Hey Steph, hope youâre doing well. I was just wondering if you had a depressed Sherlock list? Or any good depressed Sherlock recs?
Oh, great prompt because I didn't have anything else ready this weekend, LOL. So I haven't read anything new since my last list, so I perused my MFL list, and decided I would make a part 2 instead to my other list, which is EITHER John or Sherlock, so I hope you don't mind! I couldn't tell in all of the fics from the copied tags who was the depressed one, so we're just going all in.
Hope this list pleases you anyway!
MAIN CHARACTER DEPRESSION Pt 2: MFLs, WIPs and Series of Fics
See also: Main Character Depression
Ash by havetardiswilltimetravel (T, 1,988 w., 1 Ch. || Post TRF, PTSD, Nightmares, Depression, Mentions of Torture) â Another year. More smoke. His life had burned down around him. And he'd lit the flame. Or Moriarty had for him...it doesn't matter anymore...he can still taste the ash.
Case. Suspect. Chase. Jump. by Monkeysock (NR, 2,174 w., 1 Ch. || Sherlock Has Bipolar Disorder, Sherlock's Medical History, Protective Mycroft, POV Sherlock, Mental Health, Character Injury, Mania, Manic Depression, Hospital, Argument) â âIâm fine.â âFine?â Mycroft stands and pokes his finger to my arm. The one set in plaster and held to my chest in a sling. That was incredibly painful. I cradle the damaged side against me and away from Mycroft. I have numerous bruises down my left side, and I had a loss of consciousness for a few minutes because of the concussion. They said they wanted to monitor me. I know why I am really here.
Red on white by CarmillaCarmine (M, 2,314 w., 1 Ch. || Post-TRF, Self Harm, Angst, Depression, Blood) â After eighteen months of grieving his friend, John finally went back to his therapist and soon after resumed his work at the clinic. He still missed Sherlock and the thrill of the chase but he was finally ready to go back to being Doctor John Watson. Was he really though? Part 11 of the The Memoirs of Dr. John H. Watson series
i can hear it in your voice while you're speaking (you can't be treated) by highfunctioningsociopath (M, 2,500 w., 1 Ch., Post T6T, Depression, Hurt/No Comfort, Pining Sherlock, Relapsing / Drug Addiction, Mental Health Issues, Suicidal Thoughts, Missing Scene, Introspection, Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms) â The road to Hell is paved with good intentions, after all. It just so happens to be lined with self-destruction. Part 1 of the wires series
Pulse by AnneCumberbatch (M, 2,970 w., 4 Ch. || Suicidal Sherlock, Depressed Sherlock, Protective Mycroft, Suicide Attempt, Caring Mycroft, Hurt John, Johnâs Done) â Sherlock had returned from his two years in hiding to discover John had moved out of Baker Street and out of London. After attempting to contact him, John had firmly stated he wanted nothing at all to do with Sherlock. And so Sherlock returned to his flat and attempted to return to his life. He tried to get used to being alone. He had lived alone for most of his life, doing it now should be no different. And yet⌠with each passing moment, the lack of John in his life was growing harder to bear. After three months, his mood swings had gotten out of control and the longing for his friend grew to be more than he could take.
a study in absence by whosdeathfrisbee (M, 2,984 w., 1 Ch. || Possibly Unrequited Love, Implied/Referenced Character Death/Suicide, Suicidal Thoughts, Substance Abuse, Implied/Referenced Self Harm, Depression, Psychological Trauma, Heavy Angst, Self-Destruction, Unreliable Narrator, Introspection, POV First Person Sherlock, Hallucinations, Self-Hatred, Hurt No Comfort, Autistic Sherlock, Sherlock Needs Therapy) â Sherlock Holmes has never allowed himself to love. This is what happens when he does.
Premeditated by Mazarin221b (E, 4,033 w., 1 Ch. || Suicidal Ideation, Dark Thoughts, Torture, Depression, Captivity, First Kiss) â John and Sherlock are captured, tortured, and imprisoned - and eventually, they realize, there's only one way out.
The Gun Drawer (P10) by CarmillaCarmine (M, 5,985 w., 1 Ch. || Post-TRF, Five Stages of Grief, Suicidal John, Angst, Depression, Grief/Mourning, Introspection) â  A dive into Johnâs chaotic mind as he reminisces on the first 18 months after Sherlockâs fall. Part 10 of the The Memoirs of Dr. John H. Watson series
Of Vices and Companionship by Amyreadsandstresses (T, 6,497 w., 1 Ch. || Pre-Canon / No Johnlock || Angst, Hurt Sherlock, Hurt Mycroft, Drug Addiction / Use, Implied Alcoholism, Child Neglect, Dysfunctional Family, Big Brother Mycroft, Protective Mycroft, Teenage Sherlock, Vulnerable Sherlock, Depression, Holmes Brothers, Not-Good Mummy, Five and One) â Over his life, Sherlock could pinpoint five times that marked his path to self-destruction. Belatedly, Mycroft only saw them when it was too late. Or: Five times Sherlock fell and one time Mycroft fell with him. Part 4 of Comfort Came Against My Will
Withdrawal by sherlockthearchangel (M, 6,500 w., 2 Ch. || Post T6T, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Angry John, Hurt/Comfort, Drug Use, Internalized Homophobia, Suicidal Sherlock, Depression, First Kiss, Graphic Violence, Angst with Happy Ending) â His face was pale and gaunt. His eyes were bloodshot with black rings around them. He had also allowed his beard to grow in nearly completely. If anyone looked at him they would immediately know that he was an addict. An addict for what? He wasn't sure. He'd dabbled with all kinds of drugs in the last 25 years; marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, and many others he had come across at University. However, it was clear his drug of choice had always been John Watson. This was merely the withdrawal.
A Sherlock-Shaped Hole by AnneCumberbatch (M, 7,147 w., 4 Ch. || Post TRF, Drug Use / Addiction, Drug Addict / High Sherlock, Friendship, First Person POV John, Pining John, Angry John, Depressed John, Light Angst, Mystrade) â  I said you look pretty, all strung out on coke. You said thatâs not funny, but it wasnât a joke. You wonât remember, but I carried you home. You sat in the shower while I washed off your clothes. // But isnât that what friends are for, even if we used to be more, like lovers or partners in crime. // And you were still mine.
Dear Sherlock by Tara Laurel (T, 7,729 w., 3 Ch. || FFNet || Post-TRF, Reunion, Friendship, Hurt/Comfort, Christmas) â "John was happy. Too happy. Of course Sherlock preferred to see his friend in good spirits, especially after the cloud of depression that had hung over him the past weeks, but this was simply maddening." John's got a serious case of Christmas spirit, but is there something serious hidden behind it - something that surprises & saddens a self-proclaimed sociopath?Â
Under the Waves by johnwatso (M, 8,245 w., 7 Ch. || Suicide Attempt, Depression, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Recovery, Angst with Happy Ending) â Sherlock finally makes the decision to end his life. John helps with the fallout.
Resurrection Man by tiger_daniels (E, 8,530 w., 1 Ch. || ACD Canon || Autistic Sherlock, Depressed Sherlock, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Hurt Sherlock, Established Relationship [Married], Virgin Sherlock, Acceptance, Angst with Happy Ending) â With Holmes crippled by depression, Watson resorts to an unusual therapy: in order to get his most unconventional patient up out of bed, the good doctor must first get into it with him. Part 1 of The Second Story
I Could Try by Arcwin (T, 9,583 w., 5 Ch. || Greek Mythology Crossover || Post-TRF, Orpheus and Eurydice Myth, POV John, Pining John, BAMF John, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Horror, Angst with Happy Ending) â John is grieving Sherlock's death post Reichenbach until one day, he sees the violin case, and something inside him tells him to pick it up. Crossover between BBC Sherlock and the Greek tragedy Orpehus and Eurydice, wherein Eurydice is killed for her beauty and taken to the Underworld. Orpheus, being the son of Apollo (the God of Music and Medicine) travels to the Underworld to convince (via playing his lyre) Hades and Persephone to let Eurydice go. Orpheus then must travel with Eurydice behind him, not looking back, until they exit to the land of the living.
in the hearts of small things by michi_thekiller (G, 10,329 w., 1 Ch. || Animal AU || Post TRF, Cat Sherlock, Therapy Pets, Fluff and Angst, Coping, Depression) â In which John gets a cat and names it Sherlock. Part 1 of the The One with a Cat series
Invalid Home by Tindomerelhloni (NR, 10,853 w., 7 Ch. || Alternate First Meeting AU || Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Strangers to Lovers) â Captain John H Watson has only been home from the war for two weeks. He is not home out of his own free will but due to an injury that has put an end to his ability to serve. On one fateful day, he decides that he will seek out three strangers and do something kind for them before he ends his life. On his third encounter, he meets a strange man who sees right through him and helps pull him from the brink of self-destruction.
The Case of John Watson's Heart by ajdumpsherstories (E, 11,929 w., 1 Ch. || Post-TRF Divergence, John Whump, Grief/Mourning, Suicidal Thoughts, Depression, Hurt/Comfort, First Time, Frottage, Love Confessions, Friends to Lovers, Angst with Happy Ending) â John Watson's heart has never been his own; heâs given pieces of it to everyone, but none more than Sherlock Holmesâand he buries him with it.
Spiders and Flies by cheshirecat101 (M, 11,986 w., 1 Ch. || Dark Characters AU || Johnlock & Johniarty, Serial Killers, Aftermath of Torture, Minor Violence, Psychological Trauma, Nightmares, John's PTSD, Kidnapping, Depression, Developing Relationship, Angst, Hurt/Comfort) â Jim Moriarty is a serial killer, and John is the victim that got away. Seventeen years later, and all signs point to Jim being back, on the hunt for John once again.
The Art of Putting Up Shelves by Amyreadsandstresses (M, 19,118 w. 6 Ch. || Post TRF, Sherlock/OMC, Hurt / Comfort, Pining Sherlock, Moving On, Depression, Implied/Referenced Drug Use) â Sherlock wondered if he would burn.
The House on Rue des Boulangers by Berty (M, 24,299 w., 8 Ch. || Alternate First Meeting || Developing Relationship, Hiding in Plain Sight, PTSD, Depression, France, Frottage, First Kiss, Bees and Honey, Suicidal Thoughts, Gardens & Gardening, POV John, Angsty Fluff, Implied/Referenced Alcoholism, Falling in Love, Happy Ending) â After being invalided out of the army and without any other prospects, John Watson has relocated to a small town in northern France. Now he has to decide what to do for the rest of his life. One morning there's a mad stranger in his garden chasing a swarm of bees, and it seems John's decision is made.
At the Marriage of Night and Day by Fyliwion (M, 24,600 w., 5 Ch. || Celtic Mythology / Folklore AU || Case Fic, Violence, Oral / Anal Sex, Rape/Non-Con Elements, Accidental Fae Enthrallment, Heavy Petting, Depression, Homophobia, Fiddle Contest, Dubious Consent, Magical Realism, Magical Music, Teenlock, Fae/Changeling Sherlock) â Mycroft knew the day it happened...
Promise to the Living by Deklava (T, 30,183 w., 21 Ch. || FFNet || Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, Depression, Attempted Suicide) â After the Reichenbach Fall, John doesn't want to go on without his best friend. Mycroft Holmes acts on his promise to keep John safe.Â
The Bachelors' Handfasting by Jberry (E, 30,624 w., 20 Ch. || Regency AU || Arranged Marriage, Virgin Sherlock, 1800â˛s Scotland, Bodice-Rippeer, Romance, Kilts, No Period-Typical Homophobia, Smoll Sherlock, Suicide Discussion, Romance, Miscarriage, Depression) â After her son is caught in a compromising position, Victoria Holmes must make arrangements for a quick marriage between Sherlock Holmes and John Watson.
The Liar and The Lost by yesthankyouforyourinput (M, 38,459 w., 11 Ch. || Post TRF, Angst, Grieving, Depictions of Violence, Alcoholism, Established Relationship, Country Hopping, Depression, Guns, Anal/Oral Sex, Depictions of Torture, Blood, Injury, BAMF John, Slow Burn, Anderson's Fan Club) â 'You should take a look at this - A' And with that, John was on the next flight out. A cheap airport coffee in his hands and all of his necessary possessions in his backpack. If he was going after him, he had to be silent. Untraceable. He needed to find out what the hell was going on out there, even if it killed him. He had heard his call to action.
The Silence Between the Notes by J_Baillier (M, 44,199 w., 17 Ch. || 1830s Historical AU || Classical Music, Mystery, Social Issues, Family Loss, Travel, Vienna, Physical Disability, Depression, Mourning, Loneliness, Career Troubles, Soldier John, Composer Sherlock) â Lieutenant John Watson's days in London are painted in shades of grey after losing both his military career and his family. Could an unexpected request to travel to Vienna to track down the errant son of a wealthy family break the monotony?
The Lying Doctor by pagimag (E, 44,285 w., 20 Ch. || S4 Fix It, Hurt/Comfort, Past Alcohol/Drug Abuse, Anger Issues, Depressed John, Watson Siblings, Coming Out, Bi John, First Time, Dom/Sub Undertones, Parentlock, Internalized Homophobia, Past Child Abuse, Angst With Happy Ending) â Sherlock and John's relationship is fragile after the events at Culverton Smithâs hospital. John struggles with guilt and anger issues. During a case he decides to visit his aunt, which leads to an unexpected development. Heâs forced to reevaluate ingrained behaviours, confront long lasting issues and question how he leads his life.
Sunday Matinee by hogwartswitch (E, 44,597 w., 12 Ch. || College / Uni 1980â˛s AU || Fluff and Angst, Movies, Slow Burn, Happy Ending, Mary is Not Nice, Mutual Pining, Implied/Referenced Drug Use, Homelessness, Anal/Oral, Fingering, Rimming, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, HIV/AIDS, Mentions of Cancer, Implied/Referenced Homophobia, Depression, Epistolary, Love Letters, Suicide Attempt, Blow Jobs, Time Skips) â The year is 1984 and it's a great time for movies and movie fans. John Watson is a struggling film school student with dreams of being a screenwriter. It's a dream come true when his friend, Mike, gets him a job reviewing movies for the university paper. Sherlock Holmes is also a film school student with dreams of directing, but he's also struggling to get his life back on track. The job at Baker Cinema is supposed to help him do just that, but it's SO BORING. Until, that is, a young movie reviewer buys a ticket to Footloose and Sherlock's life suddenly becomes very, very complicated.
Bring Me Back To Life by yalublyutebya (E, 51,357 w., 19 Ch. || Historical / WW1 AU || PTSD, War, Mild Gore, Mental Health Issues, Mental Institutions, Ableism, Depression, Period-Typical Homophobia / Prejudices, Violence, Drug Abuse, Withdrawal, Hurt/Comfort) â After being injured on the Front, John Watson is sent to Craiglockhart Hospital for psychiatric treatment and finds himself sharing a room with the mysterious Sherlock Holmes.
Where You Can't Quite Reach by SilverDragon00 (T, 55,338 w., 16 Ch. || Post-TRF, Canon Divergence, Depression, Parentlock, Sherlockâs Son, Panic Attacks, Angst, Bullying, Drama, Teenagers) â Sherlock took his life four months ago, and John's found himself in a pit of self-destruction and depression he doesn't care to climb out of. Then Mycroft shows up with someone John didn't even know existed - Sherlock's thirteen year old son - and asks John to take care of him. John doesn't know if he can handle living with another Holmes, especially this one who looks so like the one he lost. John has to pull himself together and deal with his own emotions, while trying to raise his best friend's teenager. Until everything he works hard to create for them is turned upside down by the one person he never expected to see again. Part 1 of the Oliver Scott 'Verse series
Lost for Words by awanderingbard (M, 57,092 w., 16 Ch. || Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, Male Friendship, Depression, Medical Trauma, Head Injury, Swearing) â Sherlock is assaulted by an unknown assailant while John is away at a medical conference, leaving him with a severe brain injury. While his intellect and personality are intact, he's lost the use of his right-side limbs and his ability to speak freely. John suddenly finds himself as the main source of support, and possibly a caregiver, to a flatmate who is struggling to do the things he loves most. And Sherlock Holmes has never been the best of patients.
When We Are On Our Knees by orphan_account (M, 57,811 w., 23 Ch. || Post S3, Past John/Mary, Mary's Death, Alcohol Abuse, Alcoholic John, Supportive Sherlock, Drunk John, John-centric, John's PTSD, Slow Romance, Slow Burn, Enabling, Depressed John, Worried Sherlock, Implied/Referenced Drug Use, Talk Therapy, Infant Death, Implied/Referenced Abuse, Cussing) â John is struggling with his wife's death and trying to adjust to life back at 221B, and he resorts to the unthinkable: alcohol. It's up to Sherlock to guide John through these dark times and help John get back on his feet.
Focal Point by PuffleLock (E, 60,913 w., 13 Ch. || Post-TRF Divergence / Different Reunion, POV John, Slow Burn, For a Case, Friends to Lovers, Suicidal Thoughts, Sad Wank, Sherlock in Makeup, Dancing, Mentions of Torture / Depression / PTSD, Love Confessions, Idiots in Love, Frottage, Blow Jobs, Scars, Rimming, Anal, Toplock, First Kiss / Time, Gay Sherlock / Bi John) â John comes home early from a medical conference to find that every once in awhile, Sherlock can surprise the hell out of him. Can John surprise him back?
The Ashes on the Ground by 221Beloved (M, 69,260 w., 22 Ch. || Post-TLD, Miscommunication, Pining, Depression, Angst with Happy Ending, POV Sherlock) âWhat happens after? After the fire has burnt down and left nothing but ashes? Roughly two and a half years after what happened at Smith's hospital, things have settled. But have they really? Or is it all still hovering. And what if someone whirls up the ashes again? An old acquaintance. Can something new arise from cold ashes? Something stronger? [TRANSLATIONS: ä¸ć-ćŽéčŻĺčŞ]
In Absentia by SeaweedWrites (T, 79,273 w., 39 Ch. || TRF Divergence, Major Character Injury, Hurt/Comfort, Medical Realism, Car Accident, Traumatic Brain Injury, Hospital, Sherlock in a Coma, Physical/Psychological Rehab, Sensory Issues, Heavy Angst, Drama, Sherlock Whump, Biog Brother Mycroft, Depression, Nightmares, Panic Attacks) â Sherlock sends John a mysterious text. While John waits for Sherlock to come back to 221B to explain, Sherlock is involved in a terrible car crash, and everyone's lives are irrecoverably changed. Will Sherlock survive? And the bigger question for John- If he does survive, will he ever be the same? Part 1 of the In Absentia Fics and Information
Rebuilding Rome by SilentAuror (E, 94,002 w., 15 Ch. || Post S4, Drama, Abuse, Therapy, Alcoholism, Child Abuse/Neglect, Alternating POV, Canon Compliant, Sexual Repression, Depression, Happy Ending) â When a case unexpectedly forces John to acknowledge some difficult truths about himself and his life, he spirals downward, leaving Sherlock to do his best to rescue him from his own darkness and somehow try to build something new on broken foundations.
Be Here Now by Todesfuge (M, 94,370 w., 25 Ch. || Post-TRF, Hurt/Comfort, Violence, Angst, Action/Adventure, Whump, Suicidal Thoughts, First Time, Depression, Drug Use/Non-Con Drug Use, PTSD, Suicide Attempt, Medical Trauma, Implied Torture) â John Watson was already fighting demons when he and Sherlock met. With Sherlock's suicide, it all comes flooding back, forcing Sherlock to intervene before he's solved the persistent riddles of Jim Moriarty and his game. Together they find that something darker lurks behind Moriarty, forcing Sherlock, John, and Irene Adler into an even deadlier game with a much more dangerous foe. Begins six months after the events of The Reichenbach Fall. Part 1 of the Be Here Now Universe
The Stories in Our Veins by victorianpining(E, 101,717 w., 29 Ch. || Dracula Crossover / Victorian / Vampire AU || Unreliable Narrator, Blood and Injury, Blood Drinking, Gaslighting, Mental Instability, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Strangers to Lovers, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Angst with Happy Ending) â You hold in your hands a leather-bound book inscribed with the title The Stories in Our Veins. No author is named by the cover. On the first page, the following passage has been written in an elegant, cursive hand: A confederate who foresees your conclusions and course of action is always dangerous, but one to whom each development comes as a perpetual surprise, and to whom the future is always a closed book, is indeed an ideal helpmate. Sherlock Holmes in âThe Adventure of the Blanched Soldier,â written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1926.
That's Not What Happened At All by queerholmcs (M, 121,851 w., 19 Ch. || S4 Fix-It, Miscommunication, Recreational Drug Use, Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideations, Slow Burn, Love Confessions, Hallucinations, Depression, Oscar Wilde References, Angst with Happy Ending) â John Watson is an unreliable narrator: this much we know. And so it follows that his account of the events of series four is, shall we say, less than accurateânot least of which because heâs spending most of it having a breakdown the likes of which is rarely seen on this earth. But the question remains: what really happened after Moriartyâs face popped up on every screen in the country and Sherlock stepped back onto that tarmac?
Drift Compatible by J_Baillier (E, 130,380 w., 26 Ch. || Pacific Rim Fusion || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Alternate First Meeting, Angst, Family Drama, Accidental Telepathic Voyeurism, Martial Arts, Sci-Fi, Internalised Homophobia, Rubbish Siblings, Army Doctor John, Medical H/C, Bullying, Neurodiversity, PTSD, Drug Use, Depression, Mourning, Adventure, Hurt/Comfort, UST/URT) â A washed out war hero struggling with his past. A prodigy who wants nothing to do with his family legacy. Both are looking for somethingâand someoneâworth fighting for in a world where human civilisation is constantly under threat.
2007 by 7PercentSolution & J_Baillier (M, 151,976 w., 29 Ch. || Post-S4, Angst, Mental Illness, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Psychosis, Hurt/Comfort, Sherlockâs Past, Disassociation, Drugs, Sherlockâs Violin, Anxiety, Family, Psychotherapy, Case Fic, Minor Illness, Family Secrets, Tragedy, Sherlockâs Drug Use) â Sherlock loses his mind. Mycroft loses control. It's 2007, and the Holmes brothers must come to terms with their demonsâand each other. Part 7 of the On Pins And Needles series
A River Without Banks by Chryse (E, 203,286 w., 23 Ch. || Alternate Realities || Angst with Happy Ending, Depression, Suicide, Violence, Torture, Rape/Non-Con Elements, PTSD, Serial Killers, Virgin Sherlock) â "You love this, being Sherlock Holmes."He had once. When had it all gone so wrong?
Dear John by BloodSeiryu, FourCornersHolmes & Tindomerelhloni (E, 218,315 w., 130 Ch. || Drug Use/Abuse, Rehab, Pen Pals, Friends to Lovers, First Time, Military Kink, Jealous Sherlock, Alternate First Meeting, Phone Sex, Idiots in Love, Angry John, Falling in Love, Marriage, Switchlock, Anal Sex, Separation Anxiety, Depression, Angst, Depictions of Torture, Prisoner of War, Healing, Parentlock, Happy Ending) â An AU in which Sherlock is in Rehab and is required to write a letter to a random person in the military. John get's it, and they become penpals of a sort. Part 1 of the Dear John Series
I saw London without you Series by AnneCumberbatch (T to E, 4,529+ w. across 3 works || Series WiP || Post TRF, Epistolary/Johnâs Blog, Grief/Mourning, Emotional Hurt, Poetry, Depression, Isolation, Pining John, Implied Suicide Attempt / Suicidal Ideation, Reunion) â John sat, staring at the chair opposite him. Empty. It will always be empty now.
The Violin of Ruin and Favour Series by PizzaMan (T, 5,923 w. across 4 works || Post-TRF, Sherlockâs Violin, Angst With Happy Ending, John Plays the Violin, Emotional Hurt / Comfort, Depression / Suicidal Mentions) â 3 years after the Fall and Sherlock comes back. During that time, John had learned to play the violin.
wires Series by highfunctioningsociopath (M, 7,500+ w. across 3 works || Series WiP || Post T6T / TLD, Angst, Hurt / No Comfort, Loneliness, Mind Palace, Survivor Guilt, Mental Health Issues, Drug Addiction / Abuse, Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms, Sherlock POV, Missing Scenes, Introspection, Psychological Trauma, Abusive Relationships, Grey Mary, Withdrawal, Depression, Self-Esteem Issues) â The road to Hell is paved with good intentions, after all. It just so happens to be lined with self-destruction.
A Study in Anorexia by madeleinefs (NR, 11,415 +w., 16/? Ch. || WiP || Eating Disorders, Anorexia, Bulimia, Starvation, Mental Health Issues, Hospitalization, Sherlock Being Sherlock, Doctor John, Self Harm, Depression, Angst, Hurt Sherlock) â A realistic approach as to what Sherlock would look like suffering from an eating disorder. This will not be a Johnlock, or some sort of sick-and-then-love-heals-all story, because that isn't realistic. I want this to be realistic, and true to the characters, as well as true to the nature of the disease.
Commanding Riposte Series by 221B_Marauder (M, 26,084+ w. across 2 works || Series WiP || Omegaverse || Alpha Sherlock, Omega John, Underage Sex, Mpreg, Knotting, Age Difference, Established Relationship, References to Suicide, Mating Cycles, Family Disputes, Depression) â Sherlock helps Scotland Yard solve crimes. Everyone knows he is bonded but can't picture who would bond with him.Â
Table For One Series by SilentAuror (M to E, 32,160 w. across 2 works || Post-TRF, Eating Disorders, Depression, POV First Person, Mental Health Issues) â Sherlock has returned to London, only to find that the John he left behind has changed. Why is he spending so much time alone in cafĂŠs, hardly eating, limping again? Why has he become so beige? Sherlock slowly begins to realise that this is not going to be as easy as he had thought.
The Gift by Breath4Soul & notjustmom (M, 54,837+ w., 25/? Ch. || WiP || ASiP AU || Alternate First Meeting, Depressed John, Fluff, Sweet Sherlock, Case Fic / Itâs For A Case, First Kiss, Bed Sharing, Falling in Love, Dev. Rel., Kittens) â When John comes back from war broken, a mysterious stranger that seems to know too much about him pulls him out of his depression and his bland life with an unusual gift.
Tango Between Broken Hearts by curlyjohnlock (E, 57,715+ w., 15/25 Ch. || WiP || Post S4, Slow Romance, Slow Burn, BAMF John, Emotional Hurt / Comfort, Emotional Manipulation, Grief / Mourning, Angst with Happy Ending, Gaslighting, Possessive Behaviour, Unhealthy Relationships, Heartbreak, Flashbacks, POV Alternating, Bearded John, Depression, Drunk John, Hurt John / Sherlock, Denial of Feeling, Miscommunication, PTSD, Drug Addiction / Abuse, Family Drama / Secrets, Christmas, Cuddling / Snuggling, Hand Jobs, Protective Greg, Parenthood) â Fate brought Sherlock and John together, but a terrible incident tore them apart. A decade can feel like an eternity when you're forcibly separated from the person you've been desperately in love with. Now that fate is giving them a second chance, unpleasant memories resurface, and the heartbreak they both share is taking more than just time to heal. Will they be able to overcome the past, or will a higher power keep them forever apart?
beehives and honeycomb series by emilycare & simplyclockwork (E, 68,925+ w. across 5 works || Series WiP || Stardew Valley / Farm/Ranch AU || PTSD John, Post-Divorce, POV John, Farming, Beekeeping, Nightmares, Trauma, Flashbacks, Panic Attacks, John is a Bit Not Good, Soft Sherlock, Misunderstandings, Miscommunication, Angst with a Happy Ending, Fluff and Angst, Grumpy Mycroft, Mystrade, Casework, Burglary, Mental Health Issues, Psychological Trauma, Coping, Personal Growth, First Kiss/Time, Developing Relationship, Strangers to Lovers, Suicidal Thoughts, Self-Esteem Issues, Self-Doubt, Self-Discovery, Mild Self-Harm, BAAMF John, Depression) â Still reeling from Afghanistan, John Watson moves to farm country after inheriting his late grandfatherâs property. There, he tries to come to terms with his new reality, the work cut out for him, and the failure of his marriage.To top it all off, his awkward, bee-loving neighbour is kind of a madman.
When A Man Is Wrong by PlantsAreNeat (M, 77,791+ w., 14/16 Ch. || WiP || S4 Fix It / No-TFP, Angst, Suicide Attempt, Suicidal Thoughts, Depression, Eventual Happy Ending, Developing Relationship, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Past Child Abuse) â After the events of The Lying Detective, John and Sherlock attempt to rebuild their friendship, and John struggles with life as a single father. He discovers he is not fully in control of his anger and behavior, and spirals into depression. Follows John through this dark period, and through the healing process he needs to make both for himself and for Sherlock, who has stood by him throughout.
The Half-Life Of Morphine Series by VanStock1992 (T to E, 85,253+ w. across 8 works || Series WiP || Post S4, PTSD, Sherlock Whump, Chronic Pain / Illness, Permanent Injury, Protective Mycroft, Parentlock, Big Brother Mycroft, Doctor John, Physical Disability, Wheelchairs, John's Anger Issues, Depression, Guilt, Implied / Referenced Drug Abuse, Hospitalization, Surgery, Food Issues) â An injury that leads to nerve damage brings John and Sherlock's lives to a screeching halt, and leaning on their family and friends is the only way they will make it through. In which Sherlock is an incredibly engaged father, Rosie has special needs, and John struggles to find his place without the identity of a blogger, a doctor, or a solider.
Northern Light Series by Minxchester (E, 93,415+ w. across 3 works || Series WiP || Security Guard AU || Security Guard John, Rape / Non-Con, Blackmail, Forced Marriage, Captivity, Assorted Pairings, Suicide Attempt, Depression, Non-Con Touching, Eventual Happy Ending) â Recently returned from the war and struggling to adjust back to civilian life, John Watson is given an unexpected opportunity when he's hired as a security guard by Charles Magnussen on the recommendation of his former comrade, Sergeant Murray. Before long, he finds himself assigned the unusual task of serving as personal bodyguard to Magnussen's reclusive husband. But not everything is as it seems in this household--and John gets a lot more than he bargained for looking after Sherlock Holmes.
The Paradox Series by wordstrings (M to E, 98,863+ w. across 8 Stories || Series WiP || First Kiss / Time, Mental Health Issues, Moral Ambiguity / Dubious Ethics, Angst, Psychopathy, Depression / Suicidal Ideation, Hurt/Comfort, POV First Person, Possessive Behaviour, Homophobia, Sexuality) â In which what's in Sherlock's head is never going to get any better, and John is nearly thrown out of his flat.
The death of John Watson Series by MyBlueBooks (M, 99,725 w. across 3 works || Established Johnlock, Victor/Sherlock, Depression, Grief, Hurt John, Suicide, Letters, Unhealthy Relationship, Angst, Psychological Drama, Broken Hearts, Violence, Major Character Death, Infidelity) â Torn between the death of his loved one and his own guilt, Sherlock will dwell for many years trying to remember John, the person he has deleted from his own mind. And is finally in the open arms of an unexpected person that Sherlock will finally find the peace he longed for almost a lifetime. And he will also atone his own sins.
Four Corners of the Western World Series by pennypaperbrain (E, 100,490 w. across 5 works || Bipolar Disorder, Guns, Minor Character Death, Post-TRF, BDSM, Dom!John, Sub!Sherlock, Mental Health Issues, Depression, Mania, Suicidal Thoughts, Psychological Drama) â Undercover after Reichenbach, tracking the snipers who threatened his friends, Sherlock has one thing left he can depend on: his mind. But when he faces making his first kill, alone among the mad excesses of Las Vegas, the pressure turns out to be greater than even he can endure without John beside him.
Truth May Vary (Post-Reichenbach series) by amalnahurriyeh (E, 105,210+ w. across 9 Works || Series WiP || Post TRF, Angst, Suicidal Thoughts, Murder, Depression, Pining, Sherlockâs Not Good) â Most things change over time. Not everything, though. (Or, Sherlock takes seven years to get back. It's not easy.)
Baseball Series by earlgreytea68 (M, 146,073 w. across 4 works || Baseball Player AU || Slow Burn / Developing Relationship, Possessive/Obsessive Sherlock, Jealous Sherlock, Mutual Pining, Body Appreciation, Depression, Closeted Sexuality, Family, Sherlockâs Mind Palace, Ogling Each Other, Anxious Sherlock, Panic Attack, Drunkenness, Talk of Forever, Big Feelings) â Sherlock Holmes is a pitcher and John Watson is a catcher. No, no, no, it's a baseball AU.
Limitless Ocean by angel-loving-star (M, 150,730+ w., 21/36 Ch. || WIP || Post-TLD / S4 Fix It, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, John's PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Sherlock Whump, Alcohol Abuse, Past Drug Addiction, Fluff, Parentlock, Coming Out, Nightmares, Panic / Anxiety Attacks, Dissociation, Alternating POV, Suicidal Ideation, Self-Harm Ideation, Internalized Homophobia, Closeted John, Angst, Insomnia, Domestics, Cuddling / Snuggling, Gay Sherlock) â Sherlock is recovering from the Culverton Smith case. But there are some things that time or body can't heal. When John and Rosie unexpectedly move back in 221B the day after Sherlock's birthday, nothing is as it used to be. Both he and John are treading on thin ice. It is only a matter of time until the first cracks appear. Until they begin to sink into the freezing waters of the ocean beneath, and are forced to face their demons, each other, and what has been lurking in the dark for far, far too long. Until it is only them, the promise of sky above the surface, and the limitless ocean flooding into their hearts.
Ex Files by 7PercentSolution (T, 163,206+ w., 59/? Ch. || WiP || Autistic Sherlock, Blogger John, Neurodiversity, Depression, Suicidal Ideations, Kidlock, Chemistry, Protective Mycroft, Bullying, Sherlockâs Violin, Case Fic, Missing Scene, Implied/Referenced Drug Use, Domesticity in Flatsharing) â A collection of one shot stand alone ficlets of varying lengths that cover aspects of Sherlock's world. Not in chronological order, nor linked, but together adding up. Varying points of view, but mostly John's at the start. Each chapter informs and illuminates some aspect of character or an event in their back story. Part 1 of the Ex Files series
All is Violent, All is Bright Series by randomquadballpun (T, 205,645+ w. across 3 works || Dystopian / Augmented Reality Future AU || Depression, Hallucinations, First Meeting, Canon-Typical Violence, Bisexual John, Asexual Sherlock, Pining John, Alternating POV, Loosely Follows Show Canon) â The world as we know it is gone. The lands lay barren and all that remains of the places of old are rubble and ruins. The only way out is down. But humankind persists, adapts, evolves and reinvents itself. And underground the cities of old rise once more. Where bunkers developed into settlements, and settlements into towns new alliances were formed. And the world soon begins to wonder who is friend and who is foe. What starts as a fairytale might just evolve into a curse. A curse so realistic that soon no one can tell apart what is truly there and what might just be an illusion. And far above it all, storms and rain continue to beat down on the hostile wastelands. Nature is ever so uncaring about who might fall next. This is the story of Sherlock and John in a futuristic version of London, a city located beneath the ruins of Old London and divided by money, status, technology, concrete and steel. With the help of technology and modern medicine, humans have moved far beyond their inherent biological capabilities. In a world like that, how do you know what is fake and what is real and how do you fight something that might just be all in your head?
Care And Companionship Series by elldotsee and J_Baillier (E, 209,820+ w. across 5 works || Series WiP || Me Before You Fusion || Angst, Romance, Depression, Medical Ethics, Insecure Sherlock, Serious Illness, Permanent Injury, Sherlock Whump, BAMF John, Doctor John, Injury Recovery, Physical Rehabilitation, Medical Realism, Assisted Suicide, Awkward Sex, Friends to Lovers, Alcoholism, John Whump, PTSD, Anxiety, Family Drama, Caretaker John, Alternating POVs) â Invalided home from Afghanistan, running out of funds and convinced that his surgical career is over, John Watson accepts a mysterious job offer to provide care and companionship for a disabled person. Little does he know how much hangs in the balance of his performance as he settles into his new life at Musgrave Court.
Breakable Not Broken Series by MissDavis (E, 227,442 w. across 5 works || Hurt/Comfort, Established Relationship, Permanent Injury, Mental Health Issues, Depression, Drug Use) â After John is seriously injured, Sherlock struggles to figure out how to help him, keep himself sane, and maybe, just maybe, get their life back to the way it's supposed to be.
Dearest Life Universe Series by InnerSpectrum (E, 316,697+ w. across 17 works || Series WiP || Omegaverse AU || Alpha John, Omega Sherlock, Implied / Referenced Sexual Assault, Slow Burn, Semi-Public Sex, Exhibitionism, Implied / Referenced Rape/Non-Con, Mpreg, Feral John / Sherlock, BAMF John / Sherlock, Parentlock, Pregnant Sex, Kidnapping, Eventual Happy Ending) â Sherlock is an Omega whose Alpha has died severing their bond. Sherlock is depressed for an Omega who lost their mate is considered worthless in their society. If young and fertile, unbonded omegas are sent to breeding camps, forced to bear pups they will never raise; something his brother, Mycroft, will never let happen. Or there is the option of becoming the Second Mate of an Alpha who is already bonded. The omega would be welcomed into the home, bear all the pups the Alpha wished and live comfortably and protected. There is no love and the second's mate place is very low compared to the spouse, but it was better than the alternative. Still mourning his beloved Alpha, Sherlock refuses to be someone else's spouse, let alone a lowly Second Mate, but time is running out before heâs forced to go to the camps. Sherlock is forced to marry John Watson, a wealthy Alpha doctor, who is married to Mary, an infertile Beta. Both of whom hide dark secrets from each other. After the main story future fics will be listed roughly in chronological order to the main story timeline, not the fic post date.
You Go To My Head Series by 7PercentSolution and J_Baillier (E, 987,192 w. across 23 Works || Surgeon AU || Medical Realism, Autism Spectrum, Anaesthetist John / Neurosurgeon Sherlock, Friends to Lovers, Pining, Addiction, Angst, Slow Burn, PTSD, Pining, Insecurity, Additional Tags Under Link) â This series is an alternate universe one, featuring the exciting medical and romantic adventures of doctors Watson and Holmes.
