#gensday

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Gensday recs

A Study in Observation (1981 words) by Jupiter_Ash

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Sherlock (TV)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: None

Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Greg Lestrade, Sally Donovan

Additional Tags: Drugs bust, Not Serious

Summary: There’s a drugs bust and Sherlock isn’t being co-operative, but nothing goes quite as expected.

Persian’s Notes: This is a lovely little story with more to it than you’d think. The world building is extremely subtle and yet implies a great deal.

A Safe Place to Hide (11403 words) by Knitwritezombie

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: The Avengers (Marvel Movies)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Characters: Clint Barton, Tony Stark, Pepper Potts, Bruce Banner, Thor (Marvel), Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanov, Jasper Sitwell

Additional Tags: Kid Clint Barton, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Time Travel, Deaf Clint Barton

Series: Part 1 of A Safe Place to Hide

Summary: Eight-year old Clint Barton was in his third foster placement in two years. He'd become an expert at finding out of the way places to keep himself hidden when the adults or bigger kids got mad.

Only this time, his hiding didn't really go as planned.

Persian’s Notes: Fair warning: this fic deals with child abuse, but it’s in the context of how found families can help with the long-term consequences. Within that framework, the author does an excellent job of showing what the Avengers look like through the lens of a scared, abused child and how they cope with both child!Clint and adult!Clint.

The Whole Gender Thing (526 words) by Psilent

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Relationships: Groot & Rocket Raccoon, Peter Quill & Rocket Raccoon

Characters: Rocket Raccoon, Peter Quill

Additional Tags: Language, Pronouns, Pronoun Trouble, dialogue only

Summary: Quill and Rocket have a conversation.

"Genders and pronouns kinda lose something between translations, y'know?"

Persian’s Notes: You wouldn’t expect Peter Quill, semi-professional asshole, to take an interest in getting anyone’s pronouns right. You’d be wrong. A dialogue only fic with personality.

Journey to the South (1098 words) by dogmatix

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Safehold Series - David Weber

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Characters: Pei Shan-wei, Cayleb Ahrmahk, Haarald Ahrmakh

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon

Summary: A PICA awakens under the Mountains of Light.

Persian’s Notes: This is a fic in my tiniest fandom, which seems to consist mostly of me and @dogmatix. It’s for a good book series, though, and the spin on canon in this fic is spot on.

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On-time Gensday for once

Lost for Words (57092 words) by awanderingbard 

Chapters: 16/16 

Fandom: Sherlock (TV) 

Rating: Mature 

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply 

Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Molly Hooper, Mrs. Hudson, Mummy (Sherlock), Greg Lestrade, Sarah Sawyer 

Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, Male Friendship, Depression, Medical Trauma, Head Injury, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Swearing 

Summary: Sherlock is assaulted by an unknown assailant while John is away at a medical conference, leaving him with a severe brain injury. While his intellect and personality are intact, he's lost the use of his right-side limbs and his ability to speak freely. John suddenly finds himself as the main source of support, and possibly a caregiver, to a flatmate who is struggling to do the things he loves most. And Sherlock Holmes has never been the best of patients.

Persian’s Notes: I have an inexplicable weakness for fics about mute characters, so this story was right up my alley. Furthermore, it’s a gen hurt/comfort story, which can be a little thin on the ground in fandom. Add in a compelling plot and solid writing and you’ve got a story I read over and over again.

User Since (3848 words) by rageprufrock

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: The Avengers (Marvel Movies)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Major Character Death

Series: Part 1 of Howling Commandos HQ

Summary:

To: PC ([email protected]) From: Buck ([email protected]) Subject: Report! Date: May 10, 2012

Phil — where the hell are you, man? Let us know if you're all right, or if there's anything we can do to help. HQ's freaking the fuck out.

Persian’s Notes: An epistolary tale of Philip J. Coulson, giant fucking nerd (I will pause for your surprise). It’s told from an outsider perspective entirely in emails, letters, forum posts, and text messages. You get a great picture of Coulson and all the OCs shine through, too.

we are here and it is now (3596 words) by victoria_p

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Rey & Luke Skywalker, Rey & Anakin Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker & Luke Skywalker

Characters: Rey (Star Wars), Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker

Additional Tags: Jedi Training, Force Ghosts, Forgiveness, the skywalker family tragedy

Summary: "So either you're not here or you're not living," she says.

"I'm definitely here," he replies, and there's amusement in his voice.

Persian’s Notes: Because of course Anakin is going to haunt Luke’s new student. The advice he gives is pretty good, but he’s still Anakin with all the baggage that comes with it. It’s a good thing Rey is wiser than she seems.

Inside the Blanket Fort with Self Care Bear (131 words) by Feanor_in_leather_pants

Chapters: 4/4

Fandom: Captain America (Movies), Marvel Cinematic Universe

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Characters: Bucky Bear, Captain Ameribear, Falcon Bear, Self Care Bear, Bruce Banner Bear

Additional Tags: Bearvengers, Hurt/Comfort, Recovery, Blankets, Cuddling & Snuggling, Tea, talking about feelings, Pajamas & Sleepwear, Past Torture, Medical Examination, with informed consent, Fanart, Fluff, self-care, Baking

Summary: If Arts and Crafts Hour with the Hydra Tentacle Monsters is the hurt, this is the comfort.

Persian’s Notes: A not-quite-story told in adorable fan art. Self Care Bear is the hero we all need. Did I mention the art’s adorable? Because it really, really is.

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Gensday Recs

No Fare (1996 words) by PrettyArbitrary Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: John Watson, Cabbie (Sherlock) Additional Tags: Episode: s01e01 A Study in Pink, AU, BAMF!John Summary: John doesn't stop for Stamford. Instead, he takes Jefferson Hope's cab home.

Persian’s Notes: Ok, this one is cheating a little because I was the one who gave @prettyarbitrary the prompt. She was the one who transformed it into awesome, however. BAMF!John taking down Hope is everything you want and John’s thoughts on Sherlock are worth the price of admission.

Risk Management (1105 words) by orphan_account

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Marvel Cinematic Universe

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Clint Barton/Laura Barton, Clint Barton & Natasha Romanov, Laura Barton & Natasha Romanov

Characters: Laura Barton, Natasha Romanov, Clint Barton, Cooper Barton

Additional Tags: First Meetings, Friendship, Pre-Movie(s), Avengers: Age of Ultron (Movie) Spoilers

Summary: Laura's first impression of Natalia Romanova is that she looks just like the 'cute kid' her husband's been going on about for nearly two years now, ever since he came home from that one assignment with a dozen minor stab wounds, a not-so-minor gunshot wound, an official reprimand, and one defecting Russian spy in tow.

Persian’s Notes: I don’t caaaaaare if other people aren’t thrilled about Laura Barton. I thought it was nice they gave Clint a family (that I have many headcanons about. This fic spotlights the relationship between Laura and Natasha and the beginning of Natasha’s road to god-motherhood.

The Family Expert (1647 words) by Minutia_R

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Vorkosigan Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Relationships: Mark Vorkosigan & Gregor Vorbarra

Characters: Mark Vorkosigan, Gregor Vorbarra

Additional Tags: Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-con, Advice

Summary: Gregor had obviously mistaken Mark for someone else. (Mark hated being mistaken for someone else.) A regular human being, who knew how to do the friend thing. He felt sick and helpless, like when he’d walked into Kareen’s dorm room to find her in tears because she’d just gotten a vid from her family and she missed them so much. “Sire,” Mark started, but no, that wasn’t right, Mark could figure out that much. “Gregor. Do you, uh, want to tell me what’s wrong?”

After his wedding, Gregor has an unexpected problem, and calls Mark for help.

Persian’s Notes: Oh, Mark, my screwed-up fave. You have so many issues and  do not get enough love. And yet sometimes there comes a fic that lets you shine the way you deserve. Gregor is also a character who needs more attention, so that’s awesome, too. Seriously, if you are a Vorkosigan fan, go read this fic.

on biohazard contamination and survival (682 words) by kamisado

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Criminal Minds

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Characters: Spencer Reid, Derek Morgan, The BAU Team

Additional Tags: Amplification, Past Drug Addiction

Summary: When you first see the glass vial shattered on the floor and the AC running on full, realise that you are in serious trouble. The clock is ticking; your time is already running out. Ciprofloxacin can’t save you now.

[or: how spencer reid got infected with anthrax and managed not to die]

Persian’s Notes: Reid is my Criminal Minds cinnamon roll (he is everyone’s Criminal Minds cinnamon roll). This fic captures his terror and his desire to be brave with bonus reference to his addiction (which doesn’t get explored enough).

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Gensday: Star Wars Edition

Five Things Rey Tried for the First Time (3162 words) by badlance Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Rey (Star Wars), Chewbacca, Leia Organa, Finn (Star Wars), Poe Dameron Summary: Rey missed a lot, growing up on Jakku.

SPOILERS for The Force Awakens.

Persian’s Notes: Rey has a lot of adjusting to do now that she has the whole galaxy opened up to her. Badlance has compiled some excellent little slice-of-life scenes with cameos from all your faves.

Occupational Safety (2698 words) by shadydave

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Poe Dameron & Finn

Characters: Poe Dameron, Finn (Star Wars)

Additional Tags: Mission Fic, grappling hooks, RAILING KILL

Summary: "Like they’re going to make sure no one ever falls down the thermal exhaust shaft."

Persian’s Notes: A highly amusing fic that answers the eternal question: what does the First Order have against safety railings? Featuring pragmatic Finn, slightly baffled Poe, and a General Organa who has learned from long experience. 

A cup full of questions (1088 words) by victoria_p

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Characters: Rey (Star Wars), Luke Skywalker

Additional Tags: Coda, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens Spoilers, the skywalker family tragedy

Summary: "Lesson number one: This weapon is your life. Try not to lose it."

Persian’s Notes: Luke and Rey, quiet and sad. Just the kind of sparse, evocative prose I love.

Tomorrow (there'll be more of us) (2832 words) by dimircharmer

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Star Wars - All Media Types, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Poe Dameron & Finn & Rey, Poe Dameron/Finn/Rey, Can be read platonic or romantic - Relationship

Characters: Finn (Star Wars), Leia Organa, Miscellaneous and Assorted Stormtroopers, Poe and Rey as Sirs Not Appearing in this fic

Additional Tags: Stormtrooper Culture, storm trooper defection, Finn helps other storm troopers, Identity Issues, title from Hamilton bc I am trash of the thing, Humour

Summary: “FN-2187 was real, right?” She sounds very young again. “Please tell me he was real."

"I'm real,” said Finn, who was on his first patrol since his back healed. “And my name’s Finn now.”

Her eyes widened. “You have a name? *

Or: The resistance is starting to get stormtrooper defectors. Finn helps them out.

Persian’s Notes: An excellent take on the “Finn inspires a Stormtrooper rebellion” trope. It’s cute and short and features an excellent and snarky Leia as well as a somewhat baffled Finn.

After the Last War is Won by Tenshi

Summary:  I am a Jedi, like my father before me.

Note:  Forgive the short description, but this fic isn’t on AO3 and the author doesn’t provide any header information.

Persian’s Notes: This fic doesn’t fit in any of the canon, but it is one of the best takes on what happened post-Return of the Jedi I have ever read. The plot is simple, the prose is masterful, and by the end you’ll be a little sad it isn’t canon.

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No, I didn’t forget it was Gensday

Meltdown (3846 words) by 221b_hound Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Sherlock (TV) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes & John Watson, Sherlock Holmes & Greg Lestrade, Mycroft Holmes & Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft Holmes & John Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Greg Lestrade, Mycroft Holmes Additional Tags: heatwave in London, silliness, Sherlock in Speedos, Detectives in fountains, The British Government is cranky, John is mischievous Summary: I wrote this somewhat cracky fic in response to this prompt: London's in the middle of a heatwave. Everyone is suffering. Does Mycroft resort to taking his tie off? Does Lestrade suffer in silence? Does Sherlock flounce around complaining about the effects of heat on the criminal classes? Does John get a summer girlfriend?

I've experienced the discomfort that is a heatwave in London. By Australian standards, it's a bit pathetic, but that city is simply not geared to cope with temperatures much above 24C. Everyone seems to have a collective breakdown. A city built to keep warm in winter really does have an Epic Fail when the temperatures rise. Poor lambs.

I wasn't able to work in the obvious Black Books reference in, but let's just take it as read that John is experiencing his very own version of Dave's Syndrome, because his sense of humour is definitely cracked in this story.

Persian's Notes: Hilarious gen fluff. One can easily imagine John and Sherlock causing this kind of havoc in an overheated London, even if Mycroft doesn’t appreciate it.

The Montague Street Doctor (61488 words) by The_Circus

Chapters: 13/13

Fandom: Sherlock (TV)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Sherlock Holmes & John Watson

Characters: John Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Sally Donovan, Mary Morstan, Greg Lestrade, Wiggins, Sebastian Moran, Sherlock Holmes

Additional Tags: Montague Street, John isn't a weakling, BAMF!John, Doctor!John, Care in the community, Post Reichenbach, Reunion

Summary: Just because Sherlock stopped, doesn't mean the Work has to. London is John's city now and he will keep it together with stitching, string, his healing, the food off his table, and sometimes the clothes off his back. John Watson keeps going. He's good at that.

Persian's Notes: We all love a good BAMF!John and this one is both a BAMF soldier and a BAMF doctor. He keeps it together post-TRF by moving into Sherlock’s old Montague Street flat and taking care of Sherlock’s Network. A great antidote to all the post-TRF pining!John fics out there.

5 Times Steve Rogers Pissed Off His PR Manager, and One Time He Didn’t (2922 words) by eden22

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America (Movies), The Avengers (Marvel Movies)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Characters: Steve Rogers, Clint Barton, Tony Stark, Original Female Character

Additional Tags: News Media, Social Media, Feminist Themes, Twitter, Public Relations, YouTube, Steve Rogers and the 21st Century, Protective Steve Rogers, Steve Rogers is a little shit, and a punk

Series: Part 2 of Steve Rogers vs the Media

Summary: Khalida Red thought that landing a job as Steve Rogers, freaking Captain America's PR manager was going to be amazing.

She's beginning to think she was wrong.

Persian’s Notes: Steve tries really hard, but when 1930s socialist politics meet the 21st century 24/7 news cycle, stuff happens. Which is delightfully funny for us, the readers, but not for the poor OC at the center of this fic.

How Not to be a Dick (3032 words) by whitchry9

Chapters: 2/2

Fandom: Daredevil (TV), The Avengers (Marvel Movies)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Matt Murdock & Franklin "Foggy" Nelson

Characters: Franklin "Foggy" Nelson, Claire Temple, Matt Murdock, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Clint Barton, Natasha Romanov, Thor (Marvel), Bruce Banner

Additional Tags: Ableism, Humour, foggy is a good friend, preventing dickishness, Blind Character, Disability, Friendship

Summary: Foggy lectures the Avengers on how to be more inclusive for Matt with a helpful powerpoint entitled 'How Not to be a Dick'.

Persian’s Notes: Even the Avengers can suck at accommodations. Luckily, Foggy puts them right with a hilarious PowerPoint. The author, who does not suck at accommodation, includes a version text of said PowerPoint in the second chapter for all those out there using text readers.

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End of the Year Gensday

Beautiful Ideas (2348 words) by metisket Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Mike Stamford, John Watson, Sherlock Holmes Additional Tags: best show in london, it pays to be an instigator, world's most terrifying flatmates, mike is not sorry Summary: Mike knew what would happen if he introduced John Watson to Sherlock Holmes. He knew exactly what would happen, and he did it anyway.

Persian’s Notes: An excellent snippet from Mike’s POV regarding how and why he came to play match-maker. Features good insight to both John and Sherlock and a lovely minor OC in Mike’s wife.

64 Colors (2049 words) by victoria_p

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: The Avengers (2012), Thor (2011)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Characters: Darcy Lewis, Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner, Natasha Romanov, Tony Stark, Phil Coulson

Additional Tags: Ensemble Cast, Crayons, Teambuilding

Summary: Darcy's life is weird, but she kind of likes it.

Persian’s Notes: You’re never too old for coloring books. Even if you are 96. A sweet little look at the Avengers in their off time.

Graduate Vulcan for Fun and Profit (15113 words) by lazulisong

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Star Trek (2009)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Characters: James T. Kirk, Leonard McCoy, Spock, Original Alien Character(s)

Additional Tags: Vulcan, Languages and Linguistics, secret genius

Summary: It really does take a village to raise a Jim.

The members of the Kelvin's crew watch over Jim as much as he lets them.

Persian’s Notes: A great look at Jim Kirk, (semi-)responsible human. Fleshes out the holes and shreds the stereotypes of the first reboot movie. There is an event referenced in the fic that you really need a little familiarity with Star Trek canon to understand, but the casual fan should be able to puzzle it out. 

Seven Short Interludes in a Brief Life of Celebrity (3204 words) by jaeled

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America (Movies)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Characters: Steve Rogers, star spangled singers

Additional Tags: Captain America: The First Avenger, Male-Female Friendship, Female Friendship

Summary: Before Captain America fought for the Allies, he hawked defense bonds with the USO - and a very particular group of women. THESE ARE THEIR STORIES.

Dun dun.

(Warning re: mentions of war-related violence.)

Persian’s Notes: Everyone forgets Steve spent months on the road surrounded by women. He had to have taken something from the experience. This is a great look at his touring days with lovely OCs.

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Welcome to Gensday!

This is a weekly post devoted to nothing but gen. Sit back, relax, and escape the ship wars. (Discussion of what counts as gen here)

And A Doctor by stillwaters01

Chapters: 6/6

Fandom: Sherlock (TV)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Characters: John Watson, Sherlock Holmes, Greg Lestrade, Sally Donovan, Mrs. Hudson, Mrs. Turner, Harry Watson, others - Character

Additional Tags: Character Study, Friendship, 5+1 Things, Hurt/Comfort, BAMF!John, John Watson is an awesome doctor

Summary: It was only when people actually saw John working as a physician that they began to understand: that it wasn’t just about bullets and IEDs and trauma care under fire. That “doctor” actually covered a pretty wide field. And that John was bloody good at covering ground. 5 times Dr. Watson treated others and 1 time he treated himself.

Persian’s Notes: While the show and the fandom are pretty good at remembering John is a soldier, there’s a lot less “John is a doctor” fic out there. This one is really good.

Exclusive by copperbadge

Chapters: 3/3

Fandom: Marvel, The Avengers (2012)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Pepper Potts/Tony Stark

Characters: Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Natasha Romanov, Clint Barton, Bruce Banner, Thor (Marvel), Pepper Potts

Additional Tags: POV Outsider, News Media, Slice of Life, Interviews, Snipers

Series: Part 1 of Magazineverse

Summary: Heroes In Manhattan: From Captain America’s Hidden Talents To The Truth About The Hulk, We Debunk The Myths And Expose The Daily Lives Of The Avengers.

Persian’s Notes: @copperbadge is a genius, not that this is news to anyone. A freelance journalist gets to spend a week with Avengers and finds out more than he expected. Look out for the twist at the very end!

A Study in Brown and Silver by Wandering

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Vorkosigan Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold, Sherlock (TV)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Miles Naismith Vorkosigan

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Fusion

Series: Part 1 of 221b Barrayar

Summary: “Yes-look-I mean,” John spluttered. Finally he took a deep breath and began again. “Sherlock, you can’t go around accusing Vor Lords of being galactic mercenaries.”

Especially not High Vor who happen to be foster brother to the Emperor.

“I am not accusing. I am simply stating the facts, which in this case are quite obvious.”

Persian’s Notes: I love Sherlock. I love the Vorkosigan saga. Combining the two is bound to get my attention. When it involves the hilarity of Sherlock-meets-Miles, well, what’s not to love?

Gone Is My Past by cyerus

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Sherlock Holmes & John Watson

Characters: John Watson, Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft Holmes

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Animal Transformation, Dog John

Summary: John is an army bomb detection dog who has been turned into a human. Angst. No, really, angst.

Persian’s Notes: The author says this is angst and it is, a bit, but I find it more hopeful than angsty. It might just be my favorite fic in Sherlock fandom, tbh.