John Watson looks terrible.
Now, you're no Sherlock Holmes, but you can deduce from the lack of a friendly smile, the forced conversation, the clothes sagging in all the wrong places from too much weight-loss, and most obviously the limp, that poor Watson has had a horrible time.
What's more is that you, yourself are woefully unequipped to fix him, if this horrible conversation is anything to go by. And to think you'd just been complaining about how much you'd changed since your college years!
John Watson had been a nice bloke, the sort who could coax a smile out of a body even after two sleepless nights of endless study. While never the most popular of students he'd had a wide circle of friends and could make even the most awkward person feel comfortable around him. Bit of a thrill seeker though, always up for trouble be it some sort of prank or a good old fashioned night on the town. In fact hadn't John been the friend who'd goaded you into skydiving that one time?
That seems to have all changed now. The playful, adventurous light that had always sparked in John's eyes has dulled and the ever present kindness is replaced with an almost animalistic loneliness-one that seems to be a defense mechanism almost.
You have always liked John, but you never could succeed in supporting him in the way he needed. Once, while you were both studying at Bart's, you had helped John tow a drunken Harry home. Completely plastered, Harry had begun hurling terrible insults against her brother; berating him for being the "perfect" Watson child and that she had no need for his oh-so-saintly pity. You can still remember the way John's face had closed off behind a stoic mask and on the ride home every inquiry or plattitude you offered was met with a gentle but distracted grunt.
And as a war vetren? It's so much worse. There's no way you can possibly relate and you both know it. He's seen and done things you can't imagine, so how can you possibly find a way to make it better for your old friend?
One thing is for sure though, John should under no circumstances be left alone.
"I don't know, get a flat share or something?"
Your suggestion (really more of a plea) is met with a snort and eyeroll.
"C'mon. Who'd want me for a flatmate?
It is nearly impossible to find someone willing to put up with my habits. Haven't the foggiest idea why myself, but I am a most difficult man to find a flatmate for.
Sherlock Holmes and John Watson?
Sherlock had only briefly mentioned in passing his search for a flatmate and you had offered to keep a lookout for someone. Honestly, you hadn't thought about it since because you can't think of anyone insane enough to put up with the mad detective 24/7.
But here's John, a thrill seeker who's back from the war and incredibly lonely and bored. Sherlock is absolutely anything but boring, and probably one of the loneliest people you have ever met. It might not work, you can't really think of anyone more polar opposite of Sherlock. Then again, it could make things better too. After all, that kindness you saw in your days at Uni together has to still be in there somewhere. And who is more in need of kindness then Sherlock who's commonly referred to as "The Freak"?
"What is it?"
Watson had looked bored throughtout the entire meeting.
"Well, you're the second person to say that to me today."
It's a bit more impulsive then you're used to, but you put your faith in your decision.
AN: Word of advice? NEVER get three jobs...it's ridiculous to try and schedule your day!
But here I am fanfictioning. I seriously love Mike Stamford and while my focus initially was, of course, on John. After watching it a few times *blushes profusely at "a few times"* I found myself sympathizing with Mike a little bit. He obviously was really happy to see John and any idiot could see that John was hurting but Mike had no idea what to do or how to help him. Luckily, the crazy decision to introduce him to Sherlock Holmes paid off! ^_^
If you liked it, let me know! If you didn't, tell me what bugged you. In short, please review! :D