In September, Violet Holmes died after a brief and grave illness. The brother Holmes, having their father Siger died years before, now had only each other. Mycroft, being the elder brother, was head of the family that consisted only of his brother and himself. Knowing they only had each other now on this world, he put additional effort in keeping them together and taking care of this baby brother. He knew that this idea of Sherlock being the "baby brother" was far-fetched, since Sherlock was a grown man, strong-willed and independent, but still Mycroft could not help himself. He knew Sherlock better than anyone, even better than John did, and therefore he knew that Sherlock needed the concept of family and stability that family provided.

When December came with its bad weather, Mycroft decided that the best way to spend this somewhat difficult time would be to gather the people they considered closest and invite them to spend a few days at the Holmes manor. It was a waste estate far away in the country, an old building, a bit cold and deserted, but it was where the brothers spent their childhood. They had a happy childhood, surrounded by thousand of books that begged to be read in from on a cozy fireplace. It was a place where they both liked to return when they needed a few days off, just calming down, strolling in the countryside, letting their minds wander.

So, on the 24th of December, the Holmes brothers and their friends arrived at Holmes manor. There was John, of course, Sherlock's..how to describe him, Mycroft wondered? Because 'boyfriend' would not be enough. John Watson was Sherlock's confidante, his friend, his partner, his soul mate. Mycroft secretly loved to observe their interaction, how the two of them completed each other. Since John was in the picture, Mycroft's life was so much easier-his worry for his brother lessened. He knew Sherlock was in good hands and that he could trust his brother life with this exceptional man.

Then there was Gregory Lestrade, and Mycroft had no problems at all describing him. Fiancée. Soon-to-be husband. Just a glance at the handsome DI, his warm and ever-smiling eyes, filled Mycroft with happiness that he never knew before.

The four of them were jokingly described by John as the 'gay squad' but there also was a lady. Molly Hooper was liked by all four of them and considered a close friend. The pretty pathologist has been through a rough time recently. Her latest boyfriend has dumped her (there was no nicer way to put it) after two years of dating, telling her right in her face he thought she was boring and plain. It turned out that for the last six months of their relationship he had already started dating some young hot actress. Molly wasn't a girl that would openly share her pain, but still it was visible, and the four of them hated her to be alone at Christmas. So, of course, she was invited, and after a bit of persuasion, she gracefully accepted.

In the evening, the five of them had dinner in the dark, warm dining hall. Mycroft made sure the atmosphere of the room was cozy and not somber, but still private. The huge fire place was giving most of the light in the room, and there was also a big and beautifully decorated Christmas tree with presents underneath. After they have eaten, Mycroft encouraged everybody to exchange gifts.

Gregory was amazed by the elegant and terribly expensive wristwatch he got from Mycroft, engraved with "With love, your Mycroft". Sherlock and John got him leather gloves and Molly has gotten two tickets for ballet. Molly got a perfume from John and Sherlock (Angel by Thierry Mugler, no less) and a beautiful Mulberry purse from Mycroft and Greg. Molly had a light blue scarf for John.

- Sherlock, your gift awaits you at Barth's. It was not proper to bring it here – Molly announced with a smile.

- Oh? Molly, you're the best? Is it the fingers? – Sherlock asked, with a huge smile.

- It is. You can pick them up when you come back to London. – Molly grinned.

- You got him human fingers for Christmas? – Greg stared.

- That's what he wanted – Molly shrugged.

- How very thoughtful – Mycroft commented lightly.

- ..and how very disturbing – John continued and turned to Sherlock – Don't even think about putting them in the fridge!

- Where else could I put them? – Sherlock protested.

- In there – John pointed at the biggest present, still unpacked.

Sherlock was on it in an instant. The wrapping gone, it revealed to be a small fridge.

- You got me a fridge for body parts? – Sherlock asked in awe.

- And for all your nasty experiments. – John smiled.

- You're the best – Sherlock beamed.

- I know. On the other hand, you're the worst, since I don't even see that you got me anything – John mockingly frowned.

- Oh, I beg to differ – Sherlock approached John and took a small case out of his pocket. It obviously was a case for a ring. John's eyes went wide. Sherlock's smile went wider, and he kneeled in front of his loved one.

- John Hamish Watson, would you do me the honor and take my hand in marriage?

John was speechless. For a few seconds, he didn't move, he just stared at Sherlock, and then, in the same time, he smiled and cried and awkwardly hugged the still-kneeling Sherlock. A short "yes" was heard before both of the tumbled to the ground, kissing and hugging.

Everybody laughed and congratulated, there was laughter and a few tears. In this general mess and happiness, no one noticed the doors at the other side of the dining hall opening. A low cackle startled the group:

- I hope I have interrupted-ahh..something nice.