Title: Making the Connection
Story Summary: A non-chronological collection of short chapters based on one word prompts, includes (pre-)slash for Johnlock & Mystrade
Chapter Summary: Sherlock is in the hospital after another drug-related incident. Pre-series character-study. Prompt: Torch
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Moffat, Gatiss & SACD.
A/N: This chapter is connected to chapter 17 'Pattern', but it also is a bit of background to my other story 'Lunch Break Coincidences'. And as most of the time the prompt came from oneword(dot)com, if you'd like to prompt me you can do so in a review or a PM.
"Okay, now let me see your adaptation." Stamford held his forehead and shone into his eyes with his torch that was concealed as a pen. When he had examined both his pupils he turned the light off and tucked it back into his breast pocket. "Both your pupils are reacting normally again. How do you feel today?"
"Like I came down from somewhere very far up way too quickly." Sherlock looked at the doctor with resignation written all over his face. "Do you have any idea how bloody frightening it is when you're high and get dragged into a helicopter by three gorillas dressed in suits?"
"You know your brother is only worried about you." Stamford noted down Sherlock's vitals on the chart. He hadn't expected the young drug addict back for at least another couple of days. His cooling off period between being tremendously stupid became shorter. And something else was off.
Sherlock grunted and turned his head to face the door, outside of which there sat a man in a dark suit, reading the morning paper. "He's got a funny way of showing it."
Stamford moved into Sherlock's line of sight and closed the door. "Yes, keeping somebody from accidentally committing suicide is a really weird way of showing them affection."
The only reply to that was a snort.
"We've been over this a hundred times. I know I can't talk any sense into you when it comes to your little habit." His voice was calm and he looked at Sherlock intently. "But I will never stop telling you that you are wrong about your brother. He does care about you."
Just as Stamford finished talking his beeper went off, calling him to a critical patient. He shot the young man in the hospital bed an apologetic look and rushed out the door.
Sherlock stared out the window into the exceptionally sunny autumn day. "You're wrong. Nobody ever does", he told Stamford and wasn't surprised when he didn't get a reply.