Festivities and Fruitcakes

December 28

December 28: “A childhood fear.” (from Hades Lord of the Dead)

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A/N: 3rd person POV.

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“Holmes, I…I was wondering if I could ask you something,” said Watson uncertainly.

“Yes, I suppose you could,” replied Holmes, taking the pipe out from between his teeth. “I won’t guarantee I have an answer.”

“Well…I was wondering if there was a reason that cats, well, upset you.” Watson glanced at his friend.

Holmes did not meet his gaze. He cleared his throat uncomfortably. “As a matter of fact, there is.”

Watson gave a nod, unsure whether or not he ought to speak.

“A rather silly reason, you might think, but a reason nonetheless.”

“Ah,” Watson replied.

“When I was little—four, I believe—my brother played a rather nasty prank on me. Mycroft took one of the more spiteful of the local stray cats, stuffed him into a bag, and let him loose in my bedroom one night. The thing was terrified out of its wits, I’m sure, and attacked me. I’ve still got a scar on my arm from it, actually.”

Watson cringed. “That was a rather awful thing for him to do.”

Holmes nodded. “I have never quite forgotten it.” He gave a dry chuckle. “Silly, I know.”

“No, that isn’t silly, it is completely understandable,” his friend replied indignantly.

“Thank you,” Holmes said quietly.

“Why would Mycroft do such a thing?” Watson asked.

Holmes snorted. “It is entirely possible that I let loose a raccoon in his bedroom the night before.”