[Open - Mingle away guys!]

[the_good_doctor]

Who: Watson, Clinic Staff, Interested Parties, Random Passers-by, possibly Holmes.
What: A picnic to celebrate the hard work of the clinic staff/get to know each other.
When: Day 62 - mid-day to mid-afternoon!
Where: Gefion Park.
Rating: ... PG for Holmes.

[It was hard to find anywhere in the lavishly tended gardens of Gefion Park to set up a picnic blanket, but eventually Watson found the perfect spot of green grass -- and was it ever green! Surely grass had never been so vibrant? -- lots of sun, shade provided for those who wanted it in the form of some meticulously sculpted evergreens and even enough space to play cricket, should they want to. I'll bring a bat next time, Watson decided before catching himself -- there wouldn't be a next time.

Still, all the more reason to spend what time they had left together in fun. He'd lost Holmes -- or Holmes had lost interest and wandered off while Watson was making the preparations for the picnic, but Watson had no doubt that his friend would find him again when he was ready -- and hopefully there would be some members of the picnic party around to introduce when he did. Until then --

The day was warm, and there was a cool beer in the hamper with his name written all over it. Hanging jacket on the box-hedge, and discarding his tie with it, Watson rolled up his sleeves before settling back in the sun with his beer, utterly content.]

Comments

[whatagoodgirl]

18 - wow. I know there must be people here from further back, but I can't help but think how hard this must all be for you guys. It's way closer to the technology of my time... I'm from Japan, 2003.

[the_good_doctor]

Another from the future? Yes, myself and my colleague are certainly the minority.

It is a lot to get used to, but we're not as behind as you might think.

[whatagoodgirl]

Oh, I didn't mean to say... I just meant that these bracelets are a lot like computers, and I've had to help a lot of people with the kitchen. Especially the microwave.

There's other advantages people can have, though, I guess. Being used to magic, or talking to gods, or all sorts of things. I wasn't expecting any of that, and it took me awhile to figure out my power.

[the_good_doctor]

My counterpart stills ribs me over my first written messages. I assumed they operated as a telegraph. So far, I don't know anyone able to explain the principle by which the bracelet operates but it's not such a great step.

Magic on the other hand ... That takes some getting used to.

[whatagoodgirl]

No, I can't explain it either. I used computers, but I barely knew how they worked, so something like this... it's beyond me. But the basic... what would you call it? Interface? I had an idea of how to use that once I'd figured everything else out.

Well, I guess a doctor is so focussed on science that having people just heal with their hands is a big deal. I saw some bits of - what might've been magic, I don't know. Someone here said it was possible through science. But I saw teleportation in my own world.

[the_good_doctor]

You tell me. I've yet to see a ... computer ... outside of a library book.

Teleportation -- and how did that work?

[whatagoodgirl]

There was just one being - Castiel said he was probably a spirit possessing some kind of doll - who could teleport people in and out of a single place. They could be anywhere, and they could go anywhere, but it had to be through that place. I never had any idea how he did it.

[the_good_doctor]

Castiel said that, did he? I've been meaning to chat with him about the logistics of his world.

[whatagoodgirl]

I don't think I should say anything. [Uneasily, in case he's soliciting information.] He's told me a lot in confidence.

[the_good_doctor]

[Watson smiled encouragingly. He didn't intend you to think he was going to question you, Nakama] That's why I'll take it up with Castiel myself.

[whatagoodgirl]

[She gives him a thankful grin, and tucks into her meal for a moment.]

So how long have you been here, Dr. Watson?

[the_good_doctor]

Me? Oh, I arrived a few days before the faeries did -- the day before that big Ball.

[whatagoodgirl]

You've been here for awhile! It's so weird, sometimes it feels like there's not that many of us, but there's so many people I never meet. Which house are you in?

[the_good_doctor]

You know, I'll agree with you about that. You get into habits, see the same people day after day ...

I'm in Thor.

[whatagoodgirl]

Especially when you work, right? It's better than home, because at least I work in a shop, so I don't spend all my time at home. But I do have a real pattern now.

Oh, Thor... [She's surprised that a doctor would be in Thor. It seems more like an Odin or Heimdall discipline.] What do you think of it?

[the_good_doctor]

What do you do on your days off then?

Well, my housemates are an interesting bunch. Varied -- but I can't complain. In my younger days, I was a bit of a rake myself.

[whatagoodgirl]

Oh, well, I'm working on a few hobbies. I read a lot, and I'm learning to bake and brushing up on my cooking. It was all school and work at home, so I'm not really used to free time, but I'm learning to relax.

[She doesn't even realize what a sad statement that is.]

A rake? [Curious headtilt. That's not a familiar expression to her.]

[the_good_doctor]

[Sadly, neither does Watson -- to a Victorian, that all sounds like an acceptably ladylike occupation.] I'm glad to hear that you're taking some time to enjoy yourself. I'm rather disconcerted at the amount of people I've had to recommend a past time to.

A bit of a lad -- I was rather too fond or taking risks, the odd gamble, perhaps a drink more than I should have ... [Watson, you're describing yourself now ...] Somehow, I avoided any serious trouble, but my commanding officer dressed me down more than once.

[whatagoodgirl]

[Lad doesn't help either, but she gets the picture. And is rather surprised.]

You were in the army, too?

[the_good_doctor]

As a medic -- though I confess, I was never very good at staying on the sidelines when things got serious.

[whatagoodgirl]

And now... do you have your own Sherlock, like the other Dr. Watson?

[the_good_doctor]

I have a Holmes, yes -- another common thread.

[whatagoodgirl]

Oh, do they prefer Holmes? I've met both of you... both Dr. Watsons, I mean... but I haven't met a Sher - Holmes yet.

[the_good_doctor]

Mine does, but where -- I mean, when we're from, first names are generally reserved for family. I wouldn't call him Sherlock, he wouldn't call me John.

I understand things are different in modern times.

[whatagoodgirl]

That's like Japan. I would call you Watson-sensei and him Holmes-san. It's just a habit I've gotten out of since learning this new language... sometimes I feel really impolite, but first names just come out without me thinking.