Sitting in the Strangers Room at the Diogenes, Mycroft eyes his arriving guest carefully, knowing all he needs to in around three seconds. Things have been a little strained lately with his brother's flatmate after a bungle with surveillance allowed Sherlock and John to be kidnapped without a trace, it was three hours before the team arrived. They were eventually found tied to separate chairs with a few cuts and bruises but were otherwise unharmed. John had been vocal about the fact that if he had to put up with so much surveillance it should at least come in handy when something did happen. Three people were fired for the incident.

Mycroft indicates to the chair opposite him. "John, how good of you to make it. Have a seat".

The doctor seems rather unamused. "I was under the impression that I didn't have a choice. Nice touch with the 'Get into the car outside' on the chip and pin machine. Like I didn't already have enough trouble with those things" he mutters.

Mycroft gives him a tight grimace that he seems to be under the impression gives the illusion of noting the others words, however it just comes across as a message to be quiet. John takes a seat.

"So" the government worker continues, making it sound as though this is the real beginning of their conversation "how's Sherlock?"

"Good, he's good" the doctor replies, almost daring the man to spit out the reason he has been called here.

"Working at the moment?" Mycroft queries airily, running a finger along the rim of his glass of brandy as he waits to see if the other will lie.

"Has a funny case that began a few days ago, he won't admit defeat though. He thinks he's got it now"

"Yes" the elder Holmes responds, looking down and swiping a tongue across his lips. He doesn't seem to be agreeing at all. "I've heard reports of some erratic behaviour. Anything you wish to tell me?"

The ex-army medic smirks as they get down to the crux of things. "Well it sounds as though you've got all the information you need already"

Another tight smile, it is a threat although the words are smooth. "As you're already here I'd be much obliged if you could tell me in your own words"

"As I'm here..." John starts with a questioning quirk of his head, pointing out that it isn't really his choice. He exhales a breath and then says honestly "I've been working at the clinic the last few days so I haven't been home too much. I've been keeping up enough with the case, he's mainly been using his homeless network as it's all a bit underground. Hasn't been sleeping, I haven't seen him eat anything although coffee seems to be on the 'okay' list. He stepped out in front of a car yesterday, light bruising, he actually let me look at it. He's with Lestrade now sorting out the paperwork for the case"

"Yes" Mycroft replies simply and glances at his mobile which sits next to him. "John, I'm going to make you an offer. How much money would it take for you to be able to get by without your clinic work?"

"It's not just about the money, Mycroft, I also work there because-"

"-forgive me but you misunderstand" he cuts in "I didn't ask how much they pay you, I have that information already. I'm asking you how much would I need to give you to stick with Sherlock and forget about the clinic".

John clears his throat and then licks his lips and makes a small 'Hmmm' sound. He takes a moment to think through his reply and decides to stick with the clearest message. "Ah, no"

"No?"

"No. I'm not being paid to be a 24 hour babysitter" he is barely keeping his anger in check "I practically am already and I do that for free because I want to. On top of that my work as a doctor is important to me, I'm trained and I want to practice"

"As long as Sherlock keeps up his habit of stepping out in front of vehicles and sitting his coffee mug next to the acid beaker I hardly think that you'd be giving it away"

"Yes, funny" John says without any humour. "Like I said, I'm already looking out for him. I'm always available for him. I'm with him for most cases, although as a lowly human being I require 'boring' things such as food and sleep so there's a few hours right there that I'm not there but I'm at the flat. I reply to texts in between patients when I have to and have left to run off to help him more times than my boss would like to know about"

A small frown creases Mycroft's forehead. "And yet he still finds the time to act in an...unhealthy manner"

John lets out a chuckle. "He'd do that whether I'm there or not. You know him better than I do"

"I'm not so sure" and for a moment he looks open and honest and perhaps a little sad. It is quickly replaced by his usual mask.

John sits forward, wanting to make himself clear. "Mycroft, it wouldn't be good for either of us if I was there all the time. It wouldn't be healthy or in any way constructive"

"Hrmm" the man murmurs and tents his fingers in front of his chest, elbows resting on the arms of the chair. "Well. Thank you for coming, John. Let me know if anything untoward comes about"

The doctor pauses, not believing that this is the end of the conversation. He is even a bit bemused. "That's it? You're just going to accept that I'm there for him most of the time?"

"For now. Good day, John"

John stands, understanding a dismissal when he hears one. He's not stupid enough to believe that this is the end of the matter though. "He's been wondering why you've been so quiet lately. Why you haven't been around to tempt him with a case or ask for your access card back again"

"You can tell him I've been busy. Goodbye, John"

As he stands there holding his jacket in one hand, John purses his lips and considers whether to say more or not. After taking a moment he then just nods and sees himself out of the room.

Alone again, Mycroft sighs and taps a fingernail against the rim of his glass as he continues to watch the door that the other has just left through. He has some thinking to do.


A/N: Thanks for reading :)