Well originally I had a cheerful author's note loaded with excuses as to why I haven't updated, but I decided to change it. You see, a couple of minutes ago I was crying. You'd probably think that my reason was stupid, but it meant a lot to me and inspired me to write this chapter. Enjoy. –Shiloh
Chapter 4
Mycroft Holmes
I opened the door slowly, not wanting to startle my younger brother. He was curled up on the backseat, his long fingers intertwined in his unruly hair. His head was tucked between his knees, and his shoulders shook gently as he cried. For the first time in my life, I wasn't sure how to proceed in a situation.
"Sherlock, I'm here." The words spilled out of my mouth before I could analyze them, and I felt my voice tremor. That had never happened before. I subtly slid into the seat next to him, hoping that my presence would somehow calm him down.
"Mycroft?" The tone was filled with sadness and fear, instead of a harsh coldness. Sherlock lifted his head out of his lap, his big blue eyes locking with mine, searching for support. My heart twisted in my chest.
"Shhhh, I'm here." I placed his head on my lap, and I gently began to stroke his hair. Sherlock continued to sob quietly, his thin frame shuddering with each gasp for air. My mind raced to find comforting words, but they just wouldn't come. This frustrated me beyond belief, because I was NEVER at a loss of words. It just didn't happen.
As I struggled to strike conversation, I attempted to grasp everything I knew about the situation. Today was the anniversary of my father and uncle's deaths, Sherlock has never spoken of what had happened, Sherlock had been on a case, and he had locked himself in a car. These were not logical facts, and my brain faltered as I tried to piece everything together. It was infuriating.
The only thing I could assume that I was correct about, was the fact the Sherlock had broken. Ever since the day of the incident I had been waiting for it to happen, although I had never expected it to feel like this. Emotions didn't exactly run in the family, and Sherlock and I had never really had a moment like this. But for some reason, it felt right.
"You can tell me." Again, I spoke without thinking. Sherlock looked up at me with those heart-wrenching cobalt orbs, and I prepared myself for another rejection. It never came.
"Ok." Came the shaky reply. I lifted my gaze from my lap and locked eyes with my younger brother for the second time in an hour.
"Ok?"
"Ok." I could only stare at the emotional form in front of me. This was the difference between logic and love. This was the difference between acting and sympathy. This was the difference between intellectual equals and brothers. Sherlock Holmes was my brother, and he was willing to trust me. The emotion that bubbled in the pit of my stomach were and always will be one of the best feelings that has ever coursed through my body.
"But I need you to do something first." Sherlock sniffled. My head snapped up as I was jolted out of my train of thought, and I nodded vigorously to show him that I would do anything.
"Call mummy and John. Use both of our phones. I want them to hear this, because I am not repeating ANY of it." He tried to sound solid, but his voice cracked at the end of his request and he looked out the window, too worried about his pride to lean on me again.
"Of coarse." I assured him. Pulling my mobile out of my pocket, I quickly dialed my mother number. I patted my knee impatiently as the phone continued to ring, until she finally picked up.
"Yes Mikey?" Her gentle voice flowed from the speaker.
"Mother, I want you to remain quiet and listen to what Sherlock has to say." Most people would go on to ask further questions, but my mother knew better. She remained silent on the other line, fully aware of what was about to happen.
Next, Sherlock handed me his phone. I found John among his contacts, and selected his number. My brother's flat mate answered on the second ring.
"Sherlock? Are you alright?"
"It's Mycroft. I want you to be quiet and listen. Sherlock wanted me to call you so you could hear the narrative he is about to share with us. Something terrible happened to him many years ago, and he is finally going to talk about it." My brief explanation was rather unclear and choppy, but I didn't care. I was finally going to find out about what had happened to my family members so long ago.
"I've called them both. We're all ready when you are." I informed my brother. Sherlock nodded and pulled his knees into his chest. He folded his arms around his legs, resting his chin on his wrists. A single tear slid down his pale face, and he wiped it away with his thumb. I gave him an encouraging smile, and he put on a brave face.
I felt my heart speed up in my chest. A mystery concerning those close to me was finally going to be resolved after twenty years. My younger brother had surprisingly opened up to me, and I had realized what it means to be an older brother. Today would defiantly be an eminent one in my life.
Sherlock cleared his throat and I unclenched my fists.
Authors Note- I hoped you guys liked the chapter. I apologize if it is a bit choppy or unclear, but I did my best:) I understand that Sherlock and Mycroft are extremely out of character, but it's part of the story. Thanks so much to all of my reviewers! I apologize for not updating, and I will do my best to do so frequently. PLEASE REVIEW! :) Thanks so much! -Shiloh
