sixwordstories | (no subject)

It is not at your expense, not really. No.

[Leaning against the back of the sofa, he's calming down quite a bit as he reclines idly. Though he cannot sit still, sitting up again after a few moments.]

I'm merely restless today - has the post come, yet? Any calls for our services?

Mrs. Hudson has left a few letters for you - Ah, here they are. Surely one of them may spark your interest.

[Sorting through a few letters, he hands them over to the other man, anxious to see if this evening will find them off on some mystery.]

[Taking them with vaguely trembling fingers, he makes no mention of it as he opens the first letter. Reading it quickly, he frowns and sets it aside and does the same with the second.]

When will people realize that misplacing objects does not warrant a detective but a thorough house cleaning? I suspect there will be much of the same here...

[He does take the time to open each of the pieces of mail, squinting at one for a moment before nodding to himself.]

Well, anything that suits you?

We're to have a visitor, but not until tomorrow morning, so I suggest you clear your schedule. The others aren't even cases at all.

Consider it cleared. Who is our visitor?

Miss Harriet O'Brien - apparently her husband to be is not who he seems to be.

[Alas, Watson has such a soft spot for women in need.]

Well, surely then you'll be able to assist her.

[Indeed, Holmes has noticed.]

She requests your services, specifically, Doctor. Part of the issue apparently deals in the medical field.

[He pauses, noticeably both flattered and mildly flustered by this.]

But why - Of course, I'll do my best to assist her as I may, but surely if he is leading some apparent double life, than that is far more your expertise.

The manner in which he is leading a double life is cause for both of our involvement. But! That is for tomorrow.

[He pushes himself up and off of the sofa, abandoning the useless letters and pocketing the one he has decided to answer. Restless, he starts pacing behind the sofa slowly.]

Does the letter say nothing else on the matter?

Nothing worth noting at the present.

I see.

Well, then, what do you propose to do while we await tomorrow's arrival of Miss O'Brien?

[It seems as if he does not hear the question posed to him for the length of time it takes him to answer.]

I could leave you to your writings, or, perhaps we could dine out.

I trust you would more agreeable with dining out than if I were to pick up my pen once more.

[Watson earns himself a pointed look for that.]

Indeed I would, as would my appetite.

Then I suppose we can say the matter is settled.

[He snorts again, and walks right past Watson and into his open bedroom, calling out to the man.]

I also need to stop at the chemist's while we are out.

To what purpose?

[He goes to retrieve his coat and hat.]

I have run out of various necessities for my experiments.

Ah. [And though Holmes can't see it, he nods anyway.]

[He's making himself as presentable as possible without venturing into the bathroom. When he comes back out into the sitting room, he doesn't sit down again, but hovers near where Watson is sitting.]

I am all out of calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and other bases.

I see no problem in stopping to replenish your supply. You'd no doubt take us there regardless.

[Also he'll be picking up his cocaine, but Watson likely already knows that. If he does not, then he need not know.]

Indeed. I am ready to depart whenever you are, Doctor.