Addition to the Outline

Boy, my new job has kept me so busy and worn me out with so much overtime that I can't get much done. I was able to make a change to my DIM outline, though. I've inserted a new chapter 22 into the outline, between the previous 21 & 22. (The final chapter is now chapter 23.)


Fandom: Sherlock Holmes
Story: Deeper in Memory novel
Pairing: Holmes/Watson
Warnings: slash, hetero background

Chapter 22 outline

In late June of 1902, Watson is injured during 3GAR, and Holmes knocks out the bastard before rushing to his friend. Watson is amazed, to see the fear and concern in Holmes's eyes. After all these years, he finally realizes that Holmes truly does love him, and that the daily mask he wears is simply a mask for propriety's sake. Touched, Watson assures him that it's just a scratch on his thigh, but Holmes rips up his trouser leg anyway, just to make sure. Then, meeting each other's eyes, they share a moment of temptation, but are interrupted by Killer Evans waking up. Luckily, the criminal is too dazed to notice anything weird about their behaviour. Holmes belligerently says that he would've killed Evans if Watson had not survived. Watson calls for the police, who take Evans away.

Once they are alone, they embrace emotionally, and Holmes says that he could not have lived without him. Watson nearly kisses him, before remembering himself. Then Holmes jokes weakly about how he shall have to explain Watson's wound to Mary, who will probably lecture him again. Watson kisses his cheek and apologizes for the past. Perhaps he even admits that he loves Holmes too. But still, after Watson borrows a pair of pants, they part. Maybe Holmes keeps the bloody, ripped trousers as a memento.

Also, Holmes refused a knighthood for some unspecified case, and there's a phone in Baker Street now. Does that make it easier for Holmes to call Watson in Queen Anne Street?

ILLU begins on Sept 3, 1902, at the Turkish bath. Why does Watson call the case the "supreme moment" of Holmes's career? No mystery to solve, no splendid deductions. Watson shouldn't be so in awe about the client, given all the other noble clients Holmes has had. What is so special about the sordid tale of Baron Gruner, that Watson would publish it? The mention of Shinwell Johnson? Sympathy for Kitty Winter? Is it because Holmes chose not to deceive him about the "murderous attack"? He malingered to Sir Leslie Oakshott, but not to Watson, whom he trusted to exaggerate his injuries and manipulate the press.

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I suppose that I could use the "It was worth a wound" quotation as the chapter quotation, since it includes the "Three Garridebs" story, but I'm not sure yet. I also want to include other material there, including "The Illustrious Client" and the reasons why Holmes decides to retire to Sussex.