221B Recs

Title: Safe Distance
Author: merripestin
Pairing: Sherlock/John
Length: 114,805
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: none
Verse: Sherlock BBC
Author's summary: The mother was apparently poisoned, the son seems to have killed himself playing Russian roulette. It's a murder and a suicide. Or is it a suicide and a murder?

At least the case is distracting John from the fact that sex with Sherlock was probably a mistake right from the start.

John will learn to cope, one way or another.


Reccer's comments: A riveting* work by an author new to the fandom. Merripestin's masterful use of alternating POVs reveals a faithful, psychologically believable characterization of Sherlock and John. John's unease over his decision to initiate a relationship with Sherlock feels painfully realistic, with awkward, compelling sex, and yes, even a sexual encounter that will make you profoundly sad. Add to this terrific dialogue, sharply realized depictions of Sherlock's Mind Palace, a clever case, and a believably (im)perfect denouement.
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* = should I warn for the tension? for the time you will spend talking to the characters/facepalming/banging your head against the wall?

Excerpt: To balance the dark impression I may be giving you, have some light-hearted dialogue: ( Read more... )