Chapter 12

"Sherlock? Are you listening to me?"

I look up from my violin at Mycroft. He is looking at me with that cool stare of his. He had arrived over half an hour ago and had been droning on as I plucked away at my violin.

"Sherlock?" Mycroft repeats, and I roll my eyes. "You can not simply ignore me forever."

"Why not?"

He sighs but continues to keep his patience.

"I am deeply concerned for you at the moment," he says.

"Don't be."

"And I know what - or who - it is that has caused the sudden change in your behavior and habits."

I pause for a moment, fiddling with the violin's bridge and strings.

"How is Dr. Watson doing?" Mycroft asks.

I feel a flash of anger and I immediately regret it when Mycroft raises his eyebrows. Pleased with my somewhat expected reaction, nonetheless.

"I am aware, Sherlock," Mycroft says. "In fact, I'm quite certain almost everyone is aware of your relationship with your flatmate."

"Piss off."

"I am surprised you have become so... predictable."

"John is no longer with me at the moment," I narrow my eyes. "Has not been."

"Yes. Mary Morstan is a nice woman."

"What exactly is it you want?"

"That part is obvious. I'm simply checking to see if everything is alright after the most recent events."

"Lestrade called you. Why didn't you just send one of your irritating spies or government officials?"

"I had to check on you myself. Usually there would be someone here to attend to your needs."

"Either inform me of your reason being here or leave."

He pauses and then continues.

"I believe you are in grave danger."

"Exciting."

"Not once you understand exactly what kind of danger I am referring to."

"What are you referring to?"

"Emotional danger."

I sigh. Emotions… it was starting to become a burden more than a thrilling experience.

"I am not interested."

"Unfortunately, that is not for you to decide."

"Why is that?"

"It involves – as you may have deduced – John Watson."

"John Watson is not a part of my life anymore. He has absolutely nothing to do with me at all. Perhaps in the past; however, not now."

"Because he has been a part of your life before, he always will be."

"Why can't you and the government do something? If he is in danger, track down the assassin. But whatever is to happen after that, let he and Morstan be."
I could not help thinking: What to be if John were in danger? Would Mycroft go ahead and help him even without my asking? probably not. He has absolutely nothing to do with them though... especially since I no longer am involved with them.

"Did you truly believe leaving Dr. Watson and Ms. Mary Morstan alone would keep them safe?"

I look up. I do not care that he has caught my attention and ignore the look of pride on Mycroft's face for this accomplishment.

"There have been threats implied and targeted towards Watson. No doubt it has something to do with your relations with him."

"Sebastian Moran has been arrested..."

"...and James Moriarty is dead," Mycroft finishes. "Then who could be the culprit behind this now?"

I close my eyes and search through memories of faces and names. Most previous encounterments with people I would consider an enemy is now either deceased, arrested, or simply gone.

Still, it could be anybody.

"What am I supposed to do?"

"Do whatever you believe is necessary."

"I want to see him," I say, my voice coming out in a sort of whisper.

"What exactly do yo mean by that? You must know that specification is a significant thing to -"

"I want to see John Watson again," I say clearly. "I want him here. With me."

Safe.

"And Morstan?"

"Here as well," I say reluctantly. She simply would not go away if anyone asked her to. It should annoy me... however I was beginning to feel a faltering acceptance towards her. No matter what, she continues to fight her way for John. With her previous spouse, she had been completely dedicated. It was obvious she was not going to simply let go like that.

"How long?" I ask.

"How long... what?"

"Until they must come here!" I snap impatiently.

"Not necessarily long. Perhaps... tonight."

Tonight. I am to see John Watson tonight. In less than two hours.

I do not attempt to hide my relief at this thought. The part of me insists that I continue the process of moving on. I have already made much progress. Although that other small part that I usually ignore... it continues to give me a sort of hope.

"Before I go," Mycroft says, "I have heard also of your... encounter with Sebastian Moran."

"What does it matter?"

"You were unusual with him, from what I have heard. He was extremely upset after you left. I was surprised they were able to stop him from murdering anymore people."

"He deserved it," I mutter.

"Playing hero again, brother?" Mycroft sneers.

"Must I go over this again?"

"You mustn't deny it any longer. Remember when you were younger, and you wanted to be a superhero? Apart from the pirate, that is."

"You may leave."

Mycroft turns towards the door.

"No matter what you decide to accept, your talents and mind will always reflect on how you are remembered," he says over his shoulder. "What matters is that you must decide how you use them to reflect on who you are."

"Yes, goodbye."

I listen as the door opens and then closes. For a moment I panic at the thought of John being here again. How long has it been since I have seen him? And what would happen when I do?

Would I feel overwhelmed by his presence? After being alone in the flat for so long, it is a possibility.

The only way to know for sure is to see what happens next.