What Do They Know?

Illustration of a truly incredible Sherlock/John commentfic by a (sadly) anonymous author, A Thorough Examination. I chose to represent a very powerful scene excerpted from it. I can't really sum up what leads to this scene, the only thing I can say is that it's not what it looks like ^^

The title comes from MSI's song, What Do They Know? because the lyrics fit John's state of mind at that precise point.

Beat me up
Beat me down
Mess me up
Beyond all recognition

For what it's worth
I'd do it again
With no consequence
I will do it again

Hard up, so hunt me down, down, down
Jump the gun bust a cap hit the ground[...]