Fic Rec: Safe Distance
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: John turned on his side to look at Sherlock, who was now making a face at the ceiling. "So you did like it."
"Yes, yes, feel free to take the fact entirely as an endorsement of your technique and native appeal."
John stared. "Nope. Don't believe it. That was a compliment. I'm good, but nobody's good enough to make you nice."
"I said you're gifted at rubbing bits of bodies together. I didn't call you incisive, inventive, or intelligent."
"Just in with a chance then."
Sherlock glanced at him, then chuckled. Suddenly he rose up on one elbow. "I want to kiss while we're laughing," he said, abruptly enthusiastic.
"You'll have to make me laugh then," John said, stretching comfortably against the pillow.
Sherlock's face fell slightly. "You laugh at unexpected times. It's one of your more attractive qualities."
"Oh, right, what Sherlock Holmes looks for in a bloke: frictional expertise and a wonky sense of humour. I did wonder."
Sherlock was quiet for a moment. Then he repeated, "Frictional expertise."
John grinned and raised his eyebrows.
Sherlock chuckled again and kissed John while he was grinning. John hoped that was close enough.
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.
----
* = 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: John turned on his side to look at Sherlock, who was now making a face at the ceiling. "So you did like it."
"Yes, yes, feel free to take the fact entirely as an endorsement of your technique and native appeal."
John stared. "Nope. Don't believe it. That was a compliment. I'm good, but nobody's good enough to make you nice."
"I said you're gifted at rubbing bits of bodies together. I didn't call you incisive, inventive, or intelligent."
"Just in with a chance then."
Sherlock glanced at him, then chuckled. Suddenly he rose up on one elbow. "I want to kiss while we're laughing," he said, abruptly enthusiastic.
"You'll have to make me laugh then," John said, stretching comfortably against the pillow.
Sherlock's face fell slightly. "You laugh at unexpected times. It's one of your more attractive qualities."
"Oh, right, what Sherlock Holmes looks for in a bloke: frictional expertise and a wonky sense of humour. I did wonder."
Sherlock was quiet for a moment. Then he repeated, "Frictional expertise."
John grinned and raised his eyebrows.
Sherlock chuckled again and kissed John while he was grinning. John hoped that was close enough.