#and watson is so precious to me love love him

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

Eddie Munson's Defense Squad the complete one shot

A/N: Halfway through writing this, I realized that I was accidentally basing Poppy on a girl I went to school whom I admired. I realize now that I had a crush on her. Different name, same personality. Also, there is a Carol in here. Her name is Carol Watson, and she's completely different from Carol Perkins.

Poppy Blake smacked her gum obnoxiously as she listened to her parents rant about Eddie Munson, the three of them sitting around the dinner table as they did so. This was complete and utter bullshit.

"You guys have a lot of nerve for talking shit about Eddie when you have no clue what kind of man he is," Poppy said. "And it's hypocritical coming from a mixed race couple who have to deal with the stares and the comments in this assbackward conservative town who can't seem to tell what year it is."

Her mother's green eyes widened. The green eyes and the freckles Poppy got from her mother. Everything else, including the hair and the dark complexion she got from her daddy. Thanks to her mom, her skin was much lighter than his. Maybe she was a bit of a narcissist, but she loved the way she looked, how she was a perfect mixture of both her parents. She especially loved how her hair had its own personality, and she was grateful that she didn't have her mother's bright orange coloring. Not that she had anything against redheads. It's such an odd shade that whenever Poppy asks if she dyes it, Clara Blake just laughs. She never answers.

"He's a drug dealer," Clara said.

"And so is Daddy," Poppy said.

"Pharmaceutical salesman," Tony said.

"They sound like the same thing to me," she replied.

"Well, Poppy, one's illegal, and one is not," Clara said.

"Weed doesn't kill people, Mom! It's just bullshit propaganda. I mean, not unless it's laced with something, but Eddie would never do that. Some of those drugs that Dad sells should be illegal," Poppy said. "I mean, alcohol is more dangerous."

"You seem to know an awful lot about his weed," Tony said, suddenly amused.

"Dad, I regret to inform you that your precious little girl smokes," she said, and Clara gasped. "Do not act like this is brand new information. You and I both know that bag of oregano that you found was not, in fact, a bag of oregano. Now, tell me why someone would kill his own customers when he could keep them alive and earn a profit?"

"That's true," Clara frowned.

"Mom, I know how scared you are, but I know he would never kill Chrissy, Patrick, or Fred. I know, just like I know that you would never," Poppy said. "Mom, you know I'm a good judge of character."

"We both know that, baby," Tony sighed. "I suppose we both did sound ridiculous."

"Thank you," Poppy said, blinking back tears. "And you know, Hellfire, despite its name, isn't a cult. They're just playing a game like the boys play basketball."

"Well, even we know that. I suppose it's the fear of the unknown that's got us so scared," Clara said.

"I totally get that," Poppy said.

"By the way, why are you so sure?" Clara asked.

"I don't know. It was the look in his eye when he talked about his mom, and it was just like pure love in there when he talked about her. I mean, he can definitely be an asshole but in the way that cousin Mark is and we all still love him. He respects cheerleaders too much to kill them, even the ones that really hate him," Poppy said.

The sound of the front door opening loudly startled the three of them. Kayla Fielding, her best friend in the whole world, ran into the living room. Her blond hair was in disarray, and her bright blue eyes were blown wide with alarm.

"Kayla, we were just about to have dinner. You're welcome to fix yourself a plate and join us," Tony said.

"I, uh, actually needed some last-minute help on a project. I read the directions wrong, and it's due tomorrow," Kayla said. "I was hoping that Poppy would help me."

"Do you mind, Mom?" Poppy asked. "I had a late lunch, so I'm not very hungry."

"Go on," Clara said, her eyes twinkling at them in amusement. "Keep the door open, though."

"Um, okay," Poppy said, looking at her mother in confusion.

They quickly moved up the stairs and into Poppy's room.

"Uh, I think your mom knows, Poppy," Kayla said.

"My mom doesn't know shit," she said, rolling her eyes. "Anyway, what's this about? Clearly, there's no project."

"I just heard that Jason has started a town wide man hunt for Eddie and the rest of Hellfire. I heard that they were heading towards that creepy looking house on Morehead Street," Kayla scowled. "This is so fucked up! Eddie doesn't deserve this, and neither do these kids. I've always hated Jason, but I never thought that he would take it this far."

"We need to do something," Poppy said. "Stop them. We need to gather the others and get some weapons."

"Do you really think we can do this?" Kayla asked.

"My parents always taught me to do what's right, to stand up for people when they needed it. Although, I think they were talking about when a kid gets bullied or something," she replied. "It fits in this situation, too."

Poppy wasn't proud of it, but she ended up breaking into her dad's gun locker to grab a shotgun that her dad taught her to use. He always wanted to make sure she was prepared. Not that he actually needed to teach her. She figured it out pretty quick. Poppy tried to hand Kayla the Smith & Wesson, but she quickly shook her head.

"I don't do guns, remember?" Kayla asked.

"Right, well, I'll just grab it for the other girls," Poppy said. "There's a baseball bat in my room. You can use that."

She zipped up the shotgun and the other gun into a bag as well as some ammo to go with it. They stood up at the same time, reminding Poppy just how much taller she was than Kayla and how much Kayla liked that.

"This is sort of thrilling," Kayla admitted, licking her lips.

"We don't have time for that, Kay," Poppy smiled.

"Right."

They quickly snuck back into Poppy's room and stuffed the bat into the bag. Poppy opened her window as quietly as she could.

"Okay," Poppy whispered. "You're going to go down the trellis first, then I'll lower the guns down to you, okay?"

"Okay, see you on the other side," Kayla said as she straddled the window sill.

She grabbed Poppy's face and pulled her in for a deep kiss. Poppy sighed and leaned into it, kissing her harshly. They both broke the kiss, breathing heavily, their lips swollen. The giddiness never really goes away whenever Kayla kisses her. It always feels like the first time. Poppy smiled as she watched Kayla maneuver down the side of her house. Using her bedsheets, she lowered the bag down to Kayla. She climbed down the trellis herself and followed Kayla into her car, placing the bag in the backseat. When she sat back in her seat, Kayla was grinning at her.

"I guess I'm your partner in crime," Kayla said, grinning. "Get it? Because I'm also your romantic partner, and we're also committing a crime by hunting down a bunch of asshole jocks."

"I fucking love you. Never stop being a dork," Poppy laughed and kissed her. "Step on it, baby."

Kayla tied her hair up with a scrunchie, turned on the radio, and sped off toward the houses of the other cheerleaders. Most of the cheerleaders would be with her on this one, seeing as Poppy was the one to spread the story about Eddie's mother. She had been the one to go to him for drugs when the others were too chicken to do it. He had been nice and funny, a perfect gentleman. Looking into his eyes, Poppy could see how sweet he was. Unlike Jason, whose eyes screamed psychopath and she wouldn't be surprised if Jason had been the one to kill Chrissy. . . and couldn't stop at just one. Patrick was one of the nice ones, the one the girls got along with most as well as the new guy, Lucas Sinclair. Steve Harrington was much the same, but she hadn't talked to him in a while. They didn't hate all jocks but enough of them got underneath their skin. There were other cheerleaders who didn't see it their way. They absolutely loved Jason and hated Eddie. They couldn't see beyond their own attraction. And if Poppy had any interest in men, then she certainly would have gone for Eddie rather than Jason.

Hungry Like the Wolf was still playing in Poppy's head when they pulled up to the creepy looking house. It sent a shiver down her spine as she looked at it. Poppy quickly handed over the bat to Kayla and the other gun over to Taylor, who didn't bring a weapon. A gust of wind suddenly appeared, and Taylor's short brown hair hit her piercing hazel eyes. There was anger there. Taylor took the gun from her and thanked her as she loaded it. Everyone else had their own weapons: bats, crowbars, and someone even had a broom handle.

"Let's kick their ass - "

A scream interrupted Poppy, and they all ran in that direction. Andy was on top of what looked like an eleven year old girl, and he was getting ready to pummel her. Oh, fuck that.

"ANDY!" Poppy yelled and raised her shotgun.

"You've got three seconds to get the fuck off of her before I put a round in you," Taylor snarled as she raised the gun.

If anyone had more reason to do it, it would be Taylor, considering he once put his hands on her without her consent. Taylor didn't even bother counting when Andy raised his fist. She pulled the trigger, and the round went through Andy's shoulder. He fell to the ground with a yell. Taylor ran over to him and pressed the heal of her boot into his shoulder. He screamed.

"I'm sorry. Should I have asked first before stepping on you?" Taylor asked.

"YOU BITCH!" Andy screamed.

"Says the guy screaming like one!" Taylor exclaimed.

"You shot me!" He sobbed.

"Yeah. I did do that," Taylor grinned victoriously.

Poppy went over and helped pull the girl away.

"Are you okay?" She asked, and the girl nodded. "What's your name, sweetheart?"

"Erica Sinclair," she said.

"Are you Lucas's sister?" Poppy asked.

"Yeah, he's inside. I think I saw Jason go in there," Erica said, looking worried.

"We'll handle it. You stay here with Carol. We like to call her Mother Hen. You'll find out why," Poppy smirked. "I'm Poppy, by the way, and that's Kayla."

Poppy and Kayla left just as Carol Watson started to fuss over Erica. They went into the stairs and went all the way up to the attic where Jason was pointing a gun at Lucas. Some girl was sitting on the floor in a trance. Lucas was pleading with Jason.

"You're lying! Chrissy would never have gone to him if she was in trouble! She would have come to me!" Jason exclaimed.

"Well, that's not just fucking true," Poppy said causing Jason to whirl around and point the gun at her. "She came to me, Jason, and then I sent her right to Eddie. All I knew was that she was stressed. She was under pressure from something. It was either her mother or you. I thought that maybe Eddie could help her."

"You sent her to Eddie? You're the reason she's dead?" Jason glared.

"No, Jason. I don't know what happened, but Eddie's not a killer. He's a good man. Better than you are," Poppy said.

"Eddie is a killer, and I'm trying to protect this town from him!" Jason yelled.

"No! We're trying to protect this town!" Lucas yelled out.

Jason whirled around and pointed the gun back on Lucas. Poppy gripped her shotgun and took a step further. Kayla did the same, gripping her bat. Lucas was scared, and all it would take was Jason pulling the trigger once. Something in Lucas's face changed.

"You know, I wanted to be like you. . . popular, but all I see now is a full blown psychopath," Lucas said.

He bent down at the right time as Jason took the shot and dove into Jason's stomach. The gun was knocked out of Jason's hand, and pretty soon, they were both throwing punches. Poppy cursed. She couldn't shoot Jason now without risking shooting Lucas.

"The Walkman!" Lucas exclaimed.

Kayla was quick. She rolled and grabbed the Walkman before Jason could stomp on it.

"What are we supposed to do with this?" Kayla asked.

"Max! Put it on Max! Running up that Hill!" Lucas yelled.

It was difficult for Kayla when Max started lifting in the air. Holy shit! Poppy reacted quickly and put the headphones on her. They stared at Max and didn't notice that Jason grabbed the gun again until he was pointing it at Lucas. Poppy pointed her shotgun at him.

"Jason! Don't do this!" Poppy exclaimed.

"You're supposed to be on my side, Poppy!" Jason exclaimed. "Instead, you're siding with these. . . Satanists."

"There are no sides! There's only living and dying. Which one are you going to choose?" Poppy asked.

Jason paused for a moment, and it almost looked like he was lowering it. His face hardened, however, and he turned the gun on her. He had chosen.

"You're Tigers!" Jason said furiously.

"Oh, honey, no. We're fucking wolves," Poppy said as she thought about the rest of her 'pack' outside. "Who protect their own."

She pulled the trigger. Jason screamed as the gun fell to the ground. He clutched his bloody hand, crying. Max fell to the ground. Lucas rushed to her side and pulled her into his arms.

"I'm okay. I'm okay," Max said, and he helped her up. "Jesus, what the fuck happened?"

"Uh. Poppy Blake shot him," Lucas said, and Max looked at Poppy in surprise.

"Most of the cheerleaders hate Jason, Andy, and Connor, but we love Eddie," Kayla said. "There are a few who refuse to look past their looks. Gah!"

Poppy shared a look with Kayla and her eyes twinkled back at her.

"Well, it's a good thing that we don't like men, baby," Poppy said teasingly.

"Hey, if I were into men, it'd be Eddie or Chief Hopper," Kayla said, and Lucas looked at her when she mentioned Hopper. "Oh, I like tall people. Preferably tall women."

"Lesbian warrior cheerleaders?" Max asked in amusement.

"Yes! I want that on a shirt," Kayla said.

They left the room, and the house with Jason still bleeding out on the floor of the attic. When they walked out of the house, they found a few more jocks had arrived late to the party. Several of them had her cheerleaders on the ground, including Taylor and Carol. Erica was nowhere to be found. Poppy made sure it was clear before shooting her shotgun off to the side. The jocks stopped and dropped them. Every single one of them were bleeding but not too terribly.

"Hey! Your leader is upstairs bleeding to death. I suggest you get him some help and get the fuck out of here before I give you matching wounds!" Poppy exclaimed.

The jocks ran upstairs and came out carrying Jason. Poppy and the cheerleaders all glared at them with weapons drawn until they drove away.

"Are all of them cheerleaders?" Max asked.

"Yeah," Poppy replied.

"Holy shit," Max said. "Does Eddie know he has his own defense squad?"

"He will now," Kayla said.

"Where's Erica?" Poppy asked.

"Shoved her into my car when those assholes showed up," Carol replied.

Erica hopped out of the car, carrying a first aid kit.

"Found a first aid kit, and it looks like some of you are you going to need it," Erica said and looked at her brother. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah."

Carol took the box from Erica and started patching everyone up. Just as Poppy was about to open her mouth to ask Lucas what the hell was all that about, an RV drove past honking loudly.

"Shit! Eddie's in that RV. We have to follow!" Lucas exclaimed.

"Alright, wolves!" Poppy whistled. "You heard him! Move out!"

They all climbed into their respective vehicles, with Lucas and Erica crawling into the back of Kayla's car. They followed the RV to the hospital where the door burst open. Steve Harrington, Nancy Wheeler, Robin Buckley came out carrying a bleeding Eddie in their arms. A crying boy with curly hair was following them.

"Oh, shit," Lucas muttered.

The group followed them into the hospital, where they delivered Eddie to the doctors. They immediately wheeled him away onto a gurney. Nancy, Robin, and Steve stared down the hallway in shock. Lucas approached the curly hair boy who was now crying.

"Dustin, what the hell happened?" Lucas asked.

"Lucas! Max!" Dustin exclaimed before pulling them both in a hug. "The bats. . .they got to Eddie! . . . Who are they?"

"Dustin, Steve, Nancy, Robin. . .meet Eddie Munson's defense squad," Max said.

"What?" Steve asked and then he squinted. "Poppy?"

"Hey, Steve. You look like shit," she said. "Now, who's going to tell me what the fuck is going on in this town?"

Two days later. . .

It was hell getting questioned by the police but in the end, what they said helped Eddie. There was too much evidence against Jason Carver to keep looking at Eddie, especially when Chrissy's diary resurfaced that revealed the bruises that Jason left behind when he dragged her around like a trophy. Chrissy wrote down how he and the other jocks had it in for Hellfire, how she tried to stop them. She even told Principal Higgins, but he didn't believe her, and when she saw the bennies in his desk, he blackmailed Chrissy. Jason Carver was arrested as were the boys who were involved in the manhunt. Principal Higgins was also arrested. It looked like they were going to need a new principal as well as a new basketball team.

"Maybe we can fill it with more nerds," Poppy nudged Lucas. "Change it from the Tigers. We can be the Hawkins Dragons or some shit."

"No, honey, we're the fucking wolves," Lucas said and Poppy laughed.

They were surrounding Eddie's hospital bed as they waited for them to wake up. They were only just now allowed back in. Of course, they allowed Wayne to spend time with Eddie, but now they were guarding his bedside along with the party. To Poppy's dismay, they hadn't been allowed their weapons. Even though all had been dealt with, Poppy still felt unsettled. She knew the court of public opinion would be the hardest to sway. She was worried that they would go after him.

"So. . .you did all of this for Eddie?" Steve asked.

"I know what you're thinking, but I'm not into dicks," Poppy said.

"Eddie's not a dick!" Steve said defensively, his cheeks turning red. "He's a great guy!"

Poppy and Kayla shared an amused look before giggling. Kayla nodded at Poppy, who nodded back.

"Steve, we're lesbians," Kayla said. "I'm her girlfriend."

"Oh, shit, sorry," Steve said, his whole face heating up.

Robin shoved her knuckle to her mouth, laughing. Meanwhile, Poppy gave Steve a knowing look.

"Me too," Robin said. "Lesbian."

"Nice," Kayla said. "Tall lesbians are the best."

"So are short ones," Poppy said.

"I'm not short, I'm just vertically challenged," Kayla said. "Gravity hates me because I'm so cute. It just keeps pulling me down."

"Idiot," Poppy said affectionately, kissing her.

"Your idiot," Kayla said.

"Well, I guess since we're all being honest," Steve said. "Bicycle. Goddamn it, I mean bisexual!"

"I don't know. Bicycle works, too. If you're into that, there's definitely riding involved," Poppy said with a smirk.

"Children present!" Dustin exclaimed.

"Hm, on the way here, you were saying that you didn't need a babysitter anymore. So which is it? Child or grown-up?" Steve asked, and Dustin closed his mouth. "Yeah, that's what I thought."

Suddenly, Erica popped her head in.

"Jock out on bail incoming!" Erica shrieked.

The squad immediately jumped into action and formed a wall around Eddie's bed. Meanwhile, Steve and Robin stood in front of Lucas, Max, and Dustin at the door. Erica looked out the door while Robin kept a hand on her back.

"Coast is clear!" Erica exclaimed, closing the door.

"Am I dead or alive? What is this?" Eddie's called out, and everyone jumped. "Why are there cheerleaders surrounding my bed? Oh God, Jason sent you to finish me off."

"First of all, if we wanted you dead, you'd be dead before you woke up," Poppy said. "And second of all, Jason is rotting in jail for his crimes and Vecna's. No bail for that asshole."

"They're your defense squad, man. They heard that Jason and the others were going to come after us at the Creel House, so the cheerleaders came and kicked their ass for you. The cheerleaders like you, man," Lucas said.

"Seriously?" Eddie asked.

"Yeah, Poppy shot Jason, and Taylor shot Andy," Lucas replied.

"You did this for free drugs, didn't you?" Eddie joked.

"Ass, I did it because I like you. Platonically," Poppy said. "You're a great guy. Bit of an asshole but a great guy."

"Why?" Eddie asked.

"The speech about your mom told me all I needed to know about you," Poppy said. "Plus, after your little meeting in the woods, Chrissy wouldn't shut up about you."

"She wouldn't?" He asked.

"Look, she's been unhappy for a while, and we've done everything we could do to help her, but when she came out of those woods, she was the happiest that I had ever seen her. You did that for her. You made her happy in her most darkest and cursed moment of her life," Poppy said, tears in her eyes. "She was our friend, and you did that for her."

Eddie was crying now, his bottom lip trembling as his eyelashes grew wet.

"She made me happy too," Eddie said. "I played for her down there, I wanted. . . I wanted her to hear me play, and a little part of me hoped that it would somehow bring her back. Stupid, huh?"

"Not at all," Poppy said.

She took his hand and ran her fingers through his hair as he cried. She would do whatever it took to protect this man and judging by the looks on the others' faces, they would too.

"Thank you," Eddie whispered.

For the first time in his life, instead of fighting against him, people were now fighting for him.

#stranger things #stranger things s4 #eddie munson #joseph quinn #eddie stranger things #stranger things oc #fem oc x fem oc #lesbian warrior cheerleaders #the party #chrissy cunningham #a little bit of #hellcheer #chrissy cunningham x eddie munson #steve harrington #bisexual steve harrington #bisexual eddie munson #so a little bit of #steddie #robin buckley #lesbian robin buckley #lucas sinclair #max mayfield #erica sinclair #eddie munson lives #stranger things fanfiction #rueleigh writes

[lisbeth-kk]

Sherlock fandom. John finding new families along the way.

Surprisingly easy

John has never had any reason to cherish his own family. His parents were always fighting about some trifle detail or other. Harry was difficult at best, detestable at her worst. 

He heard the saying for the first time when he was fifteen, and it immediately hit home.

Friends are the family you choose.

John didn’t have many friends. Not close ones anyway. His fellow rugby teammates were the closest he’d got before uni. At his practise at Barts Hospital, Mike Stamford was a bloke to rely on. Easy and fun to hang out with. A bit boring and predictable, but John could live with that.

When John joined the army and sat foot in a war zone, his comrades became his new family. As a captain he had the responsibility and was suddenly the head of the family. Not that he thought about his men as family at the time, but when he came back home to London, John recognised that they indeed had been the closest to a family he’s ever had.

John has always been a private person. His trust issues come from years of being let down by his biological family. So, the instant attraction and trust he felt toward Sherlock when Mike introduced them, came as an utter surprise to John. Months later, Sherlock revealed having had the same feelings when John lended him his mobile.

“You were the first person who’d intrigued me in years. Although I could deduce much about you, there was always something that astounded me. It still happens occasionally,” Sherlock admits.

“I’m flattered,” John tells him. “To be fair, I never thought that someone like you could find me a tad bit interesting.”

Sherlock had convinced John of the fact quite thoroughly using his lips and hands after that. Gasping for air, John had agreed that he indeed was the most precious and fascinating human being ever created, all out of fear that Sherlock would stop his worshipping of John’s body.

***

The car stops outside the cosy house, and John can’t wait to get out and greet the residents. Sherlock and Mycroft are more reluctant to move. John rolls his eyes at his beloved and the beloved’s older brother.

“Come on, you two. Stop behaving like teenagers being forced to visit family members. They both love you dearly, and I’m in awe over the fact that they tolerate your behaviour,” John says sternly before he opens the car door.

He moves rapidly toward the house, but before he can knock, the door swings open and John finds himself embraced by an elated woman, who smells of baked goods and gardenia.

“John, darling,” Violet Holmes exclaims. “How lovely to see you.”

“Likewise,” John says and presses a kiss to her cheek.

Walter Holmes comes into view behind Violet, and John frees himself to greet the patriarch. They shake hands and Walter places a warm hand on John’s shoulder.

“Alright there, son?” he asks.

“Absolutely. I’ve even managed convincing your offspring to come along,” John grins.

“Ah! Quite the achievement,” Walter praises.

John turns when he hears Violet coo and hug her sons equally enthusiastic as she did with John just minutes earlier. It never fails to amuse John how affectionate the Holmes brothers are with their parents once in their orbit. The bickering between the two, is another matter, but it’s less venomous here than in London.

Violet Holmes is an excellent cook, and even Sherlock eats his fair share of the delicious meal, not to mention the chocolate mousse with fresh berries from Walter’s garden.

Being the only Watson at a table crowded with Holmes’s, John feels content and he can honestly say that they all are his new family. Even Mycroft, Sherlock’s protests notwithstanding. 

***

“It’s surprisingly easy to love your family,” John muses where he lies curled up in Sherlock’s arms on the sofa in front of the fireplace later that evening.

Sherlock hums and combs his long fingers through John’s hair. 

“What would you say to becoming a legitimate member of the Holmes family, John?” Sherlock asks quietly.

John gasps and turns to face Sherlock, his eyes starting to fill.

“Sherlock,” he whispers. “Are you asking me what I…”

“Yes, John! Obviously,” Sherlock says with a teasing eyeroll, before his face softens.

John sits up and straddles Sherlock’s thighs, his hands cupping Sherlock’s cheeks carefully. He catches plush lips with his thinner ones, and snogs Sherlock breathless.

“That’s a yes, by the way,” John murmurs.

Such a wonderful prompt! It was a joy to write.

@flashfictionfridayofficial @totallysilvergirl @keirgreeneyes @calaisreno @phoenix27884 @a-victorian-girl @topsyturvy-turtely @gregorovitchworld @kettykika78 @helloliriels @peanitbear @safedistancefrombeingsmart

#sherlock fandom #johnlock #sherlock #john watson #flashfiction #family

[mariana-oconnor]

The Mazarin Stone pt 2

Should I be starting this at 20 past 11 when I have work tomorrow? No. No I shouldn't. And yet here I am. Because time is an illusion and sleep is for the weak.

(It's not, this is a terrible idea...)

Last time on the adventures of Billy:

Sherlock Holmes was looking for a shiny diamond. The guy who stole it came around and was about to bash in his head with his cane when he discovered it wasn't actually Sherlock at all! It was a waxwork. Then it ended with something that apparently wasn't supposed to be an innuendo.

Maybe I should commission some wax works of myself, just in case someone ever comes 'round to try to kill me.

“It is no use your fingering your revolver, my friend,” he said in a quiet voice.

Talking of things that aren't intended to be innuendoes.

The prize-fighter, a heavily built young man with a stupid, obstinate, slab-sided face...

Billy has been going to the same school of character description as Watson, clearly.

"Now, look here, Count Sylvius. I'm a busy man and I can't waste time. I'm going into that bedroom."

I don't know if it's just because I haven't slept well all week, or if this really is just full of inintentional innuendo, but everything is coming across as dirty right now.

“What is it, then?” asked Merton anxiously as his companion turned to him. “Does he know about the stone?”

I'm going to take a second to say that it's really nice how the muscle is being allowed to ask questions and they're being answered. So often, the brawny one just gets told what they need to know and nothing more, but here Mr Merton seems to be an equal partner in this endeavour. Good for these guys, honestly. Just because a man's a prize fighter and has a... 'slab-sided face' doesn't mean he shouldn't be allowed to be as involved in the criminal proceedings as anyone else.

“That's right. Maybe somebody's behind a curtain. Too many curtains in this room.”

Well, Billy's definitely listening somewhere, or he wouldn't have been able to write this.

There was a vague sound which seemed to come from the window. Both men sprang round, but all was quiet. Save for the one strange figure seated in the chair, the room was certainly empty.

Was the waxwork just replaced by a real person? I kind of want that to have happened.

“I've fooled better men than he,” the Count answered. “The stone is here in my secret pocket."

Oh my god. I can't believe you just said that out loud. While in enemy territory. You have the survival instincts of a panda, istg.

One or other of us must slip round with the stone to Lime Street and tell him.” “But the false bottom ain't ready.”

Yep, that's right, just blurt out literally everything right here and now. Clearly this is an excellent place to discuss the details of your secret plans.

"Come back here, out of a line with that keyhole."

Now you're trying to be surreptitious?

“Thank you!” With a single spring Holmes had leaped from the dummy's chair and had grasped the precious jewel.

He had replaced the dummy. Excellent. Love it.

“No violence, gentlemen—no violence, I beg of you! Consider the furniture!"

Possibly the least effective 'please don't murder me' I've seen.

"It gave me a chance of listening to your racy conversation which would have been painfully constrained had you been aware of my presence.”

“A fair cop!” said he. “But, I say, what about that bloomin' fiddle! I hear it yet.” “Tut, tut!” Holmes answered. “You are perfectly right. Let it play! These modern gramophones are a remarkable invention.”

I can't believe someone actually said 'A fair cop!'

And the wonders of modern technology. A Recording? How unexpected!

“How do you do, Lord Cantlemere? It is chilly for the time of year, but rather warm indoors. May I take your overcoat?” “No, I thank you; I will not take it off.”

Haha! He is secretly three kobolds in a trenchcoat!

“Every man finds his limitations, Mr. Holmes, but at least it cures us of the weakness of self-satisfaction.”

OH boy, well clearly this guy is due his comeuppance, because he has no idea that he's in a Sherlock Holmes story and therefore if you insult Holmes' intelligence you're for it.

Sorry, Lord Cantlemere. Do not pass go. Do not collect £200.

"I may tell you frankly, sir, that I have never been a believer in your powers, and that I have always been of the opinion that the matter was far safer in the hands of the regular police force. Your conduct confirms all my conclusions. I have the honour, sir, to wish you good-evening.”

“Put your hand in the right-hand pocket of your overcoat.” “What do you mean, sir?” “Come—come, do what I ask.” An instant later the amazed peer was standing, blinking and stammering, with the great yellow stone on his shaking palm. “What! What! How is this, Mr. Holmes?” “Too bad, Lord Cantlemere, too bad!” cried Holmes. “My old friend here will tell you that I have an impish habit of practical joking. Also that I can never resist a dramatic situation. I took the liberty—the very great liberty, I admit—of putting the stone into your pocket at the beginning of our interview.”

Oh, Holmes. Always so hilarious with the practical jokes. This isn't as bad as pretending to be dead, or that time you invited a guy to eat with you, then hid something in his meal and he almost had a heart attack, but still... really? I know he insulted you and therefore needed his comeuppance, but still.

"Your sense of humour may, as you admit, be somewhat perverted, and its exhibition remarkably untimely..."

OK then.

That was an odd one. Completely different structure. Third person POV. We got to see Holmes' methods in that we got to see him stage two pranks, essentially. There was little in the way of deduction.

Not sure about that one.

Weird case.

#Letters from Watson #Sherlock Holmes #The Mazarin Stone #long post

[miitarashi]

TINTIN HALLOWEEN HEADCANONS WITH HIS S/O PLZ 🙏🙏😆

OH- GOOD IDEA MY BEAUTIFUL UNKNOW PERSON!

Oh and hello! I didn't died,just the time is more short than me those days,but! I would never lost the opportunity to make some halloween headcanons about my precious man!

[Name] = reader (neutral since it wasn't specified)

Warning: none! Just enjoy and happy halloween!

☆Halloween headcanons☆

Ok,first. If you wanted to participate he would find a bit odd since it's more for childrens.

But he can't say no to you,even if he tried 🤷🏽‍♀️ (and probably it wasn't only you asking,Haddock wanted too but was a little embarrassed to admit)

In the end...

"come onnn! It'll be fun Tintin!"

"aye,hear them lad! You need some easy going fun too. But if you embarrassed i can go with you two...Just in case!"

".....you want to go too,right captain?"

"..."

"and [Name] make up your mind so you two would try to convince me"

"..."

"...ok. I'll go"

Success 😌👌🏽

He's that classic type that like to do figures related to books. Kings,pharao,maybe even presidents.

And let's not lie,you really make his mind about the pharao because most of them use that type of clothes that show what should be seen y'all know??

A blessed view indeed 🙇🏽‍♀️

But now,the obvious one. He would be sherlock or indiana Jones.

We all know it.

But now,if,without him knowing,you show up dressed like Watson to match with him?

Pure happiness.

He's not opposet to do matching costumes,just if you say out of nowhere something like:

"...what if...i dress up like a ketchup and you-"

"[Name]. Don't even think about it"

"Wha- i didn't finished-"

"You dressed as a ketchup,me like a mayonnaise and Milu would be the mostard,right?"

".......but hear me out-"

Just making a bet and wining to make this happen but believe me,it would worth every second lol.

Letting that type of costumes aside,he like to wear things related to your new obssesions too. Anime,series,books or anything,if doing this put a smile on your face he'll do.

Go shopping to buy clothes,plan things and all, everything for you 😌👌🏽

Scary him should be difficult,but he's quite easy to do it. He do those little jumps you know?

Halloween parties. He'll go just because of you,he knows that you'll get drunk and being there is more safe than waiting for you at home.

So he basically go to be sure that you'll come back home safe,even though this mean him dragging you back while hearing you mumbling:

"Yu see ut right??? I won!"

"Indeed,you drink more than anyone,less than the captain,but close"

"say whath?! I can yesy! I'll bet wuth him!"

"[Name]..."

"i'll won!"

At this point he was regreting letting you go for the party but your mouth didn't shut, althought...

"Hihihi- ah! Wait-"

"And here we go...Is something wrong?"

"You! I looowe youu!"

"..."

This made him smirk happily for a good while.

Oh,and Milu don't get away. If you two match,Milu will too. Imagine him with a little Sherlock homes costume or with a little crown of a king. Things like that.

Now,to end with a cute one: it should be a tricky to mess up a bit with Haddock,you and Tintin dress up like him (even milu) but jokes on both of you,he was over the moon.

He took as much photos he could and keep it with him like a little teasure.

_________________________________________

A/N: hey! Long time no see y'all huh? Thought i was dead? Ha! I wish 🥲. But anyway!! I was sad and remember about my blog, didn't had that much hopes about seen requests but bro- there had! And one asking for a halloween headcanons?? I had to make it and so there it is! I'll try to make more,little by little i'll be fully back don't worry. Thank you for the request dear unknow,love you!

#the adventures of tintin #tintin #tintin movie #tintin x reader #captain haddock #archibald haddock #tintin 2011 #the adventures of tintin 2011 #tintin movie 2011

[sarascamander]

If you love Kit and Ty, you HAVE to read the Adventure of Holloway Holmes — it gives the EXACT VIBE of KitTy. I'm not even kidding. We have two wannabe sleuths absolutely pining for each other, crimes to solve, amazing banters, and just so much more! One of the similarities:

1. The main character is Jack Moreno who Kit wished he was. I LOVE KIT but Jack stole my heart in a way he didn't lmao. They both are sarcastic, hilarious, independent and undeniably in love with their partner in crime. Honestly, being in Jack's head is one of the best experiences of my love. It's so fun!

I wanted to close my eyes. I wanted to smack my head against the steering wheel. Off the top of my head, I could make a list: some fairly good weed, a lot of addies, condoms (not that those were illegal), unopened vapes (those were), this rare tentacle porn manga that Ty Bryce had paid me for but asked me to hold on to. After I got out of prison in thirty years, I already knew, Dad was going to make me have a super awkward sex talk.

2. And Holmes aka H (as Jack fondly nicknamed because Holloway Holmes is such a posh name in his humble opinion) is so precious!!!! I want to wrap him in a blanket burrito even though he is actually capable of breaking my arm without blinking. But god! Someone needs to take care of him. Although it's never been specified in the book, I'm 80% sure he's autistic. Either that or he was badly abused (which he was). He reminded me of Ty by the way he speaks and acts.

I examined his face. Then I gave him a smile. He was doing a Holmes thing, not looking me in the eye, so I moved my head until he was. This was something we’d been working on.

3. You know how Kit will suddenly drift to a paragraph of how beautiful Ty is? Well, Jack Moreno might give Kit a run for his money (he's so obsessed with H's knuckles and the thousands of shades of gold in his hair, it's embarrassing)

He made a frustrated noise. Then he smiled. The expression was a little stiff; he wasn’t used to doing it, and it was another of those things that he was self-conscious about. I’d read about people who get up at two or three in the morning—on vacation, no less, when they’re in Hawaii—and then they drive hours and hours, and all of it is to see the sunrise from this one specific spot, and I thought, Come to Utah if you want something worth your time

Context: they're in Utah. Jack basically said that Holmes' smile is prettier than the sunrise!! 😩

4. Their relationship is literally so pure and one of the things that get me insane about them is their communication!! They always worked hard to communicate with each other and sort things out it's so satisfying to read!!

“I lied,” Holmes said, but he still wasn’t looking me in the eye. “I am angry with you.” “I guessed.” “I don’t want to do this right now.” “It’s good practice."

5. Their banter is *chef kiss*

“I’ll tell him it’s a sex thing.” “Good,” Holmes said. “He’ll be pleased that all your hours of mindless pornography are finally paying dividends.” My jaw legit dropped. “H!” “Desk, please.” “That was so amazingly bitchy.” “Desk.” “And, like, also kind of evil. Which I loved.”

And there are literally hundreds of reasons to read this trilogy if you are craving for Kit and Ty. And although their vibes are similar, they are also their own people. And words can't say how much I adore them. The story and relationship is really beautifully written. I honestly don't care much about the crime but I'm obsessed with these two

Some of my favourites quotes:

He sat there in silhouette, head down. I knew the curve of his spine. I knew the span of his shoulders. Anywhere, I thought. I could be anywhere and know you

“You are my soul, Jack Moreno. I do not know why John Watson wrote his stories that way, why he wrote himself so small, when he was so much more. I do not think I will ever understand. But I do not want to know what I would be without you.”

I knew that he was something more than me, something vast and wonderful that I could only touch the edges of. But for someone like me, the edge was enough—just a glimpse was enough. And, more importantly for right now, I knew what he sounded like when he’d been hurt, the quality of his breathing, because I’d hurt him in a way few people ever had. Which was why, in those rare midnight hours when I could be honest with myself, I knew it was better this way, as friends. Because I didn’t deserve him

“But he was so much more. Sherlock Holmes was a brilliant detective, Jack. He would have been that regardless of other circumstances. But he was a good man—he was a happy man—because of John Watson.”

“What do you say to that, I wanted to know. What am I supposed to say? What do you want me to say? But what I was really asking was, How am I supposed to do this again? I barely survived the first time; what am I supposed to do when you leave me again?”

I had seen, this spring, jacaranda blossoms so pale they were almost blue, trembling with the breath of the mountains. I had seen, when I'd been twelve, a foil of goldfinches flocking against the crushed dusk. I had seen a shooting star once, thinning across the sky like combed silver. And I had seen Holloway Holmes smile.

There's so much but I don't want to spam so I really hope you give it a try!!

#jack moreno #holloway holmes #ty blackthorn #kit herondale

[ashesforart]

For the Sherlock and Co. Ask Game:

🌟 ♥ 💎

Hi I'm so sorry I didn't answer this sooner, my life was on fire this week. Thank you for the prompts, these are all such good ones too!

🌟: I have got to go with Sherlock as my favorite main character. Sherlock & Co. has such an endearing adaption of Sherlock Holmes as a character-- Thomas the Tank Engine plasters? High fives? Brilliant and yet clearly human? I love him. If he has a hundred fans I am one of them. If he has one fan it is me. If he has no fans I am dead.

❤️: Hmm... this totally not a headcanon because it's essentially canon (although it has been awhile since I re-listened to the Gloria Scott episodes so correct me if I'm remembering wrong), but I am going to take this opportunity to talk about it anyways because I surprised myself! I wasn't expecting to be so fond of the idea of Sherlock & Victor as really close mates in school or roommates, etc. Now I fully recognize that this is surely left over from my time in the BBC Sherlock fandom, which often treats Victor Trevor as a traumatic relationship for Sherlock (both because of what happened to him in the show, and the copious fan content about Victor as an adult). That's neither here nor there, just a different Victor Trevor from a different Sherlock Holmes adaption. That's all to say that I just really like that S&Co. Sherlock had a healthy friendship in school such that he was worried about irreparably damaging that friendship while solving this case. It's very refreshing.

💎: Ahh I LOVE the entire episode the end of The Solitary Cyclist Part 2. Seeing Dr. Jonk Watson M.D. have his moment to shine was so exciting, and Sherlock is such a darling at the end when he congratulates Watson on his stellar work. It's absolutely precious and I totally re-listen to it when I need a pick-me-up.

#That's not to say I'm not also fond of Mariana and John #it was very hard to pick a favorite. #jonk watson #sherlock & co. #sherlock holmes adaptions #ask game #ash answers #sherlock holmes #john watson #mariana ametxazurra #victor trevor #podcasts

[teaspoonnebula]

The Beryl Coronet Part 1 - Notes!

I'm having a lazy Sunday morning so I'm going to luxuriously type out my thoughts while I'm reading today's letter! I'm especially excited because I don't think I've properly read this one.

bow-window looking down the street

I have however read this little nugget of detail because I tried to find any and all descriptions of Baker Street for a game I'm making (The Beekeeper's picnic, you can wishlist it on Steam if you like...)

In a different story it's described as having a bay window. Both bow windows and bay windows project from the exterior wall. Bow windows usually have more panes of glass to make a smooth outward curve.

Both are also fiendishly difficult to convey when you're working with 320x130 pixels.

“Holmes,” said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking down the street, “here is a madman coming along. It seems rather sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone.”

Outdated attitudes towards mental health aside, I think it's sweet that Watson is able to see someone in distress at a distance and immediately find it sad nobody is looking out for him. His doctorly instincts are aroused!

Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ.

Likewise, Holmes is knows by now how to handle someone in distress. There's a really sweet illustration of this moment by Josef Friedrich

We have done a good deal in this direction during the last few years, and there are many noble families to whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their pictures, libraries, or plate. “‘It is absolutely essential to me,’ said he, ‘that I should have £50,000 at once.

B-b-b-Blackmail, methinks. Either that or this is some kind of scam on the bank (perhaps they upfront the money for the coronet but never receive it, or receive a fake) But since we're apparently dealing with a famous notable person, I don't think that's going to be it)

‘You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?’

There has already been a mountain of discussion about coronets in the LfW server - what precisely it is, how the word is pronounced, the etymology...

I'd always thought a coronet was something like this - basically a tiara but a little more gender-neutral!

Turns out it's actually a small crown which has a top to it.

“‘I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my own private purse,’ said I, ‘were it not that the strain would be rather more than it could bear.

I really hope this is just lip service and he wouldn't have really done that. Please Mr Holder, don't lend clients your own money! I feel he's being set up here, either by the narrative or by this Mysterious Notable Man.

I determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might never be really out of my reach.

I just want to sit all Sherlock Holmes characters down and give them a long lecture about how the most vulnerable time for any precious or valuable object is when it is in transit. Also the the bureau of your dressing-room is not actually more secure than a safe at London's second largest bank.

Another, Lucy Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few months.

She gets a name, and is therefore Suspicious.

I could not trust him in the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long purses and expensive habits

Libertine son Arthur is also Suspicious.

Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him.

...... they're cousins? Right? I mean they are cousins. Not just cousins, but she's been adopted by his father. Right?!

I thought that first-cousin marriage was a bit of an eyebrow-raiser at this time even though it did happen sometimes.

Where are the jewels which you have stolen?’ “‘Stolen!’ he cried. “‘Yes, thief!’ I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. “‘There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,’ said he.

Ok, I think that was actually a "Stolen?!" and he's as surprised as anyone. The beryls were already gone by the time he got there. I'm sure Lucy's disappearance has something to do with it!

at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the ground.

I feel bad for laughing at this.

I am enjoying this one SO MUCH so far! The missing item genre of Sherlock Holmes story is one of my favorites, and so far we've had a really tense tragic narrative with lots of complexity.

I am a little worried that this story isn't a well known one and so perhaps it's a bit of a flop towards the end - but who knows, perhaps it's appropriately a hidden gem!

#sherlock holmes #letters from watson #the beryl coronet #beryl coronet

[sherlocks--watson]

Comfy Winterdays

A little story on what would happen if Watson would forget his scarf on a very cold winter day:

Watson Pov:

I was getting some of my well deserved rest after staying awake for over two days to help Holmes with his latest case.

This of course didn't effect my dear friend at all.

He could last many day's without sleep. But sometimes he seems to forget, that I am not like him in that habit.

I was already asleep for serval hour's, when suddenly my Bedroom door was opend with such force that it hit the wall with a loud bang.

"Watson! Are you still sleeping? Come on there is no time for sleep, we have a case to solve!", exclaimed my dear friend Holmes.

Where he gets this much energy, is still a mystery for me.

"Holmes! You can't be serious! You just solved a case Four hours ago!"

"Ah Watson, hurry up! This case is truly something special! I see you downstairs in 5 minutes!", and with that he left my room.

To say I was in a bad mood, was probably justified.

I hurriedly put on some clothes, grabbed my coat and hat and hurried down stairs.

Holmes was already sitting in the carriage, when I joined him.

It was a very cold snowy day in London, snow coated the roofs of each house.

I was half asleep, when we arrived on our destination. It was only then, when I realized that I forgot my scarf in this hurry!

"Come now Watson, there is no time to lose!"

Now I'm not only loosing my well deserved rest but probably catching a cold too!

Serval minutes passed when Holmes turned around, to introduce me to our new client when he realised, that I was shaking like a leaf in the wind.

I saw a flash of worry and guilt in his eyes, when he looked at me.

He took off his scarf and putted it tightly around my neck.

"My dear Watson, I'm truly sorry for bringing you out in this cold weather in such a hurry. I promise that I will make it up to you.",

"We could drink a hot cup of tea in front of the fire, and I will get you some of that little biscuits that you like so much."

I answered him with a small smile: "I would like that very much Holmes."

He gave me one of his rare smiles, that I love so much.

"And I promise not to disturb you for some hours, so you can get your precious sleep my dear fellow."

I couldn't help but laugh at that.

"Sometimes you really are insufferable Holmes!"

#edward hardwicke watson #granada holmes #jeremy brett #granada sherlock #victorian husbands #edward hardwicke #Johnlock #Sherlock #Watson #Holmes and Watson #Short story #Don't re-upload pls

[sukunaspinkyfinger]

ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜰᴀᴅᴇ ᴀᴡᴀʏ ᴘᴀʀᴛ ɪ ꜰᴏʀ ʜᴇʀ ꜱᴀᴋᴇ

ꜱᴏɴɢ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ: ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜰᴀᴅᴇ ᴀᴡᴀʏ - ꜱᴀᴍᴜʀᴀɪ

ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴꜱ: ᴜꜱᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴀʟᴄᴏʜᴏʟ, ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴄᴇ

The sun begins to set on the never-sleeping Night City as I carefully drive through Jig-jig Street, one of the most bustling locations in the Westbrook area. As a little ritual, I always tend to close all my successful gigs with a drink, doesn't matter how long I have to be stuck behind these god-forsaken wheels.

I promised myself - N, once you take care of her, you're going to spend all your precious eddies on a type-66 Cthulhu, cuz' that baby is not cheap.

as I park the car in front of Jina's, I hesitantly open my sun-visor, which reveals an old picture of my beautiful, big sister Utahime. I smile proudly at her, as she smiles back with her typical mom-like expression. easily the prettiest, smartest girl in Watson district, graduated at the top of her class at Arasaka Academy, nice, family-oriented girl...and a great fucking netrunner, under some big-shot corpofuck. She would definitely scold me for getting shit-faced at a bar after doing dangerous jobs. I laugh, though my smile turns sour.

She would definitely scold me if she wasn't in a vegetative state since 2071 because of a work accident that fried her brain beyond belief while trying to hack into some shady agent's data board. at least fucking Arasaka was nice enough to send her last paycheck, then abandon her, erasing her from the database to avoid any kind of scandal. she and many others deserve better.

"love you, sis, be home soon." I kiss her photo as I put on my sunglasses and make my way over to Jina's, whose entrance is already being guarded by Tyger Claws p̶u̶n̶k̶s̶ members.

"hey baby, nice tits you got there. how much for an hour?" the Japanese tyger claw winks at me seconds before the translation implant reveals his chivalrous intentions. since I don't usually want trouble with these guys, I present him with a cute smile as I try really hard not to throw up in my mouth.

"Thanks, um, is Jina in today?" the guy doesn't even bother to take his eyes off of my cleavage.

"ye, baby, just switched shifts. you her friend?"

"mmhm. anyway, thanks for the info. wouldn't wanna keep you guys busy, so, see ya."

I blow him a goodbye kiss as I push open the glass door, which reveals my haven since I became a merc. pretty girls dancing in every corner, highlighted by neon lights, the smell of lust, and cheap tobacco. I spot Jina and her signature goddess braids right away, tending the bar in her little apron. I take my seat closest to her, she spots me as I take off my sunglasses and gifts me with a warm smile and a shot of Amel.

"I was wondering when you'd show your pretty face again. cheers."

the taste of good old Amel sends chills down my spine as the sour, bitter, and hot liquid coats my needy tongue, making me yearn for more as I take out my rusty cigarette case. thankfully, Jina is already a step ahead.

"It's only been two days, Jina. but I know what you mean. gigs are comin' in hot but-"

"but the pay's shit. you don't have to tell me, I see it in your crusty eyes, madam." she pauses as she hands me an ashtray and another shot. "how's your sis?"

"same, ol'. still can't figure out if she even knows who I am...but that's why these shit gigs are worth it, Jina, cuz' one day-" I down the shot as I point at her with a proud smile. "one day she will be her old self again and the crusty eyes, gunshot wounds, sleepless nights will all be worth it."

we continue to talk for hours, what seems like minutes as I keep downing the liquid gold that oh so sweetly burns my throat. we talk, we dance, we smoke, we drink until the clock turns to midnight as I drift off to a land of dreams, completely closing out the noises around me.

I wake up in a fluffy bed, annoyed by whoever decided to keep the blinds open, but since the sun decided to wake me up so rudely I rise and follow the sound of delicate music. My skin erupts in goosebumps as my feet touch the ice-cold floor, I walk mindlessly in the direction of what seems to be a kitchen tended by a woman whose black ponytail dances freely to the classical music coming from the radio.

"tsk, tsk, tsk. look who decided to show up! and I thought I'm going to be eating breakfast alone again."

my eyes widen and my blood stops in my veins as my big sister turns around with a huge plate of goodies in her hand.

"what, are you hangover again? for god's sake, N, how often did I tell you to stop drinking during the week? sit down and eat, you can take a pill after that."

I instinctively obey her and take place at the dinner table, but as soon as I look up we find ourselves in a different scenario. this time, we are sitting outside in the sun. Utahime wears a thin, red sundress while reading a magazine, slurping on some icy drink. the way her expression changes as soon as she spots some juicy gossip, I get reminded of our mother. the endless similarities scare me sometimes.

"Isn't it so pretty outside? sometimes I forget we're in Night City."

Utahime smiles as she pours me a drink.

"the only way someone forgets they're in Night City is if they have a sister with a cushy job like mine."

right, I almost forgot how well off we used to be when Utahime was working for big-shot corpos. sure, I already had a job when I was seventeen, but that chump change of eurodollars wasn't even cousins with the amount Utahime was making.

"true, but it's not bad to forget sometimes." she takes off her shades and slowly looks at me. "you should forget about me, N."

her words strike me like the bullet in my shoulder from that maelstrom gang member last week. I open my mouth to ask her what she means, to protest, to curse at her, but nothing comes out. the sudden vibration in my pocket pulls me out of the dream and I yank my phone. God save the fucker on the end of the line.

"da fuck you wan'?"

after a couple of seconds of baffled silence, my ripperdoc, Shoko starts to speak.

"I should've guessed you're in some ditch drinking your liver away."

"ouhh, heyyy Shoko. M'bad, m'sry for bein' a bitch. Wassup?"

she lets out a disappointed sigh, I could make out some unfamiliar voices in the background.

"Listen, N, I need you to pull yourself together. someone I know has a job for you, important."

"mhhm, okay. just...just send me the deets. call you back in the morni-"

"No, N, listen to me. The job is from..." She stops mid-sentence while her heels bring her to a more secure spot. "Fucking listen to me, this job is what you've been looking for. High risk, high eddies but I know you need this and I know you can handle it. The job is from fucking Sukuna Ryomen. You have one hour to get back to me, I expect to hear back from you."

she hangs up immediately and before I know it, my feet are unconsciously dragging me towards the restroom. Sukuna Ryomen's name echoes through my mind as the nasty mix of enchiladas and amel exists through my mouth.

Sukuna Ryomen, 43 years old, has been around as long as I can remember. Came from Tokyo to the NUSA, began his career as a street boxer, won every street and official fight in Night City, until he retired and rebranded; today, he is a rich businessman and the leader of The Unwanted, a mid-sized gang that unofficially controls the Westbrook district. Word on the street is, that the less they are the more dangerous. You need high-tech weapons, cyberware, information? You seek out Sukuna. You need someone to be offed? He is your best man. He even convinced big-shot netrunners like Geto Suguru to work for him, a huge accomplishment. That man single-handedly offed 52 netrunners just by hacking into their network, while exposing classified information about a plague that caused the death of more than 14 million people. Geto Suguru was/is a one-man army and bowed to no one until he did to Sukuna Ryomen.

my mind continues to race as I wash my mouth and face, Shoko's words echoing like a never-ending record. I quickly run to the counter and pay Jina for her service, I sprint to my car without a word. My trembling hands take out Utahime's picture and I just smile.

this could be our big break, 'hime. i do this job, i climb up the ladder, we get you that treatment and you'll be back to your normal self again. this is it, 'hime, this is it!

i swiftly start the car and make my way to Kabuki, where Shoko's clinic resides, praying that the badges don't notice my blatant drunk driving.

gotta do this, for her sake. for our sake.

#jujutsu kaisen #jjk x reader #choso kamo #choso x reader #cyberpunk 2077 #cyberpunk edgerunners #alternate universe #shoko ieiri #jjk #utahime iori #sukuna ryomen

[kyndaris]

Hello Madness, My Old Friend

From Octopath Traveler 2, I decided to keep with the theme of hidden cults and try my hand at the remake Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened. With only a few short weeks before my trip overseas, I didn't want to get sucked into a lengthy role-playing game and leave it unfinished while I was overseas. Which was why I chose to play games that wouldn't take too long but could still tell a compelling story. So, after enjoying the new direction of Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One, I was eager to see what Frogwares would do to change of their first Sherlock Holmes games. Coupled with my obsession with the Sherlock Holmes stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the Cthulhu mythos, my excitement was tangible.

Unfortunately, The Awakened did not live up to the lofty expectations set by the predecessor. Still, given the developer is headquartered in Ukraine and the game entered production soon after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I can forgive its many foibles.

Besides, Frogwares has never been a triple-A studio.

As such, I struggled with the stripped back gameplay and the jankiness of the game models. There were also several moments when the lighting, especially for hats, looked terribly strange and pulled me from the scene.

Faults aside, there were also many elements I loved about the game. Namely the story and the callbacks to Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One. This, more than anything else, made the two games feel connected. What's more, the backstory in Chapter One also felt conducive to the descent into madness that was Sherlock's story arc throughout the game. Yes, I would have liked some more backstory on the ultimate villain, with perhaps a nice tantalising story connection to our characters beyond a reference to the previous game of the same title, but alas.

Now, if you've ever played a Frogware Sherlock Holmes game, there isn't many surprises. In fact, I felt there were fewer instances for minigames. Gone is the combat and chemical mixing introduced in Chapter One. Sherlock is wholly dependent on the power of investigation and the occasional use of his extensive archives (which he seems to carry with him). This meant the story flowed better as Sherlock and John traipsed to several corners of the world in order to unravel the mystery of a missing Maori servant in the employ of the bullish Captain Stenwick.

It isn't long before Sherlock and John stumble upon their first major clue: The Black Edelweiss Institute. There, they unravel the mystery of the mental institution, including how the previous director was disposed and taken over by the distasteful Professor Gygax who brutalises the patients and uses the Institute as a cover to procure sacrifices for an unknown ritual.

Despite a brief encounter with the unknowable, Sherlock and Holmes find letters pointing them to New Orleans. So, off they trot across the Atlantic where they learn details about an auction selling precious black opals and journey into the bayou to save Mr Arneson, a local man. There, they retrieve an ancient book.

Returning to London, the local bookseller is manages to decipher the unknown language, which points to a mythical sea god that looks very much like everyone's favourite eldritch being. With the help of maps at the bookstore, Watson is able to pinpoint the location for this grand ritual. Everything culminates in a 'battle' atop a lighthouse on the Scottish coastline, with the duo putting a stop to the summoning of Cthulhu to our plane of existence.

Riveting stuff, I must say! Although, as I've stated before, it would have been interesting to have had some more focus on the villain and their underlying motivations. Still, the relationship between Sherlock and John was compelling. Especially as they were still finding their feet as flatmates at 221B Baker Street and had yet to establish the strong rapport they would come to develop in the latter games.

As I've stated above, the gameplay itself isn't as good as its predecessor. No longer are there multiple cases to solve. The Awakened is primarily focused on the one major mystery of a disappearing manservant, which dovetails into a world of secret cults and their attempts to ritual summon something beyond human ken. Of course, in so saying, the case does come to a proper conclusion instead of leaving it open-ended to the player. No longer did I have to ponder if I made the right choice when it came to the cases Sherlock closed as I interpreted the evidence to their logical conclusions.

And because of this the game is also much shorter.

I finished The Awakened in only a few short hours and Howlongtobeat.com seems to indicate it's about 9 hours at most. That isn't to say short games are bad, and I'm thankful I didn't have to pay an exorbitant amount for it.

Another gripe I had were the mechanics themselves, such as the map not providing an indicator for where Sherlock was located. Thankfully, though, each of the sets were quite insular and there wasn't any significant fear one would get lost. Although, I'm sure if I had my direction challenged friends play, they might still lose their way.

Yet, I must confess I was still hoping for a meatier experience. Time will tell what the next Sherlock Holmes game will be or if there might be any new changes implemented to the pre-existing formula. I, for one, would be keen to see a slew of quality investigative games for my favourite detective. But for now, I will continue to wait even as madness beckons to me.

#video games #sherlock holmes: the awakened #sherlock holmes #john watson #cthulhu #eldritch beings

[sea-owl]

So I just finished watching Knives Out and Glass Onion and this gave me a modern Bridgerton AU idea. Imagine young Edmund Bridgerton getting wrapped up in some murder mystery, only to be saved by a beautiful detective by the name of Violet Ledger. He eventually manages to convince her to go on a date with him and two years later they are married with a baby on the way. But Violet still continued her career in solving crimes while Edmund was happy to stay at home with their children.

Now imagine the spouses each being potential murder suspects that Violet takes a shine to, has them tag along as her Watson, and after each crime is solved somehow sets them up with one of her children.

"Edmund I have found the most wonderful young lady for Anthony! The way she confronted her father's killer was brilliant. Never did like Mr. Sheffield or wife. But I must have that lovely girl in our family!"

"I swear Edmund, Benedict either needs to marry this girl or we're adopting her. Sophie is just the nicest girl and the way she absolutely called out Araminta was brilliant! Thank goodness that knife was fake though."

"I knew little Penelope was Whistledown! You owe me a foot massage and a bottle of wine Edmund! To think that she and Eloise staged that huge fight in college before she went missing. Oh but to think she's had to live under a different identity all these years to protect her family from her dreadful cousin and Cressida Cowper. Eloise is of course grounded for hiding this for these year but I do think she is ready to enter the field herself. Now, how soon do you wanna bet it'll take Colin to get back from his trip in Alaska and propose to her once he hears Penelope is alive?"

You know I really need to watch Knives Out and Glass Onion. Your Watson comment gave me an idea though.

Detective Violet Bridgerton, full time detective, part time unofficial matchmaker, and technically a viscountess.

Look it's not Violet's fault all these precious murder suspects are perfect for her children, or that the first one she met very early in her career became her little viscount husband. Oh, don't look at her like that she makes sure they're not actually murderers!

Like Simon, Michael, Sophie for example the poor dears were being framed! It was no secret Simon hated his father, or that at times Michael was jealous of his cousin, or that Sophie was an illegitimate daughter. The real murderers did use those facts against them though, and then Whistledown came in with their riddles and chaos.

But once that was all cleared up Violet just had to introduced them to her children Daphne, Francesca, and Benedict. Perfect matches!

Then there was Kate. Kate was suspected to be the one behind her sister's kidnapping, Many claimed a recent row between them was what "pushed" Kate to do it, despite Kate's claims of loving her little sister. Violet believed Kate though, and with that riddle from that annoying Whistledown, they found Edwina who pointed at the real kidnappers, Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield.

Kate was brilliant and had a stubbornness that could rival Violet's oldest Anthony. How could she not introduce them?

Her latest case Violet had done the impossible and found the match for stubborn second born daughter, Eloise.

Phillip Crane was the number one suspect in the murders of his father, brother, and sister in-law. He was also believed to be the one to have kidnapped his niece and nephew. That was thankfully proven false, and they found the twins. Phillip is currently filing for custody.

Whistledown confused Violet for this case though. They have never been so direct before. Less riddles and more clear messages.

"I find it odd that the messages were directed towards Phillip," Edmund said after his wife shared her musings.

"You're right it was odd," Violet said as she read over the case file. One of these files went over the murder victims. Violet's eyes narrowed on Marina Thompson, to be more precise her listed family.

Under the family portion someone had listed Jack, Penelope, and Felicity Featherington with a question mark and connected written next to the names.

Violet had to stop herself from falling from the chair. The death of Archibald Featherington and the disappearance of his two youngest daughters was Violet's first failed case. Everyone knew Jack Featherington had something to do with it, but they could never find the evidence to put him away.

It was also after this case that Whistledown made their first appearance, with their mocking riddles.

Is this connection why Whistledown was so direct? Violet had to figure it out. It was time Whistledown came out of the shadows anyway.

Eloise told Violet that Phillip was taking the twins to see family in Gloucestershire today. Violet didn't want to follow Phillip, after all she did like him and she hopes he'll become her son in-law one day, but things were not adding up.

When Violet pulled up to the house behind Phillip she saw nine cars there in total. Five of them she recognized. Was all her little Watsons in on this? What was going on?

Walking around the property Violet found a semi hidden shed. If one was not looking for it nor already knew where it was one would miss it. Testing the handle, she found it was unlocked. The inside looked like a meeting room with a long table and several different white and cork boards litter the room. If Violet didn't know any better she would think it was a writing room, but then she started to look closer what was written on the papers.

They were secrets. Some innocent like a list of which high society members fancied other high society members. To much more serious secrets such as illegitimate children, finances, shady deals made with shady organizations. Violet picked up a seal, on it was a capital W in a delicate scripted font.

"Whistledown," Violet whispered.

Every single case Violet had with her little Watsons flashed through her head. Was Whistledown trying to feed information to her like she assumed or was it to them? And what about this last case that made it so personal that Whistledown didn't even try to hide behind a riddle?

Violet had to figure this out.

Boom!

Violet hit the ground. A shotgun it sounds like. Possibly a warning shot since nothing around her nor herself looks to be hit.

"Don't move!" A female voice ordered.

Violet found two guns in her face while she was being pulled up by a third set of hands. Getting a proper look Violet saw three young faces, a boy around her youngest son's age while the two girls were close to her youngest daughter's age.

The red head among them didn't even look shocked by Violet's presence. "Detective Bridgerton, why don't you come inside."

The three put their weapons away and led Violet into the house, where she was met with her little Watsons and another red head, this one around Eloise's age.

"Detective Bridgerton," the older red head greeted. "I think it's been about twelve years since we last saw one another in person."

The younger red ahead went to stand next to the older one. With them standing next to one another they look like sisters. Violet stares at them a moment longer before realization hits.

"Penelope and Felicity Featherington."

The two red heads wave.

So turns out Whistledown is an information network that trades in secrets, and not a single person. Violet's little Watsons, Penelope, Felicity, Gareth, and Lucy are only scratching the top surface. Penelope and Felicity started the network when Jack Featherington forced them into hiding due to them knowing too much and not enough evidence besides the word of a then traumatized 16 and 7 year olds. The others joined though various means, methods, and reasons. Kate, Gareth, and Lucy for the truth of happened to their mothers. Michael and Sophie needed employment and found they were good at information gathering. Simon joined to gather blackmail against his father so he would leave him alone. Phillip has technically been around the network the longest since when Penelope and Felicity disappeared, they temporarily stopped at their cousin Marina's house, and then the Crane boys helped hide them for a few months after.

They helped Violet over the years with her cases, especially after the first one with Simon and despite the framing she believed him. They do have one favor to ask Violet though.

They finally have enough evidence to put Jack Featherington away and will Violet help them do that?

Violet agrees. Silently she's thinking to herself that she may have three new children in-laws after this too. She can finally finish her set.

#i read watson and then my thoughts immediately went to whistledown = moriarty #but like a toned down moriarty #yeah the spouses aren't murdurers violet #they prefer the trade of secrets #dective violet au #bridgerton #violet bridgerton #bridgeton spouses #felicity featherington

[brillemos]

Rules: List the first line of your last 10 (posted) fics and see if there's a pattern!

Thanks to @mid-n0vember for tagging me! Though tbh I feel like I'm not a great person to ask for this since my last 10 works on AO3 range from 2022 to... 2008 😅 I'm not much of a writer lmao but I'll give it a shot anyway!

Under His Spell, The Devil Judge, Kang Yohan/Kim Gaon, 26k words, November 3 2022 "Do you have any more questions for me?"

falling stupid for you, Guardian, Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan, 21k words, March 13 2021 Zhao Yunlan was no stranger to attractive people.

it's not a miracle you need, Supernatural, Castiel/Dean Winchester, 7.7k words, December 13 2020 "People don't need to pray to me or to sacrifice to me,” Jack explained, while Dean and Sam simply watched and listened.

The Course of True Love, Supernatural, Castiel/Dean Winchester, 11.6k words, October 28 2019 “What do you idjits need now?” Bobby grumbled over the static of the cell phone.

Surrender, Supergirl, Samantha "Sam" Arias/Reign, 1k words, May 7 2018 Sam lets out an anguished scream as the increased electricity flows through her body.

The Unexpected Benefits of Chores, BBC Sherlock, Sherlock Holmes & John Watson, 800 words, June 12 2011 “Sherlock.”

So Happy I Could Die, Glee, Kurt Hummel/Blaine Anderson, 5k words, January 3 2011 Kurt looked down when he heard the sound of a bottle rolling towards him.

In a Faraway Kingdom, Glee (fusion with Merlin), Kurt Hummel & Blaine Anderson, 4k words, December 6 2010 “Kurt, I think it’s time.”

Fashion Sense, Merlin, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, 1k words, December 20 2009 “Here's your breakfast, sire,” Merlin chirps, perky as usual, as he places the platter of food in front of Arthur.

Precious Declaration, DNAngel, Satoshi/Daisuke, 1k words, June 24 2008 Daisuke laughed along with Saehara and his other friends over the lunch table, while inside feeling very separate from his friends.

The only pattern I see here is that I like to start my fics off with dialogue! Which tracks because dialogue is my favorite part of fic writing (to the point that everything else about the prose suffers lol oh well)

I'm not sure how many of my mutuals are also fanfic writers so if you are one and want to do this, consider yourself tagged by me! 🥰

#bri speaks

[lisbeth-kk]

Redecorating

Thanks for the prompt @calaisreno and the tag @gaylilsherlock

Magical transformation

John hears muffled voices when he locks himself in to the hallway of 221 Baker Street. A deep rumble and a thin voice. He smiles and his heart almost skips a beat with the love filling his chest. When he reaches the landing everything seems to freeze. The sudden silence puzzles him. Maybe they’re going to spook him. He braces himself and ascends the rest of the stairs. Nothing could’ve prepared him for what awaits him inside 221B, though.

The living room is transformed. The furniture are all in place, but almost every surface is covered in some sort of fabric. A deep purple material is draped loosely over the curtain rods, which has a dramatic effect on the light in the room. It reminds John of the moment when curtains are drawn in the theatre. Cast over the tables, are silky cloths decorated with wisterias. There’s also fairy lights on the mantle.

“What’s all this?” he asks when he spots Sherlock.

“Redecoration, John. Do you like it?”

“Well, it’s…um…different,” John manages.

“Indeed. However there’s a bit of an…um…inconvenience,” Sherlock says.

His voice sounds nervous, but the glint in his eyes tells John another story.

“Watson’s, disappeared,” Sherlock says with a sad voice, while winking.

John understands immediately and plays along.

“What? How? When?” John asks, faking distress.

Sherlock looks approvingly at him, clearly satisfied with his acting skills and carries on.

“Well, one minute she was there, the next she was gone. I’m certain this redecorating business brought it on. And Hudders obviously,” Sherlock states firmly.

“Mrs. Hudson? What does she have to do with any of this?” John asks, and this time he doesn’t have to fake his befuddlement.

“Seriously, John. It’s clear as day. She’s used magic. All of these fabrics are hers, and it’s widely known she’s a witch.”

At that John hears a quiet giggle from under the couch. He looks gleefully up at Sherlock and moves closer to peck his lips.

“You’re amazing,” he whispers, before returning to his role.

“So, you’re saying that Mrs. Hudson has taken Rosie?” 

“I suppose so, yes,” Sherlock ponders.

“Do you know where she’s taken her?” John asks with a voice full of hope.

“Oh, it could be anywhere, John. Even the Moon,” Sherlock says gravely.

Another giggle from the underside of the couch. They smile at each other, enjoying this game as much as their daughter.

“The Moon, Sherlock? But how are we going to get her back from there? Do you have any clues? Theories? Please say you do, love!” John begs.

“Of course I have, John. 157 thus far.”

John can literally feel how Rosie fights to restrain herself from laughing out loud.

“John, the witch is coming,” Sherlock says in a hushed voice.

“Yoo-hoo,” a familiar voice greets.

Dressed in a purple, black and silvery dress, a black pointed hat, John’s old cane and a fake crooked nose, Mrs. Hudson’s the incarnation of a witch. John has to bite his lip and pinch his arm not to burst out into giggles. He’s definitely not looking at Sherlock!

“What have you done to our daughter, witch?” Sherlock asks in a dangerous tone. 

“She’s in a safer place now, dear. With all the cake and ice cream she can eat. No more proper food for that precious girl,” Mrs. Hudson cackles. 

“Tell me, or I’ll burn…”

“Sherlock,” John warns.

Sherlock’s been so fixated on his role that he momentarily forgot their five year old daughter’s present. She probably would be horrified to hear him threatening to burn her dear Nanna at the stake. So he backpedals.

“Tell me now, or I’ll turn you over to my brother,” Sherlock sneers.

The disdain on Mrs. Hudson’s face is no act. It seems the mere thought that she would find Mycroft Holmes the least bit intimidating is an insult, and she just huffs indignated.

“No need, Papa. I escaped,” Rosie cheers and emerges from under the couch in her princess Belle dress.

“Clever, Watson,” Sherlock praises and lifts her up to cuddle her.

John reaches out a hand and strokes Rosie’s back.

“Hey, sweetheart. Well done,” he says and moves closer to kiss her cheek.

Mrs. Hudson has removed her false nose and looks more like her own self again.

“I’ll just pop down to get the cupcakes. Put the kettle on, boys” she says and descends downstairs to get her baked goods.

“What do you think?” Rosie asks John and waves her hand to indicate the newly decorated room, while Sherlock fills the kettle.

“It’s certainly different. A bit…um…eclectic,” John answers.

“Electric?” Rosie asks dubiously.

Sherlock hides his smirk and John tries to stay serious.

“No, not electric. Eclectic. Hm…how to phrase it…um…well, I guess it fits rather good come to think of it. It’s a mix of styles sort of, and 221B has always been a bit like that anyway. Too dark in the summer perhaps, but I’m sure the witch downstairs has some lighter fabrics for the bright season,” John contemplates. 

Said witch emerges with cupcakes and before he seats himself, John walks over to Sherlock and sneaks an arm around his waist. Sherlock puts an arm around John’s shoulders and pulls him in for a tight hug. Their princess and the witch busies themselves with setting the table, and John feels like the luckiest man on Earth. When a long finger lifts his head and he stares into Sherlock’s mesmerising eyes, John knows that he wouldn’t trade this life with Sherlock and Rosie for anything. Lips meet in a soft and tender kiss, which ends with both of them speaking in unison.

“I love you.”

Something funny for you today <3

@totallysilvergirl @missdeliadili @keirgreeneyes @topsyturvy-turtely @peanitbear @raina-at @meetinginsamarra

#sherlock fandom #johnlock #sherlock #sherlock fanfic #john watson #bbc sherlock #ao3 fanfic #sherlock holmes #may prompts #redecorating #parentlock with rosie #mrs hudson

[beekeeperspicnic]

Hello again! So, I finally played the demo and I just wanted to tell you that it was absolutely delightful. The general plot is adorable, I loved the music (and the fact that you can play the violin <3), the artstyle was gorgeous and the dialogue fit the characters perfectly (the noise I made when Holmes said "as much as I may wish to keep Watson in my pockets at all times, I don't think he will fit" lmao)

Some highlights:

Homes telling the little girl to make Watson a flower crown 😭🖤

Holmes talking to the bees about the picnic and how he wanted to show Watson how much he cares about him 😭😭🖤🖤

THE DIALOGUE AT THE END for some reason it made me ridiculously emotional, it was so, so precious 😭😭😭🖤🖤🖤

There is only one problem: now I need to wait for the full release and I don't know how to do with my life until then, so. Thanks for that! <3

Ok, I promise I'm done rambling now. Much love to you and thanks a lot for all your hard work 💕

Oh gosh thank you so much!!! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it! I've read your comment through so many times absorbing every little bit of it! 💕

I have become surprisingly attached to the ending, I'm going to have to see if I can incorporate it into the real ending somehow.

If you ever play it again, try talking to the bees a few times - there are three different conversations you can have in them in total, and it's random which one you get!

#ahhhh thank yooou #nice asks

[v-thinks-on]

“As peculiar as it may be,” Mrs. Watson remarked quietly, falling into step with me as we neared the inn, “I am honestly grateful to you, Mr. Holmes.”

I slowed to put a little more distance between us and Watson and Miss Marple, who were engrossed in their own discussion and I expected would not miss us for a little while.

“Perhaps I ought to resent you,” she continued, her gaze trailing along the brick rowhouses which lined the winding country avenue, “that you won what I lost, but these days I cannot bring myself to mind. After all, it is thanks to you and Dr. Watson that I have the means and freedom to spend my days as I please. And your family has welcomed me as I could have never hoped.”

“Even I could not have foreseen having such a family,” I said airily, but Mrs. Watson must have perceived the truth in it, for she turned to look at me for the first time since she had fallen in beside me.

She nodded in understanding and I could see her sympathetic nature. “John told me. All three of us, orphans without any family to speak of, and yet, somehow, now Jane and her sisters are like the sisters I never knew, and I’ve watched dear Phryne and Bess grow up into such daring young ladies, and I even see Jeeves and Brown sometimes on their days off, like nephews. I can only count myself fortunate.”

Now, it was I who could not meet her forthright gaze. They may have been my own family, but families are rarely simple, and I could say with some confidence that mine was more complicated than most.

“I loved John,” she said at last, “but in truth I believe we were not so well suited as my girlish heart hoped, and thanks to him I have found something even more precious, so I can only wish you both well.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Watson,” I said, and I meant it earnestly. I believe it was her honesty, which encouraged me to confess in kind, “It is all far more than I too could have hoped. I only regret that Watson’s old tendency to understate his own abilities has reared its head again.”

A smile flitted across Mrs. Watson’s face, though she quickly stifled it with a serious nod. “He always felt he could never be worthy of you, especially when his old injury troubled him. That I resented you for.”

I could not argue with her reason. “Regrettably, I cannot employ such a simple solution.”

“No, I suppose not,” she said with a wry smile.

Watson and Miss Marple were already waiting for us out front of the inn, and at last we inevitably caught up with them, even though we had slowed our pace to allow for some privacy as we spoke.

As we neared, I heard Miss Marple saying to Watson, “I have noticed several of the gentlemen in the village who as they reach your and Mr. Holmes’s age, suddenly start acting in ways that even a younger man would call reckless. There was Mr. Williams who ran off with his mistress who was half his age, and Mr. Bennet suddenly bought that yacht on the mediterranean.”

“I hope you are not longing for the ocean air, Watson?” I interjected.

Watson flushed delicately at our ill-timed arrival. “Hardly,” he insisted.

“No, I should think not,” Miss Marple said with a shake of her head. “It shakes things up well enough, but they rarely end up more satisfied than when they started. Really, I find it’s often about something else all together, and the extravagances are just a distraction.”

#v writes #Sherlock Holmes #ACD Holmes #ACD Johnlock #H/W #John Watson #Mary Morstan #Miss Marple #Designation: H AU #December Calendar Challenge of Awesomeness #prompt: winning (or losing) a bet #playing a little fast and loose with the prompt

[galaxythreads]

NO NO CRINGING I LOVE THAT FIC - HOW DARE QUESTION 😠 so many scenes from stygian live in my head rent-free. goons dragging Loki away????? Nat getting Loki to eat a banana???? the ELEVATOR bit with Clint alone. cinematic masterpiece. the DRIVING???????? BUCKKY????????????????? the entire thing is iconic honestly it's like "we don't have any keys" "what? what on the nine do we need KEYS for?" "to start the car!!!" "KEYS?!" and the Avengers getting along - making a smoothie the first time sakjdjgshjfek Loki not being able to see and tehrefore not being able to eat at the start and not know where things are around him and who is there without magic ;-; Bruce talking to Loki when the adoption comes up and the entire conversation being so dkjfsgsdg like neither WANTS to be there fr like yes i'm going to figure out his medical history but oh no this conversation has devolved into a um. metabolism lesson? Thor shows up and Bruce is just guilty the entire time but curious too akjsfhv and I remember whenever there *was* any improvement with Loki's condition it felt like such a BIG thing - possibly because of the time and struggles along the way to get there? like he doesn't show to be improving with the sight till WAY into the story. and ALSO how could i forget the fic OPENS with Loki disrupting the ENTIRE RAFT like COME ON that's so cool and secxy and am not the anon from before but i'm VERY happy that fic is there even if you don't look back on it so well so thank you for it and I hope you find your more recent writings better to yourself because ALL of them are a delight

anon.

no jokes, no exaggeration, I love you with my whole soul. I will give you my firstborn.

Thank you. Thank you so so so much.

I had NO IDEA anyone felt so passionately about this fic. I know people like it, but it's so rare for anyone to tell me that now, given how old it is. It's literally so strange to me to think about anyone actually....enjoying my fics. I love the support I get on my fics, I really really do, but specifics on WHY a story is so beloved to them is so rare and so precious to me.

And like. Okay. Stygian is a mess of grammatical errors and weird inconsistencies, I know that. I want to go back and edit it up into fighting shape because I think I would do a much better job now, four years later, than I did initially, but the thing is--I don't want to remove the comfort of the fic from people. There are fics that I reread all the time despite the grammatical mess and I know the sentence structure and word placement by heart and if anything changed I would have a breakdown, and I imagine there are people that feel the same about Stygian so despite my frustrations with it, I leave it the same.

this just-- it just reminds me how much I love the story. I planned the fic out in a notebook across several long, lazy summer afternoons, completely embracing the tropes of loki and avenger fics because I wanted to and it was enjoyable. I meticulously plotted out an arc for every avenger + thor and loki and carefully detailed when and where their POVs would be the most impactful. It was my first real exploration into the characters and everything felt so raw and exciting.

I had Clint call Natasha his partner because of CBS Elementary and how Joan Watson and Sherlock Holmes call each other partner despite being completely platonic. It felt like such the perfect word and I STILL use that today.

I planned the "WE NEED THE KEYS YOU FOOL" scene after one in Sorcerer's Apprentice 2010 and how cool it was that Balthazar started the car with magic.

Loki was blind because of an image that I saw on Pinterest that looked cool and i looked for other fanart of blind Loki and it just kind of went from there. I barely knew how blunt force trauma actually worked. I didn't even know how many bullets a gun could hold on average.

Loki and Thor had their major argument based off of a fic I read for BBCs Sherlock. 

The scene where they’re in total darkness and being attacked in the tower was based on a Spider-Man/Avengers fic I read a long LONG time ago. I can’t even remember if it’s IN the fic I’m thinking of. 

Lila was obsessed with cats because my younger sister was going through a phase and her line "I want to have so many kitties I can't step on the floor" was something she said.

I had no idea how Loki, Nat and Clint were going to break into the HYDRA facility and made that up on the go. The facility being where Clint was kept at the beginning was a happy accident

I wrote some chapter beginnings in notebooks to fight my writer’s block. The original version of Steve waking up after they escape the Tower was written in a notebook with a purple pen. 

I completely planned from the start that the beginning would be the Avengers saving Loki from HYDRA and then Loki saving them to parallel it. 

The amount of people who have asked me if Loki was still blind at the end of the story is insane. TO ANSWER THIS: THE ANSWER IS NO, HE COULD SEE.

And also the sight thing--Loki being blind is a HUGE part of the story. It wasn’t supposed to be this vague thing that happened and then went away. It was intentionally kept there for the majority of the story because the story is called “Stygian” which means darkness. When Loki healed and was able TO see the story was over. That was the goal. 

I couldn’t even drive when I wrote this story. I had to look up how to drive a car, oh my gosh. And how a dishwasher works. And guns. And ventilation. And how to shoot a bow and arrow. 

There was so much love poured into this story, so much exploration. I forgot about that. Yeah, it’s cringy and kinda terrible, but I worked so hard and put so many countless hours into this fic. 

Anyway. Wow my brain went away from me there. But thank you. Here’s a garbage dump of my thoughts about it. anon, I really do love you. You’re a blessing <3

#stygian #my fics #answered