John had claimed a chair in the corner of Mycroft's study. Why, Mycroft couldn't quite understand, as there were perfectly many unoccupied but adequately furnished rooms inside of his house.
He looked over at John, who would seem to the world to be peacefully napping, but the world was not Mycroft Holmes. The world was full of goldfish with the minor exception of The Holmes Boys.
That was one of the more difficult bits of pretending your brother was no longer a part of the world. To some he seemed cold and uncaring. These were the ones who tried to 'save' John upon discovering he had been living with Mycroft for the better part of a month. Anderson, the insolent dick, had offered his own flat if "you're down on your luck, suddenly paying both halves of rent. Not that you're unused to picking up the slack. A man with a drug-."
He was interrupted at that point by Lestrade, the one who had informed Mycroft.
"John.." Mycroft said.
John did not stir.
"I know you're not asleep. John, why didn't you take Anderson's offer?" he asked.
John smiled.
"You're just like him," John said quietly, before his smile fell.
Mycroft said nothing. John opened his eyes.
"Observant. And you try to pretend like you don't enjoy me about," he said.
"I simply want to know the answer," Mycroft said.
"Serious voice, then. I don't...I can't quite manage that. You understand why I'm 'still upset', and you know that though he wasn't perfect…. you loved Sherlock," John said.
"And did you love Sherlock?" Mycroft asked.
John smiled, a small, wry smile.
"I think we all love Sherlock. From the moment you meet him, you can't help it," he replied.
Mycroft decided against pointing out the present tense and lack of an answer.
John curled further into his chair. This being something he only did when he was comfortable but vulnerable.
"Well, as I'm decidedly not asleep, I suppose I'll put some tea on. Will you have some?" he asked.
Mycroft blinked in surprise.
"Please," he said, "with-"
"One sugar, dash of milk, and a peppermint round in the bottom. I know," John said.
He walked out of the room, Mycroft watching after him.