Author's Note: Hello. Thanks for the wonderful feedback last chapter. Everyone seems pretty happy with how it went – with Anthea asking all those questions. I enjoyed writing it since it was in a slightly different style. This chapter… This isn't a big "something happens" chapter but it is the chapter that follows the last. I'm pretty happy with how it came out and even though it's not overly eventful I hope you like it too. Please read, review, and enjoy!

Disclaimer: Clearly I don't own Sherlock. The show is the baby of Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, while Sherlock Holmes itself is the creation of Arthur Conan Doyle.

The First Time She Moved In

Her life packed down to boxes made Anthea's life seem so small. It looked like she barely lived at all compared to how it felt to live the dual existence of Anthea James and Alice Clarke. Anthea probably took up a box more than Alice despite Alice having existed for a good twenty years longer than Anthea.

Furniture wasn't coming, Anthea was going to rent it out fully furnished. Except for a few sentimental pieces that Mycroft would probably shove away in a hidden room somewhere. All the paintings on the walls and the ornaments were coming. The paintings, knowing Mycroft, would probably be stored away. He'd be kinder with her ornaments. His place being so large and empty he'd let her put a statue here and there. Maybe she'd be allowed to put her grandmother's candelabra in his study. It would go well with the Gothic moodiness he always had going in that room.

Anthea's clothes. That was going to be tough. There were boxes of Anthea's clothes and boxes of far less expensive clothes belonging to Alice. Anthea dressed sophisticatedly. Anthea wore heels all the time and had jackets to match certain dresses and skirts. Alice had band shirts with holes in them. Alice's shoes were all sorts of different shapes and sizes. Sometimes Alice would like to wear one of Anthea's nice pleated skirts with her own band shirt, tucking it in, and some interesting shoes. Mycroft was clearing room in the bedroom closet for her, and Anthea hoped he'd actually done it by now instead of putting it off. It was decided that they'd keep all their work wear – or the Ice Man and the Shadowy assistant – in the bedroom since that was pretty much their uniforms. Any causal clothes would go in the wardrobe in the spare room down the hallways. Anthea had to promise to keep her shoes neat and Mycroft had to promise not to take up all the hangar space.

Anthea's kitchen had been packed up for the most part. All her utensils were coming but the only appliance to make the cut was a mixer. Mycroft didn't have one and the only thing Anthea could do in the kitchen was bake decent cookies. That was a nice piece of Alice coming along to Anthea's new home.

The box of files – that was Anthea's.

The box of CDs – that was Alice's.

Electronics, external hard drives, and a spare monitor – well, that was both Anthea and Alice.

The law books – well, that was Tim's but after a year Anthea had claimed it as a resource.

The box of teddies that was unopened from last move and maybe even the move before – that was from Alice's bedrooms. Her one with her parent's and her one with her uncle and aunt. They had to come but they could stay unopened and stored away. That's what she'd done with them anyway, unable to look at them and unable to get rid of them.

With this little to take, between Anthea, James, and Jamie, it should only take one trip to Mycroft's house. Maybe an extra trip for one of the cars but that's it. This wouldn't be the same as moving Jamie's house or when Anthea moved flats and had to take her fridge, couch, and bed. This move would not be an ordeal despite it being perhaps the most important move she had ever done.

And perhaps the most delicate one.

She was so worried about stepping on Mycroft's toes and getting in his way. She didn't want to upset him. Briefly Anthea wondered if this is what her Aunt had felt like when moving Anthea into her Uncle's place. She did remember hearing her Aunt say to her Uncle something about an adjustment period. That is exactly what Anthea was expecting from Mycroft. An adjustment period in which he'd have to get used to having someone around all the time. She knew he said that it wasn't a big deal but he hadn't live with someone since he lived at home. He might struggle a little but Anthea had no doubt that he'd try his hardest.

"So, why is it so much easier to pack up your stuff then it was to pack up my stuff?" Jamie asked as she sat down on a box of books, crossing one leg over the other.

"Because A doesn't have nearly as much useless junk as you do." James called out from the kitchen. He was currently throwing all the food in the freezer into the bin. Anything closed, unopened, or properly stored was going to Mycroft's since he never had any food. That would change now. Anthea laughed at James while Jamie mocked an over exaggerated gasp.

"You're supposed to love all my useless junk." She whined. James leaned over the counter to look at the other blonde.

"That was before we got married." He smiled. "Now I can tell you that I don't think you need five different foundations." Jamie pointed a finger at him.

"You could do with some good concealer, James." She nodded at him, a serious expression on her face. "If you tried to look prettier maybe your boyfriend would love you again." Anthea burst into laughter. James' face fell and for a moment it looked like he'd take his wife's remark wrong. Until the agent shrugged.

"You're just jealous that he'd date me long before he dated you."

"You caught me, sweetie. That's it." Jamie giggled. "But that's okay. I picked you first too, you're pretty cute." Anthea rolled her eyes.

"If you two are going to being sickeningly sweet you can get out of my flat." She sat on the box with Jamie. Her hair was tied out of her face in a ponytail so it didn't get in the way all that morning as masking tape was used and boxes were closed. "Myc and I have a strict policy against people like you in our place." Jamie's hazel eyes flickered up and down Anthea. She 'aww'ed and turned to look at James in the kitchen.

"Did you hear that, James? 'Myc'."

"Yeah, that's pretty sweet there, A." James called out, his face buried in the fridge. "Sounds like you're not welcome in your own home."

"I hate you both."

"That's Ali for I love you." Jamie laughed.

"It's also Holmes for 'I actually don't mind you'."

"Get out."

The cars pulled up to the big empty house and as Anthea looked up at it she could hardly believe she was about to begin living here.

Mycroft's house. The place so void of life it hardly felt lived in… until you looked in the right places. When you looked into the warm study, or looked at the lack of dust on the piano, or went to the bedroom. When you looked at the fireplace, or the worn state of the coffee machine. When you found his mother's blanket, or a pair of his brother's shoes, or Anthea's spare charger in the kitchen. You would find Mycroft by the quirky way his dining room was decorated, or by the way his kitchen cabinets were organised in the same way his mum and dads were. You wouldn't find him in the family room until you noticed that the cushions on the couch were always arranged just so. It was big, empty, and your footsteps would echo on the floor, but someone actually did live there.

And what would happen now that Anthea would live there? Would you see her anywhere in it? It'd be less empty with an ornament here, and photo there, and a collection of CDs somewhere but where would you find her like you could find Mycroft? Would you see Anthea in the linen closest once when began putting stuff away and arranged it like her Aunt did? Would one of those teddies find its way out of a box and onto a spare bed somewhere? Would she be allowed to leave a little piece of herself here or would it always be Mycroft's secret home? Could she be allowed to make it truly feel lived in and maybe full of a little bit of happiness?

Allowing her thoughts to simmer in the back of her mind instead of continuing to sit in her car like a strange person, Anthea turned off her car and got out. Her lips threatened to pull into a small smile as she looked up at the place. Footsteps indicated someone coming towards her. The flash of blonde at eye level indicated that Jamie had come to stand next to her.

"I can't believe you're going to live here." Jamie sounded breathless. Anthea let out a single silent chuckle.

"It's a bit bigger than I'm used to." She answered.

"That's not what I meant." Jamie answered in a serious tone. Anthea turned to look down at her best friend. She was still looking up at the house. "I mean leaving with Einstein." Anthea bit her bottom lip and turned back to the house. "Did you ever think he'd reach this place?"

Anthea shook her head.

She was shaking her head for a good fifteen seconds before she managed to talk.

"No." It sounded like a breathless laugh. "I honestly didn't. He's so…" Anthea shrugged. "Closed off and like he lost the keys." Jamie didn't answer straight away. She leaned in and rested her forehead on Anthea's shoulder.

"I'm glad you pried the doors open." Jamie sighed. "I don't think he deserves you – not really, but you deserve him. You deserve to live with your best friend." Anthea's dark orbs flickered down to Jamie.

"Jamie-"

"It's okay to have two best friends, Ali. You have for ages now. It's cool. I'm still the best since I actually communicate."

They allowed the moment to pass naturally. The two of them stood there enjoying each other's company and their friendship. There was no rush, not between them. It wasn't until they heard James moan that they realised they should probably help unload the boxes.

Anthea unlocked the front door with her key, letting the three of them and their boxes into the house. They walked into the living room and placed them down in the large empty space. James, who had been carrying a box of books, groaned again as he placed it down. He stretched out his back and took a breath.

Mycroft was sitting at the bench, laptop open, and a cup of tea to his side. He'd yet to acknowledge anyone's presence. Jamie pulled a face at James and Anthea. James rolled his eyes and Anthea smirked.

"Hi, Myc." She called out.

"Mycroft only in company, dear." He answered, closing his laptop. He got out of his chair, picked up his cup of tea, and turned to face the three. He forced a small tight smile as he looked at Anthea. His eyes looked Jamie up and down.

"You look well." He answered. Jamie scrunched up her face and sniffed a laugh.

"Yeah, always great to see you too, Frosty." Mycroft's eyes flickered to James and he rolled his eyes.

"Calm down, James she looks well for someone who'd been kidnapped recently. She doesn't look that well." As Anthea turned to look at James she saw a slight deflation in his expression and she immediately knew what conclusion he had jumped to. Jamie on the other hand hadn't jumped to that conclusion. She looked somewhere between amused at Mycroft and pity for James. Funny how Mycroft just picked up on things from little changes in people's behaviours. There'd be no hiding her moods here. Ignoring the exchange as if it were none of her business, Anthea walked forward and stroked Mycroft on the arm. That was the sign of affection he'd most likely be comfortable with right now.

"You said you were busy this morning." She smiled wryly, nodding to the laptop.

"I was busy." Mycroft nodded, taking a sip of his tea. "I'm finished now." Anthea's eyes narrowed.

"Very convenient that you got out of most of the legwork." Mycroft pursed his lips.

"I suppose it was somewhat convenient. Coincidental, even."

"Mycroft," Anthea squeezed his hand. "You don't believe in coincidences." He pouted as if considering this before his eyebrows when up.

"You're right," He sounded surprised – all an act. "I don't." He walked past Anthea towards the boxes now in his… their living room. "Why are we all standing around?" He asked as if ordering James and Anthea at work. "There is a lot of work to do. You all get back to bringing the boxes inside, and James." The agent perked up. "Could you carry those books up to my study?" You could see the dread return to James' face. "I'll be up in a moment to start putting them away. Thank you."

"Um…" James looked down to the box at his feet, placing his hands on his hips. He smacked his lips together and sighed a heavy breath. "Yeah, yeah. No problem, I guess."

"That's a good boy." Mycroft hummed.

Jamie and Anthea looked at each other.

Jamie cracked up laughing.

Jamie collapse onto the box she had just brought inside, lying flat across it. Anthea stood next to her, wiping some sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. They were almost finished, just a few more boxes and that would be everything. Then it would be the unpacking but that was Anthea and Mycroft's job. Jamie and James would be free to go home.

Anthea tapped Jamie's foot with her own foot.

"Come on, Jay." She nudged her again. "Let's keep going." Jamie groaned.

"Can't we take a break for a second?" The blonde muttered. "Just a breather, 'kay?" Anthea took a deep breath and checked the time on her phone. They were making good time. They could stand a break. Not to mention Jamie had only seen little bits and pieces of this house. Anthea's eyes flickered around the room. She hadn't seen Mycroft in a little while.

"You want to see the bedroom?" She asked quietly. Jamie perked up instantly.

"Yeah, I do!"

Anthea lead Jamie upstairs and took her down the hall to the master bedroom. She opened the door and let Jamie in. Much to Anthea's surprise Mycroft had indeed emptied have the closet, leaving the door to 'her side' open for her to begin putting stuff away. Jamie placed her hands on her hips as she walked into the room, looking around. She walked up to the red wallpaper to examine it closely, running her fingers along the top of the bottom wooden panels.

"Wow!" Jamie breathed. "Why doesn't all of the house look like this?" Anthea laughed. Jamie's eyes grew wide as her eyes fell on the few photos in the room.

"Aww!" She squealed as she snatched one up. She showed it to Anthea – pointing to the figure in the picture. "Look at baby Sherlock Holmes with a puppy!" She was awed with her face so gentle and adoring.

"I know!" Anthea grinned from ear to ear. "They were both very cute kids."

"But like, this is proof that the brain has a heart connected." Jamie placed the photo down where it was.

"Shh." Anthea held a finger to her mouth. "We don't talk about that here." They laughed together. Jamie looked over to the bed.

"What's the bed like?"

"Amazing." Anthea widened her eyes. Jamie raised her eyebrows and chewed on her lip.

"Will I get murdered if I sit on it?"

"Only one way to find out…"

"Anthea, may I borrow you for a minute?" The calm melodic voice seemed to appear out of nowhere as Anthea and Jamie walked past a spare room. Both girls jumped in surprise and Jamie let out a small yelp. A look into the spare room they just walked past revealed Mycroft standing in an empty room. That was strange, Anthea was certain Mycroft didn't have any empty rooms. All of them had something in them.

"We've been caught out." Jamie gave a sharp whispered. Mycroft looked bored of her and tired of company.

"Yes, I know you were snooping. No, you won't get in trouble." Mycroft responded to Jamie in a flat tone. Jamie, used to his tones, just took his words and relaxed at them. "I only wish to speak to Anthea momentarily if you don't mind." The blonde woman and brunette woman exchanged a look, having a silent conversation. Jamie shrugged.

"Yeah, whatever." She began walking away. "I need to check Facebook anyway."

Anthea stepped into the room where she presumed Mycroft wanted to talk. She raised her eyebrows and cocked her head faintly to the side.

"Are you alright?" She asked, wondering if maybe he was doubting their decision, or maybe if he was just asking her to get rid of the people in his… their home. Mycroft waved off Anthea's thoughts with a swift flick of his hand.

"Perfectly fine, my love." Anthea's heart still constricted tightly at those words. "I simply wanted to show you this."

Anthea blinked.

She looked around the room.

Empty.

"Show me what?" She asked, feeling as if she had missed something. A spark in Mycroft's eyes showed that he was amused by this. That concerned her.

"This, Anthea, this room." Anthea scrunched up her nose, scratching to the side of it.

"Myc, it's an empty room." She noted. Mycroft's expression fell flat.

"Really? I hadn't noticed." Always with the sarcasm. "I know it's empty. It's for you." He sounded like he was trying to explain something to a child. Anthea looked around the space again.

"What?" She asked, confused. "Why?" Mycroft took a steadying breath.

"For whatever you want." He rolled his eyes. "Paint the walls or wallpaper them, decorate it however you wish. Turn it into your private study or somewhere for you to relax. It's yours." Anthea searched Mycroft's eyes – questions dancing in her mind. She opened her mouth to ask one but he cut her off by holding a hand up. "If we've learnt anything about each other recently, my dear, it's that we both require space to feel comfortable. I have my study and I have the Club. I thought it was only fair that I should give you a space to work in on your own."

A pause.

Anthea pulled Mycroft into a hug, wrapping her arms around him. The Ice Man remain frozen for a moment. It took ten seconds before he relaxed from the surprised and in return wrapped his arms around Anthea.

"You're so weird." Anthea spoke into his chest. "You're thoughtful in the strangest ways."

"At least I try." Mycroft answered.

"And I love you so much for trying." Anthea pulled him tighter.

"Oh dear God, I'm not going to be able to escape from your physical displays of affection anymore." Mycroft moaned. "They'll always find me." If hugging him wasn't punishment enough Anthea would have had to have hit Mycroft for that. Instead she just laughed and buried her face further into his chest. She felt him place a hand on the back of her head.

Author's Note: How did it go? Did you like it? Let me know, please. Thanks to our guest reviewers from last chapter; Sophie, Guests x2, Chulija, Tadaa, and B. Thanks to all my reviewers; I love you all so much. See you in five days.

Still taking suggestions for POV chapter.