#blindlock

Yep, right next to John’s laptop where he’s updating his jpg blog, we’ve got some pretty snazzy shades. They kinda look like bug-eye lenses or kaleidoscope glasses. IDK, trippy af. Any chance we can see them in action?

Thanks, Sherlock! Okay, maybe they’re more like mini magnifying glass binoculars. Theoretically they’re helping Sherlock analyse that thumb? Or maybe he’s just spacing out. 

When we cut to the wide shot as he lowers his specs, we see a new magnifying glass has appeared at his side. It’s even bigger than the curved dildo handheld one on his table! Hm, his magnifying devices seem to multiplying, and increasing in size and scope. Surely nothing to worry about though. He just likes having an extra-close look-see. True, we haven’t seen him use his microscope or his classic tiny slide-open magnifying glass, but that’s probably because he’s become a collector of odd, eccentric ocular devices in the hours? days? since he was released from his top secret suicide mission and he wants to try out all his new olde tyme toys. I mean it only makes sense!

Well, that’s better. Sure, it’s a new pair of dual lens magnifying binocular thingies, but at least they’re not a giant oversized classic Holmes magnifying glass. That’d just be goofy. Odd that they’re so similar to the black ones we saw in the last scene but clearly different; wouldn’t it be easier to have fewer pairs of these things lying about? Easier to keep track of? Oh right, collector! Carry on.

Pan to: The Duplicate Man. How could Dennis Parkinson be in two places at the same time? And murdered in one of them? Don’t be an idiot John, it’s never twins! Certainly not with visual cues like dual lens glasses lying on top of the photos of this “duplicate” man. That’d just be overkill.

Phew! No new ocular devices! Maybe the flea market was all out? Though the giant magnifying glass has moved to the desk, showing us it’s in use, and making it bigger and more prominent. We’ll see it become even bigger in the scene where Lestrade tells Sherlock about the Welsborough case:

Yeah, I watched this scene about a dozen times and this is meant to be the magnifying glass, reflecting John and Greg while he sits there with his eyes closed. The lens transitions to and from the scenes that Greg describes, but when we look at the wide shot, we can see how forced and superimposed the giant close up of the lens is. 

Oh good, there’s another magnifying lens in the foreground, next to Sherlock’s microscope. Nice to see him really immerse himself in his newfound hobby! One thing we can say about this guy: he loves his magnification devices. But I wonder... with his ever increasing collection of every increasing magnification, might he become...myopic? A little too detail-oriented? 

Well, I don’t want to go too deep into the minutiae of what this all means, because I do need to sleep, dear lord, and there’s no way thinking about Sherlock’s beautiful eyes desperately trying to see what’s in front of his face and failing this lovely antique roadshow collection is going to help with that. But Sherlock’s got one more gem he’d like to share with you from his expansive collection, and he’s saved the best for last: 

In fact, for one of the very last scenes of the episode. Ah, home sweet home. Back at the flat again with good old trusty giant magnifying glass at his side table, glasses of some sort on his desk, and oh? What’s this? Actual binoculars at the window. Not magnifying devices for examining things up close, but for looking out at things that are far away. Getting some perspective. Taking in the big picture. What scene is this again? Oh yeah, the one where Sherlock turns to Mrs Hudson and tells her “If you ever think I’m becoming a bit... full of myself, cocky or over-confident... would you just say the word ‘Norbury’ to me?” 

But you know, I’m sure that’s just a coincidence. 

Phew! It is SO past my bedtime. Tagging people who may be interested in my meta: @heimishtheidealhusband @may-shepard @roseinmyhand @monikakrasnorada @hopelesslybenaddicted @queenmab3 @hotdiggitydollie @inevitably-johnlocked @just-sort-of-happened @jenna221b @mollydobby @justacookieofacumberbatch @sherlock-overflow-error @alexxphoenix42 @delurkingdetective @the-7-percent-solution @deducingbbcsherlock @datmycroft @tendergingergirl @isitandwonder @keagan-ashleigh @totallymydivision @simpleanddestructivechemistry @waitingforgarridebs @marcespot @tjlcer @ordinaryangel @bcdthomp @thetripbacktoearth

Thank you to Ariane DeVere for always providing such detailed transcripts to the fandom! 

  You: I'm not going to die, no-HWH But it's not the best news I've ever gotten-HWH

Stranger: And I'm guessing you're going to leave me in suspense until I get there? -AMM

You: Are you on your way?-HWH

Stranger: Yeah, I am. -AMM

You: Okay. I just-I ahh want to warn you, I look disgusting-HWH

Stranger: Hamish, please tell me what's going on. -AMM

You: You know how I've been getting headaches, and my prescription just changed to a higher one?-HWH I went to the doctor today and apparently I have something growing on my eyes, it's going to take over my vision and it could spread after that-HWH So we're removing them, and I'll be blind-HWH But I won't die-HWH

Stranger: [no reply]

You: Alex?-HWH

Stranger: Sorry, just...hands are shaking. Typing a bit slow -AMM

You: I'm so sorry-HWH

Stranger: What are you sorry for? -AMM

You: I don't know. Everything-HWH I've been crying for three hours-HWH Please tell me you're still on your way-HWH

Stranger: Please don't cry. -AMM I'm still on my way. Damn cab is moving too slow. -AMM [delayed] Outside. -AMM

You: Hamish tried to stop crying when he saw Alex didn't want him too. It didn't work very well, but he was at least able to stop crying as badly. When he got the message saying he was outside, the boy stood up on shaky legs, ignored his parents as they watched him walk downstairs, and grabbed the door. He was sniffling, and his face was very much red and puffy. Breathing was hard and he could barely see through the slits in his eyelids but he knew that the person behind the door was Alex, and he was so thankful for that. "Thanks for coming" Hamish said quietly, sniffling and wiping at the tears at his face to try and hide it, though he knew there was none of that.

Stranger: Alex felt like he'd had the breath knocked out of him when he saw the state Hamish was in, how his face was red and splotchy, cheeks shiny with tear tracks and breathing properly seeming like a chore; and all he could do was step forward, wrapping his arms around Hamish and pulling him close as the door swung shut behind them. His hands were still shaking and he pressed them against Hamish's back to keep them steady, holding onto the other boy as if he could somehow shield him bodily from all the pain and sadness he knew he was experiencing right now. It almost seemed like a dream, a nightmare, like none of this could really be happening to the boy he loved so much.

You: Hamish looked up at the other, whimpered as he drew near, but the moment that he was pulled into a hug, he lost it. He couldn't hold onto being strong when Alex was wrapping his arms around him, pulling him into his favorite place, one he wouldn't be able to see soon enough. He immediately broke down again, sobbing into the other's chest as his arms wrapped around Alex, pulling as close as he could to the other. "I-I-Alex" He breathed, biting his lip to try and calm down but it was hard. He was so scared, so utterly and positively scared. "Alex I don't-I don't want to ever not. I-I won't be able to-I'm. I'm afraid of the dark!"

Stranger: "It'll be okay, everything will be alright," Alex whispered softly, soothingly, even as his own emotions flared up and threatened to overwhelm him, a vice grip around his heart at the sound of those helpless sobs; and he just continued to hold Hamish close, whispering reassurances he would do everything in his power to make true. "You won't be alone. It'll be fine." He gently guided Hamish to the stairs and took a seat near the bottom, sitting the smaller boy in his lap as one hand rubbed soothing circles against his back. He felt helpless, unable to protect Hamish like he so desperately wanted to because this was bigger than some schoolyard bullies, too big for Alex to handle. There was nothing could do to stop it, could only try to soften the blow. "I love you. Please try to calm down. Breathe."

You: Hamish continued to sob. He'd been doing this all day. His father tried to get some tea in him after they came home, but he'd thrown it up. Nothing was handling well with Hamish right right now, everything was wrong. Everyone was upset but this was hurting Hamish the most. It was his body, his eyesight he was loosing. He listened to Alex, but part of him couldn't believe it. It wouldn't be alright, his entire way of living was going to be gone soon, and he couldn't' do anything to stop it. After he sat down in Alex's lap and felt hands running down his back, Hamish started coughing, taking in desperate breaths of air in-between hacking sessions. That's when he started to listen to Alex, and did his best to calm down and breathe. He leaned against Alex and took a few deep breaths, coughing in between. He took one of Alex's hands and wrapped both of his around it, bringing it up to his lips, kissing it desperately a few times. "S-Sorry" He said, taking a few more deep breaths, leaning against Alex, his head resting on the other's shoulder. "I'm-I'm trying. I'm trying"

Stranger: Alex was patient, arms staying strong around Hamish even as those earth-shattering sobs shook him to the core, even as he felt he was somehow failing the boy because he couldn't make things okay; and when Hamish seemed to calm slightly, he took hold of one of his hands and pressed it to his own chest, breathing deep so Hamish could copy the slow rhythm. His father used to do this for him when he was younger, when he was shaking and crying and couldn't seem to get any oxygen into his aching lungs; and it had always helped him to calm down, given him something to focus on to clear his head. "It's going to be okay," he repeated, like a mantra, like he was trying to convince both of them at the same time. "I'll be right here with you, no matter what. It'll be okay."

You: Hamish felt the deep breaths Alex was taking and did his best to copy them. He worked his hardest to focus on it, to look at the rising movement and realize that he can be doing the same. Slowly, he started to follow, though it did hurt. He was shaking a bit, and he was utterly terrified, but he slowly curled up into a ball in Alex's lap, head still on the other's shoulder, one of his hands holding onto Alex's while one of Alex's held onto his. After a few long minutes, when Hamish felt less dizzy and detached, he pressed a small kiss to Alex's chest, taking a deep breath. "I love you" He whispered, nuzzling against the other. "I-I really do. I love you so much"

Stranger: "I love you too, more than anything," Alex whispered in return, finally letting go of Hamish's hand when he seemed to be breathing easily enough, wrapping both arms around his curled-up body to hold him close; and he pressed a kiss to the top of the boy's head, letting out a gusty sigh. His muscles were taught and tense, all his own emotions bottled up under the surface and out of sight because, right now, Hamish was his top priority, making him as comfortable as possible, easing as much fear as he could. He could deal with his own anxieties later. "Do you want to go inside?" he asked at length, when their quiet breathing was the only sound left to break the silence.

You: Hamish nodded quietly, not bothering to move in any way. He was tired, and scared, but that only made him even more thankful for Alex being here. His parents had tried to help, but they weren't very good at it, not for what Hamish needed. He sighed and closed his eyes, giving Alex small, reassuring kisses to his neck. He knew he had to be scared too, but he was doing good at hiding it, and once Hamish was a little more stable, he'd tend to Alex's needs. "I'll make you some tea" Hamish offered quietly, still hiding in the other boy, not really caring that he was. "That calms you down, right? I can make tea"

Stranger: Alex smiled, a sad, affectionate quirk of his lips because, despite all that was happening, Hamish was worried about calming /him/ down; and he kissed him for it, a soft press of lips that lasted no more than a second before he was pulling away and reaching up to wipe the fresh tear tracks from his face, realizing as he did that it might give away the trembling of his fingers. "I can make the tea if you like," he offered, setting Hamish carefully on his feet before standing, wrapping a secure arm around his waist as he led them up the stairs and into the flat. Gentle and strong, that was what he needed to be now, what Hamish needed him to be.

You: Hamish smiled at the kiss and licked his lips, his hand holding onto the one on Hamish's waist. They made their way slowly up the stairs, and when they reached the top, he smiled at the other and kissed his cheek lightly. "I'll make you tea" He said, sighing and heading into the kitchen to turn the kettle on. He didn't want any, but the act of doing it might make him feel better, if only a little. He'd have to learn how to do all of this differently soon, they hadn't set a date yet but they were talking about as soon as next week, just to be prompt. He sniffled again as he thought about this, but didn't allow himself to sob anymore. When the tea was done he found Alex and handed him his mug, wiping off the tear tracks that ran down his face, taking a deep breath and sitting next to him. "Thanks-thanks for coming. I know I already said it but I mean it"

Stranger: Alex followed close behind as they made their way slowly up the stairs and into the kitchen, keeping his arm around Hamish's waist even there, always keeping some part of them touching; and if he were to be totally honest, it was more for his own comfort than Hamish's. His shoulders were still tense, hands still shaking; but Hamish was the thing that was grounding him, keeping him strong and allowing him to be strong in return. He only let go as they sat down at the table, the warm mug cradled in both his hands, watching the steam rise and curl in the air; and he blew across the surface of the drink before taking a small sip. "Like I would ever leave you to deal with this by yourself," he said, smiling a little bit, eyes tired.

You: Hamish offered a small smile and nodded. "Yeah" He said, looking down, intertwining his hands to keep them busy. "I know. You're-you're the best" He said, closing his eyes and sighing, his head resting against the table. "It's been a long day." He noted, swallowing thickly after a moment before looking back up at Alex, wanting to study it so he would never forget. "You're so beautiful. I dread the day I start to forget your face."

Stranger: "As long as you still love me, it'll be fine," Alex said, ignoring how the idea made his heart ache, the thought that Hamish would probably be forgetting his face not to long from now, when he only had memories and a voice to go on; and he looked down, letting out a shaky sigh and taking a long sip of his tea, despite it still being a little too hot. He didn't want to show his sadness, didn't want to be the one in need of comfort when Hamish was the one dealing with more than he could really imagine. The thought of never seeing again, going a lifetime without the sight of the sky, of Hamish's face, of his own...it made him shiver.

Stranger: *too long

You: "You're going to have to read to me" Hamish said quietly, knowing that he was making Alex upset, but he couldn't stop. "I can't stop reading. I'm-I'm in the middle of a book now" He said, biting his lip nervously, ringing his hands even harder. "And…..I was supposed to go to France. I was going to be an art major….I-I need to come up with another plan"

Stranger: "I'll read to you all you like, love. Every book you've got, if you want," Alex murmured, taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself, clamping his hands around his mug to keep them from shaking as tears gathered in his eyes. He couldn't stop thinking about it now, couldn't stop imagining the day when Hamish would no longer be able to see him, when he'd never really be able to meet those shining, gorgeous eyes with his own the same way. He thought about how hard this would all be for Hamish, having to learn to live without sight, the fear or forgetting the faces of the people he loved. "We'll f-figure something out." He was losing his grip now, tears balancing precariously between his eyelashes.

You: No, no Hamish didn't want to see that. Alex wasn't supposed to be that sad, he wasn't supposed to cry. Hamish stood up quickly and wrapped his arms around Alex, kissing his cheeks where the tears were threatening to fall. "Yeah" He said quietly, trying not to cry himself. "We'll figure something out. You're right" He said, taking a deep breath and swallowing thickly. "And I would love to hear you read to me. To hear those words flow from your beautiful, beautiful mouth" He said, a weak smile on his face. "And we-we can go to France. You can de-describe it to me. We'll see all that artwork and you can explain it to me, and I can pretend I can see it, and it will be wonderful" He said, his voice growing weaker as he thought about all of this. "And-and that's good. That's just….just as good"

Stranger: "I'm sorry," Alex blurted out, so soon after Hamish had finished speaking that he'd nearly interrupted him; and with those two words, the cracks in his emotional armor finally reached the breaking point, finally let the tears fall freely down his cheeks. He took a shuddering breath that wasn't quite a sob yet, turning to bury his face in the crook of Hamish's neck, arms wrapping tightly around his waist and holding him close. "I'm so sorry." He was failing, couldn't make this okay, couldn't make things feel the same, couldn't even hold in his own emotions; and all he could seem to do now was muffle his quiet sobs in the fabric of Hamish's shirt, the tremor in his hands spreading to his whole body now.