The Fall and Redemption

Author: Ravenoak21

Sherlock Holmes jumped from the rooftop of St. Bart's but this is not the end of the story. Life continues and one never knows what time will bring. Post Reichenbach. Non-slash. Spoilers for Season Three of BBC's Sherlock.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sherlock Holmes. That honor goes to the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the creative writers of the BBC.

This is my first Sherlock Holmes fanfiction, ever. All constructive reviews are welcome. Thank you.

Mycroft studied his fellow passenger as the bright lights of the dark city danced in light and shadow in the interior of the sleek car.

"Brother..."

The silence seemed to deepen as the dark head turned further away. All focus seemed to be on the passing shadows beyond the window.

"Sherlock..."

"You can stop anywhere along here, if you please."

Mycroft's eyes closed as he sighed. "You can pull over now."

The driver gave a brief nod as the car came to a smooth stop. Long graceful fingers reached to the door handle as the long body bent slightly to retrieve a small canvas backpack resting on the floor between his feet. On impulse, Mycroft gripped his brother's arm.

"I cannot express how deeply sorry I am about all of this Sherlock. I never meant to betray you."

Sherlock glanced down at the restraining hand on his arm then into his brother's shadowed face. "It would seem betrayal comes easily enough."

Mycroft blinked as an insight blazed through his mind. "Secure it now!"

Sherlock's fingers snapped for the door latch even as a faint snick was heard. "Unlock. The. Door." Each word hard, distinct.

"Give us some privacy." A clear partitian slid up between the driver and passanger compartments.

"Mycroft...the door...now!"

Mycroft's hand slid down to grip Sherlock's wrist as he squeezed hard. "Calm yourself. And for God's sake, breath."

Mycroft applied more pressure at his brother's silent hesitation. "Breath!"

He felt the deep inhailation and almost counted at the slow, deep exhale. "Again, please."

Again he felt the deep inahle and long slow exhale and relaxed his grip.

"Don't let Moriarty win now."

He watched Sherlock's head drop back against the headrest face turned towards the window once again. Another deep breath and slow release. Mycroft could almost feel the tension flow away as his brother's body relaxed. His face once again regestering his inner calm.

"Moriarty's ability to assess..."

"Stop, now!" You won out. It doesn't matter how close he came. You were still a step ahead. Focus on that. Let that be your touchstone."

Mycroft wasn't done. "How then is what you are doing, in anyway, a betrayal to John or to anyone?"

Sherlock gave a slow nod. "You are right. Emotions..." He gazed out the window, a rueful smile playing about his lips.

Mycroft gave the wrist under his fingers gentle pressure. "You always will be your mother's son. Father was a great, sodding git."

Mycroft tapped on the partition and it disappeared. "You can unlock us now."

This time when Sherlock tried the latch the door clicked open.

"Wait..."

"Why"

The older Holmes held out two objects. Both black, sleek, and light. Sherlock studied them for a moment then looked at Mycroft waiting for the explanation. Mycroft indicated the device in his right hand. "This holds all of my resources. All of my contacts. I place them at your disposal. What ever you should need when ever you should need it. No questions, no strings."

The left hand lifted slightly holding the second device. "This is a direct line to me and to me alone. I can be reached any hour, day or night." Mycroft held his breath afraid but half expecting Sherlock would reject the gifts. To his immense relief his brother held out his hand and Mycroft placed the two small pads in it.

"Thank you." They were slide into the canvas bag.

"Don't worry about John, Mrs. Hudson or Lestrade. I'll see to it that no one gets that close to them again."

"Don't make promises you cannot keep."

"They will be protected." Mycroft was determined.

"See to it then." And he was gone. Just a shadow dark on dark until Mycroft lost sight of him altogether.