I just wrote this, and couldn't not post it.

[impulsereader]

The skepticism left John’s eyes. “Hm. Well that’s good, I wouldn’t want to deny Claude his opportunity to paint my portrait. He needs a second sitting.”

Sherlock giggled. “Did he try to get you to pose in the nude?”

“Disturbingly, yes.”

“Oh, John, tell me you didn’t refuse! It’s just what we need over the mantle!”

“We compromised on shirtless.”

Comments

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

OH, the research required when we start out thinking we're just going to have a bit of fun.

Now I wonder if John isn't *completely* shirtless, but in a regular buttoned shirt with the buttons all undone. That would reveal that stripe of vulnerability, as it were, and certainly in keeping with how an army man might dress on a bloody hot day if he wasn't on duty. Perhaps some idiot wings *themselves* in the hunt, or slips with a knife while gutting birds (do people do that with birds or just with fish??) and John's got to go all BAMF!FieldSurgeon: not a life threatening injury, but you get that whole guns-and-medicine thing, I'm sure you can work in a moment of deshabille as required (using his shirt to staunch blood?)

I love overthinking these things with yuo. And yes - FIELD TRIP! AND THE TRAVELLING LEMON! SIMULTANEOUSLY!!!!

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

Now I'm thinking, is there a lake or something on the property? A water background could work, but I'm also trying to remember the ways in which water is symbolic in art. Change, death, renewal, stuff like that? ALl of which suit John well.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Research, right?

I'm learning about music, cricket, art, shooting parties, the wildlife in various parts of England - this is insane!

Actually, I do have annoying cousin Simon shooting himself in the foot along with other various opportunities for John to Doctor people. It is a very good thought to just insert Claude there somehow.

I very much like the visual of the gaping shirt! That works a lot better in my head for some reason - it's more John? He's more subtle like that - where Sherlock would strip if the conditions were right, he'd be all - you don't actually need me shirtless, here, look at this. Unbuttoning and winking and - that smile. Oh dear.

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

There's a lovely bit of fanart somewhere of John in Afghanistan, unbuttoned shirt, all BAMF, smiling. Not the painting we're thinking of, but rather nice. :)

Is COusin Simon one of the snobby ones who's been giving John a hard time about not having been to the right schools. when clearly the Right School for those circumstances is Medical School. Take that, Simon, you twat.

[impulsereader.livejournal.com]

Yes, Simon is the embodiment of the 'I would have missed you at Eton', knowing full well John didn't attend, crowd. He gets a bit irritated when John proves a better shot than he....

[221b-hound.livejournal.com]

And rather handy skills for dealing with gunshot wounds...