A/N: definitely AU – Holmes encouraging Watson to write? How could he?? But seriously, I wonder why Watson didn't write anything besides Holmes' related stuff.
- Have you ever succumbed to poetry?
I laughed easily.
- No, Heaven forbid. Not since college, anyway.
He nodded, a drawn-faced sage in a black frock-coat.
- Drama?
- Holmes! Don't be ridiculous.
- I am not. One would expect an author to try his hand at different genres.
I shrugged and settled back; the brougham swayed drunkenly.
I didn't regard myself as some tragically misunderstood literature prodigy; it was my fascination with his personality and work that kept my pen moving. Without him, why should I continue? And now that he was back, it didn't seem a great loss to lay it aside.
- Sermons? Reviews? Libretti? No? Is there any other kind of wordplay you might feel yourself suited for?
Eulogies. I sobered.
- Why so interested in my writing?
He waved his hand evasively.
- I somehow expected to see more of it in the past years, is all.
In the past years, rang in my head.
- I wasn't sure what cases would be less disruptive to your clients.
- Our clients.
- Oxford street already!
- Your diversions are by no means as trustworthy as your discretion… I was trying to tell you – and I shan't repeat it either – that your stories are quite… readable.
He missed them.
- Just don't go in for burlesque.