Chapter Six: Broken Wing
DISCLAIMER: NONE OF THE CHARACTERS ARE MINE. OR THE LYRICS AT THE BOTTOM
As soon as Sherlock's eyes open, he spins around.
"Mycroft!"
It has been five years since he's willingly spoken to his older brother. It is both relieving and agitating to see him.
"Sherlock? Where's John?"
Sherlock watches Mycroft's eyes travel over Sherlock's room. It is even more chaotic than usual, reflecting his state of being.
"Have you had any dreams of him?" Sherlock demands, not answering the question.
If Mycroft has not…Sherlock just barely restrains from shuddering. Mycroft tenses, eyes widening just a little.
"No, I have not. Why do you ask?" he inquires smoothly, hiding the worry. Sherlock turns away, fighting back anguish.
"John has not featured in my dreams for precisely eleven nights," he admits hoarsely.
His John…bright-eyed, loyal John…who would never miss a night with Sherlock if he had his way. Sherlock turns around in time to see Mycroft whiten. Slowly, his brother says,
"The only explanation would be coma, or…" Sherlock shoves blindly.
"John. Is. Not. DEAD!" he bellows. Mycroft stumbles, looking pained.
"Sherlock," he croaks. Sherlock shudders.
No.
No.
Feeling grief and rage wage within him, Sherlock lashes out, again and again.
"BROTHER!" Mycroft finally shouts, pinning him to the floor.
"He's not, he's not, he's not," Sherlock struggles weakly. He lets out a low wail.
John! His brother, his twin!
"Sherlock," Mycroft gasps roughly, eyes too bright.
"Sherlock." He crumples. Mycroft doesn't get up, just continues to repeat his name. Sometimes John's name slips in along with it.
Eventually, Sherlock recoils. Ice settles in his blood. Mycroft stands slowly, looking older than he is.
Sherlock is empty.
"Sherlock," Mycroft pushes. Sherlock pulls a mask over, hiding his sorrow and fury. He regards Mycroft blankly.
"I am fine. I apologize," he says flatly.
Sherlock can feel Mycroft's eyes on him as the dream dissolves.
The mask stays, even in the world wide awake.
"Please don't go just yet. Can you stay a moment, please? We can dance together, we can dance forever, under your stars tonight. We'll live and breathe this dream."
A/N: So, so sorry for the delay. For those who are still reading this-Thank you so very much for sticking with this. I appreciate the dedication. I hope my writing continues to meet your standards. To those who've given up on me ever updating, you won't be reading this, but I'm sorry I couldn't update sooner. A lot of crap has gone on, and I'm certain you don't want a list, but let's just say…Well, I can think of anything to say to explain it. *shakes head* It's better now, so I should be updating quicker. And, it's summer! =D
