeth are far too sharp. He really does need to just wish himself back human, but that still hasn't happened, yet.]
Hey, mate, what's the matter?
[John's eyes lack pupils and his teeth are far too sharp. He really does need to just wish himself back human, but that still hasn't happened, yet.]
[Come Valentine's Day morning John will find a small nicely packaged gift in his mailbox. When he opens the package, he'll find three heart-shaped strawberry tarts within. Along with a note.]
Hello, John,
I hope you find yourself well on this fine holiday. I was told Valentine's day was about spreading the love, so I wanted to give you some baked goods. I hope you're having a lovely day thus far.
-Toriel
Hello, John,
I hope you find yourself well on this fine holiday. I was told Valentine's day was about spreading the love, so I wanted to give you some baked goods. I hope you're having a lovely day thus far.
-Toriel
[That's rather sweet.]
Toriel,
Cheers for the snacks. Mary sends along her thanks with mine and Sherlock says thanks in spirit, given he wolfed down one of those tarts. Loved the tarts, hope you have a great holiday, too!
-John
Toriel,
Cheers for the snacks. Mary sends along her thanks with mine and Sherlock says thanks in spirit, given he wolfed down one of those tarts. Loved the tarts, hope you have a great holiday, too!
-John
[What comes staggering into the clinic today is a sight for sore eyes. Alfie and Royce both have a fair amount of blood on their clothes, and Royce has his arm firmly around Alfie, as if helping to hold him up as they walk. There's a bloody bandage around Alfie's right hand, which he's keeping at around shoulder level - elevating it above his heart, as per Royce's strict (and probably overly cautious) orders. Despite this, it's Royce who looks the most green around the gills: his eyes are glassy, he's pale and breathing shallowly, and he looks like he's about five seconds away from a full-on panic attack. Alfie, predictably, seems more concerned with this than he does with his own hand; his eyes flick to Royce every few seconds, and his mouth is in a thin, worried line.
None of this is going to stop him from being a trolling dick, though.]
It's worse than it looks, mate; most of this blood is from the other man.
[He says to John, once they've located him. He will, of course, tell him the real story soon: that most of it's just rabbit blood, and they're coming here straight from the slaughterhouse. He can't resist having a bit of fun first, though.]
None of this is going to stop him from being a trolling dick, though.]
It's worse than it looks, mate; most of this blood is from the other man.
[He says to John, once they've located him. He will, of course, tell him the real story soon: that most of it's just rabbit blood, and they're coming here straight from the slaughterhouse. He can't resist having a bit of fun first, though.]
[ He doesn't look great, but he's managing. He seems okay enough to make sure that Alfie isn't going to keel over. Not that Alfie would - the knife cut isn't that bad, Royce is just not doing so hot as far as paranoia and mental health. ]
Might have a mess for you to clean up, John. Theoretically. [ Royce says after Alfie - and though he sounds exhausted, he's still going to help play up the trolling. How could he not? ]
Might have a mess for you to clean up, John. Theoretically. [ Royce says after Alfie - and though he sounds exhausted, he's still going to help play up the trolling. How could he not? ]
[ While performing maintenance work on his car that requires it to be running during it, one of the metal belts come loose, and only by virtue of K's fast reflexes is he able to avoid anything worse than a shredded forearm. He cleans and tends to it as best he can, but with it still bleeding as profusely as it is, he knows he's going to need actual medical assistance that isn't just skin glue. Rather than immediately heading for the clinic, however, he bandages his arm and instead tracks Royce down and awkwardly asks if he wouldn't mind coming along — and so the pair of them turn up at the clinic not long after. ]
Thanks for coming with me. You don't have to stay. [ If K sounds guilty, it's because he's remembering Royce and John's spat over the Norfinbury memory. ] I just...
[ Didn't want to have to face a doctor alone. Even though, logically, he knows John's not much like the doctors or android technicians from his homeworld, who would strap him down (as though the restraints were even necessary) and perform procedures that ... altered him. He still has trouble really recalling the details, by design, but his subconscious remembers.
Royce knows John well, and K trusts Royce. That's what it boils down to.
When they enter the clinic, the nature of their visit will be obvious at a glance, with K applying pressure to the blood-soaked bandaging wrapped around his forearm. At least he didn't also ruin his clothes, since he's in a short sleeved shirt for once. ]
Thanks for coming with me. You don't have to stay. [ If K sounds guilty, it's because he's remembering Royce and John's spat over the Norfinbury memory. ] I just...
[ Didn't want to have to face a doctor alone. Even though, logically, he knows John's not much like the doctors or android technicians from his homeworld, who would strap him down (as though the restraints were even necessary) and perform procedures that ... altered him. He still has trouble really recalling the details, by design, but his subconscious remembers.
Royce knows John well, and K trusts Royce. That's what it boils down to.
When they enter the clinic, the nature of their visit will be obvious at a glance, with K applying pressure to the blood-soaked bandaging wrapped around his forearm. At least he didn't also ruin his clothes, since he's in a short sleeved shirt for once. ]
Edited 2019-07-28 12:16 (UTC)
[There's a surprising number of actual injuries of late, which is to say any that people don't just run off to one of the magical healers for. Not that John is complaining. He'd like to think he's useful for something beyond cleaning the equipment. The Meadous clinic is, quite possibly, the cleanest medical facility he's ever worked in, and it's purely because there's not a lot else to do.
When Royce comes in with K, the android bleeding profusely, John sets down the book of Sudoku he's been going through and rises, takes stock, then gestures them to the back. His tone is firm, authoritative.]
Follow me to the back and tell me how it happened, please.
When Royce comes in with K, the android bleeding profusely, John sets down the book of Sudoku he's been going through and rises, takes stock, then gestures them to the back. His tone is firm, authoritative.]
Follow me to the back and tell me how it happened, please.
[Several days after his injury, Alfie can walk, sort of - he's taken a few experimental turns around the room, though it never takes long for his ribs to start to ache. The level of throat pain, too, goes up and down; sometimes he can get out full sentences for a little while, but other times he has to resort to hand gestures and writing things down (with his non-dominant but non-injured left hand, so sometimes the hand gestures are more decipherable). He's at the point of recovery where he's healed enough to be bored, but still not quite healed enough to be sent home yet - which can be a dangerous combination.
He's lying quietly at the moment, with Royce (who has been a near-constant presence at the clinic) squeezed onto the bed next to him, sleeping curled up against his side. The next time he spots Watson either entering or walking past the room, he picks up the empty water glass on his bedside table and mimes drinking from it, raising a hopeful eyebrow. In a hoarse voice and with a completely straight face, he croaks:]
Whiskey?
He's lying quietly at the moment, with Royce (who has been a near-constant presence at the clinic) squeezed onto the bed next to him, sleeping curled up against his side. The next time he spots Watson either entering or walking past the room, he picks up the empty water glass on his bedside table and mimes drinking from it, raising a hopeful eyebrow. In a hoarse voice and with a completely straight face, he croaks:]
Whiskey?
Edited 2019-09-18 21:31 (UTC)
[John heads into the room.]
Mm... fresh out, mate.
[He grabs the glass and moves to the nearby tap to fill the glass for Alfie.]
Could maybe go fetch you some nice bread, instead. The nurse is good with that.
[Is he teasing Alfie? Yes. Yes, he is.]
Mm... fresh out, mate.
[He grabs the glass and moves to the nearby tap to fill the glass for Alfie.]
Could maybe go fetch you some nice bread, instead. The nurse is good with that.
[Is he teasing Alfie? Yes. Yes, he is.]
[Well, it sounds like Alfie is getting the better end of this deal to John, but he heads over. He's been fairly reclusive since the whole Beetle... mess. The snow having blanketed the village doesn't help his general level of anxiety, Sherlock's being miserable and sulky again, and there's the Trading Post for the Beetles to mind. John's done his part to help out with that, at least, trudging out to trade with the creatures to encourage their efforts as good citizens.
Mostly it's been that and walking his dog when he's not at the clinic or home. It's been a very subdued month in the Holmes-Watson household. He knocks on Alfie's door.]
Hope you've got the tea, Solomons. I'm not carrying a full service over here.
Mostly it's been that and walking his dog when he's not at the clinic or home. It's been a very subdued month in the Holmes-Watson household. He knocks on Alfie's door.]
Hope you've got the tea, Solomons. I'm not carrying a full service over here.
[ There's a knock on the door, a few days before the end of January. Royce is standing on John's porch with a small bonsai tree in his hands, staring down at it. His hood is up, and he looks particularly small. But he's here. And he's waiting.
He hopes he didn't make the trek through the snow for nothing. ]
He hopes he didn't make the trek through the snow for nothing. ]
[John answers after a moment, looking down at the small, colorful tree.]
Uh... hey. [The door opens a little wider as he gestures Royce in.] That's a nice-looking tree.
[Is it... a peace-offering?]
Uh... hey. [The door opens a little wider as he gestures Royce in.] That's a nice-looking tree.
[Is it... a peace-offering?]
Hullo to you, too. Yes. Why, have you found something?
[He's not holding his breath, but sure, he'll bite.]
[He's not holding his breath, but sure, he'll bite.]
Doctor Watson, I've injured both K and Dr. House. If you can, please check on them.
Rhys is here with me now and Roy Mustang has been keeping an eye on me since I came across him. Rhys thinks it might have been caused by some sort of magical emotional overload, but I don't know for sure.
Rhys is here with me now and Roy Mustang has been keeping an eye on me since I came across him. Rhys thinks it might have been caused by some sort of magical emotional overload, but I don't know for sure.
[What the hell, Gabe?]
I will. What do you mean you injured them? How?
[He might be able to help House, but he's not as sure about K.]
I will. What do you mean you injured them? How?
[He might be able to help House, but he's not as sure about K.]
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