Fantastic! Love this!

I can't believe that I just found this. Almost five years later?! It's absolutely beautiful, so well paced and thought out. John and Sherlock are PERFECTLY in character. Definitely one of the best Sherlock fics I've ever read. Thank you!

First, I must second the last reviewer's surprise that only 10 readers have posted a review. I'm crap at typing, so I don't often do this unless I've found something in a story that wont allow me to just walk away. This is a brave piece of writing, in that there is no going for easy options, no sugar-coating Sherlock's lack of empathy or John's post-war insecurities. You, as a poet once said, take the road less traveled, and choose to make your characters not only hurt but hurt each other in ways that ring true. Some of the details are wonderful, such as Sherlock needing his violin in the middle of a row and Mrs. Hudson's intervention when John walks out. And the ending is perfect, shaded between light and dark in a peculiar but satisfying way. Can you tell I'm smiling? THANKYOU.

I'm rather surprised this story doesn't have more reviews, as it was really excellent - thought-provoking and well-written. The Pool Scene is one of my very favourite scenes and though I've read several stories dealing with the aftermath, I think this one is definitely the most profound that I've come across so far. You don't use the situation as an excuse to throw Sherlock and John into each other's arms to start shagging right away but you force us to think about the nature of their relationship and how each perceives himself and the other within it. I also really liked that you explored the role of John's experiences in Afghanistan and how it affects his character, as I have not really seen many other stories that do so (though admittedly I haven't been in this fandom very long). It was hard to see them at odds with each other because I do so love happy!domestic scenes with them, but given the struggles they endured, the ending was very satisfying.

Thanks for writing :)

I found this piece to be absolutely stunning. The characters were perfect, particularly in regards to John; his emotional responses to Moriarty's taunting (also extremely in character) and the parallels between his time with Sherlock and his time in Afghanistan. Sherlock was also brilliant, with just the right amount of emotion and his feelings for John. I loved all of it, and I think this would be a wonderful direction for the show to head in.

There is a spelling mistake that I found: "barley", instead of "barely".

Otherwise, I quite enjoyed reading this!

Great story! You've got good writting style, the plot is interesting and you managed to keep them in character. I enjoyed reading it:)

This story was excellent. I had to read in separate bits, because I had to go out when I was I the middle of it. But, I really really loved it. I think you managed to capture the characters really well, and the seting/plot of this story was a good one, one I could actualy see havin been filmed, it was playing in my mind. I did like the image of Sherlock landing awkwardly in water :) And jut a hint of emotion from Sherlock, brilliant. Should we be expecting a sequel or anything of the sorts?

good story, Thanks for sharing :)

A very well thougt out explination of their dynamic. Nicely written.

This is absolutely outstanding. Of, course, Moriarty would be trying to manipulate John and obviously Sherlock would flail when logic cannot provide the answers he seeks. I liked the clinical way you had Sherlock assess his emotions in contrast to John's more earthy responses, but then the two came together at the end - like two sides of the same coin - because they are more alike than different - and that's why their partnership and this story works so well. Bravo!

Ooh, this was very well written! Thank you so much for this, it was a great read!

This was very good! It was a very neat idea, with Moriarty telling John that he wasn't really worth anything to Sherlock. Is there going to be a second part? I'd love to see them get together! :)