#freebatch

I'm also a freebatch* shipper.

(*not the rpf I only ship their characters)

Also here's my Everstrange fic.

It's not in English tho, but I've used google translate on this and it does a decent job (which means the accuracy is only about 80% but I'm so so not in a mood for any translating stuff. So here it is.)

And I'm currently writing another one. (Also not in English bc my target audiences use the same language as me ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯)

Disclaimer (Revised & Enhanced):

Hold your horses, keyboard warriors! This is just for fun! The author is merely a Chinese high school student sharing personal observations and theories. This is NOT official news, and it certainly doesn't claim to represent the truth or the views of Benedict Cumberbatch or Martin Freeman. Let's keep it light, respectful, and drama-free. All interpretations are purely fictional and for entertainment purposes only.The author doesn't speak English. It's written by her cat for fun.

1. During the "Sherlock" Era

This past June, "Sherlock" co-creator Mark Gatiss confirmed that a series return is highly unlikely, bluntly stating:

"Because Benedict and Martin didn't want to do anymore."

Rewinding to Season 4, rumors were already swirling that the two leads had fallen out, reportedly "not speaking." Looking back at the show's plot, you can almost spot the cracks forming. In Series 3, Sherlock returns without properly explaining his fake death, lies to John again, John gets married and moves away... leading to internal conflicts. By Season 4, we got wild twists like Mary being a secret agent and the out-of-nowhere introduction of Eurus. While a script might not directly ruin a real-life friendship, both actors were A-list by then. Why stick with a show that felt like it was losing its magic? That's the career angle. But what about personally?

2. Off-Screen Interviews

This year, Benedict's film "The Roses" was a hit. In interviews, he's been mentioning Martin again, calling him "the funniest person I have ever met," and even explicitly saying he "missed the friendship with Martin" in a September chat.

Looking at the bigger picture, their differences seem clear. On "Sherlock," their characters' personalities were almost flipped from real life.

From interviews, BC comes off as more earnest and warm (his abstract side aside), while MF has a sharper, sarcastic humor and seems less fond of socializing—though he can be kind. BC seems more emotionally open and gets along with everyone easily. MF has more of that classic British reserve, a hint of cynicism, is very genuine, and has a bit of a tough exterior.

On talk shows, if a host playfully ribs BC, he usually just smiles. MF would fire right back. That's a core personality difference. Of course, this is just the public persona—who knows what they're really like privately? I'd guess BC is less formal off-camera, and MF is probably genuinely sharp-tongued.

With such different personalities, friction is inevitable. Why else avoid interactions? Take MF's love for edgy, risqué jokes. Does BC love that stuff? He'll laugh along, but you sense he might not fully lean into it and could sometimes find it a tad offensive.

There's a 2016 interview: Amanda called MF "royal and lovely," and MF shot back, "Everything anyone says about me is like a fucking dog." Watch BC's reaction: he laughs, but it's that polite, accompanying laugh—not a real one. He's blinking fast, rubbing his fingers on his knees. The moment the topic changes, he stops laughing and presses his lips together. Real laughter doesn't involve constant blinking. He wasn't upset, just reacting differently because he wouldn't say something like that. Later, he leans in when the conversation moves on, showing he can appreciate the humor even if he wouldn't use it. It shows BC is a gentle soul, careful with his words and actions, deeply sentimental and responsible.

（This picture has nothing to do with it. It's not the event. I think it's nice to put it on）

3. Speculations on the Split & Chances of Reconciliation

As noted, BC is now openly saying he misses his bond with MF. But before this? For eight whole years, almost zero interaction or mentions. The UK isn't that big; going eight years without crossing paths in London seems almost intentional. It probably wasn't a coincidence. They likely avoided it. So why now are these hints of reconciliation popping up? They don't seem like the types to parade private feelings publicly; in fact, they probably hate people dissecting their relationship. Maybe they've already patched things up privately and just don't want a big announcement. My theory? BC mentioning MF so much lately might be a coordinated soft launch, testing the waters with the public.

The reason for the split remains the big mystery. The old PR line was "political differences," which feels weak. Let's be real, British politics surviving without these two is like a fish needing a bicycle.

I mentioned MF isn't big on socializing. There's a famous interview where BC complained MF doesn't reply to texts or answer calls, just disappears. The host said he might be busy, and BC retorted, "We're all fucking busy." So, this seems to be MF's default mode, not necessarily a personal snub. He ignores whoever he doesn't feel like dealing with. BC, being the more proactively friendly type, would naturally reach out more. So, maybe MF just didn't want to engage with BC for a while. But there must have been some specific conflict or disagreement that triggered the eight-year silence. Perhaps that issue has now eased, allowing for a potential thaw.

Final thoughts:

Anybody just set up a date for them together, please!

Sounds familiar?

Like again...after all these years. The only difference is that he doesn't have food to put into his mouth this time, and his female co-star sitting next to him is named Olivia instead of Tilda.

Hello, I'm glad someone asked on my tumblr. No, I found it on twitter or tumblr (i forgot because is long time), I forgot the account of this gif make. But if you want that header, I'll be happy to post it✨️ (If anyone knows the source of this gif, please let me know. I will include the source of the gif maker)