Secondary Exposure by thesardine

[fitofpique.livejournal.com]

Title: Secondary Exposure
Author: thesardine
Pairing: Sherlock/John
Length: ~19,000
Rating: R
Warnings: Violence, disturbing themes
Verse: Sherlock BBC
Author's summary: "If you were dying, if you were murdered, in the very last seconds, what would you say?"
"Please God, let me live."
"Use your imagination."
"I don't have to."

After twenty years, the killer who abducted John as a child has resurfaced.

Reccer's comments: thesardine's writing is minimal and understated, but it nevertheless packs a hell of a punch. This story is extremely intense and stressful to read – in part because of the subject matter but also because of the way it explores Sherlock's emotional limitations and how they prevent from giving John support when he most needs it. That said, though it is emotionally wrenching, it's not at all hopeless. And the mystery plot is one of the best I've read in the fandom.