"Why would Mycroft put me up to this?" John asks genuinely, eyebrows piqued. Maybe if he knew the two were brothers that would be different, or if he knew that he's only here to goad Sherlock into piloting, that would be different too. John simply wants to have the best.

Which makes him believe that Sherlock is upset with his choice. John doesn't blame him. He leans in against the door, hand to the curving metal, and does his best to look Sherlock in the eye. Hard to do when the other is not just taller than he is but actually standing up higher than John is.

"I'll do my best to keep my baggage out of shared headspace. I'm only asking for a chance to see if this works out. I need this second chance and you're my best bet."