Concerto Grosso hath updated: Ch 14, Saturday/Sunday: Andante con sentimento
art by @helloliriels for FTH 2025
Ch. 14: Saturday/Sunday: Andante con sentimento. Summary: After the gala, there are duets to be played. Without instruments, mind.
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We make it from the taxi to Sherlock’s hotel room without scaring the horses or even attracting attention. I’m quite complacent about this, because it takes all the self-control I’ve got left after using up most of it at the formal do.
But I slow down to prove to myself I’ve still got some in reserve. I slide the jacket off his shoulders and stow it carefully in the closet before showing the white tie what I think of it for concealing too much of that endless, delectable throat. I take my own sweet time on my new favourite ritual: unbuttoning his shirt and kissing every inch of skin as it appears.
It might be a new favourite for him, too, because he’s making delicious sounds and thrusting his hands into my hair; but then again I must be going too slow for his taste, as he growls “Hurry.” Too bad: the one thing I will not do is hurry.
Fluffbruary Extended Version Infinifluff. June 14. (Sherlock fandom) Prompts: grove - arbour - formal + the image below.
Chapter 4: The Former British Government
Summary: For the first time since John arrived, the weather changes. It looks as if a storm is approaching. When Sherlock informs him that this has everything to do with his brother's predestined arrival, John doesn't believe him. Surely, dark clouds and the probable thunderstorm aren't signs of a human appearing at their doorstep?
'Allo, 'allo, 'allo, it's your friendly dead chicken again. Two more chapters up, and we still haven't hit the halfway point at 35! But we're getting closer. :)
Chapter 30: Whakaawangawanga (Flummoxed)
Siger is coming home. What are they going to tell him?
Chapter 31: Ake Ake (Forever)
You'd best believe Siger has something to say about Moringa. Oh, yes.
Let me know if you want on or off the list! @conversationswithjohnlock @chriscalledmesweetie @totallysilvergirl @helloliriels @friday411 @calaisreno @redmondcollege
Fluffbruary Extended Version Infinifluff. July 14. (Sherlock fandom) Prompts: twig - annual - plant + the image below.
Chapter 5: Blue Seeds
Summary: Sherlock is nowhere to be seen when John ventures downstairs, but he hears some sounds from the scullery. Outside, the landscape is covered in snow, which startles him. He had no idea he would encounter that in this place. He walks into the scullery and when Sherlock realises that John is awake, he seems utterly relieved. John doesn't understand why. He's only been asleep for approximately seven hours, hasn't he?
Summary: John comes out of the dark. Sherlock's been waiting.
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John had spent a grim couple of weeks, battered by opposing winds: belief and certainty, incredulity and grief, paralysis and guilt. Mary had been his loving wife; then she wasn’t anyone he knew; then she wasn’t anyone at all, she was dead. Take all that in at once, process it, file it away and move on? Impossible.
The last time he’d been blindsided that way had been Sherlock’s death, and his later resurrection. But now, Sherlock had surpassed himself in solicitude, making a tactful buffer zone between them made of tea, and meals, and quiet, thoughtful gestures. He didn’t seem to be trying to recreate the 221B of long ago, just a calm and hopeful space for John to re-orientate himself in.
But that welcome care had opened the door to an unwelcome apprehension. Mary had fooled him, and so easily; Sherlock had always been able to do the same. If John stayed, would he be exchanging one master manipulator for another? He loved Sherlock, but then again he’d loved Mary. They could both play him.
So he hovered, and doubted, and pondered what it would take to be able to trust Sherlock. He made a list of non-negotiable conditions, then pared it back to three; and still he hesitated.
Then, without warning, the doubt and paralysis just … ended. It was time to take a chance. One moment he’d been face down on his bed, the next he’d been texting Sherlock to come home.
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Ch. 21 on AO3 (Ch 20 on AO3) (Ch. 19 on AO3) (Ch 18 on AO3)
Thank you @anyawen, readers, and FTH! (Sorry I'm late replying to last chapter's comments 😖)
Tagging past readers here and in the comments; let me know to add or remove you.
Summary: John has finally taken the leap, and decides to direct his stories at a new audience. He is sceptical before the meeting with his new editor at Mike's pub, and when the young woman walks into The Dragon Slayer, John invents an emergency and flees the place.
Chapter 9 - Celebration, Nail Polish, and a Corpse
Summary: They keep their marriage small and private, and their wedding night is celebrated in the best possible way. There is no time for a honeymoon; everyday life is calling, and the two girls meet two very different and interesting women.
