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2 years had crept by since that fateful night, and London was slowly but surely regaining its luster, like a weary monarch rising from the ashes. Albert, once a stalwart in the ranks of MI6 and bearer of the title of Count, had now turned his back on his former life. However, the queen, recognizing her own shortcomings in reforming the nation, sought to reinstate Albert as the head of MI6. Yet, steadfast in his resolve to atone for his sins, Albert adamantly declined the queen's olive branch, insisting on taking the blame for his brother's transgressions.
The weight of guilt had always gnawed at Albert's conscience, driving him to seek redemption and absolution. Meanwhile, amidst the tumultuous aftermath, James Bond and Von Herder ascended as the new figureheads of the organization, accompanied by Fred Porlock, Jack Renfield, and Chief Inspector Zack Patterson. However, the enigmatic figure of Moran remained elusive, leaving a shroud of uncertainty hanging over their endeavors. To further complicate matters, the appointment of Louis as the new leader of MI6 brought a palpable sense of unease and uncertainty to the fore.
As the dust settled and London sought to reclaim its former majesty, a sense of foreboding loomed in the air, like the haunting melody of an unresolved refrain in a tragic symphony.
After narrowly escaping a tragic fall, Sherlock and William found solace in each other's company and decided to create a shared home in the heart of Brooklyn. Embracing the joys of domestic life, Sherlock lovingly prepares delectable meals for William while always ensuring that a perfect cup of coffee awaits him each morning. Sherlock's unwavering support for William is tender and caring, never venturing into overbearing territory, as he knows William is capable of independence.
As they continue to journey through the shared experience of living under the same roof, their connection blossoms with each passing day, weaving a tapestry of love and companionship that envelops their home in an ineffable warmth. Their intertwining of hearts and souls brings an ethereal comfort, as they find solace and sanctuary in the gentle embrace of their shared bed each night. Their intimacy, while not yet physical, carries a palpable tenderness that transcends mere touch, embracing the very essence of their being. In the stillness of the night, amidst the hushed whispers of moonlight, Sherlock stands as a vigilant guardian, offering solace to William as he valiantly battles his inner demons. Likewise, William finds reassurance in the steadfast presence of Sherlock, finding courage and strength in the knowledge that they are not alone in the realm of darkness. Their bond, akin to a delicate dance, swells with an intimacy that defies mere physicality, blossoming into an exquisite symphony of emotions that resonates through the corridors of their shared home. Each shared moment, every whispered word, and each stolen glance contributes to this elegant tapestry of intimacy, invigorating their souls with a love that transcends mortal understanding. The profound connection they share breathes life into their existence, elevating their shared experiences into a realm of blissful intimacy that is as boundless as the universe itself.
In the depths of the night, enveloped by pure, sweet silence, a darkness lurks that is anything but pure and sweet. A sinister and unsettling void where William's haunting memories lurked, waiting to pounce on his vulnerable subconscious.
The burden of his past, a heavy weight tied to his very being, tormented him relentlessly. It clawed at his thoughts and crept into his dreams, whispering reminders of his darker days with each passing moment. The relentless grip of his past transgressions gnawed away at his sanity, slowly but surely unraveling his once steadfast resolve.
The mantle of crime that he had shouldered, not out of desire or delight, but out of a sense of duty towards the people, had devoured him inch by inch, leaving behind a mere shell of the man he once was. The searing guilt and the weight of the sins he had shouldered threatened to consume him entirely, yet he endured it, convinced that his sacrifice was for the greater good.
Suddenly, William startles awake, or so he thinks. The sensation of searing heat begins again to suffuse his being. 3 am. It's too early for this. He attempts to reassure himself that it was merely a dream, that the flames were not real. However, the apparition of his nightmare materializes before his eyes, shattering his fragile sense of comfort and reality.
This is the nightmarish existence he leads—a relentless battle against a corrupt system, to purify the world at the cost of his own sanity. He endures the weight of all humanity's sins.
The haunting scene replays itself in his mind's eye: disapproving citizens casting judgment upon William from the confines beneath the bridge. To them, he is nothing but a monstrous figure.
"I did it for you," he longed to scream, to make them understand that every sacrifice, every burden he bore, was done for their sake. Yet, amidst the echoing silence, he grappled with the overwhelming doubt - was it truly justifiable for him to carry the weight of their sins? Was he strong enough to withstand the relentless onslaught of guilt that threatened to consume him whole?
...
Sherlock lay awake in the dimly lit room, the weight of worry settling heavily upon him. His eyes remained closed for a moment, still trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, as he wrestled with the troubling sight of William's tormented expression. William, still in the grips of a nightmare, clung tightly to Sherlock, his anguished moans serving as a haunting backdrop to the scene. With a gentle yet urgent movement, Sherlock turned William to face him.
"Liam? Are you sleeping?" Sherlock's voice was filled with concern as he spoke to his sleeping partner, but only incoherent murmurs and pained groans answered him. It was yet another one of William's relentless nightmares, and Sherlock's heart ached for him. Despite his own struggles with insomnia, Sherlock always been alert when William needed him.
Carefully, he enveloped William in his embrace, pressing a tender kiss to his forehead as he held him close.
In the tender embrace of Sherlock, William found solace and tranquility, his troubled mind finding respite as he drifted into a peaceful slumber. In the midst of the night, his haunting nightmares lost their chilling grip, melting away into the abyss. Sherlock, the unwavering pillar of strength, had unreservedly risked his very existence to stand by William's side, unwavering in his commitment. Emerging from the deep chasm of unconsciousness, it was Sherlock who tended to his every need through the grueling journey of recovery, breathing new life into a once desolate soul. William couldn't help but entertain the notion that perhaps within those tender moments, he had stumbled upon more than just a flicker of hope – he had discovered an enduring love that permeated his very being. Amidst the warmth of Sherlock's care, he grappled with conflicting emotions, seeking forgiveness for such feelings, a love that defied boundaries. With a heart fraught with longing and undeniable yearning, William dared to believe that the divine might forgive such forbidden sentiments, for within the confines of one love, he found newfound purpose and fervor.
For what seemed like an eternity, William's restless murmurs finally quieted, and the room fell into a comforting stillness. Reassured by the peacefulness that had settled over William, Sherlock allowed himself to relax, knowing that for this fleeting moment, he could try to find solace in sleep once more.