A/N: "Torment" part 13. Double-drabble at 200 words. New content added November 2013.
"Holmes?" I knocked on his door and peered inside. I knew he would consider it an intrusion, but I did not want to drag this on. "Please…I want to apologize—"
"Does nothing please you, Doctor?" he said, glaring at me. I felt lower than the mud from the Ridgeway crusting his boots.
"I'm sorry…" I wanted to explain my position, but really, what more could I say? Arguing the situation would accomplish nothing but possibly put further strife and distance between us. The last thing I wanted.
No…the last thing I wanted, was to hurt my friend. The look in his eyes showed the clear wound my words had caused. After all, his intent was kindness. The problems from days past no longer mattered.
After a long moment, Holmes sighed. "All right, Watson."
We looked at each other, our expressions eventually relaxing. A thought suddenly occurred to me.
"What on earth have you been doing in Enfield?"
He grinned. "I've just returned from Botany Bay."
"Botany Bay?"
"We've a case, my dear Watson."
I grinned and strode into the room, eager to return to our usual patterns.
I then noticed his smile did not reach his eyes.