My list of little treasures I have read the last couple of weeks.
An Experiment By Any Other Name by adventureofthedancinggirl: Sherlock conducts an “experiment” that involves giving John a rose every day. The results could change the dynamic of their relationship forever. (Teen and up; 21k). It’s sweet anf fluffy, romantic and funny, and yes, even with a Garribeds-remix. And I can promise you: You learn all about the language of flowers! ;)
Incidents with Dogs, Curious and Otherwise by DiscordantWords: Rosie, it seems, is quite taken with dogs. So is Sherlock. John cannot help but notice. (Teen and up; 6k). Parent!lock at its finest; matching coats, a nod to ACD (it is a reference to “Silver Blaze”, is it not?), gorgeous fanart by @khorazir, spot-on dialogue, all you wanted of a post-season 4 (fix-it). Highly recommended.
the argument from roses by syllogismos: Universal pleasures do not exist: some people don’t like the smell of roses, some people don’t like sex. (Explicit, 9k). It’s an oldie, but a goodie (published in 2013). Its’ asexual!Sherlock trying to make a relatioship with John work; and to debunk some assumptions while doing so. One day, I will print out the first paragraph about the church’s “argumentation”… Spot-on.
Language of Love by @isitandwonder: Sherlock wants to brush up his German. The source he chooses leads to some unexpected events, featuring awkward conversations, the misuse of a fountain pen and the usual misunderstandings. But they figure it out in the end. (explicit; 3k). That story is hella fun, cracky as f*ck, and probably sexy. And I have a soft spot for languages. Give it a try - THIS one will definitely surprise you!
Over Earth and Under Earth by @khorazir: Three months after finally acknowledging their mutual feelings, John and Sherlock are not much closer to sorting out their relationship, hindered by cases, work, family issues, everyday matters and by being themselves. Will a strange case out in the Suffolk countryside bring a solution or further complicate things? (mature, 195k). This one is part of a series “Over/Under” but IMO one does not have to read the other installement to enjoy this one. Actually, you do not even have to no something about bicyles (because I don’t and I still enjoyed it) or horses or the English countryside. If you happen to love those things, run. If you are still hesitating: think about the fanart, think about the tags (developing relationsip…), think about the post the writer made about writing this particular story (in @atlinmerrick “Spark”), and then RUN. It took me more than a year (!) to finally convince myself to give it a try (see: bicyles); you do not want to make the same mistake. Read. Now.
Thank you so much for the rec!
I love fic recs. Love them. Love them.
It may not be the done thing (!) but I would also love it if authors would more often post a rec of one of their own fics with a sentence or two on what they prize about it.
If that sounds weird to authors, I bet it won’t sound weird to most readers.
Fanfic authors, rec yourselves! Kind of like the Johnlock Roulette thing, but on Tumblr and with content. What one fic did you write that you’d be willing to say a few words about (beyond the AO3 summary, that is) ?
Reblog, signal boost, tag writers…
@mydogwatson @may-shepard @msdisdain @ghislainem70 @silentauroriamthereal @khorazir @onesmallfamily @vividstitch @green-violin-bow @alexxphoenix42
All right @totallysilvergirl I’ll play. Thanks for tagging me. And cheers to @a-different-equation, I hope you don’t mind me high-jacking your post.
I’m going to rec my story Call Me Honeybum by 72reasons (hello!)
This version of Sherlock is insecure and self-hating. He falls and breaks his wrist, because he’s jealous and distracted, then proceeds to act like a child when John tries to take care of him. John is concerned and loving, he tries to help, but he’s exasperated and has to pull rank on Sherlock to finally get him to listen. Sherlock believes he doesn’t deserve John, John is immensely frustrated with whoever made Sherlock this way.
John tried to convince him with this: John pulled back, looked up at his face, and quietly said, “It’s very simple. I love you and I’m never going to leave you. Not even when you act like a jealous, viciously rude, ungrateful twat. Because most of the time, the way you love me takes my breath away, and I have to fucking pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming this life. With you.”
Sherlock cries and finally starts to believe him. John calls him a bunch of silly pet names and Sherlock loves it. It ends with some frottage and a bit of a praise kink (that came out of nowhere when I was writing this).
I really wanted Sherlock’s self-doubt and insecurity to come out in this. I find a lot of very strong-willed, brusque people are soft little mush-bunnies when they let you see it. I wanted Sherlock to cry with self-pity but ultimately start to understand that he is worthy of love. I want him to see himself the way John does…maybe in the years after this incident he finally does…
Originally this story was a gift for a Tumblr user I did not know but I loved her writing and she inspired a part this story. It was my first and pretty much only negative fandom experience. You’ll notice it is not gifted to anyone now, no hard feelings :)
Silvergirl, I don’t know if this was the sort of thing you were looking for but thanks for inspiring me to re-read parts of this old story. ILY ❤️
