To find the best Sherlock fanfic, first look at the word count. Longer fanfics usually have more developed plots. Then, check the author's profile. If they have written a lot of successful fanfics before, chances are their new ones will be good too. Look for fanfics that have won awards or been recognized in the fanfic community. These are likely to be of high quality. You can also explore different pairings in the fanfic world, like Sherlock/John or Sherlock/Irene, to find the type of story that interests you the most.
When starting a Sherlock crossover fanfic, you should first identify the two franchises you're crossing. For instance, if it's Sherlock and 'The Matrix'. Consider how the concepts of the Matrix, like the simulated reality, can intersect with Sherlock's world of deduction. Maybe Sherlock discovers that the Matrix is real and has to use his detective skills to figure out who is behind it all. Plan your characters' arcs. How will Sherlock change? How will the Matrix characters view him? Once you have a clear plan, start writing the first chapter, setting the scene and introducing the main elements of the crossover.
One really cute Sherlock fanfic is 'A Study in Pink Ribbons'. It shows a softer side of Sherlock as he tries to solve a mystery related to a little girl's lost pink ribbons. It has some really heart - warming moments between Sherlock and the little girl.
Often, it's the portrayal of Sherlock's softer emotions. For example, when he shows kindness or protectiveness towards someone, like in fanfics where he takes care of a child or an animal. That's really cute.
One great Sherlock MLP fanfic is 'The Case of the Mysterious Mare'. It combines the detective skills of Sherlock with the colorful world of My Little Pony in an interesting way. The plot is full of twists and turns as Sherlock tries to solve the mystery in Equestria.
I'm not sure specifically which 'Sherlock' fanfic is directly related to 'candle for the table'. You could try searching on fanfic platforms like Archive of Our Own. They have a large collection of 'Sherlock' fanfics and you might be able to find one with that theme by using relevant search terms.
One popular 'birthday boy sherlock fanfic' might be those that explore Sherlock's unique perspective on his birthday. Maybe it could be about his friends trying to plan a surprise for him, despite his usually detached nature.
One of the popular ones is 'The Hidden Side of Anderson in Sherlock's Realm'. It reveals aspects of Anderson that are not typically shown in the original series. It has a unique take on his character, his insecurities, and how he views Sherlock. Fanfics like these add more depth to the existing characters and relationships.
One popular Sherlock Watson love fanfiction is 'The Great Game of Hearts'. It beautifully weaves a story of their relationship with mystery elements. Another good one is 'A Baker Street Romance' which focuses on the more tender and emotional aspects of their bond. There's also 'Love in the Shadows of 221B' that adds a touch of intrigue to their love story.