Warnings: Possessive, and obsessive behaviour, threat, and subtle manipulation. If you're not quite comfortable with the aforementioned warnings, then we kindly suggest for you to read the other chapters that you're fine with, if it's still not suitable for you, then you could also leave this book, but we thank you for giving time and checking this book out. For those who decided to venture further in reading, we hope you enjoy it!

"Despite already having the right assumption about my situation, I am really grateful that you decided to help me out, Sherlock. Thank you as well for keeping silent and deciding to let me open up about it when I am ready to do so." You softly smiled after taking the final sip of your tea before looking at the man seated before you that is left surprised.

For you, enough time had passed since the cause of your residence in the same area as the consulting detective happened. During the earlier duration of your stay as his neighbour, the questions that are running within his mind every time the two of you would interact is clearly readable despite his nonchalant expression. Even just starting to bring up the subject, you felt how the atmosphere became a bit gloomy, but you might be the only one that felt it. You deemed that it was the right time for him to understand and to conclude his many hypothesis of your situation, especially when the one that caused your hiding had been a close relative of his.

Sherlock only lets out a small laugh, grinning in nonchalance along with a small wave of a hand before letting his other hold his shot glass with his index tapping on its rim as he replies with a bit of curiosity. "Don't mention it. But why would you bring the matter so suddenly? It's been almost a month since you moved in."

You returned his unbothered expression, shrugging while returning a smile despite the disturbing feeling you have that is slowly looming over your being. "I just want to take it off my shoulder, I guess? Though I am more interested with your deductions as to why would you think I moved here out of the blue, despite being one for adventure and freedom?"

With that being requested from you that he also sees as a permission to share his opinions, the remaining attempt to make the mood between you both to be comfortable despite the topic, he couldn't help to get serious as he narrows his gaze before gently answering. "I can't say that my brother's fondness of you is easy to miss."

Despite the heaviness of your situation since you are literally going against the man that is known to be the government itself, Sherlock's own observations caused you to be amused as you know that he is not an expert when it comes to those things, but then you grow solemn. "I have known as much and I'm afraid that really is the case..."

"Though I am more baffled by the fact that you do not want to be tied with him. I have seen many women trying to woo him, but failed. Why is that?" Sherlock asked without much regard to how you would feel about the topic, remaining to be too innocent for it as he subtly tilts his head while staring at you.

Through the creation of your imagination, a huge debris seemed to fall upon you, causing you to flinch unconsciously while staring at him in disbelief. You sweat dropped with Sherlock's obvious lack of knowledge when it comes to things related to romance, though understanding his situation quite well that you felt no offence when he asked quite the complicated and sensitive matter for you. Not only that but you are certain that what Mycroft does to you would be seen as sweet and affectionate in the views of others, but behind their backs, there is always something more than meets the eye. Recalling such events caused you to frown as you sigh.

Unconsciously gazing away while having a blank expression, you hesitantly answered. "Mycroft, he is... not the person you see him as. When it comes to loving someone, he does so deeply. You could say that it is not normal. He goes beyond into showing his affections that I feel disturbed... I would not even be surprised if what I already foresaw would happen."

Sherlock remains to be understanding and caring in his own ways, deciding to not dwell on the topic any longer, but remains to be curious as he carefully asks after a moment of contemplation. "Based on the look on your face, I would presume that it's something unpleasant?"

Appreciating his effort, you gently smiled before you unconsciously became saddened and disturbed once more despite your serene expression. "Bingo, Sherlock. Through the time I had my solitude and with some company from you, John, or even from Miss Hudson, I had been satisfied. I'm ready to face that unpleasant situation."

The intensity of your situation is clearer for Sherlock as he felt your pain. Despite the confusion why he felt so, he decided to help you out until the end. Though against the government, you knew that anyone would never stand a chance. This only left Sherlock to be concerned with your show of surrender, wondering what would really happen based on your predictions that left him curious. Numerous assumptions of his own already appeared within his mind, but he decided not to dwell on all of it for a long time. He wanted the clear answer from you, but before he could make an inquiry, disturbing noise from below your apartment suddenly made itself known.

Sherlock stands up before positioning himself in front of you protectively, awaiting the intruders with an intense stare at the closed door of your home. You followed after him, standing a bit close that makes you near to being by his side rather than have him stand before you. Already anticipating it, you were unfazed by how rough the door had been opened. It was almost off of its hinges as one of Mycroft's four men kicked it down before entering, being followed by his comrades. What you did not expect was that one of them holds a restrained Miss Hudson with another roughly pushing an unconscious John to the floor that caused you to clench your fist.

You could feel Sherlock's rage and starting to also get protective of his friends, but you know that it is certainly not a good idea to be controlled by his feelings. It would seem that he understands the dire situation the both of you are in, only expressing his anger and frustration through deeply glaring at his brother that merely returned it with a subtle smirk. Despite Mycroft's show of amusement, his gaze had been intense enough to deliver you a message to stay put and remember your place. You were once again left surprised and in disbelief when Mycroft himself decided to take action on his own, suddenly lunging at his unguarded brother.

Despite the defensive position Sherlock prepared, he was still caught off guard by his brother's tricks. Mycroft attacked where he knew he would be vulnerable, painfully hitting his back with an elbow that caused Sherlock to forcefully kneel. Before Mycroft could further cause dangerous bruises on Sherlock, your hand intuitively holds the gun hidden within your clothing, aiming instantly at him. Despite threatening their boss and also preparing to attack and restrain you just in case, you remain to not mind Mycroft's men before glaring at him once he met your gaze. To challenge you and show who really is in control now, Mycroft grabs a fistful of Sherlock's hair.

"Stop it, this instant, Mycroft... Let go of your brother. Sherlock has nothing to do with the mess I made!" Despite your desire to not anger him anymore than he already is, the subtle panic began to slip through your supposed calm portrayal in hopes of controlling the situation, but it seemed that you are in no position to do so.

Without tearing his glare away from his brother while remaining to threateningly let Sherlock be face to face with his gun after kicking his brother's arms after trying to retaliate, Mycroft scoffed while easily shrugging off your worry and attempt at making sure that his brother would not face the consequence of his actions. "He kept you away. Imprisonment would be his punishment."

You are left disturbed by his nonchalant statement, gripping your gun tighter that caused your hold to subtly tremble. "He's your brother! How could you do such a thing! I'll go with you, without any tricks this time! Just please... Let him go. Let them go. They had nothing to do with this. They won't do anything to us."

Mycroft remained unfazed to your request before expressing his frustration. "I searched every corner of London for you. You've been smart to fool me by hiding here of all places. You let me wait for far too long. I am thoroughly angered by your actions and you would think that the people that associated with you during your absence would go unpunished?"

The gun that you aimed at him in retaliation despite also having weapons pointed at you and your friends in return by his men is now facing the side of your temple as you seriously bargained without a second thought after taking a slow step backward. "Accept my deal or would you rather watch me pull this trigger."

"You are testing my patience, Y/N. Put the gun down." Mycroft only returned your threat with a glare while remaining to slightly feel worried of such possibility, though he is reassured that you would not do such a thing as Miss Hudson expresses her worry of your decision followed by John, though he did weakly so. 

You remained determined, pressing your finger an inch further as you threatened him in a way. "Not until I am reassured that no punishment will be given to them. Lock me up all you want, force me to marry you and be with you for the rest of our lives, but don't you dare hurt them more or even try to sneakily order someone to do your dirty orders!"

Despite the stoic expression Mycroft usually wore that now portrayed no emotions even more currently, his gaze betrayed his lack of feeling as it showed irritation and even worry for you still, sighing deeply before gesturing his men to free both Miss Hudson and John before requesting you. "Prove your end of the deal and I will accept it."

As much as Mycroft had been badly influenced with his devotion to you, you are still hoping that the man that he once was is still there. He was a man that kept his words, remaining honest and determined for the sake of the good state of the country he serves, but this moment would be a risky decision for you. You remained sceptical as you stare at him then at his men that are still close to the three. Mycroft only frowned, sighing deeply before ordering his men to leave and wait for him outside. Eyeing your friends that you had grown to deeply care for, you were not affected by the flame in their eyes that spoke to you to be strong and fight back against him.

You show your apology for not accepting their silent request as well as for hurting them indirectly through a solemn smile. Lowering your head as if to accept your fate that you have long tried to run away from, but it caught you now after chasing you down, you silently let your tears flow as you quietly cried. It was both caused by relief and sadness with your unknown future with Mycroft. Lowering the gun and throwing it away from you and the others, you try not to flinch when you felt and heard Mycroft approaching you. He gently takes your left hand with his, as you winced not because of his hold, but because of the symbol of your deal with him.

The extravagant ring that is now clasped around your finger brings a heavier burden to you that was not comforted through Mycroft's gentle kiss upon it as everything that transpired only served as the proof of his power as he intently stares at you before giving a reminder. "They are free from the consequences, but there will be no mercy the second time it occurs."