Fic rec: Distractions (WIP)

[brighteyed-jill.livejournal.com]

Title: Distractions (WIP)
Author: fourleggedfish
Pairing: Holmes/Watson UST, Holmes/OMCs
Length: ~80,000
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Graphic non-con, violence, abusive language (including homophobic slurs and internalized homophobia), descriptions of aftercare and post-traumatic stress disorder, including contemplation of self harm. WIP not updated since July 2010 and presumably abandoned
Verse: Unspecified, but my powers of deduction suggest a fusion of Ritchie films and book canon.
Author's summary: This is in response to a kinkmeme prompt: "Ok, so I've read some really nice fills for Watson being raped and Holmes finding out (and taking care of him). But I'd really like it the other way round: Holmes being the victim of rape with Watson finding out and (as usual) having to deal with the aftermath. I want Holmes to be severely traumatized, confused, emotionally shattered and not at all his usual self; you know what I mean."

Reccer's comments: Presumably, if you read the summary and are still here, this sort of thing might be your cup of tea. This story doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff (either the incident itself or the aftermath), so it may be a little rough on the constitution, but I found it completely worthwhile for the in-depth look at a traumatized Holmes and a Watson trying desperately to do the right thing for his friend. There’s no magical shortcut to recovery here, but there is enough heart-breaking hurt/comfort to soften even the hardest of hearts. There’s also great use of supporting characters, including Mrs. Hudson (who’s really a badass), the Irregulars, Lestrade, and Clarky. fourleggedfish’s writing style is vivid and compelling, and had me staying up late waaaay too many nights clicking feverishly to the next part to follow the next twist in the story.

Now, to spare you the heartbreak I experienced when I got to the end. Yes, this story is unfinished, and likely to remain so. However, there is a degree of resolution in the case, and a few scraps of resolution in regards to the Holmes/Watson relationship. I think if you approach this story knowing that not everything will be neatly tied up, you will be able to enjoy an epic-length WIP of substance and style.