A Study In Sleep

Chapter. 40

Sherlock’s mouth slacked open in utter shock. His eyes on the ring and ring box, alike the Yarder.

Gregory looked at the box, his heart skipping a few beats as he did. His legs almost feeling like noodles, and a lump in his throat he could not shake. He paused, looking absolutely shocked at this surprise.

John was almost completely silent, his hand still holding onto Sherlock's- a little more tighter than it had been earlier. The tension and Greg's pause, killing him with suspense.
That was when he looked to the grey haired male, with the shock and surprise on his face. It was almost predictable, however apart from what happened next.

Greg stood up, barely saying anything.
"I..." he paused, voice almost going crackly as he spoke, "I... I can't.." he trembled slightly, not even daring to look the official in the eyes before darting out of the restaurant swiftly.

The detectives eyes widened in horror at Greg’s reaction, not at all expecting that reaction as he walked off and he quickly glanced to Mycroft who now just stared at the box he was holding. The look on Mycroft’s face was.. one you couldn’t describe. He was astonished, heartbroken, hurt... just every negative emotion and the sight was one Sherlock never wanted to see, as much as he didn’t get on with him. The hurt was on Sherlock’s face too and he didn’t particular know what to say.

It was a long while before Mycroft even moved or said anything and the smallest of sad smiles hit his lips as he placed the box with the ring on it on the dinner table.
“I think I wouldn’t have made him happy anyway.” He sadly pointed out, picking up his umbrella before he got to his feet and left without another word.

Sherlock turned slightly to call him but his brother didn’t reply and left. He then turned back to the table where John and himself were sat and he stared at the table sadly.

John's mind was racing, mostly full of sympathy and regret for the official and yarder.
"We have to go after them.." he stated bluntly, attempting to get out of the booth, but the detective blocked his path a little,
"Sherlock, we need to sort this out.." He pointed out persistently, hoping the madman would move.

Sherlock glanced up to John at this, eyes widening a little.
“What? No... you are meant to be resting.” He retorted as he refused to move.
“It’s getting late anyway, we shall see Greg tomorrow when he has slept on it.” He pointed out as he left some cash on the table for their meal, which was shocking as Sherlock didn’t pay for many things.
"Well, screw the rest.." John replied sharply, watching the detective for a moment, "It's my fault anyway, let me put it right." He spoke, "someone needs to go after them and talk to them about it." His eyes flicked to the door before the table, he then ducked under the table and got out the other side, feeling rather thankful for his shortness yet rude for acting like such a child.

He brushed a few crumbs and a bit of food from his clothes and looked back to Sherlock as he stood by the end of the table,
"I'm going after Mycroft, to see if I can apologize and talk to him." He stated, "if you want to help, go find Greg and talk to him." He spoke and headed out of the restaurant as swiftly as the others had left, hoping to catch up to the official quickly.

Sherlock pulled a face like a child at this, huffing slightly as he watched John storm off. He paused a moment, mumbling hastily to himself before getting to his feet, snatching his coat and stormed out.

The detective knew Greg would end up in another pub, Sherlock slowly walking over with a sigh as he sat down next to him.
“You won’t find answers in the bottom of a pint glass.” He deeply hummed to the man.
"I don't need answers, Sherlock. Go away." Greg replied bluntly downing the rest of his pint.
"I can't marry your brother."
Sherlock was taken aback by Greg’s snapped voice, the detective never good at harshness when it reminded him of his childhood.
“I know... you’re making it fairly obvious... at least tell me why? I thought... you two were doing well...” he tried to be as gentle as possible, trying to be at least a half good friend.
"We were.. are good." Greg replied and sighed, rubbing his face. "It's just... I can't, not when all this hell with my ex missus is going on." He replied, mumbling slightly.
"Now, would you please leave?" He asked, the bartender giving him another pint, "I'm trying to forget about the situation I'm in." He grumbled, taking a sip of his next pint.
“It didn’t mean you had to reject my brother's offer of marriage, he would have helped you sort it out. He would have and still would do anything for you.” Sherlock tried to be kind as he kindly turned down the offer of a drink by the bartender.
"I'd rather not get him involved.. me and my ed missus is nothing to do with him." Greg sighed, glancing over to Sherlock a small frown on his face, "I know he'd do anything and.. and well, it scares me." He admitted quietly, thinking for a moment before sipping a little more of his pint.

Sherlock quietened a moment at this as he looked over to Greg, confused to why he was scared of his brother.
“Mycroft isn’t one to fall in love with any Tom, dick or Harry. Him proposing to you is a massive commitment for him and still at the end of it all he will still love you.” Sherlock pointed out slightly harsher than last time as he got to his feet and slipped on his coat.
Greg sighed finishing up his glass before standing up,
"fine, I'll go talk to him.." he mumbled sheepishly, doing up his jacket after slipping it on.

Sherlock smiled at this, beginning to walk towards Mycroft’s estate alongside Greg.
“He will be glad to see you.” He hummed with an encouraging smile.
"I hope so..." Greg mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. He certainly felt guilty, almost undeniably guilty. However what scared him more was trying to find the words to explain why he had turned the official down.

Sherlock walked alongside in silence, not really knowing what to say. He was useless with these things but he did what he could not only for his brother and Greg, but for John.