Lestrade's out in the madness that's currently Croydon. The boys were asleep before he left. Small blessings. I'm not, obviously. Nor likely to be. He said to call if I was worried, which is clearly absurd since I'd be calling every five minutes.
I don't know. There's nothing else to say really. I suppose I should at least try to sleep. Watching the news footage certainly isn't doing any good.
I don't know. There's nothing else to say really. I suppose I should at least try to sleep. Watching the news footage certainly isn't doing any good.
114 comments:
I'm thinking of all of you over there. Perhaps if you put in a movie, rather than watch the news? Trying to sleep is a good goal, but I can't think of anything more frustrating than laying in bed with thoughts and worries spinning through your head.
Take care.
PS Capthca says "Bless"
I'm sending good vibes to Lestrade and all you Londoners. *hugs*
Yeah. Thanks. It's just...wrong, you know? London's not supposed to be like this.
You're all (you, L., the boys, London) in my thoughts.
To echo Piplover, sleep is a good goal. Surely in the coming day there will be some sort of relief effort that would benefit from your training and experience, if you have the energy from a night of sleep to offer it to them?
You are all in my hopes and prayers.
Yeah. When I visited London in April it was amazing. So full of life and people and just - so much. I don't want to think of it burning.
Times like these, which show how very thin the line is between civilization and madness, always give me the chills. I'm sorry that Lestrade is out in it, and I'm keeping him in my thoughts, along with you and the boys, and everyone in London.
I don't know if you'll be able to sleep, or if trying will just give your imagination license to run riot. If you don't want to call (because you'll call too often out of worry), maybe text? It's a bit quicker and more unobtrusive, and maybe will give you some peace of mind?
I hope this passes quickly.
Sleep is a worthy goal, but to echo others, possibly unlikely. If nothing else, turn off the television and waste time online with members of you readership who are elsewhere on the planet and thus likely to be awake to distract you. Or go watch the boys sleep for a bit. Might be soothing.
Namaste,
Bronwyn
I'm fine, everyone, thanks. And home, briefly, to shower and change and hug John to bits.
Sorry for being...absurd, I thought...dunno what I thought, and unlikely to have many coherent ones now. Sorry, anyway.
Thanks for caring, everyone.
Greg, it's never absurd to be happy about thoughtful gifts, or to worry about the safety of loved ones. Bless you for being a police officer and keeping the people of London safe, especially in times like these.
I hope you've some time to catch a bit of rest in all the madness. Thanks for letting us know you're all right.
-A from NW
Honestly didn't feel like we were keeping anyone safe. Not even ourselves. People there smashed open a bottle bank, so we were under a constant rain of glass, and the heat from the burning building nearby was intense. I don't feel I should ask my team to work like that. But we would have lost all the evidence if we'd done anything else. Uniformed officers did a great job trying to protect us, but it could never be enough, and not fair on them, either.
John was asleep on the sofa when I got in. But the boys were up before I left again, so he won't get much rest.
And Sherlock is throwing a fit that I got to go out in it and he didn't. Sorry, John.
Lestrade, not much worse than the feeling you're putting your people in danger, no matter how necessary. It's a tough cost of leadership. But, I don't think it's in you not to care. Just make sure to let them (your team and your family) take care of you a bit, too. They will derive as much (if not more) from it than you.
Doc, as some wise soul once said, "They also serve who only stand and wait." So, thank you for your service, as well.
Hugs and virtual brownies for you all.
Lestrade - thanks for letting us know that you (and your team) are safe. Watching the footage on TV last night, it's too easy to forget that "normal" policing has to keep going too, even in the middle of gangs of thieving scumbags running wild.
And it's brilliant to see that people are out and about today cleaning up their communities, and streets. If you're not in the areas affected (and maybe particularly for people overseas), you can follow the #riotcleanup hashtag on twitter to see something rather more reflective of the way our society normally operates.
John - hope you're holding up OK.
Sherlock - Both John and Lestrade had a really bad night - as bad as if they'd been having bad dreams. Maybe this would be a good time to spend some time helping John and Spider have a bit of a cuddle?
I told Lestrade he should have taken the spider but he just smiled and didn't. So now I've given in to John because he looks sleepy but he won't go to sleep even though Mycroft said he should and we'd be okay.
John said people were being nasty to Lestrade and that's stupid because he's Lestrade and he's nice and he just does good things to help people so I don't think anyone should be nasty to him.
L - just so you know, we have a guest today. One of the security team lives near where you were last night and his daughter usually stays with one of his neighbors. He's brought her along today, for obvious reasons, and she's following Sherlock around like he's toddler catnip. Might still be here when you get home, I'm not sure.
Right, no worries. Apologise for me if I just grunt an acknowledgement then fall on my face and sleep, won't you?
Yeah, no problem. How's it going?
It's...not good. We're just run ragged.
When did I get old? I used to be able to stay up all night just fine.
Me too. And have actual intelligent thoughts the next day.
Do you want me to bring you lunch or anything?
At least we're old together, right?
I'm not at the yard, but thanks, that's really kind of you. If I get back later I'll let you know.
Sherlock calmed down? He was pretty angry this morning. In a dramatic 5yr old way. But now I see you've been having spidery cuddles.
He still really wants to go and see the burned buildings, especially that warehouse, but he has Marguerite, age 3, to distract him. She's "TOUCHING ALL MY THINGS, JOHN MAKE HER STOP!" Heh.
Do him good to learn what it's like not to be the youngest, and have small people in your stuff.
He is definitely not going anywhere at the moment. We're getting whispers of where it will kick off tonight now. I'll let you know when I know. Take care, yeah? I worry.
I shouldn't laugh, because Lestrade really is having a horrible day, but the idea of Sherlock freaking out over a 3 year old touching his stuff is really cracking me up. I wish I had your patience, John, I really do. Mine was a bit of a horrid brat this morning, NGL, demanding and capricious and I just wanted to hang him outside on the clothes line for a while.
Starting a new school will freak out a little kid's equilibrium, I know, but still. Grrr.
Mycroft is very, very amused.
God, more? I keep thinking it'll stop. You take care please, you're the one out in it. Are you coming home tonight?
Mazarin - NGL? Poor you, and him. Sherlock was a little monster his first day of school.
"Not gonna lie." As in, I'm not going to sugarcoat his behavior because he was a pain.
I can't believe that there may be more. Everyone be careful and I certainly understand your security person bringing his daughter to work with him. That's kind of you, John, to keep her with you.
Stay safe, Lestrade. I'm reading the reports across the pond and it sounds utterly terrifying. My Twitter/Tumblr/Livejournal is just covered with reports from internet friends in London, and I worry for all of you.
Ah, thanks. Every time I think I've got them all, the internet finds a new acronym to throw at me.
I don't mind, she's actually making my job easier. Sherlock's certainly not bored.
I have to get home at some point or i'll be asleep here.
I don't know, there are more police tonight...but that might just put people off til tomorrow? And it's a big city. More doesn't mean in the right place at the right time
Can I call you at some point, when you're not busy? Or less busy. I know you said I could, but...I dunno. Don't want to bother you.
Sorry, sorry, not ignoring you. Yes, of course you can. I'd love to hear your voice.
Just...be warned I don't have much of one. Voice, I mean. Breathing smoke all last night and shouting a lot means I've bypassed husky and gone straight to almost non-existent.
Thanks.
You're never, ever 'bothering' me. If you call and it's a bad time i'll just say so. I know you understand. So just...don't worry. Love you.
Lestrade, I assume Sally is with you, yeah? Tell her we're thinking of her, too, please. Be careful tonight!
She'll be on call like I am tonight, she was off last night. She's okay. Worrying more because some of her family live in Peckham. But they're fine.
Danger, on the way home. Need to eat something. And there's a chance i'll be called back out tonight if anything desperate happens, just so you know
Came home, passed out on sofa. Trying to decide how long before I should make him wake up and eat something...
Feed me. Please.
And my arm is so asleep it may no longer be attached. Help.
Sorry, she was trying to ride Phobos. It wasn't going to end well.
Mrs Hudson made lasagna, I can heat some up? Or sandwiches?
I'm really impressed you slept through all that, by the way. And you should shower while I make food.
Lasagna. Mmmm. (pasta you CAN re heat)
You suggesting I smell?
Mmhmm. You smell remarkably like a fire.
It's you that's smoking hot.
Not literally, unlike someone I could mention. Were those actual scorch marks on that shirt?
Actual...maybe.
There's an actual bruise on my shoulder. Was that you?
Not that I recall, but if you'd like to take your shirt off I'd be happy to render a more informed opinion.
I do remember something hitting me last night. I'll let you off.
Feel like I've swallowed gravel.
You sound like it too. Tea? Hot lemon?
Whisky and hot lemon?
I can do it myself. You don't need to wait on me.
I don't mind. Stay put, I'll be back soon.
You're very kind.
All i'll do in return is fall asleep on you I expect.
I'm not up to much beyond crawling into bed either.
Seems quiet ish tonight, at least.
Just be glad we weren't meant to be camping or something this week.
Fingers crossed.
God, that's soon isn't it? The summer's going so bloody fast.
Yeah. Never went this fast when I was a kid.
Hope they stop cancelling all police leave sharpish once this has died down.
Everything goes faster now. I think it's another official sign of being old.
Yeah. And not just for us, everyone's going to need a break after this.
Shame we can't shut London for a few days. All relax in the sun.
Think my shirt is salvagable? Or do I need some new ones to replace the ones I've wrecked recently?
Send the whole city to Spain for a week?
I'll look at it tomorrow. It doesn't have holes, does it? I think you'd have noticed if anything went through your shirt, but I'll have a look at you as well.
I was trying to ignore stuff hitting me. Gives them too much satisfaction to see a copper react. So don't know.
You should definitely give me a thorough examination.
Oh, I plan to. Preferably before you fall asleep. Bed?
Mmm. Sleep may come very fast though. Dead on my feet.
Can I do what Sherlock does - hold my arms up expectantly and be carried to bed?
Only if you want to be slung over my shoulders. Might be a bit uncomfortable.
You can just lead me by the hand then. And i'll twist my curls around my fingers and protest I'm not at all tired as my eyelids droop and feet drag.
Except I don't have curls.
Where's Spider? Can't sleep without it...
Spider's already in bed waiting for you, dear. Come along.
I had to pry her out of Marguerite's hands when it was time for her to go home. I wish I had a picture. Spider's nearly as big as she is.
Ha. Spider is nearly as big as me, never mind a 3 yr old.
C'mon then and make sure I put my phone on loud in case I get called.
Loud, check.
Poor Andy Murray lost as always. But, as my mum says, you can't feel too badly: he's made millions off of losing.
I'm thinking of you all. Stay as safe as possible.
Glad your auntie is okay azure.
I just want to sleep more.
And my stab vest has burn marks, Danger, so my shirt may not have survived...
Yeah, it's a dead loss, sorry. The one you wore Sunday night too.
Glad your sunt's ok
Glad your aunt is ok, azure. (Blasted autocorrect!)
You'll have to buy me some new ones.
I got hold of Nicky, finally, they're okay. Kids a but scared, but it didn't get too close to them.
Carla says if we (meaning Mycroft, I presume, hah) are ok staying in London then she'll be okay in Bristol.
Thank god for that. I thought perhaps we should invite them to stay but...it's hardly better here.
I actually might buy you shirts. If we don't go somewhere today we will all lose our tiny little minds.
Yeah? (although you can't describe the boys as having tiny minds...) it's fine out. Nice day.
Well...i suppose I should replace the white one, but the others get me not-plain-white if you can? Nothing extreme...just...you know the sort I like. And you're a gay bloke now - you're bound to have impecable taste, right?? I mean, don't feel like you have to. If you just head out to the park that's fine, I'll get shirts another time.
Nicky said she was far too busy worrying about to worry about them, so we're even.
Worrying about us.... My brain isn't connected in any way to the rest of me right now.
Maybe Sherlock and Mycroft could each choose a shirt they consider suitable.
How's Sally's family? Still all right?
although you can't describe the boys as having tiny minds
Sherlock reminded me of this. And then we had a talk about how size isn't everything (wasn't expecting that one for a few more years...).
We've been to the park. I'd actually like to take them to help with the clean up efforts, but Anthea gave me such a look when I mentioned it, and I'm not sure but what we wouldn't get there and find it all done in any case.
So, shirts are a possibility.
I thought about suggesting it too, because it would mean Sherlock could help, and see the devestation.
But I think it would be dangerous. I mean, the soles of my shoes are just jammed with glass and stuff, and you don't know what could be in the debris. And then there's the security issue too.
Sal's family are fine. Although her eldest nephew, he sister thinks, was probably in a gang of lads who were causing trouble. So he may not survive her wrath. Of course, he might be innocent...but still, I wouldn't like her to be on the warpath at me.
Smallhobbit - I'd be afraid of what the boys might pick out for me. Maybe this should be theoretical...John can take photos of their suggestions.
I don't know. I'm still wavering. There's protecting them and then there's protecting them too much, you know?
Mycroft would almost certainly pick out better shirts than I would.
...Yeah, I would not want to be her nephew right now, innocent or no. Maybe she can draft him to the rugby team. That'll teach him a lesson either way.
Well I wouldn't want any child sorting through that Crap, honestly. And I'd worry slightly about Sherlock's reactions. No one wants the loss of their home or business described as fascinating right now, I don't think, even if it is, to a 5 yr old. And I'd hate to feel like some 'riot tourist', which is happening a lot.
There's rugby practice tomorrow night, I totally forgot. 5pm.
...Or a treatise on why the looters are like Vikings. Right. Very good point. Shirts it is then.
Right, I'll be there. Probably we all will.
Tell Mycroft nothing that requires cuff links. And nothing expensive.
We could get cuff links for you too...
I'd be the best dressed copper at the yard.
But seriously, everything would just get trashed.
And buy them a bit on the big side. Don't like things too fitted.
You wouldn't have to wear them to work! You could wear them nice places.
I don't go to nice places! At least, not ones that need cuff links. It's a slippery slope from there to wearing ties...
You go nice places on dates with John...
All right. Anyway, you should see the one Sherlock wants to get you.
I'm sure Sherlock's choice is very special.
When John starts attending our days in formal shirts with French cuffs, whatever they're called, I will too. Deal? Til then I'm happy in jeans and a casual shirt.
That'll be never, then.
Are you done soon? I thought we might pick up dinner on the way home. Anything you want?
Feel done over.
On the way home from where? And...don't mind. Whatever you lot want.
I think I've pulled something from coughing and shouting so much the other night.
I think I'll be done quite soon.
On the way home from shirts + library + inadvertent duck stalking.
The boys want Angelo's. Do you want to meet us there, or should I get takeaway?
Inadvertent. Right.
Did you find some suitable shirts?
I really don't mind. I'm not going to be sparkling company either way. Got some work to do, too.
It was inadvertent on my part. I say nothing about Sherlock's intentions.
I think they're suitable? You'll have to approve them.
Maybe we'll have it at home then. It'll be a bit more relaxing. Don't worry about sparkling. How was work? Awful?
I'm sure they're great. Thanks. Saved me trying to fit that in around stuff.
Did you buy Sherlock's choice?
Can I have some pasta or gnocchi involving an obscene amount of cheese and/or cream?
Work...yeah. no, it's not awful, it just...hard. getting nowhere on this case - nights are now following our prime suspects around. And this new attempted is hard going because no one will come forward as witnesses cos that would put them in the middle of the looting. So a long slog of going through cctv and pictures. And heading out to the streets to get abuse either because we are doing something or because we didn't stop the riots...no winning.
Obscene amounts of dairy products, got it.
No, but I took a picture of it. I think you'll be impressed.
I'm sorry, love. That does sound fairly awful.
After seeing his taste in costumes at Pride I'm...prepared for anything.
It's not that bad, really. I mean, not wildly different to any other time, for us, now. But I am looking forward to getting away from it all with you. We seriously need to sort out getting camping gear together. Maybe at the weekend?
And I'm leaving v soon. Be with you shortly.
Okay.
Yeah, that'll be good. I talked to Anthea about the car, she says no problem.
You have gnocchi with gorganzola, by the way. It's the special. Angelo says you'll love it. We should be home about when you are.
Can you have a word in Mrs Holmes' shell-like, get Angelo on the staff here? The man's a God.
And now I'm wondering how, exactly, my life went from The Clash-on-the-stereo-whisky-by-my-side-cigarette-in-hand-doing-paperwork to Educational-programme-on-tv-five-year-old-on-shoulders-large-spider-on-head-with-legs-in-my-eyes-doing-paperwork.
But I'm bloody glad it did.
Well, could do with slightly fewer legs in my face, but apart from that...yes, Sherlock, I know Spider is helping, and I'm very grateful. I have no idea how sitting on my shoulders can be more comfy than sitting on the sofa, but then I have no idea about a lot of things, right? You didn't have to agree.
Lestrade, today on "Come Dine With Me" this Army trainer guy made something with Marmite in it and I thought of you guys. Maybe John had a bit more of that stuff eating in the chow hall than he thinks???
Ack, sorry! That was me. I sneezed in the middle of typing my name. :)
Greg: This comment brought tears to my eyes and a ole to my face. (I think Spider sees the world better from on top of your head.)
DW - that is the best typo excuse I've ever heard.
L - It's a perpetual mystery, how we got here from there. Amazing though.
Pretty sure Sherlock is always going to think your shoulders are the most comfortable place to sit in any room. Or maybe he's getting his shoulder sitting time in now before he's too big?
Maybe. He discovered he could stand on them earlier, if I reached up so he could hold my hands.
Shall we all run away to the circus?
Cranky - Spider has eight eyes - it should be able to see just fine wherever it is! And I can't see better with legs all over me. But I can't refuse 'help', really. It's very sweet of Sherlock to want to know about paperwork (he quickly announced it was 'boring', which is really all he needs to know.)
I can throw knives, sort of. Want to be my lovely assistant? Mycroft can be the ringmaster, and Sherlock...some kind of acrobatics act, yeah. The Human Spider?
Aw I used to love to stand in my dad's shoulders and jump into the pool, one of my favorite childhood memories so go ahead, Sherlock, enjoy!
Lovely assistant - well, a. You're the lovely one. And b. if that means you chuck knives at me, I'd rather do something a little more different from my current job, ta.
I used to be able to walk on a wire. Well, a rope, that we hooked up over the river each summer. Probably can't now.
Ah, but I'd be doing it with the intention of not hitting you.
Heh. Maybe you can demonstrate when we're camping.
The 'intention' of not hitting me.
I'd like a guarantee...
Maybe I can. Do you just want to see me fall over a lot??
Into the stream the rope is tied over? Possibly.
I was assuming it would be very low and over some soft ground...
I dunno, what's the worst that can happen? I fall off...embarrass myself.
I promise to try it too if you do.
Okay. deal. I'll hold your hand.
Small Hobbit, Cranky Bookwyrm and everyone for all your good thoughts.
thanks for all your good thoughts**
I would like to vote for an AU to Greg-the-Florist. Greg-the-Tightrope walker and John-the-Lion-Tamer. Mycroft's-Dog-and-Pony show. And Sherlock's-House-Weird. Sherlock would make a great busker and Mycroft already had the dogs. Dogs-as-big-as-ponies show?
Tinkerty,
Bronwyn
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