William James Moriarty - Tumblr Posts
alright I have something I need to confess... I think moriarty the patriot (the manga) might just be slightly better than bbc sherlock- just my opinion though
a detective and a maths professor
Artists: @EGOTISM
WILLIAM J. MORIARTY
EVERYBODY GO WATCH MORIARTY THE PATRIOT RIGHT NOW IT'S SO GOOD
if youre still not convinced go listen to the first opening and you will be
Come into the Water - a song analysis
as always, please listen to the song before reading the analysis. i actually came up with this specific interpretation quite recently and it’s the first analysis that i will post while including the characters that i built it up with. also i would like to say that this post contains moriarty the patriot/yuukoku no moriarty spoilers so beware. “come into the water” this line made me used to think that this song is from a yearning merperson’s point of view, but it recently dawned upon me that this could fit a certain favourite of mine: moriarty the patriot’s william james moriarty. as we saw in the end of the anime, he jumped from the bridge, trying to kill the final devil, which is himself. this line is directed towards sherlock. he, unintentionally, wants sherlock to save him. there’s a tiny, tiny part of him that wants to still live, and that part is the one that’s saying this line. “you look so good, but i keep my hands 'til you come into the water” he’s simply just admitting that he likes sherlock, and that he wants to hold him and touch him, but he knows he cannot, for many reasons at that, so he would keep his hands until he saves him, if he ever does. however, if he doesn’t, and if they were reunited in another life, they would still hold each other. ”but would you tell me if you want me?” he believes that sherlock doesn’t want him in the same way that he wants sherlock, so he asks for reassurance. do you want this? do you want me? am i what you wanted? am i really? i think that just shows that although he may seem to be confident and assured of himself, he isn’t, in the slightest. “i didn't know i had a dream, i didn't know until I saw you” he didn’t know that he could possibly have emotions like this. he didn’t know that he could love someone like this. he didn’t know he had a dream, where he lives on after his plan in that dream. i think this line also really works with the most recent (when writing this it’s the most recent) chapter in the manga, chapter 67, where liam says that before meeting sherlock, his world was colourless, and sherlock brought colour into it. he didn’t know he could even see colour or dream of seeing colour before he met sherlock. i don’t actually know how will this post be received by everyone on here, especially because i never post stuff that clearly belongs to a specific fandom, it’s usually all vague, so im a bit nervous about how will this do on here.
sherliam sketch because im lowkey obsessed with moriarty the patriot
HELP ME MY CAT IS A FUCKING MORIARTY
Da Vinci Code Alcroft AU
Mycroft Holmes, an Oxford symbolism professor, is suddenly involved in a murder case.
The victim? Sebastian Moran, the curator of the Louvre.
The prime suspect? Mycroft himself.
All gets more complicated when Albert Moriarty, a french cryptologist, gets involved.
Mycroft discovers that Albert has personal stakes in the case. Sebastian was his best friend and legal guardian.
He took Albert in after a car crash killed his parents and his three younger brothers.
But Sebastian left clues in the Museum about a secret society related to the Holy Grail, and it's their job to find it and find his murderer.
Ok, now I'm tired. A few more highlights:
James is Sebastian's partner and the one who raised Albert's younger brothers, William and Louis, in secret.
That's right, they didn't die. The parents and the original William did though.
The guardians are Fred Porlock, Jack Renfield and Vivian Moneypenny (let's pretend women can be guardians).
The crazy monk is Billy (don't worry, he lives), and the bishop is Zach Patterson.
Sherlock is the Holy Grail expert that they consult, and John is his loyal servant.
In this AU, he's not a villain. He and William are working together to protect the Grail from everyone, and Sebastian and the guardians were planning to divulge the secret, so they were killed.
Albert and Mycroft have to choose between their brothers and justice.
However, before they decide on anything, James reports that Sherlock and William ran away to America, to never be seen again.
Sebastian's and the guardian's memory lives on in Mycroft and Albert.
Also, big thanks to @neversleepingagain , for planting this idea rent-free in my mind.
For me it's The Archer, Soon You'll Get Better, Don't Blame Me, Willow and Timeless. Also Castles Crumbling reminds me of the Moriarty brothers for some reason.
The amount of Taylor Swift songs that I can relate to Sherliam is CRAZY-
Sebastian Moran has tired dad energy
I honestly can't stop imagining Moran being the tired dad of the Moriarty gang.
Like, not even big things.
Taking Fred shopping for disguise elements like wigs and makeup and helping him organize them and put them on later.
Taking James hot towels and chocolate when he's on his period, and taking his place in missions when he has heavy cramps.
Fetching tea for Moneypenny so she doesn't have to stop working on the paperwork the MI6 desperately needs.
Talking William to sleep after a heavy day so he'll have proper rest and not the three hours of sleep and sixteen cups of tea he normally runs in.
Taking up dinner when Louis is tired so he has a moment to himself to read a book or fill paperwork or just meditate a bit before going back to work.
Staying up all night with Albert gossiping and drinking to ensure his sleep will be heavy and empty, no nightmares on sight.
Just, dad Moran.
It would surprise his 21 year old self to see this.
But I think he really matured during the manga.
He doesn't show it very much, but I think that spending the last days with the Moriarty gang really set him straight.
This is sincerely genius. I am speechless. Oh my God.
I genuinely think William’s real name is actually still William, just with a different surname.
Hear me out.
#1 — irony.
Remember the omake where Bonde asks him and he’s got his ☺️ face ‘that’s a secret, heh heh heh.’
Lol William is the biggest mischievous jokester going. This would be his exact reaction if people were asking like 👀 omg what is it?? And all along he’s like, lol will.i.am guys, chill. No-one cares about your first name, it’s your surname which means anything around here. You’ve all been barking up the wrong tree. Which brings me on to my second point ~
#2 — symbolism.
I cannot scream enough about how bloody genius it would be for William’s name to be, in fact, just William, but with a more common surname like ‘Smith.’ For the purposes of this discussion, let’s call him William Smith. As an orphan, he gets adopted into the family Moriarty, where there is in fact another William: Master William James Moriarty. Immediately, you have two boys of similar ages with the exact same first names, highlighting how, in fact, they should be equal if we’re looking at their basic information and identifiers. But what is it which sets them apart, and is the very message and theme running through the heart of Yuumori? Class inequality. And what dictated your social class at the time, so very unfairly? Your family lineage.
The name of Moriarty is what gives Albert’s little brother his superior, privileged position in life, over William ‘Smith.’ And yet, they are both young boys, both Williams, both should have the same sort of start in life in the equal world our William wishes to create. But they do not; the moment they are given their surnames — the moment those are penned on the paper of their birth records following ‘William’, the chasm that divides these boys is immense and unfair.
#3 — interesting coincidences, hints and clues in the text.
• William loves Shakespeare — that’s part of his identity in the same way being a mathematician is. He quotes Shakespeare all the time, he grew up in a library and has all of the plays memorised. Shakespeare’s first name was also William. Additionally, Shakespeare’s birthday is believed to be April 23rd. William’s birthday is listed as April 1st — April Fool’s Day, and it has been confirmed that this is a fake birthday, so we don’t know his real one currently. (But my guess is it’s still in April).
• The Moriarty’s never call William by his name, pre-fire, but the children at his orphanage do, and they call him Will.
At the Moriarty house, he is on the receiving end of more hate than Louis; they seem to despise him to the nth degree. I wonder if this might be because he shares a name with their precious William, and this irks them. They refuse to call him by his name because that doesn’t belong to him, filth from the streets, it belongs to their beloved son who can do no wrong.
I can see a mother like Lady Moriarty refusing to call another boy by the name she gifted her son, especially when William reminds her that there is something she had in common with his own mother — someone who she would view as completely beneath her: they chose the same name. What a disgrace, to be associated or viewed as having a similar mind to a woman of such low standing!?
We also see William only ever call William Moriarty with the title ‘master’ in front, as though he also feels the need to make the distinction. This could just be because he’s trying to be polite, though. I could honestly dissect the entire first chapter panel by panel and highlight how William being William is such a simple but perfect concept which highlights this noble family’s insecurities, discrimination and narrow mindedness. William Moriarty feels the need to constantly reaffirm his own identity in the presence of our William.
Because … if they share full names now, with the adoption … the lines are blurring. What makes one William Moriarty superior to the other? A worrying thought indeed for this boy. (Answer: there is no difference, they’re both equally deserving of opportunities in life.)
It all makes such perfect sense and explains away the awkwardness of the writer having to avoid use of William’s name simply because ‘it needs to stay hidden to create the mystery.’ This gives the characters themselves reason within the text to avoid using it, which makes everything so much more authentic and real. It makes sense because it does, not because it has to for the plot.
• William promised not to steal anything. Twice, we see him reassuring and then reaffirming that he wouldn’t steal anything, and both times are in the presence of William Moriarty.
If we want to take this statement in light of names, and toy with that lovely device foreshadowing, William having always shared the same first name would in fact mean that statement holds true — he did not steal William’s name; it was always his own to begin with, and Moriarty was a name given to him as part of his adoption, the same as it was given to Louis. He really didn’t steal anything, despite the fact that he was probably made to feel guilty or worthless every day because of the name he shared with William Moriarty.
This also means that William probably never actively deceived any of the townspeople, either; it really was just a case of mistaken identity which he manipulated for his own cause.
The townspeople made the mistake, rather than William outright lying. William is, by trade, more of a master manipulator who turns situations to his advantage with his quick thinking, rather than straight up lying or deceiving people (see: The Merchant of London.)
• Sherlock saw his birth name but never mentions it. And still chooses to call him Liam. Yes, we might’ve had a conversation happen off screen. Yes, Sherlock might choose to do that because that name is sentimental and William has asked not to be called his true name for reasons unknown. But it would fit so beautifully if William really is his name, and Sherlock’s realisation that day when he read the birth records was that oh, so this — William ‘Smith’ — is Liam’s real name. Naturally, he would continue to call him Liam with no discussion needed, because it’s a shortened version of William.
• We have lots of characters who share the name William, but with different variations on the shortened version; another symbol of how people can be equal in some senses but also their identity can be individual to them also. William H Bonney is Billy the Kid, the mathematics genius William and Sherlock stumble upon in Durham is called Bill Hunt.
#4 — practicality and marketing.
People become attached to characters and their names, and there comes a certain point in a work where it’s very difficult to alter a character’s first name and still retain a fan base’s sense of identity for that character. Calling William say, Robert, from now on, or revealing that as his true name while we continue to see him referred to as William is all sorts of confusing, emotionally. Perhaps it’s just me. But the idea that I’ve been calling William the wrong name all along feels off and sad, whereas the knowledge that he’s at least been able to keep that part of himself consistent, when everything else has had to be an act, is actually really comforting and empowering.
I’d love to write another thought dump on why William being William all along is also, so very emotionally delicious when you explore the implications in the story; it’s heartbreaking and makes him an even more sympathetic character who I just wanna hug, so perhaps I’ll come back to this! Because re-reading those earlier chapters with this in mind really hurts so good.
He stole nothing; he was always the true William, that at least is one thing that always belonged to him — it was only society and us that dictated there was one William worth knowing more — was more interesting and held more narrative power — than the other.
This is still William’s story.
Herder is just like me fr
meme dump :3 more incoming
My Yuumori ships and their dynamics:
Sherliam (Sherlock Holmes x William James Moriarty):
Dancing in the kitchen. Baking together. Waking up, grasping at the sheets, searching for one another. Reading books together. Kissing each other's scars. Never acknowledging the dependence. Kissing each other goodbye before work. "Why do you always kiss my left eye?" "It's the part of you I buried on the Thames." "And over the gravestone you built an empire. Your empire."
Alcroft (Albert James Moriarty x Mycroft Holmes):
Knowing smiles over a glass of wine. Sharing paperwork. Late night office meetings. Holding hands in private but not making eye contact in public. Candlelight dinners. Expensive gifts. Flower bouquets every single day. "We should be more careful about this." "We could." "I don't want to." "Me neither. More wine?"
MoranQ (Sebastian Moran x Von Herder):
Chatting about guns. Flirty banter. Tired sighs after a long day. Being each other's safe haven. Guiding each other in a new world. Too much touching when they shouldn't, and no touches when they could. "You're so pretty without the blindfold. You should take it off more." "No one has seen me but you. It should be this way." "Is this what you want?" "No one can stomach me but you."
Loucroft (Louis James Moriarty x Mycroft Holmes):
Hushed whispers. Overwhelming guilt. Too many tears, not enough smiles. Sharing a bed to keep away nightmares. No one will ever know. Kisses get in the way of work, so they don't happen. Too platonic to be a romance, too romantic to be a friendship. "They would be disappointed in us." "Yes. Do you wish to stop?" "I wish I knew how to. You're my only light now."
Bondran (James Bonde x Sebastian Moran):
Shooting contests. Bragging to each other. Over flirting in public. Hands constantly on each other, minds constantly somewhere else. Never an actual relationship, never an actual fling. Being in love with the same person. "You still think he doesn't love you?" "I know he doesn't." "Why?" "He loves you." "I wish I could love you." "I wish I could love you too. Now, pass me a cigarette before I cry."
Herdran (Von Herder x James Bonde):
One-sided feelings. Rambling about interests. Five minutes feel like an eternity without them. Five hours feel short with them. Scoldings and arguments over constant mistakes. Being self-destructive together. Sharing their love for material things, never talking about imaterial love. "You've been talking for two hours, you know?" "Heavens, it's been so long? Sorry for bothering you." "Do not. I quite enjoy your voice." "I am flattered by the compliment, but as I was saying-"
Irelock/Jaylock (James Bonde x Sherlock Holmes):
Each other's one that got away. Would've, could've, should've. Doomed from the start. Love was never present, destiny was. What if. It ended before the start. A silent scream of love in a sea of hate. Maybe, maybe, maybe. No, not at all. "We could have been great." "We never had the chance. We'll never have it again." "Still, I wonder..." "I do too."
OMG someone help me I forgot how to breathe dear God help me please I need this I need this I need -
WOMEN SUPREMACY YES
inspiration:
Hey! I don't mind at all. I think that my definition of romance is a bit weird. Traditional romance has a big emphasis on the physical part, which does not attract me at all. I think that the ideal romance is actually much like the ideal friendship. Once I read that gestures can never be defined as platonic or romantic, because it depends on the intentions of the people involved. A kiss could be completely platonic, and hands brushing could be insanely romantic. But outsiders can never know.
Untraditional romance, to me, means they have romantic feelings for each other, but never advance on the physical part. Such as a couple who doesn't kiss, for example.
Explaining this is hard, and it's not a one size fits all. But I've seen that, in fiction and in real life, they start out different.
Romance start out with an interest in some specific part of the person, be it their hair, their smile, their kindness, their intelligence. Friendship starts with a respect for the other person's bring, while also being a desire to be like.
I am a firm believer that, if you don't think your friends are some of the best people you'll ever meet, you have the wrong friends. They are supposed to be counsellors, confidants, partners and role models.
A romantic relationship has less pressure. They are supposed to maintain the connection, and that's it. It's rare to see people making their partners their role models. Perhaps an inspiration, but not a role model. That is usually reserved for platonic relationships.
I see a lot of potential in Sherlock and Liam for both directions. While I do ship them, I also think they would be a great friendship. This confusion of mine blends into the romance, because while I can see them having a traditional romance, it doesn't seem very... them, if you know what I mean.
Sorry if this doesn't make sense to you, but it's the best explanation I can give.
platonic sherliam shipper?
Yes, most definitely! I can see the potential of them as a romantic ship, I just get easily bored with romances.
Actually, this makes me curious, just how weird it really is within this fandom? Is there anyone else? I feel like most of the posts I see around are about romantic sherliam, and... well, it's fine :) But I would love to add my platonic perspective to the mix, maybe even finally sit myself to write fanfics that reside in my head.
Thanks for the ask!
A turn for the best for the world, a turn for the worst for his mental health.
Liam is talking about his past Liam: I guess it was that day I came home to a cold, empty house, devoid of light and love, and I knew then that my sorrows would only grow. Sherlock: Liam, this is the saddest life story I have ever heard! And you haven't even covered the teen years! Billy: Oh, I'm sure it gets better! Liam: No, at eleven, things really took a turn for the worst. It all started when I murdered my foster family-
How does Louis celebrate his birthday:
He doesn't want to make a big fuss about it. He and Liam lived in the streets for quite some time, so he's used to not celebrating.
Albert won't let it slide.
He always gets the coolest celebrations every year.
Sometimes it's just him and his brothers, sometimes it's Moran and Fred too, and sometime it's just him.
He stopped celebrating his birthday after The Final Problem. It was meaningless.
He gets all sorts of things for his birthday.
But one thing is never missing from the list of gifts:
A bouquet of flowers.
Specifically azaleas, his favourites.
It's also the symbol used for him in the Morigang's flower code.
Why? Because azaleas symbolize family and unity.
Fitting for the foundational stone of the family.
The ever dependable one.
Sometimes people ask for favors in his birthday. He always complies. William wouldn't like him if he didn't. Though it would be nice to get a favor done for him.
Fred invites him to pets his cats, Moneypenny brews tea for him, Jack takes care of cleaning and Bonde takes him out to dinner.
Maybe his birthdays aren't meaningless, even without his own brothers around to celebrate.
Flower symbolism in Yuumori:
We all know that some characters have assigned flowers in the manga (Liam and Sherlock) and others in the anime (Louis, Albert and John), but I've never felt they're quite right. They seem a bit lackluster, so I tried to make my own list complete with meanings!
Liam: lilies. They symbolize purity, and are commonly a symbol of mourning, often found on gravestones of family members.
Albert: roses. They symbolize love, and the added touch of sub rosa interacts nicely with their goals.
Louis: azalea. As I've mentioned before, they symbolize family and unity, so it's only fitting they'd go to the one keeping the family together.
Moran: forget-me-not. They symbolize undying love and loyalty, and past memories. Very fitting for a soldier.
Fred: edelweiss. They symbolize courage and devotion, two things Fred has a lot of.
James: belladonna. Not only do they symbolize beauty and confidence, they were also used by cosmetics by victorian women.
Moneypenny: jasmine. They symbolize grace and elegance, and are both used in tea and perfumes, making it a nice touch for her.
Herder: periwinkle. They symbolize friendship and new begginings, both things he heavily desires, if we are to go by chapter 12.
Sherlock: iris. They symbolize strenght and intelligence, both things he has a surplus of, and also have the additional meaning of wisdom, which he acquired in NYC.
John: violet. They symbolize loyalty and hope, both of which are always fitting themes for any Watson of any media.
Miss Hudson: zinnia. They symbolize affection and absence, a way to show how much she missed her boy during the timeskip.
Mycroft: nasturtium. They symbolize patriotism and conquest. Only fitting for the Queen's right hand man, isn't it?
i was rewatching the bbc’s sherlock series and omg i forgot how DIRECT sherlock and moriarty were while flirting
like i thought i shipped them because i thought they could be a couple but they are basically dating lol