Mycroft Holmes opened his eyes to the sounds of a door being closed. For a second, he hoped to hear the familiar sound of his brother's steps, or his familiar tone talking arrogantly. But his hope faded after that second, as he heard John Watson's small and quick steps.
"Hello, John."
"I've brought you some food. It's not much, but that's all I could get."
Mycroft got up from his bed eagerly. He was so hungry all the time, and the news about food were the best thing he had heard in such a long time.
John Watson pulled out a rolled up newspaper. He passed it to Mycroft through the space between the bars, and he snatched it from his hand, like an animal in the zoo being fed by visitors. The image popped in his head, but he dismissed it quickly. At this level of hunger, he couldn't care less about the way he looks. He unrolled the newspaper, and found a couple of small sandwiches, clearly prepared by Mrs. Hudson, judging by the clean cut of the bread. He immediately grabbed one and took a bite. It felt like the tastiest thing he had ever eaten. He took another bite.
John felt uncomfortable. Seeing him like that, so desperate for food, made him feel uncomfortable.
After a few more bites, Mycroft forced himself to stop. Too much food at once won't help, and besides but I bet that you could help him, if the situation was different. Sherlock needs you, Mycroft. More than you know. More than Sherlock knows, in fact."
Mycroft remained quiet, and John shook his head and started walking to the door.
"I won't admit."
The doctor turned to face him.
"You said that admitting the lie they managed to make Sherlock believe in will probably get me out of this cell. But you also said that it would make me lose Sherlock. So like I said, I won't admit."
John smiled faintly. It seemed that Mycroft Holmes was more human than he thought.
"You might die here if you won't admit."
"If death will come, I'll welcome it with open arms. I've already lost everyone else's respect t want to lose my self-respect as well."
John walked to the door again, and left the weak man behind him, that now seemed stronger than anyone he had ever met.