#Questions about Sherlolly

[sherlollyappreciationweek]

Sherlolly Appreciation Week 2024

Get excited Sherlollians because a new appreciation week is on its way! This will be our 10th year in a row of celebrating our favorite science nerds – I can’t believe we have been doing this for 10 years!!! My little nerd heart is so happy you are all still here celebrating with me!

This year we are focusing on your favorite Sherlolly moments, both canon and those headcanons or moments found in fanfics and fanart. Please feel free to use the prompts however you are inspired, meaning the canon prompts do not have to lead to creations that are still canon compliant, nor do you simply have to “answer” the question of the Headcanon prompt…let your creativity fly! I want to see all of the meta, GIF sets, photo edits or manips, fanart, and fanfiction pieces you can create!

Keep an eye out for the tag: ‘sherlollyweek2024’. I will post any updates or news about the appreciation week under that tag! That will also be the tag that you use when you post your response to the daily prompts. Can’t wait to see what you lovelies come up with!

[mizjoely]

Three Ways It Could Have Happened (and One Way It Did)

For Day 2 of Sherlolly Appreciation Week: Shared Look/Canon Divergent Idea. On AO3 here.

1.

He meets her gaze, his expression wary, hers hopeful, and opens his mouth to force the distance between them to remain. Opens his mouth to pretend he misunderstands her, to order coffee - black, two sugars - but then he stops. Thinks, rapidly as he always does, calculating, extrapolating, wondering at his own reasons for doing so. And then he opens his mouth again and says simply, Yes, sounds excellent, that small cafe by the north entrance after your shift? And her smile is dazzling, and he knows he's made the right choice.

2.

He meets her eyes across the room; she's wearing a dress he's never seen before, black with sparkly straps and a twee bow in her hair and he thinks with surprise, oh, she's lovely. In the background Gavin is ogling her and even John and his latest soon-to-be ex-girlfriend and Mrs Hudson are admiring her but none of them understand the profoundness of that moment. Of Molly bravely baring a form usually kept under wraps, a gift presented and all for - him? Surely not? He glances at the bag, at the carefully wrapped gift at the top and he thinks, Yes. For me.

And he walks over to her, automatically shutting off his mobile, and he takes her hand and he leans forward and kisses her cheek (everyone is staring, staring as he does so) and he murmurs, Merry Christmas Molly Hooper and ends his years of standoffish solitude with a single smile and a second, far less innocent kiss.

3.

He meets her eyes, his sparkling with appreciation of his own wit, hers disapproving, and his smile vanishes. Chastened, he turns back to his train-obsessed informant and eventually the entire case is unravelled to his satisfaction. But he can't stop thinking about that shared look, how she'd chastened him without speaking a single word, her disapproval so obvious that even an idiot (and he's not an idiot, no matter what his brother says) could see it.

It nags at him, that look, until finally he's driven to ask John, of all people, why he had reacted to it. He normally ignores such looks or remains blithely unaware of them, and John just shrugs and says, guess you've changed a bit since you got back, not such a bad thing, and those words strike him like a blow.

He goes to her flat and asks if the ring she's been given is meant to be permanent; he's seen how loosely she wears it, why not get it sized? And she shrugs and tries to look away but he sees the truth in those warm brown eyes, and he makes a decision. Reaching out, he takes her hand; she lets him, watching quietly as he slips the ring from her finger and places it on the table where she keeps her handbag and keys, saying nothing as he keeps hold of her with one hand and reaches for her mobile with the other. Call him, he tells-asks-demands of her. Tell him it's over. Please, Molly - And lets out a soft sigh of relief when she does.

1.

He meets her gaze, although she can't see him doing so. He opens his mouth and speaks. I-I love you, he says, hesitant and unsure. Realization widens his eyes. I love you, he says a second time, wondering and almost awed at the truth in his own words. And when she repeats those words, so soft and broken-sounding, he could weep at his own ignorance. Wilful ignorance of what has been right in front of him all the time. When his sister's games are over, he vows as he stares at the remains of a smashed coffin, chest heaving with anger-guilt-terror, he'll repeat those words a third time.

And Molly will never have to question whether or not he means them.

[whispers-soundtrack-project]

Sherlolly

Fanmix Part Four

Part One * Part Two * Part Three

Link to the Spotify Playlist is at the bottom of the post

All of Me (John Legend)

What's goin' on in that beautiful mind? * I'm on your magical mystery ride * And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me * But I'll be alright

Thank You For Loving Me (Bon Jovi)

Thank you for loving me * For being my eyes * When I couldn't see * For parting my lips * When I couldn't breathe * Thank you for loving me

C'est La Mort (The Civil Wars)

Swan dive down eleven stories high * Hold your breath until you see the light * You can sink to the bottom of the sea * Just don't go without me

Always On My Mind (Willie Nelson)

And maybe I didn't treat you * Quite as good as I should have * If I made you feel second best * Girl I'm sorry I was blind * You were always on my mind

That's As Close As I'll Get To Loving You (Aaron Tippin)

I won't be there when you need holding * But I'm sure that he can pull you through * But I can sing this song to everybody * And pretend it's not about you

The Scientist (Coldplay)

I was just guessing * At numbers and figures * Pulling the puzzles apart * Questions of science * Science and progress * Do not speak as loud as my heart

Never Knock (Kevin Garrett)

You are in my head * When my heart's at war * And if I'm ever scared * I'll breathe the air * In front of your door * And I will never knock * But that's as far as I'll go

You Don't Know Me (Alison Krauss)

You give your hand to me * And then you say hello * And I can hardly speak * My heart is beating so * And anyone could tell * You think you know me well * But you don't know me

She's Got a Way (Billy Joel)

She's got a way about her * I don't know what it is * But I know that I can't live without her * She's got a way of pleasing * I don't know what it is * But there doesn't have to be a reason anyway

Sally's Song (Amy Lee)

What will become of my dear friend? * Where will his actions lead us then? * Although I'd like to join the crowd * In their enthusiastic cloud * Try as I may, it doesn't last * And will we ever end up together?

[ohifonlyx33]

I was never the biggest Sherlock girlie during the peak of SuperWhoLock Era Tumblr. Just a casual enjoyer of Benedict Cucumbersnatch. In fact, when I finally gave in and watched it (during the wait for S4, probably), I didn't really think it quite lived up to The Hype around it at that time... I'm not really a crime detective girlie... I liked reading some of the meta and such. ANYWAY. All that to say, if you ask me I shrug and agree it's a fine show... But every now and then I see something sherlolly on my dash and I absolutely spiral. Like obsessed lowkey with Molly and Sherlock, even though they probably aren't even in my top 20 ships.

I just forget how absolutely fascinating those two are. Until it blinds me. They really were almost like breadcrumbs in the grand scheme of the show... But if vivisect the show and put the pieces back together, sherlolly can be found everywhere in the textures and patterns. little fingerprints here and there where it makes sense, even if it shouldn't. and some kind of crazy understated chemistry.

That being said, after watching some sherlolly videos, I want to ask the sherlolly stans a question about The Final Problem.... Euros was pretty vague in her reasoning. We know she was just doing research, but her hypothesis wasn't entirely clear... just that she wanted an emotional reaction.

While Euros is studying Sherlock's psyche, she says the impending death, as she understands it, is to be a tragedy... so much unlived life, and words left unsaid. John and Mycroft assume it's for someone who loves Sherlock, and yes they rightfully deduce coffin is meant for Molly... because everyone knows Molly fancies Sherlock. So what if the coffin was originally intended to be meant for someone loved by Sherlock. Someone who would die never knowing he loved her. Someone left alive after she died. Someone who would place that plaque on her coffin after her death... Because Sherlock would never TELL her those words while she was alive.

And Euros wasn't trying to torture Molly in particular.... She was trying to get to her brother... to see how Sherlock responds to emotional context. And she was trying to break him.

I think this is the unspoken interpretation that only Euros and maybe Sherlock really caught. IDK... thoughts?

[sherlollyandspoilers]

Intimacy

Sherlolly Appreciation Week, Day 6, Physical Contact This little one shot will most likely become part of my current fic, We're worth it, which is where Sherlock and Molly go to therapy, granted this is not just a therapy session nor is reading that fic required for this one shot to make sense, so please enjoy!

“With the wedding right around the corner I want to talk about intimacy.” Sherlock and Molly both stared at their therapist like she had grown a second head. June frowned at them, “I promise I don’t have amnesia and have forgotten the multiple times we have discussed your sex life…nor have I forgotten the TWO CHILDREN you have.”

Molly giggled and Sherlock just shook his head slightly.

“I want to discuss other forms of intimacy besides sex.” She handed each of them a piece of paper with a list of 10 different forms of intimacy and their examples. “Take a minute to look this over and then I want to talk about the ones you see in your relationship besides physical.”

They both took a moment to review the list.

“I personally feel like we have differing levels of all of these.” Molly looked between Sherlock and June as she talked. “For example, since starting therapy our emotional intimacy has grown but I think our intellectual and experiential intimacy has always been high.”

“Sherlock, do you agree?” June asked.

He nodded and sat forward in his chair. “I think our intellectual intimacy was a big part of what made me fall in love with her – it’s been something we’ve shared since before we were together.”

“Good!” June smiled. “What else?”

“This description of social intimacy…the ability to know that a person will understand your underlying experiences and be attuned to your body language…this is how Molly makes me feel understood.” He sat back and looked at her. “When we are physical, I can read your body language, but I do not think I am great at the social intimacy for you.”

Molly gave him a small smile and shook her head, “No, but that’s okay.” She reached out and took his hand in hers. “Creative Intimacy plays a large role in how you communicate with me.”

“I am glad you brought this point up,” June started, “Just like with physical intimacy, there are different levels of each intimacy, and some people are going to be better at engaging in different forms than others.” She paused a moment. “You don’t have to have all of these in your relationship, but which form of intimacy do you believe you two need to work on or want to work on?”

They were both quiet, thinking, before Molly started, “I am not saying we don’t have conflict intimacy, but we are definitely still working on it…that has not always been a strong point for us…for me.”

“Sherlock?” June turned to him.

“I think there have been some…arguments in the past that could have been avoided had we had more of it.”

“I also have seen you two work on this in session, so you guys are getting there.” June smiled at the two of them. “Any other ones that you think you need to really focus on growing?”

Molly looked sheepish, “I mean, besides just continuing to be emotionally vulnerable with each other…I am pretty happy with the others.”

“That’s okay!” June reassured her. “Sherlock, any others that you want to add to the list to work on?” He simply shook his head no and she nodded. “I feel like you two have come to a place of authenticity and honesty in this room,” she continued, “so I feel comfortable just asking you this straight out, are you both satisfied with your current sex life?”

“Yes,” they both answered, small smiles on their faces.

“Good…how about with other physical contact?” She looked between them, giving them time to think.

Molly huffed a little. “I mean, I think I’m satisfied?” June gave her a questioning look. “I guess I am not sure I understand what you asking.”

June nodded in understanding. “Hand holding, hugging, kissing…contact like that.”

“Okay…then yes, I would say I am satisfied with it.” Molly smiled. “I would say Sherlock and I are very contact heavy in our relationship…holding hands, hugging, putting an arm around each other or a hand on the knee…for me, his touch helps ground me.”

Sherlock smiled but looked down at the floor. “Before Molly I did not know that I could care about physical touch and then we took that silly quiz you gave us – ”

“Love languages are not silly, Sherlock,” June interrupted him, but he continued.

“And I discovered that touch is one of my primary love languages…I feel Molly is fluent in it.”

“My goodness,” Molly muttered under her breath as she looked away, her cheeks turning red.

“It is an excellent thing to be fluent in your significant other’s love language,” Jung encouraged. “And good. We want to keep the topic of intimacy as something we revisit often to make sure it’s not something that ever gets neglected.

--

Molly was already in bed by the time Sherlock had finished reading to Mina.

“Tomorrow, I get the easy one,” he said as he looked at her already comfortable under the sheets.

“You’re the one who can’t say no to her.” He rolled his eyes before discarding his clothes in the pile. “You are adorable when annoyed.”

He sighed loudly as he turned off the light and got into bed. “OH!” He jerked away from her cold hands. “Annoyed is what I am now.” She giggled as she continued to snuggle up to his side. “How are your hands that cold?” He reached down and took her hands in his and brought them up to his mouth, warming them up.

“I was just trying to speak your language,” she said in a cheeky tone.

He sighed again and dropped her hands before moving so he was hovering over her. “Maybe we should have a conversation then,” he whispered as he slid the tip of his nose across her cheek.

“Maybe,” she felt her breath catch as he gently bit her ear.

(smutty times ahead if you like that sort of thing…if not, I suggest stopping here)

His lips traveled down her neck, leaving wet kisses as he went and eliciting small moans from her mouth. Her hands slid into his hair, tugging gently as his lips journeyed down her chest.

She swore he was managing to touch more of her body than usual tonight. All at once she could feel the grip of his fingers, the tug of his teeth, the nudge of his knee and she thought she was going to tip over right then.

“Sherlock…I…oh…yes…like that,” she moaned when his mouth found her center. With one hand he gripped her hip while the other circled her as his tongue dipped in and out. She felt every point of contact between them and yet somehow, she wished there was more. She tangled her fingers in his hair, enjoying the feeling of grinding against his mouth as he ground himself against her leg…the feeling only driving her closer to the edge. “Ohh…I….” she was beyond words as she drowned in the feeling of him, tipping over the edge with one last drag of his tongue.

“I like talking to you,” he whispered as he placed kisses up her torso.

“I like listening to you talk.” She smiled, enjoying the post orgasm tingles. “I think maybe its my turn to get a few words in.” And before he could respond she was sitting up on her knees, leaning over him, and pumping him a couple times with her hand before slowly, ever so slowing, sliding her lips down the length of him.

“Ohhh,” Sherlock couldn’t help it as the sound escaped him.

Molly moaned around him and his hand found its way to her hair, just as hers had to his. She pulled back and ran her tongue around his shaft until he was slick and dripping. Putting her lips back at his tip she nodded to him and he understood what she meant.

Propping himself up so he could get a better view, he tightened his grip on her hair, which he loved the feeling of, and pushed down as he gently thrust up. Watching and reading all of the signs her body was giving, he continued to slowly fuck her mouth. He could feel her moaning around his cock as well as her hard nipples brushing against his leg as she leaned over him. He tried to keep a slow pace but it was driving him crazy and his thrusts become more erratic.

In one motion he pushed her back on her pillow and centered himself between her legs. Running a finger up her slit, she was soaking for him. “You liked the feeling of me in your mouth?” he asked, teasing her clit.  

“Oh fuck, yes,” she moaned. Her back arched up at his touch. “Please.” She wiggled against him as he licked her wetness off his fingers. “Please,” she begged again, hooking her leg around his back, “I need to feel you.”

Without another word he slid into her, pressing till he had filled her. He stilled once fully in, resting his forehead against hers.

“You have ruined me, my love,” he whispered, a smile on his lips.

“Good.” She placed a soft kiss on his lips. “Now, make love to me until I can’t tell where I end and you begin.”

[swissmissficrecs]

Breakout authors of 2022

I’ve been tracking popular new authors in the Sherlock (BBC) fandom since 2017, and for the first time, I haven’t been able to find any that met previous years’ criteria (500 kudos or 10K hits on their first fic in the fandom). However, I attribute that more to general fandom attrition rather than a lack of new talent. These are the authors that came closest, as far as I can tell (stats as of 5 Jan 2023):

1. CouldBeDangerous aka VestedVestra for their fandom debut fics, both posted entirely within 2022:

Vicarious (44K, E, Johnlock) - 480 kudos, 7300 hits It could be said that John Watson has a tendency to make 'questionable' decisions when in the presence of beautiful women. This was one of those decisions. Or: John is a hypocrite and Sherlock couldn't be happier about it.

A Progression (29K, E, Johnlock) -  410 kudos, 5600 hits Takes place after s01e01, canon divergence. Sherlock is on the trail of what he suspects is a burgeoning serial killer, and the key to understanding the killer's motive is a man with a penchant for jumpers and sexual repression.

and

2. amyutz who posted several Sherlock fics for the first time in 2022, with this one garnering the greatest popularity:

It was an accident! (22K, M, Sherlolly) - 340 kudos, 8000 hits Molly helps Sherlock on a minor case, but things spiral out of control and now they have to deal with the life altering consequences.

plus an honorable mention to

* lovedawn who posted 2 Sherlock fics for the first time in 2022, nearly cracking the 500 kudos mark with this one (the comparatively lower hit count is because it’s a one-shot, whereas the fics above are all multi-chapter):

in the name of science (7K, G, Johnlock) - 470 kudos, 2800 hits He feels his face tilt into a grin, and he claps his hands together as he grins wider and wider by the second, “Oh, John, you’ve surpassed my expectations. Oh, you’re—that’s genius. Oh, how didn’t I think of that?” “Gee, thanks,” John mutters, still bashful despite his feigned exasperation. “I’ll kiss you, then.” John drops a spoon.

======

Past years: 2021 breakouts / 2020 breakouts / 2019 breakouts / 2018 breakouts / 2017 breakouts

[writingwife-83]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

Thanks for the tag @bg-sparrow this looks like fun! ☺️

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

260 (and rapidly going up, because there’s a bunch more one shots that are currently still in a multi-chapter and I’m working on posting them individually)

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

1,528,192 😵‍💫

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Mostly BBC Sherlock and Star Wars. But I’ve also written a fic for The Hunger Games, Loki show, Grantchester, Miss Scarlet and the Duke, and Wonder Woman.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

(I’m not gonna include the fic that technically comes in 4th place because that’s the multi-chapter of one shots which will eventually be deleted completely from AO3 once all the one shots have their own post)

I Told You So (sherlolly)

Alliance (reylo)

Half Agony, Half Hope (sherlolly)

Zephyr (sherlolly)

For Science (sherlolly)

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Absolutely! There was only one time in my life that I said I couldn’t routinely do that, and that was at the height of popularity for I Told You So. I was posting it on AO3 and ffnet, and also posting the links on here, and I was getting feedback on all three platforms. Which was amazing! But it meant it was a bit much to keep up with. Other than that, I feel commenters deserve a response since they’re giving us writers the thing we want most. ❤️

6. What’s the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

For reylo probably I’m Ready to be Heartbroken and for sherlolly I think it’s a tie between You’re Dying and Congratulations, By The Way.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I truly couldn’t say because I’ve written sooo many with happy endings that Idk what would be happiest 😆

8. Do you get hate on fics?

I’ve gotten the very occasional slightly rude comment over the years, but not what I’d consider hate.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

I never have and I don’t plan to. It’s just not something I want to do. And besides I think there’s always more than enough of that for those who want it. If anything, what tends to be lacking is a large selection of fics without that type of content.

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

Only think I’ve ever done is a Star Wars AU one shot for sherlolly called Balance.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of, and I don’t know if I’d even want to know because that would be such a huge amount of stress and I’d probably be very limited in what I could do about it.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

I’m honored to say that I have! There might be one for I Told You So on ffnet… I can’t remember. But definitely on AO3 there’s a Russian translation of Zephyr and a Chinese translation of For Science

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Yes, indeed! I’ve co-written two fics with @thisisartbylexie. Alliance for reylo, and Half Agony, Half Hope for sherlolly. Coincidence that those are also in my top 5 kudos? I think not.

14. What’s your all time favorite ship?

That’s super hard but if for no other reason than the duration of my creating, I guess I’d have to say sherlolly.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

I don’t think I have an answer for this because the 2 WIP I have at the moment are ones I am definitely in the process of finishing.

16. What are your writing strengths?

I think dialogue and internal descriptions for the character. And I guess describing things in a way that help the reader easily hear/see the scene in their mind, since that’s a comment I’ve gotten many times over the years.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Action and mystery. Ironic, given my fandoms lol. I am always so uncomfortable describing action scenes or situations where there’s a lot going on and it’s fast paced. And I absolutely would struggle if I had to come up with a mystery plot line!

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

What an interesting question! I’m trying to think if I’ve ever even done this in a fic. 🤔 But I think it’s a great thing to include if the plot calls for it! If I did I’d ideally want to check with someone who is fluent in that language just to make sure I’m not being inaccurate.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

BBC Sherlock (for sherlolly) going on 10 years ago 🥹

20. Favorite fic you’ve ever written?

I genuinely don’t think I can choose. Sometimes I try to when I get this question, but it really is a toss up between a few fics. There’s not one particular one that stands out from the others so much that I’d call it my favorite. But some of my faves are definitely in that list of my top kudos fics that I listed in question 4.

I’ll tag @musicprincess1990 @englandsgray @love-yellow-door @strawberrypatty and whoever else sees this post and feels like participating!

[musicprincess1990]

Sherlolly Appreciation Week - Day 5

Sorry I'm late (again), but here's the promised Musician AU!

~*~

In Perfect Harmony

Very few people knew of Molly’s musical talent, let alone that it had made her a local celebrity. Her name and her eight-year-old face had been on every tabloid and newspaper in England for a solid six months, as she toured alongside the London Philharmonic. Child prodigy Margaret Hooper was on track to become a world-famous violinist, among the ranks of Heifetz, Kreisler, and Perlman. The violin was her life, her purpose, her first true love.

Until the pain started, and she was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Molly didn’t touch her violin for years, even after she had healed. Eventually, though, she picked it back up, but she only played for herself (and perhaps a few nosy neighbours who might have been listening). Never in public, nor even in front of her family. Her once legendary talent had all but slipped away, and though she was still good (as far as she knew), she certainly wasn’t as good. But the joy of simply playing again was all she needed.

She never told a soul. Not her uni mates, none of her boyfriends, not even Sherlock Holmes (although expected he knew just by looking at her). It was somehow comforting to have that secret, and to have music as an escape when she needed it.

Today, she most definitely needed it.

Molly sighed and rolled her shoulders backward in an effort to relax. She couldn’t precisely say why she was in such a foul mood, nothing bad had happened (for her, that is, no doubt the families of her post-mortems would disagree). By all accounts, it had been a perfectly normal day, and yet she felt somehow on edge… restless. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but it felt like something was about to happen.

At that point, Molly was tired of thinking, and more than ready to lose herself in music. She pulled her violin out from her closet and brought it to the sitting room. After applying rosin to the bowstrings, she adjusted the tuning, then tucked the instrument beneath her chin and began to play. The effect was instantaneous. As she coaxed the melody from the strings, all that tension at her back and shoulders washed away, and she let out another sigh. Her eyes fell closed as she slipped into a sort of trance-like state, and all but the music fell away.

As she drew out the final note of the piece, she returned to the here and now, smiling softly and feeling infinitely more at peace. She lowered bow and violin, turning to put them back into their case when—

“SODDING HELL!!”

Molly barely managed to keep from unceremoniously dropping her violin, though the bow was not so lucky, and shot across the room, clattering against a wall, then the floor. Her free hand then flew to her mouth on a reflex, due to the shock of realizing she wasn’t alone.

There stood none other than Sherlock bloody Holmes, staring at her like she’d sprouted an extra head.

Well. So much for the secret.

Molly heaved her third sigh of the night and went to retrieve her bow. “Sherlock, how many times have I asked you not to barge in unannounced?”

He didn’t answer immediately, and she could almost feel his eyes boring a hole into her skull while she put her violin and bow back in the case. When she finally faced him again, he said, “I called twice. You didn’t answer.”

Frowning in confusion, Molly slid a hand into her pocket, only to find her phone wasn’t there, and she realized she’d left it in her room. “Oh,” she said lamely. “Sorry, I… forgot I didn’t have my phone on me.”

Sherlock said nothing, just stared.

“Erm…” she began awkwardly, “so… what do you need?”

Another few moments of uncomfortable staring, and finally, he spoke, but instead of answering her question, he asked one of his own. “Why did you never tell me you played the violin?”

Not particularly wanting to discuss the whole complicated truth, Molly simply shrugged and said, “I thought you knew.”

“How would I have known?” he shot back irritably.

“The same way you know everything about everybody else,” she shrugged again. “I thought you would have deduced it.”

“Well, I didn’t,” he snapped, and it all became clear. He had missed something. By his own admission, he always missed something, but no matter how true that statement might be, it still bothered him when he did. Especially when it was something important, and this, she supposed, was important to him. And judging by the way he still stared at her, he wasn’t happy with the answer she gave him.

“I don’t tell anyone,” she finally continued. “No one outside of my family knows… except you, now.”

“Why?”

Molly had lost count of how many times she’d sighed in the last fifteen minutes, but she let out yet another. “If I’m going to have this conversation with you, I’m going to need wine.”

He rolled his eyes, but left the sitting room and made his way to her kitchen. Molly followed and went straight for the cupboard, where she opened a new bottle of merlot. She pulled out two glasses, raised her eyebrows at him in a wordless question, and at his nod, set one of them in front of him and filled both. His eyes never left her as she took a gratuitous sip, nor as he took a much smaller one from his own glass. Molly took another few swigs before setting hers down, finally ready to talk.

“I started playing the violin at two. My mum and dad told me I’d always loved watching characters and performers on telly who played, and they bought me a toy violin one Christmas. Apparently, I never let it out of my sight, and was constantly playing. At first, I expect it was just random noise, but then I started copying what I heard on telly… and I was good. Within a few years, I was old enough to start lessons, and I excelled. By the time I was eight years old, I was considered a prodigy, and was invited to play with the Philharmonic. I had a good six months as their featured artist.

Here, Molly paused, taking another rather large swallow of her wine. “Then I started having pain in my wrist.” She lifted her left hand and pointed to the spot in question, just on the underside of her wrist.

“Carpal tunnel,” he guessed, and she nodded.

“My parents tried to get me to stop playing, but I didn’t listen. I couldn’t imagine not playing the violin, it was everything to me. But one night, while on stage, it got so bad that I couldn’t play. I tried—God, I tried so hard—but I just couldn’t.”

She bit her lip as the bitter memories flashed through her mind, and finally forced out, “Within a week, the Philharmonic had found a replacement violinist. I was utterly destroyed, depressed for months, and my parents were worried I would harm myself. I didn’t… but I thought about it,” she admitted in a small voice. “It took several weeks of physiotherapy, and years of counselling, for me to heal. And it took even longer before I could even think of playing again. In fact it… it took my father asking me to play at his funeral. I had to rent out a violin that fit me, I’d long since outgrown the one I played as a girl, but I played ‘Danny Boy’ for him, one of his favourite songs. I expect he knew that would reawaken my love for music, and for the violin. And it did… but I still haven’t had the courage to perform.”

Having finished her tale, Molly downed the remaining contents of her glass, then poured another generous helping.

Sherlock, who had hardly touched his wine, took a thoughtful sip. “I suppose I understand why you kept it a secret in general… but why didn’t you tell me?”

Molly shrank back a bit, wrapping her arms around her middle. For a moment, she considered lying to him, telling him that the thought simply hadn’t occurred to her. But lying had never been her strong suit, and even if it were, he would still have seen through it. Still, she knew the words she was about to say would hurt him… almost as much as they would hurt her.

“You already criticise my jokes, my appearance, my taste in men—ironic, that,” she interjected. “I just couldn’t bear to have you criticise this, too.”

Sherlock was silent for a long time, and Molly kept her gaze firmly fixed on her hands, not wanting to see the pity and derision she was sure would be written all over his face. But then she saw him move from the corner of her eye, and she couldn’t help but look up as he stepped closer to her. And in his eyes, she found no trace of pity, not an ounce of derision… but an ocean’s worth of remorse.

“I am sorry, Molly,” he said in a low, serious voice. “I have never wanted to hurt you.”

She smiled sadly at him. “I know.”

His eyes flicked back and forth between hers before he spoke again. “Let me be clear on a few things. First of all, your jokes are ridiculous and groan-worthy, but nevertheless, they’ve always made me smile. Your taste in clothing is… curious, but in fact it suits you, and believe me, you have no reason to be at all insecure about your figure. As to your taste in men…” He took another step toward her, coming within arm’s reach, and forcing her to tip her head back to meet his eye. “To own the truth… the only real problem I’ve ever had with the men in your life is that none of them were me.”

Molly’s mouth fell open. “I… you… what?”

Sherlock’s lips twitched as he fought a smile. “Perhaps I haven’t been clear enough.”

And then those lips were on hers, and his hands bunched the fabric of her jumper as they curled into fists at her back. Molly heard a breathless moan as she buried her fingers in his curls, and only belatedly realized it had come from her. His tongue poked out and sought entrance, which she most happily obliged and moaned yet again as he tasted her. She gave as good as she got, and soon he was moaning right along with her.

It wasn’t until he hoisted her up onto the worktop that they broke apart, and Molly put a hand on his chest to stop him. Beneath the layers of clothing, she could feel his heart racing in rhythm with her own, and his eyes, wide and hungry and unfocused, found hers in an unspoken question.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” she asked.

Sherlock looked down bashfully—something she never thought she would see him do. “I don’t think I realized it until tonight… when I heard you playing. I had no idea, not in the slightest, and it irked me to think I had missed it, but even more so that you hadn’t even told me.” He sighed, bowing his head. “Not good, I know… but it’s the truth. And the thought that you’d been keeping this secret from me, while the likes of Tim—”

“Tom,” she corrected him.

“—Irrelevant,” he waved her off, “or even dear ‘Jim from IT’ knew about it—”

“They didn’t, I never told them either.”

“Well, I know that now,” he huffed.

Molly let out a giggle and brushed her hands over the lapels of his jacket. “You’re adorable when you’re jealous.”

His eyes narrowed. “I am neither adorable nor jealous.” “Yes, you are,” she grinned, and before he could argue, she yanked on his lapels and kissed him again, and he responded in kind. No more words were needed as they fumbled their way to her bedroom. They were as they had been so often before: in perfect harmony.

[willsherjohnkhan]

Rogue Male: A Sherlolly Story

Chapter 4: Identified

***

LONDON

Returning to England, making his way to London, and meeting up with Mycroft were all risky decisions. But they were necessary ones, for they gave him the upper hand on those that pursued him.

England was home, and London his domain. It was here he had his own vast network to assist him with whatever he was likely to need in order to apprehend the other members of Moriarty’s criminal organisation.

*

It didn’t take long after slipping away from The Diogenes Club for Sherlock to become aware that he had been tracked down. His shadow skilfully followed his every move. Whoever they were, they were remarkably adept at keeping well out of sight.

This simply would not do. It made Sherlock doubly determined to discover their identity, exposing them, if for no other reason than to assess the level of danger his shade posed, to himself and the public in general.

The question was, how best to get them to reveal themselves.

***

LONDON UNDERGROUND

Without warning Sherlock ducked into the Hollborn Underground Station, quickly buying an all-day pass before inserting the ticket into the machine and gaining access to the platforms. Once through he immediately made his way to the escalator that took him to the Central London Line.

Luck was on his side as a train had just pulled onto the platform.

While passengers on the train disembarked, and those waiting on the platform moved forward intent on getting onboard, Sherlock used the brief interlude to scan the crowd in search of his quarry. But to his growing frustration they remained irritatingly elusive.

The train was about to leave the platform when Sherlock jumped onboard, only to immediately turn around and hop off.

He ran for the stairs that would get him to the Piccadilly Line. As he began his descent he had the satisfaction of hearing someone having to force the train doors and leap out just as the train took off.

A brief glance over his shoulder was enough for Sherlock to identify his pursuer.

“Gotcha,” he murmured triumphantly as he made his way hastily down the steps.

*

His name was Parker, a short, stocky, yet powerfully built man, essential in his line of work. He was a garrotter by trade, and a member of Moriarty’s inner circle.

He was definitely the type you should be prepared for. Knowledge of your opponent was an invaluable asset.

With the distance between them and Sherlock’s longer stride that allowed him to reach the platform first, giving him a few precious moments to decide which car to enter, and find somewhere to sit.

The innocuous babble of schoolchildren that crowded around him, either sitting or standing, was only made bearable by the fact that they kept him shielded from the frantic searching gaze of his pursuer, who was forced to abandon his search in order to get on the train just as it took off.

Sherlock had no intention of staying put for long, but he also didn’t want to reveal his whereabouts if at all possible.

*

The obvious advantage for getting on the Piccadilly Circus Line was that it would take him to the Baker Street Station. But there was great risk in doing so, but as things stood at the moment, this was the best and quickest option. Sherlock could only hope that his run of luck thus far would continue.

When the train began to slow as it pulled into Baker Street Station, Sherlock was relieved to see the platform overrun by a mass of schoolchildren.

A number of passengers on the train began making their way towards the doors, all bracing themselves for the inevitable impact as the unruly hoards of children forced their way onto the already packed train car.

Sherlock made certain to be right in the middle of the mayhem, giving as good as he received in the pushing and shoving in order to get off the train as quickly as possible.

*

His luck held, with Parker this time unable to make it out of the door before the train left the station.

Using the few precious minutes before Parker could catch another train back, Sherlock made his way to a locker he had at the station. From it he retrieved items he had left instructions for a member of his Homeless Network to leave there: a backpack loaded with supplies for living off the grid, and a sleeping bag.

Then, using a public phone he rang a former client, who had offered his assistance should Sherlock ever require it, and made arrangements for where he was to be picked up.

***

ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF LONDON

Sherlock unfolded himself from the cramped confines of the man’s mini, and headed off without a backward glance.

His plan, to remain concealed from prying eyes for as long as possible, in order to give him the time he needed to get his plan of action up and running.

To that end he immediately left the road and headed over to some overgrown woodland that would help to keep him hidden and well out of sight.

Time was of the essence, for he knew that with their resources Moriarty’s operatives would soon track him down. So he needed to keep one step ahead of them for as long as possible, and use what time he had to set a trap.

***

[afteriwake]

For your 25th -- Sherlolly, black, 22

This was a long prompt that got picked (“I think you need to taste this for me,” Queen Molly said. She shoved the exquisite cake in her guard’s direction. Sherlock blinked. “Um.” “What, you’d rather your queen be poisoned?” "Of course not." He hesitantly took a mouthful, only to practically melt in satisfaction. “Oh my god.” It was amazing. He caught himself. “I - er - I think it’s fine.” “You should try a sip of the wine too,” Molly said. “Just to be safe. Sit, sit.” It took him slightly too long to realize it was a date.) that I used parts of verbatim. I also used a 30 Day Writing Challenge prompt (Use the words: crown, dance, smile) for this, even though I changed "dance" to "dancing."

The Royal Taste-Tester - Queen Molly has a task for Sir Sherlock.

READ @ AO3

“I think you need to taste this for me,” Queen Molly said. She was holding up a plate of cake. Not a huge slice, but enough that two people could get a decent amount out of the slice. Of course, Sir Sherlock had little experience with being the Queen’s personal guard, so he assumed it was simply a demand of hers, one of her whims that he was told about.

Sherlock blinked. “Um.” He wasn’t sure how to deal with the lovely queen. She put him off his senses. Not only was she lovely, she was smart as a whip and able to keep most of the kingdom happy. When he was guarding her he couldn’t help but stare at her in some sort of awe. And when he had to speak to her, he always tried his best not to foul it up.

As was just evidenced, he wasn’t always successful.

“What, you’d rather your queen be poisoned?” she asked him, a small smile crossing her lips. If he didn’t know better, he’d say it was a teasing smile, to go with the slightly teasing tone of the question.

"Of course not." She took up a fork and took a generous helping of the cake onto the fork, waving it in his direction, her eyes looking as though they were dancing in the dim light of her private chambers. He took a bite off the fork and nearly moaned. It was an amazing cake, light and fluffy with a blackberry filling and some hint of vanilla in both the cake and the frosting. “Oh my god. That was amazing.”

“It’s truly good?” Queen Molly asked, her smile growing and the glint in her eye matching the glint of light off her crown.

“I - er - I think it’s fine.” He was already making a fool of himself; no need to make it worse by waxing poetic about cake.

“You should try a sip of the wine too,” Molly said. “Just to be safe. After all, who knows who would want me dead?” It was just the two of them, and she patted the place to her left. “Sit, sit.”

“Isn’t that the place your consort would sit?” he asked. She gave him a Look with a capital L, and he sat. She was the queen, after all. Wouldn’t do to upset her.

---

When Queen Molly and formerly Sir Sherlock, now Prince Consort Sherlock, got married, he had a bit of the cake before pressing it into her face as she did the same, Laughingly, they took bits of blackberry filling and vanilla icing and smeared them on each other. It was the second best cake he’d ever had; the best had been the cake on their first date. A date it had taken him until the second course to realize it was, in fact, a date.

His wise, lovely Queen had gotten her way once again.

[stlgeekgirl]

sherlolly secret santa check-in!

it's already been too long, i'm so sorry. it's just been a busy, crazy year in my household (and working full-time under all-new management is not helping much, either).

but enough about my woes. today i want to ask you some questions.

1. christmas! do you have a favorite christmas album/soundtrack?

2. fandom! what typically draws you to a book or tv show?

3. optional infodump! just choose a topic and tell me all about it!

Hi SSS! Trust me, I understand all about crazy, busy years and especially last part of the year business changes! Okay, questions. 1. I do not have a favorite Christmas Album/soundtrack, I have favorite Christmas songs. Ones that I will always turn up in the car and sing along too. And mostly they are rare ones that are hardly played on the radio stations. 2. Fandom! The characters have to be engaging. I can't explain it. I'd say I have types, but the types for the characters that I legit get involved with vary between the following: morbid sunshine, intelligent aloof, bamf female who knows what she wants, broody guys (goes through quick list of everything in my mind just to make sure I have them all) Yep. Variations occur but usually, they fit into one of these categories. 3. LOL! I would not do that to you nor the internet. My friends in real life have to put up with my word vomit enough. I'm one of those people who can take a topic and spend an hour talking someone's ear off about it. This...this is me to my friends LOL!

[simplyshelbs16xoxo]

For the Fic Questions about Moving Forward:

6. Favorite line of narration

11. Any unofficial soundtrack and or songs you associate with this story?

18. Any open ended questions - What was your favorite chapter ./ scene that you wrote?

First thing's first, I'm so sorry I haven't completed this one yet, but I'm not abandoning it; I just needed distance from it since I was writing it during a really difficult time.

6. This passage from the scene when Molly hugs Mycroft in chapter one sticks with me a lot:

                When she pulled away he asked rhetorically, “I take it you needed that?”

                She smiled sadly, shaking her head. “No…you did.”

11. Okay, so I do have a playlist, and I just uploaded it to Spotify so anyone can listen

*btw all of my other sherlolly playlists are also on there ;p

18. So, after rereading what I have so far, I think chapter 3 is my fave! It establishes how Sherlock and Mycroft are teetering on the edge of their perspective relationships, and there's some hurt/comfort and fluff thrown in for good measure. It's also the chapter that begins John's storyline as well, which will look very different to the Holmes's.

Thanks!

Fic Asks

[tipsyraconteur]

Hello! 🤗 I saw an old post which was an interview with you, and one of the questions asked was about your past ships. You mentioned both Reylo and Sherlolly, and I honestly freaked out because as a KakaSaku shipper myself, the other two ships were my past ships too, especially Sherlolly — I can expect Reylo, but not Sherlolly because I didn't think anyone from there would ship KakaSaku too so it was a pleasant surprise!!! 🥹 Am wondering: do you still hold a candle to them, especially Sherlolly since the TV series ended years ago? 😄

Oh wow, I don't even remember that interview! 😅 I still love Reylo and Sherlolly, although I have not visited either of those fandoms in quite a long time. I spend most of my limited reading time in the Naruto fandom nowadays to try to support other writers in this fandom, but I have spent a little time in some game fandoms, like Fire Emblem Three Houses, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age. I also have fun reading whatever my friends give me to beta, so I've done a little My Hero Academia as well!

But you have given me a renewed interest in Sherlock! I might have to take a swim in that fandom this holiday weekend. 😃 Thanks for the blast from the past!

[sherlollyandspoilers]

1-4 and 17 about your Sherlolly therapy fic (the name escapes me at the moment I'm so sorry 😅)

We're Worth It! And I just realized I haven't posted in a hot minute - I should probably edit a chapter soon and get it posted! lol

What is your favorite thing about this fic? My favorite thing about this fic is that as a therapist I get to share with everyone what therapy can look like - that while it is hard work, its so worth it. That what you get out of therapy is what you put into it and I hope that I am portraying that well through Molly and Sherlock's actions in this fic (and in Here be Dragons).

What is your least favorite thing about this fic? That Molly and Sherlock are like, the perfect therapy clients and always do their homework and put in the work :D This is a story after all, but I do know that I am missing some of the messiness of going to therapy and how it fits into someone's life - I did try to put that in there, but, some of it does get lost in translation since I am telling a story that I have already written, so the therapy sessions have to line up perfectly with what I have already posted.

What was the scene that was the easiest to write? Ummmmm, oh gosh. Chapter 13, when Mary and John join them was actually pretty easy to write and I was glad I was able to see them all working things out. I really have enjoyed being able to allow this found family to grow and I knew that part of that growth was allowing them to do "family" therapy for a few sessions. AND Chapter 17 was so much fun to write! I love using affirmations with couples - it helps the other person see themselves through their partner's eyes and its just good stuff! :)

What was the scene that was the hardest to write? The hardest scene was (so far and most likely will continue to be) Chapter 18, when Mycroft comes to therapy with Sherlock. I spent MONTHS writing that chapter. I have been hoarding this fic and working on it on and off since I posted the last chapter of Here Be Dragons and this chapter had been one that I actually started before I finished Here Be Dragons. I knew that if I was going to put Mycroft in therapy, it needed to be done well and keep as true to his voice as I could (at least the voice that I have given to him throughout this series).

17. Did this fic challenge you as a writer and if so, how? Umm, yes and no. The dialog has been very easy for me to write as I already know the resolution of this story and where is leads as I have already written it through HBD. June's responses and questions were very natural for me because I say these things to my own clients on a daily basis, so I enjoyed that portion of it. What did challenge me was making sure I was portraying their body language well while not trying to be repetitive (which I think I may have failed at a little lol). So much of what we say is non-verbal and in therapy, once you have been working with someone for a while you get to know their "tells"; they become easier to read as they often react the same way to certain emotions.

[swissmissficrecs]

Most kudoed Sherlock fics from 2022

The 10 most popular fics* on AO3 completed in 2022 with Sherlock (TV) as the main fandom. Kudo counts as of 1 Jan 2023.

1. 3497 kudos - Teaching Sherlock by Sherlock1110 (148K, E, Johnlock, Mystrade) Sherlock is 24, his older brother Mycroft has had enough. John Watson is known for training subs, looking after them until they're ready to leave and never getting emotionally attached. At least that was what he thought until he met Sherlock Holmes, the troublesome submissive who no one could tame. 

2. 1718 kudos - Helpless Here Below by Mottlemoth (66K, E, Mystrade, Johnlock, Warstan) Mycroft Holmes and Greg Lestrade barely know each other - so John Watson has always believed. When he witnesses a surprising moment of care between them, John starts to wonder if there's more going on than meets the eye

3. 1378 kudos - Indefinite Lines by ArwaMachine (298K, E, Johnlock) Sherlock and John find themselves faced with a series of seemingly disparate cases that are growing increasingly connected, increasingly personal. They must unravel the mystery laid before them by a particularly ruthless set of criminals before the danger is upon them, or else run the risk of being cleaved apart forever, lines scattered to the wind.

4. 1237 kudos - Shift by stopthat (46K, E, Johnlock) Sherlock is tired. John senses a shift.

5.  1219 kudos - Plenipotentials by Ginevra_Benci (54K, M, Mystrade, Johnlock) The first thing your soulmate says in your presence writes itself on your skin as they say it, usually on your chest, arm, or hand, or—if you’re very unlucky—on your face.  Greg was very, very unlucky.

6. 1091 kudos - The Impenetrable Mind Palace of Muggle Sherlock Holmes by suitesamba (27K, M, Johnlock) Sherlock is obsessed with the new neighbor - the one who's rented Mrs. Hudson's flat while she spends a year abroad. There's something odd about the amiable man, but Sherlock just can't put his finger on it. And when has Sherlock Holmes ever failed at deducing someone?

7. 992 kudos - Matchmaking for Solitary Animals by ArwaMachine (71K, E, Johnlock, Sherlock/OMC, John/OMC) Upon moving back to Baker Street following Sherlock’s return from the dead, John finds that Sherlock is a bit more keen on entertaining gentlemen callers than he once was, a fact that seems to make John irrationally angry. Intent on proving that he’s not a total dick, John decides to make it his mission to find Sherlock a boyfriend. This, as it turns out, is the worst idea John has ever had.

8.  812 kudos - What Have You Done? by DownpourOfFeels (62K, E, Johnlock, Warstan) John Watson’s wedding was over a year ago now and his friendship with Sherlock Holmes is deteriorating. With a new daughter in the picture, bills to pay and a job to hold down, there’s no time for solving cases - and he’s not as happy as he thought he might be. On the other side of London, Sherlock has never felt more alone. Crushed with regret and running out of distractions, he sneaks off one night to get high - but as he trips, Moriarty escapes from his mind and comes out to play. Will John and Mycroft get there in time to save him?

9. 802 kudos - When It Rains by BlueMoon0nTheRise (98K, M, Mystrade) Ever since Greg Lestrade saved Sherlock's life, Mycroft Holmes' protective streak started to extend to him, too. Whenever Greg is injured or ill, the older Holmes is always there in the background, ensuring that he recovers. And over time, Greg starts to return the favour, when he can.

10. 774 kudos - A Question of Honour by MizJoely (47K, E, Sherlolly) Revolutionary War AU. Colonial spy Molly Hooper is caught sneaking into the quarters of British Army Captain Sherlock Holmes and is saved from hanging only by his assertion that she's actually his mistress. However, once she and the handsome enemy captain are forced to spend time alone in his quarters, will the lie become the truth?

*I excluded collections of standalone ficlets posted as a single work and fics that were actually completed earlier but posted "extras” in 2022.

[writingwife-83]

Sherlolly Appreciation Week, Day 4: Sleeping Beauty AU

I really enjoyed the idea of having it be a sleeping Prince Sherlock who Princess Molly is rescuing. This is another short one, but hope you all enjoy! 💤

Awaken (👈 AO3)

Eurus’ blood curdling screech filled the air as she clutched the sword protruding from her chest and sank to the ground, all the evil she’d spread throughout the kingdom disappearing with her, at long last. There was nothing left and she could no longer hurt any of them ever again.

Molly nearly collapsed as well, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath after the grueling battle. But there was no time to rest, no time to waste. She had to get to him.

Rushing to the castle, Molly prayed she wasn’t too late. She couldn’t lose Sherlock, not now. Not after all this. She’d fallen in love with him at first sight in the forest only the day before, but now she knew it went much deeper than that. She and Prince Sherlock were destined to be together. It wasn’t just a dream or some girlish fantasy. It truly had always been him… always.

With every step she took, bounding up the winding staircase to the highest tower, she thought about him as he was just yesterday. Alive and well and quite literally sweeping her off her feet. Molly smiled to herself, seeing him once again in her mind’s eye, dancing in the forest, so graceful and strong. It was mesmerizing to watch, but nothing compared to joining him. When Molly bravely threw herself into his arms and found herself floating through the grass in step with him, it was as if she was lifted into the very air, into a whole new world where she’d never felt so perfectly happy.

Sherlock was shocked at first when he saw her, a little aloof even, but very soon he softened. It did not take long for the connection between them to become undeniable. Molly knew immediately that she was willing to even forsake the betrothal that she had grown up hearing about so often. That didn’t matter to her anymore, not after she’d met this man. Little did she know, she had fallen for the very man who was her betrothed.

Molly reached the top of the staircase and entered the large room before her, the sunshine now streaming in through the windows once the clouds of evil had dissipated in the sky. There, in the center of the room, as if illuminated by the heavens, Prince Sherlock lay sleeping in the ornate bed.

Adrenaline still pumping through her veins, Molly approached and sat carefully at the edge of the bed, examining the Prince, so still and peaceful. She gingerly touched his hand first, then brushed her fingertips against his cheek. Smiling, her eyes then zeroed in on the sharp peaks and the plush softness of his lips, full of life despite the stillness of his body.

True love’s first kiss.

It felt like madness, but it was also the only chance she had. And Molly wasn’t going to hesitate.

Leaning in, Molly pressed a palm to his jaw and allowed their lips to meet, molding together in warmth. For a moment there was nothing but stillness. But then…

Molly felt a gentle pressure and electricity from his lips to hers, and she pulled back, eyes wide with wonder as she watched his open. She grinned at the sight of that mesmerizing blue green that shone back at her as he blinked into consciousness. And for a moment, he was silent, his eyes searching hers in question.

But then she watched something shift as Sherlock pushed himself up on his elbows. As his eyes stayed locked onto hers, she could practically see the wheels turning in his head in realization of all that had happened. Realization of who she really was. Sherlock lifted his hand and gently touched her cheek, as if confirming that she was real, and Molly smiled at the contact. It occurred to her that she didn’t even care that her clothes were tattered from the battle and her hair was a mess. It only mattered that they were together.

Sherlock’s lips parted, a soft smile taking shape even as he spoke.

“It’s you.”