A.N.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL REVIEWERS!

D#mn I can't belive how long it's taken me to get this chapter out. I apologize, I've had the worst writer's block. I've rewritten this chapter four times and I still don't quite like it. Hopefully I'll get over this block soon! Suggestions are both welcome and appreciated.

FYI: I do not know what Holmes's favorite meal is or even what a middle class gentleman ate in Victorian England and yes for those whos did not know there were laws against homosexual relationships against men during Holmes and Watson's time. The law didn't include women because Queen Victoria didn't even believe in their existance. Though the law was a whole lot kinder under Victoria's reign. I believe the punishment was several months in prison during Victoria's reign, but I know during Henry VIII's time and possibly before and definately after for many years the punishment was death. Eeek!

Reviews are appreciated

Chap.3 : Researching the Topic Part One

Dinner at 221b Baker Street comprised of roast pheasant and Mrs. Hudson's mashed potatoes. Actually one of Holmes's favorite dishes, but he could not take his eyes off of Watson for more than a few moments. He wasn't sure of why that was; it wasn't like Watson was acting different from his usual self. Deciding to focus on his " research" he started working on a plausible excuse for his questions. Coming up with believable stories off the cuff was not new to Holmes and a workable story formed extremely quickly.

"Watson, would you be so kind as to assist me in a matter I'm working on?" asked Holmes.

Watson looked up at Holmes from his plate with a gentle smile and responded, "You know it is my privilege to help you, how can I be of assistance Holmes?"

"A client of mine in a high position is worried that his friend, a male friend, is wooing him in hopes of pursuing a romantic relationship. I have doubts however that that is the case. That is your area of expertise though Watson not mine, and I was hoping you might tell me what you would consider signs of romantic interest from a male?"

Watson was startled by the question; he stared at Holmes for a moment in silence. Seeing Watson's discomfort Holmes quickly added "Well we both know that my experience with the love is non existent and yet you seemed to have had no trouble wooing ladies." Watson seemed to relax and actually chuckled "True enough and I can imagine your client is afraid of a scandal should his friend's feelings be of a romantic nature."

"Quite" agreed Holmes.

" Well I can't speak for homosexual men of course," said Watson with an uneasy chuckle "but I do believe that it depends on what your client's friend is doing as far as wooing."

"Well," started Holmes " they are very close friends, in fact my client describes him as his 'closest and most trusted companion'". "They travel together, work together, often eat and attend entertainment together, and even live close to another. My client is not concerned with the fact that a homosexual relationship is against the law but of damaging his friend's reputation and the companionship they share," continued Holmes.

"And you Holmes," asked Watson "aren't you concerned about your client breaking the laws of England with such a relationship."

"Actually Watson now that I consider the law I find it to be a rather pointless one. If both partners are willing and of a proper age, then what harm is done. Laws like the ones regarding homosexual relationships make those who break them feel trapped and desperate enough to break much larger laws. By sending homosexuals to jail Parliament merely guarantees that criminal behavior will weigh on those individuals and dominate their personality for life" answered Holmes.

Watson was awed at Holmes's answer and remainedspeechless for several moments.

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I hope to have the next part out soon but don't hold your breath.