A Scandal in Belgravia [Reader Insert]

Who Knew? Mycroft is Capable of Feeling Regret.

     As for Sherlock seemed fully recovered. You didn't know if he remembered much of yesterday. He didn't mention or explain his weird behavior, and you didn't feel like bringing it up.

     The day only really got interesting when Mycroft arrived.

     It was a rather unexpected visit. He didn't even call you beforehand, like he normally would (ya know, since you and Mycroft are kinda friends). His nonexistent communication with you about this visit made you certain he was feeling guilty about something- though what, you simply couldn't figure out.

     Nevertheless, you were glad to see the eldest Holmes brother. Sherlock, however, was not. He often got moody when Mike was around; that was nothing new.

     Turns out Mycroft had come to talk about the Adler case. Should've seen that coming.

     "The photographs are perfectly safe," said Sherlock when Mycroft brought it up. John and Sherl were sitting in their designated chairs, while Mike stood uncomfortably by the door, leaning on his black umbrella. You were sprawled out on the couch.

     "In the hands of a fugitive sex worker? I don't believe that is what anyone would call safe, brother mine," retorted Myc.

     "Mycroft, you know she won't use it for blackmail. It's just protection," you reminded him.

     "Yes," Sherlock agreed. "You've nothing to worry about as long as you treat her like royalty."

    "Though not," John put in, "the way she treats royalty." He smiled at what he'd said, while you and Mycroft exchanged tired looks.

     "You know, John didn't used to be so childish until he met you, Sherlock," you said. "It's a real shame what you've done to him."

     "Oh, do shut up, (Y/N)," Sherlock scowled. "Mycroft. I take it you've stood down the police investigation into the shooting at her house?"

    Mycroft sighed. "How can we do anything while she has the photographs? Our hands are tied."

     Sherlock smirked. "She'd applaud your choice of words."

     Suddenly, there was another moan from your phone. Everyone looked up in alarm at you until they heard it again- this time, from Sherlock's phone. You and Sherlock looked at each other and then down at your phones.

     "...What was that?" John asked hesitantly.

     "Text," you and Sherlock answered at the same time.

     "But what was that noise?"

     You and Sherl dodged the question by picking up your phones and reading the messages. Yours said Good morning, Ms. (L/N). You could only assume that Sherlock's message was something similar.

     Sherlock set the phone back down nonchalantly. "Did you know there were other people after her too, Mycroft, before you sent John and I in there? CIA-trained killers, at an excellent guess." As he spoke, your aunt, Martha Hudson, entered the room with a tray.
     You raised your eyebrows in reaction to Mycroft's change in expression, like he'd just tasted something sour. So this was what he felt guilty about.

     "Yeah, thanks for that, Mycroft," John muttered.
     "It's a disgrace, sending your little brother into danger like that," Mrs. Hudson chided.  "And (Y/N), probably the only one who tolerates you!" She set down the tray by Sherlock's chair and looked up at Mike sternly. "Family and friends are all we have in the end, Mycroft Holmes." She picked up a cup of tea from the tray and brought it to you.