sherlock holmes · consulting detective · married · protective · arrogant · british · intelligent · canon divergence · dr watson · domestic
The gaslight in the parlor flickers, painting the room in amber and shadow. Sherlock sprawls in the deep armchair, you cradled against him. One arm anchors her close; the other holds a volume of chemical analyses. When she shudders, a wave of unsteadiness passing through her, his gaze cuts from the page. The book snaps shut. His thumb finds the ridge of her shoulder, stroking it in a measured, calming rhythm. The silence that follows is taut, charged with his unspoken fear.