The final chapter. The great epilogue to end this story, one of my best fanfiction to date. I've tried to make this chapter as optimistic as possible for our favorite Iceman.

Please, leave a comment and tell me how you liked this story, overall. Tell me also if there was a part you liked the most.

Love is all you need

Sherlock couldn't believe it was going to be over soon. Now, when all the conditions has been met and his brother will go back to his responsibilities as member of government and member of Holmes family, the detective couldn't help, but feel some kind of melancholy. He got used to Mycroft being a child, for once not expected to put upon himself this horrible burden of his. He got used to the role of a big brother.

This was such a weird, eye-opening experience. Of course, Sherlock was aware for quite some time of many things bothering Mycroft… But this was a complete change of dynamics. Sherlock had to look at his brother – this always strong, responsible, influential brother – as someone who literally needed his help and protection. It must have been frustrating to him to say at least – being so vulnerable and out of control. Probably Mycroft couldn't wait until midnight when he will be brought back to normal.

But even though Sherlock did everything to fulfill all three conditions, the approaching end made him share some of Mummy's previous sentiments. Some part of him wished for Mycroft to stay a child, not burdened by the darkness of this world. Alas, it couldn't be changed. Sherlock could only make something off of the remaining time of Mycroft's second childhood.

First he informed Mrs. Hudson that "Mike's" parents called to cut his vacation early and that the boy will go back home today. The old landlady reacted the way, he suspected her to react.

"Oh, it's so sad… I will miss you, Mike." Then Mrs. Hudson took him by the hand and started to lead to the kitchen. "Come here. I will make you pancakes for breakfast…"

And so Mycroft ate his last breakfast, being spoiled by Mrs. Hudson. Then Sherlock took his brother for the one last trip to the park and observed one last time as Mycroft was playing on the swing set. Just like the first time, he seemed to be just a carefree child. And Sherlock wanted to capture this view in his memory so it won't be lost forever. There were so many things he wished to do with this small Mycroft. So many childish things his brother soon won't be allowed to do. And there was so little time…

Next thing Sherlock did was taking Mycroft to cinema and watch some animated movie. After all, cartoons were such a kid thing… Of course, Mycroft at first was skeptical of this idea, since he would much rather see something more sophisticated, but Sherlock managed to persuade him to watch something age appropriate, but less mainstream (the detective was honestly surprised to learn that Kubo and the Two Strings was still playing; it must have been some kind of a miracle). They bought a middle sized popcorn and cola and sat in the farest row. Mycroft liked the movie – he thought that story was a bit predictable, but he was clearly mesmerized by the visuals.

After the movie they went back to Baker Street to rest. While Mycroft took a nap, Sherlock picked inside to look at his brother's sleeping form. One last slumber of "Mike" in John's former bedroom. Who knew when Mycroft would be able to sleep so peacefully, without the nightmares? Who knew when Sherlock's brother would be able to rest fully in his line of work? There will be lots of sleepless nights… Lots of nights filled with past horrors and current threats… Nights far away from not-so-safe home, nights spent in the cold office… And it was breaking Sherlock's heart. He had to do something about it…

One last dinner with Mrs. Hudson (potatoes and fish)… One last dessert (chocolate ice-cream)… And around seven pm Holmes brothers decided to finally go "to train station" (Mycroft's house).

"I really liked you here, Mike." Mrs. Hudson said as they were preparing to leave. Then she hugged him tightly, to his chagrin.

Sherlock beamed at this sight… but then his smile weakened. One last display of affection from Mrs. Hudson for "Mike"…

"I liked it here too." Mycroft replied and they broke the embrace. "Thank you for your hospitality."

"You're always welcome, honey." The landlady assured him. "But hey," She added with a smile. "maybe you will visit us someday?"

"Maybe." Was the only thing Mycroft replied. He even managed to pull out a small smile.

"Maybe next time," Mrs. Hudson added. "Rosie will be old enough to play with you."

"Maybe." Mycroft repeated, his smile weaker than earlier. "Maybe next time…"

Both Holmes boys knew it was highly unlikely; that the landlady from Baker Street was seeing "Mike" one last time. She will probably never hear from him again and will never find out about his true identity.

"Goodbye, Mrs. Hudson." Mycroft said and Sherlock opened the door for them.

They decided to take "Mike's" clothes with themselves. Mycroft was going to donate them anonymously to some charity. So once they've managed to catch a cab, they put all the bags in the trunk. Then Sherlock told the driver Mycroft's address and off they went.

The brothers were sitting in the silence on the way of their final destination. From time to time Sherlock's gaze was landing on Mycroft settled on the car seat. The elder Holmes was observing the view through the window, just like when they were riding to the mall to buy him clothes for two weeks. That seemed to be ages ago… And now Mycroft had last opportunity to look at the world outside – world that was bigger than him in almost every aspect…

They've got to Mycroft's place. When Sherlock took the bags and paid the cab driver, they started to walk towards big house of his brother.

Once inside, Mycroft looked at Sherlock and said:

"Suit yourself, brother mine. There might be still something in the fridge."

Next he began to climb upstairs where his bedroom was. Sherlock didn't move from his spot, he was just observing little boy, before he finally spoke:

"You know…" Mycroft stopped in the midway and looked back at him. Sherlock went on: "I'm not sure if I'll get used to you being adult again."

Mycroft turned his whole body to face Sherlock. His gaze was somber, when he replied:

"Yes, I can see why a big brother would have a hard time to see his sibling as an adult. After all, he's used to being the one protecting them."

There was a moment of silence as both Holmes brothers were looking at each other, not moving from their spots.

"I can stay with you, you know."

"Well, you have to. It would be a child neglect, if you won't." Mycroft pointed out.

"No, I mean, I can stay with adult you. Maybe tonight or tomorrow… Just hang out couple of days… Play Deduction… Watch telly… Give you hell…" Sherlock explained.

"I'm not lonely, Sherlock." His brother repeated an old mantra, but the detective could notice a fade smile on Mycroft's lips.

"Yes, I know, but maybe I am? Have you thought about that?"

This time Mycroft smiled for real.

"I will think about this offer." He turned back and started to walk up the stairs again. "Meanwhile, you find a good excuse for coming back late. Mrs. Hudson will greatly appreciate it."

Lady Smallwood took a deep breath, seeing familiar figure exiting the town car and approaching her at the main building of their workplace. A tall, sharp dressed middle-aged man with umbrella in his hand stood beside his superior and looked at her from the corner of his eye.

"Good morning, Lady Smallwood." He said politely.

"Good morning, mister Holmes." She replied and smiled.

She knew he will come back today. He informed her about it. Still, having him here so soon felt odd – right and wrong at the same time. Right, because he was back on his place and everything was familiar again. Wrong, because Alicia still thought he needed to rest.

They walked inside.

"You know," She started as they approached the reception desk. "you shouldn't have cut your vacation short."

"Should I leave so many delicate operations to amateurs then?" He chuckled. "Besides, I can escape politics only for so long…"

After writing down their names in reception, Mycroft directed towards his office. Instead of going to hers, Alicia followed him.

"Still, if you need remaining days for yourself, nobody will hold it against you."

Mycroft stopped abruptly and turned to his interlocutor. Lady Smallwood stopped too and for a moment he was just observing her carefully, before his face softened and he replied:

"I appreciate your concern, Alicia, but I'm fine." He started to walk towards his office again. "Besides," He added with annoyance. "you can't possibly imagine how dull my vacation was. I was with my parents, for goodness' sake! You know, how they are…"

"Yes, you've told me many times." Lady Smallwood smiled.

She stopped and watched as he was going through the corridor – an elegant gentleman using umbrella as his cane. She would lie if she said that she didn't miss him here. Not just his expertise, his quick thinking and professionalism, but also his little dramatics, his smugness and the way he seemed to always be mildly annoyed with "normal" people. Yes, this place wasn't the same without Mycroft Holmes.

"You know, the drink offer still stands!" She called after him.

"Maybe later, Lady Smallwood!" He said not even looking at her.

She smiled one last and directed to her own office.

Anthea observed as her employer was taking the reins. They've had meetings with couple of MI6 agents and people from ministry of defense. There were always people criticizing the way mister Holmes was doing things. Most of the time he didn't care for them much, because he was proving to be more than capable of doing his job with great results. The absence of Anthea's boss for the past week and a half was just another reason for people in various ministries to question his abilities and whenever person like him should be given such a big power. However, when mister Holmes met with them, he reminded them, why he was in this position to begin with.

During her employer's absence his surrogates were doing… not so bad, but once he came back, Anthea could really notice the difference. Sure, most people in this line of work knew how to resolve hostage situation or what various political consequences they should be aware of. And sure, it wasn't like Secret Service and the government of Great Britain didn't have individuals with confidence, experience or insightfulness proper for the job. However, the way mister Holmes was resolving problems… it was almost magical. He could see what most people couldn't see; he could connect two seemingly unrelated issues and show why they were important to the United Kingdom; he could find an unorthodox solutions to threats emerging from modern terrorism. And he was doing it with such confidence, such finesse, such grace, one would never doubt that he was irreplaceable; that this man was truly a British Government incarnate.

Watching him take control and show that he still got all the chops to do his job, was immensely satisfying. On the surface Anthea acted as her usual reserved self, but on the inside she couldn't help, but cheer him on silently.

"It's good to have you back, sir." She confessed at the end of the day, offering a small smile.

He glanced at her, while putting his coat on.

"It will sound like a cliché, but it's good to be back." He replied, buttoning himself. "In the end, there's nothing more stimulating than work."

It was only when he took his umbrella off the hook, when Anthea realized that – unlike for the past four weeks before his unusual vacation – he was actually preparing to leave his office. As far as she knew there were no more things for today that required mister Holmes' attention. So did it mean he was actually going to spend this night in home?

"Excuse me, sir." The assistant began and her boss looked at her with raised eyebrows. "Did some emergency occurred?"

"Oh, no, Anthea." He flashed her an assuring smile. "Unless I get informed otherwise, we are free for tonight."

"So you're going home, sir?" She asked.

"Well, yes, but I will have guests." Mycroft explained. "My brother and doctor Watson insisted to come to my place tonight. Apparently they think I need company."

Anthea had some idea why they would think that.

"Should I come too?" She asked. "Just in case?"

He didn't respond right away. He just observed her for couple of seconds, probably contemplating her offer, before he said:

"I don't want you to change your plans…"

"Don't worry, sir." She smiled. "I didn't plan nothing special for tonight."

"Well then," He turned to her. "I will be glad to have you there. God knows, I need someone other than myself who will act maturely there."

And so Anthea got her things and together with her boss started to leave. On their way outside mister Holmes invited also Lady Smallwood, because he needed "as much backup against his brother as possible".

"Ah, brother mine, doctor Watson…" Mycroft started, but suddenly noticed one additional guest.

He straightened himself, remembering that he was supposed to be nice to her now. So he smiled politely and said:

"Mrs. Hudson, what a lovely surprise…"

"Sherlock and John thought you can use some company and invited me along. I hope you don't mind, they've brought me here."

"Of course not, Mrs. Hudson. Please, come in." He added to all three residents of Baker Street and moved aside.

They entered his house but before they even began to take their outwear off, Sherlock commented:

"I see, you started a party without us. Then again, knowing you, brother mine, two women in this house are perfectly safe from sexual harassment."

Mrs. Hudson raised her eyebrows with surprise and John glared at Sherlock. Mycroft was going to say something, but Lady Smallwood appeared in the doorframe to the living room and replied:

"Good evening to you too, mister Holmes." He turned to Sherlock's companions and approached them. "Doctor Watson, long time no see. Mrs. Hudson." She smiled to the landlady.

"Please, take your outwear and come to the dining room." Mycroft proposed. "I will serve dinner soon."

They did as they were told, but Sherlock had to add a snarky comment about his brother's diet. Mycroft rolled his eyes, but secretly smiled to himself. He already felt more lighthearted.

"By the way, Mrs. Hudson…" He turned to the landlady and she immediately stopped and looked at him, surprised. Mycroft gave her another polite smile and added: "Mike wanted me to tell you that he found your company very enjoyable. He also sends his love to you."

She instantly beamed with happiness.

"Oh, he's such a sweet boy… Thank you, Mycroft."

The dinner went in nice atmosphere. They were talking about lighthearted things, never once mentioning politics or other unpleasant topics. They also didn't mention the latest peculiar incident (and, obviously, giving the presence of Mrs. Hudson, they couldn't). From time to time Sherlock was giving some snide remark about his brother, but Mycroft also didn't stay silent.

Their playful banter continued in the living room, where they decided to play Deduction Game with items doctor Watson and Anthea provided (and which they took from various acquaintances of both brothers). Mycroft was going to deduce the owners of objects brought by John, while Sherlock – the owners of the ones Anthea showed.

Obviously, the audience was divided between people cheering on the Holmes brother they liked the most. So doctor Watson and Mrs. Hudson sided with Sherlock, while Anthea and Alicia sided with Mycroft. It was a long, intense fight as both brothers tried hard to analyze items brought by John and Anthea and deduce as much information as possible. Mycroft deduced right that a very old lighter with carved camel belonged to Lestrade, while Sherlock knew that a pendant with a zircon heart was a property of Anthea.

"Okay, brother mine." Mycroft said suddenly and stood up. He left a room for a moment and came back with a small brown teddy bear with a blue bow. He put it on the coffee table and added with a smirk: "Here's something more challengeable. Tell me something about the owner of this plushie."

Of course, Lady Smallwood and Anthea knew this teddy, but Sherlock, John and Mrs. Hudson didn't. Mycroft never showed it to them (well, there was always a possibility that one of them snooped around his things and saw it… and that would up the game even more).

Sherlock took the teddy bear and examined it from every possible angle. He even squished it once or twice. Finally, after about thirty seconds of inspection he looked at his brother and said:

"This is a fairly knew teddy bear. Probably purchased last week by someone who knows the child. Not a parent, though. This is clearly a 'safe' gift. A parent would choose something closer to their child's interests."

"I don't know, brother mine. Infants, for example, are happy with a simple teddy bears." Mycroft smiled.

"Ah, but this is clearly a barely touched gift. There's no bite marks and certainly nobody was sleeping with it, judging by the way the contents are located. I would argue that this is a gift for an adult man from his girlfriend… However, there are small, barely visible stitches, right here." He pointed at the space between teddy's head and torso, where neck should be. "This teddy was torn there, but it wasn't the accident. The cut is too clean. So it leaves us with other solution: The toy was opened for purpose. Someone wanted to put something in it. A bomb? Hmm… unlikely, giving the size. The tracking device is more probable. This is a gadget for someone who must be protected. A tracking device is a precaution in case of kidnapping of missing. Let's say this person will get kidnapped. His abductors will be far less suspicious of teddy bear in child's possession. So a tracking device for an important child…"

Sherlock looked at the teddy again, then turned to his brother and put the toy on the coffee table. When Mycroft glanced at John, the good doctor seemed to finally catch up with older Holmes' little trick. For now, the only oblivious person here was Mrs. Hudson.

Sherlock raised his chin and asked:

"How's Mike doing?"

Everybody looked at Mycroft who only smiled in delight. He needed a moment to reply, because there was something in Sherlock's eyes which expressed concern hidden behind his usual neutral look. He knew why Mycroft showed him the bear. This was supposed to be a silent confrontation that couldn't happen openly in front of Mrs. Hudson. Besides, even if it weren't for Mrs. Hudson, Mycroft would do it that way. He never liked sentiment.

And so the elder Holmes smiled again, this time a bit more sympathetically and finally gave a response:

"He's better than he was a week ago." Mycroft dropped his gaze and straightened himself, before he looked his brother again. "He still has trouble sleeping, but he knows there's nothing to be scared of. I mean," He smirked. "Mike's not idiot. He's aware that world is a dark, scary place. But," Mycroft reached for a teddy and stared at it for a little longer with a solemn expression. "he's also aware that he doesn't need to face this darkness alone."

The elder Holmes put the toy back on the coffee table, observing his brother. Sherlock immediately smiled. Other guests were happy to hear Mycroft's response too.

"That's good to know." The detective commented. "Tell him that he can always call."

"He will keep it in mind." Mycroft replied. "Now, who's up for some tea?"

Everybody told the him their request, as their host directed to the kitchen.

Little did they know that they were observed. Sitting on the staircase and watching everything from safe distance was a cherub. As every respectable cherub he had round face, big, blue eyes and light curly hair. His small wings stayed hidden under his woolen jacket. He seemed innocent and as angel-like as most cherubs in human form could be. But although he was on the side of the angels, he was always considered kind of crazy. And impulsive.

And right now Herbert couldn't help, but grinning like crazy. His plan worked and – at least for now – there was nothing else he could do. So he stood up and whispered:

"Goodbye, mister Holmes. I'm leaving you in good hands."

And with that, he disappeared, hopeful for Mycroft Holmes' future.