Author: Subtlemagic
Fandom: Sherlock
Characters: John/Sherlock, Mycroft
Warning: PG-13, drug abuse (Sherlock), character death (Sherlock, John)
Length: Medium
Status: Completed
“There comes a time when for every addition of knowledge you forget something that you knew before...” - Sherlock Holmes, A Study in Scarlett
John had thought his affliction an irritation, but nothing more, but finally when John’s ‘shifts’ through time start leading him deeper and deeper into the life of one Sherlock Holmes he realises that this could be the most beautiful, and the most painful, thing to have ever happened to him. As he grows old his travels force him to watch Sherlock becoming younger and younger, less and less complete. Everything leads towards the inevitable, heart-breaking conclusion that John must prepare himself for, whilst preparing Sherlock for the road that John has already travelled.
The one rule: They shan’t spoil the game.
AO3
This is sad. So sad. I truly couldn't bring myself to re-read this for the rec. I am doing this out of memory. John's jumps are beautifully described. The plot is a mix of fast-forwards and stops. I like that, it's very modern, very interesting. We get to see John age, and we get to see Sherlock age through his eyes. I don't know what's more tragic. The knowledge Sherlock keeps to himself, or the burden John has to bear. Letting go of Sherlock when he still has got time.
