crack_van | Proxy by CherryBlossomTide (Teen)

Fandom: SHERLOCK BBC
Pairing: none
Length: 13,408 words
Author on LJ: unknown
Author Website: A03
Why this must be read: Young Sherlock is mysteriously ill. Mycroft's concern for his young brother leads to horrifying suspicions. "Proxy" offers a very plausible history for Mycroft's constant, obsessive concern towards his younger brother even when they are adults. And for Sherlock's animosity towards him, as well as his dysfunctional relationship with food. It is a cold, dark story that will haunt you.

"How was school?" Mummy asks in that low musical voice of hers. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to pick you up."

"It was all right." Mycroft says. "How is Sherlock?"

Mummy sighs, and pats his head. "Very sick, I'm afraid. The doctors don't seem to know what's wrong."

Mycroft bites his lip. "Can I see him?"

"Tomorrow, maybe. Even I've been sent home tonight. Apparently they need to observe him in isolation. I told them, he'll be crying for me all night long." Mummy smiles bitterly. "The idiots don't listen, of course."

"How long has he been ill?"

"It started right after you left for school."

Three months.

"Why didn't anybody tell me?"

"We didn't want to worry you, darling. Now come along, you look exhausted. Let's get you to bed."

Mummy usually shares her bed with Sherlock since Sigur is so often away. Mummy always says Mycroft is too big for that but today, once he has changed into his pyjamas and brushed his teeth Mummy steers him into her room. He gets into the far side of her bed obediently and she joins him a few minutes later, curling around him, stroking his hair.

"My darling boy."

Mycroft feels a tightness in his throat, unexpectedly painful. He closes his eyes and pretends to be asleep.

Proxy