Gunfire. Soldiers shouting.. Running towards the danger to help the fallen, the injured. " John! John! " the male voice yelled before the loud bang of an explosion made him jump.

" No! " John screamed as he soon woke himself up from his nightmare as he looked around at his surroundings to find himself back in his own room back in 221b. A deep sigh came from John's lips as he faced the wall and curled up and quietly cried. This had been getting more and more frequent and he wished for it to just stop.

A quiet knock came to the door. " John? John? Are you okay in there? " Sherlock asked through the door as John immediately wiped his eyes. " Yes. Yes I'm fine. Thank you.. " John spoke trying not to sound emotional and alert Sherlock to his emotions. After all John was Captain in the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers, he didn't want to show his weakness, especially not to his best friend. From the other side of the door Sherlock pondered, he knew straight away that John wasn't himself and he decided to do something to help his friend. " I'll make us some tea. " Sherlock spoke before leaving the room door and heading back downstairs to the kitchen area and took out his mobile. Frantically scrolling through the contacts he stopped at one. Mycroft. He opened the conversation thread that was open from the last conversation they had and began to message his brother.

" Good morning brother mine.

How's the diet? I need you to speak with John..

I'm worried about him.

- SH "

The message read as he looked about before he hit send. Swoosh. The message was gone as he seen the little delivered sign at the bottom. Locking the phone, Sherlock stuck it in his pocket and waited for a response from Mycroft and flicked the kettle on whilst he waited for John to come through from the bedroom. He stood waiting as he heard John's room door eventually open and heard the bathroom door close. Ping. The alert came from Sherlock's mobile. Quickly looking around and looked to see it was a response from Mycroft.

" Morning brother mine.

Diet is going well. Why what is the matter?

- MH "

Sherlock detected the concern that Mycroft had for John also. A wry smirk came on his face as he thought. He looked back down to his phone and began to type a response.

" He's been shouting at all hours.

Pale faced. Won't talk about it.

Say's he is fine. I know different.

Talk to him won't you?

- SH "

Sherlock responded to Mycroft as he placed the phone back down and looked up as he seen John enter the living room and sit down on his chair with and let out a soft and tender sigh. His hair still wet from the shower to help him wake up from the nightmarish morning he just had. Jumping straight to it, Sherlock brought through the tray with two cups and the teapot containing fresh, hot full English tea. Carefully pouring some into the cups before handing it to John.

" Oh. Thank you.. " John spoke softly as he raised an eyebrow as to why Sherlock was being so nice to him. Especially so early in the morning. " You're welcome John. " Sherlock responded with a soft and tender manner which again made John question Sherlock's intentions. " Right.. what is going on? " John pipped up as Sherlock looked somewhat insulted by John's question. " Nothing. I am merely offering a good gesture. " Sherlock explained to him as John narrowed his eyes. " You are never this nice to me in the mornings. You usually have some smart arsed comment.. " John responded as Sherlock blinked quickly. " Yes. Well I am trying a new approach. " Sherlock spoke rather proudly. " Hm.. " John groaned as he still wasn't convinced.

Ping. Sherlock's phone sounded and which made John look at Sherlock. " Well.. aren't you going to get that? " John questioned as Sherlock pulled out his mobile out and seen it was Mycroft.

" Interesting. I will have a word.

A car will be sent for him soon.

Do not let him know brother mine.

- MH "

Mycroft had responded as he Sherlock put his phone back in his pocket as he watched John reading the newspaper. He was engrossed in the article about Sherlock solving another case with John as he sat drinking his tea as he kept his eyes on the paper. " You know I can feel you staring Sherlock.. " John spoke as it made him snap out of his deduction as he tried to pinpoint what was troubling John. " Hm? Sorry I was in my mind palace. " Sherlock lied which made John look up to him. " And the real reason? " John questioned as Sherlock let out a soft sigh. " Okay. I am worried about you John. I heard you screaming. You can talk to me about it.. " Sherlock brought it up which he saw John's pupils dilate. " I am fine Sherlock. It was nothing. " John spoke reassuringly to Sherlock but he knew he was hiding something but for his sake Sherlock didn't pursue it. " Okay. Well you know I am here for you John. " Sherlock told him as it made John softly smile. " Thank you Sherlock. You are a good friend. " John spoke softly as he set the newspaper down.

" So.. what do you have planned for today? " John asked as he ran his fingers through his damp hair as he blinked slowly to Sherlock. " Oh.. erm. I was going do a few experiments.. I have more body parts in the freezer that I got from Saint Bart's. What about you? " Sherlock questioned hoping John that would be around the flat today especially if Mycroft was sending a car for him. John shrugged a little. " Nothing much really. I was thinking about going food shopping later. " John replied, a little unfazed as he really had nothing to do since the website was quiet and Greg hadn't presented a case to Sherlock that wasn't better than a seven.

" So you will be home most of the day then? " Sherlock questioned as he pulled out the severed head to continue to his experiment on the kitchen table. " Pretty much yes. Why? Are you trying to get rid of me? I mean if you want me to go I.. " John stopped in mind sentence hearing a ping of his own. John took his phone out and head the message.

" Good morning John.

Car is waiting outside.

- MH "

John's eyes widened and immediately looked to Sherlock. " What have you done? " he questioned slightly annoyed as Sherlock looked rather offended. " What makes you think I have to do with anything? " he looked up from the severed head. " Well you asked me what I am doing for the day and now your brother is outside?! " John raised his voice slightly annoyed as he got his shoes on and grabbed his coat. " I swear Sherlock I will be having words with you when I get back. " John spoke firmly as he left the flat. As expected, John stepped out on to the streets of Baker Street. And entered the car half expecting to see Anthea but instead was met by Mycroft.

" Hello John. " Mycroft spoke with his usual soft and sultry tone of voice. John swallowed hard hearing his voice. 'How does his voice have such an effect on me? ' he thought to himself before looking to Mycroft. " Mycroft. " John spoke softly as Mycroft gave his address in Mayfair as he sat back as did John to relax himself and concentrate on something else rather than the charming tone of the eldest Holmes brother.

Silence filled the car until Mycroft cleared his throat. " So.. How has things been? " Mycroft's voice broke the silence as John turned his head to face him. " Good. Things are good, thank you. Sherlock has kept me rather busy. " John spoke with a soft tone which made a small smile appear on Mycroft's face. " That is quite pleasant to hear. Sherlock has always been the one that sees danger and run towards it. And yet he wonders why I worry about him constantly. " Mycroft explained as he looked at John as his deductions came to mind. " Thankfully he has you to look after him. " Mycroft added as John nodded his head with a playful smile. " Well thats when he is not being a nightmare by waking me at three in the morning. " John explained as Mycroft raised his eyebrow. " Three in the morning? May I ask why? " Mycroft spoke as he was slightly horrified at the thought that John was being awoke at unsociable hours. " Well it varies but recently it has been him playing the violin.. " John explained as the thought alone made the army doctor feel exhausted on top of the nightmares caused by his PTSD. " And yet you still go to work with hardly any sleep? John I will make sure I have a word wth him to make sure that this is not going to be a regular occurrence for you.. " Mycroft reassured John as he would make sure that Sherlock would not cause him much disturbance.

" Oh no.. no Mycroft it is no bother at all… " John stumbled over his words as the car soon came to a stop outside Mycroft's Mayfair mansion as John looked out the window at Mycroft's residence and admired it. He had only been there at nightfall but still he was impressed. The driver got out and opened the doors for both Mycroft and for John as the both men stepped out the black Jaguar and closed the door. John looked to Mycroft who approached him with a small smile. " Please. Follow me. " Mycroft soon spoke placing his hand on John's back and escorted him to the front door. He entered the current code for the security system that let him in before letting John enter the house first. " Security code? " John questioned curiously as he watched Mycroft slip off his coat to reveal his black trademark suit and watched him slip his umbrella in the holder before keying in the code to activate the alarm again. " Yes. They change weekly as Sherlock has a habit of breaking in. " Mycroft explained as he escorted John into the living room.

The living room was large, modern vintage as Mycroft would call it. But to John it was simply beautiful. " Please have a seat John. Would you care for a drink? " Mycroft questioned as John removed his coat and placed it over the back of the chair. " Not at the moment thank you. " John responded as Mycroft nodded his head and removed his suit jacket and soon sat down. " That is not a problem. " Mycroft spoke warmly to him which made John smile as he too sat.

" Forgive me if this sounds rather intrusive but Sherlock has expressed some concerns to me about you. " Mycroft broke the silence as he studied John's body language when he broached the subject. John soon lowered his head a little before running his fingers through his still damp hair and raising his head again. " It's nothing.. It's just.. " John tried to get his words out as Mycroft watched him as he knew it was taking a lot for John to muster the courage to actually tell him. " It's the nightmares Mycroft.. They aren't settling at all. I mean I thought that keeping my mind occupied would settle them out with working with Sherlock and blogging about the cases but it seems like there is no end to it whatsoever. " John let it out as he breathed a sigh of relief. " And you feel like you cannot tell Sherlock this? " Mycroft questioned as he heard him sigh and seeing that it was a weight off the young man's shoulders. John looked to Mycroft. " It's not the fact I can't tell him. It's just.. I don't want him worrying about me. It doesn't affect my work with him or at the hospital. " John explained to him as he kept eye contact with him.

'That elegance. That charm. Damn it John, just ask him.' John thought to himself as he quietly admired Mycroft. He swallowed hard which made Mycroft wonder what was going through his mind. " Well have you not took your therapist's advice and write a blog about it? " Mycroft posed the question to him to which John shake his head a little. " I haven't written one word in it. I mean who would want to read that? Hm? Who would want to read about the effects the war has had on me. " John responded as he sat back on the soft leather sofa. " I would probably read it. John you would be surprised at the amount of people who would feel better upon reading it knowing that they are not the only one that are going through the same. A lot of people like you keep it to themselves. Maybe with seeing they are not alone it will help them. " Mycroft told him which the response alone made John's eyes widened. " You? You would read it? Are you serious or are you saying that to humour me? " He questioned as he literally thought that Mycroft was taking the utter piss. " I am serious when I say that I would John. It would help you and them who are going through something so stressful as PTSD. " Mycroft spoke with sincerity as John listened to him before nodding his head. " Huh, I never really thought of it that way. Thank you Mycroft. I will certainly give it a try. " John complimented Mycroft as he warmly smiled to John. " It is my pleasure John. It is all you can do is try and see how you feel after it. " Mycroft responded as he weakly smiled back to him.

Their eyes met each others gaze as John felt his heart begin to race slightly as he just admired his blueish-grey eyes. He could get lost looking into those eyes. " Feeling better now? " Mycroft spoke softly to John which made him snap out his thoughts and focus back on Mycroft. " Hm? Oh.. yes I'm feeling much better now. " John spoke softly with a short stammer over his words. Mycroft found it cute. There was just something about the army doctor that attracted him to John. " I am glad.. " Mycroft spoke up once again. His tone more softer and more sultry.

'That tone again. Christ. Don't let him see that it's driving me insane. I'd melt that iceman.. I'd make him kneel to me. I'd overthrow the government. That pretty mouth of his wouldn't stay innocent long.. I'd make him beg.. beg for mercy.' John thought to himself as his eyes widened. 'Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! He wouldn't.. would he? I wouldn't know unless I tried something. Why am I thinking like this?' He thought again as he swallowed hard. Mycroft sat and watched John with fascination as he wondered what was going through his mind. " John are you alright? " Mycroft placed his hand on his shoulder. " Yes.. Yes I'm fine. Sorry I was thinking. " John quipped quickly as he felt a shiver of pleasure course through him as he felt Mycroft's hand on his shoulder. " Alright. I'll go and make us some tea. " Mycroft spoke as he got up and left the room.

Mycroft walked along the corridor and entered the kitchen and placed the kettle on as he stood with his back to the door. A small sigh passed his lips as he closed his eyes momentarily as he let his own thoughts take over. He didn't hear John come through and slowly begin to approach him. He listened to the kettle boiling as his eyes remained closed but they soon opened as he felt John's hand trail up his back. Mycroft looked as he looked to see a playful look on John's face.

" John.. are you okay? " Mycroft asked him as John nodded his head. " Yeah.. I'm alright. " He spoke as he felt John backed him against the countertop. He felt his body tense slightly as he swallowed hard as he looked down to the young army doctor which made Mycroft tilt his head a little as John let his hand undo his waistcoat. " John.. are you sure about this? " Mycroft questioned as John placed his finger to his lips as Mycroft's eyes widened once again. " Positive. " John spoke softly before he pulled his finger away and looked up at Mycroft looked down to John and gave a wry smirk. " I did not think you thought in such a way. " Mycroft spoke quietly as his breathing hitched slightly as his gaze never broke from John's. " I always thought your interests lay more with my little brother than myself. " Mycroft spoke with soft and tender tone as John admired Mycroft's features. " It has always been you Mycroft. Ever since we first met in that abandoned warehouse. You read me like a book. But you are different to Sherlock. You are smart, level headed and well I like how we keep each other on our toes. But it has always been you Mycroft. Always. " John responded honestly as Mycroft's hands finally found John's waist.

He felt the wave of emotion run through his body. Something that Mycroft hadn't experienced before. Someone actually cared for him. John cared for him. He always thought that he was this cold hearted, emotionless man that no-one would have found attractive in such a way. He knew that he was referred to as the 'iceman' but he always thought he was better off alone. But hearing John profess his feelings to him he realised that this wasn't the case. He was new to all this. He seen in John's eyes he was genuine about his feelings as his guard started to come down to reveal his softer side which no-one had ever seen from him. " I.. I feel the same way John. I did not realise that you felt that way about me. " Mycroft spoke with a gentle tone as his hands were still on John's waist. " What might you suggest we do about this? " Mycroft questioned as John looked at him. " Well I suggest we take it slow to begin with. I know that you are a private man and you don't want it plastered all over the place. So I suggest keeping it to ourselves and to Sherlock. No-one else needs to know. " John spoke as Mycroft nodded his head. " That sounds perfect. I wish not for my personal life to be made a public spectacle. I know that you and Sherlock have lives in the press with the high profile cases but I am glad that you respect my wishes. " Mycroft spoke with relief as he gently touched John's cheek. " What do we tell Sherlock? " he questioned as he nestled his cheek into Mycroft's soft hand. " Oh we will tell him and if he does not like it then tough. " Mycroft spoke honestly. " But you and I both know what Sherlock is like so we can handle him if he ends up going in a strop. If he storms out, you owe me lunch. If he doesn't then I owe you lunch. " Mycroft set a wager as John chuckled. " I didn't have you down as a gambling man either, but okay you're on. " John agreed as he nodded his head in agreement. " Then it is settled. " Mycroft spoke confidently. " Now I suggest that we take this back into the living room where it is more warmer and comfortable. " He soon added in which John nodded his head again and lead Mycroft back down the corridor and back into the living room.

Upon entering the living room, Mycroft sat back down and John sat down beside him. Mycroft smiled warmly as John leant over as Mycroft watched him as he gave a small smile as he watched him lean in and gently kiss Mycroft on the lips. Mycroft froze before letting his eyes close and tenderly kissed John back. A soft moan passed both men's lips as John pushed Mycroft back on to the sofa as his kiss deepened. John slowly crawled on top of him. Straddling him as he let his fingers run through Mycroft's hair as he felt Mycroft's hands squeeze his sides as he deepened the kiss. John's fingers locked tight in his hair before he gently pulling away. " You are perfect Mycroft Holmes. " John muttered breathlessly as he looked at Mycroft who smiled at the young army doctor. " Thank you John. I have a question for you. " Mycroft spoke softly as John tilted his head. " Oh? What is it? " He asked looking slightly confused. " Would you like to accompany me for dinner this evening? " Mycroft asked him. John beamed brightly as he nodded his head. " I would love to. " John responded happily as they embraced each other. " Perfect. I will have a car pick you up. I will make reservations. " he whispered in John's ear before gently kissing John's neck which immediately drove John wild. " Ohh Mycroft. " John moaned his name which made Mycroft smirk before pulling away teasingly. " I should get you back. Lord knows what my brother must be going through that I have had his blogger longer than anticipated. " He chuckled as John let out a small giggle also. " True. Let's hope it's not shooting the walls. " John responded as he stole another kiss off Mycroft and got off him.

Mycroft adjusted himself as he still looked flushed from the unexpected session they had. " Trust me. My little brother is very unpredictable. It concerns me what he gets up to hence why I have surveillance on him. Even in the flat. " Mycroft spoke softly in which John agreed and flushed bright red. " Oh. I.. uh.. sorry if you have seen anything you shouldn't have. " John spoke embarrassed as Mycroft laughed. " Do not worry John. I enjoyed the show. " Mycroft spoke knowing he was blushing about the time he walked about with nothing on when Sherlock was out. This caused John to blush even more. " Oh no.. no Mycroft… " John nudged him as he hid his face as he laughed. " What? There is nothing wrong with it. Your secret is safe with me. " Mycroft laughed as he felt his nudge. " I am so embarrassed you have seen that. " John looked at him seeing the smile on Mycroft's face. " You look even more cute when you blush John. " Mycroft quipped as he found it adorable. " I promise I will not tell Sherlock. " he added as John looked to him. " No. No don't tell him.. " John begged as he couldn't keep a straight face as Mycroft placed a hand on his chest. " I swear I will not utter a word of it. " Mycroft promised genuinely to John. " Good. Thank you. " John added as he sat with very pink cheeks.

Mycroft soon stood up as John got up and put on his coat. " Do you have the time? " John asked as Mycroft took out his silver Woodford pocket watch and looked to the time. " The time is currently half past one. " Mycroft told him as John's eyes widened. " What?! I've been away for three hours? " John spoke in shock but he rather enjoyed Mycroft's company. He was more social and relaxed than Sherlock and he wasn't a sociopath either. Although he was curious about Mycroft's work. But he could ask him over dinner. " Yes it would appear so. " Mycroft added as he slipped on his coat as he continued to look at John as he did so. " Shall we? " Mycroft's voice was again so gentle as John nodded his head and let Mycroft escort him out the living room and down the corridor to the front door. He picked up his umbrella as he left and opened the door for him to exit the house.

John stepped out and looked over to Mycroft as he admired him. He admired the elder Holmes brother. His stature and grace. Who wouldn't love to have him? But he wondered why he chose to remain alone. He watched Mycroft approach him as a black car pulled up for them both as he placed a hand on the ex army doctor's back. " Come.. " Mycroft purred as he escorted him to the car and let John in first. " Such a gentleman. Thank you. " John spoke softly as he entered the car and scooted over to let Mycroft in as he closed the door and looked at him before telling the driver to take them back to Baker Street. John scooted over to Mycroft and both shared a sensual yet passionate kiss as they were driven back to the flat.

" Mister Holmes. We are here. " The driver spoke as Mycroft pulled away briefly. " Thank you Glenn. " Mycroft spoke as he rested his head against John's head. " So I will see you tonight at dinner? " John whispered against Mycroft as he nodded. " Mhm. Of course. I will pick you up at quarter to seven. " Mycroft spoke contently as he nodded his head before slowly pulling away and opening the door and helping John get out. " Thank you for earlier. It's helped. " John spoke softly as Mycroft smiled. " A pleasure but do talk to Sherlock. He worries about you also. I will pick you up later. " Mycroft responded kissing his lips before he got back into the car and drove off. John watched it leave before he entered 221b.

Standing in the hall, John could hear the sound of Sherlock's violin come from the flat as he slowly ascended the stairs and made his way into the living room and smiled seeing Sherlock at the window playing. The music stopped as he heard John enter. " Well. How did it go? " Sherlock questioned as he turned to face his blogger and seeing differences about him. " I sense something happened. Something with my brother? " Sherlock looked as he approached John. " Oh? We just spoke like you wanted. " John spoke as Sherlock looked at him. " Your clothes are disheveled possible fact that they have been disturbed. Your hair is a mess suggesting fingers have been through it. Your voice is a little hoarse. " Sherlock deduced before his eyes widened. " Did you? " Sherlock spoke as John raised his finger. " Stop. Sit down and I'll make some tea. I have news and something to say. " John responded as he went and put the kettle on.

Sherlock studied John in great detail as he knew it was something about him and Mycroft. But what? He watched on intently as John came over with the tray and set it on the table. " So what is this news you have? " Sherlock questioned as he watched John's body language. " Well I had the conversation with Mycroft and well I should begin to tell you that the screaming at all hours are caused by my nightmares from the war. " John opened up to him as Sherlock's eyes widened. " John. You should have told me. I could have tried to help in some way. " Sherlock explained to him as John chewed on his lower lip. " I will from now on. Thank you for looking out for me Sherlock. " John complimented him as Sherlock smiled softly. " My pleasure John. So what is the other thing? " he asked lifting his cup to his lips to take a drink of his tea. " Well.. I.. I'm not sure how to say this.. but please don't be mad. " John stumbled over his words as Sherlock rolled his eyes. " John you are beating about the bush. What is it? " Sherlock questioned him. " I'm in a relationship with your brother.. We are taking it slow but.. " John spoke as Sherlocks eyes widened. " Oh in that case, the rules of your arrangement is you are to continue living here and be my blogger. And Mycroft can have my blessing in dating you. " Sherlock told him as John looked shocked. " Sherlock?! " John spoke as his cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. " My relationship is not some experiment or a contract for you to just.. I don't know.. make it into something contractual. " He explained as Sherlock just smiled. " Well it is now. I will text my brother and I am sure he will except the terms. " Sherlock responded as John just sighed. " Oh and another thing. Don't be bringing him here. It is bad enough him arriving unannounced handing us cases. " He explained as she closed his eyes. John rolled his eyes. " I live here too Sherlock and if I wish to bring him back here I will. " John protested softly. " Fine. But when I am around which will be always then you better both keep your hands to yourself. " Sherlock warned in a tender manner. John sighed as he reluctantly agreed. " Okay fine.. " he was slightly miffed at Sherlock dictated in their relationship.

" So. You and Mycroft got any plans tonight? " Sherlock questioned as he was texting his brother the terms he had explained with John to which Mycroft agreed. " We are going out for dinner this evening. " John explained as he looked at his watch to check the time. " What about you? " he added as he knew Sherlock would be alone and he didn't want him to do what he did the last time and shoot the wall. A sigh passed Sherlock's lips as he shrugged his shoulders. " I do not know. I am sure I will find something. " Sherlock responded. " I can always text you if I get bored. " he added as John looked at him. The young detective was lost without him despite not admitting it to anyone but he did miss John's company when he was out without him. " Well knowing Mycroft he will be preening himself to make sure he impresses you. Just like you do the same. " Sherlock smirked making John get up. " Okay. On that note I'm going to get dressed for tonight. " John spoke as he made his way upstairs to his own bedroom.

Time got on and John soon resurfaced looking smart in a black tuxedo. Sherlock approached him as he helped fix the loose strands of hair and sorted straightened John's bow tie. " There now you look better. I hope you have a nice night. " Sherlock responded with a smile. " Thank you Sherlock. " John spoke with a smile seeing Sherlock go to the window. " Ah perfect timing John. Your car is outside waiting. Come I will see you out. " Sherlock spoke as John went to grab his coat. " No coat. You look better the way you are. " he spoke practically shoving him out the door and both headed out to the black Jaguar was waiting. " Don't wait up. I'll be home later this evening. " John spoke as he looked up at Sherlock. " I won't and ask him from me how his diet is going. " Sherlock chuckled as John rolled his eyes. " Goodnight Sherlock. " John spoke getting into the car. Sherlock stood on the pavement and watched the car drove off before he heading back into 221b.