Sherliam

"Catch me if you can, Mr. Holmes."

- William, Chapter 15

"Finally— I've caught you now. Liam... Let's both survive. Live on, both you and I..."

- Sherlock, Chapter 55

Sherliam is the slash ship between Sherlock Holmes and William James Moriarty from the Moriarty the Patriot fandom.

The "Noahtic" Act
William and Sherlock's paths cross for the first time on the board of the Noahtic cruise ship, which serves as the stage for one of William's plans. They meet when Sherlock, who's been entertaining other guests by guessing people's professions by only looking at them, is asked to try and guess William's.

He correctly deduces that William is a mathematician and then proceeds to explain how he arrived at this conclusion by analyzing the other's actions. It appears to have piqued William's interest, who then decides to analyze Sherlock in a similar way. He lists off multiple accurate guesses about Sherlock based on observations and the latter's scent. It seems to take Sherlock by surprise and he asks how he would know, to which William replies that it's obvious.

Sherlock laughs, giving William props for his deductions. The other guests urge to play more, so he leaves with them and tells William they'll see each other around.

The next time the two get to talk is after the cruise is over. Sherlock approaches William, wanting to discuss the events that occurred on the ship - Count Blitz Enders murdering a commoner on stage, which Sherlock believes was all orchestrated by a third party, a genius mastermind who left no trace of evidence.

William, who happens to be said mastermind, listens to Sherlock's explanation and indulges him in the conversation, even praising his knowledge and asking questions about his deductions. He points out that Sherlock seems to be having fun despite the events being quite horrible and so Sherlock expresses his excitement to be faced with such a puzzle.

He assumes William should also find it interesting, as solving a mathematic formula is what makes mathematics fun. William smirks and asks the other for his name, so the latter introduces himself as Sherlock Holmes. When regrouping with his allies, William tells them about his encounter with Sherlock, interested to study him further.

A Study in "S"
During the Study in S chapters, the two might not interact, but the case Sherlock is solving is a mystery set up for him by William. He wants to test Sherlock to determine if he's fit to play a role in his plan.

Sherlock quickly realizes that it's another crime with a third party involved, a mastermind working from the shadows. This time he actually gets confirmation when he's faced with the choice of either arresting Jefferson Hope, the culprit, or shooting him and getting to find out his benefactor's identity.

Sherlock seems incredibly excited, a vision of a smiling William next to him when the mastermind is mentioned by Hope. Despite this, he ultimately refuses to shoot since there would be no fun in solving the mystery if someone tells him the answer.

This proves him worthy in William's eyes and he declares Sherlock the hero of their tale. The case is also the beginning of the detective's chase after the criminal soon to be known as the Lord of Crime.

The Two Detectives
The next time William and Sherlock get to see each other face-to-face is in chapters 15-16 when they're on the same train.

Despite being in a bad mood initially, Sherlock is visibly thrilled to see William and hurries over to his and Louis's table. William looks startled to see him, but allows Sherlock to sit with them. Sherlock tells him about the Jefferson Hope's case and its probable relation to Ender's case on the Noahtic. He also mentions the existence of the mastermind behind those cases and bluffs, accusing William of being the person behind everything.

Louis panics and considers taking out Sherlock right then and there, but William speaks up. He neither confirms nor denies the accusation, instead saying it is on Sherlock to prove if he really is the culprit. Sherlock laughs and reassures that he's just joking, but he winks and says he would've liked it if William was that mastermind.

William looks surprised, but smirks and smugly says,

Sherlock blushes and grins, William asking if the "Mr. Detective" would be satisfied if he said that. Sherlock laughs and says that William really is the best and feels they could really get along. Their conversation is interrupted by Lestrade and a murder that occurred on the train. Sherlock suggests a competition to see which one of them can solve the case quicker, to which William agrees. In that moment Sherlock also calls William by the shortened version of his name, "Liam", for the first time.

As they investigate the crime scene together, it's evident that they understand each other's thoughts well with no need for words. Later on, Sherlock is also the only one who catches on to William's bluff. William pretends not to know what Sherlock is talking about, but winks as he's leaving.

Sherlock calls after him saying that they should get a meal together someday. Later, William mentions to Louis that Sherlock believing too much in people is something that he likes about him.

The Adventure of One Student
In chapter 31, Sherlock visits William at work at the Durham University. He sneaks into his lecture and takes an exam alongside the students, only showing himself after the lecture hall empties out. He greets William as "professor" and asks him to score his exam. William seems slightly surprised and asks why he's in Durham. After Sherlock reminds him about the dinner he asked him to, he teases Sherlock that he doesn't remember agreeing to it.

Still, he offers that they can talk together during his lunch break while he grades exams, to which Sherlock happily agrees. He asks if he can sit in William's next lecture as well, which William doesn't mind. During the lecture, Sherlock determined that William doesn't sound like the Lord of Crime, whose voice Sherlock had the opportunity to hear earlier. After the lecture they sit down to talk together and he shares his thoughts about the Lord of Crime with William. He declares that no matter what the Lord of Crime's reasons for killing people might be, murder is still wrong and Sherlock intends to catch and condemn him.

William agrees and Sherlock reveals that he was feeling a little lost and that he's glad he got to talk to him. He adds that he doesn't mind giving up his life to catch the Lord of Crime, to which William says that if Sherlock's prepared to go that far, there's no doubt he'll do just fine. Before they leave, William shows Sherlock that he scored zero points in the exam. He also tells him about an exam with a perfect score that isn't signed. He asks Sherlock if he could find the person while William goes back to work, to which he agrees.

Sherlock manages to find the owner of the exam, Bill from Durham Printing, and Sherlock and William decide to convince the dean together to let Bill study at the university. They're successful at doing so, which Sherlock later comments was thanks to William's "weapons-grade smile of yours that doesn't let a man refuse" as William walks him to the train station.

As Sherlock's boarding the train, William refers to their conversation earlier and says that he should make sure to return alive from catching the Lord of Crime. He also calls him "Sherlock", which is the first time he calls Sherlock by his first name instead of "Mr. Holmes". Sherlock blushes and drops his cigarette, but when he asks, William quickly denies it and calls him "Mr. Holmes" again. Sherlock says they'll see each other in London and William responds he'd love to meet again, calling him "Sherlock" once more when the train is already in the distance.

The Two Criminals
They meet again when they both confront Charles Augustus Milverton, William with the intention to kill him and Sherlock to get rid of the evidence the man has of Mary Morstan's past that could ruin her and John's marriage. Milverton is unaware of the fact that the two know each other and is proud to have successfully lured them in, as he believes that Sherlock will now have no choice but to let Milverton go and arrest William.

However, Sherlock's reaction to getting a confirmation that William is the Lord of Crime is laughing in delight. He even says he hoped it would be William and that he needed it to be him, so he's happy that William is there. Interestingly enough, instead of leaving the latter to handle the situation, Sherlock shoots Milverton himself after making sure William's fine with the information about him being the Lord of Crime becoming public.

Sherlock declares that this is where the game gets serious and that he'll be the one to reveal everything about William and will catch him in his own way, to which William's response is

However, when he escapes together with his companions, he is shown to be rather distraught, saying it's his fault that Sherlock committed murder. William is now sure that Sherlock will be coming to kill him as well.

The Final Problem
Act 1 Although he knew William's name would be make public, he's still shocked when he hears about William making a personal public announcement of his intent and demands to see the newspapers immediately. He exclaims "Liam...!" upon reading it.

Act 4 When Lestrade goes to report to Sherlock, he finds the latter in front of a huge pinboard filled with cases and people of note, most connecting to a picture of William in the middle. Sherlock explains that he has figured out William's past and his plans.

He sees a scarlet thread in all of this and is now able to fully understand William's intentions. He feels that they are now standing on the same horizon. Sherlock also figured how this will all end and is determined to not let it play out that way.

Act 5 Sherlock decides to talk to John about William and explains everything. When John is torn between not wanting to condone murder and understanding the Lord of Crime's motivations, Sherlock admits he would feel the same if he was in John's position, but there is a decisive difference between them: William is a dear friend of his and Sherlock wants to save him.

Later, he meets with Louis and Fred who have come to ask him to save William. Sherlock realizes that William doesn't intend to fake his death, but to actually die. Once again, he declares he's going to save William as his friend even though he doesn't know if the other sees him the same way.

At the end of the chapter, William visits Sherlock in his flat at Baker Street 221B. He asks Sherlock if he can finish the story of William James Moriarty.

Act 6 Sherlock answers that he can, but also asks William why he wants to die so badly. William replies that he must erase all the devils on earth and he's the only one left now. He wants to leave the decision how to finish it to Sherlock.

Sherlock then asks William why he chose him, pointing out that there was no good reason for him to do so even after William tries to argue that only Sherlock could fulfill the role. William recalls memories of Sherlock on the train and at Milverton's, turning the question around and asking why Sherlock thought it'd be great if William was the mastermind. Sherlock seems confused, simply answering that he wanted to befriend William, which takes the latter by surprise.

Sherlock asks once again why it had to be him, but instead of answering, William hands him two letters, one in a white and the other in a black envelope. He explains that inside the envelope there's a time and place of their final showdown written. When asked about the black envelope, he says that Sherlock can throw it away for all he cares, then leaves.

Inside the black envelope, Sherlock finds an address. When he goes there, he finds a place with all of William's criminal plans stored, as well as William's and Louis's birth records and a letter left to Sherlock by William.

In the letter, William first talks about his plan and how he wants to entrust this world to Sherlock. Next he answers the question Sherlock asked him earlier. He confesses that meeting Sherlock was more fun that he could have ever anticipated and how for a moment he could forget about the weight his sins carry. He admits he felt as if he met the only one who could ever understand him and that he wanted to continue talking to Sherlock, even throw everything away to keep solving puzzles with him. He says that it was strange to have such feelings for a detective and that from the first time they met Sherlock felt like an old friend. Lastly, he says that he wants Sherlock to be by his side in his final moments, him and no other. He has no doubts that if they could be reborn into another world, they'd be able to take one another's hand as true friends do.

After he finishes reading the letter, Sherlock sits in shock for a moment as the realization dawns on him that they felt the same way the whole time. He runs out of the building, shouting he can still make it in time so they don't have to be reborn.

Act 7 Sherlock runs to where William is waiting for him on top of a bridge. When he arrives there, he shouts how it's not too late yet and that there's nothing unforgivable in this world. Sherlock reaches out, but William refuses to take his hand, accusing Sherlock of tempting him to cling onto life. He draws his sword and initiates a fight, calling Sherlock the real devil.

Act 8 When William attacks, a series of flashbacks of their past interactions is shown, before it switches back to their confrontation in the present. They're face to face, calling out each other's names.

From a distance, Louis thinks about how as long as just one person affirms your existence, it's possible to live on. For him that person is William, and he knows for William that person is Sherlock.

William decides they can stop fighting and he declares it's time for the end. Sherlock asks if death is really his idea of atonement and shouts not to use death as some cheap escape route. If he really wants to repent for his sins, he should stop running away and choose the hard way. He points out that because of shooting Milverton, he's a murderer too, just like William, and suggests they can both atone together.

William, however, says that this is farewell and proceeds to throw himself off the bridge, but Sherlock catches his hand in time before he can fall. William asks why Sherlock would go this far for him and Sherlock replies that it's because William is his friend. He also says he read William's letter, which makes William's eyes light up.

Sherlock explains that just like William never saw him as a mere chess piece needed for his plan, Sherlock never saw William as just a puzzle to solve either. They felt the same way from the beginning, so they should witness the same future. Sherlock knows the road ahead may be painful, but that the world William created will be worth living in. He will protect said world, and urges William to do the same.

William finally realizes that Sherlock didn't come to the bridge as a detective, but as a friend. He says it's his loss before smiling fondly at Sherlock and calling him "Sherly" for the first time. He thinks that there might have been a future where he lives, but now the scaffold can't possibly support this much weight.

The only one he wishes to have return home alive is Sherlock, so he injures Sherlock's arm with his blade, forcing him to let go. William smiles at Sherlock as he falls meanwhile the other looks shocked before yelling that he won't let William die alone and jumping after him. He embraces William tightly midfall, exclaiming:

William closes his eyes and they fall into the River Thames while holding each other.

The Adventure of the Empty Hearts
It's eventually revealed that both Sherlock and William survived the fall.

They were saved by "Billy the Kid", who was sent by the US government and who takes them to New York City after rescuing them. Sherlock is the first to wake up as the less injured one, even though it's revealed that he protected William during the fall. He immediately calls for Liam upon waking up, notably relieved when seeing Liam sleeping in the same room.

Sherlock initially ignores Billy talking to him to check if William is okay. Only upon noticing William's bloody and bandaged eye does he question Billy about William's condition. Shortly after, Billy asks Sherlock to work for the United States for a while. He agrees, but on the condition that Billy looks after William when he's gone.

A few months later, when Sherlock comes back to the place they're staying at, he sees William's empty bed. He panics and runs around looking for him until Sherlock finds him sitting on a bench on the rooftop He looks at William with a fond and relieved expression before sitting with him.

It's revealed that after William got better they worked together for a few years. Later, Sherlock travelled alone and stayed a while in Montpellier, until he got a letter from William asking him to contact MI6 for him which resulted in Sherlock returning to London. He was also entrusted with giving Moran a message in Liam's stead.

Unforgiven & Thanksgiving
During the dinner between Sherlock's companions and the Moriartys, Sherlock lights up when William arrives and goes to talk to him. Later, when Billy sees Sherlock carrying fruits, he presumes that 90% of it is for William. While Sherlock tells him not to assume such a thing, Billy teases him that it's true after all.

The Valley of Fellows
Act 1 This flashback arc revolves around their time in New York City. It begins with Sherlock and William sitting together on a rooftop after the latter wakes up from his coma. Sherlock thanks him, but William says he's one who should be thanking Sherlock for showing him that death is no atonement. Despite that, William is unsure of how he should go about atoning for his actions.

He says he's never been interested in himself, but he knew for sure that he enjoyed being with Sherlock and that meeting him changed his world, that the day Sherlock saved him the world became filled with colour. He realized that even someone like him had a heart and now feels that the world is beautiful.

Sherlock says that a blank future is a good thing since William can paint it however he likes and as long as he finds the answer after struggling, it'll be right. Sherlock kneels down in front of William and tells him to struggle on. He says if William was able to continue living, he's able to create any kind of future. William smiles in return.

Later when talking with Billy, Sherlock explains that he always believed in being himself, so he never fixed his accent. When he met William, William was immediately able to guess that Sherlock chose to speak that way. For the first time, he felt someone saw through him and affirmed his way of life, so he now wants to do the same for William and illuminate the path he chooses.

Act 2 Sherlock and William move in together in Brooklyn. Sherlock asks nervously how the coffee he made tastes. William says it's good considering it was made with a handkerchief as filter. They talk about the things they still need in their apartment before Sherlock mentions an actual coffee of his tastes much better. He asks William to try it in the future, which William looks forward to.

Billy arrives and mentions that Sherlock would constantly talk about how special the friendship between him and William was. He also mentions that Sherlock wanted a lot of things for William when they were searching for an apartment.

While out in the city, Billy asks William what's most important when executing a mission. William uses a case as example while answering and Sherlock realizes he was behind "The Red-Headed League". William thanks Sherlock for arresting the robbers back then and the latter realizes in distress that William may have been behind even more cases. When pointing that out, William teases him for being sharp as always. Billy laughs and says Sherlock and William really are close.

Act 4 When Sherlock agrees to let Billy join the mission, William reassures Sherlock that he'll be able to guide Billy well. Upon leaving for Vermissa, Sherlock advises William to not go out alone since he still hasn't fully recovered. He says that he won't have to worry about security and that he stocked up on groceries as well. William giggles and tells him that he's not a child.

William waves goodbye with a smile as Sherlock and Billy leave, but his expression switches to unease afterwards.

While at campfire, Billy asks if Sherlock is worried about William, thinking he must be concerned since he spent so long caring for William. Sherlock explains he's moreso worried about his mental state, but he decides to just wait while William finds his answer. While he says this, he looks at the campfire before the scene switches to William who is at home looking at the log fire.

 Act 6 William receives orders meant for Sherlock which state that they are to face twice the expected manpower. William says "Sherly..." before his expression becomes determined and he prepares to help them instead of just worry.

On the other end, Sherlock tells Billy that one William was more troublesome than a hundred soldiers when Billy suggested that Sherlock could still back out of the mission. Billy internally thinks that William needs Sherlock, so he's determined to protect him.

Act 8 William arrives to the fight in Vermissa and manages to distract the enemies, saving Sherlock and Billy from gunfire. When Sherlock sees William midst fight, he smiles and exclaims that this is who he is. William notices Sherlock, and smiles at him, while Sherlock winks at him.

When one of the men aims his gun at William, Sherlock rushes over and kicks it out of their hand. They stand back to back and Sherlock tells him that he'll protect his blind spot, William thanking him in return. Sherlock asks why he came and William explains the orders that came in. Sherlock thanks him, and they begin attacking.

Act 9 The two of them meet up after the fight is over. William praises Sherlock for the way he has helped Billy, but Sherlock shrugs it off. He says the outcome of the battle was positive thanks to William.

After a pause, William speaks up again. He tells Sherlock that ever since he woke up, he's been searching for a way to atone, but could not find the answer. He realized that life is ever-changing and there may not be an answer at all, but he still wants to keep looking, so he asks Sherlock to help him correct any mistakes he makes along the way and to keep the fire in his heart ablaze.

William puts his hand over his heart and explains that wants to share his worries and his life together with Sherlock. The latter looks surprised, but smiles and explains that there's no certainty for his atonement either, so he asks William to help him get back on track should he stray off the path. Sherlock also puts his fist over his heart and tells William that he wants them to live together too.

William smiles, and politely agrees.

The two get interrupted by Billy, who teases them by asking if they're done with their wedding vows.

The Return of William and Sherlock. And Then...
After they finish telling the story of Vermissa, Albert thanks Sherlock for staying by William's side until he could be on his own again. Sherlock explains that it was due to William's own strength that he could get back up again.

He continues and tells them that after Vermissa, the two of them worked together for a while. Billy interrupts, reminding him that he was also there. William then explains how he asked Sherlock to help out in London since stayed behind in New York and couldn't leave yet.

When the dinner comes to a close and they bid farewell, William smiles and tells Sherlock that they will talk about what's to come another time. Sherlock smiles back at him and agrees.

Forbidden Game
"Forbidden Game" takes place on the same day as chapter 31, after Sherlock and William finish negotiations to have Bill enroll in the university.

While the two walk towards the entrance, Sherlock asks William to write him a letter of recommendation for a certain club. He explains that a noble's son has gone missing and that this is a lead he wishes to investigate. Already aware of the club and its gambling activities, he requests to join Sherlock on this mission. Sherlock agrees, excited to solve this case together.

They take a carriage and while they're on their way, William asks Sherlock if he's interested in mathematics. Sherlock is confused and thinks William is referring to the exam, asking him to pretend that never happened. He childishly pouts about his score of zero, which makes William laugh a little.

William says that he thought Sherlock would be unparalleled in academia, but the latter explains that he is thoughtful of what he fills his mind with and rather focus on his detective work. When he mentions still looking up various topics in his spare time, William asks if he would hear him out about mathematics.

Interest piqued by William's alluring tone, he grins and agrees, joking that it could serve as a remedial lesson for a delinquent student. William chuckles and begins talking about paradoxes. The two discuss the topic and William is impressed by Sherlock's intellect.

At one point, William mentions that one cannot use a pre-established system to prove that said system is free of contradictions. Sherlock applies this to his own situation, saying that if there was a mastermind controlling how he solves cases, he wouldn't be able to prove that by using the same method of case solving. William agrees, saying Sherlock would be but a pawn then.

Sherlock aggressively smiles at that, saying it's something the Lord of Crime would do. William answers with a long silence and gentle smile. Watching William's reaction, Sherlock continues and proclaims he will unravel and catch the Lord of Crime, William eagerly waiting for that day.

OVA
The anime original OVA features a case in the city of Bath. When William and Louis visit a public bath to relax and consider their next steps, Sherlock spots William. He waves and excitedly yells to greet him, attracting the attention of other people. Sherlock, John, William and Louis have tea together afterwards with Sherlock asking what William is doing in the area. William simply says he's there for the hot springs and assumes Sherlock is there for work, which the latter confirms.

John points out it's time for their appointment with Lord Cubbit and William asks Sherlock if they can accompany them. The two lock eyes for a moment before Sherlock smirks. After the meeting, Sherlock shares the information he gathered and that he noticed William knows something, though William pretends not to. They part ways after that, but meet again when both pursue the true nature of the case, which both of them figured out.

Following the resolve of the matter, the group visits the bath again with William and Sherlock sitting next to each other. Sherlock asks if he really knew Stanley, the artist. William reminisces about his past encounter with Stanley before saying he didn't know him. Sherlock leaves it at that, but smiles at William, indicating he knows the truth.

Musical Adaptation
The musical adaptation of Moriarty the Patriot in particular puts a lot of emphasis on the relationship between Sherlock and William as well as their feelings towards one another. The musical is almost solely accompanied by a pianist and violinist, with the piano representing William and the violin representing Sherlock.

Op.1
In the opening as well as closing song of Op.1, Sherlock promises to find out who he (the mastermind criminal) is, meanwhile William declares Sherlock as the light that will shine in Hell.

The two also have an extended conversation on the Noahtic. When the two meet and Sherlock is intrigued by William, he approaches him and informs him that somethingt strange is going on on the ship. He's visibly excited and tries to maintain eye contact with William, but the latter has to leave which frustrates Sherlock.

Later a vision of William additionally appears during the scene where Jefferson Hope asks Sherlock to kill him. He starts singing, trying to convince the detective to shoot Hope, using phrases like "I hold you in the highest of regards.", "Come, kill him! I'm right here!" and "I will give you my everything!".

Op.2
In Op.2, Sherlock's mental distress after losing his connection to the Lord of Crime is a musical number. He calls the Lord of Crime a perfect man and explains he would shoot as many times as the Lord of Crime wants if it meant he would appear.

The "Catch me if you can" scene is turned into a short, alluring musical number. The two sing also together while investigating the train murder, constantly switching between who sings and finishing each other's sentences.

They perform another duet, I Hope/I Will, together at the end. This would become a recurring theme in the following opus, with William and Sherlock singing variations of "I hope [...]" and "I will [...]" while expressing their yearning for each other and their inevitable fate.

Op.3
In Op.3, the two continuously mention and yearn for each other through multiple musical numbers.

In one scene, William hums fondly and anticipates Sherlock's arrival after murdering the people behind Jack the Ripper, reaching towards him before leaving the stage. Following this, Sherlock enters and stares into the direction where William left upon seeing the crime scene.

William also uses a metaphor for Sherlock in this opus, calling him the "gentle and warm breeze/wind" that enters his lonely heart, brushes against his hair and caresses his cheeks. The last song references "I Hope/I Will" from Op.2.

Op.4
In Op.4, "I Hope/I Will" is once again continued through William and Sherlock solos at the beginning. Sherlock is still desperate to catch the Lord of Crime and secretly wishes his identity is William, while William describes Sherlock as a bright light that will one day catch his sinful soul.

During the confrontation with Milverton, Sherlock sings a short serenade to William upon seeing he's the Lord of Crime. William smiles in return. Additionally, Sherlock asks William if he wants Milverton dead. In a following monologue, Sherlock lists William's wish for Milverton's death as one of the reasons why he shoots.

At the end of Op.4, both have solos again with William hoping Sherlock will be the one to end his life with his own hands. Sherlock is determined to unravel everything about William and capture his heart.

Behind the Scenes

 * On her twitter, Miyoshi Hikaru (the manga illustrator) said that she chose the colour blue for Sherlock to match with William's red.
 * At the Jump Festa 2021 Live Stream, Miyoshi Hikaru affirmed that she created Sherlock and William to be the perfect opposites. Mainly through their personalities and chosen colors, but also more subtle details like the speech, the way of dressing, walking and even way of standing.
 * In an interview, Miyoshi Hikaru said that when William was decided to be inspired by Jesus Christ, she chose to create Sherlock as the person who would save him from tragedy.
 * The official Jump SQ account (@JUMP_SQ) used to follow a "Daily Sherliam" (@sherliamstan) account on Twitter.
 * The musical director, Nishimori Hide, wrote the following: "I'm writing the script for Moriarty The Patriot musical. I think of William's loneliness. I Imagine him behind the walls housing his lonesome heart, refusing to let his comrades in out of love for them... I imagine him in that room all alone, when one man came in like a gentle breeze... that's the kind of thing I dream about."
 * He tweeted his thoughts about chapter 55, saying Sherlock and William have a bond only shared between them and no one else.
 * He also tweeted his thoughts about chapter 74, saying Sherlock's and William's souls have become one.
 * In an interview, Hirano Ryo (Sherlock's musical actor) stated he sees Sherlock's and William's relationship like Romeo and Juliet because of how they yearn for each other.
 * When asked about Sherlock's special interest in William, he said: "I think it's a bit like love at first sight. William has his own purpose and is thinking about how to use Sherlock in that purpose, but Sherlock just "likes" him. Of course, "I like mysteries = I like William" but I think the very thick arrow from Sherlock to William is one-sided. For example, William is like a proud and good-looking woman. Sherlock, a working-class guy, would come with a bouquet of flowers and say "Will you go out with me ?" but he would always get passed over."
 * He also called "I Hope/I Will" and "The Last Beginning" love songs.
 * In another special, Hirano Ryo (Sherlock's musical actor) explained that he thought the "Catch me if you can" scene is erotic.
 * In an interview in the February 2023 issue of Animage, Fujita Ray (Milverton's musical actor) explains that he thinks Sherlock and William are in love with each other and that it feels like an old romance drama.
 * Hirano Ryo (Sherlock's musical actor) says William is someone Sherlock wants to pursue for the rest of his life.
 * When asked about the wind metaphor, Shogo Suzuki (William's musical actor) says that William really loves Sherlock.
 * In an interview, it's confirmed it was Shogo Suzuki's and Hirano Ryo's wish to never have William and Sherlock point the gun at each other in Op.4 during the confrontation scene with Milverton.
 * In the same interview, Nishimori Hide explains that Sherlock wants to share and lighten some of the burden William is carrying by shooting Milverton.
 * Sherlock's character introduction in the interview: "He wants to see things from the same horizon as William. For that reason, he is determined to unravel the mysteries, capture him and capture his heart with his own hands."
 * In the backstage for Op.4, Hirano Ryo and Shogo Suzuki cross paths backstage in costume. Hirano Ryo notes that they met, to which Shogo Suzuki mentions the red thread of fate in response.
 * The report about Op.3, "The sad but beautiful relationship between William and Sherlock", explains that their relationship is something akin to love and that despite not interacting until the end, they were constantly thinking about each other. It also mentions that both of them can only be understood by each other.
 * In a report about Op.3, "In My Lonely Room" was said to be like a love song.
 * In this interview Saito Soma (William's VA) said : This is just my prediction but, I think that Sherlock exists to save William somehow. William too, and Sherlock, both of them think that things will go according to how they have planned it, but slowly start doing things they did not expect, and tread into unexpected territories, but will eventually be saved. I think that Sherlock might be the one who will bring about William, as a person, not as William James Moriarty, being saved. But no one wants to tell us how the story ends (laughs), when this report is out, I hope to be able to confirm this with everyone.
 * In one of Saito Soma radio episode, he was talking about William's "Sherly", he was very stressed for this since this word is extremely important. He didn't wanted to mess it up but, at the recording "before I could think about it, William's feelings actually came out in words.. so, it's not logic, but sensitivity, that's how I felt"
 * In the Abema Live from the 7th December 2020 Furukawa Makoto (Sherlock's VA) had presented a relationship chart. Sherlock and William's connection was "Special Interest"
 * In this interview for the anime 1st episode Live Broadcast, the anime director, Nomura Kazuya, said that Sherlock is a character that will be gradually completed by interacting with William. Saito Soma added "They are mutually drawn to each other. It’s a complex relationship where both parties are intricately intertwined!”
 * Hatanaka Tasuku (the singer of both anime openings) and the official anime account confirmed that the 2nd opening "Twisted Hearts" is talking about the feelings between Sherlock and William.

Fanon
The ship is very popular in the fandom and loved by not only many readers, but many staff and cast members of adaptations. It's widely interpreted to be canon, due to how many scenes seem to be intentionally written with clear romantic undertones and the entire relationship being heavy on queer subtext. The attitude surrounding this ship is hugely positive and fans delight in the support of cast and staff.

Although the ship lacks an explicit confirmation like a kiss, Sherlock's and William's relationship and their intimate connection is so detrimental to the plot as well as their characters that many argue it is not needed to view this ship as canon. Their overall history as well as their confessions about how world-changing their meeting was for them, Sherlock giving up his life to be with William even if it meant death and both of them making a vow to live together are often considered too intense for it not to be love.

It is also worth mentioning that the way William and Sherlock are written is vastly different from how the author wrote Sherlock and John, who are an example of a close and affectionate but platonic friendship. The intimacy of Sherlock's and William's relationship is also pointed out in the work itself, most explicitly by Billy, thus fans seem to agree that the author is aware of how Sherliam is written.

A phenomenon often observed within Sherliam's fanbase is jokes about potential scenes or how in love they are, only for fans to be shocked at how affectionate and devoted to each other they really are in canon. Another common joke among fans is that the staff for the franchise are bigger shippers than the fans.

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Trivia

 * Their official emojis are rose and violin.
 * They currently call each other "Liam" and "Sherly."
 * In chapter 70, Billy mentions that it feels as though only Sherlock is allowed to call William "Liam."
 * William calls Sherlock by many names through the series. From Holmes, Mr. Holmes and Mr. Detective to Sherlock to eventually Sherly.
 * In Sherlock's profile, it states that he likes "mysteries" and that his life's greatest mystery is William. In his worries it also explains that he's "worried (or hoping?) that William is planning something big again".
 * In Louis' profile, it states that while he's grateful to Sherlock for saving his brother, he's worried that Sherlock is still acting too friendly with William.
 * They are the same height and age, both are 185cm and 24 years old (27 after time skip).
 * Pre-time skip, they were also the same weight. Both were 67kg, but Sherlock has gained weight and William has lost weight post-time skip.
 * The back summary of volume 19 describes Sherlock and William making an "unwavering vow", referring to them promising to live with each other. It also mentions that William senses Sherlock is in danger and hence rushes to the scene.
 * William's response in chapter 75, "if you'll have me" (僕で良ければ), is a polite addition to requests. The phrase is also often added to marriage proposals, which is partly why Billy teases them about their conversation sounding like marriage vows.
 * The cover for chapter 73 shows William's back in the window behind Sherlock.
 * In chapter 71, the first page shows William saying goodbye to Sherlock as he leaves for Vermissa with the text on the side reading: "To send off a loved one.."
 * The back summary of volume 17 describes Sherlock and William as two people bound by fate.
 * The cover for chapter 60 shows Sherlock, Moran and William. The text describes Sherlock as a "captive of the rose."
 * On the cover of chapter 55, William says "Catch me, don't leave me alone", which Sherlock answers with "I finally caught you. I won't leave you alone."
 * The Japanese version means "Catch me, don't let me go". It's a direct answer to Sherlock's phrase from the previous chapter 54 cover. (see below)
 * On the cover of chapter 54, Sherlock lays on roses while smiling. The phrase on the cover reads: "Your hand is now in my grasp and I will never let it go."
 * In the omake for chapter 31, it's revealed Sherlock participated in the math exam to make William laugh.
 * In chapter 16, Lestrade is impressed by how much William and Sherlock think alike and wonders if their meeting was destiny.
 * In the first light novel, William and Sherlock sense passing by each other when William rides a carriage, though both decide to keep it to themselves.
 * On the cover of the first light novel, William and Sherlock hold tea cups with each other's colours. On the cover of the third, they hold rose bouquets that have ribbons with each other's colours.
 * In one of the key visuals for Op.5, William and Sherlock stand on the blueprint for the Noahtic, the place they first met.
 * In the 3rd musical, William uses the metaphor of a "gentle and warm breeze/wind" to describe Sherlock - one that enters his lonely heart, brushes against his hair and caresses his cheeks.
 * The cover of chapter 67 references this. It shows William standing on the hospital roof with the text saying "the wind blows" - a recurring lyric in Op.3
 * The musical actors have also referenced the breeze metaphor outside of performances.
 * Sherlock is not interested in women and dislikes them.
 * During "Rondo of Hearts" in Op.3, there are two male/male pairs dancing together on the stage.
 * Crunchyroll has listed the anime under both "Enemies to Lovers" and "Falling in Love on the Job".
 * The front cover for the song "Omega" shows a red thread flying across the scenery that connects to William's arm and cane. The back cover also shows the flying red thread, this time with Sherlock and the thread connecting to his arm. Sherlock also reaches out towards the red thread in the picture.
 * In the official art for the anime pop-up store (July 2023), Sherlock and William have ribbons with each other's colors.
 * They also released merchandise with William's letter to Sherlock.
 * In the Drama CD "One Student" (chapter 31), we learn that William knew since the beginning that Bill was the mysterious student and simply wanted Sherlock to solve the case.
 * Their relationship has been cut down a lot in the anime adaptation.
 * Some of Sherlock's blushes were cut, their meeting in Durham was cut and some of their conversations as well as William's letter were also shortened. Sherlock's "I finally caught you now" when they fall from the bridge was also removed.