But but but...where's the hugging and comforting and Lestrade putting Sherlock back together?

I don't think Sherlock wanted to be touched at that particular moment! And no worries - Lestrade spends his life comforting and putting Sherlock back together. There will be more hugs in the future :)

Although I think Mycroft would have protected him.

Hmm. Do you really think so? ;)

As to your questions - I'm afraid I can't answer any of them definitively (spoilers!), but they will be addressed at some point in the future.

Thank you for the feedback, and for liking this! That means a lot.