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Post by Sherlock Holmes on Jan 27, 2009 15:50:38 GMT -5
Holmes, too, found the thought of rats preferable to any other option open to them at that time--he pushed to the back of his mind any hint of the pleasure he'd received as her teeth entered his skin. It was shameful.
And it did not help her.
His hand was still not dexterous enough for him to regain his place in the orchestra. In truth, he'd have avoided the Opera altogether, if possible. But he insisted on accompanying Irene to her rehearsals, to protect her from herself as much as anyone else.
She had been in her dressing room for some time, now, and waiting in the hall, he knocked.
"Irene?" he called. "Are you... quite well?"
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Post by Irene on Jan 27, 2009 17:15:27 GMT -5
"Yes. Yes, of course."
She allowed herself a smile at his voice. The one man still connecting her to the rest of humanity...She often thought that the whole affair might have been even worse for him than for her.
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Post by Sherlock Holmes on Jan 27, 2009 17:39:05 GMT -5
"Good," Holmes murmured. After a moment, he raised his voice. "May I enter?"
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Post by Irene on Jan 27, 2009 17:45:02 GMT -5
"Yes."
She turned to the door as she spoke.
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Post by Sherlock Holmes on Jan 27, 2009 17:54:22 GMT -5
Holmes turned the handle, and slipped in with his habitual, unconscious grace. He was not entirely the confident man he'd been before coming here, but neither was he completely broken. He even smiled his quick, here-and-gone smile at the sight of her. He shut the door behind him, setting his hat on the rack.
"Faust is opening soon," he said. "Do you feel ready?"
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Post by Irene on Jan 27, 2009 18:01:41 GMT -5
"I believe so. Though whether you were referring to my knowledge of the role or another matter..."
She took his hand gently.
"I know I've told you before, but thank you for staying with me through all of this."
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Post by Sherlock Holmes on Jan 27, 2009 18:06:38 GMT -5
Holmes stepped forward, so they stood together, hand in hand.
"Thank you," he said. "For... finding it within yourself to forgive me. I should not have had the strength to get through this, without you."
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Post by Irene on Jan 27, 2009 18:13:35 GMT -5
"You wouldn't have gotten into this without me, either."
Standing, she caresed the side of his face.
"I'll never forgive myself for what you've been put through."
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Post by Sherlock Holmes on Jan 27, 2009 18:16:50 GMT -5
"But we're here now," Holmes said. "And that much, at least, I chose. I'll hear no more talk of forgiveness--it was not your fault, what happened. Above all else, Irene, we must remain ourselves."
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Post by Irene on Jan 27, 2009 18:25:56 GMT -5
"There are times when I don't even know what that means anymore."
She glanced at his injured hand.
"Do you ever plan on taking cases again?"
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Post by Sherlock Holmes on Jan 27, 2009 18:30:07 GMT -5
"You're the strongest woman I know," Holmes said firmly. "It's why I fell in love you."
He followed her gaze to his own hand. "Yes. Yes, I..." He'd been holding off, for her sake. Wanting her to be safe. "When the time is right."
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Post by Irene on Jan 27, 2009 20:16:53 GMT -5
"Good. You need something besides me to worry about."
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Post by Sherlock Holmes on Jan 28, 2009 11:12:27 GMT -5
"It seems worry is part of the territory," Holmes said. Unmapped by him, previously. He did not think love was this difficult for others, or it would be far less popular. "But I should occupy myself. If I knew you were feeling better. If I could convince myself of that... But as it is, you need me."
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Post by Irene on Jan 28, 2009 23:10:53 GMT -5
"I...I do."
To tell the truth, there were times when she wondered if she'd ever be independent again.
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Post by Sherlock Holmes on Jan 29, 2009 21:57:47 GMT -5
Holmes watched her carefully.
"Is there shame in that?" he asked. "I did not mean it so--I have seldom met anyone who needed another less. Your situation, however, is different. You should not have to face it alone."
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