Second Best

Chapter 2

It didn't work out so well, on his way over to the nearest pub he got a call out and that had him busy for the rest of the day. Molly sent him a text but he wasn't ready to deal with that or in the mood and just ignored it.

The next morning he promised himself that tonight he will allow himself the breakdown he so obviously need and let's be honest, rightfully deserve. Once again that wasn't in the cards for him as he received a call from none other than Sherlock. Everything in him was telling him to ignore it, to walk away, except for his cop instinct. Good thing too, as he was pulled into one hell of a rabbit hole by the name of Holmes, three of them.

He took his best team and went out to Musgrave place, helping to secure the sister, the baby sister no one knew about. After that he made he made to leave, he didn't want to stay there any longer than necessary, the problem however is that he will need to speak to Sherlock. There was no one else to report to and he will need to update him about Mycroft. Short and sweet. It has been a long day for all of them and he wanted to go home and deal with all this some other time. The need to drink himself into some kind of stupor has intensified. Whatever happened here, or on that island wasn't good, and he really, really didn't want to deal with that, as well as the latest crumbling of his relationship with Molly. It was knew, it was something different, but it felt more like betrayal than the rest of his brief relationship because he knew her for so long, they have been through some serious stuff in the years he has known her, and although he knew about her feelings for Sherlock, he really thought she was over it after all this years. At least over enough that she wouldn't string him along like she did with Tom.

Greg was surprised, shocked even, not only did Sherlock remembered his name, he also showed concern, genuine concern for his brother. A day of miracles. As promised he only allowed himself a brief conversation with Sherlock and John before Sherlock asked him to look after his brother. Greg wanted to yell at the man, he knew about their past relationship, he knew it ended badly and yet he asked him to make sure he is okay. 'Yeah sure you twat, I'll just go and get a little more heartbroken than before, great. Can't wait.'

Luckily Sherlock was too concerned about John and the whole thing that had happened than to pay attention to him. He even said something nice about Sherlock to keep suspicion off, although Sherlock is finally the good man they all knew he was. He can't hold Sherlock responsible for Molly's feelings or for his relationship. Like all the years he has known the Sherlock brothers he will continue to play his part. The loyal Scotland Yard puppy that does what he is told. Keep Sherlock safe, give Sherlock cases, and look after Mycroft. Yes sir, sure sir.

Mycroft was in the local hospital, closest to Mayfair, although unscathed they wanted to keep him for the night under supervision. Greg was only allowed in because he lied. He told them he had news about Sherlock and as before Mycroft let him in. Greg was startled when he saw him whatever happened it took its toll on Mycroft as well. He looked tired, cracked like a glass that fell and when you touch it, could feel the swift as it is close to breaking.

"Mycroft." He greeted when he stepped into the room, closing the door behind him, Mycroft look up at him, trying to put back his mask on but failing.

"How's Sherlock?" He opted. Greg pulled the chair closer and sat down.

"Under the circumstances; good. He and John is being taken to the hospital to get checked out, Euros is being placed in a temporary medical facility until she can be transferred back to the island. How are you holding up?"

"I'm fine." He replied and Greg narrowed his eyes, the lie clear in his posture.

"Yeah, because you look spectacular, I didn't know the broken look was in this season, you can match it with the black umbrella, it will be difficult to determine which is more painful to watch but that is the fashion these days." Mycroft turned his head toward Greg ready to say something back but he stopped. Greg whole posture spoke of defeat, of not caring who says what and Mycroft wasn't use to it.

"I'm not broken." Mycroft finally said, his voice soft and unsure and both saw the through the lie.

"Yeah well, we all are broken in this world; it is how we get by." Greg said as he thought of everyone. Mycroft was broken, Sherlock was broken, Euros was broken, John was broken, Molly was broken, he, himself was a shattering mess, and yet they all survive. They don't live, these days it is difficult to live; we all just survive as best we can. Mycroft had no idea on how to reply to that.

"You will look after Sherlock though?" He asked after the silence became too loud, filled with their thoughts and the reality of the situation. Greg smiled, the Holmes brothers, so different and so alike.

"You know, that is why I'm here, he asked me to look after you." Mycroft's eyes widen at that, his frown etching on his forehead.

"He did?"

Greg nodded. He so wanted to provide some comfort to Mycroft, he looked so unsure with the whole day's events, unsure on what to do first. Greg stood up and stopped until he stood in front of Mycroft, he reach out and took one hand in his; it was as soft as he remembered.

"How can I help you?" His voice was soft and he made sure that Mycroft is aware of the sincerity in his voice. He may be heart broken and sad, but if he can help someone else, he will. Mycroft squeezed Greg's hand before he let go and stood up.

"Do not concern yourself with me Inspector, I will be quite all right, admittedly I may need a good night's rest, but you don't have to concern yourself with me. Go home; I'm sure Miss Hooper will appreciate your efforts more." Greg's hardened as he dropped Mycroft's hand to step away. He should've known that Mycroft was aware of their relationship, he knows everything. A sudden thought came to him as he realizes that Mycroft most likely was with Sherlock when he called Molly, so he knows what happened. That is why he is telling him to comfort her, to go play consolation. Once again he was only good enough to be second best.

"You were there weren't you?" Greg gnarled out. Mycroft looked shock for a moment before nodding.

"Euros threatened to blow up Molly's flat with her in it; the code to stop the countdown was a certain phrase."

"I love you." Greg provided and thought back as he heard the conversation, so Sherlock manipulated her into saying that cause he was under the impression she was about to die, and he lied to her saying it was an experiment and Molly believed him. She still covered for him when he confronted her, her love for him stronger than anything else and the only way she could get him to say those words was to make him say it first. It was so ridiculous, and the best part was that she is most likely going to forgive him for putting her through that. He broke her and she is going to be thankful for it, because she got him to say I love you to her at least once. Mycroft looked bewildered.

"How...did...what..." Greg stepped closer, not even bothering to hide the anger. Mycroft knew this, all of this and still he wants to throw him to her.

"I. Was. There."

"Where?" Mycroft's croaked out as he tried to speak. He knows what Greg is saying, he knows where, he knows everything. And for a moment his brain couldn't process the fact that Greg was nearly blown to bits as well. Greg snorted as he smiled, a horrible fake smile, full of anger and disappointment.

"You know I heard she was having a bad day so I went to surprise her with flowers, turns out the surprise were on me. Tell me, what is it about me that scream to people that I can be used, that they can walk all over me, trample me under their feet like some bathmat? My ex, you, and her, all of you. I gave my best. My everything, my honesty, my loyalty, my trust, my heart..." Greg's breathing was swallow and uneven as he tried to keep his emotions in check. Mycroft stared like a deer caught in headlights, his mouth open in shock. Greg stepped back.

"When she hung up, I asked her who it was, and she tried to lie to me, when I confronted her she still covered for him! Can you believe that, he broke her and she still takes his side. Unbelievable." He yelled the last part. His eyes fell to the floor, his head bowing forward and his shoulders sagged. The fight left him, the anger and rage and the pain rolled off his shoulders and dripped on the floor.

"I'm so tired. You were right." He said still looking down. Mycroft took a hesitant step forward. Unsure.

"About what?"

Greg looked up, his eyes locking into Mycroft's

"Caring is not an advantage." Mycroft froze his body unable to move as he looked at Greg. No. no Greg was never allowed to say those words. Not him.

"Thank you for that." Greg turned to the door, opening it he looked at Mycroft one last time.

"As a loyal puppy I will tell Sherlock you are okay." He closed the door behind him leaving Mycroft alone in the room. Mycroft stood there for about ten minutes as he processed what had happened. He did it, he and Sherlock and everyone Greg came in contact with did it, they broke the most honourable man in the world, his knees gave out and he decided that that, that was much worse than a psychotic murderous sister. He never in his wildest dreams thought that Greg would utter that phrase in such a defeated tone.