"What have you done?! Why is he not moving?!"

"He simply wouldn't listen! I told him what I wanted, how my wish was to join our houses. When I tried to kiss him..."

"Liar, you tried to force yourself on Mycroft! When he refused, you hurt him and are now trying to cover it up!"

"You nosy little brat! If he hadn't refused none of this would have happened!"

"No one cares about that, the immediate concern right now is Mycroft?! Mycroft wake up?! Can you hear me, I need you to open your eyes, give me a sign that you hear me?! William go find your father, hurry before we lose your brother!"

Sherlock stared at the book in front of him, the words blurring as the memories replayed in his mind. The recital had been a week ago. Sherlock, riding the high of his success, had enjoyed the attention and adoration from everyone around him. Until someone from the past had shown up as a guest speaker for one of his classes. The man was much older but he still had the same predatory look as before. Once he'd recognized Sherlock, he'd tried his best to embarrass him. Thankfully, there were those in class who had felt differently about the small attacks against Sherlock.

Shaking his head, Sherlock refocused his attention back on the pages in front of him. He had a chemistry final in a few hours and wanted to make sure he was well prepared. After about an hour of studying, Sherlock became aware of someone sitting silently across from him. Looking up he was surprised to find a smiling John Watson watching him. "John?" Sherlock could feel his face heating as John continued to stare at him, making his stomach flutter in nervous anticipation. "Forgive me, I was not..."

"It's fine, Sherlock. I had some studying to do as well and I didn't wish to disturb you." John kept his voice low, aware that they were sitting in the far back of the library. "What, uh, what are you studying? You were pretty focused when I first sat down." Reaching forward, John slowly turned the open book towards him. Glancing down, John frowned. "You're smarter than the professor, Sherlock, why do you need to study for chemistry?" John noticed the way Sherlock avoided his gaze, his fingers drumming against the table in agitation. "Sherlock, what's going on?"

Sighing, Sherlock tried to decide whether telling John what happened would do more harm than good. Looking up at the worried man across from him, he shook his head. "I've not been focused on class lately and I fell behind a few lessons. I merely wished to refresh my memory on what was discussed."

John studied Sherlock closely, taking in the small frown and tightness around his eyes. "You're lying, either the professor did or said something offensive or he allowed the other students to do so." When Sherlock's gaze remained fixed on the table, John knew what the answer was. "I will take care of it, don't worry, yeah? Right now, how about you tell me about your plans for the holidays. Are you and Mycroft going home?"

Shaking his head, Sherlock was aware of John's attempt to change the subject. Welcomed it more than the thoughts swirling through his head. "No, Siggerson and mummy are out of the country for the holidays." Forcing his voice to remain nonchalant, Sherlock glanced up at John. "They prefer to...travel when it comes to celebrating."

John shook his head. "That won't do mate, how about you two come spend it with Greg and myself? I was going home but me mum and da had to leave. Seems my grandmother broke her hip, so they're going to take care of her. Greg was going home but his last final won't be until late so his family is going to meet him in London. Come on Sherlock, what else do you and Mycroft have going on?"

Sherlock studied the earnest expression, watched as a smile curved John's lips and wondered the same thing. "I would...if Mycroft does not object..."

"Object to what or whom?"

Looking up, Sherlock started in surprise to find Greg standing beside the table. "John was asking about the holidays and what plans I had with Mycroft."

"Oi, I was going to ask the same thing! John here is going to stay with me and my family for a few days. You and Mycroft should come by for Christmas dinner. My mum would love the extra company and you two would get to eat and relax."

Sherlock looked between the two men, thoughts whirling through his head. If he agreed to the offer, there was no guarantee Mycroft would be pleased but if he did not... "Would I be able to speak with Mycroft first? I do not know..."

"Well, well, well if it isn't the professor's favorite dumping post! How are you doing today, Mr. Know-it-all, feel better after getting not only yourself but five others detention?!"

Turning, Sherlock scowled at the laughing face of Sebastian Moran, forcing himself to remain calm and aloof. "Compared to the extra homework he assigned you and your friends, I would say I got off lucky." At the look of anger that crossed the others face, Sherlock turned back to John and Greg. At their questioning looks, Sherlock sighed. "A few of the other students disapproved of how the professor was...singling me out and spoke up on my behalf."

John stood up, angry gaze on Sebastian as he rounded the table. "Leave, now and we will act as if you did not have a hand in what happened to Sherlock." When Sebastian hesitated, John's gaze hardened. "Leave, Sebastian, do not make me say it again."

"You won't always be around to protect him, Johnny boy."

"Well if there is ever a time he is unable to do so there will be someone else to take his place."

Sherlock turned to find Mycroft standing behind Sebastian, a frown of displeasure curving his lips down. "Mycroft..."

"Is there something you require of Sherlock, Mr. Moran?" Mycroft gave the angry blond in front of him a hard look. Glancing at the three men behind Sebastian, he frowned at the look on Sherlock's face. Eyes narrowed in anger, Mycroft took a step towards his brothers taunter. "Well, Moran, is there anything you have to say for yourself?"

"I am certain dear Sebs did not mean any harm. Can you or your brother see your way to forgiving him?"

Before either Sherlock or Mycroft could answer, John spoke up first. "No, Sebs has been a pain in the ass since Sherlock got here. Now you're asking both he and his brother to let it all go? Give us a reason why we should be so kind and Sebs was not." John glared at the brunette standing to his right. "You're Jim, aren't you? You were at practice the other day talking to Sherlock, yeah?"

Sherlock watched as Jim's face lit up in pleasure. He could see the idea of John remembering him made Jim happy. Looking at the small group now surrounding them, Sherlock stood up. Gathering his books, he frowned in frustration. "I do not care one way or another if he apologizes or not. The professor was out of line and the fact that Sebastian helped continue with the harassment is more than enough reason for me not to accept anything he has to say at face value." Turning, he glanced at Greg before turning to Mycroft. "There is no cause for worry, we will discuss it after my final." At the small nod, Sherlock turned towards John and smiled. "Join us for lunch?"

John flushed in pleasure, a grin curving his lips as he nodded. "That includes Greg, yeah? We had plans to study for a final as well." At Sherlock's nod, John turned to the silent man. "Change of plans alright with you?"

"Sure, I don't mind. I always enjoy good food and good company." Greg studied the four men around him. He was trying to figure out Jim and Sebastian's interest in Sherlock. Why did they always seem to be around after something happened? And usually after a class Sherlock had with Sebastian. Turning to Mycroft, he didn't miss the look of concern in his eyes. "Let's go to the pub, I'm sure Charlie won't mind seeing us a little early."

John nodded, grabbing his pack and the rest of Sherlock's books, he grinned at the look of surprise. "You two will like Charlie, he makes the best burgers and fries in London." Turning, John motioned to Greg and Mycroft before grabbing Sherlock's hand and pulling him behind him. "Let's go, a change of scenery is in order!"

Mycroft watched as Sherlock and John disappeared around a bookshelf and down the aisle. Turning to Greg, he gave him a small smile before the other walked towards him. "Gregory?"

"Anything pressing or are you free to join us?" Greg smiled at the light flush on Mycroft's face. Over the past few weeks, Greg had gotten to know the tall, pale ginger. They talked mostly through text but after having sat down and gone over the situation with Sherlock, Greg had a better understanding about what drove the other. "We can always find out what happened while we eat." At the small nod, Greg grinned. "Well come on then, if we let them order without us there's no telling what we'll have to eat." At Mycroft's shy smile, Greg chuckled softly. "Besides John is right, a change of scenery is in order."

Mycroft glanced over at where Jim and Sebastian had been standing. He was aware of Jim's intense desire to know everything about his younger brother. Had heard the rumors of the questions being asked and who was asking them. Shaking his head, Mycroft turned to Greg. "I do agree, a change of scenery is in order."