The Prime Minister was in the middle of a long and tedious briefing when Mycroft's phone buzzed. Slipping it out of his pocket and unlocking it with one smooth motion he checked it, a message from John showed up on the screen.
S on own in flat for eve.
Bit worried.
Keep an eye out.
John
He deftly keyed a reply. He must be getting bad if John was worried about leaving him for the evening. He decided as soon as this briefing was over he would visit Baker Street and have a little chat with his brother.
Thanks for warning.
Will do.
-MH
Sherlock sits against the wall his head in his hands, life crushing down on him like a weight. The room is still dark, like his mood. He stands up and paces round the table. He slumps back down on the sofa. He looks around the room, the box of lithium tablets leer at him from the highest kitchen shelf.
Finally Sherlock gets up and logs onto the computer, checking his emails. Nothing new.
"Nothing new" He said slowly, enunciating every syllable. Just like his life.
Slammed the computer shut and walked upstairs, taking the gun with him. He laid in bed, and curled into the foetal position. Trying to block out all the thoughts. Stop thinking, you fool. Turn off your mind. He concentrated on keeping his mind blank, impossible.
"Fuck" he muttered under his breath. Slowly he sat up and dropped his legs over the side of the bed.
He sat on the end of the bed, the gun in his right hand. Living in this hellish world - Or the gun.
Gun, said his consciousness. John would get over it eventually, after all they were only flatmates. Mycroft would be the only real person who would care, and he could go to hell for all Sherlock minded.
#~#
Mycroft was still worrying about his brother, as he always did. Somewhere at the back of his mind, he always had a nagging worry that Sherlock might be doing something stupid, or reckless. He covertly checked his watch; he estimated there was another 20 minutes left of the briefing.
He was tempted to go check straight away, and just get Alison to copy the notes up and send them to him. Not that he needed to hear anything this man was saying, he'd already considered all major security strategies for the next year.
Mycroft slid out his phone, another text from John.
Have you checked in on him?
John
He stood up, this really couldn't wait any longer.
"Emergency" he addressed the meeting.
He flipped out his phone and texted Sherlock as he walked.
I have a new case for you, if interested
- Mycroft.
Obviously he didn't, but this might poke a response out of him. That would be enough to go on for the 10 minutes it would take to get to 221b. He hailed a cab and jumped in. Check the phone, no response, as always.
"Baker Street, QUICKLY." He instructed the cabbie.
#~#
Sherlock quickly walked downstairs. He might as well make a quick note to Mycroft and John. Mycroft might stupidly assume it was a murder or assassination. He settled for a quick utilitarian note. 4 sentences only, none of the sentimental stuff you usually got from these people. Ugh.
#~#
The taxi skidded to a halt outside the flat and Mycroft got out of the. He knocked twice. No answer. Good job John had provided him with a spare key to the flat in case of emergencies. He quickly climbed the stairs taking it two steps at a time, breathlessly he burst into the living room. No Sherlock. Shoes, coat, umbrella by door, he was still here then. Phone and laptop on table, papers. Box of tablets on the top shelf, lithium. Not used for about a 2 months, judging by the dust. Then he saw the scrap of paper on the table. Everything just fell into place.
Mycroft froze for a second, then walked up to the table.
"No, no..." he whispered, bolting up the stairs. Both lights off, doors closed. He burst into Sherlocks room.
Sherlock was sat at the edge of the bed, gun raised to his temple. One click, that was all he needed for all this boredom and crushing despair to go away.
"Put that gun down right now" Mycroft's voice echoed from behind him.
Sherlock turned around, still holding the gun to his head.
"Sherlock, I'm warning you. Don't do this" He took a step forward.
"Stop moving." Came Sherlock's voice, cold. He disengaged the safety catch.
"This isn't you talking, Sherlock. You're better than this, and do you know what? I expected better." He started.
"You, doing this. Selfish. John actually cares for you, he would be the one to find you if he hadn't sent me a text saying how worried he is about you. And you just throw all his care back in his face. Do you want me to tell him his best friend is dead? How do you think this is going to make him feel?" Mycroft was getting into his stride now.
"Do this for me, do this for John." He added quietly.
Sherlock let out a heavy sigh, and engaged the safety. He quickly threw the gun on the floor and kicked it across to Mycroft. In a swift motion Mycroft picked it up and removed the bullets and trigger pin before pocketing it. He walked over slowly.
"Hands up" as he patted down Sherlock's pockets; checking for any other weapons or harmful objects. Finally Mycroft was content his brother was safe for the time being.
"Wrists" His brother held them out in front of him, and he clicked on a pair of handcuffs.
"Right, your coming with me." He said, before leading Sherlock down the stairs.
Mycroft sat Sherlock down on the sofa, and made a few quick calls. One to Sofia; asking for her to make up a room back at the house. Without windows, He added. Then one to Alison.
"I need a car at 221b Baker Street. Quickly please." He disconnected. He grabbed the box of tablets off the top shelf and filled a glass of water.
"Take these now." He said firmly, handing 2 to his brother. Outside, the car sent for them beeped.
As soon as Sherlock finished taking the pills he helped him up. "Let's go" he said gently, ushering him out of the door and helping him into the car before taking the passenger seat at the front.
"Take us home" He requested to the driver.
And as the car sped away into the drizzling night John got out of the cab and unlocked the door to the flat.
Feel free to comment and review - I would love to hear what you think. Especially since this is my first Fanfic.
