#mycroft holmes x original female character

[my-head-is-an-animal]

The Sitter

Mycroft Holmes x Bethany Wheeler (OFC)

Story Masterlist

Chapter 15 - Gala

Mycroft spent the better part of the week avoiding Lady Smallwood and getting heavily distracted with his thoughts on Bethany. She had said yes in that many words, but had asked for the real reason why he asked her to the gala, he told her what he felt he could and explained that the Prime Minister disliked Lady Smallwood’s attempt at flirting with him. He’d been practically ordered to bring a date, but made sure she understood that she was under no obligation to do anything she didn’t want to. He promised to make it as entertaining as he could for her, by way of apology for dragging her along.

When the night finally came, Mycroft had been informed that her car had been sent and she was running late because she needed to go over to John’s to look after Rosie before he got home. She had a free afternoon and Rosie didn’t have a sitter for a couple of hours, she couldn’t say no and Mycroft, though slightly annoyed, couldn’t fault her for it.

‘I thought you said you were bringing a friend, Mr Holmes.’ The Prime Minister asked, almost mockingly. The other senior officials in the group were giggling a little, all of them suspected he was either gay or lying when he said he was bringing someone and it only served to annoy him.

‘Yes, I’m afraid she was kept working this evening, she’ll be along shortly.’ Mycroft smiled politely, keeping his patience.

‘Oh, I’m sure.’ Another of the officials was just outright making fun of him and he hated it, just the way he was looked down on for his lack of personal life.

I will apologise in advance; I think the anticipation at your arrival has exceeded that which even I am incapable of quietening. – MH

It’s fine, I knew what I was signing up for. I’m just getting in the car now and Andy said we’ll be about twenty minutes. Can you survive that long without me? Oh, and yes, I did bring a coat, so there will be no need for your casual annoyance at my usual dress code. – BW

Andy? – MH

Driver! – BW

Mycroft put his phone away and begun talking to a young man who worked in the defence department. Mycroft didn’t care much for the position he held, but judging from his constant wandering eyes, he wouldn’t last long. Any time any woman of any level of attractiveness walked by, he practically drooled over Mycroft’s shoes.

‘What about you Mr Holmes?’ He said, in a rather laddy way. ‘Any one here take your fancy? I’ll let you have first pick.’

‘That would imply that you are capable of bedding any single woman here.’ Mycroft pretended to be slightly oblivious.

‘It doesn’t take much, you know, a lot of women are pretty much up for whatever.’ He laughed, downing the rest of his champagne.

‘I see and is that a common requirement you have of the women you pursue?’

‘You what?’ He frowned, probably not understanding the question. ‘Look, I’m just looking for a pretty bird and a good shag. Don’t want to end up like you.’

‘Is that supposed to be an insult?’ Mycroft feigned annoyance.

‘Sir,’ one of the waiters had approached him, thankfully. ‘Miss Wheeler’s car has just pulled up.’

‘Thank you, I’ll be right there.’ Mycroft gave a polite nod. He felt slightly giddy. ‘Can I trust you not to make a scene while I collect Miss Wheeler?’

‘Who’s Miss Wheeler?’

‘If you don’t know, you’re not paying close enough attention.’ Mycroft said and left the young man as confused as before.

He strode a little quickly down to the main entrance where Bethany was being escorted by the driver who he imagined was Andy, she looked a little nervous, but that wasn’t what caught his eye.

Bethany allowed Andy to take her coat, revealing an ankle length navy dress, long-sleeved, with a simple flowered pattern sewn into the whole dress, making her look slender and elegant. It had a conservative v-neck, elongating her neck and the necklace she always wore, the one he gave her for Christmas, draped around her collarbone. She had elected to wear just a little more make up than usual, enough to highlight her pretty features and soften her dark eyes, even her hair was pinned up, it still had the slightly wild frizz that he associated with her, but she was making the effort to blend in.

‘Thank you.’ She said to Andy, he gestured to where Mycroft was standing just a few feet away. ‘Mycroft, thank god, I’m so sorry I’m late.’ She took a couple of steps towards him and the smell of ginger inflated his lungs. ‘Do I look okay? I wasn’t exactly sure, but I sent a picture to Anthea and she thought it was fine, so I just trusted her judgement. The last thing I want is to embarrass you.’

‘You couldn’t.’ Mycroft said, just a little too quickly. He cleared his throat and smiled. ‘What I mean is, you look lovely and no one will think otherwise.’

Bethany’s smile suddenly turned into a Cheshire grin and Mycroft was playfully wary of it. ‘I knew this day would come. You telling me I look lovely. How does it feel, complementing a known anarchist?’

Mycroft was thrown back to one of the first conversations they’d had at John and Mary’s wedding, where he’d gone to the special effort to not tell her in case he showed his hand.

‘I believe the score is now two nil in your favour.’ Mycroft offered his arm, which she took gratefully.

‘The rebels always win, Mycroft.’ She teased.

‘Indeed. Do you have your phone?’

‘Yeah, why?’

Mycroft smiled and held out his hand, she knew where he was going with this and handed it over for him to carry.

‘If there’s an emergency with Rosie, I will of course surrender the phone, but until that happens, we have a deal.’ He reminded her and guided her back to the gala. ‘Now, as I remember, I promised to make this as entertaining as I could.’

‘That you did.’

‘Well, there is a young man I was just speaking to who seems to think he can get any woman he chooses because they’re all “up for whatever”. I imagine he’ll need taking down a peg or two and I thought I’d save him for you.’

‘Very kind of you, Mr Holmes.’ Bethany chuckled. ‘What would you require in return for the privilege?’

‘First one’s on the house, Miss Wheeler.’ He said, in a lower tone than he’d used before. It had just a small effect on her and managed to keep her focus firmly placed on him. ‘Apologies, Mr Joiner,’ he said, approaching the young man he’d been speaking to previously. It seemed Bethany’s appearance had taken all of his attention and he looked hungrily at her. ‘What was it we were talking about before I so rudely left the conversation?’

Mycroft managed to catch the attention of a waiter and took two glasses of champagne from his tray, handing one to Bethany, standing just behind her in a slightly protective way.

‘Hi there,’ he said, and Mycroft felt Bethany leaning back, clearly she’d smelt his breath, but Mycroft didn’t move, letting her know she was safe with him, he wouldn’t let any harm come to her. ‘Sorry, didn’t catch your name, I’m Ben, Ben Joiner.’

‘Bethany Wheeler.’ She said, politely shaking his hand. ‘And what is it you do, Mr Joiner?’

‘Defence.’ He was trying to be suave and it made Mycroft’s stomach churn, but Bethany wasn’t having any of it. ‘It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it.’

‘Mm, I can imagine.’

‘What about you? Gorgeous girl like yourself? Let me guess, some kind of model? You been in Milan recently?’

Mycroft was only sipping his champagne to stop himself throwing up. Bethany took a deep breath and Mycroft felt his excitement rise, this was what he’d been waiting for all night.

‘No, I have been in Peru though.’

‘Peru?’

‘Yes, visiting my parents who are currently trying to solve the oil crisis there, you know the one where tonnes of oil has leaked into the river and has started poisoning the nearby wildlife and people. My father is building a new type of extraction machine to help get the oil out of the water before it does any more damage, and my mother is single-handedly running the nearby hospitals. I was just there on holiday really, but I did manage to solve the chemical equations that were giving them so much trouble in the first place. It shortened the timescale they’d set themselves for solving the crisis by several months and potentially saved thousands of lives. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it.’ Bethany shrugged and took a sip of champagne, while Mr Joiner just stared at her.

‘Right, well,’ he stammered. ‘That was good of you.’

‘No, that was easy, anyone could have done it, even you.’

‘Well, maybe you’re selling yourself a little short-‘

‘That does seem to be a common complaint people have.’ Bethany feigned wonder. ‘Even Mr Holmes has mentioned it on occasion.’

It seemed to be at that moment, Mr Joiner had notice that Mycroft was even standing there.

‘Yes,’ he cut in, standing a little more to the side and placing his hand quite obviously on her lower back. ‘I forgot to mention to Miss Wheeler that your department appreciated the Baskerville paper I sent over.’

‘You wrote that?’ Mr Joiner suddenly looked rather embarrassed, and Bethany’s eyes narrowed in on why, this was pure entertainment as far as Mycroft was concerned.

‘I did.’ She said with a wicked smile. ‘I heard it was being actioned, finally, but I do hope that whoever is in charge of the security at Baskerville doesn’t find out that their security was hole-picked by an overactive fourteen-year-old child. I would have gotten around to part two through ten, but as I remember it, I was studying for my GCSEs at the time and a piano exam.’

‘Right.’ Mr Joiner was suddenly very nervous and was almost shaking. ‘Well, if you’ll excuse me.’

‘Of course, lovely chatting.’ Bethany smiled her signature, bright smile as the gross young man scuttled away. She turned to Mycroft and sipped her champagne, glancing around the room. ‘Boom,’ she whispered. ‘That’s how to start an evening at a posh party.’

‘Indeed. I believe he was trembling as he rushed away.’

‘Probably.’ She sighed.

‘What is it? You didn’t enjoy that?’

Bethany looked up at him and there was a new expression he didn’t recognise. ‘Guys like him are a dime a dozen, they’re sleazy and gross and there’s a whole house of them living down my road. I like winning those small battles, but it just reminds me of a bigger war going on.’

Mycroft shifted a little. ‘I already told you that I could deal with them, if that’s what you wanted. You only have to ask.’

Bethany looked as if she was about to say something, when suddenly the Prime Minister herself bustled over.

‘Mycroft Holmes!’ She cheered, clearly having drunk too much already.

‘Prime Minister.’ Mycroft nodded, curtly.

‘Please do introduce us to the lovely young lady you’ve brought with you tonight.’

Mycroft was suddenly aware that he had more than the Prime Minister’s attention and that several people around them were listening in, this wasn’t what he wanted for Bethany.

‘Of course, this is Miss Bethany Wheeler,’ he said, placing his hand a little more firmly on her lower back, making sure she knew she was okay. ‘Miss Wheeler, I’m sure the Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland needs no introduction.’

Mycroft caught something in Bethany’s expression that he almost missed, it was something of a challenging nature, one that he became wary of immediately.

‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Bethany.’ The Prime Minister shook Bethany’s hand.

‘And you.’ It was short and curt, to the point and Mycroft didn’t like it.

‘So, do tell us how Mycroft managed to rope you into this.’ She said, and suddenly they were being ushered into the previous group of officials that Mycroft had been previously mocked by. He kept Bethany well within his grasp, tucked under his arm.

‘Phone call out the blue,’ Bethany charmed. ‘He asked, I was free and said yes, no real rope involved I’m afraid.’

‘Oh, I see,’ the minister for defence himself piped up, again looking a little hungrily at Bethany. ‘We always suspected Mycroft had a secret girlfriend or boyfriend stowed away somewhere, why he kept you quiet, I have no idea. Mycroft you should have shown her off sooner.’

Mycroft felt his hand pressing harder into her back and took a breath to cool himself.

‘Really?’ Bethany looked almost genuinely shocked. ‘I didn’t know he had a secret girlfriend. God, Mycroft we really do need to catch up at some point. Every time I’m away there’s always something new going on, honestly it’s a wonder anyone can keep up.’

‘Oh right,’ the minister was taking back his words. ‘So, you two aren’t erm…?’

‘What?’

‘Well, you know… together?’

‘What do you mean?’ Bethany knew perfectly well what he was asking, but she was doing a very good job of pretending she didn’t.

‘Well, when we heard Mycroft was bringing a woman to the party, we assumed-‘

‘Bold of you to assume I have any time for a personal life, Mr… erm?’ Bethany feigned not knowing his name.

‘Call me Simon.’

‘Simon. Well, I’m sure it’s a pleasure to meet you.’

Mycroft had to stop himself laughing, the Prime Minister was giving him a warning glare.

‘Perhaps we stop making the minister’s life difficult now, Miss Wheeler?’ Mycroft playfully steered the conversation away from Bethany’s pricklier side.

They managed to start up another conversation with some other minister and did the rounds fairly quickly, Bethany was good at making small talk and had an extraordinary sense for extracting partial pieces of information that Mycroft would find useful in various upcoming meetings. How she was doing it was beyond him, but he was grateful she was on his side.

On occasion, he would check in and ask if she was alright. She was surprised at first, but her dark eyes softened and warmed to him and she soon begun letting slip a little more honesty.

‘It’s overwhelming,’ she chuckled, her arm around his waist while they moved onto the next conversation. ‘But I’m okay.’

‘Maybe some air would help?’ Mycroft gently guided her outside to where the air was significantly cooler and Bethany looked instantly more relaxed. ‘There we are, all you needed was a little room to breathe.’ He smiled, taking her to the balcony that looked out at the city.

‘How can you stand it?’ She asked.

‘What?’

‘The game they play, it’s not even fun, it’s just exhausting and seemingly pointless.’

Mycroft bowed his head a little bashfully. ‘What you’ve witnessed tonight is training of sorts, we use galas and gatherings for all sorts of things, but primarily, we play a smaller scale game of one played when running the country. It’s not about beating each other; it’s about holding each other accountable and testing weaknesses in your teammates.’

‘How does that work?’ Bethany frowned, shaking her head.

‘For example, my test tonight was to rise to the challenge the PM set me earlier in the week,’ Mycroft shoved his hands in his pockets and looked out at the view as well. ‘She wasn’t really asking me to bring a date because she was worried about Lady Smallwood, what she was asking of me is if I can be relied upon to follow through on instruction and separate myself from toxic situations with as little fuss as possible.’

Bethany nodded. ‘And did you?’

Mycroft chuckled. ‘No. I think more fuss was created in my turning up with a very attractive young woman than I anticipated.’

‘Three nil.’ She smiled.

‘Excuse me?’

‘You complimented me again, I’m taking a point for that.’

‘I see. When do I start winning this game?’ Mycroft teased, half playfully, half meaning it.

‘When you start telling me what you want and working a bit harder for it.’

‘What I want.’ Mycroft mused. It was a big question and one he couldn’t find a concise answer to. He definitely didn’t want to tell her standing on the balcony of a gala he’d forced her to.

‘Look,’ she said, stepping closer so no one overheard. ‘I don’t know what it is you really want from me and I’m not going to force you to tell me, ever. But there will come a time where you may need to start figuring it out. I like having fun with you, going to dinner, texting, even coming to some fancy gala has it’s perks, thank you again for re-enforcing my position with Dr Mathieson.’

‘You’re welcome.’ Mycroft nodded, wanting her to get back to the point.

‘I just don’t want either of us to be disappointed by expectation.’ Bethany’s dark eyes found his and that same warmth he felt when she was around was firmly placed in the pit of his stomach. ‘I’m on your side, Mycroft. You’ve been nothing but kind to me even though you didn’t have to be. And I never did thank you for looking after me that night at the aquarium.’ Mycroft suddenly looked down at his shoes. ‘I knew you didn’t stay with me all through the night and I know you were well out of your comfort zone… but I also know you did your best and that was enough for me. So, thank you.’

‘Of course.’ Mycroft didn’t know what else to say and it only made her half laugh, smiling widely and gently biting her bottom lip before quickly releasing it.

‘Come on,’ she said. ‘We’re a waste of brain power out here, I think the PM has had one too many and wants to question you about how you managed to land a hot young thing like me.’

Mycroft was glad she was back to the teasing and the playful nature of her personality, but he did not want to be put under the spotlight with the PM. As it turned out, he didn’t have a choice and Bethany gently dragged him into conversation. The only saving grace was his phone vibrating, he quickly looked down and saw he was needed in the surveillance room.

‘If you’ll excuse me a moment.’ He said, checking with Bethany more than the Prime Minister.

‘Go, I’ll be fine.’ Bethany said and he trusted that she would be.

Mycroft made his way out of the main gala room praying he wasn’t gone long.

‘For God’s sake, I was talking to the Prime Minister.’ He said to an aide he recognised from the surveillance team.

‘I’m sorry Mr Holmes, it’s your brother.’ The young man stumbled to explain. ‘He’s left his flat.

‘What is on fire?’ Mycroft asked, knowing this was a good excuse to get away from the gala, but worrying that he couldn’t just leave Bethany in the hands of the Prime Minister.

‘Nothing, sir.’ He stammered. ‘But he is acting strangely.’

Mycroft rolled his eyes and sighed. ‘I will need a security pass for Miss Bethany Wheeler, ensure it is in my hands before we arrive.’

Mycroft headed back into the main room and quickly moved to find Bethany who was still in conversation with the Prime Minister.

‘Apologies, Prime Minister.’ Mycroft smiled politely, gently guiding Bethany towards him, indicating they were leaving. ‘You’ll have to excuse Miss Wheeler and I; we have some urgent business to discuss.’

‘Oh Mycroft, work can wait.’ The PM moaned, clearly having drunk far more than she should have done.

‘No, I don’t think it can.’ Bethany was watching him like a hawk and managed to work out that this really wasn’t something that could be put off. ‘I’m sure we’ll meet again soon Prime Minister.’

Bethany nodded curtly and almost dragged Mycroft with her. ‘Is this Sherlock or Rosie?’ She asked on the way out.

‘Sherlock.’ He sighed. ‘He’s left his flat.’

Mycroft gestured for Andy to get the car ready at they entered the reception and he stopped by the cloakroom to get her coat, handing her phone back to her in the process. He tried several times to call John, but he wasn’t picking up.

Once they arrived, the aide Mycroft had sent to get Bethany’s pass was waiting.

‘Sir, we just need to add a photograph-‘

Mycroft held his hand up, knowing what was coming. ‘You can’t get into the security room without a pass.’ He explained to Bethany. ‘Please ensure Miss Wheeler finds her way up once you’re finished here.’

He smiled at Bethany before striding away, knowing she’d be fine, and heading up to where Lady Smallwood was watching in the surveillance room. He was unimpressed to say the least, something about feeling a sense of loss, something about Bethany not being with him. He tried phoning John again.

‘We can keep tabs.’ Lady Smallwood said as Mycroft entered the room. ‘You didn’t need to come in.’

‘I was talking to the Prime Minister.’ He said, annoyed.

‘Oh, I see.’ Lady Smallwood knew exactly why he decided to come in.

‘What’s he doing? Why is he just wandering about like a fool?’ Mycroft frowned at the screen.

‘She died, Mycroft. He’s probably still in shock.’

‘Everybody dies. It’s the one thing human beings can relied upon to do. How can it still come as a shock to people?’ Mycroft suddenly thanked his lucky stars that Bethany wasn’t there to hear him say that. Mary was her friend too.

‘You sound cross.’ Lady Smallwood turned to face him. ‘Am I going to be taken away by security again?’

‘I have, I think, apologise extensively.’

‘You haven’t made it up to me.’

‘And how am I supposed to do that?’

‘Mr Holmes.’ Thankfully the conversation was interrupted by the aide. ‘It’s Miss Wheeler.’

‘Show her in.’ Mycroft nodded.

‘We’re just letting civilians in here now are we?’ Lady Smallwood said, now she sounded cross.

‘She has clearance,’ Mycroft sighed. ‘You think I was going to let the Colbeck’s daughter remain in conversation with the PM.’

Even she couldn’t deny the logic in that. Mycroft turned to see Bethany, scanning the room quickly while she walked towards him. The way she always did that had the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end, she was so incredibly perceptive, it almost scared him. Almost.

‘John isn’t answering his phone.’ He told her.

Bethany took her phone out and handed it to him. ‘He might answer if it’s me.’ She said. Mycroft hated to admit she might have been right, but the logic was sound.

‘Nice to see you again Miss Wheeler.’ Lady Smallwood interrupted. Mycroft tried with his own phone again, not wanting to admit defeat.

‘You too, Lady Smallwood, hope you’ve been keeping well.’

‘Yes.’ Mycroft knew that tone and shot a warning glare at Lady Smallwood. ‘I heard you suffered a snake bite in Peru.’

‘Two actually,’ Bethany corrected her with the same tone as Lady Smallwood’s. ‘Only one was venomous though.’

‘Bethany.’ He warned, no amount of glaring was going to calm her, a verbal warning was what seemed to work best.

‘What’s Sherlock doing?’ She asked.

‘Nothing, he’s just wandering around.’ Mycroft gestured to the screen. Bethany took one look and a small smile appeared at the corner of her mouth. ‘What is it?’

‘You’ll see.’ She said, keeping her eyes fixed on the screen. Lady Smallwood looked at Mycroft in questioning, but he didn’t have an answer.

Suddenly the room started giggling as they saw it too.

‘What is it? What now?’ Mycroft asked anyone who would give him an answering. John still wasn’t answering, he would need to give in and use Bethany’s phone.

‘Sorry,’ one of the technicians answered his question. ‘Erm, traced his route on the map.’

Mycroft sighed, seeing that Sherlock had spelt out “fuck off”. It only served to exasperate him further. Bethany was trying not to laugh and it was the only thing keeping him calm.

‘Is he with someone?’ Mycroft asked, trying to refocus.

‘Not sure, we keep losing visual. Mostly we’re tracking his phone.’

‘Looks like he might be though.’ Bethany leaned in. ‘Well, at least, it looks like he’s talking to someone, whether there’s someone there or not is another matter.’

‘I’m trying to sleep; can you stop ringing my damn phone.’ John finally answered.

‘Sherlock has left his flat for the first time in months.’ Mycroft said, getting to the point and being mildly annoyed that it was the first dial on Bethany’s phone that caused him to actually answer. ‘I’m having him tracked.’

‘Nice.’ John half laughed, mocking. ‘That’s very touching how you can hijack the machinery of the state to look after your own family. Can I go to sleep now?’

‘Sherlock gone rogue is a legitimate security concern,’ Mycroft snapped. ‘The fact that I’m his brother changes absolutely nothing, it didn’t the last time and I can assure you it won’t with… with Sherlock.’ Mycroft caught the frowning expression of Bethany. Lady Smallwood was also giving him an odd look.

‘Sorry, what?’ John was now curious. Mycroft had said far too much and the only thing he could think of was Bethany. He needed to be grounded again and somehow she was the answer.

‘Please phone me if he gets in contact. Thank you.’ Mycroft said, hanging up. He took a breath and handed Bethany’s phone back to her. She could sense that Lady Smallwood had something she wanted to say and made herself scarce, still watching Sherlock, but his eyes never left her.

‘Do you still speak to Sherrinford?’ Lady Smallwood asked, quietly.

‘I get regular updates.’ He nodded.

‘And?’

‘Sherrinford is secure.’ Mycroft said, firmly.

It was clear that Lady Smallwood was more than capable of keeping tabs on Sherlock and it was only frustrating Mycroft to be in the same room as her. He approached Bethany and silently told her they were leaving.

Bethany cleared her throat. ‘Good luck with the baby,’ she turned to the technician who was controlling the drone. ‘Hope it all goes smoothly for you.’

‘Thanks, Beth.’ He smiled and Mycroft just frowned as they left the surveillance room.

‘What baby?’ Mycroft asked as they made their way down the corridor.

‘Jack’s having a baby,’ she explained casually. ‘His wife’s due in six weeks, they’re having a boy.’

‘How do you know?’

‘Because I asked him Mycroft.’ She chuckled, weakly. ‘That’s how you get to know people, you talk to them, take an interest.’

Mycroft stopped and just looked at her. ‘What you heard in there, Sherrinford-‘

‘Before you go any further,’ Bethany stopped him, taking a step closer. ‘I’ve heard of Sherrinford, thought it wasn’t a real place at first, but let me make one thing clear. You don’t have to tell me a damn thing if you don’t want to, you’re not under any obligation to talk to me about anything.’

Mycroft took a deep breath, feeling somewhat relieved. ‘It’s safer if you don’t know.’

‘It’s funny how often that’s said right before something terrible happens.’ Bethany looked up at him and her dark eyes absorbed him for a moment. He wanted to kiss her, he was desperate to hold her, but she would never want him to touch her if he was keeping secrets like these from her. ‘Can I assume this night has come to an end?’

Mycroft gave a quick meaningless smile. ‘I think it’s best I drop you home.’

In reality, taking Bethany home was the last thing he wanted to do, but it was for the best. He’d had a wonderful night, pretending to be hers for moments, watching the way she worked a room with incredible ease and precision. She was a beauty for the ages and Mycroft would never see another one like her, certainly not in his life time.

‘Mycroft?’

He was suddenly snapped out of his daze by her voice, they’d arrived outside her house and he’d been idly tracing over her hand the entire way, committing it to memory. He looked over and saw her eyes were just about black, it could well have been arousal, but equally it could have been the darkness and the streetlights barely enough for her to see anything properly.

‘Are you going to let me get out? Or are we going to stay here all night?’ Bethany smiled and Mycroft felt his heart thumping a little faster.

‘Given the choice?’ He smiled, knowing exactly what he wanted.

‘Yes?’

Mycroft slid his hand beneath hers and slowly intertwined their fingers, her hand just seemed to fit with his perfectly and he didn’t want to let go. He ran his other hand over the top, feeling every single part of the back of her hand, again burning the sensation into his mind. This was the grounding he needed, he needed her to simply exist with him and everything would be okay.

‘Thank you for coming tonight.’ He said, looking up at her again and seeing that her eyes had been closed, absorbing the feel of him, she was stunning.

Bethany cleared her throat. ‘That’s okay. Any time.’ She smiled and Mycroft was done resisting.

His eyes landed on her mouth and he instantly leaned over, sliding his hand across her jaw and into her soft hair, inhaling the ginger that gave him so much pleasure. Her lips were soft and giving and Mycroft was desperate to feel her, even just for a moment. She responded in kind and he felt the weight of her palm against his chest. Surely the pounding of his heartbeat was penetrating through, it was beating so hard against his ribcage, she had to have felt it.

It was a moment that Mycroft wished wouldn’t end, but eventually it was obvious that they couldn’t stay kissing in the back of a car forever. He pulled away slowly, still feeling her breath shallow against his mouth, her lips were a little swollen and he hadn’t mean to be so desperate with her.

Bethany soon smiled and gave him her signature soft kiss before pulling back to look at him. ‘Given the choice.’ She repeated, understanding the position he found himself in and understanding why he couldn’t go any further that night. ‘I’ll drop in on Sherlock any chance I get, text you updates if I can.’

‘Thank you.’ Mycroft whispered, having lost his voice.

‘Call me if you need anything.’ She said and soon stepped out of the car, leaving Mycroft alone and frustrated.

Why was none of this simple?

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[my-head-is-an-animal]

The Sitter

Mycroft Holmes x Bethany Wheeler (OFC)

Story Masterlist

Chapter 14 - Isolation

Mycroft slept for a few hours in the room next to hers, it was the only spare bedroom he had and it was really only used for if his parents stayed, which was incredibly rare. He was up early and on the treadmill for his daily work out, he was far enough away from his bedroom that he felt safe that he wouldn’t disturb Bethany, but a part of him wanted to be able to hear if she woke up.

Mycroft needed to leave to get to work as soon as she was awake, there were things that needed to be dealt with, including an apology to Lady Smallwood. It was nine o’clock and he knew he couldn’t wait much longer before he would be needed, having done most of his work on his phone and making idle excuses, it was time he actually did something about Bethany sleeping so late.

He made sure her clothes were dry, folding them neatly and placing them at the end of the bed, before gently waking her.

‘Mycroft?’ Was her first word as she woke up, her heavy eyes trying to find him.

‘It’s nine o’clock,’ he said, having already dressed and completed several tasks that morning. ‘You need to think about eating something.’ He stroked through her soft hair and tried to smile.

‘I was hoping it was all a dream.’ She whispered, her voice not quite what it should have been. ‘Have you heard from John?’

‘No,’ Mycroft shook his head. ‘But I’m sure he’d appreciate a visit from you… and Rosie too, she’ll need someone there for her.’

‘Yeah.’ Bethany nodded, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. ‘You’re right.’

Mycroft let his thumb graze over her warm cheek, memorising each freckle, the light hit them beautifully in the morning and he momentarily regretted not spending the night sleeping next to her.

He cleared his throat. ‘Feel free to shower,’ he said, kindly. ‘I’ll be downstairs with breakfast. Whenever you’re ready.’ Mycroft leaned down and placed a soft kiss to her forehead, feeling her relax into the feeling. He smiled again and left her in peace.

Mycroft waited only fifteen minutes for her to come down and see him. She was dressed and looked a lot more refreshed than she had done, though there was still a hint of sorrow to her expression. He made her coffee and they spent the morning quietly eating together. Mycroft made sure he went over every detail of the previous night in his head. Did he do enough? Was he comforting enough? Did he give her the respect she deserved?

‘You’re thinking too fast.’ She said. Mycroft looked up to see her watching him.

‘I was just thinking about last night.’ He admitted. ‘Did talking to your mother help at all?’

Bethany gave a small smile. ‘Yeah, it did. She asked if I wanted to go back to Peru, but I can’t just leave John and Rosie like that. And Sherlock won’t be much better.’

‘I thought you’d gone off him.’ Mycroft smiled, trying to help lightened the situation wherever he could, hoping it was the right choice.

‘I have.’ She nodded. ‘But it doesn’t mean he isn’t going to suffer as well. John won’t see it that way, but it’s only natural. Mrs Hudson and you will make sure he’s alright for a while, but… I expect he’ll need someone else.’

Mycroft nodded watching her finish her coffee. ‘That’s very admirable of you.’

Bethany just frowned. ‘I don’t know if admirable is the right word. People need people, Mycroft, I know you of all people don’t believe it, but it’s true. You can only get so far off the back of isolation.’

‘Can’t say I agree, I think I’ve done pretty well on my own.’

Bethany just smiled sympathetically. ‘But you’re not alone, are you? You have Sherlock… and me.’ Mycroft just watched her, once again feeling the weight of the pocket watch. ‘I suppose I should get home soon.’ She looked away, something of disappointment floating in her expression. ‘The country needs you to clean up whatever mess it’s made.’

That at least made them both smile.

‘You will rest, won’t you?’ Mycroft suddenly asked. She frowned. ‘Isolation can be a good thing, to take the time to mourn and refocus.’

Bethany just sat back and smiled, once again, the morning light hitting her face in the most wonderful of ways. ‘Maybe, you’re right.’ She said.

Mycroft allowed her all the time in the world to get ready to leave, he insisted he drop her off wherever she wanted to go instead of calling her a car and she just quietly nodded and allowed him that luxury.

He wished he’d had the courage to sleep next to her, to hold her and have what he’d always wanted, but somehow he felt she deserved better than what he could offer. He had a lot of what people needed and wanted, but always felt he fell so far short where Bethany Wheeler was concerned.

‘You’ll call, won’t you?’ Mycroft said, just as she was about to get out. ‘If there’s anything you require of me.’

There seemed to be an overwhelming disappointment to her expression before she nodded. ‘I will. Thank you for bringing me home.’

‘Of course.’ He smiled, but had the distinct impression that it would be a while before he saw her again.

Mycroft heard about the funeral, he had people watching for him and though it was a sad sight, the image that filled his heart with the most sorrow was Bethany in her black dress, crying with Mrs Hudson outside the church. He couldn’t stand it, he wanted to drive down and take her home with him, make her see that everything was going to be okay, but he dared not make a move without her permission.

Over the next few weeks, he received updates on Sherlock, nothing of note, he was keeping himself cooped up in his flat and Mycroft had a very bad feeling about what he might have been doing in there. He also kept up with Bethany, she’d started her third year at school, managed to get back to work and made at least three visits to John a week, all of them to help look after Rosie who she always smiled at. She had text him the day her lectures restarted and he felt an instant relief when she did.

Isolation. – BW

Mycroft frowned at his phone, he was in a meeting with the Prime Minister and a few other officials. The word could have been meant in just about any context, more likely to be in relation to the last conversation they’d had about her taking the time to mourn, but the word on it’s own was simply confusing.

‘Do we still have your attention, Mycroft?’ The Prime Minister asked.

Without even looking up, he answered the question. ‘Korea will not accept a deal involving all three demands, we may need to pick and choose which we ask for now and which we hold in reserve for later.’

There was a brief silence, before they carried on talking about the trade deal they wanted to strike.

I will need more than just one word to determine the subject matter of this conversation. – MH

Isolation. That’s the subject matter. You told me isolation can be good for mourning and refocusing. – BW

Yes. I often find it useful in that regard. – MH

In that case I have two questions. Did you know it would help me stay positive for Rosie? That it would allow me to keep smiling when I saw her? – BW

Mycroft inhaled deeply and tried to figure out what answer he could give. The meeting was reaching a conclusion.

I had a strong suspicion that isolation would help you in some way. To consolidate your sorrow. You wanted to be a good friend to John, I suspect going to his home and crying all the time would not have been useful, but using isolation to mourn and togetherness to sympathise, was a much kinder act. – MH

So, yes, you did know. – BW

I suspected. I rarely ever know things for certain where you are concerned. – MH

Should I take that as a compliment? – BW

Perhaps. What was your second question? – MH

Who are you mourning? – BW

Mycroft just frowned at his phone, only realising that he was smiling when his face began to drop.

‘Can I count on you to smooth things over?’ The Prime Minister directed her question to Mycroft, who quickly replayed the last few minutes of conversation in his head.

‘Yes, of course.’ He nodded.

She concluded the meeting and Mycroft continued to think on Bethany’s last question, he knew perfectly well what the answer was, but it was not a conversation he was prepared to have with anyone any time soon.

‘Mycroft, a word.’ The Prime Minister asked for him to stay behind a moment, he suspected this wasn’t a good thing. The other officials left and just the two of them remained in her office. ‘This gala, you’ll be bringing a date, won’t you?’

‘Pardon me?’ Mycroft was somewhat alarmed at the question.

‘Oh, don’t give me that,’ she rolled her eyes. ‘Lady Smallwood fauns over you as if she never even had a husband in the first place and it’s not good for the image of our security service. People are starting to talk, so do me a favour and bring someone to the gala, I don’t care who and I doubt anyone else will care either, but if it maintains our image, then you’ll do it.’

Mycroft swallowed nervously.

‘Well, well, I’ve never seen you stuck for words before.’ She half laughed, making Mycroft grit his teeth. ‘Does that mean there is someone?’

‘No.’ Mycroft shook his head once. ‘But I do have a friend who may want to… network. Will that suffice?’

The Prime Minister gave him an odd look. ‘What friend?’

‘Miss Bethany Wheeler.’

‘Do I know her?’

‘You’ll know her parents.’ Mycroft swallowed. ‘The Colbecks. Richard and Kathleen.’

The Prime Minister turned on her heel and gave Mycroft a grave look. ‘Mycroft-‘

‘I owe them a favour. This will clear my debt and satisfy the image of the British Security Service.’ Mycroft explained, thinking on how he might get Bethany to agree to coming to the gala, he would need to make it fun for her. ‘They haven’t been back in the country for some time, six years in fact, people are starting to talk and I am aware of that fact. Showing our support for their international endeavours would be a good move.’

The Prime Minister folded her arms and narrowed her eyes at Mycroft, trying to assess him, but she’d get nothing from him.

‘Fine, but I want to meet her.’ She said, taking a step towards him. ‘I’ll suss her out myself and see if she really is a Colbeck.’

‘Believe me, it’ll be obvious within seconds.’ Mycroft gave a polite. ‘Just one thing, Miss Wheeler is one of the most observant people I have ever met, rivalling that of myself and my brother, if there are any secrets you’d like to keep, I’d suggest erasing them from your memory before saying hello.’

‘She’s that good?’

‘She is, but like her parents, she’s kind and I think we both know the damage kindness can do.’

The Prime Minister had been given her warning and Mycroft wouldn’t give her anymore. Bethany was observant, he’d seen evidence of it in the past, particularly where Lady Smallwood was concerned, he was certain she had picked up on more than just a few crushes here and there, but never said anything out of turn. It didn’t mean that she couldn’t though.

He decided a phone call would encourage her to say yes.

‘Mycroft?’ She answered, he could hear the sounds of people talking around her, but there was a slight echo and different subjects being discussed as if just learned.

‘Didn’t mean to disturb you during school hours.’ He said, walking down the corridor towards his office. ‘I have a proposition for you.’

‘Is that right?’ She was smiling at least. ‘Well, you’d better make it quick, I’m just about to head in for a workshop.’

‘What kind of workshop?’

‘One involving Molecular biology. Why?’

‘Just taking an interest.’

‘In that case, my question still stands.’ She chuckled.

‘I can’t take an interest in your studies?’ Mycroft could see Lady Smallwood catching his eye from the end of the corridor and felt his chest groan.

‘No, you can take an interest in whatever you want, I’m just curious about how it connects to your proposition.’ He could hear her moving to a quieter part of the university building, possible just outside the lab she was heading to.

‘Well, I have just come out of a meeting with the Prime Minister-‘

‘Mycroft, can we talk for a moment?’ Lady Smallwood approached.

Mycroft cleared his throat. ‘Yes, Lady Smallwood, if you could give me a moment, I’ll be with you shortly.’ He moved away to a quieter part of the corridor, overlooking the reception area below. ‘Sorry about that.’ He said.

‘No, it’s fine, I need to head in and if you’ve got work to do then maybe you can call me later-‘

‘There’s a gala, I’d like you to accompany me to it.’ Mycroft blurted out. He knew what Lady Smallwood wanted to talk about, but he needed Bethany to say yes before he entered into that conversation.

‘A gala? Like a fundraiser or something?’

‘Something like that, but there will be several members of the pharmaceutical industry and other professionals at the top of their fields that you may wish to meet.’

‘Yeah, sorry, I’m just coming.’ He heard her say so someone beyond the phone. She cleared her throat and sighed. ‘When is it?’

‘Friday.’

‘Black tie?’

‘Yes.’

‘Will you be sending a car?’

‘Of course.’ Mycroft had a very good feeling about where this was going and casually started to wander back to where Lady Smallwood was waiting.

‘Will I need to be your date to fend off Lady Smallwood’s advances?’

‘That would be a great help.’

‘And will you be using my very big brain to suss people out?’

That stopped him for a second too long. ‘It would be a good perk.’

‘I see.’

‘Is that a yes?’

‘Say please.’ He could hear her smiling, teasing him.

‘Please.’ Mycroft knew Lady Smallwood was in earshot, but once again found himself not caring.

‘I’ll think about it.’

‘I can already hear your answer.’ Mycroft countered.

‘I know.’ She said, heading into the lab. ‘It’s just an excuse for you to call me and fill me in on all the stuff you’re not telling me later.’

‘Fine.’ He conceded.

‘Talk to you later.’ She said a little quietly and hung up with a smile on her face.

Mycroft stared down at his phone and took a breath, she drove a hard interrogation, but in a way, that’s what he liked about her, she was unexpected but non-threatening.

‘Lady Smallwood, what can I do for you?’ Mycroft was in a slightly better mood.

‘This circus the Prime Minister wants everyone at,’ she cut straight to the point. ‘I imagine it’ll be everyone in attendance and fly the flag?’

‘Yes, I imagine so.’ Mycroft frowned, urging her to get to the point.

‘Might be a good opportunity for you to make your apology properly given your recent accusations against me.’ She was twisting slightly on her heel, carefully looking up at him through her short lashes and her lips were a little moist, he knew what she was doing.

‘I have apologised several times for my actions, Lady Smallwood.’ Mycroft smiled politely, thankfully seeing Anthea striding towards him, picking up the pace once she spotted who he was talking to. ‘But I will be otherwise occupied with Miss Wheeler at the gala.’

‘Miss Wheeler?’

‘Prime Minister’s request that some new faces are introduced and Miss Wheeler is far surpassing all expectations.’ Mycroft quickly explained as Anthea handed him a file that he didn’t need to look at, but it did provide a good excuse for him to wrap up the conversation. ‘Also, Dr Mathieson will be in attendance and Miss Wheeler was one of his favoured candidates. I imagine he will want to talk about a more permanent position for her in the future. Excuse me.’

Mycroft gestured for Anthea to lead the way back to his office. ‘Am I to take it Miss Wheeler will be accompanying you to the gala on Friday, sir?’

‘Yes, please make all the necessary arrangements.’ He said, not caring about anything but getting back to the safety of his office. ‘Any update on Sherlock?’

‘No, sir, he’s still not left his flat.’ Anthea shook her head.

‘Mm, keep me informed.’ Mycroft nodded.

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[my-head-is-an-animal]

The Sitter

Mycroft Holmes x Bethany Wheeler (OFC)

Story Masterlist

Chapter 13 - Mary

Sherlock didn’t get back to him by the time Mycroft was due to leave. Anthea was surprised that he was leaving at five o’clock, usually that was when he did most of his work.

‘Taking the night off.’ Mycroft gave a small smile by way of explanation.

‘Well, I hope you have a pleasant evening, sir.’ Anthea grinned. ‘I’m sure she will too.’

Mycroft stopped and turned on his heel. Anthea just gave him a slightly challenging look. ‘She’s just a friend.’

‘Of course, sir.’ She nodded, not believing him. Mycroft decided to leave it and head home. He was constantly checking his phone in case Sherlock called, but nothing was coming through. He might actually have gotten a free night to himself.

Once he was home, he realised fairly quickly that he didn’t actually have anything in. He took his suit jacket off and loosened his tie, rolling his sleeves up and working out what he could do. Why hadn’t he planned ahead? He always planned, why was this the one occasion where he didn’t?

The doorbell went and Mycroft was out of time. He could get something ordered, quickly debating with himself over whether it was appropriate before reminding himself that it wasn’t a date. Why did he have to keep reminding himself of that fact?

‘Mycroft.’ She smiled. He’d forgotten that her arm would be bandaged up. It didn’t seem to slow her down or dampen her mood any.

‘Bethany.’ He smiled and stood aside to let her in. She was still incredibly beautiful with her tight black jeans, loose denim grey t-shirt and black loafers. She had her black handbag over her shoulder and still wore the necklace he gave her. He wished she’d brought a coat, it would be colder later. ‘How’s the arm?’

‘It’s fine, bit uncomfortable and they say it’ll get a little worse before it gets better, but I kind of expected that.’ Bethany smiled. ‘How was your day? Did you get Lady Smallwood?’

Mycroft led her into the kitchen, he’d found some wine and decided they could order some Chinese for dinner, she’d like the casual nature of it.

‘No.’ He said. ‘It wasn’t her.’

‘No?’ She said, with a hint of carelessness.

‘You already knew?’ Mycroft asked, pouring a glass of wine. Bethany took her handbag off and hung it on the back of one of his kitchen chairs.

‘Course not, how could I?’

‘You didn’t seem terribly surprised when I said it wasn’t her.’ He handed her a glass and watched her smile sheepishly, leaning back against the counter.

‘Well, it just seems a bit odd,’ she sipped her wine. ‘You said that she used the codename Love. Well, why would she use her own codename if she was giving the order? Surely using someone else’s would be the logical step, if not someone else at least try to disguise her voice so it couldn’t lead back to her if it did go wrong.’

‘So, you don’t think it was her?’

‘I think the pieces fit a little too well. Also, she has nothing to gain by an operation going wrong if she was in charge of it, she’d surely get the blame, wouldn’t she?’

Mycroft took a mouthful of wine. ‘I wish our lot were half as good as you.’

‘Oh, I think if your team were as skilled as me, there’d be no need for you.’ She teased, biting her lower lip.

‘That’s what I’m afraid of.’ Mycroft felt his voice low and his eyes land firmly on her lip. She smiled a little wider realising what he was staring at. ‘So, any more adventures planned for the summer?’

‘No, that’s me back for a while now.’ She smiled, holding her wine glass close to her chest. ‘I think I might venture somewhere around Christmas, but I haven’t made up my mind yet.’

Bethany once again bite gently on her lower lip and Mycroft took another mouthful of wine to distract himself, but his eyes always went back to the same spot, making her chuckle.

‘Are you going to keep staring? Or are you actually going to do something about it?’ She chuckled.

Mycroft had never felt such dark desire take over before. He set his wine glass down, listening to her do the same and closed the distance between them slowly. He wasn’t stupid, he knew she was probably in a little more pain than she’d ever let on, but he couldn’t resist her invitation. Mycroft looked down at her blackening eyes and wished he could watch them all night, she was just the picture of perfection, the freckles on her cheeks just about visible from where she’d gotten a tan, but it was all about her smile. Her smile was all he needed to know that everything was as it should have been, she was happy.

Mycroft brought his hand up to trace along her jawline, the other wrapping around her hip, feeling her slender body pressing between him and the kitchen counter. He didn’t want to take it slow, he could feel her own hands fisting his waistcoat, needing the contact as much as he did. He closed his eyes, inhaled the scent of ginger and pressed his lips firmly to hers.

Somehow, he’d lost control of his patience and the kiss was more passionate and greedy than it had been previously. Her hips pushed up slightly into his and he felt her let a deep sigh go as she felt what the kiss was doing to him. Mycroft would have previously felt a shame that he grew so aroused so quickly, but with Bethany, he didn’t feel that shame.

He dragged his teeth along her bottom lip and listened to that melodic sigh that had only occurred once before when he’d done the same thing on his two-seater, their first kiss. He groaned into her mouth, tasting the wine she’d just been drinking and something that resembled her toothpaste, his tongue came out to get more, he needed more. Mycroft needed her.

Bethany ran her hand around his hip and pulled him closer, he didn’t think he could get any closer without be inside her, a thought that had him humming into her mouth. He could feel her body pressed against his and all he wanted to feel her against his skin.

The sound of his phone ringing had them both snapping out of their moment. Mycroft sighed, tempted to ignore it, he kissed her again and felt her smiling against him.

‘It could be the Queen.’ She teased.

‘Quite frankly if it is, she can sod off.’ Mycroft brought both hands up to Bethany’s face, placing one last kiss to her lips, having a very good feeling that it wasn’t the Queen, but it was close. ‘Sherlock.’ He groaned and answered. ‘What is it?’

‘London Aquarium.’ He said. ‘Bring Lestrade. I’ve got her.’

Sherlock hung up and Mycroft hated his brother for just a second.

‘Right, what do we do?’ Bethany asked, composing herself much better than Mycroft had done.

‘You should stay here-‘

‘Give over, it’s not happening.’ She was more defiant than Mycroft had ever seen her. ‘If this woman or whoever it is tried to kill Mary, I want to be there for my friend.’ Mycroft felt a small trickle of fear and dared not argue. He nodded and phoned Lestrade to meet them at the London Aquarium.

Mycroft needed to take a moment to refocus himself and Bethany, mercifully, gave him the space to do it. He took a deep breath and shook the kiss from his mind, there was work to be done and he was sure Bethany would still be around when this was all finished. He briefly thought about continuing their evening after they dealt with Sherlock, he wouldn’t let anything spoil what would be a wonderful night spent with Bethany.

Mycroft grabbed his coat and opened the door for Bethany to get into the car, calling Lestrade on their way to the aquarium. Mycroft was the one to get them into the building on name alone, making Bethany smile a little at the power his name held. It made him feel good for a while, until Lestrade sent a few police officers to secure the building and asked Bethany why she was with Mycroft in the first place.

‘Wrote a paper when I was fourteen about a top secret base,’ she said, coolly. ‘Came up in a background check. Apparently, it spooked him.’

‘You spooked a spook.’ Lestrade joked. ‘Very nice.’

Mycroft was glad for her discretion, though he wished they could focus on the real reason they were there. They strode down towards the lower part of the aquarium, and he rolled his eyes slightly, hearing Sherlock talking at a hundred miles an hour, being clever.

Mycroft rounded the corner to see Lady Smallwood secretary, Vivienne. Something Bethany had said creeped up in the back of his mind “receptionists hear everything”, he thought she meant Anthea. He gave her a curious glance, but her brows were knitted together, like she was unsure herself, so possibly she had meant Anthea at the time.

‘…to make up for the inadequacies of your little life.’ Sherlock finished off his explanation and Vivian realised she was done for.

‘Well, Mrs Norbury,’ Mycroft stepped forward. ‘I must admit this is unexpected.’

‘You alright?’ Bethany asked Mary, quietly. Mary nodded, clearly a little uncertain about the gun that was idly being pointed in her direction.

‘Vivienne Norbury. You outsmarted them all. All except Sherlock Holmes.’

Even Bethany gave him a look. She was still holding a gun and there was a tremor in her hand. Mycroft’s instinct was to get Bethany out of there, get her somewhere safe.

Sherlock held his hand out for Vivienne to place the gun in his hand. ‘There’s no way out.’ He said as the police officers began to surround her, slowly.

‘So it would seem.’ She said, but Mycroft didn’t like her tone. ‘You see right through me Mr Holmes.’

‘It’s what I do.’ Sherlock shot back.

‘Maybe I can still surprise you.’ Vivienne quickly pulled the gun up to point it at Sherlock and the room shifted. Mycroft’s hand had found Bethany instinctively and was placed on her waist with his arm cutting across her. Her instinct was to move forward, but he couldn’t quite determine where, whether it was to protect Sherlock or Mary, more likely Mary.

‘Now come on,’ Lestrade tried to settle everyone. ‘Be sensible.’

‘No, I don’t think so.’ Vivienne shook her head and the gun fired. Everything went into slo-motion, the bullet was moving towards Sherlock, Bethany was holding his arm, more out of fear than anything, but it was Mary who launched herself in front of Sherlock and took the bullet. ‘Surprise.’

‘Mary!’ Bethany shouted and was immediately on the floor with her. Sherlock as well while Vivienne was being restrained.

‘Everything’s fine,’ Sherlock said, trying to keep Mary calm while Bethany did what she could in trying to stop the bleeding. ‘It’s going to be okay.’

‘Get an ambulance.’ Bethany ordered and Mycroft found himself jumping into action. He called the ambulance as John whisked past him to find what had happened.

‘It’s alright, it’s alright.’ Sherlock kept repeating.

‘Mary!’ John yelled.

‘John.’ She gasped. Sherlock stepped away so that Bethany and John could do what they knew how to do.

‘Mary, Mary, stay with me. Stay with me.’

‘Oh come on Doctor-‘

‘Don’t worry-‘

‘You can do better than that-‘

‘Come on Mary.’

The ambulance was on its way, all that was left for Mycroft to do was watch Bethany and John try to save Mary’s life.

‘John, I think this is it.’ Mary said, still panting for breath.

‘No, no, no, no, it’s not-‘

‘You made me so happy, you gave me everything I could ever… ever wanted-‘

‘Shh shh, Mary-‘

‘Look after Rosie’

‘Shh shh-‘

‘Promise me-‘

‘Yes, I promise.’

‘And you, Beth.’

‘Yeah, of course.’ Bethany was sobbing, her hands and arms were covered in blood, but she was still trying to stop the bleeding.

‘Finish school, see the world-‘

‘I will, I will-‘

‘Fall in love.’

‘Mary, you’re going to be fine.’ Bethany was shaking and struggling to stay strong.

‘Hey Sherlock.’

‘Yes?’ Sherlock was frozen to the spot, there was nothing he could do.

‘I so like you… did I ever say?’

‘Yes, yes, you did.’ Mycroft could hear the distress in his voice.

‘I’m sorry for shooting you that time. I’m really sorry.’

‘It’s all right.’ Sherlock half laughed.

‘I think we’re even now, okay?’

‘Okay.’

‘I think we’re even, definitely even-‘

‘Mary,’ John cut in as Mary started to writhe a little. ‘Mary-‘

‘You were my whole world.’ As soon as she said it, John physically winced. The pain knowing his wife was dying and even Mycroft could sympathise. ‘Being Mary Watson… was the only life… worth living. Thank you.’

And with that, Mary slumped against the wooden bench.

‘Mary.’ John whispered, a silent pray that she was just unconscious. Bethany was still trying to stop the bleeding, both of them in denial about what had just happened in front of them. John had a moment of clarity and checked her pulse, shaking his head, allowing Bethany to sit back, realising there was no point to what she was doing anymore.

John groaned in pain and Bethany just sat sobbing, still covered in Mary’s blood.

‘Don’t you dare.’ He growled, looking up with a face full of fury. ‘You made a vow. You swore it.’ Mycroft exchanged a grave look with Lestrade, both of them not quite knowing what to do.

The ambulance and paramedics eventually turned up and confirmed what everyone knew had already happened. Mary Watson had died. Mycroft made what phone calls he could, ensuring that Vivienne Norbury paid for her actions, Lestrade was the one to take care of Bethany who was just about catatonic. Her arms were covered in blood and her bandage on her arm had been soaked through. Mycroft wanted to help her.

‘My office will take care of Norbury.’ Mycroft told Lestrade, who nodded about to take Bethany away. ‘I’ll…’ he stopped the inspector. ‘I’ll take her home.’

‘You sure? She’s pretty shaken up.’

Mycroft just gave him a nod. Mycroft could tell that Bethany had no real connection to what was going on around her, but she needed to be looked after that night.

He wasn’t the warmest individual, or even the kindest, but Mycroft wanted to try for her. He called a doctor and had him meet them at the house, Mycroft wanted to make sure her bite wasn’t affected too badly, it was already infected.

Mycroft managed to get her into a car and back to his home, she hadn’t said anything, or even shed anymore tears, he assumed the shock was starting to set in and he needed to help her get cleaned up.

The doctor arrived minutes after he’d gotten Bethany settled in his bedroom, she just sat on the edge staring into space.

‘Mycroft.’ The doctor nodded. ‘The patient?’

‘She’s upstairs,’ Mycroft explained, he’d felt so out of his depth. ‘She has a snake bite on her forearm, visited the hospital this morning and found the bite had become infected. Tonight, her friend was shot and Miss Wheeler tried to stop the bleeding… unfortunately, she died anyway.’

‘I see.’ The doctor, who for a man over sixty had a surprising spring in his step as bounced up the stairs after Mycroft who’s stride was long enough to take them two at a time. ‘Has she mentioned any pain?’

‘She hasn’t said anything.’ Mycroft said, gravely. ‘She stopped crying half an hour ago and has only been able to stare into space since I brought her here.’

The doctor nodded and headed into the bedroom to find Bethany in the same position she was in when Mycroft left. He watched the doctor treat her delicately, taking off the bandage to find that it was much more infected than she had previously stated. He cleaned it up and suggested she shower before administering a cream that should have protected the wound when new bandages were put on. He was quick and spoke softly to Bethany, who responded well enough to follow instructions when she needed to.

Mycroft just watched from the door and made the odd phone call concerning Norbury. In part, he knew he had less right to be upset than most, but Mycroft felt an inner rage burning at the fact that she had damaged Bethany this way. She lost her friend that night, she was left isolated and alone and with him. Maybe Mycroft wasn’t the best choice, perhaps Lestrade had been right to want to look after her, he was doing his best, but someone with a more human touch was probably what she needed.

The doctor checked the wound on her leg and it was healing over nicely. He left Bethany sitting on the bed and approached Mycroft.

‘You know how to put on a bandage?’ He asked, Mycroft nodded. ‘Good, she should take a shower and rest for now, the shock is starting to wear off, she’ll need friends around her to help her get through this. Make sure the wound is cleaned before you put the bandages on and make sure she takes the antibiotics that she’s been prescribed.’

‘Thank you.’ Mycroft nodded and showed the doctor out.

When he came back, Bethany was leaning her elbows on her knees and looking down at the floor, he let a deep breath go and tried his hardest to be there for her. Mycroft turned the shower on and found an old shirt that she could wear while he washed her clothes for her. There was no way he was letting her go home to spend the night alone.

‘Bethany.’ He said, quietly kneeling in front of her. ‘Come on, let’s get you up and into the shower.’ He slid his hands over her shoulders and she allowed him to gently guide her to her feet. She was a little unsteady, but Mycroft made sure she knew he had her.

Once she was in the bathroom, he was at a loss, did he stay? Did he leave? How did he help her? His gentlemanly instincts kicked in.

‘I’ll leave you in peace.’ He said. ‘You can leave your clothes on the floor and I’ll make sure they’re cleaned for you.’ He received a small nod of acknowledgment and sighed in relief that at least she was able to do that much.

Mycroft left the bathroom and made a few more calls to check on progress, always keeping an ear out of when she might have been finished. The shower stayed on for a lot longer than he felt comfortable with, he approached the door and listened to the sounds of Bethany sobbing. His heart wrenched, he didn’t know what to do, this wasn’t his area of expertise or even comfort, he was trying, but he felt he was walking a thin line between messing everything up and giving in to what he really wanted.

He waited for a full five minutes, before deciding if he didn’t intervene, she would never leave the shower. Mycroft slowly opened the door and looked over to see Bethany sitting on the floor of his shower, curled up with her knees pulled into her chest. She had a few light scars on her back, they looked like they were from falls or accidents she’d had when she was a child, there was no way they were recent.

Mycroft tried to be as respectful as possible, he reached in to turn the shower off and listened to her stuttered breathing as she tried to calm down. He kneeled down just outside the shower and sighed. He gently reached over and moved her wet hair away from her face, concentrating only on her face. Her eyes were red and she looked incredibly helpless, this was not the woman he’d fallen for, but he felt the same love for her regardless.

Mycroft found a white fluffy towel for her to dry herself with, he gently reached for her hand and guided her to her feet, ensuring the towel covered her body and maintained her dignity. The two bites looked clean enough, but he wouldn’t let her down by doing things by half measures. Mycroft brought her back into the bedroom, sat her back down on the edge of the bed and found a smaller clean towel to dry her wounds with.

He realised very quickly that there were no words with which he could comfort her, that actions were what she needed and there was nothing he could say that would help her at all.

Mycroft patted down her arm and her leg, noting the softness of her skin and feeling a sense of wonder that she could still radiate beauty at a time like this. He applied the gel he’d been given and tried to be as gentle as possible, she felt the sting, but she was brave and didn’t make a fuss. He wrapped the bandages around the wounds and dried his hands on the smaller towel.

‘Here.’ He said, placing the old shirt he’d found next to her.

Bethany didn’t say anything, but she nodded and her gave her some privacy, heading downstairs to get her clothes cleaned up. They were stained pretty badly, but Mycroft had the exact thing he needed to get the stains out.

When he returned, Bethany had changed into his shirt, and lay down on the bed, the soft cotton seemed to be what she needed to relax. Mycroft removed his tie and waistcoat, loosening his shirt a little and knelt down beside her.

‘Is there anything I can do?’ He asked, fully expecting her to remain silent.

‘I want my mum.’ She whispered and held onto another sob.

Mycroft felt his heart crack. At the moment she realised Rosie would grow up without a mother, Bethany’s first thoughts were to call hers and find comfort in hearing her voice.

‘I’ll make the call.’ Mycroft nodded, trying for a smile, but his face just wouldn’t hold it.

He instead placed his hand over hers, running his warm thumb over her much cooler hand, how did her temperature drop so quickly? He stayed until she was able to breath a little steadier before getting up to find his phone. He’d had her parent’s numbers from years ago, praying it was up-to-date.

‘Mr Holmes,’ thankfully her mother answered, though not in a particularly happy tone. ‘To what do I owe this unfortunate call?’

‘Dr Colbeck, I’m calling on behalf of your daughter.’

‘Beth? Is she alright?’ The tone changed from unimpressed to incredibly worried.

‘She’s fine, she’s unharmed and there’s not need to worry.’ Mycroft knew he was making a bit of a mess of things already. ‘I’m afraid she played witness to the unfortunate death of Mary Watson; I assume you know the name?’

‘Oh, Christ, not Mary.’

‘Mary Watson took a bullet for my brother, but your daughter jumped into action and tried to stop the bleeding along with Dr John Watson, Mary’s husband. Unfortunately, she was unsuccessful and the ambulance was too late to save Mary.’ Mycroft tried to keep it concise. ‘She has been seen to by a doctor but has asked to speak with you.’

‘Of course, yes.’ She was clearly upset for her daughter, but a pressing question came to her lips. ‘Mycroft, is she alright? Really though?’

He wasn’t sure how to answer. Mycroft sighed. ‘No, she’s… well… it’s been a very difficult thing for her to process.’

Mycroft listened to her sighing and possibly sitting down somewhere. ‘Pass me over to her.’

‘Of course.’ Mycroft entered into his bedroom and knelt down to see Bethany crying, but making no noise. ‘Bethany, I’ve got your mother on the phone.’ He said, softly. ‘You wanted to talk to her.’

Bethany sniffed and gave a slight nod. Mycroft handed over the phone and debated whether he should have stayed close by.

‘Mum?’ Bethany said, in the smallest voice he’d ever heard her use.

Mycroft heard the sounds of her mother starting to comfort her and he thought it best to give her a moment of privacy. He went downstairs and poured a glass of water for her, hoping the small gesture did something in the way of helping. He caught sight of the wine glasses still sitting in the same positions from when they left. If he had been more persistent in telling her to stay, then none of this would have happened, but then, Mary would still have died and she would still have lost her friend.

Mycroft leaned over the counter and tried not to think too hard on the way he’d kissed her only hours before, it made him happy and settled his mind somewhat, but it only made him want her all the more.

He made his way back up the stairs and heard his name mentioned, making him stop just outside his bedroom door.

‘Mycroft’s.’ Bethany said, she sounded a little steadier now that she’d had the chance to speak with her mother. ‘He’s being kind, mum… no, it’s not like that… I am being careful, but I couldn’t let my friend down, could I?... I know, I know… Mycroft told me to stay, but I didn’t listen… probably… he found my old paper, the one I wrote on Baskerville… I have no idea, he said it didn’t come up in the background check, so God knows where it came from… he jokingly offered me a job… I don’t think he meant it, mum… no, no, I’m fine, I told you he’s being kind… I know, but… look, I should have told you before, but I’ve been hanging out with Sherlock Holmes, that’s how I met Mycroft… he’s nice to me, I think because I don’t cause too much trouble.’ Mycroft smiled a little at that. ‘I told you, it’s not like that… he’s kind, but I don’t think he’s the type to be honest, he’s got the whole country to run and other priorities… I know… I’ll be careful, I promise. I just needed to hear your voice, that was all… I’ll see John as soon as I can, I think just the shock of it all was what got me, I just didn’t know what to do…’ Bethany almost let herself break down again, but quickly took a few steady breaths. ‘I just didn’t think- you don’t though, do you? You never think it’ll happen, even if your friend is some kind of secret spy, you just don’t think…’ Bethany attempted a joke, but it only served to upset her more.

Mycroft felt he’d eavesdropped enough and walked around the door frame, slowly. She looked at him having sat back up on the bed and tried to smile at him. Mycroft set the glass of water down beside her.

‘Yeah… I’ll call you tomorrow if I can… I love you too… I’m okay, I’ll be alright… I love you… bye.’ It was a moment of hesitation before she hung up, handing the phone over to Mycroft, who just put it down on the side.

He knelt down in front of her and looked up at her reddened face, her face that always shone beauty and happiness, now whilst still beautiful, was just sorrow. Mycroft gently moved her damp hair away from her face, her dark eyes found him and softened slightly.

‘I think you should try to sleep.’ Mycroft said, softly. Bethany just let out a breath of laugher.

‘How can I?’ She asked. ‘I can’t stop seeing her.’ She was about to break again and Mycroft was desperate to help however he could. ‘Why can’t I stop seeing her?’ Mycroft kept his hand on her jaw, cradling her face. ‘Why did Sherlock have to show off? Why couldn’t he just not show off? Just this once.’

Mycroft leaned up and held her close to his body, wrapping his arm around her waist and cradling the back of her head, keeping her secure. She held him tight, the feeling that she might break if she didn’t.

‘Because that’s what Sherlock does.’ Mycroft said as gently as he could. ‘He solves cases and shows off… but we can take some comfort that you did your best and you did what any friend would.’

‘It wasn’t enough.’ She cried. ‘I should have done more.’

‘What more could you have done?’ He found himself idly running his fingers through her soft hair. She didn’t have an answer. ‘If you can’t find the answer now, how could you have been expected to find the answer at the time when every action was instinctive? You did your best and no one blames you.’

Bethany continued to cry into his shoulder. Mycroft tried to understand her, to sympathise for her, but his mind had always been able to move on swiftly to the next task despite such tragedies. He imagined Bethany to have had a somewhat more shielded life.

Mycroft was eventually able to get her to lie down and get warm beneath the duvet, she was tired and could easily drop off, but she stopped him from leaving. An uncertain expression on her face.

‘I don’t want to be alone.’ She whispered.

Mycroft was at first, alarmed, but soon found himself unable to resist such a request. He nodded and promised he’d come back once he’d made a few more phone calls.

‘Just try to relax. I won’t be long.’ He assured her. She smiled the first small, but genuine smile since before they left for the aquarium earlier that evening.

He left to make the phone calls and it took a little longer than he would have liked, so much so, that by the time he made it back to his room, she was fast asleep. Mycroft made a calculated decision to leave her sleeping peacefully, better she rested than be disturbed by him indulging in the prospect of sleeping next to her.

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[my-head-is-an-animal]

The Sitter

Mycroft Holmes x Bethany Wheeler (OFC)

Story Masterlist

Chapter 11 - Peru

I’m going to Peru in about four days time, will be gone for two weeks. – BW

It had been nearly a month since Mycroft had called her, he hadn’t contacted her since then to arrange dinner, mostly because he’d been keeping an eye on the situation with Sherlock and A.G.R.A. He was aware that one of the members was currently tracking Mary but had both limited time and resources to devote to it. People like Mary tended not to last too long, but also if Sherlock was tracking down the Thatcher busts, it probably wasn’t a good thing.

Hiking in the Andes? Or visiting Machu Picchu? – MH

Maybe both. I’ve got two weeks to fill with adventures. Do you have any suggestions? – BW

As previously stated, travelling is not my area of expertise. I’m sure I will be asking you for recommended destinations on your return. – MH

I’m sure you will. – BW

Mycroft frowned at his phone, did he say something wrong?

I’ll not be doing anything too pressing over the next few weeks, nothing that requires my full attention anyway. – MH

If that’s your way of saying “send pics” then I will try to send some when I can. I’ll be visiting my parents, so I will try to be subtle, but they find out everything. You sure you still want photos? – BW

Mycroft smiled down at his phone. Sherlock was due to arrive any minute, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care for a moment.

On second thoughts, I may have one or two things that require my attention. – MH

Yeah, I wouldn’t want to be on the other end of “what are your intentions with our daughter?” either. Though I imagine you’d be able to come up with some reasonable answer that would satisfy them. – BW

Possibly. Though I’ll admit, it’s not a conversation I’ve had to worry about having with anyone before now. – MH

Really? Now that does surprise me. – BW

Does it? – MH

Bethany didn’t respond immediately and Sherlock had walked through the door of his office, taken a seat and started asking him about A.G.R.A.

I’ll keep it subtle and sneak a couple of cheeky shots when I can. I’ll text you before I leave. – BW

Mycroft smiled again, before putting his feet up and devoting his attention to Sherlock again.

‘She’s going to Peru, isn’t she?’ He asked, Mycroft just took a deep breath and chose not to engage. ‘Visiting her parents for two weeks. Lovely people.’

‘You’ve met them?’ Mycroft frowned.

‘Briefly.’ Sherlock nodded. ‘A few days before I met Beth, they’re good people.’

‘Indeed.’

‘You?’

Mycroft nodded. ‘Yes, her father and I met while he was at Cambridge, he built an aircraft that we now use for sending medical supplies to Africa. And her mother I met when she worked briefly with the World Health Organisation. They are indeed good people.’

‘And do they know about your association with their daughter?’

Mycroft chose not to answer that. He got back to the point of Sherlock’s visit.

‘AGRA, a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is three hundred and seventy- eight kilometres west of the state capitol Lucknow-‘

‘What are you, Wikipedia?’

‘Yes.’ Mycroft smiled, a private joke with himself.

‘AGRA’s an acronym.’

‘Oh good, I love an acronym. All the best secret societies have them.’

‘Team of agents, the best, but you know all that.’

‘Of course, I do, go on.’ Mycroft was enjoying the façade of Sherlock telling him something he thought he might not know, but he really needed him to get to the point and soon.

‘One of them Ajay is looking for Mary, also one of the team.’

Mycroft took a small breath. ‘Indeed. Well, that’s news to me.’

‘Is it?’ Sherlock frowned and Mycroft just gave him a look as if to say of course he knew. ‘He’s already killed looking for that memory stick. AGRA always worked for the highest bidder, I thought that might include you.’

‘Me?’

‘Oh, I mean the British Government, or whatever government you’re currently propping up.’

‘AGRA were very reliable,’ Mycroft said. ‘Then came the Tbilisi incident. They were sent in to free the hostages, but it all went terribly wrong. And that was that, we stopped using freelancers.’

‘You’re initiative.’

‘My initiative.’ Mycroft nodded. ‘Freelancers are too woolly, too messy. I don’t like loose ends. Not on my watch.’

Sherlock leaned forward and grabbed one of the files Mycroft had on his desk. ‘There was something else. A detail. A codeword.’ He scribbled on the edge of the file.

‘Ammo?’

‘It’s all I’ve got.’

‘Little enough.’

‘Could you do some digging as a favour?’

Mycroft smiled. ‘You don’t have many favours left.’

‘Then I’m calling them all in.’

‘And if you can find who’s after her and neutralise them, what then? You think you can go on saving her forever?’

‘Of course.’

‘Is that sentiment talking?’

‘No. It’s me.’

‘Difficult to tell the difference these days.’

‘I told you, I made a promise. A vow.’

Mycroft smiled, he didn’t need to wonder how far Sherlock would go to protect Mary. He’d seen it first hand with Magnusson. ‘Alright, I’ll see what I can do. But remember this, brother mine. Agents like Mary tend not to reach retirement age, they get retired, in a pretty permanent sort of way.’

‘Not on my watch.’ Sherlock was determined and left Mycroft to do the digging he required.

He spent the next few days trying to subtly dig up what he could, all the while keeping an eye on where Sherlock was going.

That’s me off! Machu Picchu here I come! – BW

Beth had sent through a selfie of her sitting on the plane, waiting to take off. She was smiling with her headphones around her neck and her dark eyes were illuminated by the morning light streaking through them. Beautiful.

Hope it’s all you expect it to be, and I hope your parents are well. Stay safe and don’t be afraid to call if any of you run into trouble, I do have some pull with the Peruvian government. – MH

Back to flirting? I’ll keep it in mind. See you when I get back! – BW

Mycroft smiled as he finished getting dressed for the day, unconsciously putting on his navy suit. He wasn’t stupid, his thoughts were firmly on Bethany and that was why he opted to wear it. It was ridiculous, she wasn’t even his, she wasn’t his girlfriend or labelled as anyone significant in his life, she was a woman who he had kissed twice and had a vague association with over the last year and a half. That was all.

Over the two weeks that Bethany was gone, Mycroft was dealing with several things that he wished he wasn’t, Lady Smallwood was in meetings that she needed him to be a part of and most of it was tedious. The only thing that got him through was the occasional message from Bethany, accompanied by a picture of her on her adventures.

Machu Picchu! I reached the summit! Bow before your queen! – BW

Bethany stood at the very top of the citadel with her arms spread out and the sun shining on her tanned features. She just wore her shorts and strapped crop top, why would she have worn anything else? But it had Mycroft quickly putting the phone away to avoid smiling too much at how much fun she was having.

Parents always said I could have a pet, I chose a cat... of sorts. – BW

She was holding a baby jaguar by the looks of things, one that barely looked six months old. Bethany was laughing and Mycroft could see her mother in the background handling a woolly monkey and talking with one of the staff. She looked so similar to her daughter and it was clear where her frizzy hair had come from and her kindness towards all creatures. He wanted to respond and joke about her parents allowing her to have such dangerous animals, but in the interest of subtlety he decided against it.

Peaceful night camping under the stars tonight. – BW

It was by far the most beautiful photo he’d seen of her on her adventures. She wore her cream cable knit jumper, thick black leggings with a camping mug close to her chest. Bethany’s gaze was focused on the setting sun and once again the light streaked through her dark eyes, making them almost look a golden colour under the rays. Stunning.

The last photo he’d received from her was during a meeting with Lady Smallwood and Sir Edwin, Mycroft lost focus of what they had been talking about, he didn’t think it mattered so much as they had been disagreeing for the last half hour.

Bailando con mi papa. Homeward bound tomorrow. – BW

Dancing with my dad. She wore a beautiful red dress and sandals and danced with her father who wore a linen white shirt and cargo shorts. Mycroft could see where Bethany got her dark eyes from, her father’s were almost black. They had the same smile as well, but to him, there was more beauty and radiance in hers. They seemed to be in some kind of restaurant with locals and everyone was dancing and having a good time. Mycroft felt his heart swell, to see her so carefree and happy, made him extraordinarily happy as well.

She was coming home the next day. Sherlock was somewhere in Morocco as far as he could tell and everything was starting to slot into place nicely.

‘Sir?’ Anthea interrupted the meeting, not that Mycroft minded, but it seemed to irritate Lady Smallwood and Sir Edwin. Mycroft motioned for her to come in anyway, quickly putting away his phone. She handed him a file he recognised and he gave her a fleeting frown in questioning, but she remained silent. When he opened the file, he realised why.

‘Ah.’ He said. ‘Apologies, we’ll have to cut this meeting short. I have an urgent call to make.’

‘Mycroft, you can’t just-‘

‘We can pick this up later, Lady Smallwood.’ Mycroft gestured for Anthea to head out of the meeting room first. ‘Has anyone else seen this?’

‘No, sir, I brought it straight to you.’ Anthea said, quietly.

‘Good.’ He nodded closing the file. ‘Miss Wheeler will be back in the country tomorrow evening, please see to it that she is in my office at seven o’clock sharp.’

‘Yes sir.’ Anthea went to make a phone call.

Mycroft ran his hand over his face, holding the bridge of his nose, she promised him she would stay out of trouble and this did not fall under that brief. How did this not come up in her background check? How did he miss such a fine and damaging detail?

Mycroft prepared himself for the next day, knowing she would probably be annoyed and probably be upset with the situation, he needed to read through everything and try to make sense of the paper in front of him.

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[my-head-is-an-animal]

The Sitter

Mycroft Holmes x Bethany Wheeler (OFC)

Story Masterlist

Chapter 10 - Background Check

It was a long few days where Mycroft was overseeing the doctoring of footage to cover for Sherlock’s actions. It wasn’t easy, but they eventually got there with a cover story to go with it, an itchy trigger finger from an over eager squaddie, that was the story they were running with. For the most part, no one would ever see the footage or have any reason to ask about Magnusson, but there always had to be a plan just in case.

Mycroft managed to get Sherlock into a meeting with himself Lady Smallwood and Sir Edwin to go over the new story, he knew Sherlock wouldn’t like it, but he didn’t have a choice, this was happening and he needed to deal with it like an adult.

‘What you’re about to see is classified beyond top secret,’ Mycroft began once everyone had settled. ‘Is that quite clear? Don’t minute any of this.’ He said, seeing Vivienne about to take notes. ‘Once beyond these walls, you must never speak of it. A D-notice has been slapped on the entire incident. Only those within this room, codenames Antarctica, Langdale, Porlock and Love will ever know the whole truth. As far as anyone else is concerned, going to the Prime Minister and way beyond, Charles Augustus- Are you tweeting?’ He exclaimed, catching a glimpse of Sherlock’s phone.

‘No.’ Sherlock said, trying to hide his phone.

‘Well, that’s what it looks like!’

‘Of course, I’m not tweeting, why would I be tweeting?’

‘Give me that.’ Mycroft said, going in to grab the phone from Sherlock’s hand.

‘What? No.’

There was a minor scrap, but Mycroft came out victorious, letting out an exasperated sigh as he looked at what Sherlock had been doing.

‘Back on terra firm…’

‘Don’t read it out.’ Sherlock rolled his eyes.

‘Free as a bird.’

‘God, you’re such a spoil sport.’

‘Will you take this matter seriously, Sherlock!’ Mycroft demanded.

‘I am taking it seriously, what makes you think I’m not taking it seriously?’

‘Hashtag oh what a beautiful morning.’

‘Look, not so long ago, I was on a mission that meant certain death, my death and now I’m back in a nice, warm office with my big brother- are those ginger nuts?’ Sherlock was suddenly distracted and it only led to Mycroft rolling his eyes and sighing in frustration.

‘Oh god.’

‘Love ginger nuts!

‘Our doctors said you were clean.’ Lady Smallwood said as Sherlock grabbed a handful of biscuits.

‘I am, utterly. No need for stimulants now, remember? I have work to do.’

‘You’re high as a kite.’ Sir Edwin scoffed.

‘Natural high, I assure you.’ Sherlock said, taking a bite out of his biscuit. ‘I’m just… glad to be alive!’ He sang a little dramatically and even Mycroft was suddenly unsure whether the doctors had gotten it right. ‘What shall we do next? What’s your name?’ He suddenly spotted Vivienne.

‘Vivienne.’ She said, nervously, wondering if she should even have spoken at all.

‘What would you do Vivienne?’

‘I’m sorry?’

‘It’s a beautiful day, what would you do? Go for a stroll? Make a paper aeroplane? Have an ice lolly?’

‘Oh… ice lolly, I suppose.’

‘Ice lolly it is! What’s your favourite?’

‘Oh really, I shouldn’t-‘

‘Go on.’ Sherlock was starting to exasperate everyone.

‘Do they still do Mivvies?’

‘Mr Holmes.’ Lady Smallwood cut through everyone.

‘Yes.’ Both Mycroft and Sherlock answered at the same time.

‘We do need to get on.’ Lady Smallwood warned.

‘Yes, of course.’ Mycroft nodded, apologetically. He played the footage of Magnusson appearing to get shot by someone else, not Sherlock.

‘I see.’ Sherlock said, having calmed down a little. ‘Who is supposed to have shot him then?’

‘An over eager squaddie with an itchy trigger finger, that’s who.’

‘That’s not what happened at all.’ Sherlock disapproved, but this was the way out.

‘It is now.’ Mycroft told him.

‘Remarkable.’ Lady Smallwood said, staring at the doctored footage. ‘How did you do it?’

‘We have some very talented people working here.’ Sir Edwin seemed rather proud of his lie. ‘If James Moriarty can hack every TV screen in the land, rest assured we have the tech to doctor a bit of security footage. That is now the official version, the version anyone we want to will see.’

‘No need to go to the trouble of some sort of official pardon. It seems you’re off the hook, Mr Holmes.’ Lady Smallwood said, annoyed at everything the same as Mycroft who folded his arms and waited for a thanks from his little brother. ‘You’re home and dry.’

‘Okay, cheers.’ Sherlock said, getting up to put his coat on and leave.

‘Obviously there’s unfinished business. Moriarty.’ There was a new tension in the room.

‘I told you, Moriarty’s dead.’ Sherlock said with a mouthful of biscuit, Mycroft wished he could just show a little respect.

‘You say he filmed that video message before he died?’

‘Yes.’

‘You also say you know what he’s going to do next? What does that mean?’

‘Perhaps,’ Sir Edwin cut in. ‘That’s all there is to it. Perhaps he’s just trying to frighten you.’

‘No, no, he would never be that disappointing.’ Sherlock shook his head, thinking. ‘He’s planned something, something long term. Something that would take effect if he never made it off that rooftop.’ Mycroft just watched him curiously, something ticking away in the back of his mind, something he really didn’t want to think about. ‘Posthumous revenge. No, better than that. Posthumous game.’

‘We brought you back to deal with this.’ Lady Smallwood was fed up of playing games. ‘What are you going to do?’

‘Wait.’

‘Wait?’

‘Of course, wait. I’m the target. Target’s wait.’ Sherlock went to leave the room. ‘Look, whatever’s coming, whatever he’s got lined up, I’ll know when it begins. I always know when the game is on. You know why?’

‘Why?’ Lady Smallwood rolled her eyes.

‘Because I love it.’ Sherlock said leaving, making Mycroft roll his eyes again and allowed Sherlock to go.

‘He’d better be right, Mycroft.’

It was Lady Smallwood’s final warning before Mycroft left the room to return to work. He was annoyed that he couldn’t even get a simple thanks from Sherlock for all the trouble he caused, but he honestly wasn’t sure what he expected.

In the following few weeks he regularly checked in with Sherlock, finding out if he’d made any progress with Moriarty, but all he’d been doing was solving cases. Mycroft instead turned his attention to Bethany, he got regular updates on her progress at school, exams were just around the corner and she was looking at placements within a few institutions he was closely connected to.

‘Sir,’ Anthea walked into his office with an odd spring in her step. Mycroft frowned as she placed a file down on his desk. ‘Thought you might want to see this.’

When he opened the file, he was surprised to find that one of his colleagues, Scott Mathieson, was looking at a list of graduates, Bethany’s name was on the list. Mycroft frowned slightly, this was research into biological gene therapy, Bethany’s speciality was chemistry based science. He nodded to Anthea and listened to his assistant leaving.

According to the file, Mathieson was keen to take Bethany under his wing and offer her a placement in her third year with the potential to fund her masters and PhD and offer her a job. How had Mycroft not noticed how good she was in school?

Your name has appeared in a file on my desk. – MH

What? What do you mean? I’ve been at John and Mary’s helping with the baby, she’s due in a couple of days, I haven’t been running around with Sherlock for ages. – BW

Mycroft chuckled at her sudden panic.

Not Sherlock, though glad to hear you’ve been keeping out of trouble, especially with the Moriarty business. No, it came up in a file with a list of names for me to do background checks on before being considered for placement or work at Dr Scott Mathieson’s lab. – MH

Jesus Mycroft! You scared me half to death! I thought someone might have been after me. I didn’t realise it was just a bloody background check! – BW

If there’s anything you’d like to confess to, now is the time. – MH

Oh, I’m sure there’s plenty I could confess to, but nothing that would stop me being put on placement. – BW

You have me intrigued. – MH

I’m sure I do. – BW

Mycroft smiled down at his phone, he contemplated asking her a follow up question, but decided against it.

What kind of information comes up in a background check? – BW

Mycroft frowned, not sure why she was asking.

Yours won’t be that extensive unless we find something of note. We’ll look at the basics, family history, education, any recent events that make you ineligible to work within any co-operations that have a close connection the British government and anything that may make you susceptible to blackmail or taking bribes in the future. Why? – MH

It was a while before she answered and it didn’t make Mycroft sit particularly comfortably.

My mum was a doctor who went to Africa to help children who needed medicine and vaccines. She wanted to help them live without fear that other people’s children could be affected by the lack of basic needs like food and clean water. My father was a lecturer at Cambridge, he taught Engineering, he specialised in Aerospace engineering, I have no idea the depth of the projects he was involved with, but he did a lot of work with NASA in his spare time. They’ve never been poor, but always made sure to teach me how to earn my money and not expect it. I went to a public school, got decent enough grades, never anything exceptional, but I studied Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics and Music at A level. I suppose recent incidents would only involve Sherlock and I’m fairly certain you’re not going to hold any of it against me. I went travelling with my parents before coming back home to get my degree, my mum was stationed in Kenya, I went there for a couple of years and then to my dad in America, I didn’t like the people he worked with so only spent eight months there, before returning to England and finding a place to live with some friends. Oh, and Wheeler is my mother’s maiden name, my real last name is Colbeck, that’s what I was born with anyway, I’m sure when you do your check, it’ll become obvious why I changed it to Wheeler. I know you’re going to find all this stuff out and probably more, but I feel like you should hear some of those things from me personally, because they are personal. – BW

Mycroft took a moment to assess the information she had provided. The more prominent detail was that of her last name, why would she not go by the name she was born with? Colbeck was a familiar name to Mycroft, but that didn’t necessarily mean anything.

Thank you for telling me. I can understand why you felt it important. And no, anything involving Sherlock will not be held against you, I can assure you. You studied music? Seems like an out of place choice for a scientist. – MH

I suppose it does. It was enjoyable though. – BW

Mycroft wondered if there was any more to that statement than she was letting on, but suddenly the image of her hand tracing over his in the back of his car jumped to mind. Her fingers were long and slender, like that of a pianist. It suddenly occurred to him that there was a lot he didn’t know about her.

Pianist? – MH

Indeed. – BW

There was something nice about her confirmation, something cheeky and playful.

Perhaps, if you find the time, we could go to dinner again and you could save me a background check. There’s quite a few I need to get through these days. – MH

If you have so much to do, wouldn’t an evening spent working be more productive than an evening spent indulging in my small talk? – BW

Perhaps, but that would depend entirely on the agenda. – MH

And what exactly is your agenda, Mr Holmes? – BW

Mycroft suddenly realised he was staring down at his phone, flirting. If anyone walked in on him at that moment, they would surely know he was distracted and not getting on with work.

Let me know if you have an evening free. – MH

He left it there and she didn’t message him back. Mycroft wondered if he should have continued down this path at all, but for the first time in his life, he was being made happy by another human being and one that seemed to be more interested in him than his brother.

Mycroft heard about Mary giving birth and the christening but had yet to hear from Bethany. She had gone to the christening because Sherlock had seen fit to send him a picture of her and Molly posing together. She wore a white dress with green and yellow flowered pattern and a cream suit jacket rolled up to her elbows. She was again, stunning.

Mycroft never replied to his brother when he sent photos, he didn’t feel the need, but he was grateful nonetheless that Sherlock went to the trouble making sure he was kept up to date.

It was another couple of months and Mycroft had done his background checks on the list, finding nothing of note and wondering if Bethany just didn’t want to go to dinner with him. It hurt a little, but soon found out from Sherlock that she had been working most evenings and when she wasn’t working, she was either in the labs doing workshops, writing essays until the morning hours or with Mrs Hudson in the café. Plain and simple, she just didn’t have time.

‘Mycroft.’ Lady Smallwood said as she rounded the corner of a corridor Mycroft often found himself walking down, he suspected she wasn’t there by chance.

‘Lady Smallwood.’ He nodded curtly.

‘Those background checks for Mathieson, find anything of note?’ She asked, he knew where this was going a mile off and he’d prepared an answer.

‘If you’re referring to Miss Wheeler-‘

‘Miss Wheeler? I thought it came up that her name was in fact Colbeck?’

‘It did, but Wheeler is the name she has chosen to go by and the one she has legally changed it to.’ Mycroft explained. ‘Colbeck was her birth name and Wheeler is her mother’s maiden name, hardly a reason to dismiss her as a candidate. And before you ask, I was in possession of that information long before the background check became necessary.’

‘She’s a bloody student Mycroft!’ Lady Smallwood hissed.

‘I am aware.’

‘It’s not appropriate for you to be seen socialising with a student,’ she warned a little quieter. ‘If the press get a hold of this, they will have a field day. She’s barely an adult.’

‘Miss Wheeler is twenty-seven years old, we employ many graduates below that age and hardly treat them as children...’ Mycroft was in no mood to be warned. ‘She made me aware of her given name some time ago and eluded to the fact that she changed it for a reason. Dr Richard Colbeck, her father and Dr Kathleen Colbeck, her mother, are fine examples of what this country is capable of and two people whose names literally open doors. I can imagine the pressure of being the daughter of such respected scholars is difficult enough for her to deal with, let alone rumours flying about her personal life. Which, I should point out, is all but existent. Miss Wheeler currently works part time at a hotel in Mayfair as a waitress and a café in Baker Street, in between working she studies, so please tell me what time she could possibly devote to anything else?’

Lady Smallwood didn’t seem to be any calmer. ‘You told me it was a business dinner, that she specialised in chemistry.’

‘She does,’ Mycroft shot back. ‘Though from what I hear, she’s thinking about forensic research as a possible career choice along with gene therapy and several other pathways available to her.’

‘Why did you really have dinner with her that night?’ She cut straight to the point and Mycroft hadn’t anticipated the response, but it did seem like she was jealous, maybe Bethany was right.

‘Fine.’ Mycroft said, looking down and giving into what she really wanted. ‘We were catching up. Miss Wheeler is also a friend of my brother’s and I wanted to ensure that all parties were safe and non-threatening to each other. Miss Wheeler is not aware of that fact.’

‘So, what did she think it was? A date?’

‘Of course not,’ Mycroft defended. ‘I told her I wanted to catch up. Her conclusion from that statement is unknown to me.’

Lady Smallwood didn’t seem at all convinced. ‘For Christ’s sake, Mycroft. Look, if you’re seeing this girl-‘

‘Lady Smallwood,’ Mycroft chuckled. ‘What time do you think I have for a personal life? Particularly one that involves a woman whose parents can make our lives difficult on a whim. I am not “seeing her” as you so poetically put it, but you may consider her under my protection. That should be enough for you.’

Mycroft didn’t bother saying anything else, he could see he made his point clear, but it only put him in a foul mood. Part of him wished he could answer yes, but that presented its own problems and he wasn’t ready to deal with that just yet.

He worked hard over the next couple of weeks, receiving the odd text from Sherlock and one that made his heart skip a couple of beats.

Exams are nearly done! Just one more to go and I’ll be home and dry. Sorry it’s been ages, I just didn’t want to get distracted, I also figured if you’re doing background checks on me, it’s probably not best to be seen having dinner. I’m not sure if that was clear or even the right decision, but if you still want to, I’ll be free from Saturday onwards. Last exam is Friday afternoon. Let me know. – BW

Mycroft sat back at his desk and ran his hands over his face. He had no idea what he was supposed to do. What did he say? He couldn’t risk being seen with her since Lady Smallwood had pointed out the problem the press posed, but he also couldn’t say no.

I will work out the details and let you know. – MH

It was all he could say. It wasn’t a lie, but he felt awful for saying.

‘Sir?’ Anthea called from his door. ‘It’s your brother.’ Mycroft sighed and took a few seconds to prepare himself.

Sherlock came barging in and handed him a phone, presumably with what was John and Mary’s baby, but he offered no explanation beyond that. He started talking about a broken bust of Margaret Thatcher and somehow it started to make sense, but not quickly enough for his liking.

‘I met her once.’ Mycroft said, remembering the moment well.

‘Thatcher?’ Sherlock asked, pacing.

‘Rather arrogant, I thought.’

‘You thought that?’

‘I know.’ Mycroft chuckled. ‘Why am I looking at this?’ He indicated the phone.

‘That’s her, John and Mary’s baby.’

‘Oh, I see, yes. Looks very… fully functioning.’

‘Is that really the best you can do?’

‘Sorry, I’ve never been very good with them.’

‘Babies?’

‘Humans.’ Mycroft smiled, handing back the phone.

‘Beth will be so disappointed.’

‘Why?’

‘She’s been working hard at school, didn’t you hear? Nearly finished her exams, well on her way to getting the top grades and is now babysitting when she can.’

‘I don’t understand.’

‘She’s good with the baby. She likes children.’

‘Her mother worked with children, it’s no surprise. But why would she be disappointed?’

‘I have no idea, I just wanted to see if you’d dwell on the subject.’

‘Sherlock.’ Mycroft sighed, half in warning.

‘Moriarty. Did he have any connection with Thatcher? Any interest in her?’

‘Why on earth would he?’’ It seemed an odd question.

‘I don’t know, you tell me.’

Mycroft sniffed and leaned over the Moriarty file that he’d been looking at before Sherlock’s arrival. ‘In the last year of his life, James Moriarty was involved with four political assassinations, over seventy assorted robberies and terrorist attacks, including a chemical weapons factory in North Korea, and had latterly shown some interest in tracking down the Black Pearl of the Borgias, which is still missing, by the way, in case you feel like applying yourself to something practical.’

‘It’s a pearl, get another one.’ Sherlock snapped, making Mycroft roll his eyes. ‘Something important about this. I’m sure, maybe it’s Moriarty. Maybe it’s not. But something’s coming.’

Mycroft whilst mildly amused by his brother’s antics, was slightly concerned that he was investing himself in something that may turn out to be nothing. ‘Are you having a premonition, brother mine?’

‘The world is woven from billions of lives, every strand crossing over every other. What we call premonitions is just movement of the web. If you could attenuate to every strand of quivering data, the future would be entirely calculable, as inevitable as mathematics.’

‘Appointment in Samarra.’ Mycroft finally figured out where this was going.

‘I’m sorry?’

‘The merchant who can’t outrun death,’ Mycroft went on. ‘You always hated that story as a child. Less keen on predestination back then.’

‘I’m not sure I like it now.’

‘You wrote your own version as I remember. Appointment in Sumatra. The merchant goes to a different city and is perfectly fine.’

‘Good night Mycroft.’ Sherlock grabbed his coat to leave.

‘Then he becomes a pirate for some reason.’

‘Keep me informed.’

‘Of what?’

‘Absolutely no idea.’

And with that, Sherlock was gone. Mycroft wasn’t exactly sure what he was to make of his brother’s appearance, but he did look over the Moriarty case file just in case he’d missed something. Nothing jumped out at him, but then he didn’t expect anything to.

He thought more and more on Bethany, he wanted to see her, just talk to her, but he wasn’t sure dinner was the best idea. He decided instead to phone her late on Saturday evening once her exams were finished.

‘Mycroft, hi.’ She didn’t answer with her usual cheery tone.

‘Everything alright?’ He asked, taking a sip from his scotch and observing the fire in front of him.

‘Yeah, it’s fine, it’s just those guys in the house down the road. They just…’ she took a breath and cleared her throat. ‘Never mind. How are you? Is this a social call or am I in trouble?’

‘I wanted to congratulate you on finishing your exams.’ He said, not being convinced by her tone.

‘Oh thanks,’ that was better, a slight lift. ‘Yeah, I finished the last one yesterday, no idea how I did, but I feel pretty confident so maybe it’s fine. It’s just a waiting game now.’

There was an awkward pause between them. ‘Are you sure you’re alright?’ Mycroft asked.

Bethany let a long breath go. ‘You don’t need to worry, everything’s fine. What about you? It���s been a while since we last talked properly, what’s been going on? Any secrets you’d like to share?’

Mycroft took another sip of scotch. ‘Oh yes, are you sitting comfortably? I’ll just run through the list of state secrets I’ve uncovered today.’

‘Great, let me just grab some wine.’ She chuckled and Mycroft felt his heart lift some more. He loved that sound. ‘So, come on then, my background check, you want to talk about it?’

‘Why would I?’

‘I don’t know, because I told you my name was Wheeler when I was born Colbeck?’

‘Yes, but you legally changed it to Wheeler and you took the opportunity to tell me that before I even started the check.’ Mycroft explained. ‘What more is there to talk about?’

Bethany again paused. ‘So, you’re not upset that I didn’t tell you in the beginning?’

‘It never came up and I can’t imagine it would stay that way forever, so why would I be upset?’

He listened to her chuckling away a little more confused than anything. ‘I’m sorry, you’re right, it was a stupid question.’

‘Not at all.’ Mycroft suddenly had a thought. ‘Is that why you prefer to be called Bethany?’

‘Beth, if I can ever convince you to call me that, but yeah, partly that, partly…’ she stopped and he could hear her moving around, was she in bed? ‘Look, I know that my parents are these amazing people, but they spent their childhoods living in poverty, they worked hard to get to where they are, they’re principled and hard working people. I didn’t want to get anywhere just because I’m their daughter. It’s too much pressure, you know?’

Mycroft was simply hypnotised listening to her speak. ‘I can imagine.’ He said taking another drink. ‘We should have dinner again, when you get your results. We should celebrate.’

‘Do you think that’s a good idea?’

‘Why wouldn’t it be?’

‘Because if you know who I really am, others will know as well and people might start to talk.’

‘Why would that affect us having dinner?’ Mycroft had asked the question before he could stop himself.

‘Okay, look I just don’t want to cause any trouble for you,’ she said it as plainly as she could. ‘Lady Smallwood seemed really annoyed when she came to the table last time and I don’t want your life to be made anymore difficult.’

‘You shouldn’t worry so much about that,’ Mycroft finished his scotch. ‘If I thought it would cause any hassle I wouldn’t ask. Perhaps we don’t go out for dinner, we could watch another film? Or something else?’ Mycroft knew he was making a hash of things. He was messing up everything.

‘Okay.’ Bethany said, finally. ‘I’ll think about it.’

‘Good.’ Mycroft nodded. ‘Let me know.’

‘I will.’ He could hear her smiling and it made him happy. Maybe he could make this work. ‘Goodnight Mycroft.’

‘Goodnight Bethany.’ He said and hung up.

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[my-head-is-an-animal]

The Sitter

Mycroft Holmes x Bethany Wheeler (OFC)

Story Masterlist

Chapter 4 - Austria

Over the next week, Mycroft hadn’t managed to drop by to see Bethany and felt a twinge of guilt over it, but she was in good spirits regardless, having had a very exciting week with Sherlock catching a murderer and feeling like she was a real-life detective. He had phoned her the day before John and Mary were due back to tell him all about it and he’d heard from Sherlock that they wouldn’t have been caught had Bethany not pieced together the motive.

‘I mean, people do crazy things for love, don’t they?’ She said, he could hear her walking home, it was still light out and Mycroft felt slightly comforted that she wouldn’t be in any danger from the men in the house down the road.

‘Indeed.’ He agreed, signing a document that Anthea put in front of him. Mycroft was good at hiding who was calling him by now that his assistant didn’t bat an eyelid. She soon left him alone and he felt comfortable enough to put his feet up before his next meeting. ‘So, you’ve had an exciting week?’

‘Yeah, it’s been great.’ She said, smiling and hopefully enjoying the sunshine. ‘Wish you could’ve dropped by, we would have solved it a lot sooner if you had.’

‘By the sounds of things, you hardly needed me.’ Mycroft said, picturing her in the sun again. ‘I’m sure Sherlock appreciated the insight you have into human emotion.’

‘Yeah, I did have to talk to the victim’s sister a bit more than I thought I would, Sherlock wasn’t being particularly sensitive.’

‘No, I’m afraid he isn’t the type.’ Mycroft mused. ‘You have plans though, don’t you? A hiking trip next week?’

‘Are you spying on me, Mycroft Holmes?’

‘I wouldn’t dare.’ He said playfully. ‘Sherlock mentioned something about it.’

‘That had better be the truth,’ she warned, her smile still evident. ‘If I find out you’ve been watching me in the shower, I’ll make your life very difficult.’

‘I have no doubt, Miss Wheeler.’ He agreed, though the image of her in the shower was a particularly desirable one. ‘Where are you going?’

‘I’m surprised you don’t know.’ She laughed. ‘Yeah, me and a few friends are going camping in Austria, a little bit of hiking and maybe rock climbing if we can. It’s good to get out into the world, see what’s there, you know.’

‘Not my scene, I’m afraid, but do enjoy it.’ Mycroft was a little sad that he couldn’t enjoy the outdoors the way she clearly did, but then again, he’d rather she just be happy.

‘Oh, I’ve been looking forward to this for months, there’s no way I’m not enjoying myself.’ She said, he could hear the sounds of a key unlocking her front door. ‘What are your plans while I’m away?’

‘Running the country.’ He deadpanned, making her giggle. ‘Unfortunately, I will be out of contact for the time you’re away, a few meetings that require my full attention, free from distraction.’

‘And I’m a distraction, am I?’

Mycroft was quiet for a moment, contemplating whether he should have told her the truth. ‘A welcome one, but a distraction nonetheless.’

He listened to her entering her room and making herself comfortable. Picturing her on her bed with a smile still plastered to her face.

‘I don’t know whether to take that as a compliment or not.’ She teased. ‘So, come on, tell me all the top secret government things you’ll be working on while I’m gone.’

‘Well, seeing as you asked so nicely.’ Mycroft loved the sound of her laughing, far more than he wanted to admit to. ‘But I would like to hear about your trip when you get back.’

‘Yeah? You want to get some dinner or something?’ Bethany asked fairly casually, diminishing Mycroft’s hopes that it could be considered anything more than a friendly encounter. ‘It’s been ages since I’ve seen you anyway, it’d be good, I think.’

‘Dinner sounds perfectly acceptable. Let me know when you’ve returned and I’ll make the arrangements.’

‘Great, nothing too fancy though, I’m not a woman of class, I am a lowly peasant, remember?’

‘You sell yourself far too short.’ Mycroft said, gently. ‘But I will keep in mind your request.’

‘Good.’ She was still smiling. ‘Right, I’ve got some journals to read and you’ve got a country to run, or maybe the secret service to order around…’

‘Nice try.’

‘Can’t fault a girl for being persistent.’

‘Absolutely not.’

‘Right, I’ll catch up with you before I leave. Have a good one Mycroft.’

‘You too.’

Mycroft hung up the phone, idly wondering what journals she was reading, probably light reading as part of her course, but he wished he knew more, it was infuriating for a moment. He was used to just setting up surveillance on people and finding out what he needed to know, but he wouldn’t risk it with Bethany, he didn’t want to upset her for any reason.

He heard a knock at the door and Anthea reminded him that he had a meeting with Lady Smallwood concerning Charles Augustus Magnusson. He internally groaned and tried to focus on something else that wasn’t Bethany Wheeler and him sitting across from each other at dinner.

Mycroft received a final text from Bethany before she caught her flight to Austria, it was a picture of her in the airport with her friends waiting to board the plane and read:

Off to see the world and have adventures. Let me know if you want me to send photos, otherwise, please don’t start a war that means I can’t get home again! – BW

Mycroft smiled, trying to subtly text back whilst in a meeting with Lady Smallwood.

You’re the anarchist, I’m depending on you not to cause an international incident. My power only extends so far. Have fun. Stay safe. – MH

Mycroft would have loved to spend the next week getting the odd photo from her while she was on her travels, but while he was dealing with the Magnusson hearing, he couldn’t let himself be distracted or give him anything to use against him. Bethany was fast becoming a valuable bargaining chip for anyone who might have wanted to get close to Mycroft and he needed to be careful.

He spent the week trying to put out fires where he could, noting that Magnusson had leverage over Lady Smallwood, something that resulted in his interview being dismissed as inconclusive. Mycroft was furious that he’d managed to worm his way into her life like that, possibly with the intention of getting closer to him. Was it a warning shot? It wasn’t clever and it only served to bring out a side in Mycroft he rarely showed other than when someone irritated him a little too much.

He proceeded to distance himself further from a few situations, handing them off to someone who could just about handle it and hoped that would be enough to keep Magnusson at arm’s length. It worked for a while, but Mycroft was searching for a more permanent solution.

He spent most nights sitting in front of the fire, focussing on the next move he needed to make in several different operations he had going. Some more dangerous than others, but all of them as equally demanding of his attention.

By the time the week was up, he was exhausted and looking forward to everything being over so that he could move onto more pressing matters.

Guess who’s back! – BW

The welcome sight of Bethany’s picture message from the taxi home was all he needed to feel his body relax into something calmer. She was laughing in the picture with one of her friends, he hadn’t realised it was a male friend she was holidaying with and felt an instant jealousy. She was more tanned than she had been in the last message he sent, her freckles were almost hidden and her hair was sun bleached, making her look like some kind of exotic creature completely out of his league. She was stunningly pretty. Those dark eyes stared directly at him and made him feel like someone could really see him. It both calmed and unnerved him. Mycroft sighed and typed out a reply whilst getting into his car to go home.

Glad to see you made it back without causing too much trouble. Homeward bound? – MH

Pub. We’re meeting a few friends to celebrate our triumphant return. – BW

And so you should. Stay safe on the way home and please do call if you need anything or if you actually run into trouble. – MH

I will. Thank you, Mycroft. – BW

Mycroft took a deep breath and allowed his mind to finally relax properly after a week of worrying about everything under the sun. Bethany was back and she was in good spirits, Magnusson was being kept at a distance and every operation he was watching seemed to be settling right where he needed them to. There was nothing to worry about.

Well… there was one thing that had his mind racing. Dinner with Bethany. He promised they could spend an evening together once she was back and he wasn’t a man to break a promise.

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[savvy-devine666]

Chapters: 13/? Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock BBC Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Mycroft Holmes/Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character/Original Female Character, Original Female Character/Original Female Character, Original Male Characters/Original Male Characters Characters: Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Original Female Character(s), Rosamund Mary "Rosie" Watson, Original Male Characters Additional Tags: Romance, Drama, Family, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Gang activity, gun viloance, Gun Crime, Recreational Drug Use, Manipulation, Death Threats, same sex relationships, Friendship, Pregnancy, Gun running, Action, Canon-Typical Violence, Humor, Songs are involved, Human Trafficking Series: Part 8 of Roads Less Walked Summary:

Guns, gangs, and a client with a gripping new problem - for John and Sherlock it’s gratifying to return to normality after the sticky situation of Sherrinford a year and a half ago. Things aren't so easy for Mycroft and Melody however; choices need to be made, discussions must be had, and getting embroiled in Sherlocks’ latest case could have come at the worst possible time, or maybe best.

The Game isn’t over yet!

[savvy-devine666]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock BBC Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Mycroft Holmes/Original Female Character(s) Characters: Mycroft Holmes, Original Female Character(s), Original Baby Character Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Nightmares, Comfort, death of a child, mentions of stillbirth, after effects of stillbirth, Angst, Family, Feels Series: Part 10 of Roads Less Walked Summary:

Mycroft comforts Melody as they grieve for what they've lost, along with the psychological and physical effects she has been left with.