stonepicnicking_okapi: snowcherries (snowcherries)
[personal profile] stonepicnicking_okapi posting in [community profile] holmes_minor
Title: Birdwatching
Rating: Gen
Length: 300
Notes: Sussex AU
Summary: Watson gives voice to something he's been wondering for a while


“…no, I’m mistaken, the crest is different, not markedly different, mind you, but different, Watson, if you would consult our valuable resource, The British Birdwatchers Journal and Guide, if I’m not confused on page forty-three…”

“Holmes.”

Something in my tone made him drop his binoculars and turn his attention to me.

“Yes?”

“Do you enjoy birdwatching?”
“It’s a very respectable hobby for a gentleman of advanced years who had retired to the Sussex countryside.”

“Yes, yes, but do you, truly, like it?”

Holmes frowned. His gaze wandered from mine, and he fell into a short but contemplative silence.
I thought about Holmes’ announcement, made so long ago in our Baker Street rooms, that he would retire to the countryside and take up beekeeping. Along with texts on the apiary science, there appeared books on ornithology, too, but while Holmes would, on occasion, wax poetic about hives and the nature of bees, he never mentioned birds. He did, however, invest heavily in several sets of binoculars, always bought in pairs. Indeed, we were in possession of the most advanced instruments that could be found in London. It was a question that had risen in my chest from time to time; and now, listening to Holmes on this sunny day in late winter, I finally gave voice to my pondering.

“No,” he replied finally. “I don’t give a dash about that feathered thing’s crest.”

“Then why are we here?” I asked good-naturedly.

“Because I think something very sinister is happening at the Banyon farm, just over there.”

“Birdwatching is an excellent cover for snooping and spying on one’s rural neighbours.”

Holmes turned slightly pink, then raised one eyebrow and shot me a look.

“Thank you for trusting me with the truth, my good man,” I said. “As always, I am with you.”
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