(possible spoilers in comments?)

[brollies]

Yes.
The holidays are
always that dreadful.
It comes with
the territory.
MH

Comments

[propergenius]

I only agreed to go so I could help the Watsons with their marital problems.

John wouldn't confront Magnussen with me until he'd made up with Mary.

[brollies]

Of course, of course.

Confront Magnussen with enough secrets to bring down the entire United Kingdom - and possibly the rest of the world. Without prior consultation. The drugging was a nice touch. Best nap I've had in a long time, brother dear.

[propergenius]

Glad to help.

Lack of sleep has been aging you, Mycroft.

[brollies]

Not too kindly I'm sure. What ever am I to do.

[propergenius]

You could always stay out of my business. That might help a bit.

[brollies]

It's an unspoken aspect of the job, being the elder brother. Not sure I can do much about that - as much as I wish to detach myself.

[propergenius]

And here I thought running the country was your job.

[brollies]

You're sorely mistaken. It would appear I have another.

[propergenius]

I am a grown man, Mycroft. Our parents cannot hold you accountable for my well-being for the rest of our lives.

[brollies]

True. I don't enjoy it either. Believe me.

[wealldosillythings]

Up until Sherlock drugged you all, I thought things were going rather well!

[brollies]

Unlike the previous Christmas we shared.

[You know what he's talking about, Molly Hooper.]

[wealldosillythings]

What? Oh...y-yes. That. [It feels like ages ago, but she still remembers the awkward and embarrassing Christmas she'd had to go into work after being thoroughly embarrassed by Sherlock.]

At least this one was...cheerier.

[brollies]

Much so.

I'm afraid my brother has a tendency to destroy every social function he's dragged into. I've apologized before - therefore I see no need to repeat myself now.

[wealldosillythings]

[She shakes her head.] No, it's fine.

Are you parents all right, by the way?

[brollies]

Quite alright. They're used to this sort of thing.

[wealldosillythings]

They're used to getting drugged and passing out?

...Your family photo album must be interesting.

[brollies]

They're used to - well - the rather unexpected and unorthodox I suppose.

Believe me, Miss Hooper. All is well with the Holmes clan. At least - this week.

[wealldosillythings]

[Dear god were those teen years like. She's afraid to even consider it.]

Well I hope it continues, then. You have a nice family.

[brollies]

Nice and dull. Nice and dysfunctional. Take your pick, make one up yourself.

[wealldosillythings]

Dysfunctionally affectionate.

[brollies]

[Well that just warrants the biggest of eyerolls.]

[tinysociopath]

They weren't always so bad.

[brollies]

[Oh dear. Not again.]

But the bad by far outweigh the good.

[tinysociopath]

You're much too sensitive about your weight.

[brollies]

I wasn't talking about -

[Scowl.]

[tinysociopath]

If you put down your fork more and took a walk from time to time, you wouldn't even have to worry about it. It's a very simple equation, Mycroft. Intake of calories must not go above calories burned and standard caloric needs to keep the body functioning. Just because I don't have my pudding ought to not mean you get two.

[brollies]

I do walk. [Run.] Frequently. [At least once a day.]

You should learn not to be so wasteful. It's simple, Sherlock. If Mother prepares pudding you should just accept it without making a fuss.

[tinysociopath]

[He'd not believe you. You're the sort of person he's seen ooze against a wall to keep from having to stand on your own. Then again, a child's version of the world doesn't make it true.]

I'm not wasteful. What's wasteful is continuing to give me pudding with tea when I clearly haven't taken any since I was five.

[brollies]

Parents do foolish things. If Mother wants to keep giving you pudding with tea - she'll keep giving you pudding with tea. Someone's got to eat it.

[tinysociopath]

You didn't threaten her for it, did you?

[brollies]

Don't be ridiculous. I would never do such a thing.

[tinysociopath]

Which means you either did, or you attempted to play a ruse looking more pathetic than usual. Tiring.

[brollies]

Or she simply said - Mike be a dear and finish your brother's pudding.

[He makes a face at the usage of his mother's pet name for himself. It's horrible.]

[sentiment]

Not to mention the company.

[brollies]

Especially the company.