A/N: So is everyone coping after the finale of Sherlock? Did everyone see it? I loved it. On that note, I'm saying now that the story won't change because of anything that's happened in the new series. Apart from this being an AU, it's an AU that takes place when they're young. My other story, Being 16, I tied in to the tv series in my own way, but this one doesn't. Any other stories I have right now (30 Day OTP Challenge or Same Situations of Six Different Men) have their own back stories to the series and everything like that. Nothing I write will change, and I hope that's ok and that everyone still enjoys. Anyway, enjoy! Please review!

John doesn't bother calling Sherlock when he doesn't show up at school the next morning. He finds Declan, and Declan explains that Mycroft arrived by surprise last night and Sherlock is staying with him.

"Oh, good," John says. "I thought he was sick or something."

Declan shakes his head. "No, I think they said something about going to a museum."

"Of course," John says. "Well, as long as he's available for tomorrow."

"Oh right, good ol' V-Day," Declan says, closing his locker. "What are you two going to do?"

John follows as Declan starts down the hall. "I don't know. I don't really have the money to take him to a special dinner or anything."

"What would you like to do?" Declan asks. "A fancy dinner doesn't really sound like you, mate."

"Well..." John sighs, "I've been wanting to go to the planetarium lately, but I know he wouldn't go for that. I'm not sure. Maybe just a movie, then. What are you doing?"

Declan sighs. "Well, there's where I'm torn. I promised Duke a while back that he and I would play laser tag on Valentine's Day."

John lifts an eyebrow. "Oh, really?" he jokes, sounding cheeky.

Declan chuckles and elbows him. "Not like that! We were both single and didn't see ourselves with dates for Valentine's Day, so we made that plan. But now I feel bad because I really, really, really want to hang out with Ellery."

"So, would you rather hang out with your girlfriend or your girlfriend?"

Declan laughs. "If you must know, neither of them are my girlfriend. I have to meet Ellery's parents before she'll officially go out with me."

"You haven't met her parents yet?"

"Well, I've met her mum, but her dad lives out of town and he hasn't been here to visit."

John nods in understanding.

Declan pauses in the hall. "How opposed would you be to all of us hanging out? I feel bad for Duke."

"And making him fifth wheel with two other couples is a good idea?"

"Invite Olive, and other single people we know. We can do something fun, it doesn't have to be a sit down dinner or a romantic movie."

John shrugs. "I guess that doesn't sound like a bad idea."

"My uncle would probably let you two spend the night together anyway. You could get your alone-time."

John nods. "Good point. But what will we do?"

Declan taps his chin in thought. Finally, he snaps his finger like a light bulb going off over his head. "Got it! Let's just go play laser tag."

John slowly nods. "That's not a bad idea, actually. I'm sure Sherlock would give me the 'Valentine's-Day-doesn't-mean-anything' speech anyway, it'd be just a normal night for all of us."

"Exactly. And he'd like it, you know that."

John nods. "He would. Alright, sure. Let's do that."

Declan smiles widely. "Great. Thanks, John."

John smiles back, then the two walk to their own classes alone.

Sherlock wakes up to a pillow being slapped against his face. He scowls automatically, then the pillow hits him again.

"Stop!" he groans, throwing an arm across his face.

"Get up," Mycroft says. "Dad wants to talk to us."

"Too early!" Sherlock cries.

"It's ten o'clock," Mycroft argues. "Don't make me sit on you."

"I don't care!"

Mycroft sighs. "Last chance."

"You've lost weight since you moved. I'm not all that worried."

"Alright," Mycroft mutters, then moves around the bed to where Sherlock is laying, then sits on his little brother's back.

Sherlock wheezes as all the air leaves his body. "Ok!"

Mycroft jumps a bit, making Sherlock cry out again.

"Get off me!" he hoarsely yells into the pillow. "Dad!"

"Well, now I'm actually quite comfortable," Mycroft says, jumping one more time.

"Dad!" Sherlock rasps, trying but failing to shout as loud as he can.

Sherlock's bedroom door is thrown open. "Wha—" Clement nervously shouts. When he sees them, he sighs. "Mycroft."

"He wouldn't get up."

"Now I can't get up because your fat arse is crushing me!" Sherlock shouts.

"Dad!" Mycroft cries. "Tell Sherlock—"

Clement sighs. "Sherlock, your brother is not fat, and Mycroft, he's still smaller than you. Get off."

Mycroft presses his hand to Sherlock's head and pushes himself up, shoving Sherlock's head roughly into his pillow. Sherlock yells again, and Mycroft chuckles.

In the hall, the brothers push and shove each other into the wall as they walk to the stairs. Sherlock laughs loudly as Mycroft throws him so hard that Sherlock causes the photos on the wall to fall to the ground.

"Boys!" Clement yells from the kitchen, so the boys quickly rush down the stairs.

They get to the dining room, where Clement has breakfast ready for them. Sherlock picks at his, whereas Mycroft eagerly digs in. Sherlock glares at him.

"Nobody cooks my meals every day," Mycroft says in defense.

Clement joins them at the table and pokes Sherlock with his fork. "Leave your brother alone."

Sherlock doesn't say anything, but he glares with a disgusted look as Mycroft eats.

"What did you want to talk to us about?" Mycroft asks.

"Well, boys," Clement says, "I wanted to get our family talk over with early so we can enjoy our weekend instead of waiting for a tense conversation."

At this, Mycroft sets down his fork and Sherlock nervously sips his coffee.

"Ok," Mycroft says. "What should we talk about, then?"

"Well, I want to know how you two feel and hear what you think…what I should do."

Sherlock and Mycroft look at each other, waiting for the other to talk. Then, they start at the same time.

"Well, I—"

"I want—"

They both pause.

Mycroft gestures to Sherlock to go first. Clement looks at Sherlock.

"I just…" he bites his lip. "Dad, I'm on your side, all the way. I think it's wrong what Mum's done, and it upsets me. I feel cheated on too, Dad."

"So you're saying you want me to get a divorce, then?"

Sherlock shrugs. "I don't want you to be hurt, Dad. And I don't want to hurt, either."

Clement reaches over and pets his head. "I'm sorry you hurt too, Sherlock."

"It's not your fault, Dad. You shouldn't be the one apologizing. Where's Mum even been? She's not here trying to make things right."

"I know, Sherlock, I—"

"Honestly, it wouldn't be much different if you divorce Mum. It's not like she's ever here, it's not like she puts up any effort to see me. It's not like she cares anyway."

"Sher—"

"I mean, obviously she doesn't. She has it great here with you. You're the most easy-going husband ever and she took advantage."

"Sherl-"

"She's awful, Dad, she—"

"Sherlock!" Clement shouts.

Sherlock stops and looks at Clement.

Clement looks angry. "Your mother is still your mother, got it? Think what you want, feel what you feel, but don't let me hear you say anything like 'she's awful' ever again. Understand?"

Sherlock sinks in his chair and nods.

Clement takes a deep breath and tears his angry gaze away from Sherlock. Then, he tells Mycroft to share his opinion.

"I, surprisingly, agree with Sherlock. Not that she's awful, for her I'm still quite fond. But Dad, why would you want to stay with Mother if she's having an affair?"

Clement sighs. "Because I love her, son. She's my wife, she's the mother of my children. That doesn't just go away. I'm hurt, yes, obviously, but…I love her. I want to forgive her."

"And when you do?" Mycroft asks. "What if this happens again? Mother is the type of woman to continue to do this if you forgive her once. Is that something you want, Dad?"

Clement shakes his head. "No, I…I guess—"

"Don't, Dad," Sherlock squeaks out. "I can't continue to go through this."

"This is why you had a panic attack a few weeks ago, isn't it?"

Sherlock nods.

Clement stands and holds his arms out, so Sherlock follows and lets Clement hug him. Sherlock eases, and Clement kisses his head.

"I'll make it right, ok?" Clement whispers.

Sherlock nods.

Clement pulls back and holds out his arm. "Come here, Mycroft," he demands.

Mycroft reluctantly stands and joins their hug. Sherlock elbows him to move away, so that he can hug Clement more, but Mycroft shoves back and soon Clement lets them both go so they can resume their fight.

They finish their meal, Sherlock eating a piece of toast and drinking three cups of coffee. After they're done eating, the boys get ready for their day at the museum.

Hours later, Sherlock just so happens to check the time while Mycroft goes to the restroom at the museum, and he notices it's lunchtime for John. He decides to call and hopes John answers.

On the last ring, he does.

"Hello?"

Sherlock smiles. "Hey."

"Hey," John says. Sherlock can hear him smile. "How is your day going?"

"Fine," Sherlock replies. "How is yours?"

"Mine's alright," John says. "I just miss you a hell of a lot."

Sherlock chuckles. "Come over later? Mycroft said he's planning to visit Lestrade."

"Sure," John agrees. "Hey, uhm, tomorrow evening, do you want to go play laser tag with a few of the guys?"

"The guys?"

"Uh, let's see…Declan, Ellery, Duke, Olive, Harvey, and Lily?"

"Hmm," Sherlock sounds. "Sure. I'd like that."

"And afterwards, maybe you can spend the night with me?"

"Sure," Sherlock eagerly agrees.

John chuckles. "Alright, babe. Listen, I've got to go. I'm getting glares from teachers. I'll see you later."

"Ok. Bye, John."

"Bye, love."

Sherlock smiles as he hangs up.

"John?" Mycroft asks, suddenly right next to him.

Sherlock looks up eagerly. "Where?"

Mycroft chuckles. "I've never seen you so excited."

Sherlock directs his attention back to his phone. "Don't trick me like that."

Mycroft smiles. "What did John have to say?"

"Nothing. He asked if I want to go play laser tag with our friends tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Mycroft questions.

"Yes. Why?"

Mycroft shrugs. "You two aren't going to want to be alone on Valentine's Day?"

Sherlock frowns deeply. "Is that what couples are supposed to do?" he asks, sounding confused and thinking perhaps John doesn't want to be alone with him.

Mycroft places a hand on his shoulder and looks into Sherlock's eyes. "There's nothing anyone is supposed to do besides breathe, use the loo, and eat occasionally. I didn't mean anything by the question, ok?"

Sherlock nods.

Mycroft lets him go and starts walking away. "Laser tag sounds fun. I suppose I'll hang out with Dad on Valentine's Day."

"No!" Sherlock cries. "You're going out with Lestrade tomorrow night!"

Mycroft sighs. "Sherlock—"

"Talk to him tonight. Go out tomorrow night."

Mycroft shakes his head, but he says okay anyway.

By the time they're done at the museum, it's late afternoon. It's too early for dinner, so Mycroft takes Sherlock for dessert. They go into a bakery where Sherlock orders a giant slice of chocolate cake, which is literally dripping with chocolate sauce.

He licks his lips as he digs in, and Mycroft sits across from him with a cup of coffee.

Sherlock looks at him, then slowly sets his fork down, realizing that eating so ravenously in front of someone not eating may seem rude.

"You don't want dessert?" Sherlock asks.

"No. I'm alright."

"Why?"

"I ate all my breakfast. You didn't. It's too late for lunch, and you wouldn't eat lunch anyway. At least something is going into your stomach."

Sherlock nods. "Look, Myc, I joke a lot, but I don't actually think you're—"

"I know I'm not fat, Sherlock. I'm just not hungry."

Sherlock nods again, then picks up his fork and starts eating.

"So," Sherlock starts after a few big bites. "Have you talked to Lestrade?"

Mycroft picks up his phone and pretends not to hear Sherlock. "Don't talk with your mouth full."

Sherlock rolls his eyes and works the food down, then asks again.

"No," Mycroft sighs. "I don't know how to start the conversation."

"What do you mean? Give him a ring and say, 'Hey, I'm in London.' BAM! Conversation started."

Mycroft shakes his head. "I don't like being away from you. Your vocabulary turns to muck."

"You just said 'muck'."

"Yes, in reference to your appalling vocabulary."

Sherlock shrugs and takes another big bite of his cake. Then, he takes his phone out of his pocket and dials Lestrade's number.

"Who are you calling?" Mycroft questions.

Sherlock shakes his head, indicating secrecy, then Lestrade answers.

"Hello, Sherlock? Is everything alright?"

"Hi, yeah, I just called to chat."

"To chat? Are you—"

"I'm fine," Sherlock says.

"Alright. What's up?"

"Nothing. What are you doing?"

Mycroft eyes him, and tries to ask who he's talking to, but Sherlock holds up his fork to tell Mycroft to shush.

"Uhm…" Lestrade says, "Filing paperwork. What are you doing?"

"I'm enjoying a nice dessert with my brother."

"With…" Lestrade pauses. "With your brother?"

"Yes, we're at a little bakery near the Natural History Museum."

"In…in London?"

"Yes," Sherlock says. "He arrived last night, scared me half to death in the process, and is too afraid to call you."

"Why?"

Mycroft frantically pokes his arm. "Who are you talking to?"

"Shut up," Sherlock spits at him. "Anyway," he says to his phone, "He's afraid to call you. Please take him to dinner this evening or something. Anything."

"Sherlock!" Mycroft cries, reaching across the table for Sherlock, but Sherlock scoots back quickly to avoid Mycroft's swing.

"Manners, Mycroft!" Sherlock hisses. "So, what do you say, Lestrade? Dinner with my brother?"

Lestrade sighs. "Look, Sherlock, I don't know. He—"

"He wants to go out with you, I promise. He's just too afraid to call you."

"Well…"

Mycroft lunges at Sherlock again, making the table shake loudly. "Sherlock!"

Sherlock scoots his chair back, loud enough that the people in the cafe turn to their table due to two interruptions. "One time offer, Lestrade, I'm sure Mycroft will be too embarrassed to call you any other time this weekend."

Lestrade sighs. "Alright, sure. Yeah, of course I want to. Uhm…" Lestrade pulls away from the phone and says a few words to someone else, then returns and says, "Sherlock, I've got to go. I'll pick Mycroft up at seven."

"Perfect," Sherlock mutters, now slapping Mycroft's hand away from his phone. "See you!"

Lestrade hangs up, then Sherlock pockets his phone and smiles widely at Mycroft.

"I hate you."

"You shouldn't," Sherlock says, taking another large bite of his cake. "I just got you a date."

Mycroft picks up his mug to take a sip of his coffee, and Sherlock doesn't miss his satisfied grin.

John goes to the Holmes residence when Sherlock and Mycroft get there. John recounts the entire day to Sherlock, telling him that Kennedy yelled at Declan before last period.

Sherlock gasps. Usually he wouldn't care about anything to do with people at school, but since Declan is quite important, he asks why.

"She saw Declan kiss Ellery, so she just yelled at him because he never called her after…whatever they did. Then Ellery was all shocked, but Declan explained that it was before he even tried to talk to her. And Ellery is mature, so she said it was okay."

"How do you know all of this?"

"I was there," John says. "It was crazy. I thought Kennedy was going to hit him."

"I did get a wild vibe from her," Sherlock says. "I hope Declan's okay."

"He was really freaked out while Kennedy was yelling at him, but he kept looking at Ellery, so I think he was most worried about her getting mad. And after he explained everything, she kissed him and he practically fainted."

Sherlock laughs. "The early stages of a relationship. Ours was fun, too."

"The early stages?" John questions.

"Hmm? Yeah," Sherlock says. "When kissing was fun and I felt giddy when my lips touched yours. You know?"

John eyes him. "What do you mean 'was' and 'felt'?"

Sherlock looks at him. John looks upset. "I've said something wrong, haven't I?"

John shrugs. "I just…you don't still feel that way?"

"Well—"

John frowns. "You don't still feel giddy when we kiss?"

"I didn't mean…I didn't think…"

John has an arm around Sherlock's waist, but he slowly begins to pull back to scoot over, away from Sherlock.

"John," Sherlock whines, grabbing his hand. "No, I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. Here—" He cups John's jaw, then leans in and kisses John slowly.

John pulls away after a second. "Sherlock—"

"I'm sorry," Sherlock whispers, leaning in to kiss John again.

This time, John lets him and quickly joins in himself. He digs his fingers into Sherlock's curls and pulls him closer.

Their 'no-kissing-on-the-sofa' rule is quickly forgot when their kiss turns more heated. Sherlock's tongue grazes over John's lower lip and John tries to pull Sherlock to lay over him.

Sherlock pulls away and smiles against John's lips. "Giddy enough for you?"

John chuckles, then dives in for another kiss.

Neither hear anyone calling to them, or anyone enter the room, but in seconds, there's a hand on each of their heads and they're being pulled apart.

Sherlock quickly looks up and wipes his mouth, glaring at Mycroft the whole time.

"I said I need your help," is all Mycroft says, turning to leave.

Sherlock rolls his eyes and follows Mycroft upstairs.

The boys sit on Mycroft's bed while Mycroft shows them nearly identical suits and shirts that he's contemplating wearing for his date with Lestrade.

Sherlock groans. "I don't care what you wear!"

John chuckles.

Sherlock elbows him.

Mycroft rolls his eyes. "I want to look nice. Which is the nicest?"

John actually examines the suits, whereas Sherlock holds his legs to his chest, folds his arms on his knees, and buries his face in his arms.

"I like this one," John says, "And that shirt."

"What do you think, Sherlock?"

"I don't care," Sherlock says into his arms, "Wear a t-shirt and jeans. I'm wearing that now and John still wants to shag me."

"Sherlock!" John cries.

Sherlock lifts his head. "What?! That's what you want, isn't it? For Lestrade to find you desirable?"

Mycroft huffs. "For some people, Sherlock, it's not all about—"

"Yeah, yeah, it's not all about that for John and I either, but I know that if we were reunited for the first time after nearly two months…" Sherlock shrugs. "I wouldn't be dressed to impress. I'd be dressed to get in his pants."

John buries his face in his hands, but his blush can be seen all the way up to his ears.

Mycroft's mouth hangs open, obviously in shock that Sherlock is speaking so openly like this with John so obviously embarrassed.

Finally, Mycroft shakes his head and focuses again. "So, what do you suggest I wear then?"

John looks up. "Are you actually taking his advice?!"

Mycroft groans and throws his arms in the air. "I don't know!" he cries, leaving them to go back to his closet.

Sherlock takes out his phone and dials Lestrade's number.

"Who are you calling?" John asks.

Sherlock shows him, then clicks send.

"Sherlock, hey," Lestrade answers. "I was just about to call you. What's up?"

"Well, I'm just wondering where you're planning to take my brother this evening. How should he dress?"

"Well, that's why I was going to call you. I know Mycroft likes fancy things, but I'm a really laid back guy and, well, I don't want to put too much pressure on the evening. I want an easy going evening. Do you think he'd be mad if I just took him to a simple dinner and a movie?"

Sherlock smiles. "Honestly, Lestrade, a simple evening is what he needs. Alright, thanks!"

"Don't over do it, Sherlock! Not too much pressure, please?"

"Of course," Sherlock says, then hangs up.

Sherlock stands and follows Mycroft into his closet. "Alright," he mutters, pulling out a nice pair of jeans and a sweater. "Wear this."

Mycroft glares at the garments. "What?"

"Lestrade's taking you somewhere simple."

"You called him?!"

"Duh!" Sherlock says, then pushes the outfit at Mycroft.

Mycroft sighs and takes it. "Fine."

Lestrade finally arrives at seven. John and Sherlock are eating dinner downstairs with Clement, but Mycroft is upstairs still getting ready.

When the doorbell rings, Sherlock jumps up to answer the door.

"Mycroft, Lestrade's here!" he yells, opening the front door. "Oh."

Lestrade frowns at the flowers he's holding. "I knew this was a bad idea. Flowers are so stupid to buy a guy. I've never done this before. Fuck! I'm so nervous."

Sherlock grabs the flowers, knowing Mycroft wouldn't like them, and literally tosses them away as Mycroft comes in to view.

"What was that?" he asks.

"Nothing," Sherlock quickly answers.

Mycroft gets to the door and steps into view, and Lestrade nearly gasps. Mycroft smiles.

"Hello," Mycroft says.

"Hi," is all Lestrade spits out.

"Ready?"

Lestrade nods and steps away from the door.

"Back by ten, you two," Sherlock says.

Mycroft kisses his head, then shoves him. "Shut up."

Sherlock smiles.

He closes the door as they leave, but Sherlock looks out the window to watch them walk to Lestrade's car. He smiles widely when Mycroft pauses on the sidewalk, grabs Lestrade and pulls him close, then kisses him deeply.

Then, Sherlock leaves his post because he really doesn't want to see that.

After dinner, Sherlock and John watch television while Clement works in his office. John leaves at the usual time, but not before giving Sherlock a few of those giddy kisses.

"See you tomorrow," John says, kissing Sherlock's hand.

"Yes," Sherlock agrees. "I'm quite excited to play laser tag."

"Yeah? I thought you would be. Get some sleep then, ok?"

Sherlock nods. "Ok."

John kisses him one more time. "I love you."

"I love you too, John."