William Sherlock Scott Holmes.
“To the very best of times, John.”
JESUS CHRIST
Can we talk about how this makes Sherlock into John’s version of Irene? Watching this scene, I realized that’s exactly what was happening.
John told Sherlock she was in witness protection, because he couldn’t stand the chance that her death would break Sherlock’s heart. In turn, Sherlock can’t break John’s heart by admitting he’s going off to die. He’ll be doing undercover work for 6 months according to Mycroft, and Mycroft is always right. He’ll be dead within 6 months. But John asks what happens after 6 months, and Sherlock can’t tell him.
The hug that should have happened would have given away his secret. He never would have let go. John would have worked it out, and it would have gotten very messy. Sherlock wouldn’t do that to John Watson. Instead, he would lie and leave and inevitably die. Because he knows what his death does to John. He saw it, and he was forgiven for it. This time, he chooses to die quietly. Alone. In exile. Because John is safe and happy, and that’s the best gift Sherlock Holmes can offer the man he loves. Safety. Happiness. And a world where Sherlock will never endanger his doctor’s life again. That’s better… for everyone… right?
For the SuperWhoLocks… It’s Eleven lying to go save the world. It’s Cas pretending he’s leaving Purgatory to get Dean moving toward the exit. Too much outwardly expressed emotion will give them away. They suffer in silence and call it a kindness. It’s only those of us who know what they’re doing that would call it cruel.