I really, really love the characterization of Holmes here. You know he’s frightened and it come out as a clipped, precise, dictatorial instruction. In a way, he acts as Watson did. Immediately shelve the panic and force yourself into practicality. And Holmes being Holmes there’s an added element of command and impatience. He tries to a master all situations but this one is especially scary because there is so little he can do.

Of course Holmes would know not only that the toshers worked the area, but also which particular band would work this area!

My favorite part was the way in which Holmes’ concern seeped, or in some cases exploded, through the cracks. Watson’s concern about Rance is so in character for him and Holmes’ reply shows just how rattled he is. Also the transfer of the coat and the cheek kiss were quite touching.

Thanks so much for writing this!

nlr alicia sez: You are so cool. I’m forming this mental picture of you sitting on horseback, laptop propped on the cast on your arm, scrolling through a story while you wait for the updraft to catch your hang glider… Wait, is that a pirate ship I see in the background?

As always, you give me such joy. Thank you for your comments on the pragmatism and the tightly controlled terror – I’m really glad that made sense.

And I adore you for mentioning the toshers. Yeah, “Scott” and the toshers go way back. The toshers, and this setting, are going to be important in Blood Memory so it was cool to get to work out with them a little bit. You wouldn’t believe how much tosher-trivia I cut (actually, you probably would ). Thanks again!!

In any case, in addition:

My eyes drifted closed and the last thought that lingered in my mind as the world faded away was of his breath mingled with mine.

*squeed like a mad thing*

nlr alicia sez: Thank you so much, darlin’ – and you know I’ll be disappointed on the day I don’t get double-comments from you!

I’m really glad you enjoyed those lines – I’ll try to keep the squees coming!

“Breathe, John,” a voice murmured. “Just breathe. Slowly. One breath. And another. Don’t leave me. You can’t leave me. Please, just breathe.” The words were soft and rhythmic and as soothing as a light rain.

Needless to say, I was squeeing and just about saying this words myself.

(I’m such a sucker for fics like this)

nlr alicia sez: Yay! I’m scary!

nlr alicia sez: aww! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I didn’t manage to get in everything we brainstormed (I’ll find a way to use those rabid dogs some day! ) so I’m thrilled that you like it – I had an awful lot of fun writing it – thanks for the great inspiration!!

“Yes, of course you will,” Holmes answered tightly. “I can’t imagine why you’re sitting here playing on my sympathy like this.”

Heh heh. Love it.

nlr alicia sez: Thank you!

Yes, I love this to bits.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

nlr alicia sez: Thank you so much, sweetie. Once again, you name the things that felt most important to me. I’ll see what I can do to give you some more h/c-fraught fic soon!

nlr alicia sez: Thank you so much. That’s kind of you to say. I do try very hard to get that kind of balance with the dialogue and I’m so glad it’s working for you. I’ll do my best to make it worth coming back for more!