[He had chosen his course of action because those were the only consequences he could live with.
John angry at him? He didn't like it. He wanted to explain everything. But it was better than John not being alive to be angry.
Lestrade wondering why he seemed so much more solemn toward him now? He was alive to wonder.
And Mrs Hudson was safe at Baker Street. He could sacrifice his name, his career, and all contact with them for the knowledge that they were alive and no longer in a position to be threatened by Moriarty. They meant nothing as long as he was dead, and that kept them safe.
His wings ruffled with every thought, flexing with the anxieties and pressing against his back to shield him from the regrets he had. Under John's gaze, they quivered slightly, possessed by some restlessness.]
Moriarty has to be destroyed. [One of so many reasons to stay dead.] It's... [Why was it so hard to give half-explanations now? He was so good at them usually.] A living man can't get away with everything that needs to be done to ensure that.
no subject
I'm not.
But this isn't a case, and the lie won't come.]
I'm not going to say that.
[He had chosen his course of action because those were the only consequences he could live with.
John angry at him? He didn't like it. He wanted to explain everything. But it was better than John not being alive to be angry.
Lestrade wondering why he seemed so much more solemn toward him now? He was alive to wonder.
And Mrs Hudson was safe at Baker Street. He could sacrifice his name, his career, and all contact with them for the knowledge that they were alive and no longer in a position to be threatened by Moriarty. They meant nothing as long as he was dead, and that kept them safe.
His wings ruffled with every thought, flexing with the anxieties and pressing against his back to shield him from the regrets he had. Under John's gaze, they quivered slightly, possessed by some restlessness.]
Moriarty has to be destroyed. [One of so many reasons to stay dead.] It's... [Why was it so hard to give half-explanations now? He was so good at them usually.] A living man can't get away with everything that needs to be done to ensure that.