Sherlock’s head tilted, his eyes bright and silver in the dark as they moved over John’s face. John looked back at him, letting the overwhelming emotion inside him shine through the connection, unafraid of what he might receive in return. Knowing that he would be safe, that Sherlock would understand.
This is quite possibly one of my favourite Johnlock AUs 🥰 Over time, I’ve developed an incredibly soft spot for beekeeper!Sherlock and the boys living in the countryside, which is the premise of lean into a loved body. The setting just seems to lend itself effortlessly to softness and domesticity, two things I think John and Sherlock have more than earned.
A slightly tangential fun fact before I start the rec in earnest: I read this fic for the first time near the beginning of this year, back when I was just re-dipping my toes into Johnlock, and by the time I was properly sucked back into Johnlock, the author’s name had slipped my mind even as the story stayed with me. A bit later, I stumbled upon @simplyclockwork and promptly fell in love with basically everything they’ve ever written (I think hired gun—an absolutely 🤯🤯 read—was my introduction [after lean into a loved body, of course] to their work). I did not realise that lean into a loved body was also a simplyclockwork creation, and when I found out it was, I had a delighted moment of “oh of course” 😂
Anyway, on to the rec! lean into a loved body retains many, if not all, of the characteristics that make John and Sherlock, John and Sherlock. By putting them in the countryside, the author has managed to peel away the distractions, so to speak, of all the hustle and bustle of London, with Mrs. Hudson living right underneath and the constant consultations with NSY or private clients. What we’re left with, is a beautifully detailed look into John and Sherlock and their developing relationship, John especially, since this fic is told through his POV.
All of that’s not to say that there isn’t any element of mystery/crime-solving in lean into a loved body, because there is. I won’t say much more because I don’t want to spoil anything, but rest assured, our favourite consulting detective (and beekeeper) is still very much in possession of his detective-y skills and inclinations😉
What really stands out in lean into a loved body though, is the way it depicts John’s mental health. Just returned from his third tour from Afghanistan, wounded in action and discharged from duty, John is very much struggling with PTSD and all the ways it makes itself known. Written empathetically and realistically, this fic integrates conversations and acknowledgements (both explicit and implicit) about mental health with grace and sensitivity.
The dynamic between John and Sherlock here is so compelling. From their first meeting—that echoes their canon meeting so sweetly—the spark between them is apparent. Sherlock sees John in that unflinchingly honest way that only Sherlock can, and the impact of that on John is beautiful to read. John is very much at the start of his recovery here, particularly in terms of his mental health, and watching him slowly shed his self-loathing and isolation under the reassuring understanding and respect (and adoration, even if John only figures that out later) Sherlock gives him is immensely satisfying and leaves a warm feeling in your chest. John’s mental health doesn’t miraculously fix itself because of Sherlock, because that’s not how it works. But a little unconditional support and love, the kind Sherlock gives freely to John, goes a long way in easing the path to recovery, and lean into a loved body encapsulates this really well.
I would be remiss if I didn’t talk a little about the lively cast of side characters in this story. The author has a wonderful knack of tweaking tiny details here and there, but keeping the essence of the characters intact, so that when you read this fic, all of them seem at once familiar and fresh! We have background Mystrade, with Mycroft as Mycroft and Lestrade with the local police force. Lestrade also brews beer, which feels incredibly in-character for him😂 Irene, Molly and Kate too make an appearance, all three living together (!!) on a nearby ranch. Mrs. Hudson, an ever-present fixture, is as motherly and fond of Sherlock and John as she always is, and even Billy makes an appearance!
A gentle read with generous writing that does justice to every moment, lean into a loved body is sure to worm it’s way into your heart 🐝🍯
(And if you’re in the mood for more snippets set in the same universe as lean into a loved body, check out the rest of the fics in the beehives and honeycomb series!)
