sixwordstories | (no subject)

[And there is Holmes, standing behind Watson, tutting loud enough for him to hear.]

Do you need me to look after some of your money for you? For safe keeping?

I don't really think that's necessary, do you? [Twists in his seat, arm slung across the back of his chair, and brandishing a fistful of notes. There's hardly a man in the room who looks more pleased with himself.] Especially since I've just won us ten pounds.

[Alright. That's impressive. Even Holmes has to admit that. He makes a slow careful movement towards the money to put it in his pocket for safe keeping.] Hmm, sounds like our rent for the next few months doesn't appear to be an issue then. Perhaps we should quit while we're ahead?

Yes, but I -- we can't leave just yet. [He's on a roll, Holmes, can't you see that? He draws his hand back, drawing out two notes from the stack, holding up the sum of twenty shillings for Holmes' inspection.] What do you say to one more roll and I'll treat us to a fish supper?

I would agree to that if I weren't so well aware that each roll has the odds of fifteen to one. [Yes. Holmes ruins parties. Seriously, though, Watson should at least be betting on something which he can somewhat accurately predict, not something so deliberately random.]

Though I'm sure that you're well aware of the odds. Aren't you, Watson?

It'd hardly be worth playing if I didn't. [If anything, there are probably few who understand the rules and the pitfalls of the game better, Watson having played it so often ~~and lost so regularly~~.]

[He looks back to the table with a frown, torn, eyes falling to the money in his hands, weighing it as though he can sense its worth.] Alright, ten shillings then. And you can decide the wager.

[That's as much as he's willing to concede, although should he be lucky enough to win the next roll there's a good chance it'll only strengthen his resolve to keep betting.] Though, that being said, I say we should place it on the five and nine. What do you think?

[Holmes sucks on his tongue and shrugs, rolling his eyes, his actions verging on sulking.] Fine. Do what you want. It doesn't matter anyway.

[He's quiet for a moment, hands buried deep into his pockets before eventually piping up.] Though I'd pick four and six. That's simply my personal opinion.

[Well, if it stops him sulking too thoroughly...] Alright, four and six it is.

[Watson nods to the shooter, setting the money on the table and sitting forward to watch the outcome, elbows on his knees and his hands clasped beneath his chin. This is the part he loves the best, the one that has his heart racing and, as the dice are tossed, make his stomach clench in anticipation. It's a high of a different sort, that much is clear.]

[Sadly Watson's joy and excitement is short-lived as the dice fall and favour, quite unluckily, five and nine. Sherlock's nose wrinkles for a second before his slightly disgruntled and disappointed expression is replaced with one of forced nonchalance.

The odds were terrible anyway, Watson. I told you that I didn't like betting on these types of games.

[For a fleeting moment, Watson instinctively thinks to put down another bet, to win back the money he's lost but a brief glance in Holmes' direction gives him pause. He nods, sitting back with a sigh.] I think cards are probably more your game, Holmes.

[Standing, he tucks only five shillings into the inside pocket of his coat and holds the rest out to Holmes.] For safe keeping. Though some of it needs to go to a, ah... I lost it on a boxing match last week. [He at least has the good grace to look somewhat sheepish.] You'll see that it's sorted?

[Oh, look. There's the highly ironic expression of disapproval from Holmes as he takes the money and carefully places it in his coat pocket. It is a rare, glorious moment when Sherlock can utilise such a look at Watson rather than being on the receiving end of it. Every cloud certainly had a silver lining and Sherlock thinks it best to milk it for all it's worth.

Of course, Watson. Just, next time, I suggest that you don't bet on someone of whose background you know very little. In fact, next time just always bet on me. Safer that way.