Taking it easy was not one of Mycroft's strong points.
"Mycroft, I'm serious. Sherlock and I are going to the store to get a few things. You'd better still be in bed when we get back." John pointed a finger accusingly at Mycroft and then yelled into the other room. "Sherlock! Let's go!"
"I don't understand why I have to go. Can't you do the shopping on your own?"
"All you do is stay in the house. You need to get out. Now."
Sherlock emerged, looking quite unhappy.
"That's better. We'll see you later." John said to Mycroft, and shut the door on his way out.
Mycroft inhaled, holding his breath, and pushed himself off the bed. He couldn't lay around and do nothing, it just wasn't going to happen.
He made the strenuous trek across the living room and retrieved his laptop from the counter. Mycroft's phone buzzed in his trousers' pocket.
Mycroft let out a soft groan while he melted into the sofa. His phone vibrated once more and then again. Glancing at it, he shouldn't have been surprised. Anthea. Of course.
I've rescheduled your meeting for next month. –AN
Did you need me to bring you anything? –AN
Mycroft Holmes, quit moving about and sit down. The doctor prescribed rest, remember? –AN
Mycroft frowned slightly though his stomach flipped a bit. He sent her a text in reply.
How did you know I wasn't in bed? Have you bugged my brother's flat? –MH
Actually, you bugged your own brother's flat a few years ago and I've just been keeping up with it. –AN
Well, no, I don't need anything. Mycroft hesitated before adding another sentence. Thanks for asking. –MH
Truth be told, Mycroft had felt progressively worse as the morning went on. The soreness has moved to his elbows and neck and he was sweating. Suddenly, his shirt was much too tight for him and his fingers scrambled to undo the buttons that were confining him.
A sigh escaped his lips as his shirt slipped onto the carpet. Ugh, but he still felt so hot! Might as well, he told himself, kicking his trousers to the floor. He shivered and fell into a fevered sleep.
Mycroft was naked in the woods. He was searching frantically for something, but for what, he couldn't recall. All he could remember was that it was important.
"Mycroft!" A feminine voice called out to him and he turned around to see who it was.
"Anthea?" He stared at her and she stared back.
"You're… not dressed."
Mycroft's mouth moved silentely before he realised he wasn't making any sound. "I—er, what?"
"Your clothes, Mycroft, where are they?"
"My…? Shit!" His clothes, where were his clothes? CLOTHES! "I, um…"
"Here." Anthea tossed him his umbrella, which he gratefully accepted. Mycroft opened the umbrella and shielded his lower half with the thing.
"So…." he began awkwardly.
"Mycroft…"
"Yes?"
"Mycroft!"
"Yes, what?" Why on Earth was she screaming so loud?
"MYCROFT!"
Sherlock Holmes had thrown the groceries on the nearest table and ran to his brother's side. "Mycroft!"
John had dropped his bags on the floor. "Mycroft?"
"John, he's got a fever. A high one, judging by his general complexion and the amount of perspiration." Sherlock's hand rested on his brother's forehead.
John gently eased past Sherlock and felt the man's temperature for himself. "Sherlock, get me a cool cloth." he instructed. "Mycroft? Can you hear me?"
Mycroft moaned a bit and opened his eyes. "Anthea?"
"Er, no, it's John."
"Where's…. where's…?" He was obviously confused. Mycroft attempted to sit up but John gently pushed him back down.
"No, you need to lay down. Sherlock, where's that cloth?"
"Here, it's here." Sherlock handed the damp washcloth over and John placed it on the sick man's head.
"What hurts?" John inquired, not even realising Mycroft was half-naked.
"Er, John? I think a blanket would be a faster approach to saving my brother's modesty than trying to put his trousers back on."
"Put his…? Oh yes, right. Okay."
"My elbows." Mycroft mumbled, shivering a little.
"I'll get you some paracetamol." John promised, leaving Mycroft's side for a second.
A knock at the door startled John, who promptly dropped the painkillers on the floor. "Sherlock, could you grab the door?"
Sherlock did so and wasn't very surprised to see Anthea.
"Anthea, hello. I don't know that this is the best time—" Sherlock started, but his face changed when he realised she had something of importance to say.
"Guess who has rheumatic fever? I just got off the phone with Mycroft's doctor."
"Come on in, Anthea!" John called from the living room. She passed Sherlock and swallowed hard.
"Is he okay? He doesn't look very well." she commented.
John nodded. "His fever's risen, but he'll be alright."
"Good. I went ahead and scheduled his heart scans for Wednesday."
"Without consulting me?" Sherlock snapped, glaring at her.
"I'm sorry, would you have picked a different day?"
His face transformed completely. "No actually, that's what I would've gone with."
Anthea rolled her eyes. "Oh, okay."
"Mycroft, I want you to swallow this pill, alright? It'll make you feel better." John ordered, pressing the pill into his hand.
"Mmm… water?" he asked hoarsely.
"Got it." Anthea was back in an instant, her long, red fingernails tap, tap, tapping against the crystal glass. Mycroft stared at them, transfixed.
"John, when did you paint your nails?" he asked groggily. Sherlock smiled a bit.
"It's me, Anthea." the woman said, handing the water to Mycroft.
"I thought you said you were John."
"Just drink." Sherlock advised.
Mycroft did sip the water and swallow the pill. He turned on his side and was again asleep, drifting off to who knows where.
"Well, I suppose I'm off then." Anthea announced, turning on her heel to leave.
Sherlock grinned to himself, then turned to her. "It'd be more practical for you to stay here, especially if you're going to keep 'dropping in'."
John gaped at the prospect but Anthea shrugged. "I work for him, so if he needs me, I guess I could stay."
"Strictly professional." Sherlock confirmed, raising his eyebrows.
"Of course." she snapped, looked aggravated. "What else?"
AN - Hope everyone had a great weekend! Looks like the UK finally got some sunshine today, hmm? Anyway, thanks to everyone who reviewed and read last chapter... hope you like this one!