Literature
Oneword: Shorthand
Before Sherlock died, the two flatmates rarely touched. John was withdrawn and still used to the homophobic atmosphere of the military. Sherlock was just as withdrawn, more concerned with clues and details than with people, even those most prominent in his life. Why put forth the effort?
After Sherlock died, that all changed. Small touches were exchanged between the two, a shorthand system of communication which they learned instinctively as they went along. A punch to the cheek was easy; "You're an ass." A gentle palm on the knee; "I'm sorry, forgive me, I need you." A slow tracing along the cheekbone; "You're actually real and not-dead."
