A/N: Hi, everyone! This chapter is a further exploration of the two brother's developing relationship. Additionally, it explores their relationship with a third character, that of our beloved Mrs. Hudson. I am thinking of writing similar one-shots about the brothers trying to work out things with other character's, such as John and the Holmes parents. Do you want me to continue in this vein? Is there something else you'd like to see happening in their developing relationship? Please drop me a review.

P.S. This is my first fanfic, and I'd love to receive feedback. Which parts did you like? Which parts did you not like? I cannot make any deductions until you review So go ahead, I'm waiting!

Chapter Three

Not two minutes after the brothers had settled down at 221b, (Sherlock had nearly dragged Mycroft up the stairs), Mrs. Hudson's distinctive tread was heard on the staircase. From out of the corner of one eye, Sherlock observed the glare the feisty older woman gave his brother, and waited for the inevitable showdown. This was going to be fun.

"I see that the seating arrangements have changed from the last time" she said sweetly. "I do think the client chair was more suitable. Never mind, can I get you some tea, Sherlock? I'm afraid I'm running short, I do only have one cup left."

Sherlock turned head and smiled at the older woman. "I do appreciate, Mrs. Hudson, but I think Mycroft needs it more right now."

Mycroft, who was staring blankly at the wall, interrupted, "You should really stop doing that, it's not your responsibility to stick up for me. I know when I'm not wanted, and I can live with that." Turning to the landlady, he said, "I do not wish to impose, I just have some business to finish up with my brother, and then I shall be leaving." He continued staring at the wall.

Sherlock shook his head in exasperation. "Mrs. Hudson, you know you're like a second mother to me," he said fondly. "I know that you and Mycroft have some history between you, but I always thought you sort of liked him in a way. I would like it if my only brother would be able to drop in for a cup of tea once in a while, without danger of exploding under your fiery glares."

Mrs. Hudson's glare turned into a look of surprise and confusion. Mycroft spoke up quietly, "You can't expect her to serve hot beverages to a cold blooded organism. Don't press the issue, she has the right to dislike me. My behavior has been reprehensible at times. This is all my fault."

Mrs. Hudson's gaped at Mycroft speechlessly. She had never heard him apologize before, except under duress, and definitely not admit to human failings. Sherlock looked thoughtful before breaking into a grin. "You called him a reptile, didn't you, Mrs. Hudson?" he exclaimed gleefully. "Oh, I wish I could have seen the look on his face. That must have been awesome!"

"Do shut up, Sherlock" Mycroft said tightly. Sherlock burst into laughter, getting his words out between chuckles. "Oh Mrs. Hudson, you have no idea. You just have no idea at all." His laughter suddenly turned hysterical as he repeated. "You have no idea at all."

Mycroft looked at his brother in concern. Sherlock had exhibited some pretty major mood swings since the big revelations of several weeks ago. It had taken the efforts of all his loved ones to stop him from using again. Watson and the landlady had kept a close eye on him, and Mycroft had gotten several emergency visits from his distraught brother when their efforts weren't enough to control his urges. Mycroft had helped stabilize him by using his mind palace to meditate. When that wasn't enough, he would just hold his brother in his arms and tell that he was strong and would get through it. He surprised himself with his pathetic displays of sentiment, but was even more surprised by the fact that his brother accepted it from him. He was afraid of the consequences of letting himself feel such dangerous emotions. Nevertheless, he couldn't deny that he felt more fulfilled—and happier—than he could ever remember feeling.

Now his brother's laughter had an hysterical edge to it, and he feared for his stability. No matter how much Sherlock had grown in the last few years, he was still human and had his breaking points, and Mycroft would continue to look after him. Getting up, he approached his brother. He wanted to put a hand on his little brother's shoulders, but wouldn't go so far as display affection with company present. Instead, he bent down to eye level and told him firmly, "Sherlock, calm down. Perhaps you would mind explaining what you find so amusing?"

"You!" Sherlock pointed to his big brother. "And you!" he pointed to Mrs. Hudson. "You always acted like such a coldhearted bas***, I think even you yourself bought it. You were always so smug, believing everyone beneath you, and you seemed to treat people like insignificant pawns. But you've deceived us all along. And I can prove it."

Sherlock was now half laughing and half sobbing. Mycroft stood at a loss, before responding, "Ok, prove whatever you like, just take a deep breath and come down before I call the medics."

Sherlock's laughter subsided, and he paused to catch his breath. Mrs. Hudson was still gaping, but had made herself comfortable on a chair and watched the byplay. "Two words. The governor." He paused. "And his wife, if you need further proof. Mrs. Hudson," he faced the older woman, turning away from his brother's ashen face. "There were three men in a room. Two had the choice of saving a life by committing cold blooded murder. They both refused, but only one of them refused to even look at the weapon provided, shouting that he would never have blood on his hands. Three men watched an horrific forced suicide, and only one of them cried, and even lost his breakfast. Those same three man then watched a gratuitous homicide, and again, only one of them lost it again."

"Enough, Sherlock. My having a sensitive digestive system doesn't prove anything but that I am a coward. I've always been a bit affected by violence and blood. I didn't exactly help anyone with my emotional responses."

"Perhaps, but you did prove capable of experiencing human emotions. And if that's true, your further actions are all the less comprehensible and all the more noble."

"Pardon me dear, but you didn't ever tell me exactly what happened to all of you in that horrid place." Mrs. Hudson interrupted. Her voice was faint. "I can't believe you were put through all that, you poor dears…" She shook her head sadly at both of them, and Mycroft realized in surprise that she had included him in her endearment.

"Wait, there's more, Mrs. Hudson," Sherlock continued. Mycroft interrupted him, "Sherlock, you really shouldn't be traumatizing your landlady like this. This is enough!"

"No, I think she needs to hear this," he responded. "Well, I don't need to be present for this," Mycroft muttered, getting up, intent on making his escape. His little brother grabbed him by his shoulder and forced him back into his chair.

"Yes, you do. Now, do you know what this utter moron tried to do that day, Mrs. Hudson? He tried to get to shoot him. You hear that? I was actually about to kill my own brother, and this idiot was goading me."

"Why would he do that?" Mrs. Hudson spluttered. "That's ridiculous. You would never be able to do that, would you?"

"I couldn't, of course. Eurus made me choose between him and John, and Mycroft decided that his life was dispensable because of some little guilt complex he has. Then he baited me with ridiculous taunts, hoping that he could incite me to shoot him, to make it easier for me."

Sherlock looked over at Mycroft, who was biting his lips and visibly tamping down his emotions. "That was stupid, of course. I saw right through him. You know what this knob head did afterwards? He very nicely requested that I shoot him, tried to convince me that he deserved it, and he just stood there smiling! The man who was terrified getting blood on his hands, was standing in front of me with as much poise as he ever had, joking about me blowing his brains out, smiling like a politician posing for the cameras!"

Sherlock began chuckling again, and his laughter again turned manic. This incident was one he had been unable to deal with, and hadn't talked about it with anyone since it happened. His laughter suddenly turned to rage as the trauma of that event caught up with him. He stalked over to his brother and grabbed his shoulders, shaking him hard. "HOW COULD YOU!" he roared. "HOW COULD YOU LAUGH IN MY FACE WHILE EXPECTING ME TO MURDER MY OWN BROTHER!"

"I had to!" Mycroft responded, gasping. "I wanted you to see that I was okay with what was happening! I wanted your last image of me to be of a man who was happy with where he was going. I didn't want you to ever doubt that you did the right thing. I wanted you to be at peace with what happened!"

"YOU #$%$ IDIOT!" Sherlock continued to shake him. "DID YOU REALLY THINK I COULD EVER LIVE WITH MYSELF AFTER I HAD DONE THAT?! YOU ARE EITHER INSANE OR YOU NEVER HAD A HEART AT ALL!"

"I-had-to-try" Mycroft choked out. "I-didn't-see-another-option!"

In response, Sherlock punched him in the face.

"Now leave your brother alone, Sherlock, I think he's received the message already," Mrs. Hudson said. Sherlock deflated and looked down at his seated brother sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Mycroft." "Not at all," his brother responded. "You needed to get that out of your system, I suppose. Though I do deduce you're glad you didn't follow my advice?" He raised his eyebrows.

"Very funny, brother mine. I do like to have you around as my punching bag. It's a good distraction."

Mycroft contemplated his brother's face before getting up. He gently put an arm on his little brother's shoulder, before, murmuring, "It's alright, Sherlock, I'll never do it again. Calm down." Sherlock threw his arms around his big brother and buried his face in his shoulder. Mycroft patted his curls, then turned his gaze to Mrs. Hudson and whispered, "He's could be so foolishly sentimental at times, you know."

Mrs. Hudson not-so-discreetly dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. "I… I'll just go make some tea, shall I? You look like you could use some." She paused, "Both of you, I mean."