221b_recs | Entries tagged with pairing: omc/sh

Title: The Last Companion
Author: standbygo
Pairing: Sherlock/John, Sherlock/OMCs, Sherlock/OFCs
Length: 34,075 words
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Discussions of non-con because Moriarty is creepy
Verse: Sherlock BBC/Firefly

Author's summary: Thirty years after the Miranda Wars, there is peace, both on the Rim and the Core planets. There are a number of old social mores still in place, such as the Order of Companions, but there is a sense that even such respected practices are coming to an end…

Sherlock is a Companion - the best Companion on Persephone. With a bit of detective work on the side, of course. Then he meets a man named John Watson, encounters a series of bizarre cases, and finds his world is getting turned upside down.

Reccer's comments: All of this author’s Sherlock fics are well worth the read, but I chose this one because of the unique fusion with Firefly, a sci-fi television show. I myself wasn’t that familiar with the world of Firefly, and I don’t think knowledge of that world is necessary to enjoy this story to the fullest. The writing is such that any necessary background information is seamlessly woven into the narrative.

In this universe, Sherlock has been groomed from childhood to become a Companion, and in adulthood he has become one of the most sought-after ones. A Companion, to put it delicately, is a paid escort. But Companions have been trained not only in the art of pleasure and seduction, but they are some of the most educated and talented people on the planet. They are paid not only for providing sexual intimacy, but almost anything else that the client may crave as well. And Sherlock’s skills at deduction ensure that the clients always come away satisfied.

Of course being a Companion is not Sherlock’s only vocation. He also does detective work on the side. In the middle of one of his investigations, he is rescued by a stranger going by the name of John Watson. Of course, the two of them get caught up in a case, become fascinated with each other, go dancing, fall in love -- and it almost all comes crashing down due to the machinations of one James Moriarty.

pipmer1

Title: Restoration
Author: Chryse
Pairing: Sherlock/John, Sherlock/OMCs
Length: 50,000 words
Rating: Explicit
Verse: Sherlock BBC

Author's summary: “It won’t ever be the same as it was.”
“Of course it won’t be the same. But it might be even better.”

Reccer's comments: This is a fantastic Series 4 fix-it. Anyone who is familiar with Chryse knows to expect quality storytelling and emotional resonance. This is no exception.

The story picks up right after the events of Sherrinford, but before the ending montage. Sherlock, of course, has just lost his home and has learned that his childhood memories are false. On top of struggling to deal with all of his recent (and decades-long) losses, Sherlock also finds himself adrift and unmoored from his sense of self. He no longer knows what is true or false, or what he can trust to be real. So he embarks on a journey of self-discovery. After going through painful therapy to recover lost memories, he then begins the process of letting go of the past and finding a way forward. And he does this by going on a global walkabout.

He doesn't stay away for long, but he makes good use of his time. Discovering who he is, what he likes, and what he wants, including an awareness and exploration of his nascent sexuality. A delightful OC is introduced who helps him on this quest, and who asks for help of a different nature in return.

And never fear. John is a stalwart and supportive presence throughout. He isn't always physically present (he doesn't accompany Sherlock on his walkabout), but he's always on the edge of Sherlock's awareness, and ours. This is the John that comes through for Sherlock in the end, because he never really left. So be aware that, even though the pairing tag includes Sherlock with several OC's, it's only in the service of letting Sherlock find his way - and that way is back to John.

swissmarg

Title: The Gilded Cage
Author: BeautifulFiction
Pairing: John/Sherlock, Sherlock/OMC
Length: 326,9077 words
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: None
Verse: Sherlock (BBC)
Author's summary: In a world where Omegas are the property of the elite Alphas, locked away and treasured by those wealthy enough to buy them, John never questioned his flatmate's secondary gender. Sherlock Holmes was an Alpha through-and through. Wasn't he? A chance discovery turns the world on its head, and John is left grappling to come to terms with Sherlock's past as events conspire to threaten their future.

Reccer's comments: This is an epic. Not just because of the length but because of the intricacy and the multiple layers. First and foremost, this is a story about Omegaverse, but a very, very smart Omegaverse. There are many iterations of the Alpha/Beta/Omega alternative biology AU, and this author has taken it in a political direction. The worldbuilding is both sprawling and in-depth, encompassing legislation, the economy, social stratification, mores, education, and medicine, among other aspects. It tackles issues that resound in the real world like human rights, domestic violence, gender roles, contraceptive rights, and self-determination, and all that without ever becoming dry or getting distracted from the plot engine, which is the case.

The case, involving a serial killer, is deliciously complex in its unravelling, with unique and engaging original characters and a constant ramping up of tension. What I liked the best about it was that it’s not just something that was added to make this into a casefic; it is intrinsically linked both to the world which the author has created and to the life and situation of Sherlock and John personally, which means that as the case unfolds we get more insights into how the society works (and doesn’t work) as well as character development and progression in John and Sherlock’s relationship.

And oh boy, what a relationship! The pining and UST is fantastically rendered and at the same time devastating to wait through. Both Sherlock and John come into the story with a ton of emotional, physical, and psychological baggage that they need to sort through as they try to grapple with their undeniable attraction which is, for various reasons, impossible to consummate at first.

Beyond all that, this is just an absolute pleasure to read. The imagery is poetic yet vivid, the language erudite yet accessible. The 300k+ words go down like water, and the only thing stopping me from reading this in one sitting was the occasional need for sleep. It did take me a few days, but that just means more pleasure to be gotten out of it.

There are some passages which may be sensitive for some readers, especially the ones involving domestic violence (not between John and Sherlock) but overall this does one of the best jobs I’ve seen of discussing consent issues in an Omegaverse fic.

( Excerpt... )

cherrytide.livejournal.com

Title:Can't Rewind Now We've Gone Too Far
Author: Basser
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/OMC
Length:111887 words
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Rape/non-con, drug abuse, implied child abuse
Verse: Sherlock BBC

Author's summary: At age nineteen, Sherlock Holmes dropped out of university to become a drug addict.

Reccer's comments: There are a lot of fics out there where Sherlock does drugs and ends up on the streets, but this is one of the few that I felt really convincingly dealt with the psychology behind Sherlock's actions in a way that was in character, realistic and detailed. Basser's take on Sherlock is unusual in fandom, potraying him as suffering from a form of ADHD, which is not a diagnosis I'd have thought of for Sherlock but a very convincing case is made for it and how it affects him and his ability to relate to others.

I love the author's take on Sherlock and Mycroft's relationship and how their behaviour each fuels each other's insecurities, Mycroft's spying aggravating Sherlock's paranoia and anxiety, Sherlock's rebellion and drug abuse a source of terror for Mycroft.

Basser also creates an original love interest for Sherlock, Eric Crenshaw, who is one of the more endearing OCs I've encountered - he is a total contrast with Sherlock, from a very poor background, sweet natured and streetwise. It's very interesting to see Sherlock interact with such a different character, and their loving but doomed relationship is handled very well.

If you like stories that delve deep into character's psychologies in new and fascinating ways this could be one for you!

(Sorry this rec is a little late! End of the month snuck up on me )

pyjamapants.livejournal.com

Title: Guided By a Beating Heart
Author:

yalublyutebya
Pairing: Sherlock/OMC
Length: 25,672
Rating: From G to Explicit
Warnings: Canon typical violence
Verse: Sherlock BBC
Author's summary: Sherlock is not completely immune to sentiment.
Reccer's comments: In Charles Dawson, cancer researcher and brother-in-law of murder victim, yalulyutebya creates the perfect partner for Sherlock Holmes. Charles is taken with Sherlock from the start, and it is breathtaking to see him fall for Sherlock and appreciate all the quirks we’ve grown to treasure (ah, young love). This story made me fall in love with Sherlock all over again.

dioscureantwins.livejournal.com

Title:Clavis Aurea, also here at LJ
Author:

splix
Pairing: Sherlock/Ian Adler
Length: about 7,200 words
Rating: explicit
Warnings: graphic depictions of violence, torture, discussion of rape
Verse: Sherlock BBC
Author's summary: While on his mission to bring down Moriarty's network, Sherlock encounters an old acquaintance.

Reccer's comments: Genderswap is not really my area but in her excellent fic If You Can’t Move Heaven, Raise Hell, recced recently and justly so,

splix painted such a thoroughly convincing version of Ian Adler that I had to concede sometimes it does actually work.

This fic is a sequel, set post-Reichenbach. Sherlock has ended up in the hands of some quite nasty Russians and we get to live through a torture scene that’s so realistic and well written the reader is almost convinced she’s the one spread over the table at the mercy of people that don’t know the meaning of the word.

Enter Mr Adler with a wonderfully wicked line, "For someone so convinced of his prowess in all aspects of escapology, you seem to be incapacitated on a fairly regular basis."

But then he takes Sherlock under his care and nurses him back to health so he can go round up the rest of Moriarty’s network, and return to John. And they have dinner together, once, and by then the author has woken so much sympathy towards Mr Adler in the reader’s breast, one wishes it would have lasted a little longer or will happen again in the future.

At least for once Sherlock is sufficiently grateful.

Great characterisation throughout and written in exquisite language. Highly recommended!

pipmer1.livejournal.com

Title: The Fall of Gods
Author: ImpishTubist
Pairing: Greg Lestrade/John Watson, Sherlock Holmes/Victor Trevor
Length: 101584 words
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Violence, character death
Verse: Sherlock BBC

Author's summary: Sherlock remembers a time before Moriarty. It seemed to go on forever. It was over all too quickly.

Sherlock finds an ally in death and begins the slow process of dismantling Moriarty's network, not knowing if he'll ever be able to return home. Meanwhile, back in London, John and Lestrade mourn, remember, and move on.

Reccer's comments: I am very much a Johnlock shipper, but once in awhile an author comes along that makes me a partial convert to other pairings. Sherlock/Victor is very much the central pairing of this story, and I bought every word of it. Yes, it is a post-Reichenbach fic, but at its heart it is a story about love, loss, second chances - and finally, the hard lesson that healing can begin only after one learns to truly let go.

The writing here is gut-wrenching and powerful, painful and yet cleansing at the same time. I was also touched in ways that have nothing to do with the actual story, but in the powerful messages the author conveys along with the main plot. It's not a feel-good story, by any means, but it affected me in such a way that I was compelled to rec it here.

This story is part of a series, but this one stands alone just fine on its own. I would recommend reading the other stories as well, one of which is currently a WIP, "An Age of Silver"

ruth0007.livejournal.com

Title: The Great Sex Olympics of 221B
Author: XistentialAngst
Pairing: John/Sherlock, John/OFC, John/OMC, Sherlock/OFC, Sherlock/OMC
Length: 58,611 words
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: None
Verse: BBC

Author's summary: John Watson thinks Sherlock Holmes should admit that he, Watson, is more of an expert on sex than Sherlock is. But Sherlock refuses to concede the point. He comes up with an experiment plan that will resolve the issue. The results will determine who wins the prize. But sometimes even the best thought-out scientific study has unexpected consequences.

Reccer's comments: Why should you read this fic? *smile* Because it’s just flat out fun! If this is crack, it’s of the highest grade. The plot is outrageous and hilarious, yet you’ll completely recognize John and Sherlock. Their strong friendship is the core underneath it all. When the quiz forms for ranking their performances started appearing, I was laughing so hard, I couldn’t breathe. The author has thought of everything in this wild romp. She also manages to take us on an unexpected emotional journey, because for all the craziness that ensues, there is a depth of feeling between John and Sherlock. (And when VulnerableSherlock shows his face, he slays me.) Do not let the tags for other partners with John and Sherlock dissuade you. The heart of this story explores John and Sherlock’s desires and realizations for one another. (The only downside I can see about reading this fic is that if you are like me, you may wish you had been a candidate participating in their experiment!)

getyourguns.livejournal.com

Title: The Ceremony of Innocence (part 4 of The Cold Song series)
Author:

eldritchhorrors
Pairing: Sherlock/John
Length: ~10,300 this part (~50,000+ total)
Rating: hard R for graphic descriptions of violence (NC-17 other parts)
Verse: BBC
Warnings: See author's warnings for each chapter.
Author's summary: Sherlock is tested to the shattering point, but some things must be broken before they can be fixed, and some things can never remain hidden...especially from ourselves.

And then Sherlock made this noise.

It was a terrible thing. As terrible as the assemblage in front of them. John had last heard that kind of agonized whimper from a five year old boy just outside Kandahar. He’d lost his entire family in a roadside bombing, the only survivor. They’d found him wrapped around his mother, half her head gone, lap a soup of viscera and blood. He’d made that sound, a keening low in the back of his throat, when John had separated him from the corpse.

He’d never have expected it from Sherlock.

Reccer's comments: Tags of this entry are for all parts of the series, not just this one.
The first three parts were rec'd previously here but the writer just posted an additional chapter that is so powerful, it definitely calls for a re-visit to the series. With this series alone,

eldritchhorrors has become a favourite writer. The way in which they incorporate music and language and story into their fic is a tremendous achievement and makes for a very emotionally hard-hitting, dynamic series.

a_lliteration

Previous chapters:
01. I Hear Those Voices That Will Not Be Drowned
02. Within This Frail Crucible of Light
03. A Light Shines In The Darkness

oxfordtweed

Title: Intemperance
Author:

basingstoke
Pairing: Watson/Mary Morstan, Holmes/unnamed OC, Holmes/Irene Adler
Length: 17,900
Rating: M
Warnings:Author chose not to warn, and I agree with her on this one
Verse: Ritchie

Author's summary: "Intemperance," a story from the secret journals of Doctor John H. Watson, intimate friend and long-time companion of the infamous Sherlock Holmes: A most curious and instructive report of the great man's improbable fecundation, gestation, and parturition.

Reccer's comments: This fic broke my brain, but in the best possible way. I'm not the Ritchie film's biggest fan. I tend to run screaming at Mpreg. The idea of Holmes/Irene Adler usually makes me want to break something. BUT, I will trust Basingstoke to the ends of the Earth, because she's never led me astray before. So, out of a healthy mix of boredom and mild insanity, I gave this one a try. And good lord, it may actually be my favourite piece of hers, and I think Mycroft's line illustrates quite beautifully why this fic simply must be read:

Mycroft Holmes snorted throatily. "Solving petty crimes. What a waste. Still, as a girl he was far worse. An embarrassment. As a man, he is a credit to the family name, even if he is wasting his full potential."

"Intemperance" handles an element of FtM transsexuality that can be positively traumatising for many transmen. An Basingstoke doesn't shy away from it, but rather tackles the issue head-on, with the added drama of Victorian sensibilities and makes it damn near impossible to look away until you've finished the story. You don't even have to be particularly familiar with the Ritchie-verse to enjoy this one, beyond the knowledge that when compared to his other counterparts, RDJ's Holmes is a bit of a shortarse.

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.

sussexdowns.livejournal.com

Title: Seems So Easy For Everyone Else
Author:

etothepii
Pairing: brief Sherlock/OC and Sherlock/Seb, but mostly gen
Length: 15,000 words
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: suicidal ideation, transphobia, some homophobia
Verse: Sherlock BBC
Author's summary: He signs his correspondences to the police as Sherlock H, as he always has, and he signs his letters to his parents as SH -- they can take what they will from the S. He signs his school assignments S. Holmes, and manages to get away with it because he is the only Holmes in his classes. FtM!Sherlock.

Reccer's comments: One of my absolute favorite things about this fandom is the abundance of really well-done trans* and gf fic. A few pieces we recced here in previous months, and believe me when I say there is so much more out there. This story deals wonderfully with Sherlock and Mycroft's relationship as it evolves over the years, which is always a pleasure to read, because it's just so interesting. Another thing I really liked about this was the way

etothepii uses pronouns throughout. Another trans*-themed story that was recced here was written in second person which very neatly avoided gendering the character/s incorrectly. This story goes the complete opposite route and uses clearly gendered pronouns very effectively.

( I dithered over which snippet to include, because there are so many amazing ones, but I just loved this too much not to include it. )

unovis.livejournal.com

Hi!
Just a few words on our tags and tagging your recs.

Tags are useful search tools for grouping the recs by categories: by pairing, genre, content, and sources for the stories or other fanworks.

We ask that reccers attach tags that are relevant to the works they rec. You don't have to add everything that applies-- for example, not a character tag for everyone who might appear in the story, or every theme or content. But if Molly has a significant cameo, say, that you think people searching for her might appreciate, then by all means list her in a tag. Likewise if you think this is the addiction story people should read, then use the content: addiction tag.

The required aspects to tag are pairing (if it applies), relationship genre (i.e., gen, slash, or het*), and verse (the source: ACD books, Sherlock BBC, Granada, etc.).

The easiest place to see all of the tags available is in this list of tags.

Tagging is enabled only for the author of the post and the mods. Only the mods can add new tags. We have a beginning list up now, anticipating likely categories and characters. We'll add more as recs are made, if characters and pairings, for example, aren't covered already. You can request a new tag to be added by commenting here or by contacting one of the mods. Keep in mind, again, that we'll be adding character tags as additional characters appear in recs.

Sherlock Holmes and John Watson have been abbreviated as SH and JW in pairings and some other places (e.g., content: sick jw). Since this recs comm is open to all versions of Sherlock Holmes, it seemed the simplest way to identify the characters. Lestrade, Gregson, and Dimmock are listed as "inspector" following ACD book canon, and Moriarty is listed only once by his (their) surname alone. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is abbreviated throughout as ACD.

*We won't add a category for "slash-if-you-squint" or similar invitations for the reader to see subtext in a story. If the author hasn't labeled her work as slash, then it's genre: gen or genre: friendship.

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221B Recs

A Sherlock Holmes Recs Community

Entries tagged with pairing: omc/sh

Fic Rec: The Last Companion

Fic Rec: Restoration

Fic Rec: The Gilded Cage

Fic Rec: Can't Rewind Now We've Gone Too Far

Series Rec: Guided By a Beating Heart

Fic Rec: Clavis Aurea

Fic Rec: The Fall of Gods

Fic Rec: The Great Sex Olympics of 221B

Series rec: The Cold Song

FIC: Intemperance by Basingstoke

Fic rec: Distractions (WIP)

FIC: Seems So Easy For Everyone Else

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