Mycroft stared at his reflection, taking in the pale face and over bright eyes. He had been struggling with keeping his thoughts and emotions under control. Especially after his lunch with Sherlock, John, and Greg last week. He hadn't known that his ex had been a guest teacher at the University, nor had he known that he was one of Sherlock's professor's. Not until he'd gone with Greg to speak to him about what happened during class.

"Well now, it is good to see you again, Mycroft. Have you missed me? I've missed you, did you know William is one of my students? Imagine my surprise to find the baby brother of my ex betrothed in my class!"

Stomach fluttering in nervous fear, Mycroft had straightened at the look of surprise from Greg. Ignoring the questions, he'd asked about what happened concerning his brother. Had known he would be lied to, and had promptly left as quickly as possible. Shaking his head, Mycroft let out a soft breath. He was supposed to meet Sherlock for their weekly lunch in an hour but didn't want to leave the flat. The fear of running into his ex...

Mycroft jumped, thoughts breaking off, as a knock sounded at the door. Turning, he glanced down the hallway before slowly walking out of the bathroom. He was pretty sure it wasn't John or Greg, both had class this hour, as did Sherlock. "Who could that be?" Nerves lighting in warning, Mycroft slowly made his way to the living room door. When the knocks sounded again, this time more urgently, he was certain it was someone he didn't want to see. "It can not be him, the University..."

"Mycroft are you here? I wish to see you my dear, sweet boy."

Letting out a soft breath of worry, Mycroft looked around the living room. His cell was in the bedroom on the bed, if he took the time to go back and get it...

"Come now my sweet boy, let me in so we can talk, yes? I wish to apologize for my behavior all those years ago. I truly do miss you precious one, more than you can realize."

Shivering in fear, Mycroft backed up towards his bedroom. He knew there was no way he could be harmed...not here..not where he was supposed to be safe. There was no way...

Letting out a soft gasp of surprise, Mycroft jumped as the knocks became harder, more insistent. Glancing behind him, he started as his phone rang. He let out a soft breath of relief as he recognized the ringtone. "Gregory." He said softly, a frown of worry curving his lips down. Opening his bedroom door, Mycroft picked up the phone and answered in a breathless rush. "Gregory, I-I need your assistance if, umm, if you are not to busy."

"Myc what's wrong, you sound scared?"

Taking a deep breath, Mycroft glanced down the hallway towards the living room. "My ex...he, I-I do not know how he found me but please..." He broke off with a sound of surprise as the door slammed open and his ex walked inside. "Gregory, please..."

"Find a safe place to hide, I'm on my way. If he is in the flat don't do anything to attract attention to yourself. Make sure you hide some place safe and where he will not think to look for you. I'll call John and have him keep an eye on Sherlock. For now turn your phone on vibrate and wait for me to call you back. Don't worry I'll be there in a few."

"Please, make sure Sherlock does not come back to the flat, he will be harmed if seen." Mycroft whispered as he glanced around the edge of his bedroom door. He watched as the graying man in the living room looked around. He didn't want to involve Greg but he had discovered that he enjoyed having the other around. The protective nature Greg displayed when ever Mycroft was having a bad day appealed to him. The others immediate desire to protect him never failed to make his heart race and stomach flutter. "You will make sure John will keep Sherlock occupied?"

"Don't worry about it, right now get somewhere safe, I'll be there in a few."

After disconnecting the call, Mycroft slowly left his room and moved down the hall towards Sherlock's empty room. He kept his gaze on the man in the living room, listening to the soft mutters of dissatisfaction or soft whispers of pleasure. Once at his brother's room, Mycroft eased the door open, grateful it made no sound. Once inside, he closed the door and let out a soft breath. Glancing around, he headed towards the closet, hesitating as he reached for the knob. Stepping back, Mycroft glanced over at the door leading to Sherlock's balcony. Would he be safer there instead of the closet? There was no way his ex would be able to check the bedrooms before Greg's arrival, was there?

"Mycroft, I know you are here, I heard your phone. Tell me where you are sweet, I only wish to speak with you. Did you get a chance to speak with William? He was not in class today, I wonder where he could have been?"

Pausing, Mycroft glanced back at the door. Where could Sherlock have gone if he hadn't gone to class? Unlocking his phone, Mycroft sent a text to Greg asking about Sherlock's where abouts. Turning towards the window, Mycroft decided the balcony would be better than the closet. He would wait there to hear from Greg.

Running across campus, Greg dialed John's number and waited for him to pick up. He didn't like the way Mycroft had sounded, the usually confident tone had been full of fear and something else. Something Greg couldn't put his finger on, something he was sure he never wanted to hear again..

"Hi Greg, everything alright?"

"Not really sure mate, I called Mycroft for lunch and he sounded..."

"Lestrade, has something happened to my brother?"

Greg paused in surprise to hear Sherlock's voice. "I don't know right off, Sherlock. He said something about his ex, who he just found out is your professor? But he sounded as if he were scared, so I'm headed to the flat now. You and John need to stay away until you hear from one of us." Greg rounded the corner of the student building and paused. Across the street were where the student flats had been rebuilt. It was an old gated apartment community that offered security as well as privacy for those who could afford it. And Mycroft and Sherlock could definitely afford it. "I'm going up to check on things now, make sure you keep your asses out of trouble until then."

"I will not sit on the side while Mycroft is in danger. You do not know this man Lestrade. His family is powerful and after he tried to...h-he hurt Mycroft and swore vengeance after the betrothal was broken."

"Well, give me a crash course in whom I'm dealing with then. I can see a car with royal flags out front, as well as a secondary set with the seal for the House of Lords?" Greg frowned as he eased past the security gate. "How did he get the pass code for the gate?"

"Mycroft would never leave it unlocked nor give the number out to just anyone."

Greg frowned as he opened the foyer door. "There isn't anyone at the desk either. Just how dangerous is this professor of yours, Sherlock?" Looking around the empty space, Greg headed towards the stairs. "Does he have the power to clear an entire apartment building?"

"His family has been close to the Royal Family for centuries. Siggerson felt it would have been an advantageous match despite his abuse of Mycroft. Neither Mycroft or myself believed the same. After...after, the accident, Siggerson wished to continue the betrothal, Mycroft refused and returned to University. He was supposed to have been resting but said he was better off here."

"Yeah, well, I don't rightly agree now. Look, either way, you and John stay clear of the flat until you hear from one of us." Greg heard the angry sound from Sherlock, listened as John tried to keep him calm. "Sherlock, your brother has enough to worry about without worrying if you're going to be harmed by this man. So do us a favor and just stay with John, yeah?" At the grudging acquiescence Greg sighed. He was pretty sure Sherlock and John were headed to the flat now so he knew he needed to find Mycroft and fast. "Listen, if you come here stay outside, if not for me then for your brother. He was scared Sherlock and not just for himself."

"Don't worry Greg, I'll keep Sherlock out of trouble. Let us know what you find, yeah? You know Sherlock will only wait so long."

Greg chuckled as he climbed the stairs to the fifth floor. "I know, I'm headed up to the flat now. I'll let you know what I find." Greg disconnected the call as he opened the door leading out to the hallway. He dialed Mycroft's number and waited for him to pick up.

Looking to his right then left, Greg slowly walked out of the stairwell, nerves tingling in warning. He started in surprise when Mycroft's voice sounded in his ear. "Myc?"

"Gregory, he is in the flat, he was...he was in the living room but is now in my room."

Greg felt his stomach churn in rage as he quietly made his way down the hall. Keeping his voice low, Greg glanced behind him before stopping in front of the flat door. "I'm outside in the hall, Sherlock and John may show up in a few minutes so we need to get him out of here and away from you, immediately. Where are you now?"

"I am on Sherlock's balcony. How do we get him to leave without..."

"You leave that to me. Once he's back in the front you get back inside and stay put until I come get you or call, understand?"

"Yes, Gregory...thank you."

Greg grinned at the soft voice, his heart giving an extra beat at the easy acceptance. "I'm going to knock then let myself in, again, remain where you are until you hear from me." Disconnecting the call, Greg took a deep breath before lifting his hand and knocking as hard and as loud as possible. He listened for any sounds of movement before unlocking the door, turning the knob, and pushing it open. "Hello, is anybody home?!" Looking around the living room, Greg closed the door before turning at the sound of a voice.

"And whom might you be looking for?"

Greg looked at the tall, graying man in front of him. "Professor, I'm sorry I was looking for Mycroft and Sherlock? I, uh, I wasn't aware you knew them outside of classes?"

"Yes, well, I am intimately acquainted with the family. You came to see me with Mycroft the other day concerning William, or do you call him...Sherlock? Interesting he would prefer to go by his middle name than his first."

Greg frowned at the mumbling man, slowly walking to his right. He had to get him out of the apartment and outside before Sherlock and John arrived. "Not to sure but since they're not here we may as well go. I'll phone them once I get out of class." He didn't miss the hard, angry glare leveled on him. Straightening to his full height, Greg held the cold, angry blue gaze. He refused to be cowed by this man who both Mycroft and Sherlock feared. "Is there a problem, Professor?"

"My name, is Lord Abraham James, Marquess of Sussex. Who are you to suggest that we leave together?"

Greg felt his temper spark at the condescending tone. Eyes narrowing in warning, he stepped forward. "One, you are a Professor here at the University, it is unethical for you to be here alone. Two, if you are who you say then it would be against the law to be caught breaking and entering." Lifting his hand, Greg let Mycroft's spare key dangle from his fingers. "I, however, have been given the means without issue." Greg grinned, his smile predatory as he followed Abraham. "Now, shall we be leaving or..." Greg let the sentence drift off, watching as the other man let out an angry huff.

"It would seem I will simply have to wait until a more appropriate time. If you will excuse me, I see who has been given permission to be here."

Greg watched as Abraham picked up his coat and turned to the door. "Is there a message you would like to leave?" When Abraham ignored him and left the flat, Greg let out an angry sound of displeasure. "Most unpleasing bloke I've ever met." Heading over to the door, Greg locked it then turned towards the hallway leading to the bedrooms. Pulling out his phone he sent a text to John then dialed Mycroft's number.

"He's gone now, come back in Myc, I'm waiting in the living room." Greg listened to Mycroft's answer before hanging up and waiting in silence. He looked around the open setting, a smile curving his lips at the décor. "We both know it was your doing, the flat looking like this. Sherlock couldn't be bothered to take the time for something so mundane." He turned to the wide eyed, flushed man behind him. Studying Mycroft silently, Greg frowned. "He really scares you, what did he do, Myc? How do I make sure he doesn't harm either of you again?"

Mycroft held the dark gaze, trying to catch his breath as he forced himself to calm down. He wanted to tell Greg what happened, to unburden himself of the fears that plagued him at night. "H-he is not as good of a man as he would have others believe." Clearing his throat, Mycroft was surprised at how husky his voice was. Shaking his head, he turned and walked over to the kitchen. "His family is close to the Queen. Having ties that Siggerson covets he thought a match between the families was an excellent idea. Until Sherlock and I found out just how Abraham truly is."

"Did he hurt you or Sherlock?" Greg watched as Mycroft poured two drinks, surprised to find him drinking so early in the day. "If he has hurt either of you I need to know Myc. John and I can't do anything if..." Greg broke off as the sound of Sherlock shouting interrupted him. "Your brother is here."

"Mycroft?!"

Mycroft looked up at the sound of Sherlock's worried voice. "I am alright, Sherlock, Gregory had Abraham leave."

Sherlock looked around the flat, a frown curving his lips down. "He did not..."

"No, do not worry over such a thing. Gregory made sure he left before he could do anything." Mycroft took a sip from the tumbler in front of him. He let the burn of the alcohol wash through him, forcing himself to push back his initial fear in front of his brother. "In class today..."

"He was not there, if I had known he would be here I would have had John meet me here." Sherlock moved around the living room, examining everything he could. "He went through our photos and..." Sherlock paused as he stopped in front of one of the frames. "He took one of the family photo's." Frowning, Sherlock studied the empty frame. "It was my acceptance photo, the one with..."

"You and I." Mycroft finished his drink then poured another. "It would seem that he has been released back into society. I am surprised we were not informed." Voice soft, Mycroft took a deep breath before he tossed back his second drink. He could feel the dark, questioning gaze on him, knew there were a number of questions that needed to be answered. Looking up, Mycroft felt his stomach clench as he held Greg's gaze. "What is it you wish to know?"

Greg studied both Mycroft and Sherlock. As much as they seemed different, they were very much alike. "We can talk about it later. How about we order something, yeah? If we're going to be drinking, we might as well enjoy a good meal too."

"Sounds like a good idea. We, uh, we didn't have any plans so relaxing in will be fun." John looked between the two brothers, curious about the matching expressions on their faces. Letting out a soft breath, he reached for Sherlock, giving him a small smile. "Are you alright, you two look as if you've seen the devil." John looked up at the wide eyed, pale face, his heart giving an extra beat at Sherlock's fragile expression. "Sherlock, what is it?"

"Abraham tried to have Sherlock committed after he tried to..." Mycroft looked up at his brother's pale face. "He attempted to kidnap me and force me to marry him. He drugged us both, I woke up in his chateau in France and Sherlock..."

"I woke up in an asylum for the mentally insane." Voice soft Sherlock held his brothers gaze. The fear and abandonment he'd felt threatened to wash over him again, drowning him in the intensity of his past fears and emotions. Sherlock slowly sat down. "He hurt Mycroft and no one would believe me. I tried to tell our parents but Siggerson..."

"Abraham convinced Siggerson that Sherlock was jealous." Mycroft cut his brother off, watching as his lips trembled and eyes filled with tears. "Sherlock was fifteen at the time, Abraham..." Mycroft broke off as the memories rushed back. "Abraham preferred younger...men and when I refused he turned his attentions to my brother." Sucking in a harsh breath, Mycroft picked up his drink. "Siggerson did not object and despite my warnings, he pushed for it until..." Hands shaking Mycroft set his glass down, staring into the amber liquid. "Until he attacked Sherlock after his release. I would accept anything I had to in order to protect my brother. Had given up everything to keep Abraham away from Sherlock..."

"And still he went after him?" John looked between the brothers, understanding at Mycroft's over protectiveness now making sense. Looking closer at Mycroft, John frowned, brow furrowing in concentration. "Exactly, how long were you in the asylum, Sherlock?"

Sherlock looked up at John, eyes wide and haunted. "Six and a half months."

Letting out a soft sound of anger, John moved closer to Sherlock. "How in the hell was it explained to your parents? Six and a half months? My mum would have New Scotland Yard out looking for us if we had been missing that long." At the silence of both brothers, John looked over at Greg, his frown deepening.

"Unless you were already staying with him at the time." Greg watched Mycroft closely. He noticed the trembling hands and pale face. "Your parents pushed for the betrothal, knowing one of the stipulations in a traditional betrothal..."

"Was to allow the couple some time alone at a place of their choosing." John shook his head, aware of the traditions most families of the peerage followed. "Your parents believed this man would not harm you?"

"I was not supposed to have been there but Mycroft..." Sherlock looked from John to his brother then back. "He is my older brother, I have spent most of my life knowing nothing other than what it was like to have him in my life. To suddenly have him...taken, from me..." Taking a calming breath, Sherlock looked up at John, holding the blue gaze. "He was all I had and to a youth who knows no other affection..."

"I understand, I probably would have done the same thing if it were Harry." John sighed as he sat down next to Sherlock. "So, because you followed Mycroft this...Abraham person had you committed?"

"It was...he-he did not enjoy the idea of his plans having to be altered. I preferred the company of my brother to that of Abraham's." Mycroft answered softly. He was aware of the dark haired man standing silently next to him. "I was, uncomfortable, with any form of contact other than an occasional hug from anyone other than family. To have Sherlock there helped but it did not deter Abraham from trying to..." Shaking his head, Mycroft let out a shaky breath. "Sherlock found me...after he...I-I did not wish for him to force himself on my brother, so I did as Siggerson instructed."

Greg frowned at the soft voice, the story being told by the brothers was making his blood boil and stomach churn. "How did your parents justify such behavior? To have their youngest committed while raping the oldest? What was the justification for his actions?"

"The match between the families was beneficial for both parties, meaning Abraham's evil and twisted behavior was kept hidden while our family rose in prominence." Sherlock looked at his hands, clenched tight in his lap as he forced himself to remain still. "Siggerson did not believe us at first, not until mummy showed him the paperwork but by then..." Glancing up at his brother, Sherlock sighed. "I could not protect Mycroft from harm so I try to do so now. I am not entirely successful, however I do make the effort. He is the only person in my life to care for me unconditionally."

Mycroft kept his gaze focused on the glass in front of him, heart racing at the heat of the body next to him. "He has tried to harm Sherlock more than once. We thought we were finally free of him when his family had him committed after..." Mycroft broke off, finishing the rest of his drink he poured another shot then finished it in quick succession.

Greg studied the tall, silent ginger next to him. "After he forced you his family had him committed." Voice soft, Greg watched as a pale hand trembled, clenched tightly around his tumbler. "He tried to force Sherlock into silence didn't he?" When Mycroft nodded, Greg let out a harsh breath. "Well then, we will simply make sure things get fixed properly. I take it the school isn't aware of the history between you three?"

"No, it was not my desire to bring unwanted attention to either myself or Sherlock." Mycroft looked up at Greg, holding the dark, worried gaze. "It is not something I am very proud of and with Sherlock having just been accepted..."

"We won't bring any attention to either of you but I am not letting Sherlock stay in that class without one of us with him."

Mycroft turned to the blond sitting next to his younger brother. He would admit to a moment of adoration for Abraham. Until he'd first hit him, then Mycroft had begun to wonder. Was it him or was it something else? Did Abraham truly care or...

"It is no longer an issue, Mycroft. Lestrade and John will both make sure nothing happens to us."

Blinking, Mycroft was surprised to find Sherlock standing directly in front of him. "Sherlock?"

"He can no longer harm us, not here. We have worked to hard to go back to where we once were. If we allow him to get in our heads again..."

Shaking his head, Mycroft frowned. "No, I...i-it is not that, I simply wish you did not have to be subject to any of this." Stepping back from the counter, Mycroft gave Sherlock a shaky smile. "Our guests are hungry, it is rude of us not to provide something to eat." At his brother's small nod, Mycroft let out a soft breath. "Come, let us find the nearest restaurant that delivers and figure out what to eat." At the agreeing nod, Mycroft gave Sherlock a small smile. He'd promised himself a long time ago to never let anyone harm Sherlock...he never thought the one he would have to protect his brother from, would be himself.