Fic Rec: Sympathy for the Devil and Mycroft Holmes

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Title: Sympathy for the Devil And Mycroft Holmes
Author: scifigrl47
Pairing: John/Sherlock
Length: 17,893 words
Rating: general
Warnings: None
Verse: BBC Sherlock
Author's summary: Mycroft has always protected his younger brother, but there are some things he just can't control. Sherlock's relationship with John Watson is one of them. That doesn't mean that he's not going to try, but in the end, sometimes Sherlock makes his own choices. And John Watson might just be a match for Mycroft when it comes to protecting Sherlock.

Author’s notes: All actions happen off-stage and out of sight, but fit within the episodes of season one and two of Sherlock, and are my attempt to explain how Mycroft can be simultaneously so powerful and so inept. I suppose, in the end, he's just as human as the rest of them. Obviously this means spoilers for various episodes, including for the end of The Great Game and the transition into the Scandal in Bohemia at the end of chapter one. If you have not seen season two, please do not read either chapter yet. Spoilers suck. Thank you!

Reccer's comments: If you love understanding a character’s motivations, this fic is for you, and Scifigrl47’s Mycroft is everything I want. He really does have Sherlock’s best interest at heart. He’s the big brother I almost dream about: protective, powerful, thoughtful, and droll. (Or is that chilling, scary, and manipulative?) The author shows us all those sides in detail and fills in many missing moments. She/he sets up a realistic, yet sentimental, back story that highlights both Mycroft and Sherlock’s motivations throughout. And I loved watching the characters progress through the events of season two and understanding Mycroft’s point of view, particularly in how it relates to Sherlock and his growing relationship with John. There are many standout scenes, but three of my favorites are: Mycroft “interrogating” the CIA agent that Sherlock dropped out the window (how many times?!) during the Irene Adler storyline – chilling and somehow rational; John visiting Mycroft after Irene Adler’s departure that pacts an emotional and steely wallop. This is a John I love – protective, fierce, considerate, and understated. Another scene has Mycroft advising an upset “I don’t have friends” Sherlock during the Baskerville case. How Mycroft chooses to handle his control over this moment is unexpected and ultimately healing. Overall an exceptionally satisfying and well-written read!

P.S. On a side note, I asked permission from the web moderators to plug the Sherlock Seattle Convention coming November 3 & 4th in Seattle, Washington. The panels being offered range from meeting fanfic writers and artists to learning how to create a video, write a fic, or discussing the many iterations of Sherlock Holmes. I think it’s going to be a blast and can’t wait to attend. Give yourself a fandom gift and join us. *grin* Could be fun. To register go to http://www.Sherlock-Seattle.org