The Time Was Wrong (Sherlock)
Jan. 20th, 2012 06:23 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
morganstuartTitle: The Time Was Wrong
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: Sherlock had asked more of Molly than either of them realised.
Historian's Note: This takes place after events depicted in the second-series Sherlock episode "The Reichenbach Fall."
Author's Note: This may be read as a standalone work or as a sequel to the 221b ficlet "Volunteers." This is comprised of two parts, each a 221b ficlet (221 words, the last beginning with "b").
Part 1: When Are You Gonna Realise
It was enough that Sherlock acknowledged and trusted her. To Molly's surprise, she craved nothing else from him now but this.
There was another – warmer, gentler, more patient – from whom she might want more.
He'd always been kind to her, even when swaying with exhaustion or taut with frustration. Countless times he'd proved with actions and words that he valued her as an expert, a professional.
Recently, when she felt his appreciation dare to venture further, she'd accepted it as an unexpected but welcome compliment, knowing the foundation of respect on which it rested.
She'd promised herself that when his mourning period for his marriage ended, she'd gather her courage and show Greg Lestrade how very desirable he was.
A fall, however, had intervened.
Her first concern was for John. But John had proved tougher than anyone suspected – which was saying quite a bit, because his friends generally considered him the strongest thing since Superman. He'd lost the very centre of his universe, and he was reeling, to be sure, but he held steadfastly to Mrs Hudson, the clinic, and the fire Sherlock had rekindled inside him.
Lestrade had no such consolations.
He'd lost a friend, but he'd also lost his consultant, team, reputation, and life's work – and, quite possibly, future career. Perhaps even his freedom, if the inquiry went badly.
Part 2: It Was Just That The Time Was Wrong
Molly ached, observing from a distance as Moriarty's machinations yielded mayhem at the Yard. Groundless accusations. Circular investigations. Lestrade's suspension.
Lestrade redoubled his efforts to clear Sherlock's name and his own. Fighting an uphill battle against former colleagues behind closed doors, he reached out to no one – unsure of his welcome, perhaps, or unwilling to bring others down with him.
Until the day Molly found him at the coffee shop, poring over fresh memos, looking haggard and at his wits' end. He needed a friend. Molly yearned to be there for him.
She met his sheepish-shy offer of tea with a stammered protest that she couldn't, that she had "a thing" – she never could lie worth a damn – and then fled back to St Bart's, shattered. The expression on his face…
Which was precisely why she couldn't have tea with him. Or anything else.
One unguarded look from those brown eyes and she'd tell him everything.
She mustn't. Her secret protected not only Sherlock's life, but also John's and Mrs Hudson's.
And his.
Her mobile wailed.
I'm keeping abreast of his situation. He's not abandoned.
Most tellingly, Thank you, Molly.
Sniffing, then nodding, she squared determined shoulders.
No, John wasn't the only one who could soldier on.
She erased Unknown Sender's text with a tender touch of a virtual button.
THE END
Originally written in January 2012.
The title comes from lyrics from "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits.
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: Sherlock had asked more of Molly than either of them realised.
Historian's Note: This takes place after events depicted in the second-series Sherlock episode "The Reichenbach Fall."
Author's Note: This may be read as a standalone work or as a sequel to the 221b ficlet "Volunteers." This is comprised of two parts, each a 221b ficlet (221 words, the last beginning with "b").
Part 1: When Are You Gonna Realise
It was enough that Sherlock acknowledged and trusted her. To Molly's surprise, she craved nothing else from him now but this.
There was another – warmer, gentler, more patient – from whom she might want more.
He'd always been kind to her, even when swaying with exhaustion or taut with frustration. Countless times he'd proved with actions and words that he valued her as an expert, a professional.
Recently, when she felt his appreciation dare to venture further, she'd accepted it as an unexpected but welcome compliment, knowing the foundation of respect on which it rested.
She'd promised herself that when his mourning period for his marriage ended, she'd gather her courage and show Greg Lestrade how very desirable he was.
A fall, however, had intervened.
Her first concern was for John. But John had proved tougher than anyone suspected – which was saying quite a bit, because his friends generally considered him the strongest thing since Superman. He'd lost the very centre of his universe, and he was reeling, to be sure, but he held steadfastly to Mrs Hudson, the clinic, and the fire Sherlock had rekindled inside him.
Lestrade had no such consolations.
He'd lost a friend, but he'd also lost his consultant, team, reputation, and life's work – and, quite possibly, future career. Perhaps even his freedom, if the inquiry went badly.
Part 2: It Was Just That The Time Was Wrong
Molly ached, observing from a distance as Moriarty's machinations yielded mayhem at the Yard. Groundless accusations. Circular investigations. Lestrade's suspension.
Lestrade redoubled his efforts to clear Sherlock's name and his own. Fighting an uphill battle against former colleagues behind closed doors, he reached out to no one – unsure of his welcome, perhaps, or unwilling to bring others down with him.
Until the day Molly found him at the coffee shop, poring over fresh memos, looking haggard and at his wits' end. He needed a friend. Molly yearned to be there for him.
She met his sheepish-shy offer of tea with a stammered protest that she couldn't, that she had "a thing" – she never could lie worth a damn – and then fled back to St Bart's, shattered. The expression on his face…
Which was precisely why she couldn't have tea with him. Or anything else.
One unguarded look from those brown eyes and she'd tell him everything.
She mustn't. Her secret protected not only Sherlock's life, but also John's and Mrs Hudson's.
And his.
Her mobile wailed.
I'm keeping abreast of his situation. He's not abandoned.
Most tellingly, Thank you, Molly.
Sniffing, then nodding, she squared determined shoulders.
No, John wasn't the only one who could soldier on.
She erased Unknown Sender's text with a tender touch of a virtual button.
THE END
Originally written in January 2012.
The title comes from lyrics from "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straits.
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Date: 2012-01-20 11:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-21 07:09 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-20 11:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-21 07:15 pm (UTC)Thank you so much for commenting. *hugs*
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Date: 2012-01-20 11:35 pm (UTC)*gasps* I love this. There's so much on her shoulders. So strong. Even if she doesn't realize it.
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Date: 2012-01-21 07:17 pm (UTC)Thank you so much for this, my friend. I'm so glad you liked this take on her. She is strong, and the fact she doesn't recognize it makes her all the more remarkable, I think.
Thank you so much for commenting!
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Date: 2012-01-20 11:51 pm (UTC)They are so isolated from everyone now.
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Date: 2012-01-21 07:27 pm (UTC)The isolation they'll face in the wake of the fall is one of many things that worries/fascinates/enthralls me about this story arc. I'm already ready for that next series!
As always, I'm grateful for your insights. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
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Date: 2012-01-20 11:56 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-21 07:39 pm (UTC)I feel for Molly, too. Can you imagine looking a grieving John or Mrs Hudson or Lestrade or anyone in the eye, knowing that Sherlock's really alive? Incredibly difficult, I'd think.
Thanks so much for your lovely comments, my friend! I'm really glad that this worked for you, and that you think this touches on legitimate issues/questions.
I can't wait (but I will!) for the next series. :)
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Date: 2012-01-21 01:09 am (UTC)(And bless TRF for giving us such lovely angst and h/c material. I could see you and Imp licking the end of your metaphorical pencil after watching the show!)
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Date: 2012-01-21 08:24 pm (UTC)And bless TRF for giving us such lovely angst and h/c material. I could see you and Imp licking the end of your metaphorical pencil after watching the show!)
What a brilliant, brilliant episode it was. *flails a bit* And I'm honoured to be thought of in Imp's company. ;)
Thank you so much for this.
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Date: 2012-01-21 01:46 am (UTC)Her only consolation: a text.
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Date: 2012-01-22 03:07 am (UTC)Thank you so much for reading, and for your wonderfully insightful comments, my friend! Both are much appreciated.
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Date: 2012-01-21 02:21 am (UTC)But as Molly is doing, we must be good friends and helpers and soldier on and wait patiently. At least we have each other.
Secrets can be toxic. I hope Sherlock continues to support her somehow and when he returns, maybe he can help Molly find someone who wants her back.
You do a lot with 442 words. thank you.
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Date: 2012-01-22 03:12 am (UTC)I do hope Sherlock continues to support her. One way or another, somehow I suspect he'll never take her for granted again!
At least we have each other, indeed! *hugs* And I am grateful for you, my friend. Thank you for your lovely comments. I appreciate them so much.
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Date: 2012-01-21 03:18 am (UTC)unsure of his welcome, perhaps, or unwilling to bring others down with him.
This is an idea that's worth exploring. The latter is more noble, but the former is infinitely sadder.
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Date: 2012-01-22 03:16 am (UTC)I agree with you. While I see him as someone who would try to shoulder responsibility and protect others, I suspect at this point he is unsure of his welcome. I wish he had the solace of knowing he's one of the three friends for whom Sherlock was willing to sacrifice anything (including his reputation), but all he knows is that, despite his efforts to help, the last time he saw Sherlock was not a pleasant occasion. I hope that he will feel able to lean on John and Mrs Hudson as the "hiatus" unfolds...
I'm most grateful for your kind and thought-provoking comments. They're most appreciated!
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From:no subject
Date: 2012-01-21 04:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-22 03:18 am (UTC)Thank you for your lovely comments, my friend!
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Date: 2012-01-21 07:18 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-22 03:19 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-21 02:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-22 02:50 pm (UTC)Oh, this makes me so happy! I do love Molly and her strength (and I feel for her, because as long as she carries Sherlock's secret, her own life is somewhat on hold), and I'm so glad that Lestrade's similarly lone-and-unsung struggles seemed a proper parallel. It's also good to hear that you found the nod to a possible Molly/Lestrade future moving. I appreciate your kind and thoughtful feedback very much! Happy Molly icon-ing! :D
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Date: 2012-01-21 04:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-22 07:35 pm (UTC)I'm so happy that this worked for you -- especially Molly's wisdom in knowing Lestrade needed time after his divorce, and Sherlock's text comforting her and telling her Lestrade hadn't been abandoned. It means a lot to know you found this to be touching.
I appreciate your lovely comments so much, my friend! Thank you.
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Date: 2012-01-21 05:20 pm (UTC)I love the text though. So sweet.
Thanks for sharing. This was really well written. &hearts
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Date: 2012-01-22 07:40 pm (UTC)I'm so glad you liked this, especially Sherlock's text to Molly. Thank you for the lovely comments about the writing, as well! I really appreciate your kind feedback.
You've put a big smile on my face!
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Date: 2012-01-21 06:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-21 07:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-21 07:27 pm (UTC)(Is it next year yet?)
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Date: 2012-01-22 07:42 pm (UTC)Thanks for reading, my friend!
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Date: 2012-01-21 07:52 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-22 07:46 pm (UTC)I'm so glad this worked for you. I can't imagine how difficult it would be for Molly, wanting to comfort her friends, but feeling the burden of the secret she carries. I'm so glad her struggle comes across here and seems fitting.
As always, many thanks for reading and commenting! I appreciate it so much.
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Date: 2012-01-21 08:00 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-22 07:48 pm (UTC)Poor Molly, poor Lestrade, indeed.
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Date: 2012-01-22 07:15 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-22 07:48 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-22 06:15 pm (UTC)I truly hope Lestrade is indeed "not abandoned". And I'd love to read something that expands on it. Heh. Hint hint nudge nudge, as the Python boys would say...
Loved this :o]
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Date: 2012-01-22 07:58 pm (UTC)I never remember to do that in the process of reading a drabble from you, however, because I'm usually too engrossed in the narrative to even notice the form.
Oh wow! What a lovely thing to say! Thank you for this.
I'm really delighted that you like how I write Molly. It's wonderful to hear that she's recognisable as the canon character. I'm particularly pleased that the lines about her poor lying skills, and about her needing to "soldier on," seemed fitting to you.
And thanks for the "nudge" - always appreciated! :D Again, many thanks to you!
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Date: 2012-01-22 08:58 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-24 03:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-23 04:02 am (UTC)Is Virginia going to be Sherlock on Halloween this year? *grins*
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Date: 2012-01-24 03:25 pm (UTC)I want the next season now, too! This very minute!!!
Is Virginia going to be Sherlock on Halloween this year? *grins*
LOL! I don't know, but she has - through me - put in a request for a "John Watson-style cuddly oatmeal jumper" to my mother (who made her Gryffindor and Slytherin sweaters). So we'll see how things go... ;)
Thanks again, my friend!
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Date: 2012-02-01 08:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-02-06 12:11 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-06-15 08:27 am (UTC)I love how John here is strong, so strong, stronger than anyone imagined. I love that, because so often in stories he falls apart completely, and I'd prefer to think of him as a solider who knows how to keep going, even when bleeding.
I love how Molly thinks of Lestrade, of his lack of support system, of his loyalty to his comrades even when they turn on him, and of his own kind of strength. I wish she could have had tea with him, I could practically feel their hearts squeezing when she had to say no, and I cannot wait for the day when they all learn that the only reason Sherlock was able to live and fight for them was because of her. I hope they look at her differently. I hope Greg does the most. And I hope that he's strong enough to reach that day - though I believe he is.
OH MY BBS <3
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Date: 2012-06-19 08:01 pm (UTC)YES! I'm with you there, and I'm really pleased this worked for you.
Thank you for your kind words. It really makes my day that you liked Molly's appreciation for Lestrade here, and her recognition of what he's going through without anyone to support him. I imagine that, between his divorce and Sherlock's death and the fallout at the Yard, it must seem like his whole world is crumbling down around him.
I cannot wait for the day when they all learn that the only reason Sherlock was able to live and fight for them was because of her.
Absolutely! That will be brilliant. What a clever thread the writers wove through these first two series, setting her up to save Sherlock in the eleventh hour. I just love it, and I can't wait to see the light dawn on the other characters.
I'm so grateful to you for commenting. You're the best. <3
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Date: 2012-08-14 06:51 am (UTC)Ach, I can so see this exact thing happening!! Molly unable to trust herself in the face of this sweet, brave man's pain, and making an utter mess of the situation--that's so much in character for her, painful as it is to say so! =( I thank you for giving her Sherlock's support and appreciation after this awful moment, and I love that she compares herself to John, and realizes that she has the strength to get through this terrible trial. Lovely!
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Date: 2012-08-19 10:57 pm (UTC)