This story is set before and during World War One and during Sherlock and Mycroft's childhood and teenage years.

January 6th, 1906

Mycroft Holmes cradled his new baby brother in his arms. The baby lay there quite blissfully and made small gurgling noises. Mycroft smiled down at his brother Sherlock, knowing that one day soon, the two of them could be of on adventures and playing together.

Anna Holmes smiled over at her two sons from her bed. A nurse stood in the corner to keep an eye on the new baby, after taking measurements and weights. The two brothers looked so content in each other's company, and there was Anna worrying that Mycroft would get jealous!

Mycroft gazed into Sherlock's large, inquisitive eyes. They were the colour of the ocean on a sunny day and were full of intelligence, even for a new born child. He had tufts of dark, curly hair on the top of his head and tiny feet and tiny hands. One of those hands reached out and held onto Mycroft's jacket, exploring the feel of wool for the first time. It made Mycroft giggle and Anna looked on proudly.

7 years later, September 1913

A fifteen year-old Mycroft was being chased around their large house by a small Sherlock wearing a huge pirate's hat. Sherlock had been going through a phase where pirates and treasure were the best things ever. Mycroft had handed Sherlock a hand-made map and some clues as to where the treasure was. It was meant to keep Sherlock quiet for at least an hour, but he had found the stash of brightly coloured marbles within five minutes. Sherlock was far too intelligent for his own good!

Sherlock Holmes was smart. It was undeniable. For what the seven year-old lacked in friends and social skills, he made up in brains. He could tell you your whole life story from a single glance (or two, if you were particularly confusing) and it unnerved most people. People weren't really prepared for what the adorable young boy would be about to say about them after their first encounter, but then people accepted that he was a little different and grew accustomed to him telling them every detail of their lives.

"Mycroft, I'm bored!" Sherlock moaned at his older brother. That was Sherlock's main fault; he had the attention span of a fish, unless it was a topic which he took an interest in (namely: pirates, murder, treasure and crime). "Sherlock, not now, I'm busy, go read one of those books mummy bought you yesterday" Mycroft told his brother. Mycroft was up to his ears in homework and revision notes. And to top it all, he had a little brother who expected to be entertained 24 hours a day by his big brother.

Sherlock grumbled at this and stomped out of the room, being sure to slam the door as he went. Mycroft had become so boring now! All he ever seemed to do was read and study. Yes, on occasion, he set up games for Sherlock like the pirate map one, but those were rare and infrequent. Sherlock still absolutely adored his brother, but hid this well with a mask of annoyance and complaint.

Mycroft watched his brother leave the room. He really needed to get new door hinges soon if Sherlock continued to treat his door so badly! Mycroft looked at the door sadly, wishing that he could help his brother and play with him more. But this new school year had already proven tough and he needed all his concentration focused on one thing at a time.

Mycroft had basically raised Sherlock by himself. Their father had left shortly after Sherlock was born, making rare appearances every once in a while. His mother was usually out and busy. She was a relatively famous singer and would have to travel around a lot of the time. During her travels, she left the boys with their housekeeper, Mrs Hudson. Mrs Hudson was an elderly woman with very strong maternal instincts. Her own two children had grown up and left, so she took on the task of looking after the brothers easily. Sherlock had a great amount of respect and adoration for their old housekeeper, often making her read to him before bed whilst snuggled up next to him. She welcomed this affection, it reminding her of her own children in their younger years.