Fic: 221B - Button Up

[anarion]

Title: Button Up
Words: 221
Rating: PG-13
Pairings : Sherlock/John
Warnings: none
Disclaimer: Not mine.

Summary: ‘365 days of 221Bs’ challenge: a prompt a day, given by atlinmerrick.





Previous 221b: Sometimes it's as easy as pie


Today's prompt: bare

________________________________________________

Button up


Sherlock hates asking for help. He remembers receiving harsh or spiteful negative answers and the double amount of shame for not being able to do it alone and no one willing to help him.

He also hates being dressed. He remembers the rough and impatient hands of his various nannies and nurses in the rehab clinic and the humiliation that came with it.

Right now however, both things seem inevitable. Just because he got distracted by Mrs Hudson yesterday and spilled some of the chemicals over his hands. Now they are bandaged and useless. Stupid. Stupid.

John looks up when Sherlock enters.

“John. Um...”

“Mh. You need some help. Of course.”

He smiles and follows Sherlock back into his room. Sherlock is baffled. He didn’t even have to do the actual asking.

John undressing him is familiar. John dressing him is not.

Pants, socks and trousers are a bit awkward but John does it gently and without fussing. Sherlock relaxes and gives himself over to John’s warm and caring hands.

John helps him slide his hand into the shirt sleeves, then steps behind him to button it up. When he’s finished he smooths it down and tucks it in. Afterwards he rests his hands on Sherlock’s chest and presses his lips against his spine.

Maybe being dressed isn’t that bad.




Next 221b: A Hard Time


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AN:
Today's prompt was 'bare'.
Of course I couldn't go with the obvious. ;D

Sorry for the stupid title, I'm in a hurry...








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Comments

[purrculier1.livejournal.com]

Smiling at you awfully hard right now. Title is perfect. Bittersweet tidbit above is too. Crivens! There are more?(scurries off to read)

[tracionn.livejournal.com]

God, that's so beautiful! I can imagine how much Sherlock hates being helpless and I loved how John just knew what to do. Very very lovely!!!
*swoons*

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

Oh, I loved this one especially. I think any adult hates not being able to do the basics for themselves (well, I know I hate it, when I've had an injury or surgery and needed assistance) but a patient, caring loved one who can do this without making you feel *reduced* is wonderful. I can just imagine how much more Sherlock would appreciate it.

[chocolamousse.livejournal.com]

Aww, this is lovely. Your insecure!Sherlock and caring!John are so credible. It must be painful to depend on somebody for someone as touchy and proud as Sherlock, and he still can't believe he hasn't to be afraid of any rebuffs from John.

Of course I couldn't go with the obvious. ;D
Well, you know... Obvious is good, sometimes. :D But of course your intrepretation is much more original.

You typed than instead of then in then steps behind him. :-)

[fanbot.livejournal.com]

aw!

[antesqueluz.livejournal.com]

Love John meeting Sherlock's needs, unspoken though they may be.

[verityburns.livejournal.com]

Aww, that's lovely! It seems a shame to lower the tone of this sweet and heartfelt story by picking a line out of context and drooling over it... but I'm going to...

He also hates being dressed

Well, don't bother on my account, Sherlock, baby. Naked on you works just fine for me :D

[atlinmerrick.livejournal.com]

Burns, I love how your mind works.

[verityburns.livejournal.com]

That's good because I blame you for most of it.
Or thank you.
One of those :D

[atlinmerrick.livejournal.com]

Sweet and gentle and John.