(Mycroft's POV: )

Dull. Transparent. Simple. All words to describe my current position. The newspaper held no entertainment, and neither did my occupation… at least not at the moment. My eyes crossed the date on the newspaper as I folded it, and my stomach felt strange, like I was nauseous. I creased my eyebrows and put a hand to my abdomen.

“Are you feeling ill, sir?” An attendant asked.

“No, just… reminiscent. Thank you.” I replied. He nodded and walked away. I took a sip of my brandy as I contemplated calling John and/or Alice. Before I could decide, my mobile buzzed.

“Someone is demanding to see you, sir. He’s waiting in your office.” It read. It was just my secretary. I lightly groaned and put the mobile back in its designated pocket. I stood up, making sure I got my umbrella and taking one last sip of brandy before I left.

The door opened silently, being well-oiled according to my standard. A tall male was standing at the window, his hands crossed behind his back, right hand on top. He stood straight, his head held high. His hood was still up, and wet. Drenched in fact. Mud had been tracked in and had left a trail from the door to the window, but not shoe prints so it must have fallen off his pants and sides of his trainers. He ran a lot, then. His hands were pale, almost white. Lightly calloused, slightly dirty.

I held in a sigh and walked over to my desk, seeing no point in more deduction. I sat down and pretended to have paperwork to do, my umbrella leaning on my desk.

“You do like to be dramatic.” I said dryly.

“And you’ve been cheating on your diet.” He replied, his voice just as strong and deep, but possibly a bit more humble. I pursed my lips.

“Indeed, dear brother. I do hope you intend to tell your friends.” He turned away from the drop-covered glass, his hands still behind him, and faced me. His face was completely straight and emotionless as I expected, but it was thinner, and his clothes hung more loose than three years ago. His eyes were still bright, but they had dimmed.

“In good time. I thought it appropriate for you to know first.” He answered. I nodded slightly and looked down at the meaningless paper.

“Excellent. Now if you would excuse me. I am busy.” I snapped, signing a contract that I didn’t even know what was for.

“Extremely.” He replied dryly, looking at my desk. Of course we both knew that the other was lying, but it was usual, so he took his leave. As soon as my door was closed I jumped up –jumped being used loosely- and went to the window Sherlock was at not moments ago. I watched him climb into a cab and drive away. I sat back down at my desk, leaning on my elbows and cupping my face in emotion.