OPEN POST; [ HERLOCK SHOLMES / TGAA ]

[retroductions]

(( hold you in my dreams ))

Comments

[velluminous]

I would love to hear you play, Herlock.

[ in a tone that, perhaps to Iris' delight, drips of "I love you, Herlock" ]

[bestbuds]

[MOMMY AND DADDY LOVE EACH OTHER SO MUCH AND IT'S PRECIOUS

She giggles.]

Do you have any requests, then, Sprezzie? Don't let Hurley pick the piece or we'll both regret it.

[✨savage✨]

[velluminous]

Ah. I do not know your music. What is your favourite?

1/3

[retroductions]

Aha! Iris has a fondness for Herlock Sholmes' Great Improvisation Special-

[bestbuds]

I love the Simple chanson section of Kaleidoscope Op. 50! The violin part sings beautifully!

[retroductions]

[velluminous]

[ her lips twinge, even as her cheeks remain wet with tears. ]

Will you play that for us, Herlock?

1/2

[retroductions]

[He immediately straightens.]

A simple enough of an ask! ...I need merely remember where I placed my violin! Ha!

[Give him a moment, then, as he shuffles off to his side of the room, fossicking under books and papers and-]

[bestbuds]

[Well, while they wait-]

You've heard him play before, haven't you? What a strange prison that still allows its inmates to perform musical pieces...

[Anyway, she hops off her seat and stands.]

Anyway! Let's dance together!

[velluminous]

Da, he has played for me...

[ after she died. her throat closes up—not that she would have told Iris this otherwise—and so she stands and nudges their teacups away from the edges of the trunk.

then she holds out a hand for the girl. ]

1/2

[bestbuds]

[She moves around the trunk to take Sprezzatura's hand, dainty but eager. Ohh, she can definitely scent her this close — she smells a bit like one of Hurley's chemistry sets. They were made for each other!]

Then you know that he's very talented when he's actually trying!

[retroductions]

[In a sudden burst of fluttering papers, Sholmes stands upright in the background, holding violin and bow in both hands.]

What censure from my own assistant! I am always trying, Iris. [sometimes just badly] But I will give it my all for this "recital" in particular.

[Ahems, stepping closer to them.]

Now. Are you ready?

[velluminous]

[ Iris' small, gloved hand in hers. she feels a sudden and infinite affection for her, bordering on something deeper she cannot yet name. ]

Come, come. I will lead.

[ over the girl's head, she meets Herlock's eyes. I love you. ]

[retroductions]

[And it’s a look that cuts right through him in the best way possible — warm, belonging, loved. There’s a smile on his face as he meets her gaze, but one glinting in his eyes, too. And I love you dearly.

But what is unspoken can be made clarion clear through music itself. He intends to play exquisitely for two of the most important people in his life, and so, putting bow to string, a melody (skip to simple chanson, I can’t timestamp in mobile cry) is gladly woven into being.

Iris is happy to hear it, but as instructed, she waits for Sprezzatura’s lead.]

[velluminous]

[ hand in hand, her nape pricking with the clarity of the song. she might cry a little more if the hatred of it didn't kill the ability so well.

she lifts Iris' arm to guide her towards where the room is clearest, and immediately into a gentle spin. ]

[bestbuds]

[Everyone in 221B loves a good dance, and Iris is no exception to the rule. She's smiling and bright as Sprezzatura leads her to a section of the room where there's the most space to dance—Iris' side, of course—and laughs in surprise as she's guided into spin.

A full circle, pink pigtails swaying. When complete, she looks up at her adoringly.]

I'm so glad you've finally come to visit, Sprezzie!

[It's going to be so much fun with her around!]

[velluminous]

[ is this love? ]

Ohh. [ pulls her close, one hand to the back of her head, to gently turn them both about the room. ] I am, too.

[bestbuds]

[She’s small, still a child, and so the way she reaches up to keep hold of Sprezzatura makes it seem more like a hug as they turn about the room, in tempo to the violin.]

We can do this every evening — until you get tired of it, anyway. And if Hurley isn’t stealing you away on one of his adventures.

[velluminous]

[ she thinks her entire heart might rattle out of her throat. or that she might swallow it.

she's perfect. ]

I would be sure to make it home to you every night, little flower. Just for this.

[bestbuds]

[That makes her happy.]

Good. Then you can tell me all about what the two of you have been up to!

[It's not as though Sholmes spares Iris of every outing, but he certainly never takes her on the more morbid, dangerous, or tiring ones.]

Perhaps I'll write you in as a character in my next tale...

[velluminous]

What?... No, I am not wanting to be in any books...

[bestbuds]

No? Ohh, but I've always wanted to write in a romantic interest...

[velluminous]

To Herlock Sholmes?

[ a meaningful glance his way as they turn about the room ]

I do not think ladies of London would take well to that. [ ........ ] Do it.

[bestbuds]

[Blinks, then laughs.]

You want to want to make the jealous? Hurley has eyes only for you, but…

[Well, it might be a little amusing.]

[velluminous]

Yes, but I want them to writhe in envy.