These are all johnlock and all on AO3. Same as the first two lists, I’m posting my own bookmark notes instead of author summaries. This list has less M and E than the first two.
where the good things grow by anchors (M)
Gorgeous. Sherlock infuses magic into his tea and John infuses love into Sherlock’s life. Tender, sweet, melancholy, mystical.
to judge what’s in your heart by Ellipsical (T)
Yeah, you know, just more FUCKING GODDAMN BRILLIANCE FROM ELLIPSICAL that’s all.
The Hour Goes By by philalethia (T)
S4E1 fixit that feels astonishingly true and tangible.
Flu by azriona (not rated)
Delightful sickfic, funny, sweet, clever.
Building Jerusalem by ampersand_ch (E)
This is a stunning piece of work. Perhaps because I’m reading it directly after watching S4E2, which was so painful, and perhaps because I need these two to end up together but doubt it will happen in the vein of fluff that I, myself, write, or perhaps because of the moon or the late hour or a need for release, I find myself crying hard and profoundly touched by this story of love, betrayal, and finding ones way back. It’s beautifully written, in prose and pace and tone. It’s not an easy story to read. It has a peaceful ending, though, and the characterizations will stay with you for a long time.
Father by NomdePlume (G)
Gorgeous parentlock.
Revolutions by scullyseviltwin (E)
Perfect fumbling first real time ten years later post-TFP fic. GLORIOUS.
Albion and the Woodsman by Glenmore (not rated)
Fandom classic!
A Fold in the Universe by darkest_bird (E)
I absolutely loved this. I marked it to read from one of swissmiss’ Tumblr fic rec lists, and read it nonstop once I started. I didn’t know what to expect when I started, but as each chapter unfolded I found myself more and more in awe of the storytelling. The author has taken a complicated parallel universe plot and made it accessible, but also layered in nods to important issues such as: balance in relationships, gender identity, gender rights, rape culture, sexuality, personal growth, fate and destiny. Powerful.
The In-Between by blueink3 for cwb
It’s blueink3, what else needs to be said? Plus, she gifted it to me, and in my head it’s a beautiful pale blue box wrapped in a violet colored ribbon, the bow of which is as big as the box, and inside the box are all the letters and words that make up the very best things.
One Week by JaneTurenne (E)
Beautifully done, the very essence of our timeless couple, set in Victorian times, with off the charts sexual tension, utter devotion, stunning prose.
Method Act by splix (E)
This is my comment on this fic. I realize it tells you nothing about the story itself, but hopefully my flailing will be encouragement enough and if you’re reading this bookmark, you’ll soon be reading the story itself.
“Dear Alex,Oh. My. God.
Swissmissficrecs recommended this on tumblr, and I marked it to read. That was a couple of weeks ago, maybe a month. I started this yesterday and have basically starved my children, ignored a houseguest, and completely forgotten that it’s Valentine’s Day, choosing instead to read this start to finish. Actually, no. I had no choice. I was compelled to read this, I had no choice, I was unable to put it down.How on earth … what magic … how are you so amazingly talented?
1. Your characterizations are perfect. Jesus, your Moriarty is better than Moriarty.
2. Your plot is complicated but never confusing.
3. You cliffhanged me so many times and I loved each and every time.
4. Your writing is sublime.
5. Your storytelling is a perfect combination of sophisticated, intelligent, funny, touching, squirmy, redemptive, thoughtful, insightful, and fulfilling.
6. If this was a book I’d buy it.
7. Then I’d send it to you and ask you to sign it. Or lick it. Or whatever, then send it back to me.
8. I think I love you.
9. I might have to start reading it again right the fuck now.
10. Do you still write Sherlock? Are you published? Do you accept internet hugs?
THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS. THANK YOU.”
The Case of the Green Gown by splix
Simply one of the best stories I’ve ever read. Period. Epic. Complex. Brilliant. Bittersweet.
Conversations With Idiots by scullyseviltwin (T)
Perfect declaration of feelings and first kiss, in that they botch it up and it’s glorious.
Master and Hound by joolabee (M)
One of the beautiful things about reading a fic written well before S4 aired is being able to put yourself into the mindset of the fandom during a time that will never exist again. Before the wedding, before the betrayal, before before before. It’s sweet and bitter and in a way it’s very innocent. It is not, however, any less painful. This one is painful.
A Brand of Gold by aquabelacqua (M)
I love this. I love the tentative start, the open affection, the way they each reach just a little bit, then a bit more, and how taking a few risks turns into such amazing declarations. And the sex, too. Yup.
A Conversation Held with the Lamp Switched Off byhyacinth_sky747 (M)
Snapshots of John’s life over thirty years. Beautifully written, touching, heartbreaking, funny, thoughtful, lovely original details. Written after S2, this fic offers what was then a “could happen,” and what now, after a disappointing S4, feels like a fix-it. Highly recommend.
In the Dreaming Hours by Itsallfine (M)
Accidental bed sharing leads to accidental cuddling leads to a string of delicious half-awake encounters that lead to the inevitable fulfillment of what they’ve both wanted for so long. Beautifully written.
My Creed is Love by Ellipsical (T)
Absolutely gorgeous, poetic, Sherlock being horrid and John being reflective and ohhhhhhh so beautiful.
back to the start by wearitcounts (Sher_locked_up) (E)
This is exactly how it would happen, and the dialogue = perfect characterization.
