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[lightconductor]

If you have a message for me, Dr. John Watson, please leave it here. I shall certainly get back to you as soon as I can.
- JW

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[lightconductor]

Watson listens, seriously. He doesn't have much of a poker face -- never has, never will -- but his expression remains even, sympathetic, even when surprised. Some is familiar, of course, some is not, and some, well -- he might not understand all the principles of Constant medicine, but he knows well that in tight circumstances, you work with what you have.

"You've been through a good deal," he remarks.

cw: addiction mention

[freedomsuitsme]

"I'll admit, I... could be taking better care of myself. I recognize that my past has led to the formation of certain habits and addictions. I don't eat when I should; I sleep fitfully, if at all; I cast magic frivolously and almost compulsively, because I feel wrong when I'm not using it."

[lightconductor]

He recognises that, for what it is. How could he fail to recognise it? Between Holmes and the cocaine, his brother and the drink, his own weakness for the thrill of the horse track, and any number of patients -- well, he knows.

"In what way do you mean, 'wrong'?" Watson tilts his head to one side; from his perspective, it's a valid question. "Is there a reason you shouldn't be so frivolous with it?"

[freedomsuitsme]

"Among things, shadow magic is not kind to the body. You may not believe it looking at me, but I'm in my thirties."

[lightconductor]

"Ah," Watson says, with a knowing nod. "Then yes, I see your point. Is this something you wish help refraining from, or did you have other concerns?"

Quite frankly, he's not sure how to go about weaning someone off of magic.

[freedomsuitsme]

"It's not something I can really stop using at this point. More a medicine to be aware of than a habit to break. Though I would appreciate a little social pressure in eating more regularly. That I'm confident I can improve."

[lightconductor]

"Ah," Watson says, with the smallest laugh, "that is something I have experience with. You haven't any notion of the pain you have inflicted upon yourself."

He must laugh at himself, sometimes.

[freedomsuitsme]

"Is that from personal experience, or something you have to keep up with one of your husbands? Or something with someone beyond the ship. Forgive me if I'm prying."

[lightconductor]

"Oh, both." Watson laughs. "I have the poor fortune to be eternally fond of men who need reminding to eat, it seems."

[freedomsuitsme]

He laughs in return.

"Perhaps you simply have a talent for dealing with such men that cannot be overstated."