The Resident Patient - Nervous Lessons

[snycock.livejournal.com]

Canon Story: The Resident Patient
Title: Nervous Lessons
Author: snycock
Category: Gen
Rating: G

Holmes glanced my way when I mentioned Dr. Trevelyan’s monograph, and I held my breath for fear his formidable scrutiny would fix upon me. Mrs. Hudson had warned me of the melancholy that engulfed my friend at times. I desired only to help, but I knew how he valued his privacy. He would not thank her for revealing his secrets.

Comments

[hisietari.livejournal.com]

That's a very interesting and, I think, problematic aspect you're pointing out. Not problematic for the story (actually rather nurturing), but for the relationship between the two main characters, and tiny Mrs Hudson of course.
I like this little moment of Watson showing both his qualities as a doctor, and the delicate bonds their friendship represents, just as well as the rather calm way you present it.

[snycock.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Since it's early in their partnership, I can imagine Watson wanting to be discreet, but also wanting to get as much information as possible so he could help. And it seems like their relationship is still somewhat new; he doesn't have the frankness yet that he develops with Holmes in the later stories.

[spacemutineer.livejournal.com]

Watson is so careful here, delicate with his friend and pseudo-patient. I love our good doctor.

[snycock.livejournal.com]

I think I figured out that, at this point, he doesn't have direct experience of Holmes' black moods, but that doesn't mean he isn't curious, which might explain his interest in the monograph. Always thoughtful, is our John. :-) Thanks for reading!