So the end is near. This fics has about two or three more chapters before the end I think.
A couple of things.
1. Thank you so much for the reviews, they are positively wonderful.
2. Now, I've heard a lot of feedback about a Reverse Reichenbach and I gotta say, I find myself intensely curious about how it would work. It's a serious consideration.
3. I've also gotten a lot of feedback from people about Moriarty having powers.
For the two, Reverse Reichenbach and Moriarty having powers, I'm going to write it with the majority of reviews I get so, write up..tell me what you want, a good old fashion vote if you will.
Next chapter will be the start of the end.
Another thing, I'm setting up for the ending chapters and the sequel, regardless of what you guys decide, so Sherlock's range is going up, considering they haven't tested the full range of how far John can hear Sherlock.
Oh my gosh, I know it's been a while but I had to edit pictures and stuff, oh my gosh, I spent like two days, about 8 hours each day on a marathon of Photoshop and Lightroom. I'm exhausted.
Reviews have been awesome and I love everyone.
Peace&Love
Sophie
"Sherlock." John calls entering the flat. The doctor is exhausted. It's been about a week and half since the stint in the hospital and the doctor is steadily growing stronger, physically and mentally. His muscles are just getting their strength back after John's stint in a coma.
However, it's the detective who is acting strange. Weirder than normal, ever since John came back to the flat from the hospital, the detective has delved into his work with great enthusiasm.
That, however is not the weird part, that's normal, the strangeness is the fact that Sherlock is attempting to do the cases and the chases all by himself and hasn't once ask for John help or opinions.
If the doctor is honest with himself, it kind of hurts it makes John feel unwanted, not to mention the fact that Sherlock has insisted upon being quiet, physically and mentally.
So, John has been tramping around London for the past two hours, doing the shopping and errands and not once has Sherlock said anything to keep him company. It kind of makes the doctor miss Sherlock a little bit. The detective is always in John's head, and now that the doctor brings attention to it, it seems overbearingly creepy.
Who is John kidding? He loves it when the detective is there and always available, spouting out random facts or simple beckoning the doctor. John misses it, all of it.
When he walks up the flat stairs, into the sitting room, calling for the detective, he hopes to god that the genius responds mentally.
No such luck, in fact, the detective doesn't respond at all, much to disappointment of John. The doctor rounds the corner and moves into the kitchen, calling once more for the younger man before deciding that Sherlock has left, once again with John, probably on some chase throughout London.
Now that's got John into a decent sulk.
John throws out the only ammunition he has, the emotional code.
John and Sherlock have been together for a year, yes it's been a year, one year in exactly five days. (A/N: The timeline update is at the bottom for those who are interested)
In that time frame, there is one thing John knows that Sherlock will respond to, sex. Now, whether the detective response to it negatively or positively is a whole other story, considering that most of the time, Sherlock is case focused and that means he will be abstinent. Despite that, John has always gotten the detective to respond, even if it is a rejection.
So, John uses the only thing he knows will make the detective respond. He sends a huge wave of randiness into the genius and the doctor doesn't stop until Sherlock responds.
Now, some may argue that this is abusing the rules. Technically its not, the rules only state issues with negative feelings and the boundaries of calming emotions, it doesn't state anything about manipulation through extreme horny waves to make the a boyfriend break his mental barrier of silence.
Seconds, that's all it takes before Sherlock is screaming in John's head.
"Johnathan." Sherlock screams and John shivers. Sherlock only say the doctor's full name when he is extremely miffed. Mission Accomplished.
The doctor transmits longing and smugness. "I win and I miss you."
The detective doesn't respond so John sends another surge of randy feelings, causing the detective to open his barriers again.
"John. I'm terribly busy." Sherlock's thoughts are firm and full of frustration but the detective doesn't stop.
Then John has a sudden thought, he pulls out his mobile, wanting to get the question right.
How far away are you? - JW
"Far, Bristol." Sherlock thoughts are abruptly sheepish, almost like he is afraid of the doctor's reaction.
And he should be, John has never typed so seriously on a mobile before.
BRISTOL! How the hell can you hear me in Bristol, that's like 200 kilometers away. JW
John is in shock, he knew the connection is strong and that Sherlock is quirky and his mind only furthers John's proof of said quirkiness but Bristol is way outside of London. How can the detective be so far away.
"201.16 technically."
Sherlock! -JW
How is this possible? - JW
"You have been getting more familiar with my connection and I'm getting use to you in brain. Considering all of the quirks and anomalies that my brain has in results of your ability. I would say that we are gaining distance because the connection is apart of us and our personalities."
Yeaaaahhhh, thanks for clearing that up - JW
"Don't be an idiot. I merely saying that the connection has become a part of us now and I'm sure the range will be ever expanding."
Well, that's a scary thought.
But Bristol? -JW
"Bristol is a part of the 'ever expanding' concept." Sherlock's thoughts are cheeky and full of annoyance.
Hang on, what are you doing in Bristol? - JW
"Getting randy apparently." Sherlock's thinks snidely. It's John turn to be sheepish. "I'm obviously on a case John."
Shut up, you haven't said anything to me in days. - JW
"So you decide to manipulate me with emotions, that's actually kind of impressive John. Besides your statement is false, we talked this morning."
That's not what I mean and you know it- JW.
"Are my thoughts any less clear?"
No, just as crystal as if you were standing next to me. - JW
"Fascinating."
We need to talk when you get back.- JW
The doctor is angry, furious with the detective, part of him is angry that Sherlock ran off to Bristol without telling anyone and another part of John is angry that Sherlock didn't invite him. John is hurt and feels unwanted.
"I'm doing it to protect you." Sherlock's thought is quiet in admittance.
John sends a defiant smug confidence. "I'm not helpless, I don't need protection."
"Yes, you do." Sherlock states and quiets the connection, not even giving into John's waves of horny feelings.
Sherlock walks into the flat tiptoeing, he knows that he is in some sort of trouble even though the detective's motivations are sound and completely logical, if only John could see that.
The connection silence is a mere conscious effort, it doesn't hurt the genius or hinder Sherlock's abilities, it's merely a decision that the detective makes and his mind obeys, silencing his thoughts to John's prying gift.
Although, if Sherlock is honest, he misses sharing his feelings, what little he consciously thinks about, and he is actually missing John's opinions and comments on how brilliant the detective is at deductions.
It is, however, for John's best interest, now that Sherlock is actively searching for Moriarty in the midst of England. The doctor cannot know, it would suspend Sherlock's inquires of some of England's low level criminals, something the detective needs to do to protect John, to protect his doctor.
The flat is quiet, the evening has long since turned into early morning and Sherlock suspects the doctor is sleeping in their bed.
Sherlock, the insomniac that he is, feels completely awake, his mind alternating between locations of possible Moriarty hideouts, new experiments and John. The detective is rather ashamed to admit how much of the his brain is devoted to John Watson.
Sherlock enters the sitting room, intent on going right for his violin when a soft noise stops him. The detective's head snaps towards the settee. John lays on it, his body draped lazily and comfortably. The doctor's jumper has ridden up, display his taunt abdomen, John's laboured hands resting comfortably on his chest, his lungs inflating and exhaling with precise movements.
The detective stares at the sight, the gorgeous blond who is on his couch, sleeping, the genius deducing that John had tried to wait up for Sherlock and feel asleep.
Sherlock forgets the violin and has a new plan.
The younger man stalks over to John and kneels beside him. Sherlock runs a hand through John's mussed hair, causing the doctor to lean into the touch subconsciously.
"Sherlock." John exhales in his sleep and the detective smiles. Sherlock cups a hand to John's cheek and feels the pin prick against his mind that comes along with the tactile link. The bond is quiet, mostly because John isn't pushing thoughts, but occasionally, emotions in John's dreams will push through.
Right now, as John breathes Sherlock's name again, a tiny surge of anxiety and fear ripple through Sherlock, sending the detective on edge and feeling the unsuspected and irrational fear propel him into action.
The detective pulls up potent happy memories, ever since the soldier's nightmare in the hospital, Sherlock has devoted his conscious nights making John's dreams disappear by controlling the emotions the doctor feels. So far, it's worked all the time and Sherlock can see the beginning of John's nightmares.
The younger man curses himself for staying in Bristol too long and immediately pushes the potent memories into John, hoping he isn't too late to calm the doctor out of his plaguing nightmares.
John trembles slightly when Sherlock puts another hand onto the older man's neck, pushing his lilac/honey pair and happy memories of his childhood (what little there are) and more happy memories of Sherlock solving his first official case.
The detective feels a random bout of contentment being pushed through John's subconscious and for once, the detective can't decipher it, the genius wonders if the doctor is trying to communicate that he is fine or if the feeling is a result of a good dream.
The genius is actually puzzled.
Sherlock doesn't remain puzzled very long because John's eyes are suddenly open, his body pushing up against Sherlock's leaning form.
The detective falls back in surprise with a thud, the doctor had no evidence of being out of his dream state.
John grips his knees tightly, looking towards the windows of Baker Street, his gaze unfocused and his face blank.
"John?" Sherlock says out loud, looking at the site curiously from the floor.
The soldier turns his head and then lowers it to the floor.
"Sher-Sherlock?" The doctor asks hesitantly, blinking a few times and shaking his head. The genius stands and is by John's side in no time.
"What is it? What's wrong?"
John shakes his head, he doesn't know what's wrong. His dream was confusing, it was full of blood and then the younger Holmes had been there and Moriarty and John couldn't handle it. Then he started to feel calm about it and occasionally, Sherlock would be seven or eighteen or a different age, changing in front of John's flummoxed eyes. The criminal mastermind would laugh at each change and comment with nasty, degrading remarks and John was forced to watch, helpless, and feel calm and happy about it.
The dream is lingering with John, the calm fading and the fear and anxiety that should normally take place is creeping in with sinister and calculated movements.
"John."
"I-I don't know." John says truthfully, his confusion real and terrifying. The doctor stares at Sherlock with deep eyes, the irises dilated with emotion and lingering effects of his dream.
"Was it Moriarty's dream again?" Sherlock's face is a mask of concerned worry and John finds himself lost in it, the liquid smoke of his eyes and the expressions that only the doctor has the privilege of seeing.
"No...I mean yes." John states confused, his thoughts playing tricks on his emotions, the doctor hangs in his head into his hands and lets out a shaky breath, willing the faint smell of blood to go away. "It was different."
"Different how?" Sherlock places a hand onto John's shoulder, a warm and comforting gesture.
However, the doctor shakes his head, he can't say it out loud, Sherlock changing ages and John completely helpless, it's too much.
Instead, John changes the subject.
"I should be angry with you." The doctor remarks quietly and bluntly, lifting his head up slightly, looking at Sherlock.
"John-" Sherlock starts, unclasping his hand from John's shoulder, afraid the doctor is too angry for touching of any kind.
"I'm not. I should be, but I'm not." The soldier exhales, his honesty tiring. It is truthful, John isn't angry or furious at Sherlock, he understands why the detective did it and even though it hurts and makes John feel unwanted, the doctor would have done the same thing, anything to protect Sherlock.
Sherlock stares in confusion. "Why not?"
John doesn't answer, his own thoughts reeling and trying to be honest without letting his true feelings play on his face.
The doctor isn't successful, Sherlock sees the longing and the relief and the turmoil radiate off of John's eyes and mouth.
"It was never about me leaving without telling you, or even about keeping silent. You feel unwanted." The detective grimaces as the thought comes together.
John just turns his head away from the genius, his face grim and overbearingly unmasked.
"You know that's not true right?" Sherlock asks and John turns his head back at the baritone trill.
"I know," says John simply and Sherlock, to prove a point, grabs John's exposed wrist and brings up memories of love and adoration. All memories of Sherlock happy in John's presence and various memories of John making the detective proud.
The doctor's eyes remain closed as he watches the memories and their emotions float around his head and he starts to feel calm, even smiling at the memories of their first kiss surface.
"It's for your own good." Sherlock adds quietly, gripping the doctor's chin, making John open his eyes to meet the younger Holmes.
John yanks his wrist away from Sherlock, the calming feeling dissipating and John's anxiety and anger suddenly coming to the forefront.
"I know!" John yells suddenly, standing up in the process. The detective stands abruptly too just as John moves towards the kitchen.
"John." Sherlock's mind starts, as the detective follows John into the kitchen, already hearing the small noises of the kettle boiling.
"I'm not helpless, Sherlock." John says, whirling around when he hears the footsteps of the younger man enter the tile floor. "How do you think it makes me feel? That you are all around London and I'm not there to help. What if something bad happens and I'm not there?" John yells, gripping the counter until his knuckles are white, the unspoken question lingering between them. What if you are dying, and I'm not there?
"I thought you said you weren't angry?" Sherlock's thoughts are snide and the genius raises an eyebrow.
John shakes his head. Sherlock is right, John wasn't angry, before falling asleep on the settee, the doctor had spent the majority of the night dealing with his emotions and his reasons, trying to be diplomatic and empathic.
It worked until a certain consulting detective decided to flaunt his self-righteousness in front of him. Now John is suddenly furious, angry with how Sherlock is going about chasing down criminals, angry that Sherlock is being reckless.
The doctor doesn't answer, his own emotions out of whack, plus they really don't need to wake up Mrs. Hudson with another domestic, and if John doesn't get his temper in control, they will wake up the whole bloody street with their yelling.
John takes deep breaths and turns away from the detective, forcing his eyes closed and his body to relax.
Silence encases the small kitchen, floating around the two bodies, causing a restricting tension and overwhelming anxiety.
"John, I'm not sorry about not asking you to go with me to Bristol or any of the other cases. I believe it is for your protection. I can't stressed that enough."
John snorts but doesn't move. "I know, I don't expect you to be." John sighs with resignation and defeat. The anger slowly leaving him, fatigue and despair staying in it's place.
"I am sorry, however, about how you misinterpreted it." John can feel the detective moving further into the tiled room and placing himself mere centimeters behind the doctor.
John turns and gapes in shock, the detective is close, enough where John can reach out and touch the man's chest, and so he does just that. John's hand is promptly on Sherlock's chest, the doctor feeling the younger man's heart beat steadily with neutral rhythm.
Sherlock rarely apologises and when he does, the 'sorrys' are snide and sarcastic. The doctor looks into the genius's eyes and sees genuine sadness.
"It doesn't matter." John says eventually and quietly, his voice thick with a self-depreciating tone, lowering his head and staring a his hand on the younger man's chest.
Fingers cup the doctor's chin gently and tilt it up. "It does matter," Sherlock remarks simply, slouching slightly to place a soft kiss upon John's lips. The doctor respond eagerly, deepening the kiss and throwing a hand around the genius's neck, pulling the younger man closer.
The connection is instant and Sherlock doesn't hold back, the silence gone and memories float between them. John moans softly against their combined lips, his emotions no longer glum but suddenly happy and it's not because of memory manipulation.
Abruptly, John breaks the kiss, partly to breath and another part because he isn't done with the conversation.
"No more, Sherlock." John states firmly, wrapping his arms around the thin waist in front of him and gripping the genius tight. "I can't do it, knowing you are out their and I could be helping."
"John, I-" The detective tries, holding John tight.
"I can't do it," The doctor interrupts sadly, "and if you don't agree, I will just follow you, wandering around the streets of London by myself. I might even make a sigh that says, 'Kidnap Me, Fresh Meat'." John adds, hiding his manipulation smirk in Sherlock's chest.
"That's not fair, John."
"I wouldn't hesitate for a second." is John's simply response, tearing himself away from the detective confidently and moving to the screaming kettle. John's back is turned to the genius as he removes the piercing object and continues about making tea.
Thin arms are around John once again and he can feel Sherlock's breath against his ear.
"Fine."
"I'm sorry what was that?" John inquires smugly.
"I said fine." Sherlock admits with a huff of irritation. "You'd be safer with me than out on some street with a sandwich board."
John laughs and leans his head back onto Sherlock's shoulder briefly.
Just like that, John's anger dissipates, leaving a warm happy feeling. The doctor wonders idly if it's because he won and argument or because he finally feels wanted again, even if he had to use manipulation as a source of motivation.
"With your tactics, John, you are going to start becoming more like me." The doctor shudders at the thought.
"We really don't need two of you." John states, smiling as Sherlock's grip tightens in happiness, a smile plastered upon both of their faces.
(A:N)
Timeline update, I find myself not knowing how long this fic has been going on.
I'm going to break it down. It's long, I know I'm soo sorry, but it's important.
Chapter 2: John is remembering the first few months with Sherlock and going with the canon of them haven't met in January, it would have been late March when John is reminiscing.
Chapters 3-5 happens in day or two, so not much time has passed there. (March)
Chapter 6 takes place a couple days of John leaving the hospital, a week at the most. So now that brings us into April.
By the end of Chapter 7, when Sherlock is eating different foods to change his smell/taste, I would say the experiments last the entire month of April at that point, so it would be early May. Sherlock and John officially got together in the beginning of April. This may seem fast but considering that John can read Sherlock's mind and notice how deep the love runs, I think for this fic's sake it's okay.
Now Chapter 8, at the beginning of chapter 9's author note, I stated in that the fic jumps ahead six months and in that time, John mastered gifts and moved along in Johnlock's relationship. So Mycroft's party takes place in November.
Chapter 9- Day or two at the most. John and Sherlock with the MRIs
Chapter 10 - A few weeks have passed, The boys talk about the effects of the party. putting John and Sherlock successfully into the last week of November
Chapter 11 - A day or so of Sherlock in the hospital from the intruder. (November)
Chapter 12-13 - Three days, still in the last days of November. Then Mycroft kidnaps John and takes the doctor to his manor. (November)
Chapter 14 - Another day passes when John is unconscious from the mental exertion from the care ride home. (November)
Chapter 15 - a day passes when Sherlock refuses to do experiments before John manipulates the detective in return for the location of Mycroft's cameras. They are into December now. Half way through this chapter a week passes. (Beginning of December)
Chapter 16-17. A day or so, recuperating from Moriarty's visit. (December)
Chapter 18-19 - There is no definite time lapse but giving the fact that John seemed refreshed in the chapter, I would give another week, putting the timeline firmly in the middle of December. (You guys can see how well I thought this through, not even mentioning Christmas. I'm awesome.)
Chapter 20 - Towards the middle of this chapter it notes a couple of months have passed, (thank god I skipped out on my Christmas lapse, phew, a thousand apologies) So that puts us into the beginning of February. Making it more than a year in time spans.
Chapter 21 starts with no definite time lapse between the Yarders and the time Mycroft comes to visit. Let's just say it's about a week or so. and then when the warehouse, with the gang comes around it's another two weeks. Placing Johnlock into the early throes of March.
Chapter 22 - A week passes in when John's coma, so middle march.
Chapter 23 - Roughly one & a half more weeks past, bringing Johnlock to their first year anniversary. Fluffiness? You bet.