"So, your brother has a flatmate. That's new" Lestrade began as he reclined in his desk chair with a grin, eyeing off his visitor. He'd known Sherlock for five years now and his elder sibling for around the same amount of time. This brunet intrigued him as much as he infuriated him but the more they got to know each other the more he was gaining his respect. The important thing was that he believed that the respect was mutual and again earned. At first he couldn't really stand him, people with that amount of power who are willing to flaunt it were not ok in his book. He thought it may have stemmed back to his teenage years and his distaste for authority figures then. He can handle the natural hierarchy, as a cop he has to, it's just when smug bastards wave around their barely earned privilege they're going to get called out on it. And this Holmes kidnapping him that first night, threatening him, demanding he explain what his motives were for being in contact with Sherlock Holmes and then telling him how he could 'relieve' him of his career if he didn't answer truthfully! Then offering him bribes once he'd replied! The man had deserved every foul word and comment that dropped from his lips that night. In retrospect, as shocked at the reaction as the government worker was no matter how much he hid it, Greg thinks that that was the night that a lot of the respect that makes up the foundation of their relationship was formed.

"Yes. A certain John H Watson to be exact" Mycroft Holmes agreed, simply, pulling the DI from his thoughts. He sat confidently in his seat, both hands resting on top of his umbrella like a walking stick. His body language dictated that Greg was to continue.

"Saw you there last night, was wondering when you'd be in contact". He waits for the other to comment on this but when he doesn't his smile drops as he remembers that he's talking to a Holmes and a very important one at that. Sometimes they sit and chat before they get down to business but it seems that the other is in a hurry today and not in a good mood at all. Over the past year they'd worked something out where they could talk to each other and be somewhat comfortable in the other's presence but something was obviously on this man's mind today. Maybe he was just worried about Sherlock and this new development? "So, what can you tell me about him? I take it that's why you're here, unless you'd like to discuss off the record my suspicions on the gunman?"

"Actually" the government worker begins silkily, gliding over the comments about the shooter "I was hoping you'd be kind enough to tell me what you know of this Doctor Watson. You've met him"

Greg leans forward a bit, tongue running along his bottom lip as he decides if he wants to be directed by a man who once again is using his power to get what he wants. At least it's in his office this time, door closed, instead of in one of those damn cars or somewhere cold and abandoned. Although recently they've been meeting in that strange little club of his too.

"I'm in somewhat of a hurry, Inspector. I have rather an important meeting in forty five minutes that I cannot afford to be late to"

Lestrade makes an unamused pout and bites back a 'You're the one that came here, go whenever you want' knowing that it would just makes things worse. The policeman decides it's in his best interests to just answer and perhaps he'll get some information afterwards. But he's not going to look as though he's enjoying this and he's not going to make it too easy. Stuff him. If they're going to take a step backward he can do the same. "He was pretty quiet, can tell he's sturdy though. Can hold his ground, I'd bet. Didn't run screaming after seeing a bit of brattiness, makes me think it'd take a lot to scare him off. Have no idea where they met. Thought he could have been one of yours for a moment"

Mycroft nods, seeming satisfied with this. "And how was he introduced to you?"

"Sherlock wouldn't tell me who he was at first, just said he was with him" he stretched back, his legs extended out under the table as he loosened up a bit "Looked as though he was enjoying having one up on everyone, he knew who this guy was but we didn't. Childish"

"And were there any problems? Anything that struck you as odd?" he pressed, eyes narrowing as he searched Greg's face for little clues that would tell him things along with the responses.

"I think he's seen some things, not that that's 'odd' like you say. Sounded like he's nearly been killed on at least one occasion". He then moved forward onto his elbows as though he'd remembered something of use, moving a pen between his hands without thinking about it "You know what's weird? The way Sherlock was acting around him. Explaining things, not snapping as much. At John I mean, he was his usual self to the rest of us". Again Mycroft nodded, he seemed to file all this away somewhere in his mind. "Could be good for your brother, you know, having someone around. God knows he could have some practice in human interaction".

"Yes, I think so". The thinner man seems to give himself a moment to file everything away then abruptly stood just as the DI thinks they were going to have a chat. "I appreciate your openness, Inspector. You've been most helpful"

Greg smirks, twisting the pen in his fingers as he relaxes back into the leather padding of his seat. "One of these days you'll use my name, Mr Holmes"

"Perhaps I will" again he seemed far away from here, going through the facts of what he'd just heard. "Thank you again, I'll let myself out". He turns and has his hand on the door handle when the detective speaks again.

"He hasn't run screaming yet. Makes me wonder what kind of man would want to hang around all of that?" Lestrade commented, cryptically.

The elder Holmes noted exactly what the man was getting at. "Who indeed?" he returned with a tight grimace not giving anything away.

"Mycroft". At this the addressed man frowned for a moment, not used to this man using his given name. In a flash his usual mask was back. "Look I know you're worried about him but I think this is a good thing. John seems alright by me for what it's worth"

The besuited one looked as though he'd been threatened. "I don't know where you get the impression-"

"-just" Greg had his hands raised in a pleading way "just give them some time. Your brother can be a nightmare but he'll be fine. But don't pretend like you're not concerned about this, I know we're not friends or anything but I've known you long enough to see when you're a million miles away and worried. You've barely spoken to me today. It's none of my business but if we're back to you only treating me coldly then you should have threatened my job at least once by now". He gives him a funny little smirk as though proud he'd been able to make some correct deductions of his own.

"I don't need your reassurance" Mycroft informed him. He then raised his head slightly as if realising he'd acted childishly. "I'll be in touch"

"Catch you then" Greg replied, displaying his palms then returning to his paperwork. He looked up to the empty doorway once once he's known the man had left. Bloody Holmes' and their moods.

A/N: I've seen some authors choose to have Mycroft with auburn hair which works, I've chosen to describe Mycroft's hair as brunet as in the third episode's commentary Mark says he has his hair dyed to match Benedict's (who has his hair dyed to match Sherlock Holmes').

Hope you've enjoyed this story. I can do some more Mycroft and Lestrade interactions if you're interested. Perhaps Mycroft won't be as grumpy next time :)