"You're not serious, Mycroft," Sherlock said.
Mycroft stared out of the window of the flat with his hands clasped behind his back. "I am serious."
John raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I can't imagine you as a father."
"Neither can I. She doesn't seem aware of it, but I am. She barely eats and she's just different," Mycroft replied.
"So, how are you two going to deal with this? You can't work and you have a baby on the way," John said.
"She doesn't know that she's carrying a child. I'll have to take her to a doctor-"
Sherlock grimaced. "You never needed second opinions. Why take her to a-"
"I can't bear to tell her myself. She'll let me know soon enough. A woman always knows. It's like instinct."
John leaned back in his chair, sighing deeply. "So, how will you work it out?"
Mycroft paused before answering. "I'll have to find a position that allows me to work from the house. I'll find something, that's not the problem."
"What's the problem, then?" John asked, confused.
The older Holmes brother gave out a shaky breath as he held his chin up. "I just...I'm not ready to be a father."
Sherlock raised his eyebrows. "So, you don't want to be a father?"
"I said I'm not ready! I'm hardly a good husband, how can I be a good father?"
John folded his arms. "You need to talk to her. That's how this works, Mycroft."
"Well, if you haven't noticed she can't quite do that anymore!"
John and Sherlock exchanged glances as Mycroft lowered his eyes. He gripped his umbrella's handle and gave a sharp exhale. Sherlock gave in and approached his brother. "Mycroft, go home. You said you'd be there for me, well, now I'm here for you. Baker street is open to you both."
Mycroft looked at Sherlock, almost as if to make sure he was being sincere. He nodded and silently thanked him. They all jumped when they heard a small knock. "Claire's ready to go."
Lestrade stared at Mycroft as he adjusted his jacket, clearing his throat. "Thank you. I'll be right down."
They said goodbye to his parents as they finished their dinner. Mrs. Holmes insisted that they stay, but Mycroft felt that they should head home.
"I'll call in a day or two," he assured his mother.
She kissed his cheek and he sighed. Mycroft took Claire's hand as they stepped outside towards the car. Once they were inside the car, he glanced over at her and gave a small sigh.
"How does a movie sound?"
She nodded and gave him a smile. He smiled back and started the car. Lestrade waved them off and watched them drive off. Once they were out of his sight, he lowered his hand and sighed.