Mycroft had not been expecting any presents for his birthday, besides the standard card from his parents and a wishing of many happy returns from the Prime Minister. He certainly didn't expect to get anything from his younger brother, except maybe a snide text telling him not to eat too much birthday cake. So when he came to work as usual, he was surprised at the sight of a large, brightly wrapped box sitting on his desk. He looked over at Anthea-why she continued going under that alias was one of the few things he didn't know about her, something that he found to be a constant irritant.

"Where did this come from?"

"It was found on the front doorstep this morning," she answered, not even looking up from her Blackberry. "We've already scanned it; it does not appear to be a bomb, or contain any kind of poison or weapon. But there is something alive inside."

Now his curiosity was piqued. Mycroft laid aside his paperwork, approached the package. There did not appear to be a message on it; just in case, he pulled out a pair of latex gloves from the desk, slipped them on, and finally began untying the enormous red bow on the top. He gave a nod to Anthea, who tapped out a message on the Blackberry requesting backup if anything was about to happen. Mycroft undid the wrapping paper, and found a cardboard box with a few minute holes. Now very curious, he opened it-and exposed a large goldfish bowl, with a screwed-on lid with holes in it, containing a beautiful specimen of a blue koi fish. A certain conversation with a certain annoying sibling sprang to mind.

"If you seem slow to me, Sherlock, imagine what normal people are like-I'm living in a world of goldfish."

Slowly, Mycroft's hand raised, pinching the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger. But to his surprise, instead of just feeling annoyed or exasperated, there was something else being stimulated in his hippocampus. Amusement? Yes, Mycroft Holmes was actually amused. Still exasperated, but he had the oddest desire to laugh at this latest action taken by his brother. It was uncommon nowadays, but not unwelcome. Nobody was hurt, and this prank was only to irritate him.

Well, Sherlock. if you're in the mood for a game, then let the games begin.

He picked up his phone, and sent off a quick text.

Very funny, Sherlock. -MH