Chapter 22
Sorry for the delay in updating but my grandma has been very unwell and sadly passed away last night so obviously my writing has been rather sporadic as I try to get through this time. She is a wonderful woman who I miss horribly and still can't believe is gone. I only have a few chapters left of this story but have a few others in the pipeline. As always please review i'd love to know you're thoughts and that you are reading both this and my other stories.
Disclaimer
Sadly it's not mine.
Sherlock showed no sign that he'd heard John as they headed back into their flat. "Mycroft," Sherlock muttered darkly as they got to the door.
"What?" John asked following Sherlock into the flat. "Oh," he muttered as he saw Mycroft sitting waiting for them or more accurately for Sherlock.
Nice meal was it? Not too much of a third wheel I hope. I'm happy for you John though I must admit I still felt a happy announcement from you both was due anytime now," he said.
"Thanks and for the last time. I am not gay!" John said.
"So you keep saying yet as one of the apparent greatest writers of our times said "Thou doth protest too much," Mycroft said with a slight smile.
"Actually it's 'the lady doth protest too much methinks' now could we get to the point of why you are here," Sherlock snapped biting down the rising feeling of nausea.
"You remember that but couldn't remember the earth goes round the sun?" John demanded.
"Would you let that go it's getting boring now," Sherlock retorted.
"How are things brother, you do not look very well. You know what the doctors say," Mycroft said regarding his brother.
"I'm fine and since when do you care how I am," he hissed.
"Would you stop with the childish acts," he said
"So you came here to check up on me? A bit bland for you Mycroft usually you prefer the more grand gestures."
"Yet here I am. You know why i'm here Sherlock and what I am offering," Mycroft answered.
"Sherlock, what's going on?" John asked carefully the unease he'd felt earlier steadily increasing.
"Nothing," Sherlock said dismissively.
"It's clearly not nothing, tell me what is going on. Why can't you for once stop acting so bloody mysterious and tell me what the hell is going on," John demanded.
"It's nothing John okay forget about it," Sherlock said again.
"Sherlock, we've talked about this, stop shutting me out. I'm your friend and I want to help. Oh don't look at me like that just because your brother is here. Having a friend and someone who cares about you isn't something to be embarrassed about Sherlock. It's something to be glad about," John said frustratedly.
"My, my look at you both, look at you Sherlock my how things have changed," Mycroft remarked.
"Shut up Mycroft1 The two of you are pathetic! Why can't you stop this damn rivalry and admit that you care about each other. It's obvious in what you do for each other so why won't you both just grow up and admit it?" John yelled.
"My brother and I's problems are not really the issue at the moment John," Sherlock said tersely breathing through the increasing nausea.
"Then why don't you tell me what the issue is then? John snapped.
Sherlock sighed. "Because it's private," he said at last.
"Private?" John repeated.
"Yes John, private between Mycroft and myself," Sherlock said quietly.
"What you don't trust me? I know you remember so why don't you just cut the crap and tell me what is going on," John asked icily.
"Not everything in my life has to involve you John. Just as I am sure many things in your life don't involve me. This is a conversation between my brother and myself," Sherlock repeated.
"Right fine, i'm going out," John said grabbing his coat and storming out the flat leaving Sherlock and Mycroft alone.
"So, tell me what it is you want as I seriously doubt this is a case of wanting us to bond so to speak?" Mycroft said mildly.
"Shut up," Sherlock hissed.
"How are you feeling?" Mycroft asked cutting through his thoughts.
"What?"
"It's a simple enough question Sherlock. How are you feeling," Mycroft replied.
"That is irrelevant, can we get to the point please," Sherlock said edgily.
"Sherlock, answer the question," Mycroft said.
"You know how I feel nothing can be done about it so can we move on."
"Do you feel these tablets are working?" Mycroft pressed.
"Why the sudden oppressing interest?" Sherlock shot back.
"This is the first time you have been serious about addressing your epilepsy. I am curious to know how it is going not everything has a sinister side brother mine," Mycroft said mildly.
"You have your answer now can we focus," Sherlock said uneasily.
"Fine, tell me what you need," Mycroft answered.
Sherlock paused what he was about to say wasn't easy but he knew he had to say it. He knew what he had to do. "He needs to be stopped," he said at last.
"I agree but why now? Why this way?" Mycroft asked.
"Are you going to help or not," Sherlock hissed.
"Stop being children and answer the question," Mycroft responded.
"He is playing a game I no longer wish to play. I won't play that game," Sherlock responded evenly.
Mycroft regarded his brother a moment. He knew there was more to this than he was saying but he knew better than to push it. "Alright, then tell me what you want me to do," Mycroft said.
"Make good use of the citizens' tax money for once," Sherlock said.
"Don't I always?" he said sarcasm lacing his words.
Sherlock hated that it had come to this but he knew it was the right thing. Moriarty had become something he no longer wanted anything to do with. He was willing and happy to play the game but not like that. This was a game he no longer wished any part in so drastic measures and actions had to be put in place to end a game he no longer wished any involvement with, not even to end it.
"You know once we put this in motion there is no going back?" Mycroft warned.
"I know, now tell me the plan," Sherlock answered.