The Adventure of the Six Napoleons: Continental Drift

[methylviolet10b]

Author: methylviolet10b
Rating: PG
Character(s): Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Inspector Lestrade
Summary: Holmes almost does not notice the change.
Warnings:  Blink-and-you-miss-it spoilers for SIXN.
Word Count: 60, plus an extended-play version (100 words)
Author's Notes:  60 words of my own inspired by one of the canon stories.
Disclaimer: I don't own them.

SIXN – Continental Drift
The first time Lestrade came to 221B and stayed for more than just a discussion of a vexing case, I attributed it to Watson and his knack for congeniality. The second was a bitter evening, and the Inspector still had not thawed from the first journey.

It was not until the third incident that I realized I enjoyed his visits.

Extended-play version: 100 words
The change was so gradual even I almost failed to notice it.

The first time Lestrade came to 221B and stayed for more than just a discussion of a vexing case, I attributed it to Watson and his knack for congeniality. The second occurred on a bitter evening, and the Inspector still had not thawed from the first journey. It was only natural to extend him the hospitality of fire, tea, and some of Mrs. Hudson’s excellent fare.

It was not until the third incident that I realized I no longer merely tolerated his visits – I looked forward to them.

Comments

[tripleransom.livejournal.com]

You captured that dynamic perfectly!

It just took Holmes a while to warm up to Lestrade. Thank goodness for good old Watson.

[methylviolet10b]

Thank you! It is fascinating to see how Lestrade's portrayal - and relationship with Holmes and Watson - changes over the course of canon.

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Holmes would be surprised he enjoyed Lestrade's visits, you're absolutely right. Human interaction as a pleasurable thing? That's not something he's use to. Outside of Watson, of course. Maybe he should try it more often. Or does it only work with people he can investigate with?

[methylviolet10b]

I agree that it would be a surprise to him once he realized it. Introspection isn't really ACD Holmes' strongest characteristic, is it? ;-)

He does seem to try it again with Stackhurst in LION, so maybe he did learn something.

Thanks!