#about sherrinford

[fluorescentmortem]

  She watched the man before her carefully, taking in every single detail from top to bottom, Belstaff and all. His hair being its usual, curly mess ( obvious enough she wanted to run her fingers through it ), cheekbones defined and those eyes... God, those eyes were just—

  No, Molly. Not appropriate. Not right now. There was time to daydream later. Much later.

  But she was truthful. She'd forgiven him. There were probably so many people who would tell her she was silly for doing so, that he didn't deserve to be forgiven. Part of her would agree, but the other? She knew him. She knew how different he was to most people. Extremely different. It was one of the many reasons why he intrigued her so much.

  But she also knew that she couldn't keep this up—jumping through hoops for a man that either did or didn't feel how she did. Confusion, that's what it was. Even more so now, after all that with his sister and what he had to do. He might've said those words, the three ever so important words, and he might've said them as if he meant them... but did he? Didn't he? He didn't believe in that sort of sentiment... or sentiment full stop, actually.

  But she couldn't stop thinking about it. The way he said it, the way it came across over the phone... she knew it had to be some important reason since he asked her to say it first but—no. She couldn't, and she even said so, purely because she knew the possibility of being utterly humiliated again and heart broken... but he still got her to say it back, as he initially wanted. But he STILL said it, too.

  ❝I know I shouldn't.❞ She responds, though the smile still on her face regardless, ❝But I want to. You're not a bad person, Sherlock. You don't intentionally try to hurt people. To hurt me. I know that.❞ Or she wants to hope, at least, ❝And you've gotten a lot better, you know, with how you treat people. Don't count yourself out yet.❞

Laughter. It doesn't sound as if she's laughing at him so Sherlock doesn't jump to that conclusion, though he wouldn't blame her if she was considering he never apologizes to anyone about anything.

However, he is the reason she is going through so much emotional turmoil. How strange it is that he felt the need to apologize even when he did what he had to do. He does not regret that but he does regret causing her harm.

He can tell she means it but it doesn't alleviate this feeling of guilt that he doesn't know what to do with. Suddenly, he feels a lot more awkward than he had before - he doesn't do emotions and it's frustrating that he's currently going through a wave of them.

And there's that elephant in the room, the one that had said I love you to her. Did he mean it? He's not sure. How can he if he doesn't even believe in love? It's all scientific, just brain chemistry, and yet....he had said those words and forced her to say them too.

He's quite for far too long, he realizes but soon he raises his gaze to meet her own gaze. Sweet, sweet Molly. As beautiful and kind as always. "You shouldn't."

[stellacartography]

Rated E - 28 chapters - Complete & posting weekly(ish) - Banner art by @keirgreeneyes

Mycroft has always done everything right. This is not hyperbole. He has attended the best schools, taken the broadest courses of study, achieved the top marks, engaged in the most suitable extracurricular activities for developing a network with all the ideal people. He has said the right things at precisely the right times, and excelled in every one of his endeavours... From this vantage point he can see how this belief in his own brilliance concealed the flaws in the architecture.

A story about losing a job, making a friend, and deciding what defines a life.

When Mycroft's career nosedives after the events at Sherrinford, he doesn't cope as well as he might have expected. Greg Lestrade has known Mycroft for years as Sherlock's brother and the British government. He'd never have guessed they'd get on so well, but Greg's not one to deny a good thing when it follows him to the family cabin. But when his past comes back to haunt him, Mycroft will have to defend himself while protecting the man he loves.

Chapter 1  ⚙️  Chapter 2  ⚙️  Chapter 3  ⚙️  Chapter 4  ⚙️  Chapter 5  ⚙️  Chapter 6  ⚙️  Chapter 7  ⚙️  Chapter 8  ⚙️ Chapter 9  ⚙️  Chapter 10  ⚙️  Chapter 11  ⚙️  Chapter 12  ⚙️  Chapter 13  ⚙️  Chapter 14  ⚙️  Chapter 15  ⚙️  Chapter 16  ⚙️  Chapter 17  ⚙️  Chapter 18  ⚙️  Chapter 19  ⚙️  Chapter 20  ⚙️  Chapter 21  ⚙️  Chapter 22  ⚙️  Chapter 23  ⚙️  Chapter 24  ⚙️  Chapter 25  ⚙️  Chapter 26  ⚙️  Chapter 27  ⚙️  Chapter 28  ⚙️

I try to post here when I add a chapter but I was having trouble keeping track. So, master post it is! Thank you to all who reblog my posts and updates.

@totallysilvergirl, @copperplatebeech, @the-toad-in-your-piano, @blue-posey, @ewebie, @helloliriels

[meetinginsamarra]

Fanfics I Really Liked in July 2024

So. Since I keep a list of what I´ve read anyway (there´s always a list), I will rec all the fics I´ve wholly enjoyed on a monthly basis. Old and new, canon or AU, big or small authors, long or short but nearly always Johnlock (-ish).

+++++

People We Love by Calais_Reno @calaisreno

After the disaster at Sherrinford, the rebuilding begins.

As it says, a post-S4 fix-it. Several conversations between the main characters that have been well overdue.

The Rescuing by BakerTumblings @bakertumblings

Captain Watson to the rescue! Sherlock, off in Serbia, has been captured and severely injured. Mycroft recruits John to aid with freeing him and then overseeing his recovery. The story begins in London but will explode in Serbia, slide into a European hospital and then tiptoe through a safe-house before returning to Baker Street.

Medical realism. I love a caring doctor John!

Explicit by 7PercentSolution @7-percent

“Sex doesn’t alarm me.” Five times Sherlock tries but fails to avoid talking about sex, and one time when he succeeds but shouldn’t have. Each of the stories relates to one of the times in my universe when sex became a topic of conversation.

Lots of insights into this Sherlock's brain concerning his stance on sex. Locked to AO3.

Heart's Desire by 88thParallel (CanadaHolm) @88thparallel

Reeling after a tragic loss, John Watson is surprised when he finds love again. After a lifetime of illness, Sherlock Holmes finally feels his heart truly beat for another. But as they move toward something more serious, an unbelievable truth is revealed that threatens to break both their hearts for good.

Such a moving AU story! Medical realism and sort-of soulmates.

The Guarded Secret by mycapeisplaid @mycapeisplaid

After his war injury, John feels broken, small, and useless. On a whim, he takes a position as a security guard of sorts at the gorgeous Holmes Hall in Yorkshire. As it turns out, he is not as broken, small, or useless as he thinks. A story of beauty and blossom, murder and mystery, loss and love.

A great AU based on "The Secret Garden".

[lisbeth-kk]

May Prompts (20) Do-Over

The Luckiest Girl in the World (chapter 20)

Summary: Rosie comes home in the middle of the night, and realises that her parents have kept a horrible secret from her.

Twenty Years Old

I tried my best to be quiet when I locked myself in at three in the morning. The intended sleepover at Clare’s had ended abruptly, when her brother had stumbled in around midnight and broken two of his fingers when he tried to find his way in the dark. Being familiar with injuries of all kinds, I insisted on accompany him and a rather hysterical Clare to the closest A&E. That sorted, I decided to go home. Clare’s parents, who had attended a party, were summoned to the hospital as well, and my services weren’t needed anymore. 

When I heard muffled sounds from the living room, I was puzzled. I couldn’t quite discern if one of my parents was talking on the phone, or if they were talking to each other. And then I heard sobbing. Dad. I froze and all kinds of thoughts soared around in my mind.

Had anyone died? Nana? Pops or Granny? 

I didn’t even dare thinking about uncle Myc or Molly. Papa’s words stopped me from opening the door and inquire. His voice was thick with emotions, clearly crying himself.

“I’m sorry, John. I wish she’d never been born!”

The last sentence was delivered with passion and venom.

Who the hell was he talking about?

“It’s not your fault, my love,” Dad croaked. “You didn’t remember her. She knew what she was doing. Stop blaming yourself.”

“But you’re still suffering, and it’s been years,” Papa protested, the devastation pouring out of his voice.

“Only a vicious nightmare because of the events earlier today, Sherlock. She can’t harm us anymore now,” Dad soothed. “Let’s go back to bed.”

I exhaled shakily, only then realising I’d been holding my breath for too long. Slowly, I ascended to my room, knowing that sleep wouldn’t grace me with its presence tonight. Only one option, then.

Are you available? Need to talk. I’m home.

A car will pick you up in twenty minutes. UM

***

No sounds were coming from Dad and Papa’s bedroom when I snuck down the stairs twenty minutes later. A nondescript driver nodded at me when I slid into the back seat of one of my uncle’s cars. I was surprised to see that the car stopped outside uncle Myc’s house and not the Diogenes Club. I suddenly felt bad for interrupting his sleep.

“No need to apologise, Rosamund,” uncle Myc assured me before I’d even said a word. “We had just woken up. Gregory was called away to a crime scene.”

“Right. Perhaps for the best,” I said hesitantly, while I curled up in one of the comfortable armchairs.

“Your parents don’t know you’re here,” he stated.

“No. Hopefully I managed to sneak out soundlessly. I…overheard something when I came home. Unexpectedly. I was supposed to spend the night at Clare’s, but a trip to the A&E put a stop to that,” I sighed.

Uncle Myc cocked an eyebrow at the mentioning of the hospital.

“Clare’s brother. Broken fingers. She went hysterical, so I…”

“You took it upon yourself to accompany them. Being a comforting presence. Just like your father,” he summarised.

Despite my distress, I had to chuckle a bit. I wondered if he was aware of how much he reminded me of Papa in such moments. Probably, I concluded.

I gave him a clinical summary of what I’d heard back at 221B. He inhaled sharply and clenched the armrests so hard his knuckles whitened. His eyes closed and a pained expression manifested on his face. Years of practise paid off because when he opened his eyes again, he was his normal calm self. 

He told me about his and Papa’s sister Eurus and what she’d done as a child and that she’d been locked up at a place called Sherrinford. I was shocked beyond belief, and braced myself when uncle’s look got even more sombre, after he’d uttered the words: “and then she managed to escape.”

“Dad was trapped in that well, and Papa…”

I had a hard time grasping all this mind-blowing and horrific information.

“Yes,” uncle interrupted.

There was no need to tell that tale one more time.

“So, why now, do you think? Dad’s nightmare, I mean.”

“Ah, yes. I got a call from Sherrinford yesterday. Eurus fell into a coma. She never woke and died a few hours later. We all went there yesterday to confirm and bury her,” he told me and clenched his jaw tight.

She was his little sister, I thought, and tears started to stream down my cheeks.

“Don’t,” he said fiercely when I was about to rise and go over to hug him. 

“But, uncle Myc, she was your…”

“She was a predator, a manipulator, a cold-blooded killer. Eurus stopped being my baby sister long ago, Rosamund, and I’m glad she’s dead. It means that one of the heavier burdens I’ve been forced to bear, is finally lifted off my shoulders.”

“I still want to hug you,” I whispered. “We could both need one, I think.”

Uncle Myc stood and opened his arms. He held me tight, and I buried my nose in his chest and inhaled the familiar scent of his luxurious aftershave.

“Thank you for keeping us safe,” I murmured and rubbed his back.

“A privilege, my dear,” he assured me with a steady voice. “The guest room is ready for you. No need to go back to Baker Street at this hour.”

“How can anyone think of you as a heartless person, Mycroft Holmes?” I asked fondly and stroked his cheek.

His blush and muteness spoke volumes. He was just as sentimental as his younger brother.

(Canon do-over)

Also available on AO3

@calaisreno @totallysilvergirl @keirgreeneyes @helloliriels @raina-at

More tags in the replies

[aveline-amelia]

You know how I complain about the lack of emotional resolution in The Final Problem? It's not an issue exclusive to that episode.

In The Great Game, there is an explosion at 221B, when John enters the room expecting to see a hurt or injured Sherlock, but instead, we see Mycroft and Sherlock talk about a case.

Why is this interesting? We know Mycroft went straight there after he heard about the explosion, most likely for reasons other than the case like, idk, to check if his brother is still alive? We are not shown that. If Mycroft showed any concern towards him, it is entirely off screen.

We are shown Mycroft watch Sherlock get tortured and speak to him in bad Serbian (why was the Serbian so bad? Was it supposed to be bad?), mirror the actions of his torturers and refer to his torture as a "holiday."

What are we not shown? Mycroft helping him out of the chains. Arranging for him to get his wounds mended. Any possible show of concern. See a pattern?

The Great Game was mostly from John's pov, so it makes sense there. John wasn't there. Here you have no excuse, as season 3 is mostly Sherlock's pov.

So why did they not show us that? They were afraid of consequences. It's the same reason the Lazarus explanation felt like a retcon and a cop-out to people.

I saw a hypothesis that just as Option 1 was Anderson's fantasy and Option 2 was the fangirl fantasy, Lazarus is Sherlock's fantasy.

In this version, he had the events perfectly in control, Mycroft didn't cause him to get screwed over and it was all intentional and they worked together, John, Mrs H and Lestrade were not in any real danger, Sherlock didn't get as emotional on the roof and didn't cry etc. etc. etc.

You see if Mycroft was to blame for the fall, if he was what truly led to Sherlock's downfall and it wasn't all premeditated, you would have to address that.

Sherlock would be angry with him. He would resent him for something he actually did as opposed to a vague reason we were never given or explained.

You wanted to play with emotional stakes, but you didn't want any relationships to actually evolve.

That's why John's beating of Sherlock is not addressed in The Final Problem even when it would be relevant.

That's why Molly is shown back in 221B at the end when the last time we saw her, Eurus put her friendship with Sherlock in serious jeopardy if not outright kill it.

That's why they wrote Rosie into the show and then did next to nothing with her.

That's why 221B explodes and then is rebuilt in a quick montage at the end of the episode.

That's why Eurus is put back into the very same prison she had no issue mindfucking everyone in and escaping from.

That's why we don't see Sherlock reacting to Mycroft being freed or have them discuss events of Sherrinford.

Because they wanted to put these characters through hell, but not actually have anything change.

[viablemess]

What is your headcanon for Ben Whishaw's Q's real name? I've seen a few thrown around and am curious about the consensus.

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Five Fics Friday: August 16/24

Happy Friday Everyone!! Check out these fics to start off your weekend!!! Hope you enjoy!!!

RECENT MFLs

John's Wedding Speech by jawnscoffee (G, 790 w., 1 Ch. || Wedding Fluff) – Maybe I shouldn’t have let my husband hold his speech first because it’s way harder to leave a good impression when there’s already a winner.

Show Me Your Flaws by holmesian_love (NR, 8,271+ w., 2/14 Ch. || Coffee Shop AU || WIP || Angst with Happy Ending, Alternate First Meeting, Developing Relationship, Musician Sherlock, Friendship) – John Watson is lost in the world. Back from Afghanistan as an invalided soldier, with no purpose in life, he takes up a suggestion from an old friend and tries a bit of a life change. Only now, he finds himself stuck in a new, tedious situation with no money or friends. That is, until a dark, talented stranger crosses his path and suddenly life doesn’t seem quite so boring anymore. But how can John begin to win over someone like that, when he feels so flawed? And how can he capture the attention of the dashing man who keeps disappearing…

John's Legacy by BakerTumblings (M, 19,035 w., 3 Ch. || Inspired by Fanfic, IVF, Parenting, Surrogacy, Fluff) – Inspired by Nature and Nurture. This fanfic tackles life at Baker Street set after the British Government "accidentally" cloned Sherlock Holmes. Oliver Watson-Holmes lives with his two fathers and it about to embark on a whole new way of life. This story is less about Oliver (although he is a wonderful child) and deals with Sherlock's endeavor to gift John with a biologic child. Oh, and he never said anything about it to John.

Always a Soldier by Lock_John_Silver (E, 21,252+ w., 6/8 Ch. || WiP || POV Alternating, Developing Relationship, Nightmares, Sherlock's Violin, Caring Sherlock, Case Fic, Minor Character Death, Letters, Sherlock's Military Kink, Travel, Language Kink, Paris, Jealous John, BAMF Sherlock, Sherlock Speaks French, Twins, Dinner / Wine/ Food, Crime Scenes, Voice Kink, Hugging, Sightseeing, Idiots in Love, First Kiss, Childhood Memories, Military Uniforms, Captain Watson, First Time, Fluff and Smut, Blow Jobs, Friends to Lovers, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Love Confessions, John's a Mess, Endearments, Sherlock's a Mess, Past Unhealthy Relationship, Sherlock's Mind Palace, Swimming, Topping from the Bottom, Anal Fingering, Excursions) – Mycroft arrives at Baker Street with disturbing news which even Sherlock can’t ignore. Going abroad, even when the circumstances are horrible, might be just what both he and John need to avoid stagnation.

Kinesis by StellaCartography (E, 35,641+ w., 13/28 Ch. || WiP || Johnlock and Mystrade || Post S4, Dissociation, Workaholic, Canon Compliant, Job Loss, Alternating POV, Vacation, Road Trips, Fishing, Card Games, Camping, Coffee Shops, Massage, Homophobia, Getting Caught in the Rain) – After the events at Sherrinford, Mycroft experiences intense scrutiny at work. As his position becomes increasingly precarious, he tries to investigate the source of the threat, but is thwarted at every turn. With his career and his mental health in shambles, can Mycroft open himself to a personal life he's been neglecting for decades?

[leosficlist]

Post S4 Getting Together (part two!)

Post S4 Pt.1, Post S4 Pt 3

As always, these are the fics I love that are after S4 in some way or another! These are ones that either don’t feature Rosie with John or she’s just not a focus of the fic! (10)

Following the rules by Beautifulisntit 4.8k words

After the events of Season 4, everything seems to be back to normal in 221B Baker Street. But a case and a strong blow to the head might be exactly what Sherlock and John need to face what is left of their friendship and what could come out of it.

notes: wonderful tension, clumsily eager love confessions. found from searching love confessions & first kiss tags

instruction manual not included by JenTheSweetie 8.8k words

The next day, they very distinctly did not mention it. Sherlock was almost entirely certain that all he felt about that was relief.

For a genius, Sherlock sure has trouble figuring out his best friend.

notes: miscommunications, acting on feelings without talking about them, running from their feelings, they get there eventually

The T Shirt Thief by watsonsherlocksuniverse 7.9k

Request: Sherlock steals John's t-shirt from the laundry. John catches him wearing it one evening, fluff ensues with an endeared yet teasing John?

notes: (love)sick sherlock, fluff, hurt/comfort

Turn the key, and come home by TooManyChoices 2.7k words

Sherlock and John have been dancing around what's between them for years. Will John return to Baker Street, and if so, will things ever be the same?

The Best Things In Life by Calais_Reno 2.9k

Will they talk about this? Hell, no.

notes: unintentional kisses, in a relationship before they know it, parentlock

People We Love by @calaisreno (again!) 6.7k words

After the disaster at Sherrinford, the rebuilding begins.

notes: checking in with all the characters post-tfp

The 2017 Johnlock Advent by sussexbound 4.8k words

notes: 26 days of a fic a day for christmas

notes: lovely read, keeping it around for when I need prescription grade fluff

Better Late Than Never by sussexbound 3k words

He suddenly wants John Watson out of his bedroom, out of his flat, out of his life, because he has been lying to himself these last few months, he realises. He doesn’t want John here, not with the way things are. He doesn’t want 221b Baker Street to be nothing more than rest stop John returns to on his journeys between women. He doesn’t want to play co-parent if Rosie is going to be snatched away from him and placed in the arms of whatever nameless woman du jour John lands on next. He doesn’t want to keep being so careful, so generous, so, so…

notes: jealous sherlock, love confessions while arguing

Afghan Bullets, Beards, and Unlocked Bedroom Doors by addicted2hugh  6.5k words

Set after series 4. The boys are living together again, and John's new style drives Sherlock crazy. He's trying to keep his besotted heart and over-excited libido a secret, but John has other plans. Lots. Of. SEX. And love. And my boys enjoying themselves. If you want some short and smutty fluff to read over your morning coffee or evening tea, this could be it.

notes: light fun, sherlock is quiet during sex

A Hesitation Waltz by UrbanHymnal

He lets the vibrato speak for him: love and loss, triumph and failure, longing for water and a bit of rest after so long a journey. He would follow John into the desert, walk through fire, sacrifice to any God. He would gladly kneel at John’s feet, if only given the chance, and worship him with each breath.

notes: Sherlock has a (good) secret, John pines for him

Now That the Dust has Settled (We Can See the Stars) by SilentAuror 4.3k

Now that the devastating events of three months ago are past, Sherlock and John begin to move on, restarting their life together.

notes: warm soft short coming together, first date and first kiss

Touch the Light, the Heat by Leloi

“Daddy.” Rosie Watson called.

With a sigh Sherlock reached out and caught her about the waist, rolling over with her to deposit her in the middle of the bed.

notes: parentlock, sweet little thing about them having a happy life post s4, teeny bit of smut

The World In Solemn Stillness Lay by J_Baillier 6.8k words

Rosie's first Christmas without her mother is approaching fast, and John isn't coping well with the pressures of being a single parent. Can Sherlock scrape his new family back together?

notes: John & Rosie at baker st, Sherlock supporting them both, Rosie get hurt (& Sherlock outdoes himself ofc)

[gregorovitch-adler]

Wallet

John sat back on the sofa and relaxed. Rosie was at the daycare, and the renovation of 221 B Baker Street was about to finish in a day or two. Sherlock and John were done with today's work at least.

Sherlock was out for a walk to clear his head, probably to delete some insignificant information from his Mind Palace. John was only guessing, so he shrugged to himself.

Working on the renovation of this house - the place where they used to live together and John had the time of his life before Sherlock's awful staged death - had brought them closer together once again. John had moved back into this flat with Rosie a while ago.

Perhaps this was their way of forgetting about the dreadful day at Sherrinford. John was trying to forget Eurus in general, but his messy and still a little burnt surroundings were making it difficult. She was the one to send the silent bomb to their place, after all.

Still, John was trying to live. Trying to make things better between him and Sherlock. He knew he had to be the one to make the most effort - given how he'd treated Sherlock after Mary's death. Cutting him out of his life. Abandoning Sherlock when he needed John the most, and letting him end up in that morgue at Culverton Smith's mercy.

The images of John kicking and punching Sherlock until he lay half-dead on the floor, actually bleeding from several places, flashed before John once more.

John closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. He hadn't stopped being haunted by the vivid images of that day. What had he done? He'd ruined everything they once had between them, that's what. John deserved to be haunted, and so much worse. How could he possibly treat someone he was in love with in that way? He didn't deserve Sherlock at all.

They'd started to work together again on the cases because, for some inexplicable reason, Sherlock didn't hold John accountable for his actions, even when he had every right to do so in the world.

John would never dare to even think of Sherlock as a heartless person again. John knew he would never be able to comprehend the size of this man's heart.

Still, things weren't the same. John felt that he and Sherlock had a lot of things they needed to talk about with each other. Both of them had been holding back on many things.

Not that John expected things to remain the same, after how he'd treated Sherlock. But a better communication was needed.

John will have that with Sherlock someday. He didn't know how, but he was going to try. He'd start by apologising first. He was ready to get down on his knees if that was what he needed to do. He'd do anything Sherlock asked. Anything in the world.

For now, he pulled out his wallet from his back pocket to open it.

His stomach twisted when he saw it was Mary, Rosie, and himself in the photo that the wallet contained. He felt nauseated looking at his fake smile in that photo. The time when everything was bitter but he was supposed to pretend he was okay.

It went without question that John loved Rosie, but he couldn't bear to look at the fake happy family photograph anymore. Not with how things with Mary turned out in the end.

John decided he needed a different photo for his wallet, so he took this one out and placed it on the coffee table.

He wondered which photo he'd use instead. John grabbed his phone from his pocket and opened the gallery, to go through some suitable images.

John wasn't the one to take a lot of pictures, but as he scrolled through, he stumbled across one from ages ago.

It was Sherlock in that picture, standing just outside a restaurant and laughing. Heartily and beautifully.

John stared at the image trying to recall what this was about.

That's when he remembered: They were on a case and they'd taken a short break because John was hungry. And John had tried to pull the door instead of pushing, even when the sign clearly said 'Push'. John had spitefully taken his photo after that.

John chuckled at the memory and swallowed. This one it was then. The picture he'd use for his empty wallet.

John was very much aware that he'd lost the chance of trying to have a relationship with Sherlock. He was incredibly lucky that Sherlock was ready to have him back as a friend.

John had to take his feelings to the grave, but this was the least he could do to make himself feel better. It was selfish, but it was his private thing.

It had to be this way.

*

Sherlock September Challenge by @onesmallfamily

Prompt: Wallet.

Tagging: @helloliriels , @topsyturvy-turtely , @lisbeth-kk , @keirgreeneyes , @gaylilsherlock , @clueless-mp4 , @curlyjohnlock , @a-victorian-girl , @lookingforlifeoutthere , @missdeliadili, @peanitbear , @calaisreno , @kettykika78 .

[dinner--starving]

Has anyone come up with a meta on these lines?

What if Sherlock is the one locked up in Sherrinford after he shot Magnussen?

What if this is what we're supposed to take from when Mycroft says "a week of isolation is locking up with your worst enemy"?

And S4 is his nightmare while in Sherrinford?

Still thinking more about it....

[eadrey-the-iptscray]

Eurus traipsing about London disguised as different people only to return to Sherrinford for the finale is akin to the immortal entity that decides to repeat high school just to meet the protagonist of a YA paranormal romance novel

[queerholmcs]

this doesn't count as the episode poll but it's very important.

[starkraivennemad]

It's How Things Are

It was awkward, God, so awkward.

It has always been a little, more than a little, awkward when it came to him.

It’s how things were with him.

A lot about her has changed since she first met Sherlock Holmes, except one… the most important one.

She still loved him.

“I love you…”

And she had waited literal YEARS, to hear those words from him.

But she didn’t think hearing them would hurt so much.

That’s a lie.

Deep, deep down she knew…

She knew he meant them. Knew he meant each word.

Just not the way she ever wanted.

It’s how things would never go.

Thus, she was not surprised when he came by.

He explained things. Fractured memories returning. The secret sister. He, John, Mycroft, and the Torments of Sherrinford.

Sherlock was full of earnestness and apologies, until she could stand it no longer.

“Don’t say any more.” She begged and walked him to the door.

“And I am sorry for your loss…”

And of course he noticed, her cat Toby was gone. And that was why she was crying even before he called asking for those three words.

“Um… Bye... ”

She closed the door and leaned her forehead on it with a soft sigh, surprised to find herself smiling- however bittersweet.

It’s how things will be.

“Bye…”

---------------------

I literally found out about #sherlollyweek2024 on Tumblr a couple of hours ago. I already had this story in mind when I made the discovery, the universe is rarely what?

[o0katiekins0o]

<a href="https://archiveofourown.org/works/57779659"><strong>Horseshoes and Hand Grenades</strong></a> (2975 words) by <a href="https://archiveofourown.org/users/o0katiekins0o"><strong>o0katiekins0o</strong></a><br />Chapters: 1/1<br />Fandom: <a href="https://archiveofourown.org/tags/Sherlock%20(TV)">Sherlock (TV)</a><br />Rating: Explicit<br />Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply<br />Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/Molly Hooper, Mary Morstan/John Watson<br />Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Molly Hooper, Mary Morstan, John Watson, Rosamund Mary "Rosie" Watson<br />Additional Tags: Mary Lives, Fix-It<br />Summary: <p>This is for the 50 Reasons to have Sherlolly Sex prompt list #44: Wingman Diving on the Friend Grenade.</p><p>Mary survived the gunshot wound in the aquarium but will her marriage survive the knowledge John cheated with Eurus?</p><p>It will if Sherlock and Molly have anything to say about it.</p><p>Soon all four of them become victims of their own success as John and Mary's relationship becomes stable while Sherlock and Molly's "help" begins to cross the line.</p><p>Why are they so desperate to meddle in John and Mary's love life? Could it possibly be a distraction from the three small words they exchanged at Sherrinford?</p>

[mizjoely]

MHAW Prompt #3: to this point, from now on

To this point/from now on/wherever I go/I won't be long-

"Why not?"

Molly stopped singing, a flush spreading across her face at Sherlock's voice. She hated being caught singing aloud by anyone, but especially by Mister-Music-Snob. "Why not what?" she asked when he continued to stand there with his 'Well-I-asked-you-a-question' face.

"Why won't you belong?"

Molly screwed her own face up in confusion. "It's just a song, Sherlock, just lyrics. It means it won't be long before the two of them, you know, get together. The next line is 'beside you dear/the path is clear'. And then it, you know, goes on from there."

"Ah." Sherlock nodded gravely. "So I won't be long, rather than I won't belong. My mistake."

With a rush of insight Molly understood exactly what he'd meant, and her heart felt as if it would burst with sympathy. "No, I get it, Sherlock. Lots of people feel like they don't belong, that they're apart from the rest of the world."

Her already burning cheeks felt even hotter as she realized what she was saying. Oh no, would he think she was comparing him to his crazy sister, the one who felt all alone because of her terrifying intellect? The one who couldn't connect to the rest of the human race?

Dear. God. Would he think she was calling him a machine? The way John used to do? She'd rather die than have him believe that! She knew that yes, he loved her, just as he loved his small, select circle of friends and family.

Just as she opened her mouth to apologize, he surprised her by stepping forward, deep into her personal space, and placing one hand gently over her lips. "Don't apologize, Molly, I know what you meant - and what you didn't mean. I was just..." He huffed out a wry laugh. "I was trying to find a way to tell you how I really feel, and I thought the song was the perfect opportunity, but then of course I misunderstood it, and then I made you feel as if you'd misunderstood me, and that's the last thing I wanted to do. To hurt you again. To make you feel inadequate or alone or-"

Molly gently removed his hand from over her lips. "Breathe, Sherlock," she advised him. "Just...take a moment. Breathe. Then just say it, whatever it is you came to say. You never have to worry about hurting me with the truth."

She braced herself, keeping herself outwardly tranquil as she waited for him to finally give her the official 'I love you as a friend' speech she'd been waiting for ever since his travails at Sherrinford and Musgrave. Oh, he'd tried a few times, and she'd patiently waited for the words to come, but each time he ended up mumbling something about how complicated emotions were, accepting her reassurances that yes, they were still good, and then practically running away from her.

Now or never, she advised herself. If he doesn't say it now, you will tell him it's all good and he doesn't have to actually say it. Then we'll both be able to go on with our lives without this hanging over us.

I hope.

Sherlock, meanwhile, was not only doing what she'd advised him to do - breathing, slowly and deeply - but had closed his eyes and dropped both hands by his sides. When he opened them, the panicked expression was gone. He smiled softly at her, and she smiled back, reaching out to give his hands an encouraging squeeze. "Go on, say it, then," she said.

"Say it like I mean it?" he asked, and she flinched a little, then stiffened her spine and nodded.

"All right, I will," he said, catching her hands as she started to let him go. She was so surprised she didn't fight him, just let him hold both her hands, watching as he brought them up to rest on his chest. "Do you feel that, Molly?" he asked, and she nodded, because his heart was drumming in his chest, as if he'd just sprinted after a particularly speedy suspect. "That's how I feel about you. No one else makes my heart race like this." Slowly, carefully, he pulled her closer, until they were barely a breath apart. "No one else sees me like you do." He stroked his fingers along her cheek. "No one else has ever touched me the way you do."

Then he grimaced. "That - that was not meant to sound like a cheap pick-up line," he grumbled, and Molly couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips. His own twitched into a smile in response. "No one else makes me as tongue-tied as you do," he concluded with a shrug. "So my only conclusion is that I love you, not as a friend - not like I love John or Mrs. Hudson or my parents - but as something...different."

"Different how?" Molly prompted, barely remembering to breathe herself as she gazed hopefully up at him.

He groaned. "You know how, Molly, do I have to spell it out for you?"

"Yes," she said promptly. "You do. Because this is too important to leave anything in doubt. Say it like you mean it. Say it first."

With that call back he flinched, just a little, as she just had; and just as she had done, he straightened his spine and nodded. "I love you," he said simply. "I said it. I meant it. I mean it." His gaze softened as he sang, 'beside you dear/the path is clear'" - and then he kissed her.

And Molly Hooper was never in doubt about his feelings ever again.

[aworldofgoldfish]

“Can’t you cancel, postpone it maybe?” Greg seemed to be thinking about the possibility of it for a few seconds. “No. I can’t miss it. I’m sorry.” His voice was resolute, absolute in its certainty. Sherlock smirked behind his cup of tea. “Sorry, wait, wait, you’re meeting Mycroft every Friday? When did this happen?” Greg stopped collecting the files he had brought for Sherlock and rubbed his chin. “After Sherrinford. Half a month later maybe.” “That’s six months ago…” “Give or take, yes. So I’m sorry I can’t help you. Why do you need a babysitter though?” “Sherlock thought of eating out for once. Get a friendly night off.”

Friends and Dates [T] in ao3

Written for @mystradepromptsandscenarios "Character A asks Character B out on a date. Character B missed the memo that it’s a date."