[log] Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary [closed]

[jumpthegun]

Characters: John Watson, Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft Holmes, Royce Melborn, Alfie Solomons
Location: Building 29
Date: Night 281
Summary: Team meet-up turns to grieving when Mary is lost to an anomaly.
Warnings: Character death, dissociation, hallucination

[A small shed outside the school, going inside reveals sports equipment is being stored in here. There are hurdles, various sports balls, giant mats, and the like. There's nothing that could be used as a weapon, though, unless you're going to try to hurl a basketball at someone's head. This is the only place on the campus it's possible to stay in overnight.]

Comments

[devoutish]

Tell me if there's anything I can do. Please.

[bywolves]

Tired. [ He mutters. ] I feel weak.

[ Probably because he hasn't eaten, the dummy. ] Sit with me for a while.

[devoutish]

I'll sit with you for the rest of the night.

[Yeah, he's not leaving your side for more than a few minutes at a time, buddy.]

Here, have some tea-- here.

[He pours a cup, and passes it over. It's chamomile.]

[bywolves]

[ Royce tries a few more crackers, and then takes the tea, leaning against Alfie's side. He's not quite as physically affectionate as normal, sort of tense, mostly because of Sherlock and Mycroft. He doesn't want to give them fuel. He doesn't trust them not to lash out.

But he does press their shoulders together, trying to pull his blanket closer as he shivers. He sips the tea. ]

Did you give some of this to John? [ Royce asks quietly. ]

[devoutish]

Mm, yeah. He's doing poorly.

[He perches his chin on the top of Royce's head very lightly, so that it'll be easy for him to pull back if he wants.]

[bywolves]

[ He's okay with this. ]

I know how he feels. [ And he closes his eyes. He's trying to make sure nobody else can hear them talk. ] I don't know what to say to him.

[devoutish]

You did fine.

[Look, of course Alfie overheard; they're packed in like sardines here.]

Better than I did.

[bywolves]

You did it the way you used to do to me. [ He's noticed the difference!! ]

[devoutish]

What do you mean?

[Alfie... kind of has, but it's not something he consciously thinks about, really.]

[bywolves]

Used to be more aggressive. [ Royce shrugs. He's gotta be honest. ] You still bully me into taking care of myself but not as roughly.

[devoutish]

Should I?

[bywolves]

It doesn't matter. I'm trying to take care of myself so I don't upset you into leaving me somewhere, not because you press.

[devoutish]

And how many times have I told you I'm not gonna leave you anywhere?

[bywolves]

A lot. [ He knows. ] It's probably an irrational fear.

[devoutish]

Very irrational, yeah. How afraid of it are you?

[bywolves]

Very. I don't like that you're asking me this when I can't lie.

[devoutish]

Yeah, sorry.

[But he shifts closer, pressing his nose down against Royce's hair.]

[bywolves]

[ He grunts, turning a little into Alfie's side. He's maybe a little mad. Not enough to pull away, though. ]

[devoutish]

Would you rather not talk at all, then?

[bywolves]

I don't trust myself. I'm going to end up saying something I don't want to say.

[devoutish]

I didn't do it on purpose. Wasn't thinking.

[bywolves]

I know. [ He sighs. ] Talking is fine.

[devoutish]

You pick what to talk about, then. Whatever you like.

[bywolves]

Where do you want to go?

[devoutish]

The countryside.

[Deliberately misunderstanding the question.]

Rent a little cottage for a week or so, somewhere warmer.