He's underestimated you, Watson. Those are a fighter's instincts--not the classy, honed instincts of one who has trained in dojos or clubs or even in barracks, but the instincts of a man who has had to fight in order to survive, who has to measure and access a threat and respond to it quickly and accordingly. They're the instincts of a man who has seen some serious shit.

Bugger. And to think he was almost over your charms. That's kind of hot, really.

What an adventure, to think this handsome doctor might actually be a man who could kill him.

Another time.

Ed draws his blade back from the standoff, telegraphing his movements as clearly as possible. No flourishes, nothing that might trigger what is coiled to attack. Once the knife is safely tucked away, Ed shrugs as if he and Watson hadn't just had a moment where, a hairpin error could have ended one or both of their lives ...at least for this camping trip.

"You don't get far in piracy by asking nicely."