Sometimes John has bad days. He’s not as vocal or obvious about them as Sherlock, not as withdrawn as James, but he has them nonetheless. When the nightmares come despite the two men beside, or a scent just brings up memories, or he just gets lost a bit in his own head, James will often notice before Sherlock. He’s spent more time with John in combat. When that happens he’ll nudge Sherlock. They won’t comment on it, or smother, but there will be tea and soft touches and he knows he’s not alone