A/N: Hey everyone! Thanks so much for the lovely reviews and for continuing to read this story, it's greatly appreciated x Greg talks to Mycroft this time, so I hope you enjoy!

(Warning: there is a reference to domestic abuse.)

Reviews would be lovely :) xx

Mycroft

Greg wondered around the elegant room tracing his hand along the grand wooden furniture and the slightly worn looking books, most of them probably first editions. Mycroft Holmes certainly didn't do things by half standards, and that included sending a car to whisk Greg away merely hours after returning from his holiday; his wife hadn't been happy about that of course, but when was she ever satisfied these days.

The DI wished he could say he was surprised to be contacted by the elder Holms brother so soon after his return , but there had been a niggling feeling in the back of his mind the whole time he'd been away that Sherlock and John would undoubtedly find themselves in trouble without him to aid them. Greg could only hope the bother they had found themselves in this time was easily fixed, although that was wishful thinking if Mycroft was getting involved.

After a few moments of waiting Mycroft finally decided to grace Greg with his presence. The DI always found himself standing a little straighter when the elder Holmes was around as he was very conscious of how Mycroft could read and perceive him; Greg knew he was a respectable professional and wanted to physically appear so.

Judging by the way Sherlock acted so snidely towards his brother, and John seemed very cautious of the mysterious man, not many people particularly liked or understood Mycroft Holmes. Greg, on the other hand, sympathised with his campaign to keep Sherlock safe as he too felt a certain parental responsibility sometimes towards the younger man. Mycroft did really care about his brother, Greg could tell, he just didn't have a completely orthodox way of showing it.

"Thank you for coming, Detective Inspector" Mycroft said as he indicated for Greg to take a seat before sitting himself.

"I didn't really have much choice" Greg mumbled as he made himself comfortable. "And if these meetings are going to become common occurrences then you should call me Greg."

"Of course, Gregory" Mycroft said, although without condescension, as he poured them a drink. Greg just huffed; he shouldn't be surprised by the man's 'properness'. "I know this seems a bit brash given the fact you just returned from holiday. I do hope it helped to aid the problems you and your wife are facing in your relationship. She is a rather fierce woman."

Greg was taken aback at the remark and frowned deeply; he didn't even want to think about why Mycroft thought that (knew that?). "She doesn't hit me if that's what you mean. Every married couple still has their differences but we want to make it work." He shook his head, not really sure why he was trying to defend the matter. "Anyway, you clearly didn't bring me here to discuss my relationship; I take it this is about Sherlock?"

"Yes, I'm afraid we would not ever meet if it were about anything other" Mycroft said quiet tiredly but with a hint of sadness as he took a sip of his drink.

"So what's he done this time?" Greg asked, preparing for the worst. "Blown up a hospital? Drugged his barber?"

Mycroft scoffed amusedly. "Does my brother look like he has a hair stylist?" he asked with a smirk and Greg shrugged with a slight chuckle. It was nice to see Mycroft smile for a change.

"No, it appears Sherlock and Doctor Watson have managed to infiltrate the labratoires at Baskerville." The elder Holmes explained in all seriousness.

"Baskerville?" Greg repeated with great confusion. "What the hell would they be doing there? I mean, you hear some stories but…I mean they are just stories?"

"My brother does not appear to think so" Mycroft stated. "He is using my identification card to get around the place and won't tell me what he's up to. He usually likes to brag….but he's kept this one very quiet."

"So you think he's in more danger than usual?" Greg asked.

"I can only assume so" Mycroft said and he looked distantly concerned for a moment; perhaps nobody else would notice, but Greg did. It seemed Sherlock had a similar hold over the both of them; he was a pain in the arse but damn did he cause worry.

"Do you want me to go down there and keep an eye on him?" Greg offered, although he suspected that was the purpose for Mycroft of brining him down here so quickly; the elder Holmes was in need of an inside man.

"If you would, I would be most grateful." Mycroft said. Greg took that is quite an admiration; he didn't think Mycroft gave his gratitude to many people. "I can have you leave within the hour."

"Alright then" Greg said with a firm nod.

He could still sense the elder Holmes' anxiousness; if there was one thing Greg could probably read better than either Holmes it was people's emotions. Being a detective most of his life, he was pretty good at telling the good ones from the bad ones and the liars from the trustworthy. Mycroft was trustworthy, and although it seemed quite well hidden sometimes he was also a good man; a big brother worried for his younger sibling.

"You shouldn't be ashamed of expressing concern" Greg spoke up and Mycroft looked at him with slightly raised eyebrows. "Feeling is what makes us human and not machines; it's not a weakness."

Mycroft sighed slightly. "Although I do appreciate the attempt of reassurance, Gregory, I am very strong in my belief that caring is not an advantage."

"What makes you say that?" Greg questioned.

"Well…" Mycroft started but then hesitated for a moment. He seemed surprised at himself for how he was just about to blurt out the DI something he'd probably not told anybody before. Clearly Greg had given off the right impression of trust.

"Come on, I promise I won't tell Sherlock; I won't tell anyone" the DI encouraged.

Mycroft looked down at his drink rather intensely but began to speak none the less. "Having Sherlock as a younger brother can become quite weary sometimes as I'm sure you can imagine. I have spent my life in constant worry that every day could be his last and I wouldn't have been there to stop it from happening. It drains me, the fact that he will not listen, and so therefore caring is very disadvantageous. "

Greg considered this for a moment and knew he should choose his next words carefully. "Okay, well I certainly agree that even as a supposedly grown man Sherlock can be a bit of a handful, but you two are family and you should want to protect your younger brother; it's a natural instinct, you don't have to try and hide it. You don't have to say it out loud if that's not the way you and Sherlock are but you can still express it in your own way. Don't ever feel ashamed or weak for loving you brother, Myc." The name just slipped out at the end but he was not corrected.

Mycroft -clearly perturbed by being spoken to so forwardly - got up and shoved his hands in his pockets before pacing around the room a little. He suddenly paused and turned to look at Greg with his serious expression back in place.

"There is only one man in the world who calls me the Iceman. I'm sure others think it but Moriarty…he brands me with it… I did not ever wish for Sherlock to think the same of me. He would never willing seek my help. However, I suppose it is safer for him to keep distance from me."

"I don't think that's true at all." Greg said confidently. "You are a good man, Mycroft, and I think you struggle to see that yourself sometimes. And I know Sherlock considers more highly of you than you think; I just know" he added when Mycroft opened his mouth in protest. "Caring may not be an advantage, but what happens when you're the one who stops being cared for?" Mycroft looked almost startled by the question. "Don't distance yourself from Sherlock or you'll regret it. I won't let that happen to either of you."

Greg could see the cogs twisting in Mycroft's mind after that and he didn't speak for a good five minutes. He kept looking at Greg, but the DI found he did not feel anywhere near as intimidated by the man's looks as he had when the conversation started.

"Thank you, Gregory" Mycroft said with great sincerity.

Greg gave him a small smile. "Don't mention it. Now, I suppose I better go and re-pack…"