Secure Yourself (Sherlock)

[morganstuart]

Title: Secure Yourself
Author: Morgan Stuart
Fandom: Sherlock
Disclaimer: This universe does not belong to me; I'm just an appreciative visitor. I make no profit from this fan work.
Description: Comfort isn't Sherlock's area, is it?
Author's Note: Hahaha! Remember when I said I was done with 221b fics? I lied! This is a 221b ficlet: 221 words, with the last word beginning with a "b."
Warnings (Highlight to Read): Non-explicit but disturbing description of injuries




"Just talk to him, Sherlock." Forced calm flattens John's words into a monotone. He doesn't look up from where his hands work steadily in a crimson mess of shredded cloth and flesh.

Folded on his knees, Sherlock leans in, studying Lestrade like an anomalous clue. "What should I say?"

Lestrade chuckles once, then arches against the agony that follows, blinking back involuntary tears. The movement makes John hiss, and Lestrade tries, truly he does, to hold still.

"Doesn'tmatter." Lestrade grinds the words out between gritted teeth. If he unclenches his jaw, he'll scream. "Say... everything'llbe... fine."

His palms scrub along the pavement, seeking some way to brace himself against fire in his side and ice everywhere else.

"I'm not entirely certain it will."

Behind them, Sally summons an ambulance, her voice staccato-precise with throttled fear.

"S'posedtolie... Idiot." Fondly.

John presses harder. Lestrade claws at the concrete.

After a heartbeat, Sherlock captures one of Lestrade's wayward hands between his own, and glances toward John, as if for affirmation.

"No," Lestrade groans. "Breakyourfingers."

Sherlock blinks, frowns, then guides the hand to a bony Holmesian ankle, encouraging clammy fingers to curl around the solid joint.

"As tightly as needed," Sherlock murmurs.

Lestrade nods his thanks. Swallows. Closes wet eyes.

He squeezes hard enough to bruise.


THE END

Vital Stats: The title alludes to the lyrics "Secure yourself to heaven/hold on tight the night has come" from "Secure Yourself" by the Indigo Girls.

Originally written in August 2011.

Originally written to fill this prompt.

Comments

[ascendant-angel.livejournal.com]

I love it, the only problem is it's too short :D, left me wanting more. I especially like when Sherlock guides his hand to his ankle and says as tightly as needed.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Aw, thank you so much!

I'm especially glad the ankle part seemed appropriate. I was smitten by the idea of Sherlock uncertain, trying to follow John's direction, get his affirmation, and at last figuring out on his own a practical means of expressing care and concern. Another step on the way to becoming a good man, I'd like to think...

I really appreciate your reading and your kind words.

[sc010f.livejournal.com]

*wails*

It's gonna be ok right? Right?!?

Gorgeous as usual!

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Aw, thank you!

I'm sure Lestrade will be okay. He has the most BAMF!doctor in the world giving him emergency care. ;)

Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I'm so glad this little piece seemed effective to you. I loved the idea of Sherlock eventually coming up with a way to express his concern and attempt to comfort.

Thanks again!

[archea2.livejournal.com]

I'm tempted to second the above comment and beg you to write this again as a longer fic. (I love the ending!)

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Aw, thank you! :) I'm afraid I don't see this going farther. (I'm sorry!) I just wanted to show the progression from Sherlock being at a loss, to trying to follow John's suggestions/cues, to discovering for himself a practical (Sherlockian?) way of expressing concern/comfort. I'd like to think this is another step on his way to becoming a good man...

But I really do appreciate your kind words, and I'm especially pleased the ending worked for you. Thanks so much!

[impishtubist.livejournal.com]

Oh, god, this physically made me ache. And I agree with the above commenter - it's far, far too short. Definitely leaves me wanting more. I love especially the image of Lestrade holding onto Sherlock's ankle as tightly as needed - very sweet. It's marvelous how much you can portray in only 221 words. I adore your talent! :)

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh, you're so kind! Thank you so much. I really appreciate this. I'm sorry for making you ache, but selfishly, it's wonderful to hear that the description made an impact. I'm grateful for your encouragement, especially in these super-short pieces, which have been a real departure for me.

I'm afraid I don't have more planned as a follow-up to this, specifically, at the moment. (I'm sorry!) I just liked the idea of tracing Sherlock's responses from being at a loss, to trying to follow John's direction, to finding at last a (Sherlockian?) way to express concern/comfort. I'd like to think this is a snapshot of his larger journey toward being a good as well as great man.

Needless to say, I'm particularly pleased, then, that the ankle moment worked for you. :)

Again, many thanks, my friend!

[list-of-lists.livejournal.com]

Brilliant writing! I particularly liked Lestrade worrying about breaking Sherlock's fingers, despite everything, and Sherlock offering his ankle instead.

(I'm agreeing with the above commenters too- more would be lovely.)

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm so glad you think so! What a lovely thing to say. Thank you.

I particularly liked Lestrade worrying about breaking Sherlock's fingers, despite everything, and Sherlock offering his ankle instead.

I'm really pleased this worked for you! I wanted to try to follow out-of-his-element Sherlock as he goes from cluelessness to determining his own way to express concern/attempt comfort. Since that was the entire goal, I don't think there will be more in this particular sequence, but there will be more in general. I do appreciate your encouragement so much.

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. It means a lot. :)

[methylviolet10b]

*gasps*

*shrieks*

Holy moly, my friend. HOW do you pack so much story and tension and emotion into 221 words?

This does feel like a piece of a bigger story to me, but it stands perfectly - if agonizingly - well on its own. Well done, you. Now please make Lestrade better? ;-)

*stares in awe*

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Aw, you are so kind! I appreciate it so much. It means a lot to know you found this to be affecting. I was smitten by the idea of Sherlock uncertain, trying to follow John's direction and get his affirmation, and at last figuring out on his own a practical (Sherlockian?) means of expressing care and concern. Another step on the way to becoming a good man, I'd like to think...

Lestrade will get better. He has the BAMFiest doctor there is in his corner. ;)

Thanks again for your lovely words!

[rabidsamfan.livejournal.com]

Brilliant. There's so much there, and so much left for us to imagine.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh, thank you! This just makes my heart sing. I appreciate it so much.

[fengirl88.livejournal.com]

I'm not good with fics where Lestrade gets seriously injured, but I love what you've done with this - wonderful work, as always!

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much! I'm sorry for hurting Lestrade (he does have the best doctor ever caring for him, so I know he'll be okay!), but I am fascinated by the idea of Sherlock being forced to find his own unique way to show he cares.

It means a lot that you'd read this, despite the Lestrade whumpage, and I'm so glad it worked for you. I really appreciate your kind words. Thank you!

[cookiefleck.livejournal.com]

Oooh, very, very nice and touching. I share with you a liking of stories where the characters work together, their personalities playing off one another, illuminating each in turn. Bravo!

You are NOT going to stop writing 221Bs. I knew that already. So there.

I hope Lestrade does not cut his hand on that bony ankle, though. ;o)

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

You are NOT going to stop writing 221Bs. I knew that already. So there.

LOL! You knew me better than I knew myself. I swear there will be longer, "real" fics. But yeah, these are fun, too. *blushes*

I'm so glad you liked this. I was fascinated by the idea of Sherlock uncertain, trying to follow John's direction and get his affirmation, and at last figuring out on his own a practical (Sherlockian?) means of expressing care and concern. Another step on the way to becoming a good man, I'd like to think...

I share with you a liking of stories where the characters work together, their personalities playing off one another, illuminating each in turn.

I adore this description! That's the kind of work I love to read and aspire to write. I particularly like thinking, in this case, that John would be capable of being there for Lestrade even as he worked, but knowing the situation was dire, he was forcing Sherlock to find a way to "step up to the plate," as it were. Wise John.

I hope Lestrade does not cut his hand on that bony ankle, though. ;o)

ROFLOL! A very real danger, I'm afraid.

Thank you so much for reading and commenting. It means a lot to me!

[lizachief.livejournal.com]

aww *whimpers*

I'd love some more though

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Aw! *hugs you* Don't worry - Lestrade has the best doctor ever taking care of him. ;)

I'm afraid I don't have more planned as a follow-up to this, specifically, at the moment. (I'm sorry!) I just liked the idea of tracing Sherlock's responses from being at a loss, to trying to follow John's direction, to finding at last a (Sherlockian?) way to express concern/comfort. I'd like to think this is a snapshot of his larger journey toward being a good as well as great man.

I really appreciate your reading and commenting. Thanks so much!

[goldvermilion87.livejournal.com]

Love it--Sherlock's solution is very... Sherlockian! :-)

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm so glad you think so! :) Thanks!

[kari77.livejournal.com]

And there I thought I couldn't be more in awe of you. This is yet another level of brilliance.
I love these short snippets, the intensity brought together wonderfully by your carefully chosen words and this special format.

I've always been a huge believer in 'actions speak louder than words", and your Sherlock is a perfect example for that.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh my... you've made my whole week! Thank you for your lovely, heartening words. They mean so much to me. It's wonderful to know these shorter pieces in general, and this one in particular, work for you.

I'm also glad the "actions speak louder" idea (which I love, too) comes through here. Sherlock's gesture may not be typical, but it's sincere, and I think Lestrade would understand that.

I'm grateful to you for reading and for your ongoing encouragement. You just can't imagine!

[thisprettywren.livejournal.com]

Oh, this is fantastic.

I love the results of your experiments with 221b fics - I reading this I can see where you're economizing on words to include everything you want, and it gives just the perfect amount of detail. I just love the characterization here (does that even need to be said? I ALWAYS love your characterizations). The care and respect they have for each other (no matter how awkwardly expressed), Lestrade grasping at the concrete - poor guy.

Just lovely.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh, it makes me so happy to hear that the 221bs I've been playing with work for you! *flails a bit* They've been challenging, but great fun, as well.

I'm thrilled that the "care and respect they have for each other (no matter how awkwardly expressed)," in particular, comes through here.

Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging words. They mean a lot to me.

[embroiderama]

Oh wow, I love this--so much in so few words.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

This makes me so happy! Thank you. I'm really delighted you liked it.

Re: Secure Yourself

[disassembly_rsn]

You're always good at writing Lestrade - although you're not usually good *to* Lestrade, so to speak... :)

:) Sherlock really *is* rubbish at telling comforting lies just for the sake of giving comfort. (He could of course do it if he were fishing for information on a case.)

studying Lestrade like an anomalous clue

Nice simile.

I join the chorus - the exchange about fingers vs ankle is very good.

Re: Secure Yourself

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

You're always good at writing Lestrade -

Oh, thank you! This means a lot to me. I'm so glad the characterization seems right.

although you're not usually good *to* Lestrade, so to speak... :)

*winces and laughs* As the old saying goes, 'We always hurt the ones we love.' *blushes*

I'm glad Sherlock's painful honesty seems right, as well. As you say, he can lie very well when it suits his purpose in the midst of a case... but in this moment, I don't think it would occur to him.

I'm especially happy the fingers-vs-ankle interlude worked. My hope for this little ficlet was to provide a snapshot of how Sherlock's lumbering awkwardly, with baby steps, toward becoming a good man (as well as a great one). His offering of his ankle, while unorthodox, seemed to me to be a particularly Sherlockian solution to the problem of how to show his concern and offer practical assistance.

Your feedback is always so helpful as well as heartening. Thank you very much for taking the time not only to read, but also to comment as you do. I'm most grateful!

[zephyr-macabee.livejournal.com]

I wonder whether it was Lestrade's hand that bruised rather than Sherlock's bony ankle.
Very nice!

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

LOL! That's a very real concern. :)

Thanks so much for reading! I really appreciate your kindness.

[machshefa.livejournal.com]

*weeps

It'll be all right, won't it? Won't it?

Love John being so busy keeping Lestrade alive while Sherlock is nearly frozen. How typical of him... an ambiguous situation without something for him to know or explain or do... and he freezes. Temporarily, at least.

Beautifully done. As always. :)

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

*hugs you*

Your icon is so wonderfully appropriate! I love it.

Lestrade will definitely be all right. He has BAMF!doctor John looking after him, after all!

How typical of him... an ambiguous situation without something for him to know or explain or do... and he freezes. Temporarily, at least.

Oh, I'm so glad this came across! Thank you. I'd hoped the final decision to offer his ankle would represent one of those "baby steps" he takes toward becoming a good man. It's a strangely practical gesture, but it's genuine, and it's motivated by his concern. I suspect that Lestrade understands it for the awkward-but-sincere Sherlockian message that it is.

Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. I respect your opinion so much, and I'm really tickled that you liked this.

[darthhellokitty.livejournal.com]

Wow. That was AMAZING.

His ankle...

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh, thank you for this! I'm delighted that this worked for you.

Offering his ankle seemed to me like the oddly practical/awkwardly heartfelt kind of gesture that Sherlock would make when out of his element and trying somehow to convey his concern. I like to think that Lestrade would understand this and take comfort from it.

I really appreciate your kind words. Thanks for reading and commenting!

[thesmallhobbit.livejournal.com]

This is lovely in a very sad sort of way. Poor Lestrade, the tears and trying not to scream. And Sherlock, being useless with words but managing to provide some practical help.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Aw, thank you so much!

I like to think that Lestrade would understand Sherlock's awkward-and-practical gesture for the true show (however clumsy) of concern that it is. (As you say, Sherlock's useless with words in times like these!) I also like to think that being put in the position of having to find a way to act on his concern is another step in Sherlock's journey toward becoming a good man.

I'm so glad this worked for you, despite its sadness. It means a lot to me that you took the time to read and comment. I really appreciate it!

[selinabln.livejournal.com]

I love the way you convey so much emotion in 221 words. Lestrade's voice here, just spot on as is Sherlock, still not part of the caring/comfort lark but learning with every day.

And as so often, I just want to hug the boys after reading on of your fics, there is so much vivid, heartfelt emotion in there that doesn't want to leave the reader alone...

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

I love the way you convey so much emotion in 221 words.

This means a lot to me. Thank you. I think the fact I've been coming back to this exercise repeatedly the last couple of weeks is that it's such a challenge for me to rein myself in, and it helps a great deal to know the feeling isn't completely lost despite the brevity of the piece.

I'm so pleased to know their voices seemed right to you. I loved how you put it, that Sherlock's "still not part of the caring/comfort lark but learning with every day," because that was exactly my goal for this: to show another "baby step" on his way toward learning. I like to think Lestrade knows him well enough to appreciate his awkward gesture for what it truly is.

And as so often, I just want to hug the boys after reading on of your fics, there is so much vivid, heartfelt emotion in there that doesn't want to leave the reader alone...

Augh, this is so lovely of you to say. It just thrills my heart.

Your feedback is always so supportive as well as helpful; I can't thank you enough for reading and commenting. I appreciate your kindness!

[innie_darling]

Wonderful.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh, thank you so much! I really appreciate it.

[bluerosefairy.livejournal.com]

Oh, Sherlock. He does care, he cares as strongly as anyone would, but it's always in his own way. I love that Lestrade knows that, because I think if anyone gets that, he does. And that precise little bit of Sally is just perfect.

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

You can't imagine how happy your kind words have made me.

He does care, he cares as strongly as anyone would, but it's always in his own way. I love that Lestrade knows that, because I think if anyone gets that, he does.

This. YES! This is exactly what I was hoping to convey. You've said it so beautifully. Thank you.

I'm so pleased this worked for you. Thanks so much for reading and for your feedback!

[lady-karasu.livejournal.com]

I really liked this - the feel of it was very strong, and as someone mentioned before, I love that Lestrade had enough wherewithal to be worried about breaking Sherlock's fingers. I love that Sherlock doesn't quite know how to handle this, but is trying and manages to be supportive in his own way and for some reason I kinda love John-as-the-first-responder. This does feel like a slice out of a longer fic (which I would LOVE to read) but comes across quite well on it's own. Very nice. ^_^

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh, thank you so much! I'm really delighted that you enjoyed it. I love the idea of John as the first responder, too (and his being there is why I'm confident Lestrade will be all right in the end, to be honest *g*). I'm so pleased that Lestrade's concern over breaking Sherlock's fingers worked for you. And I'm especially tickled that Sherlock's fumbling toward and eventual success with being supportive in his own way - which was my main goal for this little ficlet - seemed right. It helps a great deal to know what you liked. I appreciate your kind words very much!

[lady529.livejournal.com]

Given the brilliance of this, I have to join the chorus of people who want more <3

The Lady 529

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh, you're so kind! :) Thank you so much.

At this point I don't have plans for more based on this particular scene, I'm afraid - I was just smitten by the idea of Sherlock uncertain, trying to follow John's direction, get his affirmation, and at last figuring out on his own a practical means of expressing care and concern. Another step on the way to becoming a good man, I'd like to think - but I really appreciate your encouragement and thoughtfulness. And there will be more in general, for certain!

Thanks again.

[beledibabe.livejournal.com]

As usual, you grab me with the first line and don't let go, even when the story's finished. Oh, boys!

[morganstuart.livejournal.com]

Oh, what a lovely thing to say! Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.