#i just might as well do one with sherlock like this but. “not an angel” ofc | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

heeseung-min · 1 year ago

Note

Hey! I have an idea you can try out like a drabble or thought or a full fic when the s/o act like they got the sherlock syndrome but they do not and that was their plan to escape but did they escape or not it up to you decide it it just a thought of mine i think you will able to write. i think this idea would suit more on enhypen sunghoon or jay but i think it can also be for txt.

Hi hi thanks for the request🤗 I hope you enjoy this

[21:39]

"If you listen to me, you will never be like this."

"I don't like hurting you. So, you better be good before I killed your sister in front of you."

"You asked for it, y/n."

Those were the words you would hear everytime you cause a trouble. Everytime you try to run from the house, he eventually caught you before you can even go far. Each time that happened, he will punished you badly. Whether it is physical or mental, he will make sure you learn the lesson.

And that's why you decided to stop doing it. Stop trying to find a way. Stop causing a trouble. At first, your sick husband being skeptical thinking that you tried to fool him. However, it's been months you acted like that. You listened to him and being affection towards him and that made him believed that you finally submit to him.

"Y/n, what do you want to eat for dinner?"

"Can we get Chinese foods, Hoonie?"

"Sure, my angel. Come here. We can watch movie while waiting for it to arrive."

"You know, I'm glad that you finally listen."

You stared at Sunghoon who was eating his meal. He gulped the food before talking again.

"I'm happy that you finally understand me."

Your boyfriend looked really happy. His expression reminded you from the first year you guys being in relationship. You wondered how can he changed to this personality.

"I realized you are right. About the world is more dangerous and I could get hurt if I go outside. I'm sorry for not listening to you earlier."

Sunghoon's heart couldn't be more happier when you said that. He watched you smiled fondly at him and continue enjoying your food.

"I will leave and be back before dinner. Do you want me to buy anything?"

"Nope, I'm good. Be safe."

"I will and you be good. Okay?"

"Yes, my love."

Sunghoon kissed you before he went out of the house. You smirked when he finally left the house. You will use this opportunity to run away from him.

Before this when Sunghoon goes out, you will go out from the house and search a way for you to run without easily get caught. Then, you will be back immediately before Sunghoon back to make sure he didn't feel any suspicious. You had planned this for months and now finally you can use the route.

You changed your clothes to more casual so you can move easily since the area you need to go is the forest.

You started your journey with some snacks and water for your energy. The walk was a bit dangerous since there might be some wild animals and you still aren't familiar with the area. You keep walking for hours and rest for few minutes in between before you saw an inn meters away from you. You ran immediately to the place thinking that you finally escape from Sunghoon.

The inn looked empty since you didn't see any cars or travelers around. You walked closer to a young man that just came out from a room. He looked attractive even though his attire just ordinary. His sharp jaw made him more handsome.

"Um, excuse me?"

He turned to you. Looking confusely. Probably because he didn't expect anyone at this time.

"Yeah, how can I help you?"

"Well, I have a problem and I need a ride to town. Can you please send me there?"

"Hmm, I don't have any vehicle that can be used now. How about this, you stay at my inn for a night and tomorrow you can share ride with one of my customers. He often send home essentials every morning so I can ask for him to send you."

Well, it's not really bad even though you hope you can go to the town now. You agreed with his suggestion before following him to your room.

"Can I borrow your phone too?"

"You...don't have a phone?"

"Ye-yeah. It's broken before I came here."

He stared weirdly at you before shrugging. He showed the old phone that was located inside your room.

"You can use that phone."

"But...it looks old."

"So? It still can be used. Don't worry."

You sighed and just went inside. The room is not big but good for staying for a while. You rested your body on the floor. You can't wait to finally out from this place and Sunghoon. You have been waiting for this to happen. Before you completely sleep, you tried to call your sister. You felt awkward using the old phone at first but you got it eventually.

You groaned after the you failed to connect with her few times. You tried to think positive maybe the line here is not really good so that's why it's hard for you to reach her.

You sleep peacefully that night thinking you finally can be free.

You woke up when you felt someone was caressing your hair. Your eyes slowly opened up as you still felt sleepy. You saw someone sitting beside you. You blinked once again before started to see the clear picture.

When you recognized the person was Sunghoon, you shockingly woke up and backed away from him until your back touched the wall.

"Ho-how..."

"You really make me angry, Y/n."

Sunghoon just stared at you. There was no expression showing on his face. But, you knew better that he will not let this matter down just like that. Since you betrayed his trust, you will face harder punishment than before.

"Sunghoon- oh, you finally woke up."

You turned to the inn owner. He looked at you with bright smile.

"I'm sorry I didn't recognize you yesterday. When Sunghoon called and asked me, I finally remember who you are so I called him here."

You wanted to throw up. Panic started to increase and you felt suffocating. You can't move since you were still in daze so Sunghoon pulled you up and brought you out from the room. His hold on you was very tight that you could felt it started to bruise.

"Thanks for taking care of her, Jay."

"You are welcome. Make sure she will not run away this time."

"Oh, I am sure she can't go anywhere anymore."

_____

Sunghoon brought you to the basement. You smell a very strong smell when you entered the place. He didn't say anything from the time both of you were in the car until now and that's really scared you. You rather he shouted at you than being silent.

He stopped moving when both of you reached in front of punchbag. Two punchbags to be exact. You glancing confusely at Sunghoon before watching him took something from a drawer. A knife. He took out a knife and put your hand on the handle.

"I want you to choose between these bags."

"What...what do you mean?"

"Choose Y/n. Don't make me more angry at you."

He left you stood alone between the punchbags and went to sit on the couch near you. You still stood clueless and you looked to Sunghoon demanded details.

"Choose one of the bags and I want you to stab on it."

You didn't like where is this going. This is not how he usually do when he wanted to punish you. Why...why he looked so calm? You didn't like this situation.

"Hoon....I still don't understand."

Sunghoon sighed and decided to go behind you and hugged your body while his hands holding yours at the same time. You can felt his breath behind your ear.

"Let me help you then. Now, choose y/n. Left or right?"

"Hoon, I- I can't do this. You can hit me or do anything like what you used to. Please."

"Choose. I'm serious this time, y/n. Choose."

You were already in sobbing state but your boyfriend ignored it and still waiting for you to speak. You calm yourself down before staring at the punchbags in front of you. Why would he made you do this? Did he asked you to choose what type of punishment you will get? You gulped down your nervous and stated what have you decided.

"The...the right one."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"You made a good choice then."

Without saying more, he jerked forward your right hand to stab the punchbag that you chose. However, as you focused more you saw liquid dripping from inside. You dropped the knife when you realized the liquid was blood. When Sunghoon took his hands off, you fell down to the floor with your hands shaking badly. Your boyfriend smirked and whispered to you.

"Should we take a look what's inside, Y/n?"

You wanted to say no but all the courage inside you has gone. You watched Sunghoon took the knife and sliced the punchbag until something or more to someone fell on top of you. You screamed and closed your eyes when the blood hit your face.

"Open your eyes baby. See it."

Slowly, you opened your eyes and saw a pair of very familiar eyes staring at you. You screamed again and threw the body to the floor beside you when you recognized it was your sister. Your dead sister was in front of you right now. You suddenly threw up and felt the tightness on your chest. You crawled to your sister and sat beside her body while holding her head.

"Unnie. Please, wake up. I'm sorry I didn't mean it. Unnie, please. WAKE UP PLEASE AAARGHHH"

You tapped her cheeks few times trying to help regain her concsciousness back. Even though you knew, there was no pulse nor slow breath from her.

"WAKE UP!!! I'm- I'm sorry I didn't mean to do it. I don't want to do this."

You turned to Sunghoon with full of rage. He didn't react and just waited for you to do or say something.

"You...you asshole. How dare you? HOW DARE YOU KILL MY SISTER!!!"

"I killed her? Are you forgot that you were the one who chose it. You made the choice, Y/n. You killed your own sister with your hands"

"NO! I DID NOT! YOU MADE ME KILLED HER."

"Look at your hands now, baby. It's your sister's blood and look at me, it's clean unlike you."

Once again, you started to hyperventilate and started to hit your head and chest trying to get rid of the tightness. You suddenly heard voices talking.

'You killed her'

'You shouldn't betray Sunghoon'

'This is your fault'

'Now suffer the consequence'

"Ahhh stop talking!! I didn't kill her!"

You hit yourself many times to protect yourself from the voices. You screamed and sobbing when it became worse. You moved to Sunghoon while still on your knee and hugged his leg begging for help.

"Make it...make it stop Hoon..I- I can't hold it. Please."

Within few seconds, you passed out after Sunghoon jabbed the needle he was holding on your neck. He called someone to clean the mess and carried you upstairs.

_____

You woke up from the sleep after few hours. You felt like you just had a worst nightmare ever. But then, when you looked on your clothes and hands you realized it's not a dream. The blood stain is still there and you felt like shitty remembering what happened back in the basement.

You sat on the bed quietly until you saw Sunghoon came in with small towel and bowl of water. He didn't say anything and just clean your face and hands from the blood. He also changed your dirty clothes to a new one and sat in front of you after finished doing it.

Both of you didn't talk. You looked down to your fiddling fingers and Sunghoon just stared at you. As like he knew you wanted to say something but you are afraid to do so. At last, you lifted your head and looked at him.

"What...what do you do to my sister?"

Oh, how soft your voice. Sunghoon melted at the sound of it. He caressed your face and leaned closer to you so he can kissed you.

"Bury her, of course. I would not keep corpse in this house, y/n."

It was a dumb question but you somehow really need assurance from Sunghoon that your sister finally not suffering anymore. You hope that he at least bury her at good place.

Sunghoon finally stood up. Before he walked away, he tied a cloth on your mouth and your hands to the bed. Again, you felt confuse with the act. He went to the front bed and facing you. He stared at you or more to your legs.

"You will run away again."

He tapped on your left leg.

"I don't want that to happen."

He tapped on your right leg.

"So, I should prevent you from moving."

You screamed out loud when you felt your bone on the right foot broken. You were trashing on the bed trying to let yourself off from the rope. It hurts so much and you started to cry because of the pain.

"Now, you can't run away anymore."

-----

Wow, did i wrote that😱😲 i hope you guys enjoy tho😁😁😁

Taglist: @stacey-stonem @duolingofanaccount @cyberpinkx

190 notes · View notes

leanderfields · 1 year ago

Text

Not too long ago I rambled about how Leander, Ais, and Mhin might be representing each of the three moons in the Triple Goddess Symbol and what that could imply about the Touchstarved routes. I left out Kuras and Vere since it’s, well, the Triple Goddess Symbol… but I wanna talk about them now. Leander, Ais and Mhin are connected, but so are Kuras and Vere.

Just in a different way: they’re foil characters.

A foil character is essentially a literary device in which writers highlight a character’s traits (be it their personality, appearances, or philosophies) with another character who has traits that are opposite to them. But this is not to say that they’re complete opposites or made to be protagonist vs antagonist. They can be similar in some ways like two sides of the same coin. For example, Sherlock and Watson are popular foil characters. Both are intelligent, but in different ways. Sherlock is the logical type of intelligence while Watson is emotionally intelligent. They’reboth friends, but they also challenge each other with their philosophies and methodology.

I feel like that is also the case with Kuras and Vere. Though they are far from friends, I do believe that they were designed to be foil characters and possibly challenge each other whether that be as rivals, foes or eventually– friends. Am I coping? Maybe. But hear me out:

Vere’s design is primarily black and silver whereas Kura’s design is white and gold. Black and White. Silver and gold. Both of these are opposites. Black and white represent the typical opposites like good and evil.

Kuras is a virtuous person at heart. He dislikes dishonesty and has saved both MC and Mhin’s life and they might not be the only people he’s saved because we know he wanders the wastelands. On the other hand, Vere dislikes rules, is a natural liar and causes a lot of trouble whether that be breaking into Kura’s clinic or stealing MC’s key.

Another set of opposites black and white represents is heaven and hell. Kuras is obviously representative of heaven. He is an angel, a divine being. One that supposedly sinned, but he is still a divine being nonetheless. Then there’s Vere, a monstrous beast chained by Senobium. While he isn’t from hell (or maybe he is; we’ll have to find out), he has a hellish motif in his chains. In the Bible, the Chains of Hell are forged by humans who choose to disobey God's commandments. Chains of Hell give Satan the power to control and influence humans. Vere’s hair is also a fiery red. While the notion that hell is a burning hot pit of sulfur is biblically inaccurate, we have come to associate hell with hot temperatures because of how modern media depicts hell. But it also depends on different conceptions of hell you look at. Some shows like Netflix’s Lucifer depict hell as a cold, desolate place and Good Omens depict it as an underground subway of sorts. In Dante’s Inferno, hell is described to have nine “layers”. We know them better as the nine circles of hell, each modeled after a sin. The center of hell in this depiction is burning and hot, but other circles are cold or have completely different environments.

Silver and gold is also mentioned in the Bible. They’re usually mentioned together, but these metals do have different connotations. Gold is thought to be more “superior” than silver is. Even today, gold is used to represent first place and silver is used to represent second place in competitions ranging from school spelling bees to the Olympics.

But biblically speaking, gold was a metal chosen to represent God’s glory. It’s mentioned in Genesis (2:11-12)– “It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone”. Gold is one of the first metals mentioned in the Bible thus being closely associated with God. And from there, the heavens have always been depicted with gold. Golden gates, golden arches, etc. And this is my own interpretation, but seeing as gold can withstand extreme heats without being tarnished, it can also be seen as a “pure” metal, a metal that could withstand hellfire. Supposedly anyway. As for silver…. It’s a bit more “common” than gold would appear to be. If gold represents wealth and the heavens, then silver is associated with trade. Although silver is a precious metal, it is also a fairly mundane metal. You see silver every day whether it’s real or steel– on mechanical pencils, technology, utensils, needles, etc.

Kuras having gold in his design helps to sell the ethereal look of an angel, but it also creates this divine, out-of-reach aura without revealing his true form (which is also probably too much for mortals to handle). His height adds to that as well. He’s so tall that he is literally out of reach. Kuras’s personality also makes him hard to reach. He doesn’t talk much about himself and you can hardly learn anything about him with small talk. He’s mysterious and allusive and Leander has never bought him a drink before. Also he’s a doctor. Not to say that doctors can’t be friendly or have friends, but it does create this professional boundary for many of his patients– and perhaps other people too– making it hard for his patients to connect with him in an intimate/close way.

Vere is of a fairly average height and despite being a monster, he has a very mundane feel to him. Not mundane as in he’s boring, but rather earthly. Very grounded. Compared to Kuras, he is very much within reach by human standards. At least from just talking to him. Yes, he plays around with his food and his words, but you can also garner a lot more from someone who talks a lot than from someone who never talks about themselves at all. From the get go, we knew he didn't like Kuras. In the demo, he makes many of his likes and dislikes clear. Vere feels very human in a way. He also goes out to have fun, drinks, expresses himself whether that be through talking up a pantomime, speaking in a vulgar way, or having a hobby like drawing.

Each character’s chest windows also visually imply something similar about their personalities. Vere has a plunging neckline that exposes a good part of his upper body. Kuras has a bit of a plunge too though it’s not as deep, barely going past his sternum. Kuras’s chest area is also covered by some kind of sleeveless undershirt. It’s sheer, but it still covers his chest. These design choices suggest that Vere is more open about his feelings than Kuras is hence why his chest, or heart, is more exposed. Kuras’s “heart” is covered by a sheer material, meaning you could see some of his feelings but perhaps not all of it as he is guarding them with a barrier of some sort. Keeping his guard up, if you will.

Their chest areas aren’t the only “similar yet different” aspects of their designs. Color schemes and chest areas aside, they both have a robe-like outfit. Their top garments have bell sleeves and this small “train” that drapes down to their legs. Kuras’s sleeves are much longer than Vere’s and they’re detached from the rest of his top, but I think that it’s part of his ethereal look. There’s something classy and elegant about long sleeves.

As for the rest of his outfit, it’s pristine and structured. There’s distinct shapes and sections. The design is seemingly symmetrical (except for his belts) which probably suggests that he’s an organized and straight-laced person with an occasional 180 (probably fueled by his fatal flaw)

Vere’s sleeves and most of his top is sheer and flowy. They’re probably made from a comfortable, silky material. In addition to his chest window, he’s also got a thigh window. Vere has a very lax and flirtatious design. The only thing that isn’t so flowy is the belt/collar situation he’s got going on with the Senobium. His center or his chest/heart. His collar is straight and symmetrical. It ties him and his nature down.

Speaking of being tied down, both Kuras and Vere have vambraces on their forearms. Kuras’s is gold while Vere’s is silver. They’re the only characters to have this. I personally interpret them as manacles. Vere’s vambraces are exposed. He sports them as he does with his collar– out in the open without care. He doesn’t advertise that he’s chained down by the Senobium, but he also doesn’t go to extreme lengths to hide it. Yes, he initially hid his leash from MC, but he also let MC figure out that he was affiliated with them. If people found out, they found out. If they knew, then they knew and he’d make sure they’d know how powerful he is too. On the flip side, Kuras’s vambraces are somewhat shrouded by his long sleeves. In every pose and artwork we’ve seen of Kuras, his vambraces are always half-covered. It’s like you know there is something going on, but you don’t know the full story or feel close enough to ask.

Those vambraces could also be representative of how both characters are prisoners in their own ways. Vere is more literal. He was captured and made to be the Senobium’s pet against his will. He’s somewhat resigned to that life, but of course he wants to escape. Kuras is shackled down by his own ideals. He stays in Eridia because he is compelled by his own guilt. In a way, he chains himself down and gives himself his own punishment. Vere is literally shackled. Kuras is figuratively shackled. Vere is a prisoner of the Senobium. Kuras is a prisoner of his culpability.

The last thing I want to mention is that Vere is affiliated with the Senobium while that place is listed on Kuras’s dislikes. There wasn’t an exact reason for his dislike though. For Leander, we can sort of infer the reasons. He’s a mage, possibly an exile, etc. But there’s not much to go off for Kuras’s revulsion. He is also friends with Mhin who happens to like the Senobium. Does Kuras’s dislike for the Senobium have something to do with Vere or is it something else? Their distaste for one another is mutual according to their relationship charts.

Perhaps if Leander, Ais and Mhin are connected through the Triple Goddess symbol, then Kuras and Vere’s routes might be interconnected since they appear to mirror each other. They’re foil characters!!!

Not just visually but also with their personalities. They’re also marketed with complimentary colors. Colors that are opposites. Kuras is yellow/gold and Vere has purple. I think that means something. Maybe.

#touchstarved game #touchstarved theory #kuras #vere #mine #mine:rambles

129 notes · View notes

sandcobangevent · 7 months ago

Text

Art by @tsukihasnolife Story by @scoobydoo-ghoulschool Read it on AO3!

INT. WATSON’S ROOM

JOHN Hello, Hello, Hello! It’s Doc Watson here to uh- or just John, John is fine too. Um, but I am here to share another spine chilling case with you lovely listeners. This was a dark one folks, so be cautious. Warnings for death, a couple of those, uh parental abuse, some light usage of the S word, and one inflammatory F bomb by yours truly. If none of that is enough to scare you off, well then, good luck and enjoy the adventure of the Speckled Band.

AUDIO CUT

INT. WATSON’S ROOM

Door opens with a bang.

SHERLOCK Your presence is required in the living room.

John gasps awake. Sherlock removes John’s bed covers.

JOHN Huh? What?

SHERLOCK We have a client. In the living room. Ms. Hudson informed me at 6:45, I let you sleep an extra half hour but you really must be up now.

John yawns.

JOHN It’s 7:15? And you’re awake?

SHERLOCK (darkly) Like I said, Ms. Hudson woke me.

JOHN Alright, alright, uh- let me just get some trousers on.

Sherlock moves to leave.

JOHN (CONT.) Hold on, is that my microphone?

SHERLOCK I assumed you’d want it.

JOHN (pleasantly surprised) Well, uh, yes, thank you.

SHERLOCK You’re welcome. Now come along, Ms. Hudson is bringing up tea.

Intro music plays

INT. 221B BAKER STREET - LIVING ROOM

John enters the living room, trousers successfully retrieved.

JOHN Hello there. John Watson, nice to meet you.

HELEN (quietly) Helen Stoner.

John takes a seat.

JOHN So you're a fan of the podcast?

HELEN Sorry, what?

JOHN Oh I just- the Sherlock & Co podcast. It’s my, well, part of our business. I assumed that’s how you found us.

HELEN No, uh I found you on Reddit actually. r/Holmes. I read about a case with these missing opals, from the account FarintoshRed. I thought Mr. Holmes might be able to help me too.

SHERLOCK I vaguely remember the name Farintosh, the opal tiara even more. Now Ms. Stoner what is it that brings you all the way from Surrey this early in the morning?

HELEN I- Did someone tell you I was coming?

SHERLOCK The return ticket is sticking out of your purse.

HELEN (nervously) Oh, right.

Mariana enters the room.

MARIANA I have several cups of very caffeinated tea and a couple of day-old scones. They're only half rock hard.

JOHN Ah, Mariana, you're an angel.

SHERLOCK Yes, thank you. Although I’d prefer something a little stronger than caffeine…

JOHN Not this early in the morning, please. I’d at least like to keep the substance abuse to an afternoon activity.

MARIANA (to Helen) You can just ignore them.

HELEN Um, thanks.

SHERLOCK So early train, and by the mud on your coat, a taxi before with an unexpected rain shower. A little dangerous to be out by yourself before the sun's up. I assume you took this trip without permission?

MARIANA (whispered to Sherlock) Sherlock, that's a little patronizing.

SHERLOCK It would be if our client wasn’t a teenager.

JOHN (also whispered to Sherlock) Mate she’s got grey hair.

HELEN No he’s right, I’m 17.

JOHN Oh! I’m- God, sorry I just didn’t. Blimey.

HELEN I get that sort of reaction a lot. The hair’s genetic or something. My sister had it too. But that’s sort of why I’ve come. Not because of my hair but um… My 18th birthday’s in a couple weeks and… I think maybe I might be dead before then.

MARIANA (tentatively) And… why do you think that?

HELEN Because it happened to my sister, 2 years ago.

Pause.

HELEN (CONT.) I live with my step father, Greg Roylott, uh in this old family estate of his, Stoke Moran. My mum married him when my sister and I were both two. And you know, everything was fine, we were a totally normal family, but when my mum died, when we were about eight, uh, well Greg got really depressed. We were all torn up about it, but he… he could get really, really angry. The last couple of years my sister and I had to get him out of a lot of bad situations. Julia- my sister, she had a really hard time with it. Kids at school could get pretty nasty about it all, and I mean everyone in our village talks. It was a lot, still is a lot. But she decided, two years ago, that she'd had enough. She snuck off one night to stay with one of my mum's old friends, Honoria Westphail, for a couple of weeks.

SHERLOCK And you stayed?

HELEN Greg is- he's the only father I've ever known. I thought you know- everyone deals with grief differently, if I just gave him enough time... He never touched me or Julia.

SHERLOCK But Julia ran away.

HELEN Yeah, and not just. Ms. Westphail was helping her file for emancipation. We were both 15, and she didn't even have a bank account yet, but she wanted to get as far away from Greg as possible. She needed the money from our mother's inheritance.

SHERLOCK Which neither of you receive until your 18th birthday.

JOHN Or you're legally declared independent.

HELEN Right. But then Greg, he, well he reached out to Julia, said he wanted to make amends, that he'd been talking with people, trying to get better. I thought he was telling the truth, I mean at that point it had been weeks since he'd gotten into a fight in town, or come home drunk from the pub.

Helen pauses.

HELEN (CONT.) (voice choked) I convinced Julia to come back when he asked her over for dinner.

MARIANA If you want to take a moment-

Helen sniffs.

HELEN No it's- I can keep going. Dinner went fine, I mean Julia and Greg were never the closest, but you could tell he was trying. He didn't even bring up the whole emancipation dealings. We all went to bed around the same time, but Julia had come into my room complaining of a headache pretty soon after that. Greg likes smoking these Indian cigars before bed, and Julia and his rooms have connected ventilation, and she, uh, was always sensitive to smells like that. I didn’t mind the company, there was this awful storm going on outside, and in a house as old as ours, it gets kind of spooky.

JOHN Old manor house on a dark and stormy night? I bet.

HELEN Exactly. And um, Julie only stayed for a bit but- she asked me if I'd heard any whistling at night while she’d been gone. Like a tea kettle going off, I remember her describing it. It was such a weird question, and I know I hadn't heard anything like it before, but like I said the house is really old, and we don't have the money for many repairs. I just told her it had to be some drafty part of the house. I don’t think she actually ever believed me… and then uh, that's when she went back to her room. I watched her lock her door.

SHERLOCK Did you both routinely lock your doors at night?

HELEN Yeah, force of habit I guess. When we were younger we were always scared the Cheetah or Baboon would escape in the middle of the night.

Weighted Pause.

JOHN Er- Cheetah and Baboon?

HELEN Sorry, yeah, Greg's dad, back in the 80's was mad obsessed with India I guess? He lived there for a while, and he decided to like- make an attraction of the old Manor. There used to be a pretty massive menagerie of Indian wildlife attached to the house. Honestly it's why Greg had no money coming into the marriage with my mum. His dad spent it all. These days all that's left are the Cheetah and Baboon. Just one more reason for people to talk, you know?

MARIANA I can imagine...

SHERLOCK So the door was locked.

Helen takes a deep breath.

HELEN I woke up to her screaming. It was- I've never heard anything like that scream. Then there it was, a whistle, like a tea kettle, and uh then this large metal clang, and it shocked me enough I was able to get myself out of bed.

SHERLOCK The locked door-?

HELEN She was able to open it herself. That’s how I found her, the door opened before I got to it. She was- her eyes were bulging, and I could- I could see the veins in her forehead. The storm had knocked out the power by then but she was holding her phone flashlight. I- I caught her there, in the hallway. She fell into my arms and I could tell she couldn’t breath, she couldn’t- but she managed to tell me “Helen! It was the band! The speckled band!” That’s how Greg found us, I don’t remember much after. I think he tried to do CPR, and I called 999… She was dead before they got there.

MARIANA (very sincerely) I am so sorry.

Helen continues as if she hasn’t heard.

HELEN I was… shell shocked. Everyone was pointing fingers at our step-dad, and even then I couldn’t, I couldn’t really believe. The windows of her room are barred, the fireplace was bricked up, the door was locked. There’s nothing he could have done to her.

JOHN The coroner couldn’t find anything? No foul play, no poison in her system?

HELEN I know they did a thorough search, like I said everyone was sure Greg had something to do with it. There wasn’t anything. Eventually they marked it down as a “cerebral embolism”.

Helen gives a very sharp laugh

HELEN (CONT.) She was 15!

Heavy pause. Helen collects herself.

SHERLOCK This all happened two years ago, you’ve had time to doubt him, to look for help elsewhere- but something changed recently. Ms. Stoner, what happened?

HELEN Last week, Greg said that- there was some work around my room that needed to be done. Structural stuff that needed to be fixed. He moved me into Julia’s bedroom and- (Helen takes a shuddering breath) I heard the whistle. Last night, Mr. Holmes, I heard the whistle again.

AUDIO CUT

Interlude music plays briefly.

INT. 221A BAKER STREET - MARIANA’S OFFICE

MARIANA I’ll make sure she gets to the train station alright. I have a bad feeling about leaving her alone.

JOHN Thank you, Mariana… God I can’t- doesn’t this feel a little wrong? That we’re her last line of defense I mean?

MARIANA I suppose, it is frustrating that it’s taken all this for something to be done. But there’s no one I trust more than Sherlock to help her. She only has us, but at least it’s us.

JOHN Right. No you’re right.

Pause.

MARIANA I’ll see you in a bit.

JOHN Be safe.

The front door to 221 Baker Street opens. The sounds of the street filter in. The door closes and it is quiet once more.

JOHN (to the listeners) So, we’ve taken the case. Obviously. There’s still a part of me that can’t quite believe it, but well- it was hard to say anything but yes.

John enters the flat.

INT. 221B BAKER STREET - LIVING ROOM

JOHN I’ve got us train tickets leaving in an hour. You better start packing.

SHERLOCK I’ve already finished. I’ve got noise canceling headphones, my pistol and my toothbrush.

JOHN (john laughs) Ah, planning on shooting your mouth off then?

SHERLOCK (baffled) What? No, of course not.

JOHN No its- it’s a joke from M*A*S*H. Ya know- Frank took his gun and his toothbrush, there he goes shooting his mouth off again… I’m realizing, suddenly, this was one of my more obscure references so I am… going to stop.

SHERLOCK Good.

Pause. John takes a deep breath in.

JOHN You don't think we're being pranked do you? I mean, that was all- a little mad. I mean the Cheetah and Baboon detail? It sounds like something that would go viral on TikTok.

SHERLOCK You’re only saying that because she’s 17. It was the truth, every detail of it, there's no doubt in my mind. Besides, the Indian menagerie in Surrey is about the easiest detail to corroborate, here look.

Sherlock hands over his phone.

JOHN “They Bought a Zoo Before it was Cool: the sordid tale of Surrey’s oldest family and their lost fortune” Jeeze, okay. So not a TikTok prank then.

John sighs.

JOHN (CONT.) Maybe I just don't want to imagine someone willing to kill a 15 year old girl. I mean… why?

SHERLOCK Why else Watson? Money. In both instances, Julia’s emancipation, and Helen’s 18th birthday, he loses the money from their mother’s inheritance.

Pause.

JOHN You don't think Helen was lying about Roylott not... not hitting them do you?

SHERLOCK (carefully) No, she was telling the truth there too, I assume that would leave too much evidence for the courts. There are other ways to keep someone under control...

JOHN Well Roylott better hope we don't meet up with him anytime soon, I swear I see his face and it's one, two lights out.

SHERLOCK You may be getting that wish sooner than later.

JOHN What do you mean?

SHERLOCK Greg Roylott is on our front stoop-

The downstairs door slams open. Muffled yelling. Heavy footsteps.

JOHN Oh God, I forgot to lock it when Mariana left.

SHERLOCK (harshly) Get back from the door. The heavy footsteps approach faster.

JOHN Well this one is locked- The door to 221B is thrown open with a crash.

JOHN Shit!

DR. ROYLOTT Where is she? Where the Hell is my daughter?!

JOHN Sir you can't just barge in here-!

DR. ROYLOTT Which one of you is Holmes?

SHERLOCK That would be me, but I'm afraid you have the advantage, I don't know you.

DR. ROYLOTT Dr. Gregory Roylott, as if you don't know you slippery bastard.

SHERLOCK Of course Doctor, please have a seat. We were just finishing our morning tea.

DR. ROYLOTT I'm not here for tea, my step-daughter's been here. I tracked her phone so don't try and lie Holmes. She was here not 4 minutes ago.

JOHN Now hold on-

SHERLOCK You know, it is a little cold for this time of the year.

JOHN (under his breath) What?

DR. ROYLOTT What's she said to you?!

SHERLOCK But I have heard we'll be getting an early spring, the crocuses are close to blooming. I have a feeling it's going to be quite lovely.

DR. ROYLOTT Oh come off it, I know what you’re doing! I looked you up online, you're a couple of con artists looking to make a buck off my girl, huh? Put her on your bloody podcast right? She's 17, what are two men of your age doing letting her into your flat? I could have the police-

Sherlock laughs. It goes on longer than it should.

SHERLOCK Your conversational skills are entertaining, when you leave, mind closing the door. Like I said, it is cold for this time of the year.

Pause. Dr. Roylott chuckles darkly.

DR. ROYLOTT Alright, have it your way. But hear this, stay away from my girl, I'm a man of means, I wouldn't take my threats lightly gentleman.

Dr. Roylott turns to leave.

JOHN (very sarcastically) Great meeting you Mr. Roylott.

DR. ROYLOTT It’s Dr. Roylott to you.

JOHN Yeah well, it’s Dr. Watson to you, you pratt.

Dr. Roylott leaves. The door is slammed with tremendous force.

John lets out a very relieved sigh.

Sherlock laughs again.

SHERLOCK Fine fellow, we’ll have to have him round again.

JOHN (not paying attention) I think he broke the door hinges!

SHERLOCK I suppose it’s best it didn’t come to anything physical, but I’m fairly certain I could have taken him. He lagged slightly to the right.

JOHN (still not paying attention) He definitely broke the door.

SHERLOCK Grab your stuff Watson, I think it’s time we were on our way as well.

JOHN You know I’ll have to call Mariana about this.

AUDIO CUT

INT. LONDON WATERLOO TRAIN STATION

The noises of a busy train station. The intermingling of engines, voices, and footsteps.

JOHN Yeah, I know- clear off the hinges. Forced the lock through the door frame- (pause) Alright. Thanks Mariana. Yep. Yeah. Talk soon, bye. (to Sherlock) The whole door’s gonna have to be replaced, can you believe that?

SHERLOCK Yes, I think you’ve mentioned it once or twice now.

JOHN Sorry, I’m just coming to the realization I live in a world where a man can literally break down my door in one go.

John sighs. A distant intercom plays.

JOHN (NARRATING) I suppose now is as good a time as any for some shout outs. I’m still new to Tumblr but the community on there has been nothing but supportive, so I’ve some awesome people I’d like to mention from there. So special hello to @tsukihasnolife who I’ve already commissioned to do some incredible art for this episode. We’ve also got @eardefenders, @starfruitsomething and @littleoceanbabe who I hear are all working hard on a flash bang for other fans of Sherlock & Co. Not sure what a flash bang is, but I appreciate the publicity and support! And lets see maybe some people from Twitter or er X now-

SHERLOCK Watson the train.

JOHN Oh God, yeah. Uh, bye! Thanks again.

AUDIO CUT

INT. UBER

The car drives alone on the road, engine humming softly.

JOHN We are back in Surrey listeners, you may remember the last time we were here was for the case of the Solitary Cyclist. (to Sherlock) You know maybe we should check in with Violet-

SHERLOCK I sincerely doubt Ms. Carruthers would enjoy seeing us Waston. We were at least slightly culpable in her brother's outburst.

JOHN (muttered) I wasn't the one with the gun. (John coughs) But Uh- yeah, yeah that's probably for the best.

DRIVER So where are you guys headed exactly?

SHERLOCK (in his just-one-of-the-mates voice) Stoke Moran, I've heard it's a real piece of work.

DRIVER Yeah, the place should be demolished if you ask me, it’s a death trap.

SHERLOCK Well that's why we're here, come to make a couple of estimates for the bloke who lives up there.

DRIVER Fair warning mate, lots of contractors have been through there. The Doctor, Roylott, he doesn't have the money to pay.

SHERLOCK Really? Big family estate like that with no money?

JOHN Sherlock, look-

SHERLOCK Sorry, would you mind stopping here?

DRIVER We're still a mile out-

JOHN We like the fresh air, thanks for the ride. Uh- five stars!

John and Sherlock exit the car. The car drives off.

EXT. THE GROUNDS OF STOKE MORAN

JOHN That is Helen over there isn't it?

SHERLOCK (in his normal voice) Yes. Probably best we catch her here, I don't want to get too close to the house until we're sure the good Doctor is nowhere near. (voice raised) Ms. Stoner!

Sherlock and John walk to catch up with Helen. Helen approaches, slightly out of breath.

HELEN Hi. I was hoping I’d catch your car on the way in.

SHERLOCK We had a visit with your step-father this morning, just after you left.

HELEN (taken off guard) What but I- he’s barely ever up by 11, and no one would have told him-

SHERLOCK You’re phone Ms. Stoner, I’m afraid he’s been tracking your phone. I would suggest checking your settings for the parental controls he installed without your knowledge.

HELEN If he knows that I- that I came to you-

SHERLOCK If he makes any motion to harm you Ms. Stoner we will personally escort you to Ms. Westphail’s house tonight. But I doubt with the way things are turning out he will try anything that obvious.

JOHN Like busting down a door.

HELEN What?!

Sherlock clears his throat pointedly.

SHERLOCK We’re getting ourselves a room at the village Inn, we have no intention of leaving you alone. Now Ms. Stoner is it possible we could enter the house undetected? I would very much like to see your sister and Dr. Roylott’s rooms.

HELEN Yeah, yeah I can manage that. He had work in London today, I thought- anyway he won’t be back till this evening.

SHERLOCK Lead the way Ms. Stoner

AUDIO CUT

EXT. STOKE MORAN

JOHN (out of breath) We are just now approaching the manor. It's uh- it really is something to see. Which since you can't see listeners, you'll have to take my word for it. Stoke Moran is uh grey, and big. Uh- I can do better than that, hold on. It's... lichen-blotched stone, with a high central portion and two curving wings, like the... claws of a crab. Sort of. Like if a crab had its pincers raised, you know? The left crab claw has broken windows blocked with wooden boards, and the roof is partly caved in, a uh picture of ruin. The middle bit- the body I guess? It’s in okay shape, it’s got some large observation windows near the ground floor. The right-claw looks to be the only section of the house that's still livable. Pretty modern, at least it's got blinds in the windows, and appears to be standing on its own.

HELEN What’s he doing?

SHERLOCK Narrating. He does it when he’s nervous.

JOHN I do it because a podcast is an auditory experience. Can’t exactly wave a camera around to show them- hold on, what’s this over here?

HELEN Oh I wouldn’t-

An animal screeches, a mammal howl, and it slams itself into its glass walled enclosure.

John screams.

The microphone falls. Helen and Sherlock break out into surprised laughter.

HELEN (through laughter) That's the menagerie. Sorry.

The Baboon calls out softly through the glass. There's rustling as John quickly retrieves the microphone.

Sherlock and Helen continue to laugh.

JOHN Seriously, how is this even legal?

AUDIO CUT

INT. STOKE MORAN MANOR - JULIA'S ROOM

A door creaks open slowly. Helen, Sherlock and John enter the room, footsteps echoing loudly.

HELEN So this is- this is Julia’s room. Mine’s just next door to the right, and then to the left is Greg’s room.

SHERLOCK And this is where you’re currently staying because of the restoration work?

HELEN Yes.

Sherlock walks around the room.

SHERLOCK These bed drapes- were they Julia’s?

HELEN Uh- no. No they weren’t really her taste. I think Greg had them put up when she was living with Ms. Westphail.

JOHN (darkly) He seems to have a habit of making living decisions for you.

Sherlock steps up onto the bed, bed springs squeal.

JOHN (CONT.) (pained) Sherlock, your shoes on the bed-

SHERLOCK (ignoring John) This ventilator, right above the bed, does it work?

HELEN Oh that, no, at least not since I’ve moved in. It’s completely freezing here at night.

SHERLOCK Interesting for such a recent refurbishment. Do you remember when this was installed?

HELEN Uh- it- it actually may have been around the same time as Greg hung the bed drapes. When Julia was gone.

Sherlock jumps down from the bed.

SHERLOCK I think I’ve seen enough here. Would you mind leading us to your step-father’s room?

HELEN Sure, like I said, It’s right next door.

Helen, Sherlock and John leave the room.

INT. STOKE MORAN MANOR - DR. ROYLOTT’S ROOM

The door to Roylott’s room opens. John gives a low whistle.

JOHN Well. This is- something.

HELEN Yeah, it’s a lot. Mostly stuff he inherited from his dad.

JOHN For our listeners, the Doctor has, well lots of… collectables lets say, I am presuming from India. Almost every wall and shelf is covered in Hindu icon paintings and sculptures.

SHERLOCK Murtis, not icons. They’re meant to be used in homes and temples for worship. Not... as collectables.

JOHN Yeah, so- it’s extremely distasteful. Not like I needed another reason to dislike this guy. Besides all of the uh- memorabilia in the Doctor’s room, there’s this massive safe- and uh, a bowl of milk is set on top. Helen, do you happen to have a cat around here?

HELEN (pause) No. I’m allergic.

JOHN Could be for the Cheetah, maybe?

SHERLOCK Perhaps… Helen, is it your step father that deals with the animals?

HELEN Er, not really. He feeds em, but he stays out of their enclosures. Honestly he doesn’t pay much attention to them these days. He’s got a vet who comes to see them every couple months or so- but she comes by with her own equipment.

Sherlock moves further into the room.

SHERLOCK Have you ever seen him use this?

HELEN No. What is that?

SHERLOCK It’s a catch pole. Normally these are used by professionals in animal control.

HELEN Right- well maybe the vet left it behind last time she was here?

Pause.

SHERLOCK Possibly… Well Ms. Stoner, I have seen what I’ve needed.

HELEN Well, do you know how it happened? How he did it?

SHERLOCK I can’t answer that quite yet. But we will be back tonight. Your old room, you can still comfortably sleep there at the moment?

HELEN (guardedly) I could…

SHERLOCK Good. Tonight, when your step-father falls asleep, shine a light through your bedroom window, and then leave to sleep there. Watson and I will be spending the night in your place. We will see for ourselves what plans he had for you.

AUDIO CUT

Musical interlude.

INT. SURREY INN - JOHN AND SHERLOCK’S ROOM

The room is quiet. John taps absentmindedly at the microphone. It is super annoying.

SHERLOCK You have a question?

JOHN No. Nope, just… thinking.

SHERLOCK (begrudgingly) I’m not certain what it is.

JOHN But you have a pretty good idea.

SHERLOCK I’ve been wrong before.

JOHN (skeptical) Rarely. If ever.

SHERLOCK You have theories I’m sure.

JOHN Not- not really. The new heating vent that doesn't work… that’s unusual, and purposeful. I thought maybe a nerve gas agent-

Sherlock makes a quiet noise of dissent.

JOHN But- I know that makes no sense, so I’ve got nothing. And then there's the whole issue of the speckled band... a clothing item, a poison...

SHERLOCK You’re picking up on the important details.

JOHN So are you going to share with the class what's actually going on?

SHERLOCK We’ll see tonight. Or we won’t.

JOHN (joking) I see how it is, plausible deniability. Can’t be wrong if you don’t say it out loud.

SHERLOCK John.

JOHN Yes?

SHERLOCK I think you should get some sleep before tonight.

JOHN Right, yeah. (pause) You’re not wrong though, whatever you're thinking, I know you’re not wrong.

Pause.

JOHN (CONT.) Goodnight.

Pause. John settles into bed.

SHERLOCK Thank you.

AUDIO CUT

Musical interlude

SHERLOCK Watson. Wake up, Ms. Stoner has given us the signal.

John shifts in bed. He yawns.

JOHN I really hope this isn’t a habit you're developing. Waking me up in the early hours of the morning I mean.

SHERLOCK Come along, Watson, no time to dawdle.

JOHN Dawdle. Funny word, dawdle. Dawdle. dawdle... and now it just sounds fake. (pause) Hang on… where did you get a cane?

AUDIO CUT

EXT. STOKE MORAN

JOHN (out of breath) We are back on the grounds of Stoke Moran, making our way up to the house. And- I am really wishing we could pick cases that didn’t require so much walking in the dark.

SHERLOCK We’re close to the door Helen said she’d leave open for us. Keep quiet, and keep your flashlight down.

JOHN Yep. Yep got it. Uh- aren’t we also close by to the-

Something thumps against the glass wall. Sherlock yelps.

The Baboon gives a howling laugh, tearing away from the window.

Sherlock takes in several gasping breaths. John snickers.

JOHN See? Not so funny when it’s you, the Baboon jumps.

SHERLOCK No. Comment.

John laughs quietly. He moves forward.

JOHN The doors over here by the way.

AUDIO CUT

INT. STOKE MORAN MANOR - JULIA’S ROOM

JOHN So we took a back entrance that Helen showed us early today. We have safely made it into Julia’s old room. So… now we just wait and listen for a whistle I guess.

SHERLOCK I’ll take the bed, under the vent. For your safety, the rocking chair in the corner is best.

JOHN You just don’t want me to accidentally fall asleep on a stake out again.

SHERLOCK (whispered) It is imperative we stay as quiet as possible now.

JOHN (whispered back) Of course.

SHERLOCK Which means we’ll be sitting in silence for a good portion of the night.

JOHN Yeah mate, I know how quiet works.

SHERLOCK I thought a warning might be nice.

JOHN Well, thanks, I appreciate that. (to himself and the microphone) Of all the things he chooses to warn me about and- oh Christ, the listeners, right-

AUDIO CUT

JOHN (whispered) It is… currently four in the morning. We haven’t heard a peep. I don’t know if we scared Roylott off today, or threw him off his game, but I don’t know if it’s happening tonight.

SHERLOCK Watson.

JOHN What? Did you hear something?

SHERLOCK No.

JOHN Alright. Yeah, quiet. I can do quiet.

SHERLOCK Watson...

JOHN Sorry yeah-

SHERLOCK No, listen!

A high pitched whistle blows softly from above.

SHERLOCK Stay back.

JOHN Hold on, let me get my camera light on, I can’t see.

SHERLOCK No, John the vent is opening!

A large CLANG as Sherlock’s cane hits the vent. A hiss, something slithers back through the vent away from them.

Dr. Roylott SCREAMS from the other room.

JOHN (panicked) What on Earth was that?

SHERLOCK We’ll need the light Watson, hurry.

INT. STOKE MORAN - DR. ROYLOTT’S ROOM

Rushed footsteps. A door bursts open.

Roylott moans.

JOHN Fuck! Is that-?

DR. ROYLOTT (strained and slightly slurred) Get it off me!

JOHN A snake, the speckled band was a snake?!

SHERLOCK Hand me the catch pole. By his leg, there!

JOHN Right-

John moves, he grabs the catch pole. Sherlock takes the pole. The snake hisses, Roylott blubbers in panic and pain.

SHERLOCK The safe, open the door to the safe!

JOHN The- oh! There’s a whole terrarium in there.

The snake hisses again. Louder.

SHERLOCK Watson!

JOHN Got it!

The safe is forced open more. Sherlock places the angered snake inside. John closes the safe with a loud METALLIC CLANG.

John gives a sigh of relief. Roylott moans again, and then tumbles to the floor.

DR. ROYLOTT (gasping) It’s- Swamp Adder- the venom- it bit me.

JOHN Oh God, right, okay, just, hold on- Dr. Roylott, I need you to stay calm. (to Sherlock) Call emergency services! He’s going into anaphylactic shock, I can’t-

SHERLOCK (seriously) They won’t have the anti-venom.

JOHN Just call! I don’t- Maybe I can do another tracheotomy, there’s got to be a pen around here, maybe a letter opener.

John stands. He looks frantically for tools to help.

SHERLOCK John-

JOHN I’m thinking!

SHERLOCK John!

JOHN What?!

SHERLOCK He’s dead.

JOHN But he- (pause) His pulse stopped.

SHERLOCK I’ll call now.

JOHN Um- yeah. Okay. (pause) I’ll- I’ll go get Helen. I’ll see if we can get a hold of Ms. Westphail.

Tense pause.

SHERLOCK He did it to himself, John. He did this to Julia, and he was going to do it to Helen.

JOHN (strained) You’re right, yeah. (John sniffs) I’ll go get Helen.

John leaves, the door closes softly behind him.

AUDIO CUT

Musical interlude.

INT. JOHN’S ROOM

JOHN Well folks, that is the end of the case. Say au revoir to the speckled band, which is now, along with the Cheetah and Baboon being safely handled by some animal conservationist group. Apparently cheetahs are a very endangered species so, Roylott was definitely keeping that illegally. Um, as for Helen, she is now happily settled with her aunt. Obviously, this was a bit of a shock for her but… she’s, she’s in a better place now thank God. And Roylott, well you all know how he ended up. I don’t uh- I don't have much else to say other than that. The Swamp Adder venom really-

The door to the bedroom opens. Sherlock walks in.

SHERLOCK Oh, you’re not done yet.

JOHN Nope, just doing the wrap up.

SHERLOCK Do you mind?

JOHN No, come on in. I was just talking about the Swamp Adder.

Pause.

SHERLOCK You know... there’s no such thing.

JOHN What?

SHERLOCK He misidentified the snake, there’s no such thing as a Swamp Adder.

JOHN But we saw it-

SHERLOCK We saw an Indian Saw-Scaled viper, Echis Carinatus if you want to be technical, and while extremely venomous, it is by no means the most venomous snake in India. That would be the Common Krait.

JOHN You know all that, but you couldn’t name one Madonna song last week at the pub?

SHERLOCK Well the next time Madonna gains the ability to inject 12 milligrams of venom into her victims in one bite, then I’ll try my best to remember her discography.

JOHN Right okay, well you heard it here folks, world class detective, violinist, podcast co-host, Sherlock Holmes, can also add snake expert to his list of accomplishments.

SHERLOCK Herpetologist.

JOHN What?

SHERLOCK An expert in reptiles and amphibians, a Herpetologist.

JOHN Okay that- that can’t be real.

AUDIO CUTS. OUTRO MUSIC PLAYS.

END OF PART ONE OF ONE

#submission #sherlock and co #sherlock & co #flashbang event #sherlock homes #john watson #mariana ametxazurra

21 notes · View notes

ineffable-rohese · 1 year ago

Text

Oh hey, I've gotten a few followers/mutuals, so I guess it's time for a pinned intro post?

Demographic info (because it gives context to my words): Early 40s white fat cis queer poly pagan woman living in the wet corner of North America. My nearest and dearest are almost all trans/non-binary.

Personal (public facing): I'm an Aziraphale-coded hobbit. Like, so cozy and wholesome you might want to puke. I rewatch just the first disc of the LOTR extended edition because I love the Shire so much. I drink Earl Grey with milk and one sugar. (Or a good scotch, cause every Aziraphale needs a little bit of Crowley inside them, right Sheenie?) I read mainly historical fiction, especially anything set in (actual, not fantasy) medieval Europe and I was at one point a medieval music history nerd. I wear cozy sweaters. I love rain on ferns and April flowers. I make soup with things I've tended and harvested. I work a Wholesome AF job. I unironically hug trees. I'm in love with the world.

Personal (in private): I'm deeply kinky. I'm primarily a Sensual Sadist with a significant Dominant streak. I often play as a Panther. I love consensual violence, and get great joy from hurting people who want me to hurt them. I've only really given myself permission to be that in the last year or so.

Fandoms: I fell in love with Good Omens in 2000 when a college roommate gave it to me. It was genuinely the funniest, greatest thing I had ever read, and I evangelized about it to anyone who would listen. S1 of the show immediately became a comfort show, and it got me through a time of massive loss and upheaval. I put it on when everything was too hard and I needed something that made me feel like everything was going to be OK. S2 - well we're all here still, aren't we? It dropped when I desperately needed One Good Thing for my brain to latch on to as I got through some intense pressure, and boy howdy did it lodge itself in me.

Other fandoms in roughly chronological order: Star Wars (original trilogy made me a child nerd), X-Files (first real social fandom, and intro to fanfic!), Buffy/Angel/Firefly, LOTR, Doctor Who, Torchwood (the only other show I've been driven to write fic for), Sherlock to an extent. OFMD and WWDITS are great fun, though not obsessions.

My Writing: Writing Index Here I'm really enjoying writing right now! I don't know how long this ADHD hyperfocus will last, but I'll take it while it lasts. My goal in writing is to challenge myself, create things I'd want to read, and have fun with it (for a definition of fun).

I'm also definitely working on being comfortable expressing the things I like and want and being unashamed about that. I worry too much about how my 😈 side might reflect on my 😇 side, and honestly, these shades of grey lovelies are helping me with that a lot. It's probably why I love writing Dom Aziraphale so much, because he is just so sweet and good and bright, and also a toppy BAMF who can make demons (and their Bentleys) do whatever he wants and wields a flaming sword against Satan himself.

So yeah, every time I make Aziraphale go to a dark place, and then come back again to being a ball of delight, it's helping me create a map that allows me to do the same (to a, you know, more reasonable extent). And when others read and like the things that come from the darkest corners of my brain, it makes me feel seen.

Anyway, you made it this far. Here are my cats for tax. Yes, I have one of each of the Kinds of Cats.

#intro post #pinned intro #old intro

34 notes · View notes

mariana-oconnor · 1 year ago

Text

The Beryl Coronet pt 3

Come on, Mary! I believe in you.

Weird, how it's this one and The Naval Treaty that I had such strong ideas about whodunnit from the first introduction of the character and they're both about people making poor security decisions that could lead to national disaster. But on this one I'm supporting (one part of) the criminal duo, and in The Naval Treaty, I particularly disliked the culprit.

Mary is kind of horrible for not saving her cousin, though. He's willing to go to jail for her (if I'm right) and she's just telling everyone 'oh, he couldn't have done it!' and not actually coming up with a good reason. She didn't even get interviewed immediately because she 'fainted'. She had plenty of time to come up with a story. Maybe being woken up by a loud snap and then hearing Arthur moving around. But no, she's instead trying to get her maid framed for it all.

You can really go off a girl.

“I think that this should do,” said he, glancing into the glass above the fireplace. “I only wish that you could come with me, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few hours.”

Oh yeah, Holmes is in disguise in some attempt to win back the beryls.

I like how he says 'I wish you could come with me, Watson' but is vague on the why not. 'It won't do' - translation: you are a terrible actor and no one alive would ever be fooled by you, also you'd blurt something out right at an important moment and ruin everything.' Let's be real. We all know.

Watson is not made for undercover work. I love him, but he would be about as useful a spy as a giant panda in an aquarium.

Or Captain America in a trenchcoat. (I love this picture).

I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that his lateness caused me no surprise.

Firstly, Watson is definitely living in Baker St atm. Either his wife is visiting her 'mother' again, or she's thrown him out. Also, him staying up until midnight although he knows that sometimes Sherlock doesn't come home for days is sort of nice, sort of a bit excessive.

Apparently Holmes does not need sleep. This is probably because he lives on tobacco, caffeine and cocaine. The fact he isn't constantly bouncing off the walls is impressive.

It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter.

That's not how white hair works, Watson. It's not that all of your hair gets lighter... that's not... Fine. I guess you're the doctor.

This is quite a transformation overnight, though. I'd suspect poison if it wasn't fairly common in these stories for people to suffer massive and immediate health conditions from sudden shock.

“I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried,” said he. “Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Mary, has deserted me.”

What you have done is be a massive idiot who doesn't understand the meanings of the words 'secure' or 'discreet'.

I'm still kind of mad at Mary for trying to pin her crime on someone else while simultaneously not offering her cousin who saved her ass any real help. BUT, having said that...

"I had said to her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had married my boy all might have been well with him."

Wow, dick move. Blaming her. Yes, I literally believe she is guilty and it is her fault entirely but Mr Holder here still believes her a perfect little angel woman, so going 'if you'd have married him, none of this would have happened'.

My dude. I had no sympathy for you. I am now in negative sympathy for you. All my care for the victims of this situation is going to Lucy, because all Arthur has to do to give himself a chance is tell the truth. Mary, if she hadn't tried to throw Lucy under the bus, I would be supporting completely.

I'm still supporting her, like 75%. I'm glad she's out of there. I hope this is one of the stories where the culprits never get caught and she and Sir George Burnwell (who maybe is not such a cad as I presumed) go on to steal many more priceless artefacts from rich people who don't take care of them.

Her letter is so fucking funny when read from the POV of someone who thinks she's guilty.

“‘My dearest Uncle: “‘I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in death, I am ever “‘Your loving “‘Mary.’"

"Hey Unc, Whoops, my bad! If I hadn't stolen the jewels with my lover then my cousin wouldn't have been arrested for stealing the crown jewels and you wouldn't be in trouble for having lost them. I feel so guilty that I'm running off with my lover, but it's okay because we've sold the jewels so we're rich! Gonna change my name and live a life of luxury in another country. Thanks for making this so easy for me. Love, Mary xxx'

Or... at least... that's how I read it.

“No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible solution."

Holmes is with me on this. Mary needed to get out of that house.

“That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. And there is a little reward, I fancy."

A reward for finding the beryls. Is Holmes asking for the reward here or saying that Mr Holder will get the reward? Because Mr Holder deserves 0 rewards. No rewards for him.

"Have you your check-book? Here is a pen. Better make it out for £4000.”

Ah, no. Sherlock is getting the reward. Lolol. Well yeah, you deserve that.

£4000 is the equivalent of about £414,000 today. Which is an insane amount of money to write a cheque for. And it means that Burnwell and Mary (or whoever it was...) got away with the equivalent of over £300,000 which is a nice little amount. Holmes got the equivalent of £100,000 for a few days' work. Nice.

“You have it!” he gasped. “I am saved! I am saved!”

I mean... the coronet is still damaged. The police still had to get involved. I'm pretty sure the bank knows, and HRH Bertie knows and his mum the queen knows so... are you saved? Are you really? There's no way you can get your job back after you showed how utterly terrible you are at it. You clearly cannot keep a secret to save your literal life. The heir to the throne knows exactly how incompetent you are. This feels like 'I'm probably not going to be hanged for treason' not 'everything will be sunshine and kittens'.

“No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to have one.”

Substitute 'idiot' for 'lad' please. Very noble, sure. But don't get yourself thrown in jail for something that could genuinely be considered treason just because you want to protect a girl who doesn't love you back. Don't do it. It all sounds super romantic, but it's actually just dumb.

“You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him know that the truth is known.” “He knows it already."

Holmes, telling people in the right order. Yeah, he went to talk to the man who was falsely imprisoned before the idiot who was sort of responsible for him being there.

"...that which it is hardest for me to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now fled together.”

I'm glad Sir George turned out to be a good sort in the end. I was pretty sure he'd just done a runner and left her, but no. The couple who steals together stays together, and I think that's beautiful.

"Neither you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most dangerous men in England—a ruined gambler, an absolutely desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing him nearly every evening."

I mean, he could have just left her behind. Could absolutely be worse. Also, way to take away Mary's agency in the matter. She absolutely knew that stealing the crown jewels was against the law. That's not exactly a difficult one to work out. She made her choices. I support them fully (apart from Lucy). She's 24 years old. Earlier you called her old and now she's too young and naive to know what was going on? A four year old knows stealing is wrong. She conspired to steal (part of) the crown jewels and run off with them. She let her cousin take the fall for her and pointed suspicion at two other innocent people. The girl was not just a victim in this mess. Don't pretend like she didn't know what she was doing or getting into. She absolutely knew it. And she did it anyway. Get your heads out of the misogyny juice and just accept a woman can commit a crime.

Honestly, men get the credit for all female accomplishments. Lolol.

"His footmarks had pressed right through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he bent her to his will."

Did you hear this conversation? Were you there? Was it recorded? How tf do you know that it was his idea and not hers? Maybe they planned it together. Maybe she was like 'hey, my uncle's an idiot who brought a 10 million dollar crown home and stuck it in his old desk that opens if you hit it in the right place, want to do a heist?' You weren't there. You've got no clue how it went.

I want to think you're saying all of this just to make Mr Holder feel less bad about it all. Just making stuff up and making Mary seem like an innocent victim in order to soothe him a little. Because you've got no evidence she wasn't just as culpable as Sir George.

"...walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared into your dressing-room. [...] Presently she emerged from the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed down the stairs, [...] He saw her stealthily open the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then closing it once more hurry back to her room..."

Yup, you're telling me she was practically blameless and only did it because she was manipulated by the terrible, evil man, and she did the actual deed single-handedly and with no sign of doubt or hesitation? The equivalent of £10 million in her hands and she just walks to the window and passes it out? Yeah, she's absolutely a helpless naive victim. I totally buy that.

Or... y'know, Sir George actually is an archfey and he enchanted her to do it.

“As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved."

I mean... I feel like he could have revealed himself and whispered 'Hey, Mary, what are you doing with that very valuable coronet?' and made her put it back by interrupting the whole affair. Rather than, you know... just standing back and watching.

“He could not explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her secret.”

"He took the more chivalrous foolish view..." <- fixed it for you.

“It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."

Drink!

"But if it were the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in their place? There could be no possible reason."

"I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of his cast-off shoes."

Who had 'to buy shoes' as the reason for the disguise? Because I definitely did not have that one. Oh, the good old days when people would turn up at your door to chat up your servants and buy your old shoes.

"It was a delicate part which I had to play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our hands were tied in the matter."

But also, getting rid of something that identifiable would be a tricky business. They needed a buyer, you needed a secret. Mutually beneficial arrangement.

Holmes pointing guns at people off screen, why do you so rarely show us the action, ACD?

"‘Why, dash it all!’ said he, ‘I've let them go at six hundred for the three!’"

Omg. LOL. Nooooo. George. You were doing so well. You only got 600 for them? A fifth of what you could have got. My dude, my dude.

Mary, get a better guy. This one done fucked up. 600 might seem a lot for now, but it's going to disappear super quickly.

“A day which has saved England from a great public scandal,” said the banker, rising.

How? Like I said before. The police were involved. The coronet is still broken. How is this all being covered up so easily? A man has been arrested.

“I think that we may safely say,” returned Holmes, “that she is wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than sufficient punishment.”

...

Is this like 'she will be a ruined woman' kind of punishment, because...? Yeah, no. 'She's going to receive her karma because the guy will leave her and society is broken and punishes women for not being pure, virginal angels?' I do not like.

I reject your conjectured ending and substitute my own in which she and George (although he needs to get better at haggling, yikes) travel the continent and steal priceless artefacts together and she's the brains of the operation.

We're not going to leave it with 'despite the fact I have described this entire story as though she is the blameless, brainless puppet of an evil man, she will receive punishment for her naivete in the form of being "ruined" and all that comes with it.'

Fuck that shit. Mary has to bear some responsibility for her actions, and there's a decidedly creepy rapey sort of undertone to the implications here. Much ick. Do not like. Badass crime couple for the win.

Oh, next one is The Final Problem. I mean, of course I remember that one.

#Letters from Watson #Sherlock Holmes #The Beryl Coronet #long post

25 notes · View notes

raccoon-eyed-rebel · 2 years ago

Text

Part 21 - Sherlock

Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Part 20 -- Part 22

Pairing: Sherlock x ofc

Summary: The guys throw a New Years Eve party at 179th Crescent Street...

Warnings: SMUT, NSFW, 18+, MINORS DNI, oral (f and m receiving), p-in-v sex.

Word count: 4.2k

A/N: Well, well, well... It's our beloved darling Sherlock. What else is there to say?

Let me know what you think! 🥰

@deandoesthingstome @geralts-yenn @summersong69 @peaches1958 @fvckinghenrycavill @keanureevesisbae @livisss @sillyrabbit81 @ellethespaceunicorn @ylva-syverson @poledancingdinos

"Can we just skip the party?" Elena asks when I kiss my way up her body again. "And then you can keep doing that all night?"

"That would be rather unfair, don't you think?" She looks up at me innocently and shakes her head. I can't help but laugh - she's not wrong. I could spend all night going down on her and be perfectly happy about it, but I've secretly been dying for her to return the favour. Despite my curiosity, I am plagued by nerves. It has been a mere two weeks since we first kissed, and things have been happening rather quickly since then. I find my mind in a constant battle between new desires and my need to process all that has been going on.

"Then maybe it's time for me to repay you?" I hardly think any type of guardian angel would be looking out for me in this particular way, so I'll have to go with either dumb luck or a natural progression of things. I hope the latter, I'm not overly fond of relying on things such as luck. Elena's hands are already wandering. Her long, slender fingers dip underneath the waistband of my trousers, and my breath catches in my throat. There is no doubt in my mind about what she is about to do, and I want her to - but I also want to stop her, put my shirt back on, and run. She senses my hesitation and smiles. “You’re not ready for this.” It isn’t a question, which I greatly appreciate. Had it been a question, I might have lied - and lying isn’t generally something I tend to enter into.

“Have you seen my shirt?” I ask, slightly annoyed. Why can’t I find the darn thing?

“I have.” The innocence in her voice means nothing good, that much I’ve learned in the past two weeks. As soon as I look up, I sigh. The good news is that I have found my shirt. The bad news is that Elena is wearing it, which means she will have to take it off. I am fairly sure I’ve said ‘we need to get dressed’ four times in the past hour. Needless to say; It did not work.

“We can’t keep doing this,” I warn as she walks over to me. Logically, if what I said is true, and we indeed cannot keep doing this, then I should be doing something to make sure we will not, in fact, keep doing it. The only problem is that I seem to be firmly glued to the edge of my bed, where I am currently sitting, and nothing about me seems inclined or able to move. That leaves us with only one other solution: What I said was not true, and we can - and likely will - keep doing what we were doing before. And I cannot say that I am in any way, shape or form likely to complain about that situation.

Elena slowly stalks towards me while opening the buttons of my shirt - one by one, until it falls open and she is standing right in front of me with a leg on either side of mine. It’s far too difficult to keep my hands to myself. As if by magic - though I wouldn’t rule out demonic possession at this point - they hook behind her knees and pull her in until her knees are next to my hips and my lips are pressed to the soft skin of her stomach. With my hands on her hips, I urge her to sit down on my lap so I can kiss her. As soon as my lips touch hers, she moans loudly. The sound is exquisite as always, succeeding every single time in turning my insides liquid and my knees weak. This woman has me wrapped entirely around her finger, and I suspect she is more than aware of this fact - though I feel she does try her hardest not to exploit it too much. I answer to the sound with a low growl. It escapes me - I’m more than aware that it only fuels her desires, but I cannot seem to help myself. It’s odd. Resisting these urges was never a problem before. Sometimes, I fear she has bewitched me. It wouldn’t be logical, but neither is the fact that I still seem to have regained no control whatsoever over my emotions and desires.

Her tongue explores my mouth, and mine hers, as they have done countless times - it’s almost impressive, considering I had never done this before a mere three weeks ago. Behind Elena’s efforts glints a sliver of impatience, an innate pressure from within to further our endeavours. A hunger. Lust. It’s evident in the motions of her lips against mine, and the travelling of her hands over my upper body, where she claws at my shoulders and softly traces my spine. With great reluctance, I break the kiss.

“Darling, would you stop that?” She shakes her head briefly in reply. Of course she will not. She is more than aware of the effect her touch has on me, especially in this particular way, and her eyes reveal that she relishes my responses.

“I want you,” she says softly. The phrase itself - or even the tone in which she says it - shouldn’t be particularly arousing to me, but my body once again betrays my mind, as is so often the case in situations that involve Elena. She knows I hate the tone she takes with me. It makes me shiver, and it causes my cock to twitch in my pants. Elena grinds her hips on mine, and I groan in reply. She’s naked - and wet - and making a mess of my trousers. It’s only a matter of time now before one of my friends comes knocking to see where we are.

“We have to get dressed and go downstairs, Elena.” Now if only I could say that in a tone that sounded in any way convincing. The simplest truth is that I want precisely what she wants - but not like this. And I have to tell her that before the divine feeling of those lips on my neck robs me of my ability to think.

“Not like this, love,” I whisper. My breath catches in my throat, and as is so often the case when I’m with her, I speak without thinking. “Tonight.”

We make our way downstairs, where we can hear Marshall’s voice in the hallway. He sounds annoyed - he has hardly been himself lately, and none of us know why that is. It’s rather curious, to say the very least. Not that he is generally particularly sunny, but his recent demeanor suggests something is the matter with him.

“Listen, you’re not the only people on the planet. Get a fucking room.” Elena looks at me as she tightens her grip on my hand. She raises her eyebrows inquisitively, but all I can do is shrug. I know exactly as much about this situation as she does.

“Marshall, go find yourself someone to suck your dick, and leave us alone.” That is clearly the sound of Danielle’s voice. At the bottom of the stairs, she and Mike are engaged in a display of affection that is slightly inappropriate for a communal area, but they don’t seem to care much. I normally would, but something about the way Elena holds on to me tells me that I will struggle to maintain decorum before the night is out, as well.

August and Anjelica are the first familiar faces we encounter in the already crowded kitchen.

“I didn’t think the two of you would make it down here at all,” August says with a suggestive smirk. “Wine?” The offer is primarily for Elena, and she accepts gratefully. Moments later, I, too, am handed a glass.

“Thank you,” I mutter. The kitchen is quite loud, thus my words will largely be inaudible. Knowing August, however, the accompanying nod will suffice as an answer. August is holding Anjelica close, and I can see why. It looks as though she has been crying - which would hardly be strange, seeing as she’s an incredible perfectionist with absolutely no sense of self-preservation. She has that in common with Elena - with whom she gets along remarkably well.

“Should I be glad Elena gets along with Anjelica so well?” I ask August, who is obviously paying as little attention to the conversation the girls are engaged in as I am.

“Oh, we don’t get a say in these things.” Geralt emerges from God knows where, and Solveig joins Anjelica and Elena in their chatter. This would be the time for any man to give up on trying to keep up with their conversation. It is simply a feat that far exceeds our capabilities. “I’m fairly sure we’re already doomed.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, confusion clearly laid out in my voice as I raise an eyebrow inquisitively. Surely it can’t be that terrible?

“I heard,” Geralt answers, stressing that we didn’t get this information from him, which is his way of letting us know that he came by this knowledge through his sensitive hearing. It also means he considers what we’re currently doing gossiping - a practice he generally despises, and I can’t help but agree. “That they’re planning a girls night.” That hardly sounds like a very large problem, but perhaps my limited experience with relationships has left me without some important information on the subject.

“That usually means that all of them are going to be told every minute intimate detail of your relationship, so they can… I don’t know why they do it, just that they do.” I silently thank August for supplying this information, but it also raises several concerns.

“How intimate?” I inquire, trying hard to keep surprise and dread away from both my voice and face. Judging from the way August smirks back at me, I don’t succeed.

“Yes, that intimate,” Geralt says - though ‘snarl’ might be a more apt description of the sound he makes.

“We’re not looking forward to it, either,” August reassures me as he lays a hand on my shoulder. I can’t say I’m thrilled at the prospect of having all these girls know the most intimate details of my relationship, but thanks to my lack of experience with these things, I can’t say I’m overly worried about it, either.

“Not looking forward to what?” Elena joins me again and wraps her arms around me.

“Nothing.” The girls seem to think nothing of the fact that the three of us grunt the word in unison - but looks can be deceiving, especially when one deals with women.

Charles seems to have invited half of the university - which isn’t a problem, merely an inconvenience, as I’m not quite fond of people, and there are a lot of them in my house right now - and I find myself in quite the conundrum. Leaving the party without being seen is utterly impossible, and I’m uncharacteristically concerned with what people will think if I leave now, but I also can’t quite spend another minute here - and it isn't even midnight yet.

I feel Elena's arm around my waist as she leans into me.

"Do you want to get out of here?" she asks coyly. I couldn't put into words my desire to say yes if my life depended on it, but despite the overwhelming urge, I say nothing. She takes my hand in hers and pulls me along, and with every step my surroundings blur until the only thing I see is her.

Every next step up the stairs is harder than the last. I will my feet to move, but when the door to my room - or rather: the door that leads to the stairs that lead up to my room - closes, I no longer seem to be able to lift them.

“I’d love to hear it,” Elena says suddenly. Whatever is she talking about? My confusion must be evident from my expression, because she continues her query: “The no doubt incredibly logical reasoning behind your doubts. And everything else that’s going on in that beautiful brain of yours.” Her hands feel so soft against my cheek, that I involuntarily let out a sigh. Elena all but drags me up the stairs to my room - after making sure to lock the door, that is - and towards my bed. As I drop myself down onto the mattress, a sound of utter exasperation escapes me.

“Talk to me,” she says as she joins me on the bed, climbing over me in the process, before nestling into my side. She lays her head on my chest, and I weave a hand into her hair. I have found it is something I find comforting. We lay there for a moment before she repeats her question. She has no other choice: I was rather disinclined to answer it. If I’m being quite honest, I still am. Elena senses my reluctance and scoffs. “Come on. When an eighteen year old guy has a horny girl in his bed and doesn’t want to fuck, something’s usually going on.”

“That is a wildly incorrect statement.” I say plainly. She looks at me in utter bewilderment, which leads me to chuckle. “You are operating under the assumption that I don’t want to… very well… fuck. You are wrong.”

“Well, then, allow me to amend my statement: When an eighteen year old guy has a horny girl in his bed and wants to fuck her, but doesn’t, something’s going on.”

“Alright, that is an acceptable observation.” Perhaps it is unfair of me to circumvent her implicit question, but I feel uncomfortable, and I technically haven’t been asked anything. Therefore, I will not answer the question I have not been asked.

“Well, what is it?” Oh, bother.

"I told you I needed time to process all that was happening," I answer, knowing it will not satisfy Elena's relentless curiosity.

"I remember. Continue."

"Now, I feel like I have to wait." I say softly. "The truth is that I don't think I need much - or any - time at all. I want you, Elena. All of you."

"We already knew your mind processes things quickly," she jokes.

"That's just it, darling. I haven't even begun to process these emotions. I simply can't figure out how. Yet it feels so incredibly natural." Feelings. If someone had offered me three weeks ago the opportunity to do away with them altogether, I would have taken it. Now, I cannot say I would. I am far from done with exploring the feelings I have for her - and what little I know of them yet, is far too precious to me.

"We can wait until next year," she says as she grins up at me.

"Clever girl," I chuckle. "I think we might." I also like to think that, despite the novelty of the event, we won't manage before next year. Or rather; it would sorely bruise my ego, otherwise, seeing as we're a mere ten minutes away.

She's working on the fourth button of my shirt by the time I even notice she's undressing me. I recently developed the theory that she does this just to see how far she can get before I catch her - she gladly confirmed my suspicions when I brought it up. I'm also quite happy to find that she is rather good at it, though tonight is one of those nights where I will allow myself a little less patience than usual. She smiles when I pull my shirt over my head and immediately attempt to rid her of her blouse.

"Are you trying to get me naked?" she teases. I can't help but roll my eyes at her utterly redundant question.

"No, I'm baking biscuits," I retort. It's not a clever reply, but I'm not overly concerned with coming across as especially witty right now. All I want is to feel the warmth of her skin against mine.

"Before any more clothes come off," she says quickly as she - much to my dismay - wrestles herself away from the kiss we were engulfed in, "I want you to know I'm not currently on any birth control, so we'll have to use con- Sherlock! I'm trying to talk to you!"

"I'm trying to kiss you!"

"And I will let you, after we have a very mature conversation about birth control," Elena laughs.

"Pardon my ignorance, but what is there to talk about? What methods of contraception you use hardly concerns me. I won't pretend to have any say in the matter, it's your body we're talking about, after all." She kisses me fiercely, so I can only assume I said something to deserve it, though I can't for the life of me think of what that would have been.

My next attempt to take her blouse off isn’t met with any resistance, and I sigh deeply when the fabric falls away to reveal her gorgeous body. I sincerely doubt I’ll ever get used to the sight. She squints when it only takes me one try to open the clasp of her bra.

“I don’t like that you know how to do that already,” she says, pulling her lips into a pout that makes me think several unholy things at once.

“You weren’t so bothered by my efficiency this afternoon,” I remind her. Much to my surprise, she hadn’t been asking me to stop yet after four consecutive orgasms. She chuckles - a delightful sound that turns into a moan when I kiss her neck. My hands roam her body, impatiently following a downward trajectory. Never in my life have I been so thoroughly annoyed by a pair of jeans. My agitation clearly interferes with my dexterity - so much so that Elena barely suppresses a fit of laughter before helping me.

I'm not quite sure what happens next, but in only a short moment, I find her on top of me. For a brief instance, I allow myself to relish the weight of her body on mine - it feels good, but I couldn't begin to explain why.

"Do you have condoms?" She asks suddenly, and I nod as I quietly thank Geralt for insisting I take them. "Good." Her lips are on mine only for a second, then they're off again, brushing over the skin of my neck, descending further every time they touch my body again. This time, I find that I am not quite as nervous as before - not that I’m given much time to be.

Her hands work much quicker than mine once again, but I never get the impression she is rushing. I wish she would. These past two weeks have led me to wonder whether I am as patient as I always thought myself to be. Perhaps I am simply rather good at feigning composure. I find myself longing for her touch so much that it doesn’t startle me. In fact, I feel what I would most easily describe as a sense of relief when her hand wraps around my erection, my face and voice acting entirely of their own accord in accompaniment. My back arches off the mattress the first time Elena's tongue touches my cock. God, that feels amazing. The view is rather phenomenal, too. Sensations and emotions mix in my brain until I can no longer figure out where one ends and the next begins.

"Fuck," I groan under my breath as she moves her head up and down. Every time she goes down, she takes more of me into her mouth. There's a determination in her eyes that inflates my ego - apparently there's a degree of difficulty involved here that I didn't know existed. It becomes impossible to hold back my moans as she keeps going down until she finally gags. I'm fairly certain my first thoughts regarding this should be to see if Elena is quite alright. Instead, my mind is consumed by one thought, and one thought only: 'Do that again.'

"Oh," she says, abandoning her ministrations and crawling up until she straddles my hips, "my baby has a dark side."

"Please tell me I didn't say that out loud," I groan, but the grin on her face tells me everything I need to know.

"You did," she says, the grin widening as she leans in to take my bottom lip in between her teeth. The sensation caused by her teeth scraping the soft flesh sends chills down my spine. "I like it. I want you inside of me, now."

"Technically, I was inside of you just now," I reply without thinking, "can't we go back to that?"

Elena playfully slaps my arm and laughs while she rummages around in the drawer of my nightstand until she finds what she's looking for.

Luckily, she takes charge of putting the condom on. I don't have any hands-on experience, and… My thoughts are disturbed as a loud thud sounds from downstairs, followed by laughter that unmistakably comes from Mike and Danielle.

"Why?" I whine when I see Elena's face morph into a pained expression as she attempts to choke back laughter.

"What were they do-"

"No!" I interrupt, "I don't care about what they were doing! Really. Not one bit. I care - deeply, I might add - about what we were doing, and I'd like to keep doing it. Please." Yes, I am begging her, and I honestly couldn't care less at this time. I need her.

"Care deeply, huh?" She lightly trails her slender fingers over my chest, fingernails scratching my skin lightly, every path feeling like a million tiny flames erupt on my skin in the wake of her touch. "Tell me what you want."

"A minute ago you couldn't wait to jump me, now you're trying to make me beg for it," I growl. The faint hint of aggression in my own voice surprises me. "I want you to stop toying with me."

Elena swallows hard and bows her head. I lift her chin and pull her in for a kiss while she slowly sinks down onto my cock. Neither of us bother with trying to keep quiet. It is both impossible and undesirable at this time. The tight warmth of her body surrounding me inhibits my ability to think clearly, but it is immediately obvious to me that I likely won't last very long. My suspicions are confirmed when she starts moving - slowly at first, but increasing her pace after only a few short moments. Half of my moans get caught in my throat - thank goodness. In the back of my mind, I hear her moan. The noise is faint: I can't say I'm particularly occupied with it over my own experience. It isn’t that I am unwilling to take note of her pleasure, it’s simply that I find myself once again overwhelmed by new, and thus unfamiliar sensations. They’re not unpleasant - in fact, they are far from unpleasant. I’d happily agree to a description that is more along the lines of ‘phenomenal’. Elena never stops moving as she takes my face in her hands.

"Don't hold back," she pleads, "I want to hear you enjoy this." I can’t say whether it’s the sound of her voice, the look in her eyes, or just the timing, but it's advice I'll have to remember for next time.

"Logically, I knew there was a very decent chance this would happen," I mutter while Elena climbs off of me and nestles into my side, "but I still feel the need to apologise."

"Don't," she sighs, "I simply won't accept it." At this point, I am far too worn out to argue, so I opt to look at her until she elaborates, instead.

"You did nothing wrong, there is nothing to apologise for. Therefore, you would be apologising without a cause, which makes the apology meaningless, thus inherently insincere, which is not something I can accept." I would say I hate it when she uses logic against me, but it would be a blatant lie. In fact, I find it incredibly attractive.

Elena gives me a moment before taking my hand and dragging me out of bed, throwing on as little clothes as needed to be appropriate enough for the inconvenient yet very necessary trip downstairs. I silently curse the location of my room and the fact that I now have to navigate these infernal stairs in my current intoxicated state. Elena, on the other hand, seems rather unbothered by any desire for secrecy.

“They won’t care, Sherlock,” she reassures me as she makes her way downstairs in a rather casual fashion. She’s right, of course, I know she is. Unfortunately, that doesn’t prevent me from feeling a form of inexplicable shame regarding the current situation. No matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to find a logical explanation for the unwelcome feeling. I should be used to the indecipherability of certain emotions by now, but alas. It isn’t until I am once again in my bed, holding Elena securely in my arms, that the feeling slowly fades as I fall asleep.

#179cs #179 crescent street #henry cavill characters #henrycavill fanfic #henry cavill fanfiction #henry cavill sherlock holmes #sherlock x ofc #sherlock holmes x ofc #179cs21

30 notes · View notes

bellamysgriffin · 5 months ago

Note

I was anti Moffat until I got on DWTwitter they softened me to the guy. He's still undeniably flawed and I'll never like Sherlock it is pretty bad to me but I realized a lot of what's on here about him was pretty bad faith. I fear I've become a light defender. And his Douglas is Cancelled joint is pretty damn good, shockingly feminist.

well I don’t think he’s a monster I just think he’s a bad writer lmao. i know he has liberal/feminist ideals but i do think some of his storylines have some sexist and offensive undertones, esp when it comes to characters like missy.

but my main beef with him is truly just the fact that I dislike what he did with multiple storylines on the show, the way he messed with the lore, the insane plot holes, reframing the doctor as a dark antihero instead of what he usually was, writing inconsistently for his characters, missing the point of the show several times, having everyone be so exhaustingly Cheeky, and always undoing the stakes he set out for his characters. some sins are bigger than others in my opinion and of course he has one offs that are truly wonderful (I think he writes better in a more limited sphere, weeping angels are the best but then became a joke immediately when he started fucking around with their lore as did river song). he’s not a worthless writer, I like a lot of what he did, but in general I thought he was a pretty bad show runner and a bad writer for doctor who lmao.

so I can see how the takes that he’s like a super offensive man might be some bad faith stuff, like he seems like an alright guy I suppose, but I just don’t think his writing is up to snuff

#anti moffat #and he certainly has implicit sexism in his stories at times #the way he wrote rose during empty child?? fucking crazy #dana answers stuff

3 notes · View notes

jvstheworld · 1 year ago

Text

The Buffy Re-watch: S2E6 (part 2)

Halloween

Buffy looks good in her costume, as does Willow.

Correct reaction Xander on both counts.

Cordy is confusing, Oz thinks so too.

Who gives toothbrushes to kids on Halloween? And how many did they buy to be able to give out to kids? Like did they buy a few shop's stock of them? Are they dentists so they are able to get them in bulk, if that's a thing? Just get candy, it would be easier and cheaper.

What was the point of Ethan's plan? Just complete chaos with no actual goal? Just doing it for shits and giggles. Not judging, just curious.

Willow is a ghosty, Xander is an army man, and Buffy is an 18th century noble woman. This is going to be fun.

To someone from the 18th century a car would seem like a demon. Sort of reminds me of the Star Trek: TNG episode where Picard had to convince a group of proto Vulcans that he wasn't a god. Specifically, the conversation he has with one of the villagers about how technology has advanced and how it might appear to others from the past. To an 18th century woman, a car could be seen as something horrible and evil because she can not comprehend the technology, just like in Star trek where Picard was believed to be a god because his crew saved someone's life. Does that make sense? Because it does to me, but I know that not everyone might follow what I'm saying.

And after only a few seconds of 18th century Buffy, Willow is already done with her shit.

'Who died and made her the boss?' Well, Willow technically died and since she was the only one who remembered her own name when she got turned into a ghosty, she got to be the boss.

Spike loves the chaos.

Has Giles been oblivious to the chaos this whole time?

Cordelia is good at recaps, Very succinct. Hey maybe she should do the intro recaps.

How and when did someone get in to the Summer's house basement? That made no sense to me. They just hide in there until someone happened to be around for them to come out and kill them? I know it's a fantasy, horror show, but come on. Because there's no way Angel would have left the door open when he walked in and he would never have let anyone follow him in. And before Angel got there, they locked the place down. So, someone give me a realistic answer to this, please. I'm struggling for one.

Giles is curious as to how Willow's costume makes her a ghosty. It's a fair question since he probably never saw her before the trick or treating started.

Giles goes quite at the name Ethan. He has good reasons to.

Spike rounding up mini demons to hunt Buffy.

Larry the Pirate from earlier is now an actual gross pirate.

Janus- the Roman God with 2 faces. In season 1 episode 3 of Sherlock, this particular god was used as the name of the hire car company that Sherlock and John investigate.

'Hello Ripper.' Damn, Giles has a dark past we don't know about. We'll find out in 2 episodes time.

Xander gets revenge on Larry the Pirate. Okay, but still needs to work on his issue of feeling inadequate.

Cordy still doesn't believe hat Angel is a vampire?

Angel just picks up Buffy, sweet.

Giles has been hiding a lot of himself from Buffy and friends.

Spike, if you're going to kill someone do it quickly, because at any second the tables could turn and you will get your ass handed to you.

'Hi honey, I'm home.' See, I get that you want to savour the moment but if your goal is to kill someone, don't talk, just do. Think of all the heroes who would have died if the villains didn't monologue. But also slight parallel here as Spike will being saying this to Buffy in season 7 episode 21.

Ethan disappears and Spike knows when to get the hell out of Dodge. Self preservation skills.

I like that after this entire night Willow feels confident to wear her outfit without the ghosty costume. It's a great look for her and Oz likes it too. It's the second time he notices her.

Angel hated women from his time. We could have saved so much trouble if we knew this earlier. The scene between Angel and Buffy is cute, I won't deny that. And Buffy is just as pretty in a tank top and sweatpants as she was in her costume.

Ethan is gone for now, but the look on Giles' face, damn that's dark. He really doesn't want people finding out about his past. I mean, you really wouldn't want anyone to find out if your secret was as bad as his is. Which we will find out about in 2 episodes time. I seriously thought that gap between these was bigger for some reason.

Okay, that's it for this episode. Tomorrow, Buffy has an unexpected visitor with some shady shit going on.

#buffy the vampire slayer #buffy summers #rupert giles #willow rosenberg #xander harris #angel #cordelia chase #spike #btvs s2 #buffy rewatch #tv show thoughts

16 notes · View notes

denimbex1986 · 10 months ago

Text

'Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal are no strangers to the “internet boyfriend” phenomenon — a term used to describe a collective crush by social media users. And they are perfectly fine with being in a league that includes Timothée Chalamet, Pedro Pascal, and Oscar Isaac.

“It’s a mark of respect,” Mescal says on a warm November afternoon in Los Angeles during their Out photo shoot, shortly after the pair posed together and cracked inside jokes like, well, actual boyfriends might. The 27-year-old says that “to be admired for your work is a great privilege, and to move people, it’s an amazing thing to be able to say.” (Mescal, for his part, says he has “a massive talent crush and admiration for [Triangle of Sadness star] Harris Dickinson.”)

In recent years, the two Irish actors have gained international followings (and crushes) for their roles. Scott, an out actor, was beloved for playing James Moriarty on Sherlock before rising to critical acclaim as the “hot priest” on Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Emmy-winning Fleabag. Mescal, who is straight, established himself as the indie It Boy in projects like Normal People and Aftersun, the latter of which garnered him an Oscar nomination last year.

It was only a matter of time before these stars collided, and that clash resulted in some of this season’s most alluring and haunting performances in All of Us Strangers. It’s not just the internet that’s smitten; the film has been a darling of awards season, with Oscar buzz surrounding the leads as well as Andrew Haigh for his direction and screenplay.

Based on Japanese author Taichi Yamada’s 1987 novel, Strangers, the newest project from Haigh — beloved for gay productions like Weekend and Looking — is part ghost story, part family drama, and all steamy romance. It follows a lonely London screenwriter named Adam (Scott) who meets and falls in love with his neighbor Harry (Mescal) while reconnecting with his parents (Jamie Bell and Claire Foy) in the suburban home he used to live in 30 years prior. The catch? Adam’s parents have been dead for quite some time.

While the soul of the supernatural AOUS may be Adam’s journey of reconciling with these ghosts after years of solitude, the beating heart of the film is his blossoming relationship with Harry, which will get many fans’ own hearts racing.

Awash in romantic chemistry, Adam and Harry’s dynamic reads like a dream come true to many urban-dwelling queer men who likewise yearn for connection. A sexy, mysterious neighbor comes knocking at the door. You may play coy at first, but you slowly let him into a routine of passionate sex, all-night dancing, quiet afternoons spent reading, and general domestic bliss. Mescal and Scott fall into this rhythm so easily that it’s easy to forget that one of the actors is straight. But Mescal is no stranger to queer culture.

“A lot of the things that Harry’s experiencing, I knew and understood,” Mescal shares. “The party culture side to Harry is like a tool that he uses to escape, but in terms of queer culture and in terms of learning…I have a proximity to that in my own life, so it didn’t feel like that part of it wasn’t necessarily eye-opening or anything to me personally.”

“Our job as actors is to build, to service this extraordinary, amazing relationship that Andrew [Haigh] created, and it was really, really easy for us to do that,” Scott says of their chemistry. “I think both of us are really interested in playing romantic love. I think it’s something that we both really take pleasure in acting, so it was very, very, very easy for both of us.”

The lovers' bond wasn't the only one that captivated AOUS audiences. The film’s fantastical way of bringing Adam’s Mum and Dad back to life, if only for a few brief moments at a time, is cathartic for anyone seeking another chance to reconnect. These parents aren’t perfect, and their reactions to Adam’s sexuality reflect the attitudes people had of queer folks during the time they passed in the ’80s. But Bell and Foy’s performances give life to a realistic and loving family dynamic.

“For the queer experience, a lot of the time it’s not outward rejection nor is it all-embracing acceptance,” Scott says of his moving coming-out scene. “For a lot of people, it’s a sort of thorny time where your parents or members of your family ask you questions that are clumsy and sometimes unwittingly cruel and upsetting. There has to be a period of adjustment, and I think that’s a more common experience for people. And I think it’s really important that that’s represented as well, that some of these questions that our parents ask us, they may be out of fear, but they’re also out of love.”

“Looking at the 1980s, this is why our media is very important,” he continues. “I remember when we were researching Pride and looking at the way gay people were spoken about in the press, and it was absolutely shocking. They could literally call people perverts, and it was just fear-mongering and really, really grotesque. So of course, if somebody’s going to come out in the 1980s to their parents, the parents are going to be, almost wisely, a little bit cautious because that’s what they’ve been fed by the media. But once the media stops feeding them that stuff, then, as I think is beginning to happen now, we go, OK, it’s an option if my son or daughter or child is gay. That’s an option because prejudice doesn’t survive proximity.”

For Haigh, it was important to revive these old ghosts of prejudice for modern-day viewers. “There’s no point pretending that everything is always fantastic and great and we’re all happy all the time, so I think it’s important to look at some of the issues, and this film, for me, was very much about a certain generation of queer person, especially one who grew up in the ’80s, and how they came into their sexuality,” Haigh said at a special L.A. screening in December. “That hasn’t quite been a story that I’ve seen too much about in terms of how that past has affected a lot of us in the present. And that was what was really interesting to me.”

“We could all understand that we might want to go back in time and recalibrate our relationships with our parents,” Haigh continued. “Especially when you’re [a] queer person, they’re not always easy. There’s a lot of things that have been unsaid. For me, [All of Us Strangers] is so much about how easy it is as a queer person to drift away from your family. That’s one of the saddest things — I think sometimes about when you are different in the world, you can feel like you are alone in that difference. This was really a chance of togetherness, again, within the family.”

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Andrew Haigh project with a fairy-tale ending. Though Adam was able to reach a loving resolution in his metaphysical reunions with Mum and Dad, the new family he finds in his boyfriend Harry — one that audiences are led to believe can last the test of time (even Mum is on board) — isn’t quite what it seems. Harry is also going through his own struggles with loneliness, particularly estrangement from his biological family, leading him to knock on Adam’s door in the first place.

“I think there’s great tragedy in not seeing somebody sad but seeing somebody fight against being sad or being perceived to be upset or lonely. And I think Harry, for the most part, encounters people who facilitate that,” Mescal says. “He meets Adam, who doesn’t facilitate that, who doesn’t allow him to simply go, ‘I’m all good, let’s go take ketamine at the club. I’m all here. I’m happy.’ I mean, they do that as well. And that’s why I think the film is so brilliant. It balances it out in that regard.”

“I wouldn’t have played this part if I was just a representation of a sad gay man or the happy party,” Mescal continues. “It’s the fact that both of those things exist beside each other.”

Yet Adam and Harry’s story can impart many lessons to audiences, the most important being that everyone deserves love during their lifetime — and beyond.

“I think Harry is both serving as a warning and a celebration of what it is to be loved,” Mescal says. “He serves as a warning to parents of the damage you can do with the casual cruelty that you present to a child if you’re not careful with the information that you give them. But also, even when you do that, if you receive true love from somebody, it can save you.”

“The whole point of art is to increase our empathy, that we’re the same as people who don’t look or act or fuck like we do,” adds Scott, who was overjoyed to learn from some AOUS audience members that they hugged their kids, LGBTQ+ and otherwise, after screening the film. “That’s the thing that I really would want to hold on to.”'

#Andrew Haigh #Andrew Scott #Paul Mescal #All of Us Strangers #Weekend #Looking #Taichi Yamada #Strangers #Normal People #Aftersun #James “Jim” Moriarty #Sherlock #Hot Priest #Fleabag #Phoebe Waller-Bridge

3 notes · View notes