For Joan

[theodorelasso]

Continued from here.

(warnings: sexytimes. also, panic attacks, brutal violence, attempted murder, discussion of suicide and actual murder... )

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[formersurgeon]

Sherlock meets him at the door with another man that Ted will recognize as Inspector McCoy, who was one of the men who questioned him in the hospital. "Mr. Lasso," Sherlock says with a small nod of acknowledgement. "I believe you've met Inspector McCoy."

McCoy smiles at Ted. "A pleasure to see you again. And out of hospital."

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"Good to see you again," Ted answers with a genuine smile, holding his crutch with his other hand so he can actually shake McCoy's hand. They didn't get to do that last time, after all. "Yup, I'm healing alright. Give me a couple months, I'll be right back to trying and failing to outrun my team," he says with a chuckle.

[formersurgeon]

McCoy smiles as he shakes his hand. "I'm sure they're eager to have you back." His expression sobers a bit. "I'm also sorry to hear about you and Miss Watson."

Sherlock glances away and clears his throat a little. The fact that Ted was Joan's boyfriend had become common knowledge at Scotland Yard after she forced their investigative hand to find him more quickly than they had originally been willing to move, and saved his life as a result. There was a fair amount of admiration of her for that. So when Sherlock spread the word that they had broken up over the concern that Ted had been a target due to an investigation, much of the Yard shook their heads in disappointment, knowing all too well how being in this line of work can destroy relationships.

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"Thank you," Ted answers, sobering too, but leaves it at that. The good thing about faking that sort of thing is no one really expects you to want to talk about it anyway, so it's easy enough to just not. (Well, unless that someone is Keeley.)

[formersurgeon]

McCoy pats his shoulder, then gestures him to follow. Sherlock falls into step next to Ted as McCoy leads them toward the interrogation rooms.

"I will be observing from behind the one-way glass," he says, softly enough that McCoy doesn't hear him. "I promised."

He pauses, not looking at the man next to him, the man who his partner and friend, the person he loves most in the world, cares so deeply for.

"Did you know it has been literal years since Watson and I have worked a case separately?" he says quietly. There's bitterness in his tone.

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Ted nods a bit at Sherlock saying he'll be behind the glass. Joan had mentioned he probably would. He feels a little safer knowing Sherlock will be looking out for him, but more importantly, glad because Sherlock will doubtless see clues that Ted doesn't, if Ted does get him talking at all.

The second part makes him look over at Sherlock as they walk though. He gets the feeling Sherlock blames him for that. Maybe not directly, but by virtue of being in her life. He has been warned that Sherlock might get a little possessive.

Still, Ted doesn't get defensive about it. "I'm sorry about that," he says genuinely.

[formersurgeon]

Sherlock nods curtly, still not looking at Ted. He has it exactly right. He cannot claim that Ted is willfully stealing her from him, because it is clear the man is not, and that Watson is with him of her own free will. He even knows that Ted is respectful of Joan's work and the time and attention it takes. Truthfully, if Watson had to become romantically involved with anyone, Ted is possibly the best of all possible worlds.

It doesn't change the fact that he is missing his partner and feeling her absence keenly. Nor that the reason she isn't in London is because she is trying to protect this man.

"The most important part of our work for me is our partnership," he says. "I know that is true for her as well. I guarantee you that this is hurting her, Ted. And not just because she is away from you."

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Ted notes that Sherlock uses his first name this time. That's the first time he's done that. To make him take it seriously? To connect to him, speak to him on his level?

Still, Ted's not entirely sure what Sherlock is trying to say with all this. Is he trying to push Ted away, to guilt him into leaving? Is he just trying to make sure Ted takes Joan's best interests into consideration? Is he just sad and frustrated and taking out on Ted, or at least trying to vent some of that?

He already feels bad for what Joan is going through, he doesn't need to have it pointed out to him. He just thinks this option will hurt less than breaking it off. Especially in the long run.

"I know," he answers softly. "I don't intend to get between you guys. Or the work you do."

[formersurgeon]

Sherlock knows that it would break Watson's heart if Ted were to leave her. He doesn't mean to drive him away, but Ted needs to know what Watson is likely going through, and he needs to take it seriously (hence the use of his name). It's coming out bitter because, as Ted suspects, Sherlock is in fact sad and frustrated. He hates it when he just cannot seem to figure out a case, and he misses Watson.

"Watson is unlikely to tell you that she..." he begins, then shuts up as they arrive at the interrogation room. McCoy opens it with a key and leads Ted inside, with Sherlock following. There's a table with a metal loop secured to one side, and two chairs. There's a mirror on one wall.

"You will sit here, Mr. Lasso," McCoy says, pointing at the chair. Then he points at the mirror. "Sherlock and I will be behind the glass. Once we are in position, a guard will lead Mr. Chapman in and secure him to the table. The door will lock when the guard exits. Under the table..." He leans down to indicate where. "There is a panic button. If things go south, hit the button and within seconds this room will be full of police." He clasps his hands, looking at Ted. "Any questions?"

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Ted nods, looking around the room. About as sterile and unwelcoming as he would expect. Ted doesn't generally like hitting panic (or snooze) buttons, but he's glad it's there just in case. He hasn't completely ruled out the possibility of him having a panic attack.

Though currently he feels reasonably calm about the situation. Despite the idea of being locked alone in a room with the man who abused him. He vaguely considered having someone else in there with him, but he thinks Turner is more likely to talk if it's just him. Even if it's to be spiteful, rather than open up, at least he might let something slip.

"Uhh, yes. I don't see why you would, but did you tell him about me and Joan?" he asks. "It was one of the things he was focused on, but I think it would just be a distraction if he finds out we're not together anymore."

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Sherlock and McCoy exchange a glance.

"It has not come up," McCoy says, looking back at Ted. "He is, as far as I know, unaware of how he was found and who might have been involved in finding him."

"How did Mr. Chapman focus on Watson?" Sherlock asks. It wasn't in the report of what Ted had told the investigators.

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"Oh, he didn't know who she was," Ted answers immediately, because he can guess what that makes Sherlock think. "He saw a text from her in my phone. And then he seemed real intent on letting me know no one could ever like a 'loser like me'. That's when he smashed the phone." Ted gives a shrug. Obviously it's not an insult that actually hits him. "Projecting, probably."

All that about that what people think of you says more about them than about you. He figures Turner doesn't have the greatest self-confidence ever, and is hiding it behind aggression and arrogance.

[formersurgeon]

If the man had known about Watson, it would have been clear evidence that she was at least part of the reason he had attacked Ted. But apparently he did not. Sherlock looks both relieved and disappointed by that news.

"We have not said anything about Miss Watson," McCoy assures him. "Whether you want to bring it up or not is up to you. If he brings it up, feel free to tell him or not tell him whatever you like." He gestures to the chair. "If you're ready..."

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Ted nods a bit, looking around and giving McCoy's shoulder a grateful pat. "Thanks. Oh, uh, could we have some water? For both of us," he says, making sure to clarify. And then he remembers another thing he needs to clarify. "Plain, not fizzy." He's made that mistake enough times.

Then he goes to sit down, putting his crutches on the floor next to his chair.

[formersurgeon]

"Certainly," McCoy says, returning the pat with an encouraging one of his own before going out to retrieve the water. Sherlock remains in the room, taking advantage of them being left alone for a moment to finish what he has to say.

"Watson is unlikely to tell you how much this is truly affecting her," he says. "She will care for you and neglect herself. I know this, personally, intimately. You need to know it as well."

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Ted blinks a bit at them continuing the conversation from before, but then goes right along with it.

He frowns gently at what Sherlock says. It's not exactly a complete revelation to him, but it is a good reminder. The last thing he'd want is for Joan to burn herself out while making sure he's okay. But at least he thinks he's reasonably well-equipped to handle it, being decently insightful, and eager to care for others.

"Thank you, I appreciate that," he answers softly, nodding to indicate he understands and that he takes that seriously. It also means a lot to him that Sherlock is looking out for her.

"And, hey, I haven't had a chance to tell you," he adds, still speaking softly, but now not out of secrecy, just out of sincerity. "I really appreciate you helping to find me. You probably helped save my life, and well, obviously that means a lot to me. And that you're helping me do this, too."

[formersurgeon]

Sherlock nods back at his acknowledgement of his insights on Watson. There's still tension in his expression, in his whole body, He's worried and sad and frustrated and here is this man who his partner cares deeply about and for whom has left London and Sherlock behind for who knows how long. And he's thanking him. Sherlock doesn't like to take credit for the work he does, turning down commendations and accolades and even payment. But this...this sincere gratitude from this good man who Watson loves...

"I am glad we were able to find you in time," he responds.

McCoy returns carrying two paper cups of water. One he hands to Ted ("Still water, as requested") and sets the other on the side of the table where Chapman will soon be chained.

"Anything else?" he asks.

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Ted smiles softly at Sherlock's reply. He has a feeling that kind of thing doesn't come easy from him.

When the water arrives, Ted thanks McCoy and takes a sip of it, before setting the rest on the table.

"No, thank you, I think I'm good," he answers, leaning back in the chair. Well, as much as you can lean back in these chairs.

[formersurgeon]

It most certainly does not come easy. Sherlock does not typically open up to people emotionally. But Ted has a gift. And Sherlock is uncertain how to feel about that, whether to put up his guard or to give in and allow the man over his walls.

Luckily he doesn't have to decide right now.

"All right," McCoy says. "Mr. Holmes and I will station ourselves, and then the guards will come in with Mr. Chapman. It will be just a moment."

He nods at Sherlock, and the two of them leave the room, closing the door behind them.

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Ted watches them go, and once the door locks behind them, he takes a deep breath. It is actually a little bit nerve-wracking, sitting here. Even if he's not the one about to be chained to the table and interviewed. He finds it impressive that both Joan and Sherlock do this all the time. Though usually not with people who terrorized them. (Though, from what he's heard, maybe a few times.)

He sits there, looking around the room as he waits, as if he'll find something to entertain himself. Obviously there's not much. He's sitting back, hands folded in his lap, his fingers laced together. His cast is visible - he may have intentionally refrained from covering it with his sweatpants, so that Henry's doodlings on them would be visible.

[formersurgeon]

A moment later there's a soft knock on the glass, to let Ted know that Sherlock and McCoy are in place.

Then a moment later the door opens, and two guards enter guiding a prisoner. The man between them looks surprisingly small, dwarfed by the large, muscular guards and wearing an oversized orange prison jumpsuit. He has shackles on his ankles and his wrists. He shuffles in and the guards sit him down, then attach his wrist shackles to the ring on the table. Then the guards leave and the door locks behind them.

The man's face is pale and drawn, but the instant he gets a good look at Ted his eyes blaze with the same psychotic look Ted saw in the basement.

"Bloody Ted fucking Lasso," he seethes.

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It actually makes Ted quite sad to see Turner like this. He certainly doesn't look particularly frightening. He's not a weak guy, for sure, which Ted knows both from intimate familiarity with his feet in particular, and the fact he's apparently a construction worker. But right now he looks very small.

...And yeah, he definitely still hates Ted. Ted doesn't think they're gonna end up squaring away their differences or anything like that exactly. But he doubts intimidating him has worked either, since he's clammed up.

"Hi, Turner," Ted answers calmly. Almost sympathetically.

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The gaffer knows his name, huh? Turner begins to laugh.

"D'you think just cause you know my name we're gonna be pals? That I'll go all soft? That I won't see you for what you really are?"

Suddenly he jumps toward Ted, making it halfway over the table before the chain of his handcuffs catch on the metal ring with a clang.

Behind the glass Sherlock flinches

"You may be sitting there all high and mighty," Turner screams, "but you're still a fucking loser!"

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Ted flinches a little too, despite kind of expecting it. He was also expecting the screaming, but it doesn't make it any more pleasant to deal with. Especially given the last time he heard that particular voice shouting at him.

Still, he remains calm, at least outwardly.

"There's worse things than being a loser," he answers mildly. Something he very firmly believes. "How are you doing?" It's a genuine question, though he doesn't expect an actual answer.

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Sherlock is impressed by how calm Ted is, how steadfast in his kindness toward a man who almost ended his life in a truly hellish way.

"Should we shut it down?" McCoy says. Sherlock shakes his head.

"Not until we have to."

In the room Turner is staring at Ted in disbelief. He certainly did not expect the yank to be so fucking calm. And how are you doing? What is this shit?

"How am I doing? Why in the bloody hell do you want to know that?"