You: Sorry, Mr Holmes, did you just try to ring me? I was in a meeting. GL
Stranger: Yes, sorry. I just had an inquiry about my brother. Is he doing well? MH
You: He's... Yeah. I mean, he's alright. He'd been a bit shaken up since that Adler woman's case. Bit quiet. GL
You: Nothing to worry about, I hope? GL
Stranger: No, I don't think it's anything to worry about. He'll be fine. MH
You: Good, good. Do you think he's seeing anyone? GL
You: I just didn't expect him to get so upset over a woman. To be honest, I didn't really think it was his deal. GL
Stranger: Not to my knowledge, no. MH
Stranger: I didn't expect it either. It's never been his 'deal' before. MH
You: I'm not asking for myself! I'm just curious. GL
You: But not curious in that way! GL
You: Sorry, too personal. Anyway, yeah, he's fine. GL
Stranger: He's what? Gay? I'm not entirely sure. MH
Stranger: He would never admit it though. He despises the thought of being anything like me. MH
You: [Pause]
Right. Defiance even stretched to sexuality, mature. GL
You: Are you seeing anyone at the moment? Again, just curious. GL
You: Greg set down his third scotch. Been in a meeting, my arse. He'd been in the shower, but it somehow didn't sound right. He shook his head free of the thoughts clamouring at it.
Cool. I was just wondering. Divorce just finalised, desperately looking for people who aren't in relationships to talk to. Slightly fearing Valentine's day's approach. GL
Stranger: I never pay much mind to Valentine's day. I'm always too busy with work to be with anyone anyhow. MH
You: Not quite the same here. Sherlock solves the cases, makes me a bit of a spare part. Well, spare part and paperwork. GL
Stranger: Paperwork is quite important. MH
You: If you're about to tell me paperwork is in any way fulfilling or fun, I am going to drastically disagree. GL
Stranger: It isn't /fun/. It's just a crucial part of any kind of work. MH
Stranger: Maybe you could give Sherlock some paperwork to do. MH
You: It's hard enough to get him out of bed. Anyway, other things are important too. You know, relaxing. Getting away from the office. GL
Stranger: That sounds nice. Unfortunately I'm unable to do so. MH
You: Literally? No time in your day? What do you do when you get home? GL
Stranger: Sleep. If I do manage to get home. MH
You: You can't be serious. What about eating? Showering? Dressing, for goodness' sake. You can't be constantly busy, there have to be free times. GL
Stranger: I eat at the office, and shower and dress before leaving for work. MH
You: So you only ever speak to office people? GL
You: I mean, how would you feel about sharing mealtimes with someone else? You know, as a way of getting away from it all? GL
Stranger: Why do you ask? MH
You: Like dinner. Tonight, maybe. GL
You: Well, you know. If I'm feeling like a spare part, and you sound like you could do with someone to chat to about things that aren't work, perhaps it would be a good thing to do. GL
Stranger: Oh. I'll see what I can do. Things haven't been too terribly busy today. MH
You: You could come round, if you like. I like cooking. Only if you can spare the time to get here. GL
Stranger: That sounds lovely. Would 7 be alright? MH
You: Sounds great. It's 157 Mornington Crescent. Anything you don't eat? GL
You: Great. I'll see you then. GL
Stranger: I'm looking forward to it. MH
Your conversational partner has disconnected.
FOR GOD'S SAKE
AND GREG CLEANING UP HIS FILTHY BACHELOR PAD
THERE WAS GOING TO BE STEW
AND AN EXPLANATION OF GREG'S FRENCH FAMILY
AND THEN SOFA SEDUCTION AND CUDDLES
THEY WERE GOING TO FIND EACH OTHER
THIS IS WHY I AM ALWAYS MYCROFT