Prompt: Watson's temper gets him into trouble

From: Hades Lord of the Dead

A/N: Part 2 – continues from my 11th prompt response

...

Once I finished my coffee, I went to find Small and confront him about the rumours he was spreading. On the way, I met Gregson, another friendly rival to Lestrade and Holmes, talking to Inspector Bradstreet over weak tea.

"Hullo, Watson!" He exclaimed on seeing me approach. "I thought you might be with Holmes!"

"I have something important to deal with," I informed him, with an involuntary growl. "One of your colleagues is spreading gossip about me moving out of Baker Street because of my argument with Holmes!"

"It wouldn't happen to be Small, would it?" Bradstreet asked cautiously. At my surprised nod, he added "he's been spreading rumours for a long time."

"Yeah," Agreed Gregson. "He's not a very popular fellow with us or Lestrade. Why, he only said last week that Hopkins had got his fiancée pregnant out of wedlock."

"The devil!" I exclaimed angrily.

"We know Hopkins is a good lad; but he's not keen on working with Small after that incident. Lestrade tried to have him fired for being a bully and a liar, but he's pretty chummy with the Superintendent."

I was very certain these two Inspectors would have to hold me back should I encounter that Small again- both Holmes and Hopkins being targeted within two weeks?! No wonder poor Hopkins was so nervous when I revealed my intentions to teach him a lesson.

Well, if he cannot be fired so easily, he must be stopped in his tracks.

...

Fortunately, I had not long to wait until I met Small again. Unfortunately, I had no idea that this meeting would end in disaster.

But I shall not reveal my woe until I recount events properly.

Small had been laughing about something with a couple of policemen who were also not too friendly with the circle Holmes and I kept with. These men were more dishonest and had no conscience when it came to respecting their fellow men.

As I got closer, I realised I had no plan on how to actually talk to Small.

"...but seriously, gentlemen. DO you think he's sincere?" Small asked.

I froze, trying my best to look inconspicuous, so I could work out the moist tactical plan.

"How could anyone hope to maintain a friendship with a man who only cares about solving crimes and gets depressed when people are not endangered by the scum of the Earth? And then he ditches his friends and messes with their minds, making them think he's dead, whilst he goes gallivanting round the world! This man clearly doesn't understand the meaning of friendship, am I right?"

I felt blood rush to my face in anger at the unkind words spewing from Small's mouth as the two constables doubled over in laughter. Holmes may not provide the same companionship and affection as most men would for their friends, but I accepted and appreciated Holmes' friendship.

And he had not 'died' to mess with my mind! He had died to protect me and all endangered by Moriarty's men! And he came back as soon as he had been able!

My fingers slowly curled into fists. The tips dug precariously into my palms. My shoulders tensed. My knees bent.

The bull pup was well and truly unleashed.

Breaking into a run, the last thing I remember before it happened was me bellowing an Afghan cry remembered from my time in the service, elbowing the two constables as I did so, my arm stretching out for Small...

...

"What the bloody hell were you thinking?!" Lestrade yelled at me, about twenty minutes after the incident had unfolded. Small gave me a reproachful glare, but I ignored him. Holmes also gave me an icy look from over Lestrade's shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Lestrade, I honestly am. I was not meant to perform such violence." I explained weakly, realising now that losing my temper could get me arrested- or banned from the Yard.

"A partner is useless to me behind bars, Doctor." Holmes added acidly, and I felt stung. Holmes had sent me to prison undercover- innocent, I can assure you- at least once. "I cannot believe you assaulted an Inspector, Watson. This puts me in a difficult position."

I was trying not to snap again- I was still full of rage and adrenaline from the attack on Small. I will readily admit that I knew I was in the wrong, but it had given me no small satisfaction to hear his nose crack on contact.

"Be grateful that I'm only banning you from the Yard temporarily, Watson!" Lestrade growled, his rat-like features twisted into a glare. "Mrs. Hudson will have a fit if she hears about your appalling behaviour." He added.

I knew- and I was ashamed. At least my Mary wouldn't hear about it tonight. But I suspect she would be happy if she had been watching me from the Heavens.

But I had a feeling it would be a while before Holmes forgave me for getting him into such a difficult position with the Yard, for he had not wanted to go without me, and I could not go in the Yard until Lestrade gave me the all clear.

I was just lucky I had avoided jail.

But, in all honesty, I wish I was there now. Dealing with Small gloating over my fate was better than dealing with Holmes at home after everything that had transpired within the past two days.