Wounded With His Wounded Heart, Ch. 8

[harmony_lover]

This chapter is slightly shorter than normal, but I ended up having the perfect place to end it, and since I originally intended for it to be longer, I've already started on the next part. We get a little less of Sherlock and a lot more of John, Mrs. Hudson, and Willoughby in this chapter.

Comments

[willowmeg]

Holy crap, I can't believe I waited so long to start reading this! It's wonderful in so many ways. I'm loving everything about it so far!!

[harmony_lover]

Thank you so much! I've gotten next to no response to this new chapter (I think people are just busy with the holiday weekend), and so your comment is all the sweeter and more encouraging. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and let me know that you are enjoying it. :)

Do you mind if I ask, is there anything you particularly liked? I'm always curious about what appeals to people. It took me a long time to develop all of the headcanon for this story, and get all of the story together in a way that I am satisfied with.

Thank you again! Your thoughts are so appreciated. :)

[willowmeg]

Gosh, where to start?
Well, for one thing, yes, I read it from the beginning today--yesterday, I was down with a strange fever/ache thing, and ended up spending most of the day in bed (at my mother-in-law's) writing my chapter 21... But today, your story had me distracted for hours. ;) (I'm better today though! Don't know what it was.)

I love the incredible detail you put into John's past, making sense of his approach to relationships during his army days and afterwards. I love the way Mycroft overworked himself to help Sherlock. I love your vivid descriptions of the gorgeous setting of Mycroft's home. I love how you brought back real, specific details from the series and expanded on them beautifully; you read such a perfectly plausible emotional journey into this whole thing. I love the way they talk so honestly, bouncing back and forth between moments of tenderness and perfect giddy giggles. And I already love the naughty little plan to tell Lestrade, of course! Really, dear, you're making me feel a bit insecure... ;)

[harmony_lover]

I'm so sorry to hear that you weren't feeling well! There's been all kinds of odd, 24-hour or so bugs going around among my students, although the most common thing has been this virus that seems to have the symptoms of a sinus infection, but behaves like a cold - lingers for weeks, even after you feel mostly better. My other half and I both had it - not pleasant. It sounds like whatever was attacking you was not pleasant, either, and I'm glad you have recovered so quickly from it. :) (And yay! You were writing another chapter. More for me to read later

[harmony_lover]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter. :) And two weeks in England! I am undeniably jealous. I haven't been to England since 2000, and I've been longing to go back. I'm even more envious of all the things you got to do! So much Sherlock. :) I haven't seen the hearse, so I really appreciate the link to a photo. Isn't the British Library incredible? I didn't get to spend nearly enough time there when I was over, but I loved it.

(Thank you especially for the comment about Willoughby. I am very fond of him.)

[autumnia]

I too like Willoughby very much. He's very observant, discreet and knows how to deal with all sorts of people, from the plain and simple Watson to the very complex Holmes brothers.

And poor John, it must have been hard to not let the secret out, especially to Mrs. Hudson. And what a fun way for Sherlock to let Lestrade know he's alive -- by solving his cold cases!

[harmony_lover]

Thank you, honey! I appreciate your encouragement a lot. :) Willoughby is indeed very fun to write, and he's really the perfect combination of caring and discreet.

Isn't the plan about Lestrade so fun? I think, when I get to the chapter where everyone else discovers that Sherlock is alive, I may do sections from their POVs. It's going to be hard to properly convey Lestrade's surprise otherwise - and I think he's going to be alone in his office when he finds the folders, so at that point his POV is really necessary. It will be fun to have just a chapter that switches away from John's perspective.

[ganja_chan]

It's me again ;) Just dropped by to tell you again that this fic is a masterpiece in dialogue, so please update soon! :)

[harmony_lover]

Thank you! Give me a week or two, and hopefully you will have your wish. :)