Authors Note: I'm so sorry for the delay in this! I had university commitments and then a show and it's been pretty hectic! But here it is, my version of a Christmas present to all you lovely readers, chapter 10!

Hope you all enjoy this and my next update will probably be after Christmas but not too long after!

When Monday morning came, John woke up with a smile. All he could think about was seeing Sherlock again. He'd totally forgotten about all the homework he had to do and what lessons he had. Sherlock was the only thing on his mind. He jumped out of bed and showered quickly before cramming all his books into one bag and rushing out the front door. He walked briskly to school, cold air stinging his face and making him shiver. When he got there, Sherlock was already waiting.

Sherlock had left home early so he didn't run the risk of bumping into his brother. He was still so angry. So furious that Mycroft could like someone like Greg, a bully.

Sherlock was shivering too as he stood outside of the front gates of Baker Street School. He was wrapped up in his coat, collar up and scarf wrapped round his neck but he still shivered. As he looked up he noticed John approaching, his nose pink from the cold. John was adorable. Sherlock walked up to him and grinned.

"Morning, John."
"M-m-morning, Sherlock." John replied, his teeth chattering.
"Cold, isn't it?" Sherlock chuckled lightly as he pulled off his scarf and placed it round John's neck.
"What.. what are you doing?" John looked up and sniffed in. The blue scarf was wonderful.. It smelt of cigarettes and Sherlock and it was so lovely and warm. John smiled.

"You're cold. Take my scarf." Sherlock grinned as they began to walk together towards school.
"Thanks." John replied and spotted a bench. He grabbed Sherlock's hand and pulled him over.

John sat down with a sigh and Sherlock furrowed his brows. He looked John over and deduced what he could; Nervous, worry, cold, yet still happy. Sherlock was confused.

"John, what's wrong? Something on your mind?"
John shook his head and smiled. "I'm fine.. I just... No, it's nothing."
"John." Sherlock moved closer and raised an eyebrow. "Come on, tell me."
"I.. It's.. Well.. what if I see Greg today? And Nathan and they.."

John actually looked scared and Sherlock leaned in to take him in his arms. John tried so hard to stay calm and collected. He furrowed his face away in Sherlock's neck and sniffed up again. He was terrified. Terrified that the group of boys would see him and Sherlock and he'd be beaten up worse than ever before. They'd attack him and they'd have a reason this time. They'd have proof he was gay. Or bisexual. Or whatever. John clenched Sherlock tight with fear.

"John.. " Sherlock said softly after a few minutes. "If it's them you're worried about then you have no need. No one is going to touch you anymore."
"But I'm bisexual and they have a reason now if they find out about you! They only had suspicions before!" John cried out against Sherlock's chest.
"What? Being bisexual is no good reason for anyone to beat you up at all. God, how can you even think it is?" Sherlock was shocked. How anyone could think that using someone's sexuality against them was a normal thing was a completely absurd idea.

John looked up. "But.. they think it is.." He rubbed his face and pulled away a little from Sherlock. "They're bullies.."
"I know, John. But, I know for a fact that Greg will never touch you again because if he did Mycroft would definitely have something to say. As for the others... I can't be certain what they will do but if they so much as come near you, I will hurt them. I will protect you John." Sherlock smiled warmly and placed his hand softly over John's.

John smiled back and finally felt a little better. Sherlock was almost like a hero in John's eyes. He leaned forwards for a kiss but hesitated as he started to hear other people arriving at school. He pulled back and frowned.

"Sorry, Sherlock.."
"It's fine." He replied. "I completely understand. Just remember what I said yesterday, yeah? When you want to come out I'll be here to support you. Until then, we can just kiss in private."

John giggled and nodded. "Thank you, you're... God, you're amazing." The bell went and John shot up. "I need to go now. But.. you're the best boyfriend ever. I'll see you at break." He smiled and waved before running off to class leaving Sherlock alone on the bench with the biggest grin on his face.

"Best boyfriend ever.." He muttered to himself quietly and his smile got bigger. For one thing, he couldn't believe John had called him his boyfriend. That made his heart flip and fireworks exploded in his mind. For once, his mind palace was in chaos as he tried to organise every thought of John. John the amazing, perfect boy Sherlock was starting to feel so strongly about. He couldn't wait for break just to see his face again.

Mycroft woke up and sighed. He'd hardly slept as he'd spent half the night trying to think of a way he could make Sherlock happy again. He'd hardly ever fallen out with Sherlock before. Sure they'd had tiffs and minor arguments when they were younger but never had they been angry with each other for more than a few hours. Every argument had always been resolved by Sherlock sneaking into Mycroft's room late at night and hugging his brother. Mycroft would hug him back and that would be it. But Sherlock hadn't come in last night. Mycroft was alone in his room. He walked out into the corridor yawning and discovered he was alone in the house. Sherlock's room was opposite Mycroft's and his door was open and his room empty. Mycroft sighed again. He showered quickly and got ready for school, where he really didn't want to go today. The only thing motivating him was seeing Gregory again. They had three classes together on Mondays and Mycroft smiled to himself as he imagined the glances they would share from across the room. Maybe he'd text Gregory and watch him smile at his phone.. His smiled was perfect. Smooth white teeth against tanned skin.

Mycroft shook his head and tried to focus on other things as he finally left the house and got into his car. He drove straight to school and as he arrived he spotted Sherlock alone on the bench, John running away. He furrowed his brows and locked the car to go over to his younger brother.

He sat on the opposite side and coughed. Sherlock was shaken from his thoughts. He turned to see the red-head and groaned.

"What the fuck do you want?" He asked.

"Language, Sherlock. I want to talk. Where is John?" Mycroft tried to stay as calm as he could.
"John's gone to his first lesson. Why?"
"Gregory wants to apologise. To both John and yourself. Please, meet us both here at break." Mycroft stared at his brother, pleading with his eyes.

Sherlock scoffed. "Tell me one good reason why I should? What good will one apology do? It won't heal John's cuts or bruises will it?"
Mycroft shook his head. "No it won't. But maybe, we can all be friends afterwards. Sherlock, we... We've never gone this long being angry at each other."

"That's because you've never been this much of dick before!" Sherlock exclaimed and stood up.

Mycroft stared up, there was something different about Sherlock. Something was missing.. He scanned his eyes over Sherlock and a frown pulled at his lips.

"Where's your scarf? The blue one? The one I—"
"The one you got me for my birthday? John has it. He was shivering." Sherlock interrupted.

Mycroft let out a sigh of relief. He given Sherlock that scarf for his tenth birthday and ever since then, Sherlock had never left home without it, even in the summer. He smiled at Sherlock's kindness and how he obviously must like John so much to give him his scarf.

"Mycroft.. I.." Sherlock sat back down. "I hate you right now but.. you're still my brother. I do love you but.. You must understand about Greg."
"I do. And that's why he wants to apologise." Mycroft said and reached out for Sherlock's hand. "Please, just say you'll come. Hear him out."

Sherlock hesitated before nodding. "I'm gonna be late. See ya later, Myc."
Mycroft smiled before heading towards his own lesson. The first lesson he'd ever been late for in his life. But Gregory would be waiting there and that made everything much better.

Sherlock arrived at his English class and scowled at everyone as he walked over to his seat after explaining some made up story to his teacher about why he was late. Of course the teacher didn't believe him but there was no point in arguing with Sherlock Holmes.
As he finally sat down in his seat, Sherlock immediately pulled out his phone and texted John.

Just seen Mycroft. Greg wants to apologise. Meet back at the bench at break? SH

He what? Sherlock.. I can't.. I'm scared.. John

I'll be there. And so will Mycroft. He won't touch you. I genuinely think he just wants to say sorry. SH

Okay.. You won't leave me alone with him will you? John

Of course not. I promise. SH xx

Okay, bench at break. See you there. John xx

Sherlock smiled and pocketed his phone. He looked up at whatever his teacher was trying to explain and sighed. He already knew all this. He decided to clean up his mind palace instead, start organising everything he had collected about John so far.

Mycroft ran to his lesson and burst through the door to many surprised faces. He explained why he was late, another made up excuse, but his teacher believed him and smiled at him as he made his way to his seat. Three seats away from Gregory who was blushing slightly. Mycroft smiled at him before sitting down and paying full attention to the lesson. As usual, it was stuff he already knew but paying attention is what everyone did in school, right? After a few minutes, he gave up being the good student and glanced sideways to see Gregory looking bored. He chuckled to himself. Gregory was obviously concentrating but nothing was keeping his attention. Mycroft pulled out his phone and typed out a text Greg, the first time he'd ever used the number he had acquired so many years ago.

You look bored. What's wrong? MH

What? Who's this? – G

It's Mycroft. Who else do you know with those initials? MH

Oh, right yeah. Hey Myc. How did you get my number? And shouldn't you be working?! – G

I acquired it, when I first liked you. And shouldn't you be working also? MH

Yeah, I guess I should but.. boring y'know? – G

Very boring. But you do look nice today. MH

Thanks Myc.. – G

You're blushing. MH

Stop looking at me and do your work! – G

I have arranged to meet Sherlock and John and break for you to apologise. MH

Oh.. thanks. Yeah, I dunno what to say really.. Thank you though. – G

You'll find the right words I'm sure. MH

Thanks, Myc. – G

No problem, Gregory. MH

Mycroft grinned as he stared at Greg's pink cheeks for a few more minutes before actually doing some work. He tried to concentrate hard but he still noticed Greg glancing his way every so often. It seemed that neither boy could keep their eyes off the other. And both of them had the same thoughts in their mind. They were both thinking back to the brief kiss they shared and when the next kiss would be, when their date would be and just exactly what Greg would say to John at break. Greg could apologise a million times but it would never make up for his behaviour. Still he had to try and hope that John and Sherlock could forgive him.

The next lesson went swiftly for the four boys. Mycroft and Greg were still glancing at each other across the room, blushing when they caught the other looking and giggling to themselves. No one had noticed, surprisingly and they arranged to make their own way to the bench as soon as the bell went. John and Sherlock however, had arranged to meet in the hallway between their two classes and walk together. John felt rather uneasy on his own and Sherlock somehow made him feel safe, even if the taller teen did nothing, he helped.

The bell went and all four suddenly felt nervous for the events that were about to happen. John rushed to find Sherlock and grinned when he saw the curly-headed boy in the hallway with a smile on his face. John still had the scarf on, he hadn't removed it all day despite what any teachers had told him. Even having a small part of Sherlock with him made John feel better. Sherlock felt a rush of warmth through his body as he noticed the scarf round John's neck. They made their way to the bench and sat down patiently waiting for the older teens to show.

Mycroft was the first to arrive, his punctuality impeccable. He sat down opposite Sherlock and nodded at John.

"Morning, John." He said with a smile.
"Morning.." John replied quietly. It was weird to see Mycroft looking so smart after seeing him at his house in jeans and a t-shirt, complete with a studded belt. He shifted slightly closer to Sherlock and swallowed as he noticed Greg approaching.

Greg was smoking and trying to calm his nerves but nothing seemed to help. He took his place beside Mycroft and silence fell on the table for a while. Finally Greg muttered two words.

"I'm sorry.."