Oh, very nice Holmes voice. I enjoyed the restraint, the edge of self-doubt that's as close to fretting as Holmes allows himself to get. I also like Le Villard's shrewdness and generosity, which rather shows up Holmes' callousness towards him. The fact that Holmes can be so discerning - although my brain is a law unto itself implies it's sometimes against his will - and yet be so unable to draw the obvious conclusion about Watson's feelings, nicely demonstrates that deduction isn't always the best or only way to judge the truth (not that he'll ever admit it). Although leave it to Holmes to test Le Villard's theory as if it's a hypothesis requiring scientific confirmation.
I, too, love the line "a high domed forehead such as would drive a phrenologist to ecstasy." Dry Holmesian wit is always a treat.
"There is nothing more pitiful than a man who pines after someone who doesn't reciprocate the feeling." This is a wonderful moment, where Holmes perceives only the possible insult he's dealt the fellow whose feelings he doesn't return, while quite failing to realize that, if he truly believes Watson feels nothing but friendship for him, the words apply equally to him. It's very kind of Le Villard not to remark upon it.
The fic ends at the perfect moment, and I smiled along with the subtlety and joy of Watson's smile. I imagine he's been waiting patiently for Holmes, who usually needs no such urging, to get a clue.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2013-03-23 06:17 am (UTC)I, too, love the line "a high domed forehead such as would drive a phrenologist to ecstasy." Dry Holmesian wit is always a treat.
"There is nothing more pitiful than a man who pines after someone who doesn't reciprocate the feeling." This is a wonderful moment, where Holmes perceives only the possible insult he's dealt the fellow whose feelings he doesn't return, while quite failing to realize that, if he truly believes Watson feels nothing but friendship for him, the words apply equally to him. It's very kind of Le Villard not to remark upon it.
The fic ends at the perfect moment, and I smiled along with the subtlety and joy of Watson's smile. I imagine he's been waiting patiently for Holmes, who usually needs no such urging, to get a clue.
A lovely and satisfying start to the fest.