The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter: Afterwards Proved Correct

[methylviolet10b]

Author: methylviolet10b
Rating: PG
Character(s): Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft Holmes
Summary: Mycroft offers some unexpected advice.
Warnings: Tangential spoilers for GREE.
Word Count: 60, plus two quotes from the story itself, in italics. Plus an extended-play version. It's just that time of year, I guess.
Author's Notes: 60 words of my own inspired by one of the canon stories.
Disclaimer: I don't own them.

GREE – Afterwards Proved Correct

“You keep too much from him.”

Mycroft’s words startled me. “I tell him enough.”

His far-seeing eyes caught and held my own. “No, you don’t. His devotion to you is clear, but if you continue to keep important matters hidden from him, you will lose him one day –to mischance, to treachery, or to one who better rewards his trust.”

Extended Play version – 221(b)

“You keep too much from him.”

While I had imagined any number of observations from Mycroft after introducing Watson to my brother, this was not one I had anticipated. “I tell him what he needs to know.”

His far-seeing eyes caught and held my own. “No. You tell him only what you deem suitable or convenient for him to know. His devotion to you is clear, as is yours to him. But I tell you now, Sherlock, if you continue to keep important matters hidden from him, in specific cases or in your general work, you will lose him one day – either to mischance, to treachery, or to one who better rewards his trust.”

I bristled at his words. “I am more careful than that.”

If anything, Mycroft’s expression grew even graver. “You misunderstand me. I know that you care. It is for that very reason that you are too careful of him, and yet not careful enough with him. I do not doubt that you act and decide with his best interests at heart. But you would do far better to conceal less, and trust his judgment and attachment more.”

He made it sound so simple. It wasn’t, and never had been. “I know what I’m doing, Mycroft.”

My brother shook his head. “You had better hope so, my boy.”

Comments

[mundungus42.livejournal.com]

I really like the way this reflects the bitterness of Watson's opening to this tale, despite the cozy domestic scene in which Holmes first talks about his brother. I'm glad that Sherlock's respect for Mycroft's perspicacity means that he'll be likely to take his brother's advice, or at least I like to hope so. Just lovely!

[methylviolet10b]

Thank you! The start of GREE really is harsh, but then again, finding out that your best friend and flatmate has a brother living in the same city only after many years of living together is pretty harsh, too.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

I like very much that this addresses such an important aspect of the Holmes/Watson dynamic. I also like how Mycroft cuts to the chase and we get a hint that these brothers don't always play well together as they did during this particular case.

to one who better rewards his trust. That is cold, Mycroft!

[methylviolet10b]

Wow, thanks! I can't help but think that Mycroft would see all kinds of things about his brother's relationship with Watson - and that he wouldn't hesitate to say something he felt important, regardless of how it would likely be received. :-)

[debriswoman]

Both versions work well

Interesting dynamics between the two brothers:-)

[methylviolet10b]

Thanks! I was worried that the 60-word version was really too bare-bones to have much impact.

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Your 60 packs a serious punch, but nothing like the extended version.

He made it sound so simple. It wasn’t, and never had been.
There is so much going on under the surface here, between brothers and between friends. Mycroft, as he often does, sees more than anyone else, and demonstrates his insight bluntly. Too bad Sherlock is too proud to take his brother's advice, because coming up next is SIGN and the arrival of Miss Mary Morstan, one who does indeed "better reward his trust".

You always make the most amazing things.

[methylviolet10b]

This one really wanted the extended version, I agree. And yes, I expect one could write volumes about the subtle communication between the Holmes brothers! :-)

Thank you!