#communication fics

[inevitably-johnlocked]

My NSFW request was something of John and Sherlock getting together/being together and Sherlock is quiet, or shy, and John is worried/tries to get Sherlock comfortable, or vocal.

I saw one where John and Sherlock got together drunkingly, and John moaned Mary's name somewhere at the end, and so Sherlock thought he was "filling in for Mary". So he would be quiet but still invite John for sex, and John thought they were dating for each other and was worried and wondered why Sherlock would hide under the blanket, or be quiet, or wouldn't actually touch himself.

So he would try to google or learn on how to be better at sex or other ways to get Sherlock vocal or at least more open/less shy, but couldn't figure it out. They eventually talk and John finds out it's because the first time, and they go to bed properly and start their actual relationship.

The Mary stuff made me sad, I would prefer something of John wanting to help his shy boyfriend Sherlock but without the sad misunderstanding of Mary. I really like the idea of Sherlock being shy or quiet, and John wanting to help Sherlock be more confident or loud. If you know anything like that, I'd love them.

(referencing this post)

Hi Nonny!

Oh!! Yes, I have two similar fics, and one of them is the one you're referencing:

Acceptable Behaviour by bbcatemysoul (M, 3,449 w., 1 Ch. || Fluff, Developing Relationship, Miscommunication, First Time) – Sherlock isn't really sure why John wants to shag him, but he's certain that if he's careful to behave properly about it, John can be persuaded to keep doing it. In other news, John is a good boyfriend and Sherlock is an idiot.

On the Losing Side by missselene (E, 8,210 w., 1 Ch. || Anal / Oral, First Kiss / Time, Angst, Misunderstandings, Mild Dub Con / Drunk John) – After Mary's death, John moves back into Baker Street, but is still upset at the loss of his wife and child. Eventually, he and Sherlock stumble into a sort of relationship, but it's more physical than anything and they don't talk about it. They especially don't talk during sex. If they are going to have sex, Sherlock notices the signs hours beforehand, and he prepares carefully. The lights are off, they're under the covers, he prepares himself using lots of lube so he can make it feel as much like a woman as he can, and he doesn't let himself make any noise so that, if John wishes, he can pretend that he's still with Mary.

====

Otherwise, you might find more fics to the genre you're looking for on my Communication list. I know I've been recced similar in the past, and would love my Lovelies to help me out again. I should really make a specific list for "Learning Together" or something, yeah. 🙃

[bebx]

"undoing this character's death would take away his sacrifice and character arc" girl I don't give a shit. I'm bringing him back through the power of ao3 fix-it fics and there's nothing you can do to stop me x

[frankierotwinkdeath]

Y’all want Taylor Swift to be gay so bad but you won’t even write femslash about her

[kookntae4ever]

This is me. Kinda jealous of all the writers who can write quickly because I can't.

[majoringinsarcasm]

DONT BE AFRAID TO COMMENT ON OLD FICS DONT BE AFRAID TO COMMENT ON FICS IN A FANDOM THE AUTHOR MAY NO LONGER BE ACTIVE IN. IF THE STORY IS STILL UP LET THEM KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS IT MIGHT JUST BE THE REMINDER THAT MAKES THEIR DAY.

SINCERELY SOMEONE WHO JUST GOT A REPLY THAT MADE ME WANNA MAKE THIS POST

[the-bar-sinister]

"How can you stand the fact that gross, disgusting fiction about (x topic) exists??"

It's simple, I know how to be polite and ignore fiction I'm not interested in, and I don't base my concept of morality on what I personally consider to be icky or distasteful.

[allthingswhumpyandangsty]

“why would you write fics for small, unpopular fandoms? you’re not gonna reach that many hits in fandoms not many people know about” ?? because I’m not writing fics for hits or kudos, I’m writing them for me because these characters are my blorbos and I have so many ideas, so much thoughts about them that my brain might explode if I don’t write them out.

[concentfortea]

[xyywrites]

Tips for writing flawed but lovable characters.

Flawed characters are the ones we root for, cry over, and remember long after the story ends. But creating a character who’s both imperfect and likable can feel like a tightrope walk. 

1. Flaws That Stem From Their Strengths

When a character’s greatest strength is also their Achilles' heel, it creates depth.

Strength: Fiercely loyal.

Flaw: Blind to betrayal or willing to go to dangerous extremes for loved ones.

“She’d burn the whole world down to save her sister—even if it killed her.”

2. Let Their Flaws Cause Problems

Flaws should have consequences—messy, believable ones.

Flaw: Impatience.

Result: They rush into action, ruining carefully laid plans.

“I thought I could handle it myself,” he muttered, staring at the smoking wreckage. “Guess not.”

3. Show Self-Awareness—or Lack Thereof

Characters who know they’re flawed (but struggle to change) are relatable. Characters who don’t realize their flaws can create dramatic tension.

A self-aware flaw: “I know I talk too much. It’s just… silence makes me feel like I’m disappearing.” A blind spot: “What do you mean I always have to be right? I’m just better at solving problems than most people!”

4. Give Them Redeeming Traits

A mix of good and bad keeps characters balanced.

Flaw: They’re manipulative.

Redeeming Trait: They use it to protect vulnerable people.

“Yes, I lied to get him to trust me. But he would’ve died otherwise.”

Readers are more forgiving of flaws when they see the bigger picture.

5. Let Them Grow—But Slowly

Instant redemption feels cheap. Characters should stumble, fail, and backslide before they change.

Early in the story: “I don’t need anyone. I’ve got this.”

Midpoint: “Okay, fine. Maybe I could use some help. But don’t get used to it.”

End: “Thank you. For everything.”

The gradual arc makes their growth feel earned.

6. Make Them Relatable, Not Perfect

Readers connect with characters who feel human—messy emotions, bad decisions, and all.

A bad decision: Skipping their best friend’s wedding because they’re jealous of their happiness.

A messy emotion: Feeling guilty afterward but doubling down to justify their actions.

A vulnerable moment: Finally apologizing, unsure if they’ll be forgiven.

7. Use Humor as a Balancing Act

Humor softens even the most prickly characters.

Flaw: Cynicism.

Humorous side: Making snarky, self-deprecating remarks that reveal their softer side.

“Love? No thanks. I’m allergic to heartbreak—and flowers.”

8. Avoid Overdoing the Flaws

Too many flaws can make a character feel unlikable or overburdened.

Instead of: A character who’s selfish, cruel, cowardly, and rude.

Try: A character who’s selfish but occasionally shows surprising generosity.

“Don’t tell anyone I helped you. I have a reputation to maintain.”

9. Let Them Be Vulnerable

Vulnerability adds layers and makes flaws understandable.

Flaw: They’re cold and distant.

Vulnerability: They’ve been hurt before and are terrified of getting close to anyone again.

“It’s easier this way. If I don’t care about you, then you can’t leave me.”

10. Make Their Flaws Integral to the Plot

When flaws directly impact the story, they feel purposeful rather than tacked on.

Flaw: Their arrogance alienates the people they need.

Plot Impact: When their plan fails, they’re left scrambling because no one will help them.

Flawed but lovable characters are the backbone of compelling stories. They remind us that imperfection is human—and that growth is possible.

[dcxdpdabbles]

Dick bored in class thinks loudly: Are there any mind riders here?

Danny thinks back: Yeah, hi.

Dick: *Falling out of his desk with a shriek*

Teacher: Mr. Grayson! If you are going to disrupt this class one more time, I'll have you thrown out!

Dick: Sorry, sorry. *sits in desk mentally shouting* Who are you!? What information have you stolen from my mind!?

Danny: Whoa, calm down there, Robin. You were the one who asked. I thought you already knew about me.

Dick: How could I possibly know about you!?

Danny: You literally lit candles for me yesterday. You said this lovely prayer, too, though I couldn't understand it

Dick: I lit candles for the dead homeless kid i found- oh. You're a ghost.

Danny: In a way.

Dick: Did the light not guide you home? Should I light more candles?

Danny: If you like. What's that about anyway? The candles?

Dick: It's a Romani tradition. Ussually, the candle is light on your death and kept on until the funeral, but I found you too late, so I just made a circle.

Danny: That's so sweet. Thank you for including me in your people's way.

Dick: Of course. Are you haunting me now?

Danny: *Literally sitting behind him in class* One could say that yes.

Dick: Cool. What's your name?

Danny: Call me Phantom.

[keferon]

Guys they’re. They’re speaking doorwings

Tf one gave me Jazz with wings so now I’m giving you more of Jazz with wings~

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Hello, I know you’re on break so no rush to answer this. I’m looking for any fics where Sherlock learns how to ask for sex when he wants it. Preferably on the shorter side, 20k ish or less. I’m looking for something a la the mortifying ordeal of being know. Thank you!

Hi Lovely!!!

Sorry for the delay on this one!!

Erm, I can't think of a fic IMMEDIATELY coming to mind, BUT a good start might be to go to my Communication Fics list! I'm so sorry I'm useless otherwise... I seem to blank out completely when I get asked something so specific, LOL.

Anyone have any fics that they want to suggest for Impala??

(As an aside, I wanted to share the fic you recced as a sample but can't seem to find it on a quick title search on AO3 in the Sherlock fandom, so if you have an author or link I would love to share it too!)

[reidiot]

don't fucking interrupt me when i'm reading my x reader fics it's rude

[tossawary]

I just know in my heart of hearts that in "Star Trek" at one point, there was some moral panic somewhere on Vulcan (among the uppity sorts) because Human culture was "infecting" the local youth with their overly emotional, destructive, unproductive, frivolous, and uneducational ways.

And what was actually happening was that a bunch of Vulcan kids got really into 23rd-century "Minecraft" or something.

Small Vulcan child @ another Vulcan child: (in a tone that sounds flat to Humans but angry as hell to Vulcans) "You have compromised the optimization of my fortress. I am having an emotional urge to blow up your house... in Minecraft."

[russianfig]

I would give more comments on fics, but my comments always end up as "awooga me likey" and "nose bleed pixiv elephant emote" instead of "I walk this mortal plane of day to day life to be gifted a seed of pure passion that lets me know that it's worth another day to read something like this again" kinda expression to let the author know I thoroughly enjoyed their work.