#mathematician!Sherlock

[wormsslime]

that post is so wild like. mathematicians are perhaps the only group of people in the world who value laziness and no repetition of effort more than programmers. you picked Exactly the wrong group for your analogy. decades ago, long before ai art was a Topic, i was already running into and laughing at mathematician jokes abt reducing to a solved problem. you could not have picked a less appropriate comparison if you wanted to make some sort of argument about how value stems from effort. incredible

[tachikoma-x]

Like, what an incredibly unusual statement.

'Hello, Mr. nobleman mathematician, whom I'm meeting for only the second time, say, wouldn't it be great (良いな) if it turned out you were a murderer, a crime lord?' *Wink wink

He just tossed it out like it’s a compliment. And his interlocutor took it as one. (#They deserve each other.)

The way Sherlock phrased his statement, along with the wink, implies a few assumptions to be true, otherwise, it wouldn't make sense (?):

1. He likes the mathematician.

2. He either condones or even approves of the actions of the crime lord on the Noahtic already at that point in the story.

Truly extraordinary. Perhaps so extraordinary that the anime English dub version decided to change it to the more plain “however, if you were indeed this mastermind, just how would you reply in this instance”? lol

[gladiusveritatis]

A Brief Analysis of William’s Mindset

I’m not surprised by the popularity of the Sherliam ship or the fact that William’s entire character is often reduced to this ship. This reflects a broader tendency: we struggle to view something as a whole without filtering it through something else. That’s why people often find it difficult to be alone with themselves and answer the question, “Who am I?” without needing or wanting to see themselves through the eyes of others. But I’m delving too deeply into psychology and human behaviour in society and solitude, so let’s return to William.

The problem with understanding William as a person (or character) and the issues surrounding the Sherliam ship stem from a misunderstanding of William’s political mindset. No matter how you look at it, the ideal conclusion to his story was his death on that bridge. And honestly, despite my distaste for Sherliam, I’ll admit that the ship could have had a far more symbolic and beautiful connection if both of them had died in that jump. But they didn’t, and trust me, if William had truly felt anything for Sherlock, he would have shown it far more openly.

For William, his plan was his life in every sense of the word. Since his plan was deeply tied to his country, you could say that his life’s purpose was his people, for whom he was prepared to die. He remained a kind person to the very end, and his death wasn’t an act of cowardice, as Sherlock accused him of. In fact, Sherlock could have said anything to him on that bridge — it wouldn’t have made a difference. William would have jumped regardless.

William was a mathematician and will always be one at heart. Solving societal issues was, for him, like solving an equation. He believed he had derived the most ideal formula for change. However, his decision to die wasn’t because it was the perfect solution — his plan was ongoing, and he knew his close allies and society itself would carry it forward. It was the ideal solution for him, because he understood how much people would hate him and wish him harm. He accepted this and chose to end his own story within the larger narrative. Everything William did was for his people, and that’s why he chose to die — he knew he wouldn’t be able to face the people he loved.

Throughout his life, William was loved and respected. People always listened to him. Then came the shocking revelation of his “devilish” side, which struck like a storm across the country. William couldn’t endure not because he was a coward unable to face his sins or seek redemption, but because he was a profoundly kind person.

[lisbeth-kk]

Polychromatic Wrapping - December 1

It's finally December, and I'm so excited to share this fic with you.

Here's a bit about the premise: Sherlock and John take turns to tell us about their past and present. There are lots of new knowledge and head canon stuff here. Toot-rotting fluff, but also sexy times. Each chapter is wrapped in a different paper/colours, but it's the same universe throughout. The chapters are based on the prompts from the @fluff-cember blog.

Roasted Marshmallows

Summary: Sherlock tells John about a challenge he and Mycroft participated in when they were children, initiated by their mathematician mother.

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

@meetinginsamarra @safedistancefrombeingsmart @gregorovitch-adler @topsyturvy-turtely @jolieblack

@peanitbear @bs2sjh @brandiwein1982 @meandhisjohn @a-victorian-girl

@221beloved @ninasnakie @shy-bi-letsfuckingdie @7-percent @lhrinchelsea

@missdeliadilisblog @salmonsown @oetkb12 @jawnscoffee @gay-ass-bitch

@acumberlockedgirl @willamholmeswatson @whatnext2020 @mydogwatson @redmondcollege

@thegildedbee @ilovegayangels @elizabethhood @xmengal03 @riversong912

@givemesherbet-blog-blog @couldbecannibal @2old2b-fangirl @dw91165 @jonkwatson

@binx72 @macgyvershe

(Tell me if you want to be tagged or removed from the list)

[knives-and-narcissi]

Okay back on my bullshit and I need to talk about these —

This to me is a direct call back by Sherlock to Liam pre- William James Moriarty. Baby Liam, before he stained his hands with all that killing and stole the identity of another child. Can you see the way Sherlock gets down on his knee like that? Know what it reminds me of?

How you speak to a child on their level.

“You’ve taken your first step …”

Also feels very child-oriented to me. And painting an ideal future …?

Sherlock is appealing here to the boy who never was; the boy who never got the chance to grow up and learn about his true self …

“My own self …”

Liam’s entire life has been spent behind a mask. His whole existence was that of a ghost; the shell of a dead child. He never gave himself permission to consider who he truly was; him him, and not William Moriarty, because the old him had to die in that fire all those years ago. I cannot even begin to think about what that must feel like.

And then along came Sherlock Holmes, and with a simple look during a moment of rare honesty from Liam — his genuine, child-like inquisitiveness at the sight of that spiral staircase provoking a trait that was truly his — his love of mathematics — Sherlock was able to effortlessly reach out and take the hand of the person who existed behind the mask.

A mathematician: one of the most elementary aspects of Liam’s character, indeed. His love of mathematics shone long before he committed his first act of violence. To be judged so quickly and found not to be the devil, but just a man who loves numbers — that was a glimpse of his true self that he’d almost forgotten about, amidst the pressure of his plans on the Noahtic.

Sherlock is also, aside from Louis and Albert, the only person to my knowledge who is aware of Liam’s true name — and because it was Liam’s choice to gift that knowledge to him. Recalling that Liam believed he was about to die, him giving Sherlock the evidence of his birth, as he was truly originally supposed to be, feels like a painfully poignant and intimate gesture.

Even we, the readers, are not privy to that information. It’s granted only to Sherlock; a secret they share.

The theme of rebirth is very present in the climax of the story, and Liam even states in his letter that if only he could be born again, this time he thinks he and Sherlock would be true friends. It’s desperately sad that he can’t see at that point that he doesn’t need to be reborn to get back in touch with his old self, because he’s still there inside of him. Sherlock is the proof of that, because Sherlock hasn’t found a friend and, dare I say it, a soulmate in William Moriarty, or the Lord of Crime. Sherlock has found that connection with the man beneath the mask.

During the moment on the Thames, William James Moriarty did indeed die a second time. But this time it was so that Liam, as his true self, could re-emerge. This is why he suddenly sees all those colours again — that which was buried is now brought forth towards the light.

Another small point to make is the decision to have Sherlock use Liam almost immediately. It’s a name that feels a lot more removed from the identity of William Moriarty than for example, Will. It’s new and something that’s very much separate from the dead boy Liam embodies. It’s a tiny glimpse of the branch in identities beginning once again after years of suffering his sins in silence.

I could go on and on about all this. It’s probably just obvious stuff to most people. But god damn is it the most beautiful story of losing and finding oneself again, even in the darkest depths of despair, because someone cared enough to reach out a hand.

Might just be my favourite.

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Five Fics Friday: December 13/24

Happy Friday the 13th everyone! Let's get into the long weekend with five more fics that have been put on my radar this week! I hope you have a gay old time!! :D

RECENT MFLs

A Magical Holiday by PipMer (T, 1,107+ w., 1/2 Ch. || WiP || Established Relationship, Fluff, POV Sherlock, Johnlock on Holiday, Magical Realism, Christmas) – He had wanted to wait until after the new year, but it seemed that John needed some kind of pick me up to get him through his first Rosie-less Christmas. Maybe a get-away was just the thing. Not an exotic, far-away place, but just far enough removed to escape the melancholy and focus on fresh surroundings. And he could kill two birds with one stone in the process. Yes. Good. He would do this.

Every Song Reminds Me of You by ChrisCalledMeSweetie (G, 1,157 w., 1 Ch. || Fluff, Humour, John's an Idiot, Posh Sherlock) – Music hath charms to help John acknowledge his feelings for Sherlock.

Polychromatic Wrapping by Lock_John_Silver (M, 6,187+ w., 12/31 Ch. || WiP || Alternating POV, Established Relationship, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Childhood Memories, Domestic Fluff, Tumblr Prompts, Kissing, Minor Illnesses, Sherlock's Mind Palace, Christmas Presents, Rimming, John's Red Pants, Grumpy John, Cooking, Family, Hurt/Comfort, Traditions, Caring Sherlock, John in a Kilt, New Year's Kiss, Celebrations, Travelling, Switzerland, Blow Jobs, Alcohol, Making Up) – Sherlock tells John about a challenge he and Mycroft participated in when they were children, initiated by their mathematician mother. (NOTE!! WiP updating daily in December 2024)

Looking Up by StarlightAndFireflies (T, 11,704+ w., 3/4 Ch. || WiP || Alternate First Meeting / Neighbours AU || Single Father John, Domesticity, Falling in Love, Mental Health Issues, Crime Fighting, Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Mild Sexual Content) – When John Watson, single father to toddler Rosie, finds a cheap flat for rent in central London, he's sure there must be a catch. He can't afford to be picky, though, and so he moves in... only to discover that his upstairs neighbor is far more unconventional than he bargained for. But this strange man might just be the fresh start John needs. AU in which Sherlock and John meet when John moves into 221c.

Murder in Sussex Trilogy by ChrisCalledMeSweetie (T, 78,331 w. across 3 works || 1920s AU, Case Fics, Surprise Ending, Alternating POVs, Humour) – Can you follow the clues to deduce whodunnit?

[artofdeductionbysholmes]

Sherlock, you need to talk to that silly woman!

We have balls of yarn everywhere. I'm staring at two on the kitchen counter right now! She's even designing original jumper patterns. She said, not my words, 'love the mental math!' and ' there's enough time to get them done before Christmas'. Mathematicians are the worst! Oh, time to make dinner. She likes my French onion soup. Talk to you later.

Father, why do you think Mummy would listen to me?

[seeingteacupsindragons]

There's something so powerful about Sherlock looking at William, Sherlock saying "I see right down to the marrow of you," and declaring William a mathematician. A murderer, yes. A revolutionary. A right bastard. A sinner.

Above all other things that William is, to Sherlock's impeccable eye, he is a mathematician. Someone who would solve an problem and balance all sides equal. No more. No less. It is who he is and what drives him.

And in return, William looked at him and said, "I see right down to the marrow of you and there I find all the little details in you that you wish others could see." The only person who bothered to care and to note things about Sherlock that he took pride in, that he emphasized about himself.

They both saw exactly what the other longed most to have seen about themselves. The things no one else had time or care to know or see.

[myemuisemo]

Suddenly we're three Letters from Watson into The Valley of Fear. I'm fairly sure I didn't read it during my late-childhood discovery of Sherlock Holmes, so my tabula is more than usually rasa.

In chapter 1, Watson refers to the date as being in the late 1880s. Since the serial started publication in September 1914, and was presumably written not too long before that, this would be like you or I writing a novel set circa 1999. Some of the readers who eagerly awaited their updates, back in the early weeks of World War I, would not have had adult memories of 1889-ish.

The events of chapter 1 appear to hang on Whitaker's Alamanack, which it turns out was in continuous publication until... wait for it... 2021. Here's the site with some information on the final edition. Whitaker's was a compendium of useful facts, updated annually. For Americans like me, the near equivalent would be the World Almanac, which may still be published. Both Whitaker's and the World Almanac started up in 1868, so apparently that year was a cultural moment of feeling that a person needed some handy way to understand an increasingly connected world.

The idea that "everyone" owns the same book, in the same edition, feels absolutely wild now, in 2024. This was true in my childhood for the World Almanac, though, and probably for a couple other books.

For Holmes' era, "Bradshaw" was, of course, the big railway guide. What ended its importance was not the internet, but railroad consolidation, with its influence waning as early as the mid-1920s.

As we get into chapter two, I am quite liking Inspector MacDonald, who is in on the stereotype of the practical, energetic Scotsman.

Jean-Baptiste Greuze was a real French painter in the 18th century, working in a soft, but very nearly photorealistic style (catalog). Per Wikipedia, La jeune fille a l'agneau also exists and sold in 1865 for more than a million pounds. I'm not surprised that Holmes is most interested in one of the "genre" paintings (scenes of everyday life) rather than the portraits of the famous, but it seems like an odd like insight that Professor Moriarty is, too.

I'm having a heck of a time identifying an online pic that is actually, definitely La jeune fille a l'agneau, rather than one of the many copies, reproductions, and pastiches. This raises a question that Holmes and MacDonald do not: could Moriarty's painting be a copy or reproduction? Greuze had multiple legit pupils who at some point copied his style: not only was copying a master's works a standard part of art education, but it would have been a normal practice for pupils to have painted portions of Greuze's works. Heck, if Moriarty is a master criminal, surely he knows a good art forger or two. I do not entirely buy that Holmes could distinguish a forged version from the original -- that's such a specific skillset. I do think Holmes would prefer his art to be originals, and he believes the same of Moriarty.

Master criminal Jonathan Wild is also a real person who was the real head of a crime ring, back in the last days of the reign of Queen Anne. Wild was also a professional thief-taker, recruited by London's Under Marshall (essentially chief policeman), Charles Hitchens. Hitchens was wildly corrupt, and his pals were known as the "Mathematicians"... at which point, honestly, is Moriarty a projection of Holmes' psyche? (I know that's the premise of The Seven Percent Solution, a movie I adore for its train chase. I just... never quite appreciated the fit before.)

Birlstone is the beneficiary (or victim, depending) of the phenomenon that reliable and extensive railroad travel made it possible to live in a quaint rural exurb while still conveniently doing business in London as needed. I feel like Birlstone wants very badly to be East Grinstead, which is about 15 miles from Tunbridge Wells, at the edge of the forest, and possessed of convenient manor houses.

As an aside, East Grinstead is known for the East Grinstead Martyrs, who were burned at stake for heresy in 1556, when (Catholic) Queen Mary I was slaughtering Protestants. I've been dabbling at 16th- and 17th century history a bit lately, mostly to appreciate how much Reign (which I adore for its batshit OTT drama) deliberately got wrong about actual history. I was surprised that although it was Henry VIII who split with Catholicism, it was not until Elizabeth I that English Protestantism was codified with distinct rituals and the Book of Common Prayer. Just not a thing I'd thought about!

We have a manor house with working drawbridge! Also, a suspicious couple, an even more suspicious brand on the mysterious (and dead) American husband, a suspicious friend, a butler, a note in code, and a missing wedding ring.

I started this one not sure how into it I'd be, since I'm not a great fan of the entire idea of Moriarty, but now I'm on tenterhooks to see what we find out about the dead American's past.

[fleetwood-cheese]

This is really random but I saw your reblog tags on my Sherliam coffee and tea post and that was very fun to read! Also thanks for looking at and enjoying the details 😆❤️

I’d also thought similarly, Sherlock is probably a lot more whatever when it comes to brewing tea LOL.

Love these hyper fixating nerds

Sherlock’s tea making methods probably give Louis an aneurism and also another reason to kill him lmao. I’m a long time, die-hard tea fan but only started buying loose leaf regularly very recently so William is very relatable. idk how many times ive done the math on how many tsp of tea i need for my teapot and i STILL think im getting the ratio wrong, but im also not a mathematician like he is so i’ll give myself some leeway.

But yeah i love your art!!! I only really got into moriarty this past november so finding someone who’s still into it and actively making such lovely art for it was really heartening to me tbh. I know how much it means to an artist to get feedback on work so i try to leave comments when i can

[anonymousewrites]

A Study of the Heart and Brain (Book 3) Chapter Eighteen

Father Figure! Sherlock Holmes x Teen! Reader

Chapter Eighteen: Christmas Deals

Summary: It's Christmas at the Holmes household, but that doesn't mean there aren't problems.

Months later…

            “Oh dear god, it’s only two o’clock,” complained Mycroft. “It’s been Christmas Day for at least a week now. How can it only be two o’clock? I’m in agony.”

            It was Christmas Day once more, and Sherlock, (Y/N), and Mycroft found themselves in the Holmeses cottage for the first time. John and Mary had been invited, too, though that situation was far more complicated. Mary had come, but John hadn’t arrived yet. No one knew what he would decide to do.

            After the confrontation in 221B, the pair had split up. No divorce, but neither stayed with the other. John moved back to 221B, and he and Mary hadn’t spoken since.

            (Y/N) had recovered from their injury, and they, Sherlock, and John had gone back to their old dynamic, but Sherlock and (Y/N) could see John was…sadder, more melancholy. It was an unfortunate turn of events, but perhaps Christmas would heal the breach. (Y/N) was told that Christmas sparked such miracles.

            And now there they were, engaging in such “Christmastime bonds of family and friendship” with the Holmeses. Well, currently they were just being annoyed by Mycroft.

            “Do you know John used to make graphs of all the childish things you and Sherlock do?” said (Y/N).

            Mycroft scowled. “You’re not an example of a mature individual, either.”

            “Mikey, be nice to them! They’re our grandchild,” said Mrs. Holmes.

            (Y/N) smiled as Mrs. Holmes ruffled their hair and handed them another cookie. Mycroft fought not to glare. It seemed (Y/N) had become the favorite of the family as soon as they got a proper introduction to Mr. and Mrs. Holmes.

            Their smile fell as they saw Sherlock reading the paper. “Lady Smallwood Suicide,” “Shamed Peer takes Own Life,” and “63-Year-Old dies following Letter Scandal” lay emblazoned on the cover.

            “Why are we doing this again? We never do this,” said Mycroft, drawing (Y/N)’s attention any from the news.

            “We are here because (Y/N) is home from the hospital and we are all very happy,” said Mrs. Holmes.

            “Am I happy? I haven’t checked,” said Mycroft.

            “Behave, Mike,” said Mrs. Holmes, putting down a mug of tea and walking into the living room.

            “Mycroft is the name you gave me, if you could possibly struggle all the way to the end,” muttered Mycroft. However, he didn’t dare say it loud enough for Mrs. Holmes to hear and took a sip of his tea when she looked back at him suspiciously.

            Sherlock started his watch, and (Y/N) furrowed their brow.

            Mrs. Holmes headed into the sitting room and put down a mug of tea for Mary. She sat in front of the fire with a book in her lap and Mr. Holmes staring into space in an armchair near her.

            Mrs. Holmes tutted fondly when she saw Mr. Holmes. “Cup of tea, Mary. Now, if Father starts making humming noises, just give him a little poke. That usually does it.”

            “Did you write this?” asked Mary, holding up the book titled The Dynamics of Combustions by M.L. Holmes.

            “Oh, that silly old thing,” chuckled Mrs. Holmes. “You mustn’t read that. Mathematics must seem terribly fatuous now!” She tutted as she heard Mr. Holmes start humming. “Now, no humming, you,” she scolded fondly before leaving him a cup of tea and exiting the room.

            Mr. Holmes chuckled. “Complete flake, my wife, but happens to be a genius.”

            “She was a mathematician?” asked Mary.

            “Gave it all up for the children,” said Mr. Holmes, smiling as he glanced into the room where Mycroft and Sherlock sat. “I could never bear to argue with her. I’m something of a moron myself. But she’s…well, she’s got the brains and beauty for the two of us.”

            Mary smiled. “Oh my god. You’re the sane one, aren’t you?”

            “Aren’t you?” joked Mr. Holmes.

            Mary lowered her eyes and took a sip of her tea to avoid answering. At precisely that moment, John opened the door to the living room and paused awkwardly. Mary looked away and focused on the random page of the book she’d turned to.

            “Sorry, I-I just, uh…” John trailed off.

            Mr. Holmes looked between the pair. “Oh, do you two need a moment?”

            John squared his shoulders. “If you…don’t mind.”

            Mr. Holmes stood. “No, of course not. I’ll, uh, see if I can help with…something or other.” He bustled away to the other room and closed the door.

            He looked at Sherlock and (Y/N), and they looked up as he spoke. “Those two. They alright?”

            “Well, you know, they’ve had their ups and downs,” said Sherlock nonchalantly.

            (Y/N) glanced at the door. No shouting. No crying. That was good. At least, (Y/N) supposed so. They hoped the pair ended up happy. They cared about them. A slight sob filtered through the door. Scratch the no crying.

            “Is that good?” asked (Y/N), looking at Sherlock.

            “I’ve heard people cry in relief,” said Sherlock. “I believe you have, too.” He referenced when he returned from the dead.

            “I don’t remember that,” said (Y/N), looking to the puzzle book they’d been given for Christmas. They were nearly done already.

            “Deleted it?” said Sherlock, amused.

            “No, I remember being angry,” replied (Y/N).

            “Ah.” That would be accurate. Sherlock glanced at his watch. “I’m going to get some air while all that—” he gestured at the door “—works itself out.” He stood up and headed towards the door.

            “I’m coming, too,” said (Y/N). They weren’t sure how to deal with the emotions John and Mary were going through, so they’d just let it pass while they waited outside.

            Sherlock and (Y/N) walked outside of the cottage and stood in the breezy air. Sherlock took a deep breath and relaxed slightly while (Y/N) tucked their hands into their pockets and looked over the hills. It was peaceful and quiet.

            Until Mycroft walked out after them. “I’m glad you two have given up on the Magnussen business.”

            “Are you?” said Sherlock in a bored manner.

            “I’m still curious, though. He’s hardly your usual kind of puzzle. Why do you two…hate him?” said Mycroft.

            “Because he attacks people who are different and preys on their secrets,” said Sherlock.

            Mycroft looked at (Y/N). “And you?”

            “Magnussen is like Moriarty. He uses people and doesn’t care what happens to them. I don’t like that,” said (Y/N) coldly.

            That made an impression on both men. They remembered everything that had gone on with Moriarty, all the danger and death. They remembered how Moriarty managed to take (Y/N) and the consequences of it. Sherlock and Mycroft both hated it. Neither had conducted themselves well.

            “The real question is why don’t you hate him?” asked (Y/N).

            “He’s never caused too much damage to anyone important. He’s far too intelligent for that,” said Mycroft. “He’s a businessman and, occasionally, useful for us. A necessary evil—not a dragon for you two to slay.”

            “Dragon slayers? Is that what you think of us?” said Sherlock.

            “I rather think we’re doing the right thing,” said (Y/N).

            “Sherl, Mike, are you avoiding spending time with us?” called Mrs. Holmes from the front door.

            “No,” said Sherlock and Mycroft quickly.

            “Just brotherly affection,” said Sherlock sarcastically.

            Mrs. Holmes gave them all a motherly glare and closed the door again.

            “I have, by the way, a job offer I should like you to decline,” said Mycroft to Sherlock.

            “I decline your kind offer,” said Sherlock automatically.

            “I shall pass on your regrets,” said Mycroft.

            “What was it?” asked (Y/N).

            “MI6—they wanted to place Sherlock back to Eastern Europe,” said Mycroft. (Y/N)’s eyes widened. “An undercover assignment that would prove fatal to him in, I think, six months. I warned them that he might not take it since he disliked his previous leave of Baker Street. But they still wanted me to offer the job to him.” He tutted and turned back towards the cottage. “I’m going in. The air isn’t agreeing with me.” He paused. “Oh, and…your loss would break mine and (Y/N)’s hearts.”

            “What the hell am I supposed to say to that?!” said Sherlock, staring at Mycroft in shock at the sickening sentimentality of his words.

            “Happy Christmas?” remarked Mycroft as he headed into the house.

            “You hate Christmas,” said (Y/N) and Sherlock.

            “Yes. Perhaps there’s something in the tea,” said Mycroft.

            “Clearly. Go and have some more,” said Sherlock.

            (Y/N) cocked their head as Mycroft walked inside. “Dad, is there something in the tea?”

            “Yes,” said Sherlock.

            “What? Why?” asked (Y/N).

            Sherlock looked down and sighed. “Because it is time for me to face Magnussen, and I can’t have anyone running around getting into danger. Here…here, they’ll be safe.”

            (Y/N) furrowed their brow as they put it together. “You drugged them?”

            Sherlock checked his watch. “It will go into effect in about…thirty seconds.”

            “Dad, why didn’t you tell me?” said (Y/N) quietly. “I thought we weren’t keeping secrets or lying.”

            “Because this is dangerous. And I won’t let Magnussen get any information he could use against you,” said Sherlock. “I can risk myself. I won’t risk you.” Not to mention, this case had gotten them close to being killed. He had to make sure it wouldn’t happen again.

            “But you’re not drugging me,” said (Y/N).

            “I could never do that to you,” said Sherlock. He knew it would hurt them oh-so-much. “But I need you to stay with me and stay careful. Please, (Y/N).”

            They stared at him carefully before nodding. “I’ll follow you.”

            But they, too, were willing to lie. (Y/N) cared about their dad. They would go along with his plan as far as they could without stepping in to protect him. It went both ways—even if the parent was supposed to watch out for the child, the child here was as fierce as intelligent as the parent. And if (Y/N) knew one thing, it was that Sherlock needed someone to look out for him. And who else but family? Who else but (Y/N)? They had been helpless with Moriarty. They wouldn’t be with Magnussen. They refused to be.

            Sherlock’s watch beeped. “It’s time,” he said.

            He led the walk into the cottage. Everyone lay in their chairs, asleep. Only John was crouching over Mary and trying to shake her awake.

            “Mary, can you hear me?!” he cried worriedly.

            “Don’t drink Mary’s tea,” advised Sherlock.

            “Sherlock, did you drug my pregnant wife?!” shouted John incredulously.

            “Don’t worry. I’m an excellent chemist,” said Sherlock.

            “What about—?” John glanced at (Y/N), knowing they didn’t like drugs.

            “It seems to be necessary,” said (Y/N).

            “And I’m sending someone to keep an eye over everyone. They’ll be safe,” said Sherlock.

            “What the hell has he done?” said John, staring in disbelief at (Y/N).

            “He seems to have made a deal with the devil,” said (Y/N). They crossed their arms and looked at Sherlock. “What exactly is this deal, so dangerous you wouldn’t tell me about it?”

            Sherlock took a deep breath and explained.

A few months ago…

            Sherlock sat in a small restaurant and finished eating his pasta as someone stepped up to his table.

            “Shouldn’t you be in the hospital doting over poor Mx. Moriarty?” said Magnussen.

            Sherlock didn’t allow Magnussen to have the satisfaction of getting a reaction at the use of that name. “Have a seat.” He got straight to business.

            “Thank you,” said Magnussen, sitting.

            “I’ve been thinking about you,” said Sherlock.

            “I’ve been thinking about you,” said Magnussen.

            “I want to see Appledore, where you keep all the secrets, all the files, everything you’ve got on everyone,” said Sherlock. “I want you to invite me.”

            “What makes you think I’d be so careless?” asked Magnussen.

            “Oh, I think you’re a lot more careless than you let on,” said Sherlock.

            “Am I?” Magnussen leaned forward.

            Sherlock smirked and leaned forward. “(Y/N) noticed it when you read the paper.”

            “Noticed what?” said Magnussen.

            “The dead-eye stare. Except, it’s not so dead-eye, is it?” said Sherlock. He reached out and took Magnussen’s glasses. “They knew you were reading but not the paper. I suspect a portable Appledore. How does it work? Built in flash drive? 4G wireless?” He frowned as he examined them and found nothing. “They’re just ordinary spectacles.”

            “Yes, they are,” said Magnussen, taking them back and smirking. “Maybe Mx. Moriarty can figure it out. Want to bring them down?”

            “This is between you and me,” said Sherlock. He wouldn’t give Magnussen a chance to get his claws into (Y/N).

            Magnussen chuckled and sat back. “Pity. You continue to underestimate me.”

            “Then impress me,” said Sherlock. “Show me Appledore.”

            “Everything’s available for a price,” said Magnussen. “Are you making me an offer?”

            “A Christmas present,” said Sherlock.

            “And what are you going to give me for Christmas, Mr. Holmes?” said Magnussen eagerly.

            “My brother,” said Sherlock.

Present day…

            “Oh, Jesus,” said John, taking a step back from Sherlock.

            “Dad, this is risking so much. We should’ve tried to figure out Appledore ourselves, first. There’s something…something we’re missing, and he’s going to count on that,” said (Y/N).

            “You’re going out of your mind!” said John, staring at Sherlock.

            “I like to keep you guessing,” said Sherlock.

            Before the discussion—argument—could continue, the sound of helicopter blades split the air.

            “Ah, there’s our lift,” said Sherlock, straightening and leaving behind everything but his eagerness to take on this case. “Coming?”

            “I’m not letting you do this alone,” said (Y/N). They were going.

            “Where?” said John.

            “Do you want your wife to be safe?” said Sherlock to him.

            “Yeah, of course I do,” said John.

            “Good, because this is going to be incredibly dangerous,” said Sherlock. “One false move, and we’ll have betrayed the security of the United Kingdom and be in prison for high treason.”

            “What?” cried John. “But I had nothing to do with it!”

            “You’ll be there,” said (Y/N). “That’s enough.”

            Sherlock nodded. “Unfortunately, Magnussen is quite simply one of the most dangerous men we’ve ever encountered, and the odds are comprehensively stacked against us,” he said.

            “But it’s Christmas,” said John, indignant.

            “I feel the same,” said Sherlock. He glanced at John’s expression. “Oh, you mean it’s actually Christmas. Did you bring your gun as I suggested?”

            “Why would I bring my gun to your parents’ house for Christmas dinner?” exclaimed John.

            “It’s in your coat,” said (Y/N), nodding to it.

            “…It is,” admitted John.

            “Off we go, then,” said Sherlock, walking towards the door of the house.

            “Where exactly are we going?” asked John.

            “Appledore,” said Sherlock.

            Danger, thought (Y/N).

Taglist:

@stilesstilinskiforlife-blog

@im-making-an-effort

@ilse235

@schrodingers-intelligence

@awsedrftgyhujikol

@lxserthxngzzz

@forever1313

@mentallyunstablemanlover

[fallingyams]

sherliam soulmate AU

(originally posted to my twitter as an idea ramble, now expanded into an actual snippet, I guess)

A universe wherein the initials of your soulmate are written across your wrist. Not everyone has a soulmate - some are born with empty wrists. Others simply choose to ignore them, especially in genteel circles where marriages were often determined by wealth and connections, rather than love.

---

For the longest time, William had paid no heed to the initials that branded his wrist. He refused to accept the power imbalances of society. He refused to accept Louis’ illness. He refused to accept this broken world as it was.

Rejecting the soulmate that fate had decided for him was simply another item on the list. 

A small part of him had once adored the idea of having a soulmate, someone out there being a perfect match for him. Growing up on the streets and hopping from orphanage to orphanage, however, had left him disillusioned early on. What if his soulmate turned out to be a corrupt noble? Someone as strong willed as he was could never be asked to give up his morals for something as flimsy as love.

Besides, getting attached would only lead to future hurt when he engulfed this society in the flames of justice and retribution.

Surely nobody would want the devil for their soulmate.

---

Of course, everything changes when he meets Sherlock Holmes aboard the Noahtic. For the first time, William finds himself stunned and thrilled to face an adversary who teeters just a bit too close to discovering the truth behind Enders.

A rather rough-mannered man who was able to spot his love for Mathematics a mile away. A competent detective who sees straight to the heart of matters and suspects that more is at play than a mere murder borne from a moment’s passion.

William’s wrist itches and he finds himself subconsciously tracing fingers over the S.H. hidden under the fabric of his sleeve more than once.

He takes a gamble and reveals his name to the other, at the end of the whole ordeal on the Noahtic, but there is no recognition in Sherlock’s eyes.

It is one of two possibilities, then.

The first being that William is simply mistaken, and Sherlock Holmes sharing the same initials as his soulmate is pure happenstance.

The second possibility, which William strongly suspects, is that Sherlock has his birth initials, instead of this identity that he’s assumed. Without any way of confirming this, however, William decides the matter not worth looking into.

It’s for the better that Sherlock doesn’t find out, anyway.

---

William deliberates long and hard over this, but decides to be selfish this one last time and encloses the two birth certificates in the envelope along with his letter to the detective. 

His inner turmoil may be all for naught if Sherlock decides to burn the envelope in its entirety, but a small voice that he’s never been able to quash desires for him to be seen this once.

He doesn’t want to be a god, nor does he want to be the devil. He’s been William James Moriarty for as long as the plan has needed him to be.

But just this once... 

He’d like for his soulmate to see him for who he is.

A simple man with strong convictions. A mathematician who loves his field and molding young minds who will be the future of this country. Someone who runs late for lectures and makes bawdy jokes with students and would love for nothing more than a peaceful afternoon with a cup of tea.

He’s already at death’s door.

He’s ready to hand the invitation to his executioner.

---

It doesn’t take more than a brief glimpse at the birth certificate for Sherlock to make the connection with the initials on his wrist.

He takes off cursing and swearing at the sheer stupidity of his soulmate who is throwing himself headlong at death and prays that he’s not too late to save him.

Not very much later, he gets his confirmation when he reaches out to grab Liam as he falls, his sleeve riding up to reveal the S.H. printed across his wrist in his own unintelligible scrawl.

Sherlock yells and pleads and screams himself hoarse, begging Liam to reconsider the path he’s chosen.

He’s finally found his other half - someone who matches him on an intellectual level, who challenges him and creates interesting puzzles. Someone who beats him at his own game and teases him right back with that flippant smile - like hell he’s about to give the other man up.

---

William smiles as Sherlock traces the initials on his wrist even as he sinks his grip further into William’s arm.

The pressure hurts, of course, but it’s pushed to the back of his mind as his thoughts cloud over and his heart is briefly so, so full at the other’s acceptance of him.

It’s nice, imagining a future with Sherlock. A soulmate who understands the deepest parts of him, has seen his sins and transgressions and decided to love him regardless.

Just this is enough for him.

William knows he can’t indulge his selfishness for much longer. The splintering bridge cannot possibly support the both of them.

He will not doom his beloved to death with him.

(He hopes that Sherlock can forgive him for condemning him to loneliness - perhaps knowing and losing a soulmate was the most cruel thing he could have done to the other)

“It’s my loss, Sherly.”

He lets himself fall.

He never expected that he’d find someone who would want him for a soulmate. Leave it to this man to defy all expectations.

---

He certainly never expected Sherlock to jump after him either.

Of course, his detective would never cease to surprise him, even in this.

“Let’s live on.”

[irenewsky]

Anime I watched in 2023 (Part 2)

If you came here from the part 1, I thank you and I appreciate you. Now, this part of the list will include some shows I wanted highlight and some extras. Okay, that's it. Let's go!

Some of my older lists:

My favourite animes (Old. Tells of my tastes back in, like, 2018-2020 or something. Updated list coming once I get around to it)

Feel good anime Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3

Blue Lock

Yoichi Isagi is a member of his high school’s soccer team and during one of their important games, he makes a decision that costs their team a chance of going to the nationals. Bitter and disappointed, Isagi returns home only to find a letter from the Japan Football Union waiting for him. He has been chosen to be a candidate for a new projects called ”Blue Lock”. The competition is tough and ruthless. Who will make it through to the end?

24 episodes - sports

Everyone and their mother watched this one for sure. I might hate irl soccer due to finding it extremely boring (sorry irl soccer fans), but this one I really liked due to it making the sport actually interesting for me. I gotta also say that I found their eyes kinda unsettling when they entered their ”monster modes” (I can not say that with a straight face lol) but other than that, the animation was quite good.

Moriarty the Patriot

In the late 19th century Britain, William James Moriarty and his accomplices with nobles’ blood on their hands work together on a grand plan to bring down the system that favours aristocracy. A mathematician by day and a crime consultant by night, William James Moriarty is about to meet his match - one gentleman called Sherlock Holmes.

24 episodes and 2 OVAs - drama, thriller, mystery

Love me some more victorian era Sherlock Holmes shenanigans. I was so late to this one but it was still so worth the watch (and the read. The manga is just *chef’s kiss*)

*Mastermind by Taylor Swift playing in the distance* Honestly, imagine meeting you soulmate (platonic or otherwise) and them being on the completely other side of law from you. The drama of it all. (Yes, I’m very normal about these two)

Dr. Stone (Season 3 + Nanami Ryuusui Extra)

Over 3700 years ago, a mysterious beam of light enveloped every human into a layer of stone. To stay conscious, Ishigami Senku started to count seconds from the moment he was petrified. When he manages to break free from the stone in the spring of the year 5738, the human civilisation as he knew it had already disappeared. What will happen from now on? What will happen to rest of the petrified people? Are there others who have depetrified?

3 seasons + Nanami Ryuusui extra - action, adventure, comedy, drama, sci-fi, shonen

You will find this anime/manga on my updated favourites list, I’m warning you in advance.

I love, love, love this anime so much. It follows the manga so well and yes, I do recommend the manga for anyone interested. It’s really, really good and didn’t let me down unlike some others have. Also, it’s so refreshing to have a main character who is actively very much uninterested in sex and romance. How aro and ace of him (personal headcanon, no need to fight me for it)

BRB gonna go make myself a Gen Asagiri cosplay. My favourite scheming gremlin.

Tomo-chan Is a Girl!

Tomo is a high school girl with a crush on her long time bestfriend, a boy named Junichiro. She tries to confess to him but unfortunately she has been placed into the friendzone from where it seems almost impossible to escape from. With Tomo being very tomboyish and physically strong, it’s just hard for Junichiro to see her as a girl. Will she get out of the friendzone? Maybe she should get some help from her other friends…

13 episodes - romance, comedy

I didn’t think I would like it as much as I did. ’Childhood bestfriends to lovers’ trope with a healthy sprinkling of pining, chaos and ridiculousness. Delicious.

Romantic Killer

Anzu, a high school girl obsessed with video games, cats and chocolate and fully uninterested in romance, gets assigned a wizard that is going to do everything in their power to create the perfect love life for her. Anzu, however, is having none of it. Game on, you stupid wizard!

12 episodes - comedy, romace, supernatural

I kind of have a lot to say about this one, so buckle up. As an aroace person (who also, coincidentally, loves cats, chocolate and video games) I found the premise a bit annoying at first. I do love, well, love, but it pissed me off that romance was treated as an ”end all, be all” kind of thing and everything else as irrelevant rubbish. Trying to force someone into a relationship via magical means felt wrong. You could say I’m reading too much into this and yes, maybe I am, seeing as the premise was a ”to counteract the low birth rates” gag, but I’m also entitled to my own opinion and critiquing hetero- and amatonormativity.

Regardless, I ended up actually quite liking the anime as it progressed. The backstories for the characters were interesting and I found myself really loving Anzu’s headstrong personality. She doesn’t let the wizard push her around and stands her ground quite often. I really appreciated that. Also the humour in the show did make me laugh quite often, which is always a plus. That being said, I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to whack the wizard around the ears. Annoying little thing, that one is.

Sasaki and Miyano

Yoshikazu Miyano, the schools resident BL loving student, meets his senpai named Shuumei Sasaki after he saves Miyano’s classmate from being bullied. This chance encounter and Miyano accidentally revealing his interest towards BL bring the two together and from that day onwards Sasaki is stuck to him like glue.

13 episodes and an OVA - Romance (BL), drama

My VPN worked its ass off when I read this manga on some shady ass website lmao. I just had to know what happens after the point where the anime ends.

Very sweet. Do recommend.

The Yakuza’s Guide to Babysitting

Kirishima Toru works for the Sakuragi family. One day the head of the yakuza crime family summons him and tasks him with the duty of taking care of his daughter, Yaeka. How will this ”demon of Sakuragi” handle his new responsibility of watching over her?

12 episodes - comedy

This filled the hole in my heart that Spy x Family ending left at the time. Really heartwarming and I loved the bonds the characters in this show had.

The Salaryman’s Club

Shiratori Mikoto is really good at badminton. That is until an incident in the Interhigh leaves him unable to play how he wants to. Things start to change when he gets a job at Sunlight Beverages and joins their weak and amateurish badminton team.

12 episodes - sports

I saw no one talk about this??? Anyway, I liked this one. A lot. There might a little bias on my side since I actually practiced badminton when I was younger, but I think I would have liked this regardless! The characters had nice dynamics and liked the aspect of ’salarymen by day, badminton players by night’. Have you even lived if you haven’t experienced the highs and lows of corporate world badminton?

And finally, we have a few honorable mentions without descriptions, only vibes and opinions:

Latest season of Tokyo Revengers (Chifuyu truly is the bestest of boys, the homiest of homies. I also read the manga in its entirety. That one I have… a lot of opinions about, not all of them good)

Our Dating Story: the Experienced You and the Inexperienced Me (this one was just okay for me. I actually don’t know if I ever finished it… Well, I’m gonna have to accept the fact that I’m just not someone who enjoys the ’established relationship’ trope…)

Trigun Stampede (I’m not usually scifi kind of person but this one I really enjoyed!)

Komi Can’t Communicate (Not much to say about this one. It was very nice and I particularly liked the way Tadano almost seemed like he was able to read minds hahaha)

The latest season of Demon Slayer (Honestly, a little disappointed. It felt simultaniously very slow and very fast. Also, kinda boring compared to the last arcs. Still decent tho)

Spy x Family (Ah, Spy Family, my beloved. I liked this one a lot)

Chainsaw Man (Gotta admit, I was a little traumatized by the episode 7. I have never wanted to crawl out of my own skin more while watching anime, than I did while watching that episode. The skipping and pausing I had to do with that one… Damn. Other than that one episode, I liked this one enough to finish it)

My Dress-Up Darling (mixed feelings about this one. I just wanted a nice anime about cosplay and sewing and ended up getting fanservice and sexualization of minors. I’m in my mid to late 20s, I don’t need that shit. Just feels weird and wrong. I did finish it, albeit I did skip all the fanservicey scenes)

[lisbeth-kk]

December moments

Prompts used in this chapter: "did you bring your gun?" - sentiment - love

The boys are leaving 221B to spend some days at Sherlock’s parents. If John’s anxious about meeting them again? Not particularly, but he observes that he’s misjudged one of them quite profoundly.

December 23

They have an early breakfast at Mrs. Hudson’s before they leave for the train station. Gifts are exchanged and the elderly lady wishes them Happy Christmas when they kiss her goodbye. 

They avoid the busy hours and arrive only twenty minutes before their train to Bexley, where Mr. Holmes will pick them up for the ten-minute drive to Wilmington. 

“Did you bring your gun?” Sherlock asks John after he’s placed their luggage into the boot of Mr. Holmes’ car. 

John chuckles, shakes his head and interlaces his fingers with Sherlock’s when they’re settled in the back seat. Sherlock grunts displeased, but the kiss he places on John’s palm, speaks another truth. 

Mr. Holmes asks about Mrs. Hudson and both their works and tells Sherlock news about some of their neighbours. John learns that Holmes senior is quite the observer. When John lifts a questioning eyebrow at Sherlock, he only shrugs but his smile is fond and proud. 

Mrs. Holmes is a whirlwind compared to her husband, and greets them with hugs, kisses and endless questions, while simultaneously making omelettes and dressing for the salad. John watches her in conversation with her youngest son and is soon joined by Sherlock’s father. 

“He’s so much like his mother,” the elderly Holmes tells John. 

“Oh, I don’t know, Mr. Holmes. I think Sherlock’s got his observation skills from elsewhere,” John retorts mildly. 

And the adorable blushing when being praised, John notices. 

It’s no secret that Violet Holmes, the mathematician professor, is a highly intelligent woman, but her husband, who’s just an ordinary teacher without the professor title, is far from an idiot. He’s astute, eloquent, and has a warm sense of humour, which makes him easy to talk to. Most of what Sherlock and his mother speak about, doesn’t make any sense to John whatsoever. 

***

“Has anyone told you about your resemblance to your father?” John asks Sherlock after they’ve gone to bed that night. 

Sherlock’s nuzzled into the crook of John’s neck, his favourite way of cuddling, and he rarely gives up the position, but now he almost knocks John’s jaw when he jerks his head up in surprise. 

“My father? Never. I’ve always been told by everyone who knows us, I’m reminiscent of my mother,” Sherlock declares, but there’s a hint of insecurity after John’s question. 

“Don’t get so worked up, love. Come lie down again, and I’ll tell you what I’ve noticed today,” John says fondly. 

Sherlock seems quite satisfied when John’s finished telling him about his observations, if his hums and warm kisses are any indicators. 

“Father’s always so quiet compared to Mummy, and he seems truly satisfied playing second violin, so to speak,” Sherlock muses. 

John agrees and concludes that Sherlock’s parents remind him quite a lot of himself and Sherlock. 

Read it on AO3

@totallysilvergirl @keirgreeneyes @calaisreno @a-victorian-girl @phoenix27884 @safedistancefrombeingsmart @sabsi221b @gregorovitchworld @raina-at @helloliriels @peanitbear

[fancyfeathers]

Ok but imagine the noahtic scene in darling au. Like,after guessing Liam's occupation, Sherlock goes onto his darling then. He guesses she's a former ballerina performer. He even goes on further to deduce which theatre was a apart of, until William steps in. Imo William , while wanting to engage with Sherlock's deductions, also wanted to distract the detective from guessing further since it could cause a huuuge issue. Plus, no one gets to scrutinize his darling so closely like that! Only him!

Imagine his darling coming down the stairs he is looking at when he caught the detective’s attention and when Sherlock is finishing explaining his deduction of William being a mathematician he notices William look up at the lady walking down the stairs…

“Judging how your pupils dilate when you saw her and the ring on your finger, this lady is your wife.”

She is confused enough by the sudden attention for her when she just came to find William because Albert needed to talk to him. She looks at William then at the detective with a highly confused expression.

“Ah and isn’t it strange that you don’t hold the railing, especially given that your feet are on different stairs, most people’s muscles would be strained by holding this position for more than a few seconds but you appear not to be struggling at all…”

“Yes… what is all this?”

“I am guessing people’s careers for these young ladies over here… now your dress hangs a little longer than any other lady’s would, it was made for wearing heels but you don’t wear heels because you find them uncomfortable so you are wearing flats.”

“Yes-“

“You were a ballerina.”

She is clearly taken aback by this statement to the point where she is wide eyed and only can nod at the detective’s statement. But William notices that Sherlock is staring at his darling still…

“…but you were a ballerina but not anymore, unless you were well known you would not be able to afford the necklace and earrings you are wearing. You could have either stopped your career when you were married to this mathematician or a few months ago the Royal Opera House was burned down and you could have lost your job then-“

“You would be correct in both my occupations and my wife’s former line of work. Now it would be rude of me not to see if I can copy your processs-“

“Well when you two are done, Albert was looking for you, now I am going back to my room because I need a nap.”

William watched his darling walk down past him, walking down the rest of the stairs and past them but not before William grabbed her hand as she walked as walking past him, only to smile and press a kiss just beneath her eye. Something told her that William knew of the burning feeling of worry that bloomed in her chest at the encounter with the detective, she saw that look in her husband’s eye when the detective began to go down the spiral of her former line of work, one person with William’s intelligence was enough but two people, now that was a headache…

She really did need that nap.

[littencloud9]

3 years? 👀

oh god this wip is SO OLD SKDJFJ it’s a character/relationship study of william/sherliam during the 3 years they were in america!!

—

As Sherlock told him, he spent all his life dedicated to this plan that he never got to live either. And now that it’s over, he has a blank canvas to work on.

William doesn’t know what to do with it. His life has been planned since the very beginning. Every step, every friend or foe, everything was calculated. His life wasn’t a canvas, rather it was like a step-by-step guide to an impossible problem. He’s a mathematician, after all. There’s always been one single solution he strives to find.

He’s not an artist. He doesn’t know how to create.