Some thoughts on relationship dynamics and Sherlock and John. I'm using my favourite adaptation, Sherlock & Co., as my lens. And I admit it: I too am a Johnlock-shipper.
At times, an adaptation would commit to this kind of relationship dynamic; not open to interpretation, but clearly represented. It doesn't have to be dramatic or extraordinary... But it would be nice to have, I think.
However, there is one thing I absolutely adore in Sherlock & Co. The adaptation understands that love does not have to be romantic, and it does not have to be physical to be intimate and more than friendship. I like the term queer platonic, but sometimes, love does not need any label at all.
I think about this a lot because relationship dynamics baffle me sometimes. To be honest, while I do follow social rules regarding love, not all feel authentic to me.
For instance: I love my partner. I also love my best friend. I could see myself spending my life with both. But I do not feel romantic or physical attraction toward my best friend. I still love them both, just differently. And honestly, some of my closest relationships have never fit neatly into the simple category of “friendship.” We are each other’s witnesses to life. That means something, and it's meaningful enough.
The same goes for Sherlock and John as well. Their dynamic does not necessarily need romantic or physical affection, but they absolutely love each other. Maybe Sherlock is a little bit like me in this regard, and confuses these societal boundaries sometimes. And maybe he doesn't even have to worry about this with John.
I think, Mariana—the absolute queen—also is very entangled with them, but John is just Sherlock's person. Maybe they don't need a specific label for their love. And maybe they can just confidently and authentically enjoy it.
