literature

Watching You Fall Omegle 31

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You: John stared at his computer screen and contemplated what he wanted to write next. This scene was difficult and he wanted to find the perfect words. The perfect way to portray the character who had almost come to life for him. His cellphone beeping insistently at him broke his artistic reverie. He looked away from Gabriel's dialogue with a sigh but smiled when he saw Lestrade's number.

Stranger: Hey, want to do something? -GL

You: Sure. Can you give me a half hour though? I really want to finish up this scene in my novel. - JW

Stranger: Sure. Do I get a sneak peak anytime soon? -GL

You: Why not? I'll bring the first chapter with me. Where do you want to meet? - JW

Stranger: Awesome! Want me to pick you up and we can go to the bar? -GL

You: All right. I'll see you then, Greg. - JW

Stranger: See you then. -GL

You: John put his phone back on the desk, his smile slipping as he stared at the computer screen again. He ran through memories of Sherlock in his head, trying to find the best words for Gabriel. Finally, something clicked and John wrote furiously for the next 15 minutes. When he was done, he set up chapter 1 to print then changed into a new outfit.

Stranger: Lestrade pulled up to 221B a little early. He leaned back in the seat and closed his eyes, figuring he had some time.

You: After he had changed, John grabbed the papers out of the printer and threw on his coat. After debating for a moment, he grabbed the familiar blue scarf off of the coat stand and wrapped it around his throat. He headed downstairs and waved as he saw Lestrade sitting in his car.

Stranger: "Are you wearing his-" Lestrade cut off as John got in. He took the end of the scarf in his fingers and looked at it.

You: "Yes," John said simply. "It helps me feel close to him, sometimes. And it would look odd carrying the skull around." He laughed, inviting Lestrade to share in the joke.

Stranger: Lestrade chuckled and let go of the scarf. He watched as John smoothed it and caressed it so gently with his fingers.

You: "So out to a pub?" John asked, holding up the hand with the papers in it. "You can read while we drink."

Stranger: "Sounds great," Lestrade smiled, pulling away from the curb. He started down the road and, out of the corner of his eye, watched John play with the scarf.

You: John said nothing more on the drive, the scarf a warming presence in his fingers. He imagined he could still smell Sherlock on it though the scent had faded months ago.

Stranger: Lestrade pulled into the pub's parking lot and turned off the car. He waited for John to get out first.

You: John slowly got out of the car and frowned at his cane. He was tired of using it and tried to forget about it when he was sitting down. But he couldn't walk easily without it. Grabbing it and slamming it into the ground with anger, John took a deep breath. He calmed himself down then smiled at Lestrade. "Ready when you are," he said, gesturing at the pub.

Stranger: Lestrade looked at John worriedly as he slammed the cane down. "You alright?" He asked as he and John started towards the door.

You: "Just frustrated with my leg," John admitted, a flush rising on his cheeks. "As much as I know it's psychosomatic, I can't convince my leg of it." He opened the door and the smells of beer and pretzels rushed out to meet them.

Stranger: Lestrade bowed his head to John as he entered the door. "I understand, that can be frustrating," Lestrade called over the chatter of the front door crowd.

You: "Yes, it can be," John said, moving up to the bar and ordering two pints. He waited until the bartender slapped them down in front of him then he and Lestrade carried them to a corner table. "I've gotten used to it though," John continued.

Stranger: Lestrade sipped his beer and shook his head. "You shouldn't have to be 'used to it'," he said, setting his glass down and looking at John.

You: "Maybe," John shrugged. "But right now, it's something I'd rather not think about. Here's the first chapter I promised you." He handed the printed sheets to Lestrade and took a drink of his beer while Lestrade read.

Stranger: Lestrade read over the pages, sipping his drink. He really got into it and was sad when he read the last few lines. He handed the papers back to John and said, "This was great! Can't wait to read the rest. You have a talent there."

You: John flushed happily as he took the papers back. "Thanks," he said. "I've found I really enjoy doing it. I can hear the characters in my head now and sometimes, the words just flow."

Stranger: "I say you can get published with that, and I only read the first chapter!" Lestrade beamed, nodding towards the papers. "You're really, really good!"

You: "Thanks, Greg," John repeated, happiness flooding through him. He had worried that he wasn't good enough, that the story wasn't good enough to be published. "I'm almost done with the novel now," he continued. "Hopefully, once its done, I can find a publisher."

Stranger: "You'll have to forward the document to me first," Lestrade winked, raising his glass. "I really wanna know what happens now."

You: "Sure," John said, grinning. "Maybe you could even proofread it for me." He had tried doing so on some of the previous chapters and wasn't very good at proofreading his own writing. He kept seeing what he intended to write rather than the errors that were there sometimes.

Stranger: "I'd love to!" Lestrade beamed. "Sounds like a good excuse to just read it."

You: "Sounds good," John nodded. He was rather proud of the story and wanted to share it. "Want me to email the chapters I've completed to you so you can get started on it?" He took another drink of his pint and realized it was almost gone. He signalled the bartender for another round.

Stranger: "Sounds perfect. Can't wait," Lestrade nodded and watched as the next two drinks were set on the table in front of them. He polished off his first glass and reached for the second. He downed half in a few swallows and set the glass back down, the beer refreshing his throat.

You: "So you know what's been going on with me," John said, after taking a drink of his second beer. "What's been going on with you? Any interesting cases?"

Stranger: "Not really. Just finishing unpacking the last few boxes. I told you I was moving in with Mycroft, right?" Lestrade said partly into his glass.

You: "No you haven't," John exclaimed. "Congratulations! And when did you guys come to that decision?"

Stranger: "Around a week ago. We decided that we wanted to live together, so I sold my flat and started moving in with Mycroft. It's really nice, not being all alone after work and just being able to come home to someone who I love. You know?"

You: John smiled at Lestrade, a hint of sadness playing around his lips. "Yeah," he said quietly. Then, the thought of Sherlock sequed into a memory of the man he'd met earlier today at the coffee shop. Though he couldn't have said why. "Hey, Greg," John said thoughtfully. "You know a guy who works with the police on suicides? Been working for three years and his name's Dean Michaels."

Stranger: Lestrade swallowed hard in surprise at the name. He regained his breath after coughing slightly for a moment before answering, "Never heard of him."

You: John nodded and went back to drinking, wondering why he thought of the man so suddenly. Maybe he'd worked with Dimmock when he and Sherlock had dealt with the Chinese smuggling ring. "How's Mycroft doing?" he asked to break the silence.

Stranger: "He's doing well," Lestrade said, setting down his empty glass. "Going out of town in a day or two. Doesn't know for how long."

You: "What's he doing?" John asked curiously. "He never seemed to leave London before."

Stranger: "It's some sort of meeting," Lestrade shrugged, giving the answer Mycroft had told him to use if anyone asked. "Says it's important."

You: "Well, I guess the world might need him in more places than here," John laughed. "After all, the British Government has lots of work to do."

Stranger: "He really does..." Lestrade said. His mind started racing to the possibilities of what could happen to his lover in what he was actually going to be doing. Feeling his nerves and heart rate spike, he ordered two more drinks.

You: "Hey, what's the matter?" John asked, staring intently at Lestrade's face. He'd seen enough men panic and try to hide it to know that's what was going on now. "What are you panicking about?"

Stranger: "Nothing," Lestrade shook his head, picked up the newly filled mug, and downed it in a few big, swift swallows.

You: John slanted a knowing glance at Lestrade, certain he was lying. "You know you can talk to me right?" he asked. "I'm not going to break apart at the slightest hint of a problem."

Stranger: "I know, thanks," Lestrade smiled the best he could. "It's nothing, really."

You: "All right," John said skeptically. "But you should know I don't believe you. Offer's out there to talk."

Stranger: Lestrade nodded and sat back in his seat. "Thanks."

You: John let the silence last between them, slowly drinking his second beer. He didn't want a repeat of the last time they'd gone to a bar. His thoughts drifted in a well-worn path: Sherlock, his novel, Gabriel Tollen, how bored he was sometimes and then around again.

Stranger: Lestrade sat back into the booth, looking around the bar. Obvious drunks, couples on dates, heartbroken singles. All were obvious in their drunken state. Lestrade felt his phone buzz against his leg and dug out the device.

You: "Mycroft?" John asked curiously when he saw the phone in Lestrade's hand. The screen was turned away from him so he couldn't read the name.

Stranger: "Um... Yeah," Lestrade said slowly, opening the text from Sherlock and making sure John couldn't see the screen. You busy? -SH

You: Yeah. Out for a drink with John. What do you need? - GL

Stranger: With John? Careful. You remember what happened last time, and if it happens again... -SH

You: Which time are you referring to? When we both got drunk or when he saw you in the park? - GL

Stranger: Drunk, Lestrade. It better not happen again. -SH

You: It's not. We're both being careful of how much we drink and I won't do that to Mycroft. You should know me better than that. - GL

Stranger: Happened last time, but whatever. That's not why I texted you... But... How's John? -SH

You: He's doing well. Did you know he's writing a book? I read the first chapter and it's amazing. - GL

Stranger: Yeah, he sort of told me. -SH

You: He told me he met a Dean Michaels. That was you, wasn't it? - GL

Stranger: Sort of, yes. -SH

You: What happened and do I need to do damage control? John didn't really elaborate just asked if I knew you. Said I didn't. - GL

Stranger: No, he didn't realize it was me. Don't worry. We simply talked. -SH

You: Good. I don't know how I'd spin it if I had to convince him it wasn't you. What did you text me for? - GL

Stranger: Was wondering if you had any new information. Mycroft and I are leaving in a few days, as I'm sure he told you. -SH

You: Yes he did and I'm still not happy he's going. But I understand why. And I haven't found anything yet but I will search more tomorrow. - GL

Stranger: Good. Maybe we should all meet tomorrow. Molly's at noon? -SH

You: I won't be able to get away that early. Can we make it 6? - GL

Stranger: Fine, six. -SH

You: See you then, Sherlock. - GL

Stranger: See you then. -SH

You: As Lestrade put his phone away, John looked up from his drink with a question in his eyes. "Everything all right?" he asked.

Stranger: Lestrade sighed and rubbed his hands over his eyes. "Yeah, just Mycroft asking me something."

You: "You're acting like something's wrong," John observed. "You're all tense and annoyed. Mycroft going away hitting you harder than you expected?"

Stranger: "Yeah, it really is..." Lestrade nodded then began to look back around the bar, trying to look more normal.

You: "If you want to head back to spend some time with him, you can," John said. "You should spend what time with him you can before he leaves."

Stranger: "He's at the office right now, but thanks," Lestrade smiled at John.

You: John nodded and finished his glass. "I think I'm good for one more," he said, pointing at the empty glass. "You want one?"

Stranger: "Sounds good, but only one more," Lestrade smile, motioning for two more drinks.

You: John let out a warm laugh and pushed his glass towards the edge of the table. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea," he said when he caught his breath. "So you didn't elaborate much on the chapter you read. What did you think of the characters?"

Stranger: "Very realistic. Very..." Lestrade thought for a moment. "Familiar."

You: "Good," John nodded, satisfied. "I based Gabriel on Sherlock. Seemed fitting to memorialize him in a novel like I was doing with my blog."

Stranger: Lestrade smiled as he lowered his drink he had been sipping on. "That's nice, John. I think it's the perfect way to keep a part of him alive."

You: "Thanks. Though I was expecting a bit more argument," John admitted. "I went back to my therapist for a bit after the hospital and told her my plans for the character. She tried to dissuade me from it."

Stranger: "Well, it might be my slightly intoxicated state talking here, but I think it's sweet," Lestrade grinned and sipped his drink some more.

You: "I think so too," John said as the bartender plunked their third round on the table. "It's a way for me to hold onto him now that he's gone."

Stranger: "That's a good way of holding on," Lestrade smiled and nodded.

You: "Glad you think so," John said, smiling and toasting him with his pint. "I should have taken Mycroft's advice a couple years ago. When I first met him, he told me to fire her."

Stranger: "Fire her?" Lestrade questioned.

You: "She thought I was suffering some form of PTSD because of the war," John explained. "That's why she thought my hand shook. But Mycroft got the right answer. It was because I missed the thrill and danger."

Stranger: Lestrade nodded in understanding and sipped his drink. He glanced around the bar again and took in everyone's faces.

You: "Looking for someone?" John asked when the silence stretched on a little too long.

Stranger: "Humm?" Lestrade asked, looking back to John. "No, not really. Just looking."

You: "You know, for the past several months, you've been acting a little odd," John observed. "You always act like you're in two or three places at once in your mind. Everything really ok with you?"

Stranger: "Yeah, John, I'm fine," Lestrade tried to smile. "Just a lot going on in work, cases and all."

You: "Well, if you ever need the opinion of an old doctor, you know where to find me," John smiled at him. He took another few sips of his pint and looked around the room with Lestrade. Everyone here was so easy for him to read. John laughed quietly to himself as he realized how much Sherlock had rubbed off on him.

Stranger: "You know you're not that old," Lestrade said as he followed a dancing couple with his eyes. "You have to be fairly young to keep up with Sherlock as well as you did."

You: "It was thrilling," John said smiling. "I never felt my age running after him. Still can't believe I'm almost 40."

Stranger: Lestrade chuckled. "I think we all think that about our age, John. Never believing it till it really hits us," Lestrade sipped some more of his drink.

You: "Isn't that the truth," John said dryly. He finished his beer and pushed the glass to the edge of the table again. "I think that's about enough beer for me," he said, smiling again.

Stranger: "Agreed," Lestrade chuckled, polishing his glass off and pushing it next to John's.

You: John grabbed a few pretzels from the bowl on the table and ate them silently, still studying the other people in the bar. Some of the couples he smiled at, though it hurt slightly. He wished he had been able to get Sherlock out at least once for a drink. "I think I've about had it for tonight," John said tiredly. "It's been a long day for me."

Stranger: "Want me to drive you home?" Lestrade smiled, turning back to John.

You: "If you would, please," John said. "I've been trying to be sparing on how many cabs I take. Have to be careful about money now."

Stranger: "I understand, I'll be here if you need help. Never be afraid to call me," Lestrade said, sliding out of the booth.

You: "Thanks," John said, nodding and following. Though he really had no intention of calling on the offered help unless he really needed to. He preferred to carry on by himself. "Would you tell Mycroft I said hi and that I'm not angry anymore?" he asked. "I'd like to speak with him sometime after he comes back from his trip. Learn more about Sherlock."

Stranger: Lestrade inwardly flinched as thoughts of Mycroft's "trip," but forced a smile. "Of course. I'm sure he'd be glad to talk to you again. He always asks me how you're doing."

You: "That surprises me a bit," John admitted as they walked outside. "He never seemed the type to care at all. Anytime we talked, it was always about how I could deal with Sherlock."

Stranger: "He's getting better about that," Lestrade smiled and opened the car door for John. "Since, well, you know." He winked.

You: John laughed and raised an eyebrow at Lestrade opening the door. He got in anyways, closing it himself.

Stranger: Lestrade smiled and closed the door behind him, bowing for a laugh. He went around and got in his own door, laughing slightly.

You: "Practicing our comedic act?" John asked dryly as Lestrade got into the car. He laughed again.

Stranger: "Guess you can say that," Lestrade chuckled as he pulled out of his spot and started out onto the road.

You: "If you ever go on stage, let me know," John joked. "I want to be there for a good laugh."

Stranger: "You kidding me, I'd bring you up there with me!" Lestrade said, as he turned a corner. He shot John a knowing glance.

You: John just laughed and shook his head. He watched the people walking on the street and wasn't surprised when more story ideas popped into his head. He pulled out his small notebook and asked, "You mind if I write for a moment? Got some good ideas forming."

Stranger: "Of course not," Lestrade smiled, focusing on the road ahead. "Write away."

You: "Thanks," John said absently before carefully writing notes on his ideas. The ending he was sure on, it was the bits getting there that he was having difficulty with. Though his newest plot epiphany might make the perfect bridge between what was finished now and the end that was still unwritten.

Stranger: Lestrade focused on the road as he listened to the careful  scratches of the pen on John's notebook. He was happy John had found something so perfect for him to keep his mind busy.

You: After finishing writing down his thoughts, a few lines of dialogue, and a quick description, John was fairly satisfied that he'll be able to pick up the threads of his idea later. He put the notebook away and turned to Lestrade with a satisfied smile. "I think I just figured out how to get my novel to the end," John said happily.

Stranger: "Oh? That's great!" Lestrade perked up a little in his seat.

You: "I'm thinking if I keep going at the pace I have been, I should finish it up in a few more months," John continued, biting on the pen he was still holding in his hand.

Stranger: "Awesome, can't wait to begin editing!"

You: John laughed again, surprised at how often he was able to do so now. He always felt lighter around Lestrade and to a lesser extent around Molly. Though he hardly ever saw her anymore. Perhaps it was the fact that they had believed in Sherlock like he had.

Stranger: Lestrade pulled up to the flat and got out of the car as John did. He went around and met John at his door. "I'll text you sometime in the next few days. Maybe after Mycroft leaves?"

You: "Sure," John nodded. "And I'll send you what I've completed so far later tonight. You can read it at your leisure."

Stranger: "Okay, I'll probably start it after he leaves. I want to hold him as long as I can before that. He doesn't know when he can come back," Lestrade said sadly, shrugging.

You: "That's fine. I completely get that," John said, placing his hand on Lestrade's shoulder and squeezing gently. "And if you need to get out sometime while he's gone, just give me a call."

Stranger: "Sounds like a plan," Lestrade smiled. He pulled the other man into a hug. "I'll talk to you later."

You: John hugged him back and waved before heading upstairs. He dropped his notebook next to his computer so he didn't have to search for it in the morning then headed upstairs to his room. And if he paused outside Sherlock's room, looking longingly inside, there was no one else in the flat to call him on it.
Some more character development :) And anyone else curious about the novel John is writing? Cause I really am lol. Written with the lovely and talented :iconblack-rose-117: and she's the stranger while I'm you. Enjoy and, as always, comments are :heart:

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I think it's adorable that John is wearing Sherlock's scarf. And that Lestrade and John are doing so well as friends. But are we ever gonna possibly (as a side story maybe) get to actually know what John's writing?