You all know we've Fanonically placed Watson as having a fear of water...I was working yesterday and this idea hit me, wondering what Holmes might possibly be afraid of (if anything)and why. I should think that if anything, it's this:
"What a gorgeous view!"
"Drivel," my companion groused.
Something sparkled below us; I walked to the sea-cliff's edge (I had never been afraid of heights) and peered down.
"There's something glittering, Holmes, you see it?"
He remained a safe distance back.
"Can't see anything."
"You'll have to get closer," I said, peering over the brink.
"Get back, Watson!" he snapped, grasping my arm, yanking me back with an unreasonable force.
"What the devil's wrong with you?" I demanded when he backed away hastily.
"Nothing!"
Not so, for I could see barely controlled fear in his expressive eyes.
And I remembered that not once, all week, had he ventured close to the edge as I had.
"You're afraid of heights."
His lips pressed together thinly.
"I'm not."
But he was, I could see it. And I suddenly realised why.
"My apologies, Holmes," I spoke softly.
He said nothing, staring over the water.
"Would you believe how many times I've gone over those cursed Falls in my dreams?" he asked finally.
"Probably as many as I've watched you in mine," I returned gently, gripping his shoulder.
He stiffened, then relaxed slowly.
"Just – stay away from that edge, will you?"
"Of course."
"Thank you."
"There no shame in a fear that well-founded, Holmes," I said after a moment.
"No?"
"No," I sighed, glancing meaningfully out at the deep bay.