*Flash forward 8 years*
At first, Mycroft worried that Addiana would trick his brother and leave him heartbroken, but nothing of the sort happened. In fact, over the years they just kept growing closer and spent every afternoon at the Holme's estate. Something Mycroft thought was strange. When he suggested going over to her place, her face grew dark.
"I don't think that's a good idea... My brother wouldn't like that..." she said slowly.
That's when Mycroft and Sherlock noticed she always wore long sleeves and pants even in extremely hot weather, they could've kicked themselves for not noticing sooner. Mycroft knelt down next to the couch Addia was sitting on and said gently, "Addiana, is there something wrong that you would like to share?"
Her eyes widened in fear and whispered, "Big brother is a good person... He's just a bit... Not there in the head..."
"What does he do to you?" Sherlock asked doing his best to control his anger, which for a barely legal adult was impressive.
She took a deep breath as though steeling herself and then blurted out, "He beats me for coming over here and calls me horrid names and last night he grabbed my breast!"
The Holmes brothers stared in silence for a moment before Sherlock said in a strained voice, "Myc?"
"On it." Mycroft pulled out his phone and dialed their mum's number while leaving the room.
"How long?" Sherlock asked.
"A few years... Before then he was the sweetest thing... Now he's a monster. Saying that I abandoned him and chose you over him.. He thinks he should be the only one I care about.." A few tears rolled down her face.
Sherlock wrapped his arms around her dragging her on his lap. "Why didn't you tell me sooner, Addia?"
"I didn't want him to hurt you too... He doesn't even know your name..." She sniffled into his neck.
Sherlock felt rage course through him, but Addia hugged him and whispered, "Please, Sherly... Don't after him... Please.. I'll do anything. Just don't get hurt."
Mycroft walked back into the room with a small nod.
"Move in with us."
"What?" Addia stared wide-eyed at the two brothers.
"You said anything, so this is my request."
"But your parents..." She looked uncertainly at him.
"Myc just phoned them and they gave their approval. So please Addia... Stay.."
"Are you sure?" More tears steamed down her face.
Sherlock and Mycroft nodded at the same time. She gulped and whispered, "What if he finds me... He knows where I go to school, he can take me there."
Mycroft cleared his throat and said, "That is why you and Sherlock are going to a private school. The school in question is located next to one of our summer homes that we'll be moving into."
"I can't afford that!"
"You and Sherlock are at the top of your class with perfect marks. It shouldn't be too hard to get a scholarship."
Addia cried harder, hugging Sherlock as though he was a life line. Through her tears, she managed a simple, "Thank you."
Sherlock and Mycroft jumped into action right away, Mycroft making calls and Sherlock pulling Addia up the stairs to keep her with him as he packed his belongings hastily.
"Do you have anything of importance at your aunt's house?" Sherlock suddenly turned around.
She blushed and shook her head, "Everything I consider important is standing right in front of me."
Sherlock felt himself blushing as he swept Addia up into his arms and kissed her forehead. "I won't let anything happen to you. You're safe now," he whispered against her hair.
"Sherlock, the car's here! Hurry up and let's get moving!" Mycroft shouted urgently.
They quickly finished throwing his few belongings into a duffle bag and sprinted down the stairs. Right before they reached the door, Mycroft threw them plain black hoodies and instructed them to keep the hood up at all times.
The drive there was long and Addia fell asleep on Sherlock's shoulder after the first hour. By the third hour Sherlock had his head on top of Addia's and was fast asleep as well. Mycroft grinned at the pair across from him and took a picture, knowing his brother would kill him for it.
Seven hours later, Sherlock was carrying a sleepy Addia up the stairs of their new home and into her room. As he laid her on the bed and started to move away, she whimpered his name and suddenly started thrashing about. Sherlock ran back to her side and held her, ceasing her thrashing immediately and she clung to Sherlock. Mycroft came in at that moment and raised an eyebrow.
"We're going to have a slight problem Myc…" Sherlock whispered.
"I can see that, apparently she needs you to feel safe even in sleep." Mycroft smirked, knowing about his brother's crush on the girl who was so desperately clinging to him.
"And?" Sherlock asked blushing.
"Well, the only solution I can see is to have her sleep with you." Mycroft's smirk became an all out grin at the look on his brother's face.
"Of course, I'll keep a watch on you two. We can't have any babies running around." Mycroft walked away chuckling at his brother's mortified look.
Sherlock sighed as he laid down next to her and pulled the covers over them. He was exhausted, but pleased that he could share every night with Addia. He rolled over and wrapped an arm around her waist, falling asleep quickly.
When Addia awoke the next morning she was aware of two things. First, it was about 9 in the morning judging from the light pouring through her window. Second, there was a slender arm around her waist and a warm body pressed against her.
She slowly turned her head around and saw Sherlock sleeping heavily. At first, she was disoriented until yesterday flooded through her mind. She breathed a sigh of relief and thanked the stars for the Holmes hospitality. She was finally free of her brother and would always be with her best friend now. She giggled softly and wriggled gently out of Sherlock's embrace deciding she should shower and try to make herself presentable.
After she was done, she went downstairs to eat breakfast while she waited for Sherlock to wake up. As she entered the kitchen she found Mycroft sitting at the table reading the paper and sipping tea. There was two plates full with bacon, eggs and toast and two glasses of orange juice.
"Eat." Mycroft gestured for her to sit. She obeyed him and sat in one of the chairs. As she was eating, a thought suddenly struck her.
"Mycroft…" She started. He looked up at her expectantly, so Addia continued hesitantly, "I'm really grateful for everything you and your family are doing for me… But why?"
Mycroft raised his eyebrows and replied, "I would think that would be obvious. You're the only person to make our dear Sherlock happy. We want to protect that happiness. All of us were extremely worried about him before you came along and we don't want to see him regress in to that state again. Essentially, you have become part of our family and we all care about you and are thankful for you befriending Sherlock."
"Of course I befriended him, he was the most unfeeling person I'd ever seen. I know from experience that when people don't show feelings is because they don't want anyone to see them hurt. He needed me. And as I talked to him he was so fascinating I couldn't help but to want get know him better."
"Perceptive, I see." Mycroft smiled.
Just then Sherlock walked in with bed hair and rubbing his eyes causing Addia to burst out with laughter.