John realized, after a few moments, that he was staring and quickly turned his eyes to Mycroft again, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, as if he had intruded on something. Mycroft didn't seem bothered, but concern was hidden behind his calm gaze.

The soft sobs that came from the pair on the floor were nothing less than heart-wrenching, and as John looked back at them, he saw that Halley's hands weren't the only ones shaking. Sherlock's voice was very, very quiet, but his low tone made it evident that he was reassuring her with whatever words he could manage to say.

"Come, Doctor." Mycroft's voice cut in,"I'm sure my brother would rather we give him a moment."

John nodded numbly, following Mycroft to the kitchen, where Sherlock's Mother and Father sat talking quietly. At their entrance, his mother stood with a fond smile.

"Ah, John, is Sherlock with Halley then?" She began, addressing the question to Mycroft.

The elder Holmes brother nodded, his hands clasped behind his back, chin tilted up just enough to be recognized. John glanced at the doors.

"How long has it been? You know, for the two of them?" He asked curiously.

Violet smiled softly,"Almost eight years now, I believe."

John nodded and opened his mouth to say something else when he heard footsteps padding in behind him. He stepped out of the way and turned his upper half to see a red- faced Halley stepping into the kitchen, followed by a stone-faced Sherlock. John didn't comment on Sherlock's hand on her back as they walked in.

Halley gazed at John for a moment before she sniffled and rubbed at her eyes. Shaky hands smoothed her shirt before she held out a hand to him.

"Hi, John. Lovely to meet you." She mumbled, her shoulders uncomfortably straight and she seemed to struggle to look him in the eye.

The sight was upsetting at best, and it made something in John's chest twist painfully. He shook his head and brushed her hand aside gently, instead putting a hand on her shoulder.

"We'll get to that later, Halley. You should drink some water, you look too pale." He prompted her.

She agreed, her shoulders slowly relaxing in resignation. Now her eyes seemed to study his face and John was left almost speechless at how similar her eyes shifted and darted about when she...deduced someone? It wasn't a second later that her face was pressed into his shoulder, her arms thrown hastily around his shoulders. John was struck dumb for a moment at the sudden contact, before he returned the hug gently.

John ushered her to the sink a moment or so later, to get her something to drink, having Violet follow to fuss over them both. Sherlock ran a hand through his curls, casting one unreadable look at Halley before taking a seat, leaning back in his chair.

"Where is she going?" His low voice left no room for small talk as he eyed Mycroft.

"Most likely to a children's home. There's not much of a choice as to-" Mycroft began to explain, only to be cut off by a seething look from Sherlock.

"Can she not just stay here?" he hissed,"She won't step foot in one of those hell holes."

Mycroft raised an eyebrow,"I'm sorry to inform you, Sherlock, but Mummy and Father here already dealt with us, they have no obligations to take her in. I will look for the most comfortable, high-rated orphanage in the area, I assure you, brother mine."

"No." Sherlock shook his head, and in the moment, Mycroft remembered a rather stubborn 7 year old many, many years ago.

"Sherlock, there aren't any other people who would want to take her in. That's her best chance." Mycroft sighed,"I hate it as much as you do."

Sherlock would swear up and down that he, in fact, did not pout then, as he glanced back at John and Halley. Watson had managed to bring a soft smile to her face, and even if it were weak, it was genuine. Sherlock took a breath, then decidedly turned back to Mycroft.

"She'll stay with us. Myself and John."

Mycroft's brow drew together in a scowl,"Sherlock, you can't possibly begin to understand what you're trying to do. She's a girl, Sherlock, a pre-pubescent one at that."

Sherlock stood up with a sneer,"I am completely aware of what I am proposing, Mycroft. Get me the blasted papers so we can get her moved in."

"Sherlock, I ask you to reconsider-" Mycroft tried again.

"I have nothing to reconsider. John seems to adore her, Mrs Hudson will have someone worth worrying over. We have plenty of space should One of them move into the empty flat upstairs. I'm sure it will be far more comfortable than any children's home." Sherlock snapped, and before Mycroft could argue, stormed out of the kitchen to the sitting room.

Mycroft let out a slow breath in hopes to calm himself.