"Of course I am, he has made it perfectly clear to me what he--" Sherlock was suddenly aware of his visceral reactions and forced the volume of his voice back down. It wouldn't do for John to hear any of this conversation. "What he wants," he finished quietly.
"And that is?"
"He... he's not himself now. He's been through something indescribable, and doesn't need this complication. He still feels as if he has no ability to make choices. But he can learn to control whatever negativity might arise from taking conscious steps, given his own indefinite timetable and the right support. He needs to determine how he truly feels. It will take some effort, and some time. He's spent a long time being made to think his feelings aren't relevant."
Sherlock wasn't entirely sure how he could hear a soft smile, but he knew it was there. And he was puzzled as to why. "And that's what John Watson need. Well, this has been an informative chat for all concerned," Mycroft said, with a surprising amount of warmth. "You know, you could always order him not to follow any more orders."
"Spare me your inappropriate interpretations of heuristic maxims. As appealing as the simplicity is, it is not the answer, and the levity is misplaced. I have important tasks to attend to. I'll let you get back to reinstating the British Empire in all her glory. Usurp someone's autonomy for me, won't you?"
Re: FILL 16b/? "138" (John in slave auction)
"Of course I am, he has made it perfectly clear to me what he--" Sherlock was suddenly aware of his visceral reactions and forced the volume of his voice back down. It wouldn't do for John to hear any of this conversation. "What he wants," he finished quietly.
"And that is?"
"He... he's not himself now. He's been through something indescribable, and doesn't need this complication. He still feels as if he has no ability to make choices. But he can learn to control whatever negativity might arise from taking conscious steps, given his own indefinite timetable and the right support. He needs to determine how he truly feels. It will take some effort, and some time. He's spent a long time being made to think his feelings aren't relevant."
Sherlock wasn't entirely sure how he could hear a soft smile, but he knew it was there. And he was puzzled as to why. "And that's what John Watson need. Well, this has been an informative chat for all concerned," Mycroft said, with a surprising amount of warmth. "You know, you could always order him not to follow any more orders."
"Spare me your inappropriate interpretations of heuristic maxims. As appealing as the simplicity is, it is not the answer, and the levity is misplaced. I have important tasks to attend to. I'll let you get back to reinstating the British Empire in all her glory. Usurp someone's autonomy for me, won't you?"
"Best to you as well."