saki101

I love the Ptolemaic solar system! John's wondering what I'm wondering about that mural's influence on kids these days Sherlock.

Mike's Ethics 101 conversation is a crafty way to assess John's feelings on the matter, although I'm very glad that Sherlock asked John multiple times during his visit.
*puts on reality hat* But I and I suspect many people know that consent is a complex thing, especially when the idea that a spouse can rape is still a "new" idea (or newly enforced). Loving couples might think as John does, but a spouse's no must be respected, as we know how dark the road has been for many unhappy spouses. *takes off reality hat*

The "visitation" scene is potently sensual, in part because it is balanced between providing a few small details and leaving other actions out. But the magic in that scene starts subtly at John's entrance, when he takes in a deep breath, admires the room's beauty and architecture. Then, when he spots the portrait, the intensity jumps up, even as John begins to feel the effects of Something (drugs in the water? something Sherlock can do? Research really puts you out that fast?). Again you handle tension so well here: when to have the slow burn, when to ratchet things up, and when to end, leading back to a new growth of tension.

Well, I hope the missing test ISN'T the bone marrow one. That one's best saved for when John is under the influence of "Research", or so says this non-medical "expert". :D

I have more to say about the article John's supposed to be researching and exactly how the person in the portrait and Sherlock are related, but I'll stop for now.

And in case I haven't said it enough: I am really enjoying this AU.