#other professions

Word count: 16,312  Chapters: 17/17 Fandom: Sherlock (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Sarah Sawyer, Irene Adler, Molly Hooper Additional Tags: PWP, Porn Star AU, is that even a thing?, oh sweet puppies what have I gone and done now, porn industry, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, Oral Sex, Rimming, Dirty Talk Series: Part 5 of Numbered Porn Summary:

Written for this prompt on the kink meme: Sherlock is a porn actor who does cheesy porno movies. John is the cameraman.

 Whenever Sherlock is in session, John is always aroused while filming him. Sherlock notices this and does everything he can to arouse John even more if possible, wiggling his arse in John's direction, giving little winks, etc.

 John becomes even more hot and bothered when only him and Sherlock are left on the set and Sherlock continues his 'performance'. John then says "Fuck it" and fucks Sherlock right then and there.

 Sherlock, despite his history, has the best lay ever.

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Rec: It’s true the only relationship, as tagged, is Johnlock, but the first half of the fic is dedicated to Molly/Irene and Sherlock/Molly/Irene getting it on in a variety of positions, in close-ups so close you can smell it. Just in the interest of full disclosure. However, the lay of the land is made absolutely clear with narrative along these lines:

“This was going to kill John. It really was. He was going to die of Having to Watch Two Women Give Sherlock Holmes a Blow Job From a Distance of Approximately None At All, probably a first in medical history, and then Sarah would bring him back so she could kill him again herself.“

The second half is then a fast-tracked seduction in which every one of John’s (and Sherlock’s) fantasies comes to life (see what I did there?) in a multi-chapter tabletop 2-person orgy that I had to dose out for fear of overheating. Finally, the ending is a delightful full circle moment that was not only the best of all possible endings, but bodes for the best of all possible beginnings.

Word count: 44,197 Chapters: 17/17 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes & Sherlock Holmes, more to be revealed later Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Filip Scarlatti, John's hapless footman Kenelm Additional Tags: Romance, Angst, Alternate Universe - Classical Music, Alternate Universe - Historical, Mystery, Social Issues, Family Loss, Travel, Vienna in the 1830s, Physical Disability, Depression, Don't copy to another site, Mourning, Loneliness, Career troubles Summary:

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?

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Rec: Another fic slightly off the beaten path, this story is not so much a mystery (although there is an aspect of investigation as John tries to gather information to send back to Mycroft) as it is an exploration of the musician side of Holmes's character. Taking inspiration from the 1984 movie Amadeus, among other influences, it casts Sherlock Holmes in the role of a musical genius leading a bohemian lifestyle while carrying with him a mysterious obsession for a magnum opus he cannot finish.

The intricate details woven throughout the story bring the historical period to life in striking detail, the depiction of 1830s Vienna so vivid that it feels like you are traveling there in person. The author's obvious enthusiasm for the subject matter shines through in every scene, taking us on a deep dive into the world of music history while still remaining eminently accessible.

Additional familiar characters, in particular Molly and the elusive Victor, take on new dimensions, adding layers to the intricate narrative. There is also an undercurrent of romance and deepening affection between Sherlock and John, although it’s not the main focus and their relationship could never be called conventional. But then when was anything about them conventional?

Word count: 22,302 Chapters: 10/10 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes & John Watson, Sherlock Holmes/John Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson Additional Tags: Natural Disasters, Volcanology, Geology, Adventure, Peril, Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Travel, Drama, Accidents and injuries, do not copy to another site, Sherlock spouts a lot of sexy science, John is competent, and bisexual and aroused by said science talk, Somewhat realistic volcanology but don't expect Sherlock's spoutings to be very accurate, bc I'm a doctor not a volcanologist damnit as McCoy would say, Accidental peril companions to something resembling a relationship kind of progression Summary:

Nature photographer John Watson is trying to do the same as the locals: getting the hell of the way when the killer queen of Indonesian's volcanoes starts a drumbeat towards eruption. Little does he know that soon, he'll be headed straight into the danger zone.

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Rec: It never ceases to amaze me how Sherlock and John can be put into absolutely any ridiculous situation, and they just immediately, point-blank work together. In this high-stakes, thrill-seeking adventure set before the dramatic backdrop of an active volcano, the mutual excitement and fascination of the two is as palpable from the get-go as the ash in the air. I felt as if I were right there with them for the front-row view not only to an amazing natural spectacle, but also to the startling realizations they come to regarding their feelings and internal paradigm shifts.

As usual with works by this author, I came away edified, entertained, impressed, and buoyed on a cloud of happy-making chemicals.

Word count: 290,011 Chapters: 25/25 Fandom: Sherlock (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Sherlock Holmes & John Watson, Irene Adler/Kate (Sherlock), Sherlock Holmes & Victor Trevor, John Watson & James Sholto, John Watson/Sarah Sawyer (past), John Watson/James Sholto (past) Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Greg Lestrade, Molly Hooper, Jim Moriarty, Sebastian Moran, Sebastian Wilkes, Victor Trevor, Irene Adler, Mrs Hudson, Sally Donovan, Anthea (Sherlock), Kate (Sherlock), Bill Wiggins, Assorted characters from the series as professional cyclists, Soo Lin Yao, Sarah Sawyer, Philip Anderson, Henry Baskerville, Mike Stamford, James Sholto (Sherlock), Stephen Bainbridge, Mycroft Holmes Additional Tags: Tour de France AU, Cycling, sports AU, roomsharing, Cycling typical injuries, discussions of drug use and doping, Awkward Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Bickering, Case Fic, Strangers to Friends to Lovers, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Homophobia, Internalised Homophobia, Pining, Mutual Pining, Sharing a Bed, Don't copy to another site, Tour de France, Jealous John, Jealous Sherlock, Demisexual Sherlock Holmes, Bisexual John Watson, First Kiss, First Time, Shower Sex, Friends to Lovers, Communication, France (Country) Summary:

It’s going to be the last Tour de France for professional cyclist John Watson. Despite the hardships of cycling more than 3000 kilometres in three weeks, in blistering heat and torrential rain, over dangerous cobblestones in northern France and the mountains of the Alps and the Pyrenees, battling thirst, hunger, injury and exhaustion, not to mention bitchy rivals, doping allegations, and the ever scoop-hungry press, he is going to enjoy the ride, damn it. That’s what John keeps telling himself – until he meets his new teammate, Sherlock Holmes, who adds a whole new list of problems as well as an extra dose of excitement to John’s life.

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Rec: If you haven’t read this yet, it is now complete and poised to be your big summer blockbuster. A grand adventure set to the gorgeous backdrop of the French landscape, it’s everything the summary promises and more.

I always get an extra kick out of reading a story where it’s clear the author has particularly extensive knowledge and passion for their subject, and here it’s cycling. From technical details and famous names to the ins and outs of the politics of the sport and physical and mental challenges, it is a truly immersive experience that lets you feel every sore muscle, every gasp for breath, and every hard-earned victory.

At the same time, I feel it’s important to mention that this isn’t a pure sports AU, as Sherlock is still a consulting detective. Why he’s riding the Tour de France is a plot point I’ll leave for you to find out, but there is an actual case to be solved that may possibly involve Sherlock and John jammed together in a closet to avoid being caught in the wrong hotel room, and you can imagine the possibilities. ;)

Because if you aren’t here for the cycling (and even if you are), then you will definitely want to stay for the relationship. It’s sweet, delicate, and oh-so-frustrating as both men have past emotional trauma to overcome, with much delightful pining and jealousy until they both get on the same page. And after that, it’s not just lots of mindless bonking, but a deepening emotional connection with very thoughtful and caring intimate moments that explore the boundaries of Sherlock’s demisexuality and John’s newly acknowledged bisexuality.

Another aspect that I particularly liked was the how many of the secondary characters were spotlighted with some cool side plots (see character list). On that note, I was very nervous about how far Moriarty’s role would be taken and whether there would be a Reichenbach situation, so I hope it’s not a spoiler to say there will be no fake deaths, and Moriarty is “just” a cycling rival, albeit a nasty piece of work.

Word count: 83,130 Chapters: 17/17 Fandom: Sherlock (TV) Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Molly Hooper, Mrs. Hudson (Sherlock Holmes), Harry Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Greg Lestrade, Sally Donovan, Irene Adler (Sherlock Holmes), Jim Moriarty, Mr. Chatterjee (Sherlock), Janine (Sherlock), Mary Morstan, Mike Stamford, Sebastian Moran, Victor Trevor, Philip Anderson, Dimmock (Sherlock) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - The Great British Bake Off Fusion, baker sherlock, Everyone bakes, Strangers to Lovers, switchlock, Friends With Benefits, mention of alcoholism, Banter, Flirting, Fluff, Light Angst, Baker and Doctor John, mention of past drug use, More like strangers to casual lovers to more, Casual sex that isn't so casual, Various sex acts between enthusiastically consenting adults, Semi-Public Sex, like blink and you miss it angst, Past Sherlock Holmes/Victor Trevor Summary:

Sherlock Holmes has a successful YouTube baking channel, but what he really wants is his own bakery. When an old friend sends him a call for the very first Great British Bake Off, he seizes the opportunity to finally win a sponsor for his bakery. Here's the plan: Win Bake Off, get the bakery, don't fall in love with the handsome Army doctor at the neighbouring station. Easy.

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Word count: 114,111 Chapters: 26/26 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes & Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft Holmes & John Watson, Sherlock Holmes & Mummy, Sherlock Holmes & Greg Lestrade, Greg Lestrade & John Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Greg Lestrade, Violet Holmes, George Holmes, Mycroft Holmes, Natch the dog, Dr Joanna Pichler, various useful OCs, and various very much not helpful OCs, Edgar Kingsley III Additional Tags: Medical husbands, Drama, Romance, Marriage, Depression, Anxiety, Sherlock is a Mess, Established Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Alternate Universe, neurosurgery, anaesthesiology, medical drama, Legal Drama, Don't copy to another site, Angst and Hurt/Comfort Series: Part 22 of You Go To My Head Summary:

When Sherlock's career and sanity are compromised by a case that ends up on the nation's front pages, he and John struggle to find a way forward. How can a surgeon reconcile being protected for a mistake they made but put on trial for one they didn't?

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Rec: A magnificent climax to a landmark series. Although you know from the summary what is coming, the author plays with cards close to their chest, creating a crescendo of tension and anticipation until the seminal event which finally brings all of the blocks crashing down.

Amidst this perfect storm of personal and professional tragedies converging, an existential crisis emerges from an unexpected quarter that threatens to put an end to Sherlock’s career and the life he has fought so hard for. Luckily, Sherlock has unwittingly assembled just the team he needs over the course of the entire series, and it was wonderful to see just how far he has come and how everyone was able to play the part they were destined for.

Word count: 19,780 Chapters: 5/5 Fandom: Sherlock (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Actors, Romance Summary:

Sherlock Holmes, known from movies A Scandal in Belgravia and Don’t Make Me Choose, comes back to acting after two years. He’s starring in a romantic comedy about two men who move in together for practical reasons and stumble into a surprising friendship. The only problem is that his co-star is John Watson, a man whom he hasn’t seen since he left their shared flat two years ago, leaving John only a note.

During the time they have been apart, John Watson has gotten to himself a wife, a child, and a divorce.

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Rec: This is a nestling doll of a story in which life imitates art imitating life as Sherlock, John, and the author cross the line between real and make-believe in a half-lighthearted, half-wistful story of regrets and second chances.

The multi-layered narrative is superbly done, each level building on the next to create a fantasy-fulfilling complex that recognizes its own cleverness without becoming self-congratulatory. First there is the basic plot itself, as outlined in the summary. Only it turns out that the aforementioned rom com mirrors Sherlock and John’s real life, which in turn treads the path of the BBC characters’ relationship. Not to mention that John’s movie character’s girlfriend is Amanda and Sherlock’s former co-stars include Keira Knightley and Tom Hardy. It’s not RPF, but those who would like to read into the story a suggestion of Freeman and Cumberbatch would find something to work with. Finally, there is the meta level blurring the line with our world of fan fiction, media tours, “make them kiss” moments, and an Elephant in the Room.