"Just because you're the British government doesn't mean you're completely off the hook. You still need to go to the hospital so they can monitor your heart and make sure there's not any damage. We've made you an appointment at a safehouse."

Mycroft rolled his eyes.

"Yes, it's necessary." Sherlock got the words out of his mouth faster than Mycroft.

"Sherlock's right. Honestly, you're lucky you have us. I mean, what did your other doctor even tell you?"

"Arthritis."

Sherlock laughed, as if the situation were funny.

He didn't take note of any of the other symptoms?"

Mycroft shook his head. "No."

"How is he still your doctor?"

"Anthea fired him."

Sherlock stifled a fit of laughter behind his fist.

Mycroft glared at him. "What's funny?"

"Nothing, n-nothing." He was still trying very hard not to break into giggles and it was obvious.

"Sherlock!"

"Is it… is it because she loves you?"

Mycroft stared at the ceiling. "No, she does not love me."

"Are you p-positive?"

"For god's sake! We're not in love!"

"I never said anything about you, just Anthea, which suggests that your subconscious mind actually considers yourself—"

"Shut up!" John and Mycroft spoke together and Sherlock crossed his arms, annoyed.

"I'd love to let you ladies continue bickering but Mycroft's got an appointment in an hour and it's a bit of a drive."

"Right. Can you, er, walk?" Sherlock was staring at his brother expectantly.

Mycroft swung his legs over the side of the couch and winced. "I really wish I hadn't forgotten that damn umbrella."

"Why? So you could use it as a crutch?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Sherlock!"

"Girls!" John was forced to shout above their pointless arguing. "Come on, let's go! Mycroft, I think I still have that cane I used to use."

"Ooh. I say, aging is one of the worst curses that've been trusted upon humanity."

John extended a hand to Mycroft as he clambered out of the cab. "I don't think it's the aging part that's affecting you… that might be your, oh, I dunno, illness?"

"Save it John. My brother," Sherlock gave Mycroft a false, loving look as he too climbed out of the car, "likes to be overly dramatic when he's ill. It's a quirk of his."

"You're one to talk of quirks. Honestly."

"Alright!" John clapped his hands together. "Let's get you signed in. This way."

Mycroft hobbled behind John and Sherlock followed close behind. "I am never babysitting for these two again," John thought to himself as he held open the door for the Homes brothers.

"Mycroft." Anthea was sitting in the waiting room, an umbrella propped up against her chair.

"Anthea," Mycroft said, immediately trying to straighten his posture, "what are you doing here?"

She smirked. "Isn't it obvious?"

He sat down in the seat next to her, waving off a helping hand from John. "What…?"

"Your umbrella, perhaps?" Sherlock's face was buried in a magazine.

"Ah, right. Well, thank you for bringing it."

Anthea smiled warmly. "You're welcome."

The two sat in silence for a while until the elder Holmes spoke up. "You know, you don't have to wait here."

"Actually, I do." she responded. "Have you forgotten about the upcoming meeting? World dignitaries ring a bell?"

"Oh, yes. That should be fine, I expect to be recovered by tomorrow."

John laughed out loud. "By tomorrow? Mycroft, surely you're—"

"Completely serious." Mycroft finished for him. Anthea gave him a look.

"Don't pretend to be Superman, Mycroft. It's okay to cancel. In fact, I figured I'd accompany you during your visit. That way, I could confirm your illness to let the foreigners know not to fly out."

"Anthea, it won't be necessary."

"Mister Holmes?" a petite nurse called out into the waiting room.

"We'll see, won't we?" She got up and held her arm out, expecting Mycroft to take it.

Sherlock gave John a knowing look and tried to keep himself from laughing.

Swallowing his pride, Mycroft indeed did take her arm. "Anthea, this isn't professional."

"It's completely professional, as well as practical."

AN - Boy, do I love me some Anthea! Sorry for all that don't like the pairing! Hope this chapter was satisfying; I'm really loving all your kind reviews! Any errors that are pointed out to me I do try to fix, so let me know if something is driving you crazy! Everyone, stay safe and warm. I've got to say, this winter storm is hitting the southeastern States pretty hard. If you do live near there, I'd advise you to stay the hell indoors because it's freezing. See you next chapter~

Reminder - The poll is still open and you can view it on my profile, although I doubt you can do this on mobile, as it was pointed out to me. Thank you to all who vote! I think I'll close it in the next few weeks, but I'll keep this reminder up just in case.