It wasn't the easiest thing in the world to send one's brother off to boarding school, especially when one's brother was as stubborn as Sherlock Holmes. The boy had been entrusted into his care, and Mycroft had neither the time nor the energy to interfere in Sherlock's welfare as much as their parents had.
It was a temporary arrangement, but Mycroft felt it to be a reasonable one. Their parents would return from South Africa within the year and Sherlock had been promised that if thus inclined, he could leave the boarding school then. Mycroft had his own way to work up in the world.
He was nearing the end of his years at Oxford and had the ever-increasing pressure of choosing what to do next. His achievements throughout the course could easily earn him a place in the British government, but Mycroft wasn't interested in the public side of politics. Again he lacked the energy.
Sherlock, on the other hand, certainly did not. Despite his reserved nature, spurts of determination regularly interrupted the peace that Mycroft had founded with their parents gone, and on occasions caused havoc. But in the last year, or at least since Sherlock had turned thirteen, these bursts began to occur less frequently. Once Sherlock had found something to employ himself with, that is.
He was ever so peculiar.
Mycroft held the thought as he turned to see his brother lingering on the bottom stair. Sherlock looked pale, as if sleep hadn't touched him, and dark bags hung beneath his eyes. Gradually, he glided into the living room and sat himself down opposite Mycroft. As he spoke, his eyes sank to the ground.
"When do we leave?"
Seeing his brother like this, Mycroft grew hesitant. It could easily be arranged for Sherlock to move up to Oxford. It wasn't as if he couldn't look after himself. But on second thoughts, Mycroft decided against it. Sherlock needed to grow up, and what better a way to do so than this?
It was for his own good.
"Midday."
Sherlock nodded, eyes still cast down.
The journey would take just under half an hour. Mycroft had anticipated it would be spent in silence. He was not disappointed.