#breath4soul

[thegildedbee]

Sherlock Fic Recs: Christmas Edition {2023}

❄️ Gather ~ ☃️ ☃️ ☃️ ~ 'round and 🎉 make 🎷merry🍹, all ye fic-loving fandom elves -- 'tis the season to shine a spotlight🕯️on Sherlockian Christmas fics!!! Here are some of my favorites -- I tried to pick ones that I haven't seen mentioned in recent lists that have been in my tumblr stream. Whether they're new to you, or just a reminder to re-visit faves, enjoy!!! ❄️ [In order of the year they were published.] ........................................................... 1. I'm Not His Date [2014] by objetpetita [ 17,029 words / T ] :: It all starts in a Boston coffee shop, where English professor Sherlock Holmes upends a visiting John Watson in a clever and fun "meet cute" (or "meet irritating-pompous-insufferable") in a whirlwind of Sherlockian proportions, and we're off to the races. There is a snowfight on the Common, Death Driving Miss Daisy: Lacan and Popular Culture, a Harry & Clara Christmas Eve wedding, witches, and a very boozy department party. It's as adorable as my favorite Christmas rom-com film, The Holiday. And it starts off with a corker of a first sentence: "It was morning, it was zero bloody degrees, everything around him was unfamiliar and American and cold, and John Watson was right on that inhuman precipice between still drunk and terribly hung over."

2. 5,687 (Approximately) [2015] by prettysailorsoldier [ 6,771 words / T ] :: Just a few years post-uni, Sherlock is enduring the agonies of a long-distance relationship with his boyfriend, who is on deployment in Afghanistan. During those times when John's on leave, the last people Sherlock wants to see are the idiots at the Met, so they've never caught sight of John and think he is a figment of Sherlock's imagination -- especially since he can't get home that Christmas. The set-up is sketched out with delightful fic flair, and the ending is not only sweet, but satisfyingly punitive [ c/o a very bamf John ]. The text messaging is some of my favorite writing in the Sherlock fandom -- their relationship in all of its multi-dimensionality comes through beautifully.

3. The 12 Truths of Christmas [2016] by @breath4soul [ 3,321 words / T ] :: This is a fic that has at its core the surfacing of unspoken emotional attraction betweenJohn and Sherlock via a very fun concept: “In place of some appalling or imbecilic gift inflicted upon me in the name of tradition on Christmas day, I propose that you provide me with one previously unknown fact about you for each day leading up to Christmas. 12 in total, John.” #9 has all the feels, and is a tour de force -- every time I re-read it it makes me break out in a smile, even though I know what's coming. Sherlock breaks out somewhat more: "Sherlock feels a flood of heat in several places at once. He stands up quickly and walks to his violin. He plays wild, erratic snaps of quick-paced music." The author has a whimsical and entirely understandable note to add: "You may fall in love with John reading this - I did." 4. The Romance Was There [2017] by @apliddell [ 4,011 words / G ] :: The author deserves an award for this being one of the best uses of Harry Watson in a fic, and of HW by Sherlock in a fic :-) 221B has never been cozier, Sherlock has never been more winsome, and John is a species type model of John in all of his clueless Johnness. The narrative dances along and sparkles and shines as seduction evolves, and Sherlock's rogueish charm is on full display. There's a poignant and endearing confessional letter, plus there's a Sherlock/Jeremy Brett reference that is absolute perfection in serving its role in helping the narrative quickstep the night away. 5. The Man in Aisle Ten [2020] by @blogstandbygo [ 1395 words / G ] :: Sherlock has several mysteries to unravel in the midst of Harrod's on Christmas Eve: what is the perfect gift for John? why is he having so much trouble identifying the perfect gift for John? and, incidentally, along the way to solving those, a local one. Luckily, Sherlock has Moira, master department store sleuth, to lead him to the solution. This fic is a small, perfect gift -- rather like the story's denouement --and is as witty as all of SBG's fics are. This is a veritable Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate of a fic, warm, rich, sweet, delicious, tingly, and you'll find you reach the last bit much too fast, immediately requiring a refill. [ And there's a splendid podfic by @podfixx ! ]

..........................

*fic repost recruits, perhaps??? ❤️ @totallysilvergirl, @7-percent, @discordantwords, @helloliriels, @elwinglyre, @mydogwatson

[discordantwords]

fic recs - may & june 2024

So it's been a challenging few months for me and I'm extremely behind in my reading. But even though I'm still catching up, I wanted to share some of the things that I've read and enjoyed over this past May & June.

First things first-- @calaisreno put together the wonderful May Prompts 2024 challenge (be sure to check out the collection on AO3!)

2024 May Prompts by thegildedbee

A Good Man by carelesspeaches

Andante, andante by Ibbyliv

Blood and Stone by Goldt_39

Come What May by weeesi

examine me (or 5 Times Sherlock Required Medical Attention & 1 Time He Didn't But Got It Anyway) by Ibbyliv

Hidden Beauties by A_Candle_For_Sherlock

Hungerford Bridge by Jolie_Black

Lies of Omission by Breath4Soul

Mary Keeps House by tepidspongebath

May Has 31 Days by SophB_Holmes

May is for Limericks by helloliriels

May Prompts 2024 Ficlets by Raina_at

Ninety-Nine Percent by amaruuk

No Desire to Run by Ibbyliv

Open Your Eyes by JRow

Penitence by amaruuk

Plants' May Prompts 2024 by PlantsAreNeat

Ravelling by Calais_Reno

Sandbox by CopperBeech

The Disappointed Optimist's Guide to Sharing a Flat with a Madman by Calais_Reno

The Lost Detective by mydogwatson

The Luckiest Girl in the World by Lock_John_Silver

The Perfect Place by meet_me_in_samarra

Trifles 3 (May Prompts 2024) by Calais_Reno

Two Dozen Kilometres North of Berlin by stopthat

What Hands Hath Wrought by emilycare

You're Not Designed to be Alone by thalialunacy

Happy reading!

[inevitably-johnlocked]

With so many of the greatest writers leaving the writing in our fandom, I was wondering if you could recommend some newer or even older fic authors that are of the same level? I don't want to stop reading Johnlock, it's basically all I read anymore! I know I'm spoiled with having read fics by @chryse @breath4soul @arwamachine @7-percent @therealsaintscully @ohlooktheresabee @runnfromtheak @meetinginsamarra and @jbaillier

I understand that not everyone wants to dedicate their lives to writing fanfic, or have outgrown the fandom, or real life has become overwhelming. By no way am I demanding more fic from these amazing writers. I'd really just like to know of any other wonderful writers that are just as good. I need to feed my addiction hahaha! Thank you for your advice and suggestions, I love you!

Hey Nonny!

Ah, I get what you mean :) Our authors are people too, who have lives that keep them busy, AND they still provide us with amazing fics for free!! <3

That said, because I ALWAYS feel like I'm going to miss some great authors, I'm gonna once again default to: you can always be guaranteed "newer" fics in the fandom by checking out my weekly #FiveFicsFriday posts!! It's a weekly collection of new fics suggested to me, often brand new stories in the fandom! Here are over 1000 fics for you to check out on these lists:

YEAR ONE MASTERPOST (Sept 29/19 to Sept 25/20)

YEAR TWO MASTERPOST (Sept 25/20 to Sept 24/21)

YEAR THREE MASTERPOST (Oct 1/21 to Sept 23/22)

YEAR FOUR MASTERPOST (Sept 30/22 to Sept 22/23)

But honestly, I think every author is amazing here!!! Without them we wouldn't have the amazing content we have! Always support our authors and artists <3

If anyone wants Nonny to check them or their faves out, please don't hesitate to add themselves to the notes!!

(and if you don't think you "deserve" to be listed among these authors, STOP BEING SILLY!! We love you!! <3)

[leosficlist]

Johnlock Fluff rec list (so far!)

These will all include heartwarming sweet times, most will include love confessions and first times as well. I tried to make it not-so porny. I am a bit of a stickler for things feeling in character, so if you share that with me then you are in good hands <3

Fluff 2, Fluff 3 ,Fluff 4

A Quiet Murmuration by cathedral_carver 4.6k words

“Just pay me back with one thousand kisses”

notes: domestic, getting together, lots of touches and lingering looks

You Fit Me, Sherlock Holmes by orphan_account 10k words

It feels natural when John slips under the covers as well, and scoots in closer to Sherlock. As Sherlock's arms envelope him tightly, he breathes a sigh of relief. They don't speak and it only takes John five minutes before he starts to drift off. His breathing gets deep and he feels oblivion starting to crawl in on him at the edges. His inhibitions are almost gone as he whispers, "I've missed you," into Sherlock's skin.

Sherlock doesn't reply immediately. Instead he removes a strand of hair from John's forehead.

John is almost completely lost to the world when Sherlock whispers back, "I've missed you, too."

notes: cuddling for an experiment, sherlock writes up a report at the end

Upon Reflection, Tenable Frippery by emmagrant01 1.3k words

“John was, inexplicably, growing a beard.”

notes: first kiss, sherlock loves the beard

Succulent by FinAmour 8.8k words 🔒

“You look nice tonight,” John says, and it all goes downhill from there.

About Sleep and Coffee and the Existence of Fate by Atiki 17.4k words

Naturally, John was startled when suddenly the ultimate solution occurred to him: Marriage. This was, of course, a bit of a fundamental problem rather than an actual solution. One didn't simply use the words “Sherlock” and “marriage” within the same sentence. Not even in a hypothetical context. (Five times John kind of wanted to propose to Sherlock, and one time he didn’t have to.)

A Hesitation Waltz by UrbanHymnal 5.5k words

“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’s violin playing

A Lifetime Together by LondonSpirit 🔒 8.8k

“John and Sherlock falling in love.”

The Man in Aisle Ten by standbygo 🔒 1.3k words

“It's Christmas Eve, the busiest day for shopping at Harrod's, and there's a guy in aisle ten who's snapping at every sales associate who dares to approach him. It's up to Moira to help him find the perfect present.”

notes: I love seeing Sherlock through other people’s perspectives, and I can sympathize with holiday retail

Things That You Can’t Say Tomorrow Day by PsychGirl 4k words

“Things go horribly wrong while John and Sherlock are on a mission for Mycroft. Now they're out in the woods in the middle of winter with no coats and no shelter. However will they stay warm?”

notes: post-mary, no baby mention, getting together while sharing body heat

Easy by stopthat 2.8k words

“Something, it seems, has broken down between them. Something good.”

notes: asexual sherlock

Your Love by stopthat 1.5k

“Sherlock breathes in the scent of roses, feels the wind on his skin, tastes John on his tongue.”

notes: John calls Sherlock “love” by accident

The 12 Truths of Christmas by Breath4Soul 3.3k

“It’s a simple construct, John. There is nothing I value more than data. Facts, John.” Sherlock flourishes a long, thin hand, then steeples his fingers together over his lap. He scans John with steel blue eyes. “In place of some appalling or imbecilic gift inflicted upon me in the name of tradition on Christmas day, I propose that you provide me with one previously unknown fact about you for each day leading up to Christmas.12 in total, John.”

Nightfall by CKLizzy 8k words gen (part one of the amazing Solace Series)

“Awoken by nightmares, John and Sherlock seek each other's company at night. They find more than either of them knew they were missing.”

Loss of the Senses by goddess_of_the_ night 18.5k words

or "Five Times Sherlock Lost his Senses and One Time He Used Them All to Worship John"

Over the course of two years, Sherlock loses each of his five senses: Taste, Smell, Touch, Sound, and Sight. John is a saint who takes care of him despite Sherlock's insistence to push him away.

notes: can be read as gen if you stop before the last chapter

[helloliriels]

Just Like A Tattoo (I'll Always Have You) by helloliriels for @sherlockchallenge June prompt: Tattoo

🥀 Based on song lyrics from: Rose Tattoo by Dropkick Murphys; and ofc Tattoo by Jordan Sparks; couldn't decide, so I went with a bit o' both 🥀

John walks in on Sherlock after the fall, only to discover ... Sherlock wasn't quite as heartless ... or as clueless about love as he had imagined ...

tagging peeps! @johnlocky @ohlooktheresabee @fluffbyday-smutbynight @rhasima @chinike @spooksicl-e @justanobsessedpan @totallysilvergirl @whatnext2020 @topsyturvy-turtely @chriscalledmesweetie @safedistancefrombeingsmart @gaylilsherlock @sarahthecoat @inevitably-johnlocked @kettykika78 @khorazir @kaursblog11 @john-smiths-jawline @mrb488 @jobooksncoffee @carla-creates @wizama @sgam76 @gregorovitchworld @arwamachine @discordantwords @raina-at @simplyclockwork @janetm74 @bertytravelsfar @7-percent @missdeliadili @peanitbear @meetinginsamarra @breath4soul @blogstandbygo @iamjustreading @1-800-get-sherlocked @impalaparkedat221b @calaisreno @lisbeth-kk @solarmama @momma2boys

[meetinginsamarra]

Fanfics I really liked in June 2023

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).

There I Saw You, Night by esplanade

Struggling with writer`s block, poet Sherlock meets successful crime writer John by chance in a bookshop. Lots of deep conversations happen and in the end both have found their passion for writing again and each other, too. Lovely, light, poetic fic with a bit of hurt/comfort.

The Meeting Place by standbygo @blogstandbygo​

Sherlock is supposed to meet the guy at the meeting place. So is Sherlock. Shenanigans happen. Funny, fluffy romantic comedy.

Aim for the Head by Breath4Soul @breath4soul​

Long ongoing WIP. Set in a zombie apocalypse, John sort of abducts Sherlock and his car and an at first unwilling but then developing relationship starts. Could have been all so much easier if the zombies were not out to get them. 

The Lost Myth of True Love series by All_I_need @the-reading-lemon​

Three delightful fics that gave me nearly sleepless nights because I had to know what happens next. Now I am eagerly awaiting part 4 that is about to get published. Sherlock x Victor Trevor, no Johnlock so far.

The Last Shred of Truth and The Choiceless Hope and  Imagine being loved (by me)

Sherlock returns and confesses his love to John but John cannot reciprocate although he loves Sherlock back. He has to marry Mary and both are unhappy. John will be mostly out of the picture during the three fics. Sherlock meets his old child and uni friend Victor Trevor again and they start a really lovely relationship even if both men mourn their past love. Sherlock will be mainly happy and grow in the relationship which is so nice to see (read) and Victor is a gem of a human. Sherlock grows a lot emotionally in these fics and in part two he builds an unexpected but awesome friendship with a really likeable Sally Donovan. 

[breath4soul]

Chapter 19: Transformation Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson,  Tags: Johnlock Fluff, Tumblr Prompt, Prompt Fill, Alternate Universe - College/University, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Drunk John, Sherlock Wearing A Sheet, Horny John,, (ಠ‿↼), Sharing a Bed, First Kiss, Virgin Sherlock, Angst and Fluff and Smut, Doctor John Watson, Hurt Sherlock Holmes, Hurt/Comfort, Bi-Curiosity, Idiots in Love, Sherlock Being an Idiot, John Watson Being an Idiot, John is a Mess, Rugby Captain John Watson, Sherlock Holmes Has Feelings, everyone makes mistakes, Body Image, Apologies, Posted to AO3 Summary:

A light little AU ficlet about John and Sherlock's first meeting at uni when John gets drunk and pounds on the wrong door thinking it is his room. It turns out to be Sherlock's.

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

“You’re bloody gorgeous. I’ve died and gone to heaven.” John blinks serenely up at the figure.

“You’re wasted,” the figure growls. “You should know I can kill you most creatively and dispose of your body in a thousand inventive ways so that you will never be found. I assure you that I will never get caught. So unless you want me to extinguish your pathetic, little existence this very moment you better tell me who the hell you are and what the hell you are doing in my room.”

“Yes, that… That… That is amazing. Keep talking, Love.” John grins and stares up into those green-blue eyes, dazed. He presses his lips together in an effort to look patient and blinks slowly, staring expectantly at the lips that spilled all those elegant words with such precise diction and in an amazing rumbly voice. “Come on, then, I could listen to you for hours.” John offers a smile. “Tell me again how you’re going to kill me, I like that bit.”

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

[cupidford]

Know When You've Been Beaten by Breath4Soul

Johnlock Love Letters #1581

ASIB fix it. A drugged Sherlock confesses some things about his sexual history and feelings towards John. 

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Christmas 2023 Part 2: Marked for Later

And here's part two of the Christmas Fic list for this year! Please make sure you check out the lists below for previous Christmas lists! Don't hesitate to add your own recent Christmas and NYE fics below! All will be added on subsequent reblogs! :D

Merry Christmas!

[PART ONE]

See also:

Christmas Fics (Dec. 2017)

Christmas: Oblivious That One or The Other is In a Relationship

Christmas 2019 Part 1 (All Bookmarks XMas and New Years)

Christmas 2019 Part 2 (Marked for Later)

G / T / K+ Rated Christmas Fics (Dec. 2018) (Updated Dec 2021)

Community Recs: Christmas 2020 (Updated Dec 2021)

Christmas Trees / Decorating

Christmas-Time Love Confessions

New Year’s Fics (Jan 2023)

Christmas & New Year's Eve 2023 Pt. 1: Bookmarks & WiPs

Not a Word by notjustmom (NR, 114 w., 1 Ch. || Dancing, Christmas) – Just them dancing in Baker Street.

Big question! The Gift by AnAnYaH (G, 508 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas, Love Confessions, Dialogue Only, Fluff) – Christmas is not far and John has plans for a perfect gift for his little daughter.

Costumes for Christmas by AnAnYaH (G, 518 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas Fluff, First Time, Costume Kink, Christmas Party) – It's a costume party , and Sherlock is late.

Deck the Halls However You See Fit by Yuliares (G, 752 w., 1 Ch. || Canon Divergence, Developing Relationship, Asexual Sherlock, Holiday Fluff, Mary Ships It) – Relaxed domestic holiday fluff. In a nebulous future where John and Mary move in downstairs after Mrs. Hudson retires, the gang preps for their annual Christmas party in 221B Baker Street.

Something red, something green, something sparkly by Silvergirl (M, 1,106 w., 1 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Christmas, Texting, Impending Desperation, Gift Shopping) – If you can't solve a puzzle yourself, ask the experts. Of course, the experts may be utterly useless ... until they aren't.

The Man in Aisle Ten by standbygo (G, 1,395 w., 1 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Christmas, Shopping, Gifts, Original Female Character POV) – It's Christmas Eve, the busiest day for shopping at Harrod's, and there's a guy in aisle ten who's snapping at every sales associate who dares to approach him. It's up to Moira to help him find the perfect present. [TRANSLATIONS: Русский || 中国] 

221B's Christmas Tree by SatanDrankMyCoffee (G, 1,634 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas, Fluff, Bratty Sherlock, Domestics, Decorations) – One of the staples of most people's holiday season is decorating the tree; John and Sherlock are no exception.

Mistletoe is a Parasite by Breath4Soul (M, 1,896 w, 1 Ch. || Christmas Party, First Kiss, Mistletoe, Drinking, Dom/Sub Undertones) – It’s Christmas and after some interesting revelations at Molly Hooper's holiday party, Sherlock takes his cue from Mistletoe to take matters into his own hands. Mistletoe attaches, penetrates and absorbs... turns out that is right up Sherlock's alley...

A Little Christmas Spirit by Berty (E, 2,077 w., 1 Ch. || POV Sherlock, First Time, Blow Jobs, Christmas Fluff, Canon Divergence) – Sherlock should really learn NOT to tune John out when he's talking. He might just be missing something important.

Snap, Crackle, Pop by Call_Me_Clarence (G, 2,243 w., 1 Ch. || Pre-Slash, New Year’s Party, Panic Attacks, PTSD / Flashbacks, Dissociation, Cuddling, Caring Sherlock, Christmas Crackers) – John has a flashback during a New Years party. Sherlock tries his best to help.

Home For Christmas? by Bluebellstar (T, 2,572 w., 1 Ch. || Pre-Canon, Pre-ASiP, Captain John, Implied/Referenced Drug Use, Sad Sherlock, Big Brother Mycroft, Soft Mycroft, Established Relationship) – Sherlock Holmes wants one thing for Christmas. The one thing he knows he cannot have. He wants John Watson back from Afghanistan. But with John's leave unexpectedly cancelled, Sherlock has to spend another Christmas alone. Part 3 of the Christmas at 221B series

The Christmas Dragon by eragon19 (M, 2,615 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas, Love Confessions, Fluff, Presents) – Sherlock needs to find the perfect gift for John. Luckily a toy in a shop window gives him an idea. Part 9 of the Prompt Fills series

The Joye of Snacks by khorazir (T, 3,373 w. 1 Ch. || Christmas, Baking, Domesticity, Friends to Lovers, First Kiss, Banter) – Christmas is approaching, and Sherlock surprises John with newly acquired culinary skills. John, in turn, simply ... surprises Sherlock.

The Romance Was There by apliddell (G, 4,011 w., 1 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post S3, Post Mary, Christmas, Domestics, Villain Mary, Platonic Bedsharing, Love Confessions, First Kiss, Angst, Fluff, Friends to Lovers, Love Letters) – In which Sherlock reveals his merits as a housekeeper, and a few other things, too.

Shrivelfigs by lifespossible (T, 4,547 w., 1 Ch. || Teen Harry Potter AU || Christmas, Friends to Lovers, Pining, Fluff) – John and Sherlock were not a couple, ta very much. They were friends--close friends, best friends. But that was it. Just friends. If you asked John, he’d assure you that was the case. But if you got him on the right side of a couple firewhiskies, well, he might be inclined to tell you he thought it was a damn shame they were only best friends.

Crossing Paths by prettysailorsoldier (T, 5,346 w., 1 Ch. || Uni/Teenlock Coffee Shop AU || Crosswords, Christmas, Fluff) – It seemed like a great idea, a 24-hour coffee shop near a thriving university campus, but, when everyone goes home for the holidays, John finds himself trapped in a ghost town, wiling away the hours of the overnight shift any way he can. Of course, that gets a whole lot easier when a handsome insomniac starts making regular visits, and, somewhere between the case files, crossword puzzles, and copious amounts of coffee, John discovers he doesn't mind the late shift so much after all.

The Unexpected Exchange by testosterone_tea (E, 5,703 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas, Secret Santa, Vibrators, Masturbation, Love Confessions, Intercrural Sex, Bisexual John, Demisexual Sherlock, Fluff) – When Sherlock is made to participate in the Yard's Secret Santa exchange, he knew it would be a disaster. But even he didn't expect how much of a disaster it would be.

A Smart-Arse Consulting Detective Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas by Berty (T, 5,788 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas, Friends To Lovers, Trapped, Fluff, Grumpy John, Pining Sherlock, Sharing Body Heat, First Kiss, Frottage, Cold Weather) – So here they sit. Glaring at each other. Locked in an unheated, block-built tack room on a remote farm in Suffolk. With no mobile coverage. On Christmas Eve. Sherlock's definitely NOT on the 'nice' list this year.

If I Knew You Were Coming (I'd Have Baked a Cake) by standbygo (T, 5,850 w., 1 Ch. || Post-TRF, Christmas, Fluff, Baking, GBBO References, Friends to Lovers, Sharing a Bed, Cooking) – John and Sherlock aren't quite sure how they agreed to hold a Great British Bake Off competition... There will be decorative bread, misuse of the French language, terrible mispronunciation of German words, fluff, bed sharing, and profiteroles.

Such a Clatter by ArwaMachine (E, 6,183 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas, Anal Sex/Fingering, PWP, Toplock, Fluff, Hand Jobs) – Christmas is boring, and the guest bed in Mummy and Father Holmes’ cottage is far too loud for Sherlock and John to have any proper fun. Whatever is to be done?

Coup de Foudre by prettysailorsoldier (T, 6,446 w., 1 Ch. || Teenager/University AU || Alternate First Meeting, Skiing, Winter, Sherlock Speaks French, Christmas Fluff) – When John and his friends decide to blow off some steam after finals with a holiday to the Swiss Alps, he's expecting a week of roaring fires, hot chocolate, and snow as far as the eye can see. He is not expecting to fall head over heels for a fellow guest--a young Frenchman known only as "Blue Scarf"--but John's not one to let a little language barrier get in the way, and, with the help of Google Translate, it might just be a Christmas to remember after all. Part 7 of 25 Days of Johnlock

All I Want for Christmas (is Proof) by Raina_at (E, 6,471 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas Fluff, Porn Without Plot, Christmas Party, Gay Club, Costume Party, Mistletoe, First Time, Hand Jobs, Semi-Public Sex, Crack and Humour, Blow Jobs, Undercover for a Case) – John has been ridiculously in love with Sherlock for a while now, but he doesn't want to rock the boat if his interest isn't returned. Their newest case might be the catalyst they need to finally figure out whether they're on the same page. Or: Sherlock and John go undercover at a Christmas party in a gay club. In costume. Things... escalate.

That Time of Year by JRow (T, 6,717 w., 1 Ch. || Post S4, Christmas, Fluff, Misunderstandings, Presents, First Kiss, Confessions, Rosie) – It's Christmas Eve. The tree is decorated, the mince pies are out, and Rosie is fast asleep. Flipping his mobile in his hand, John wonders what Sherlock is doing. Then he wonders, not for the first time, what it means that Sherlock is never far from his mind. Before he can stop himself, John hits the call button.

The World In Solemn Stillness Lay by J_Baillier (T, 6,855 w., 2 Ch. || Post-S4, Christmas, Angst, Medical Conditions, Big Brother Mycroft, Friends to Lovers, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Miscommunication, Family Issues) – 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?

Cross My Heart (And Hope To Die) by prettysailorsoldier (M, 7,306 w., 1 Ch. || University AU || Puppies, Miscommunication, Blow Jobs, Shower Sex, Christmas, Happy Ending) – When John starts acting suspicious in the run up to Christmas, lying about being at work and taking secret phone calls in the bathroom, Sherlock comes to seemingly the only conclusion, that John must be cheating on him. Unwilling to confront him, and apparently unable to make him stay, Sherlock does the only thing he can: leave before he is left. That is, until an unlikely phone call on Christmas Eve turns everything on its head... Part 11 of the 25 Days of Johnlock series

The Deepest Secret Nobody Knows by Raina_at (E, 7,568 w., 1 Ch. || Post-TRF, Christmas Party, Stuck in an Elevator, Light Angst, Semi-Public Sex) – Sherlock is back from the dead. Now all he has to do is get back his Blogger.

of midnight moments and mistletoe by hudders-and-hiddles (M, 7,669 w., 4 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Christmas, First Kiss, Fluff, Mistletoe, Snow) – John and Sherlock are throwing a Christmas Eve party, and the flat is all strung up with mistletoe.

Darkness reigns at the foot of a lighthouse by saintscully (E, 7,682 w., 1 Ch. || HLV Missing Scene, POV Sherlock, Mutual Pining, Light Dom/Sub, Angry Sex, Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse, Infidelity, Angst and Feels, Implied Suicidal Ideation, Unhappy Ending) – Why John went back to Mary that Christmas.

The Way Home by Calais_Reno (M, 7,702 w., 1 Ch. || Alternate First Meeting AU || Christmas, Post-PTSD, Injury Recovery, Meeting the Parents, Coming Home, Past Drug Addiction, Developing Relationship, Moving in Together, Falling in Love, POV Sherlock Third Person) – It's Christmas Eve, and Sherlock's landlord has evicted him due to a little misunderstanding about a very small explosion that really only burned the curtains. Mrs Hudson isn't willing to let him move into 221B until after the holiday. He's left with only one alternative: go home. Spend Christmas with his family. On the train, he meets someone who might just be having an even worse holiday. Part 32 of Just Johnlock

Only Friends by HollyShadow88 (E, 7,514 w., 2 Ch. || University AU || Accidental Voyeurism, Christmas / New Year's, Light Angst, Embarrassed John / Sherlock, Roommates, Alternate First Meeting, Anal Fingering/Sex, Affection, Topping from the Bottom, Enthusiastic Consent, Sex Tapes, Student John / Sherlock, Blow Jobs) – John Watson is assigned Sherlock Holmes as his new roommate when he is transferred to his university. Only problem is, Sherlock's hot, and John has to work around his growing feelings for him while also secretly paying for school with an OnlyFans page. With the end of the term approaching, an accidental discovery changes their relationship.

Dear Sherlock by by Tara Laurel (T, 7,729 w., 3 Ch. || Post-TRF, Reunion, Friendship, Hurt/Comfort, Christmas) – "John was happy. Too happy. Of course Sherlock preferred to see his friend in good spirits, especially after the cloud of depression that had hung over him the past weeks, but this was simply maddening." John's got a serious case of Christmas spirit, but is there something serious hidden behind it - something that surprises & saddens a self-proclaimed sociopath? 

Winning a Lost Bet by meet_me_in_samarra (M, 8,214 w., 2 Ch. || Christmas, Pole Dancing, Established Relationship, Costumes, Glitter, Muscular John, Sexy Sherlock, The Yard) – A lost bet makes Sherlock and John perform a pole-dance in costumes at the Yard´s Christmas party. It was supposed to be humiliating but instead the couple nailed it.

Pardon my French by archea2 (E, 8,232 w., 3 Ch. || Christmas, Fluff, Language Kink, Voice Kink, John in Afghanistan, Fever, Drunk Sherlock, Paternal Lestrade, Clothed Sex, Drunken Confessions, Humour) – Sherlock's closet Jekyll resurfaces when he's drunk, making him tender, earnest and extremely talkative with John. It's all fine with John - or would be, if Sherlock's Subconscious bloody let him speak English on these occasions.

Spell It Out by prettysailorsoldier (M, 8,344 w., 1 Ch. || Harry Potter Fusion || Teenlock, Christmas, Love Potion/Spell, Pining Sherlock) – Remaining at Hogwarts over break has become something of a tradition for Sherlock and John, staying behind together ever since their very first year, but, when Irene throws a gift of doctored coconut ice into the mix, plans quickly change, even if John doesn't. Part 6 of 25 Days of Johnlock

Tomorrow by Berty (M, 9,517, 1 Ch. ||PODFIC AVAILABLE || Magical Realism AU || Canon Divergence, Christmas, Hurt/Comfort, Spells and Enchantments, Married John/Mary, Difficult Decisions, Fluff and Angst, Spells and Enchantments) – The night before they travel to Dorset to spend Christmas with Sherlock's parents and John's wife, 221 Baker Street is peaceful with the smell of baking, flickering candles and presents under the tree. But Father Christmas can't be relied upon to bring the boys their heart's desires. Just as well Mrs Hudson - who is NOT a fairy godmother OR their housekeeper, thank you very much - is so good at her job.

Hot Chocolate by ohlooktheresabee (G, 10,756 w., 2 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Post S4, POV John, Idiots in Love, Christmas Fluff, Developing Relationship, Sherlock’s Heart, Affection, Falling in Love, Past Child Abuse, Light Angst with Happy Ending) – With Sherrinford but a distant memory, Christmas season approaches and John Watson is not in the mood. His friend and flatmate Sherlock disappears for a week, leaving him behind again, and John doesn’t think that things can get any worse. However, with a little help from their friends, he might finally start seeing the reasons to enjoy this Christmas after all... 

no man is a failure by blueink3 (T, 10,836 w., 1 Ch. || It’s a Wonderful Life AU || Christmas, Whump, Suicidal Ideology, Angst with Happy Ending, Familly, Hurt/Comfort) – “John, you’re talking to a dead girl on Christmas Eve in the middle of the Golden Jubilee Bridge. When I say, ‘perk of the job,’ the definition is vast.” She opens her hands in front of her and gives a tiny bow. “Congratulations, it’s December the 24th, 2016 and you, John Hamish Watson, have never been born.”

The Time Being by prettysailorsoldier (M, 11,008 w., 1 Ch. || University AU || John in Afghanistan, Victor Trevor, Time Skips, Poetry, Goodbyes, Christmas, Fluff, Drug Use, Angst with Happy Ending) – When Sherlock sends John off from King's Cross the day before Christmas Eve, he can't bear the thought that it's really goodbye, no matter how much John insists a clean break is best, so he suggests a compromise: Meeting up in that same place 7 years later. What follows are snapshots of the next seven Christmases, chronicling the changes in each man's life, but just because they're growing separately, doesn't mean they're growing apart. Part 3 of 25 Days of Johnlock

A Tale of Two Soldiers by batslikepastel (T, 14,136 w., 5 Ch. || S4 Fix It, Jealous Sherlock, Misunderstandings, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Christmas, Friends to Lovers, Mutual Pining, Developing Relationship, Cuddling / Snuggling, First Kiss, Stress Baking, Domestic Fluff) – It's Christmas, and Sherlock and John are finally flatmates again after the tumultuous events of the previous year. But a sudden revelation about John's sexuality and James Sholto's unexpected presence throw a wrench into Sherlock's plans, and his jealousy threatens to overwhelm him even as John remains blithely oblivious. Their relationship has reached a turning point, and the ball is in John's court now.

Silent Night by khorazir (M, 15,060 w., 1 Ch. || Codebreaker / WWII / Imitation Game-Inspired AU || Care Fic, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Dev. Rel., Reunion, PTSD John, Christmas) – It’s Christmas Eve 1944, and Sherlock Holmes has received his most precious gift already: after a long, dangerous deployment, Surgeon Captain John Watson of the Royal Navy has unexpectedly returned from the front. As if this weren’t enough, there’s a case. Both events make for a night full of promise, excitement, and the difficult task of getting reacquainted with the man Sherlock hasn’t seen in three years and feared he’d lost forever. Part 2 of Enigma

A Story That Is Almost, But Not Quite, Entirely Unlike Blue Carbuncle by Iwantthatcoat (M, 16,468 w., 10 Ch. || Blue Carbuncle Adaptation, Holmes Parents, Christmas) – It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the Holmes Family is all set to have one of those unimaginable Christmas dinners— but the game is afoot, as Mummy’s friend is caught up in a Christmas mystery.

The Secret of Hazel Grange by SilentAuror (E, 18,153 w., 1 Ch. || Post S4, Christmas, COVID-19 / Pandemic, POV Sherlock) – John has a secret, and Sherlock is bothered. Trapped together at Baker Street during the lockdown, the tension only grows worse as Christmas draws nearer...

Serendipity by Calais_Reno (T, 18,222 w., 3 Ch. || Serendipity Fusion || Christmas, Romance, Coincidences, First Meetings, Misunderstandings, New York City, Fate and Destiny) – A bit of New York Christmas fluff, based on the 2001 movie.

Breaking Christmas by MissDavis (M, 18,606 w., 18 Ch. || Christmas, Established Relationship, Fluff, Nipple Piercing, Ficlets, No Angst) – Join me in some established relationship Johnlock as I attempt to make Sherlock and John participate in some Seasonal Fucking Cheer.

Welcome Christmas by MissDavis (T, 18,774 w., 24 Ch || Post S4, Christmas, Winter, Parenthood, Canon Compliant, Hurt/Comfort, Mutual Pining, Bed Sharing, First Kiss) – Join John and Sherlock at Baker Street as they celebrate Rosie's first Christmas and beyond. From Rosie crawling around the flat as they tiptoe around each other en route to their first kiss, to a happy retirement with a young grandson who wants to be just like Grandad and Papa, this fic shows how Sherlock and John celebrate Christmas together through the years. 

Mistletoe and Misdemeanours by Robottko (T, 20,738 w., 12 Ch. || Coffee Shop AU || Christmas, Fake Relationship, Coffee Shops, Victor Trevor, First Kiss, Holmes Family, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Family Drama, Kidnapping) – When Victor Trevor backs out of the Holmes family Christmas at the last minute, Sherlock panics because he has no way to impress his parents. Thankfully there is a handsome army doctor with nowhere to go in his coffee shop, though it would be more helpful if he were a bit more willing.

High Mountain Tea Leaves by disfictional (E, 23,207 w., 1 Ch. || Post-TFP, TD-12, Friends to Lovers, Fluff and Angst, Travel, Case Fic, Miscommunication, Shower Sex, Masturbation, Chinese Language, New Year’s Kiss, Toplock) – A mountaintop robbery on a Japanese-occupation-era train where the only item stolen was a small case of mysterious tea leaves in a backpack? An ideal Christmas gift, two days late. Sherlock convinces John to travel for tea.

Danger Nights by khorazir (T, 23,591 w., 3 Ch. || Post-TLD, Friends to Lovers, Mentioned Parentlock, Pining, First Kiss/Time, Winter, Folklore, Wales, Spooky Elements, Bed Sharing, Implied/Referenced Drug Use, Spooky Elements) – According to folklore, the nights between Christmas and Twelfth Night are the most dangerous of the year. During them, the Wild Hunt rides, and ghosts and demons come out to haunt unsuspecting and misbehaving folk. An investigation of a series of strange occurrences leads John and Sherlock to Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh Marches, to face ghosts weird and ancient as well as close and personal – and perhaps to start the new year on a more hopeful note than the previous one.

All Roads Lead Home at Christmas by reveling_in_mayhem (T, 25,709 w., 24 Ch. || Post TRF, Christmas, Happy Ending) – Perhaps Christmas could truly be a time for miracles, for some. But John didn't believe in miracles. Not anymore.

Sherlock Holmes & The Mysterious Ex by Gatergirl79 (M, 27,942 w., 16 Ch. || Family, Romance, Holmes Family) – Sherlock and John are forced to spend Christmas with Sherlock’s family. An unsettling idea especially when John will have to play ‘Boyfriend’ thanks to Mycroft. But why exactly does Sherlock want to avoid a family party?

If There Were Any Time For A Miracle by Berty (E, 31,732 w., 3 Ch. || Jealous Sherlock, Mutual Pining, Christmas, Birthday Party, Misunderstandings, First Kiss/Time, Fluff, Sherlock’s Violin) – John and Sherlock are spending Christmas at the Holmes' family home. Sherlock has a plan that John doesn't know about. John has a wish that Sherlock doesn't know about. If there were any time for a miracle, this would be it.

Miracle on Islington High Street by Jaybeefoxy (M, 33,006 w., 7 Ch. || Christmas, Holmes Family, Mystrade, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Magical Realism, Friends to Lovers, Papa Lestrade, Rosie Watson, Caring Greg) – It's Christmas, and Greg does a favour for someone, only to receive a strange favour in return.

Consulting for Christmas by ohlooktheresabee (G, 40,153 w., 6 Ch. || Far Future Post S4 / Older Rosie, Thriller, Case Fic, Pre-Relationship, Christmas, Paris, POV Alternating, Fluff, Light Angst, Mutual Pining, BAMF John, BAMF Sherlock, Friends to Lovers, Idiots in Love, Jealousy, Misunderstandings, Mistletoe, Ice Skating, Heist, Awkward Romance, Developing Relationship, For a Case, Background Mystrade, Angst with Happy Ending) – The Louvre Museum in Paris is planning to host the celebrated Winter Fabergé Egg for its winter exhibition - quite the feat as it has not been on public display since 2002. However there is a snag: whispers of a world-renowned master-thief with his eyes set on the valuable prize. The curator has asked the famous Sherlock Holmes to consult on security, but the detective needs a lot of convincing: he is after all a bit busy with trying to woo a certain clueless ex-army doctor… At the same time, John is attempting to balance work, missing Rosie who is off on her gap year, a volunteer gig at a local London orphanage, and seething jealousy upon the arrival of an apparent old friend of Sherlock’s. Attempting to foil the heist of the century while remaining friendly and objective might just be a step too far... A Christmas crime caper packed full of misdirection, miscommunication and mistletoe, set against the romantic backdrop of London and Paris in the winter. Thrown into all this, will our two idiots finally manage to see what has been right in front of them all along?

12 Lays of Christmas Series by distantstarlight (E, 45,164 w. across 12 works || Post-S4, Stand-Alone Ficlets, Christmas, Friends to Lovers, Gratuitous Sex) – This series is made up of stand-alone ficlets of varying sizes, all resulting in Johnlock via a number of different routes, and all from my exhaustion fevered brain. Some will have sex and some will not. You don't need to read them in any particular order but I hope you enjoy them when you do. Happy Giftmas Everyone!

Erosion by saintscully (E, 53,386 w., 12 Ch. || Post TFP, Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers, Mutual Pining, Case Fic, Christmas, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-Con, Minor Character Death, Emotional/Psychological Abuse, Psychological Trauma, Divorce, Estrangement, Family Issues, PTSD, Medical Conditions, Mentions of Dementia) – Sherlock’s father falls ill, leaving the surviving family members broken and rudderless. James Sholto shows up in London unexpectedly, his intentions unclear. John has to navigate the consequences of crime, illness and death and their impact on his frayed relationship with Sherlock.

Fairytale of New Scotland Yard by Ewebie (M, 57,858 w., 30 Ch. || Mystrade and Johnlock, Christmas, Advent Fic, Christmas Party, Christmas Presents, Christmas Dinner, Accidental Cuddling, Accidental Bed Sharing, Sharing Body Heat, Holmes Family) – This is a Christmas love story:Greg Lestrade loved Christmas. He loved winter, the bite in the air, the flurries and occasional actual snow, the colorful lights, the sometimes loud decorations, the songs, the singing, the parties, the people, the presents, the surprises, the food and the drink, and the genuine good cheer... Mycroft Holmes hated Christmas. He hated the winter, the cold actually made his knee and hip ache - though that was not something others were ever to know - the tiny crystals of frozen death that fell from the sky to disrupt the proper function of transportation were terrible, the blinking lights and loud noises brought about his migraines, the abysmal excuse for what passed as music - not to mention the people singing it, dear Lord - the ever increasing social obligations and nonstop political kowtowing, the people, the sheer volume of people... Part 7 of Guess My Race Is Run

You Teach Me and I'll Teach You by Burning_Up_A_Sun (E, 61,165 w., 15 Ch. || Teacher AU || Coming Out, Blow Jobs, Shower Sex, Bed Sharing, Christmas, Rimming, Homophobia, Beach Sex) – Dr. John Watson, with his recent PhD in music education, takes a job at Jesup Arts Magnet Middle School, where he meets the most obnoxious, irritating, fascinating, handsome gifted History teacher. With no where to live, John accepts Sherlock Holmes' offer of sharing a house on Baker Street. But will a Southern community accept two male teachers in a relationship or will they be forced to quit? Part 1 of the Adult Education series

6 Simple Rules For Dating John Watson by prettysailorsoldier (M, 81,958 w., 22 Ch. || Teenager / University AU || Cheating, Christmas, Fluff, Friends to Lovers, Roommates) – John Watson's love life may have had its ups and downs, but at least it had some structure. That is, until Sherlock Holmes showed up on his doorstep.

So Grant Us All a Change of Heart by ArwaMachine (E, 83,276 w., 5 Ch. || Christmas Carol Fusion || T6T Compliant, Pining, Angst with Happy Ending, Smut, Temporary Character Death, Drug Use / Reference, Suicide) – It’s Christmastime at Baker Street, but things are far from festive. Mary is dead, John and Sherlock’s friendship is all but ruined, and Sherlock has become a right dick about everything. More convinced than ever that sentiment is objectively useless, Sherlock needs a little paranormal intervention to see the error of his ways or else run the risk of losing all that is important to him.

A Telling Touch by MiyakoToudaiji (E, 91,656 w., 28 Ch. || Post-TRF Divergence, Reunion, Hurt/Comfort, Drama, Soldier John, Friends to Lovers, BAMF John, Doctor John, War, Syria, Violence, Blood, Injury, Fighting, Soulmates, True Love, First Kiss / Time, Slow Build, Romance, Christmas, Family, Holmes Manor, Childhood Memories, Sherlock’s Violin, Case Fic) – After Sherlock’s death, John manages to get himself re-enlisted and is sent back to war. But when two series of gruesome murders link home and outland together, John is suddenly faced with more battles than he could have imagined.  

By A Thousand Cuts by 7PercentSolution and J_Baillier (E, 95,662 w., 21 Ch. || Surgeon / Medical AU || Angst, Family Issues / Dynamics, Drama, Established Relationship, Autism Spectrum, Ableism, Depression, Romance, Hospitals, Neurosurgery, Anaesthesia, Doctor!John, Doctor!Sherlock, Christmas, Therapy, Psychological Trauma, Childhood Bullying, Career Crisis, Anger, Hurt/Comfort, Addiction, Sensory Processing Disorder, Parenting, Holidays, Whump) – It's hard to let go of the past, especially when going home for the holidays. An incident just before Christmas brings unpleasant memories to the surface, and the wounds Sherlock carries may take more than just time to heal. Part 11 of the You Go To My Head series

Wild About Harry Series by PlaidAdder (T, 397,189  w. across 9 works || Harry/Clara and Johnlock, Post-TRF, Canon Compliant, Dancing, Case Fics, Morning After, Teamwork, Drug Use, Doctor Who Crossover, Christmas, Alcoholism, Fix It Fics, Alternating POVs, Established Relationships) – This started as a post-Reichenbach fic and turned into a series in which Harry Watson is a repeating character. John and Sherlock get together in the first story ("Empty Houses") and thereafter it's either developing relationship or established relationship. Most of this is case fic and long, but there are a few shorter ones.

[itislove]

Johnlock Fic Rec 10-12/ 2021

This year was packed full with up and downs for me, but I'm thankful for all the great Stories I could read and so I'm going to share the last bunch with you, if you want to see the others just search #fic rec 2021 on my blog

Halving Infinity by sophiahelix, Explicit, ~9,8k, Friends to Lovers

Pride & Providence by janeofarc, GA, ~5,4k, Victorianlock, Post TRF

Royalty by tzarobin, NR, ~3k, Teenlock, Sherlock is Royalty

Beautiful Deception by Nymeria578, Explicit, ~112k, Pretty Woman AU

In Arduis Fidelis by Raliena, Teen and Up, ~18,6k, this fic is solely about Soldier John, no Sherlock in it but worth the read!

Capturing Perfection by Breath4Soul, Explicit, ~41,5k, Collegelock, Virginlock, Photography

[nottoolateforthegame]

Fic Rec BINGO

I was looking at the stars this week and was reminded of a fic that literally broke my heart for Sherlock and put it back together. So, for the Fic Rec BINGO (@weneedtotalkaboutfic) square 'broke you, then mended you' I am sharing The Hunter's Choice: Love or Pride by @breath4soul.

Previous Bingo Entry

[nottoolateforthegame]

Tagging @breath4soul @sweetpeapod @1jet2unknown and anyone else who wants to participate (and if you'd like me to tag you in future, just lmk)

if we lived in a world where u had to do the career u were first interested in as a child what would u be doing, id be a firefighter

[breath4soul]

John Watson sketch

[helloliriels]

Hiiii! How are you? What's got you feeling icky? Idk if this will work as a distraction but FAV Johnlock fic? I know it's gonna be hard to choose one so choose how many ever you want :) Tell me all of your all time favourite fics.

Ooh ... ugh yeah pain today. (Getting thru ty for the ask)

YeS, aLL TiMe FAVE gosh ... I think that has to go to The Quiet Man / ivyblossom (shocking no one) ... read SO many times now!!!

Top top after that (so far! Out of reading 200+ and counting ... ?) Most memorable ones, hands down (can recite without viewing my history on ao3):

Juxtaposition / Clueda , The Wedding Gift / Calais_Reno , How to Date Your Flatmate / EchoSilverWolf , Take Off Your Shirt / KittenKin , The Repeated Image / Teatrolley, Sunday Evening 6 p.m. / SilverGirl , Bakers With Benefits (!!!!! Amazing go read ) / Raina_at , My Favorite Mistake / Breath4Soul , and Sensory Science / sussexbound - If just for the finale alone! omg (E rated fic tho fair warning), and a fic called Quiet (now orphaned) will link here.

Hope that's some good reading for you!! 💋🌹

[bluebellofbakerstreet]

Fanwork Round-up for 2020

BluebellofBakerStreet’s Year in Review

Thank you for the tag, @elwinglyre​

This format has been adapted so that I can include fan art, because I’m. not really a writer.  :)

Total number of completed works: 1 fic on AO3, 36 all-new drawings posted to Tumblr

Total word count: 4,901 

Fandoms written in: BBC Sherlock mostly, with a smattering of Granada Holmes, James Bond and some not-really-fandom stuff

Looking back, did you create more than you thought you would this year, less, or about what you’d expected?

Less than I wanted to, but then I always do.  Overall there was less art than in an average year.

What’s your own favorite work of the year?

Really?  Just one?  Maybe this one.  Everything just kind of came together.

Did you take any creative risks this year?

Writing a fic with an actual plot, and a case and a prominent OC.  So, yeah, my muse was having a bad year, and I worked around it by creating things that aren’t quite what I usually post. This fic is illustrated by many of my previously published Victorian!lock drawings, but was also an excuse to create many drawings (and create a wardrobe for) a Victorian OFC.  I enjoyed doing that, and it did seem to unstick my muse a bit.

The Adventure of the Misguided Merchant

Do you have any creative goals for the new year?

So many.  The art bunnies are bouncing around inside my head - and they breed like rabbits.  

I have a fic (about 500 words) written that is a sequel to my punklock fic.  So I need to make more pictures for that.  I also have a couple other fic ideas that haven’t coalesced yet.  

And the art bunnies - there are so many!  Fic covers that are trying to form themselves in my brain, parentlock, victorian dressing gowns, and one particularly persistent Mystrade idea.

And I need to find a new genre of Johnlock so that I'm not drawing the same thing all the time.

We’ll see which bunnies fight their way to the front.

Most popular work of the year?

This guy.  Many of the comments focussed on the Wm Morris inspired pattern on the dressing gown.  And I freely admit that sometimes when I’m feeling low I draw dressing gown patterns.

Story of mine most under-appreciated by the universe, in my opinion:

Honestly, if I were math-y enough to write up an algorithm based on popularity of characters, AUs, and tropes, and then factor in how well something turned out, I could have pretty much predicted how much attention each of my arts would have gotten this year.  No big surprises.

What work was the most fun to create?:

Well, here are four that were fun:

Could be Dangerous:  I planned this one out in my head (as well as its sequel - not yet created) on a road trip down to my dad’s

Cover for left: I listened to this long-time favorite fic on a another road trip down to Dad’s, and the idea came into my head.  Also the glass was fun to draw.

Rainy: Drawing Rosie is always fun. And the rain. And the Joy.

Lupita Nyong’o Paper dolls:  And now for something completely different.  An inktober whim that was so fun and so quick that I made two more.

Most unintentionally telling story:

No idea.

Biggest disappointment:

That I’m still publishing Inksolation prompts.  

Biggest surprise:

No idea

I'm tagging (if you like to join and haven't done it yet): @anyawen​, @iwantthatbelstaffanditsoccupant​, @breath4soul​, @totallysilvergirl​, @ceruleanmindpalace​,   And anyone else who would like to.  Yes, of course I mean you. 💙 Tag me. I wanna see.

Happy New Year, everyone.  May 2021 be kinder to us all.💙💙💙

[breath4soul]

You pause, splayed limbs trembling with both the cold that is beginning to seep through your clothing from the ice below, and the strain of pulling yourself, inch by inch, over the surface of the frozen lake. The crackling sound of the ice straining beneath you echos over the smooth surface for a moment before the world falls silent and goes eerily still. You let your forehead drop and your breath fans out over the surface of the ice, fogging it for a moment, and then, as it dissipates, seeming to leave a mirror surface of your own reflection gazing back at you. Nose to nose with yourself, you blink back tears, your mind whirring with bleak thoughts. As you stare into the ghostly reflection of your own eyes, you can't help wondering if this is how it's all going to end. 

@write-it-motherfuckers

It takes a fraction of a second for you to process that your brain has caught onto something unsettling that you can't quite pinpoint. First, it's only a nameless, uneasy clenching in your stomach, a prickle on the back of your neck, and the sensation of cold fingers tracing down your spine. Then, as your eyes snap over the ice below, it hits you.

Your reflection.

It did not blink.  

You blink again, deliberately slow, and shake your head a little from side-to-side, but your reflection does not mirror the movement. It seems frozen, like a snapshot, with its still and unwavering gaze locked on yours.

You suck in a breath, pulling back in confusion, and watch in horror as a toothy grin spreads slowly over your reflection's face. The teeth are sharp, decidedly inhuman and, as you watch, the hand that had been resting against your own right hand draws back into the darkness, becomes a fist and strikes against the ice. The crackling is loud, shattering the quiet of the frozen lake, overlapping with your startled scream. A spiderweb of cracks spread below you from where the reflection's fist had struck. 

As you frantically scramble away, It is moving with you. Your screaming face is contorted into a silent, almost mocking, laugh stretched over its gastly facade. The reflection draws back and strikes again thump and the whole ice resonates with the blow. An ominous series of snaps and pops are joined by a high pitched whine, steadily growing in volume. 

A laugh or battle cry? You can't tell. 

Your limbs can't move fast enough. The ice fractures in increasingly larger veins below you. 

Thump

The shore is too far away. You can't possibly make it in time. You try to get to your hands and knees.

Thump

You fall flat. Flail. Slip. Scrabble at the slick surface. The reflection is outpacing you. Dashing ahead to block your path. It's face is angry now.

THump

The ice breaks in an upward spray two paces in front of you. You try to veer towards the shore on the right.  You're still scrambling along on your stomach. It's inhumanly fast and apparently has a strategy. You've nothing but fear.

THUmp!

To your left the lake falls away. The wailing noise is unbearable. You've only a slim and unstable path between the two holes but you're too close to the shore to stop. You scramble forward. 

THUMP!!

The world is upended. 

A cold embrace and then the icy rush of water surrounds you. When you open your eyes, there at first only seems to be the darkness. Your scream escapes as a bubble that floats up and, as you watch, it spreads against the smooth of a surface. You flail your limbs against the pull of gravity until your hands meet against the hard surface of ice. You splay your hands and arms out, desperately seeking in all directions the hole you'd fallen through. There is no way the lake could have frozen over again so quickly. Yet, you can't find it. You're beginning to panic when there is a movement from above. You stop and look through the ice to find you're staring up at yourself. Above you, there is a you lying on the ice looking down. 

As you watch, the being blinks, shakes its head from side-to-side, and then a slow smile spreads across its face. 

You try to scream but it's captured within more bubbles that escape to silently crawl along the surface above. The cold water slows your limbs as you try to claw and then pound against the sheet of ice above. Your lungs are aching and your vision is blurring. Not-you just continues to watch and smile as your body grows numb and heavy with cold and lack of oxygen.

As you sink away into darkness you watch the being begin to move again, sliding across the surface, leaving you behind below the ice.

Your heart hammered in your chest as you listened to the ominous cracking beneath you, desperately hoping that you managed to get to safety before it gave way. You had known it was a risk when you had seen the frightened child out there, but still you hadn’t even paused for a moment before racing out and carefully inching your way towards them. Luckily with the use of your scarf, you were able to get the child to safety, even as your own weight slowly started to put you in exactly the same perilous position.

Swallowing thickly, you carefully laid down and spread your limbs out, hoping to increase your surface area and lessen the strain on the ice. Instantly the cracking sounds lessened in number, and you began the painstakingly slow process of inching your way to safety, your mind focused on the task at hand.

The child had long since reached the shore and raced back home entirely unharmed, much to your relief, but it did mean that you were completely alone now as you slowly struggled your way back to surer ground. Dread filled you as you listened to a few particularly deep sounding cracks, but strangely enough your focus wasn’t entirely on that sound anymore.

The sudden sensation of being watched, was somehow so much more chilling than the ice you laid upon.

Something was wrong about that gaze….very very wrong.