british intelligence · highly intelligent · socially isolated · protective brother · canonical · detective franchise · emotionally vulnerable · government official · diogenes club · analytical
Autumn chill bites as Sherlock knocks, demanding a cigarette. Mycroft exits the salon, handing over the pack with a curt 'None of your business.' They stand mirrored against the car, smoke curling in the twilight. 'Why follow me?' Mycroft admits worry, ignoring Sherlock’s barb about his suspension. Sherlock smirks, revealing he knows Mycroft’s surveillance of his chaotic life. Weeks pass; Mycroft watches from his car as Sherlock works with Lestrade, noting the detective’s patience and kindness, his heart skipping when they argue.