I'm tired of being what you want me to be
Feeling so faithless, lost under the surface
Don't know what you're expecting of me
Put under the pressure of walking in your shoes
(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)
Every step that I take is another mistake to you
(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)
I've become so numb, I can't feel you there
Become so tired, so much more aware
I'm becoming this, all I want to do
Is be more like me and be less like you
"Watson didn't of course grasp this at first and was left to discover the solution when we reached the station." Holmes concluded his tale.
Watson growled as Holmes criticized his moves once again in front of Lestrade. It was a final piece of frustration that was turning his tired mind even darker. Holmes just didn't grasp that not every human being was so extraordinary. It was like Watson himself could never live up to the expectations Holmes had of him. Just because he wasn't as wise at Holmes didn't mean he was a fool.
"For as foolish as you think I am you certainly show little common sense in risking that incredible brain of yours in your daring escapades." He hissed. "You might've been killed by that man without my intervention!"
Can't you see that you're smothering me,
Holding too tightly, afraid to lose control?
'Cause everything that you thought I would be
Has fallen apart right in front of you.
(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)
Every step that I take is another mistake to you.
(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)
And every second I waste is more than I can take.
I've become so numb, I can't feel you there,
Become so tired, so much more aware
I'm becoming this, all I want to do
Is be more like me and be less like you.
Holmes glared at the doctor seated opposite of him. He was always smothering Holmes. Always trying to tie a leash on him and keep tabs on him. Holmes couldn't be chained. He refused to be held back by anyone's fears when the solution of a case was in his grasp. It was clear the barb was intended to try to buoy Watson's failing confidence in the fact he hadn't caught onto the solution nearly as fast, but Holmes wasn't having it.
"Sounds like a wonderful job done gentlemen, I'd better get back to the missus." Lestrade said, rising in haste to leave. He'd not witnessed many of their arguments, but nor did he want to.
"Very well, goodnight Lestrade." Watson said.
Their eyes remained locked on one another and Lestrade gave a warning to Mrs. Hudson before he left.
And I know
I may end up failing too.
But I know
You were just like me with someone disappointed in you.
I've become so numb, I can't feel you there,
Become so tired, so much more aware.
I'm becoming this, all I want to do
Is be more like me and be less like you.
Linkin Park "Numb"
"I am tired of you making me sound like a bloody fool Holmes!" Watson hissed.
At the same time, Holmes growled out a protest of his own. "I will not be held back during a case to satisfy your safety concerns!"
They just stared at each other for a moment, each one willing the other to back down.
"I give you special leave to join me on cases, I don't need your mothering." Holmes growled.
"And I don't have to come and patch you up time and time again. If you don't want to employ my services any longer there are scores of doctors that will see you the next time you are injured." Watson rose to leave.
"Wait…" Holmes called just as Watson reached the door.
Watson paused, equally unhappy with the tension between them. He knew if he stormed out he would lose in the end eventually.
"If I promise to try not to criticize you anymore will you try to accept my recklessness more?" He asked.
A compromise. The closest thing they could reach to being completely happy. It was the best deal he could get. "Very well, but when I do speak up, you must hear me out before dashing off." Watson said. "If I speak up, it's because I genuinely want to see the case concluded with as little bloodshed as necessary. And if anyone were to hurt you I'm afraid I would have no choice but to kill them. And if I got hurt…"
Holmes' eyes grew large. He had to accept the doctors terms, difficult as it would be. "Very well doctor, I agree."