A/N: So, I just recently got hooked on Sherlock, and I can honestly say, that I am SherLOCKED. :) It was only last week that I purchased Season 1 off of iTunes. My heart broke when I heard that Season 2 wasn't airing in the US. So, alas, this fic doesn't have any connection with Season 2, nor contains any real spoilers for Season 1 besides perhaps a few references. I am not a Sherlock/John shipper, just for your information, unless by Sherlock/John it is meant their undying friendship. There isn't any pairing in this story besides Sherlock/Mycroft brotherly love and Sherlock/John friendship.

Disclaimer: I don't own Sherlock- I'm obviously nowhere as cool as Moffat or Gatiss.

Enjoy!

Bargaining Chip

Mycroft sighed and rested his head against his burgundy chair. In his hand laid limply his cell phone, hopelessly awaiting a reply from Sherlock. Sherlock was a very stubborn young man, of that Mycroft was well aware. All he had asked was help in tracking down an old friend. Sherlock had, of course, declined the offer of money, stating that he was too busy. The lie hadn't offended Mycroft. He was aware of Watson's worry over money issues and desire to be able to pay the bills. It was only a manner of time before the army doctor convinced his little brother to take the case. And he had.

Mycroft allowed his phone to slip from his grasp. How things had so quickly soured, the eldest Holmes brother reflected. It wasn't that he was worried about his younger brother- no; Sherlock was capable of taking care of himself. It was more the fact that the enemy had gained the upper hand. It irked him that someone had gotten the better of his little brother. Normally, Sherlock was always ten steps ahead of his adversary, and at the start of the game, that had been the case. And he was doing so well...

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Mycroft reached for his water glass- discarding the trembling of his hand to his imagination. It was one hour past midnight, and he spared a glance down to his discarded phone on the floor- one new message.

Without hesitation he retrieved his phone and opened the message. He watched the video with a solemn expression on his face. No, he wasn't worried about his little brother... was he?

TBC

A/N: This was just a short prologue. If you are interested in me continuing, please feel free to drop off a review on your way out. Thanks for reading!

~Trinaluv33~