#johnlockary

7. Recommend a fic that uses a trope you love.

One of my favorite tropes is forced proximity, which is used to good effect here: A Grave Situation by BeautifulFiction Author's Summary: "The idea of being sealed inside a sarcophagus was morbid at best, even if he did have John for company." Trapped and awaiting rescue, Sherlock and John finally have a chance to talk about more than just a case. https://archiveofourown.org/works/18199829

10. Recommend a fic that is more than 10 years old.

A Conversation Held with the Lamp Switched Off by hyacinth_sky747 Author's Summary: Twenty plus years, three weddings, some funerals, elephants, rats, a wet cat, a very lumpy cake and criminals. Or, John Watson, a life well-lived. Includes a failed marriage between John and an original female character (mentions of infidelity - hers), a sort of polyamorous V with Mary and Sherlock, and Sherlock being baldly sincere in his unique way throughout. https://archiveofourown.org/works/383095#main

11. Recommend a fic you think is a hidden gem/deserves more reads.

I've got a couple of short but impactful fics for this (though I feel like there are loads that I'm leaving out, and I lament that ao3 won't let you sort your bookmarks for kudos, hits, etc.): Choice by dragonnan Author's Summary: A little backstory of when Sherlock and Mrs. Hudson first met.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/55828879

Reprise by PandoraCulpa Author's Summary: Sherlock visibly bristled; it was fascinating, watching that wiry frame seem to swell in size as he stalked back and forth in front of the cabinets. “Just...” he flapped a long-fingered hand in what was meant to be a dismissive gesture. “Just play it.”

https://archiveofourown.org/works/29133675

12. Recommend a fic that formed or changed your opinion on something (characterization, backstory, relationship, etc.)

somebody loves you by simplyclockwork Author's Summary: Sherlock decides to finally take things to the next level with John. Unfortunately for him, the cock-blocking universe has other plans.

Because A Scandal in Belgravia is purposefully ambiguous, multiple valid interpretations of the episode are possible, making it both eternally compelling and frustrating. I get something different out of it every time I watch it, and I enjoy reading what other people think about Sherlock's behavior and motivations as well as the interplay of relationships threading through the episode. This fic approaches these questions in a way that gave me another facet of this depthless episode to peer into, which I appreciate.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26272261/chapters/64526428

13. Recommend a fic you've re-read multiple times.

I reread from my bookmarks frequently, so it's very difficult to narrow it down. I have enthusiastically rec'd this fic on Discord before and find it very well-written, so I'll take the opportunity to do it again. Content warning: the dissociation trigger is well-earned; the fic takes us into Sherlock's POV as he's coming out of and trying to relate a traumatic experience.

Reboot by NovaWasTaken1 Author's Summary:

"Yes, Lestrade," Sherlock said pleasantly into his phone, blinking to the darkness. "This address, please. It looks as if the murderer's next would-be victim got free and fought back. One injured, one dead."

Sherlock sat alone, a dead body across from him, and cross-legged in a pool of his own blood.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20132743

14. Recommend your favorite fic.

That's surely impossible! There are so many exceptionally talented writers in this fandom. But, if you set a timer and prompted me to answer immediately, these two fics would likely always come to mind as they were among the first I read when I came back to the fandom and left a lasting impression: A River Without Banks by Chryse

Author's Summary: "You love this, being Sherlock Holmes." He had once. When had it all gone so wrong?

https://archiveofourown.org/works/3204689/chapters/6969521

The Case of the Green Gown by splix

Author's Summary:

...Watson had at that time deserted me for a wife, the only selfish action which I can recall in our association. I was alone.  

---Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier