July 13th, 2005
Mycroft's POV
After he leaves his brother, he heads to his room, certain from Sherlock's reaction that he has misspoke in some manner. His brother hadn't said as much, but it is there in the way the younger man went still, even his breathing had slowed to the point where he could barely see Sherlock's chest moving. What did he say wrong? When did his brother go still? His mind quickly replays the short visit. It was following his statement regarding vacation and wishing to solve their difficulties.

Ah. his wording bothered his brother. How was he supposed to word it? Is he approaching this from the wrong angle? Communication with Sherlock is difficult because he is never sure how to speak with him. He makes his living using the ability read, speak, and manipulate people. That's the primary focus of his career. Yet he can't even manage to tell his younger brother he is taking a vacation and wants to solve some of their differences without it going wrong.

When he reaches is room, he's mildly surprised to see Pike leaning against the door frame fiddling with his glasses, an air of dangerous boredom surrounding the younger man.

"What do you want?" he asks, too tired to beat around the bush.

Slowly, almost like a cat measuring prey to pounce on, the younger man straightens up, hazel eyes meeting his, a predatory smile curving his lips.

"That's really rather simple. You need to act like a brother and not a politician." Pike replies condescendingly, "I realize that the concept is probably hard for you to wrap your oversized head around, but I don't really have the patience to explain it to you right now. Some reason I think you never were a good brother, but as you were the only one he had around, he thought you hung the moon. I've seen that plenty of times."

His eyes narrow on the agent as he thinks about what is being said, wanting to deny it but moderately certain the younger man is right. He does not appreciate the implication. Not one bit.

"If you need some examples of good siblings, I can direct you to several of my contacts," Jasper offers, tone switching from the harder tones of Pike, to the softer tones he's come to associate with his cousin off the clock.

For nearly a minute they just watch each other, both assessing and judging. He's moderately certain he is not being found in a favorable light. Not with the way the agent's eyes narrow before he nods curtly and walks away without saying thing else. He's now had both spies remark on his failed relationship with his brother. Neither of which are very approving for him.

Entering his room, he quickly scans the area, making sure neither spy left him a surprise then snorting at himself because he is fairly certain if they did, they wouldn't make it obvious and just a glance wouldn't spot it. Particularly Moriarty, he knows from reports that the Wildcard likes to be unpredictable with his attacks, often vicious, sometimes downright cruel.

He thinks about Jasper's words as he gets cleaned up to crawl in bed, thinks about Sherlock's reaction, thinks about John's advice, and comes to the decision that he doesn't actually have a clue as to go about fixing his relationship with his brother.

So how to go about doing something he doesn't have any idea how to do? It is apparent that research is called for. However he does not have a lot of time between now and Saturday. Glancing at his bed longingly, he debates about whether to miss his chance to nap or research. Of course, his thinking slows down when he gets to tired, which would not be useful for dealing with his brother or research. Well then: nap, work, research. Wait. He promised Sherlock a meal. So it will be: nap, meal, work, research. Perhaps he can have his PA gather some materials for him?

Only, when he lays down to take that nap, he finds himself staring at the ceiling in his room, wondering if he is even going to be able to succeed at this. Maybe he needs to change how he is thinking about it? So far he's been viewing it through the eyes of someone who often plays with words. Perhaps he should take a page from Sherlock's book and say nothing. How would they resolve their differences without speaking?

Well, how does Moriarty or Gray do it? Yes they use sign language, but that's not it. Yes and no questions, wait patiently for answers, reassuring with non-verbal cues such as nods and smiles, show active interest in his brother. Hmmmm. He can do all that. Some reason he's sure it's not going to be enough. Perhaps he should take Gray up on that offer, or speak with Doctor Watson to see if he has any suggestions for how they can build their relationship?

He could write Sherlock a letter, try to explain in a non-judgmental manner the answers to the questions given to Doctor Watson for him. How would he know if it's non-judgmental? He thought he was being non-judgmental earlier and he upset his brother again. Write the letter and have Gray check it? Surely the agent would be willing to inform him if he is being judgmental or not. Actually, he's sure both agents would be willing to. Something else to consider. His list of things to consider keeps growing it appears.

Closing his eyes, he tries to clear his mind, bring himself to balance and carefully sort through the information he has. If he can't sleep, he should meditate and form a plan for action. Mayhap he should sort through their formative years, see if there was any particular way he solved issues between them then? Of course, that's the last thing he thinks before he drifts off to sleep, wondering if he remembered to set an alarm.

There's a bit of an update to my updating schedule, it won't affect this story, but it affects the rest of them. Since reviews have dropped since I went on a regular schedule, I am going to switch back to updating as I get things done and have focus instead. However I also plan to try and complete each story, or as complete as I possibly can without feedback before I begin posting. Once I get the story ready, when it would have originally be updated on the schedule is when I will update it. I still won't be doing more than two stories any given day, disregarding tumblr prompts.

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