[network/video] @309_W1C_2DZ; Day 205; Midday [open] cw: mention of suicide

[howdull]

[For once Sherlock is not on text only, he's on video in all his glory. Which is a very diminished glory today, considering he looks terrible. Too thin in the face, though his clothes hide the rest of him, and dishevelled as though he's spent a few months not really putting any care into his appearance. His hair is longer than the last time anyone has seen him, and he looks older.

He's moving frantically in short bursts of energy, jittery, as if he isn't quite sure whether he wants to stay still or keep moving.]

Data, yes, I should share that. [It's a mumble to himself as the tablet tilts, giving an askew feed of the detective.] Purposeful death does cause nearly guaranteed revival, this has now been tested several times with no known cases of permanent death.

[The tablet shifts again as Sherlock moves between morgue drawers, checking them one by one and then moving on.]

John. [It's a sudden shift in direction.] John Watson, has anyone seen him?

Comments

[thewarningafter]

[Stephen sighs softly.]

He died, same night as you. Didn't kill himself. I haven't seen any messages from him yet.

[howdull]

[Sherlock stares at the camera as if he's frozen, expression slack and eyes dull as if he's literally shut down for a few moments. Before everything snaps back online again and he shakes his head.]

I calculated for his survival, are you certain?

[thewarningafter]

He messaged me to ask me to help take over his patients. He didn't stay on the line, but that was the last I heard from him.

[howdull]

[For just a moment his expression crumples into grief, looking as though he might collapse under the strain of it, but it only lasts a second before he gets some control over himself again.]

I see.

[Why?]

I have to find his body, are you near any of the morgues?

[thewarningafter]

[He'd wanted to spare Sherlock that, but he'd hoped that having an answer would get the other man to hurry up and get somewhere safe for the night.]

Not anymore, no. I'm not that far from you now.

[howdull]

I don't care.

[Perhaps a bit too blunt, but having to tell the truth and his panic makes it roll off his tongue.]

I'm not looking for a travelling companion, I'm looking for John.

[thewarningafter]

He's dead.

[Stephen feels his patience slip away from him as he snaps back.]

It doesn't make any difference what drawer he's in, and you're going to be back in a drawer yourself if you don't get out of there.

[howdull]

[Sherlock's face contorts briefly into grief, before he hangs up abruptly.

He doesn't need you, face-twin, he can find John's body on his own!!!]