Disclaimer: I don't own Sherlock.
A/N: Deontology and Consequentialism are two different classes of normative ethical theories. According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Consequentialists "hold that choices—acts and/or intentions—are to be morally assessed solely by the states of affairs they bring about" whilst Deontologists "hold that some choices cannot be justified by their effects—that no matter how morally good their consequences, some choices are morally forbidden." Therefore, Deontology can be defined as an approach that "emphasizes duties or rules" and Consequentialism can be defined as an approach that "emphasizes the consequences of actions."
You were never fond of Bible stories as a child. They were simplistic; unrealistic; ridiculous. Culturally significant, of course, and vaguely interesting on a psychological level, but still essentially useless.
Yet when you hear about your brother's fall, you remember Judas Iscariot.
You are not one prone to histrionics, nor are you one to dwell on regrets. And nearly all of your scruples and sentiments were sacrificed on the altar of duty long ago.
But this – this is different than the other men and women you have sent to their deaths directly and indirectly. This is Sherlock. Sherlock.
Sherlock.
Your rash, infuriating, selfish, brilliant younger brother.
Sherlock, whom you've loved and resented ever since he was an embryo in your mother's womb, ever since you first held him as an infant in your arms. Sherlock – the boy you taught and played and fought with –
Bile rises in your throat, and you keep your face composed only with the greatest of efforts. (No doubt Sherlock would tell you it was acid reflux from going off your diet again.)
The boy that you tried so hard to protectprotectprotect from the world and from himself is gone, and you are the one to blame.
(The fact that the sacrifice was unnecessary – that there was no keycode – simply makes your failure all the more bitter.)