An Interesting Man

Mycroft settled his face into a neutral mask as the door opened, but did not look up until the Detective Inspector harrumphed in mild annoyance.

"Come off it Mr. Holmes, I know how you do enjoy a power play, but if you expect me to drag my arse down here just to watch you do paper work-"

"Please have a seat." Mycroft cut in smoothly. He mentally chided himself for a brief moment, he should be less surprised by now about the aging cops ability to observe. Not quit a Holmes, but still rather impressive. "Since you are feeling so eager, we'll cut right to the chance." He paused for a moment. "John Watson."

Lestrade struggled for a minute, and Mycroft could practically see the light bulb go off above his head when he finally put the name to the face. "Oh! The man Sherlock brought to the Cabbie Case we just wrapped up. I assume you've sorted out the whole 'gee-I-wonder-who-could-possibly-have-fired-that-b ullet-definitely-not-the-retired-ex-soldier-conven iently-at-the-crime-scene thing?"

Mycroft had to stop the smile that threatened to break through, though he did permit a little of the warmth to hang about his eyes as he replied nonchalantly, "hmm? Yes of course. That's hardly the issue here."

A long pause ensued, but Mycroft did not elaborate.

"Alright, I'll bite. So what is."

"I believe John has decided to continue his association with my brother."

"Is that Holmes-speak for Sherlock's made a friend?"

Mycroft arched an eyebrow. "It would seem so."

"Well that's good though, isn't it?" Lestrade smiled wide. "A little socialization. Presuming Sherlock doesn't frighten him off. So why all the fuss of a meeting?"

Mycroft found himself pausing yet again. He would need to pick his next words very carefully. No sense giving away anything bordering on the sentimental. Lestrade was a good man, but even good men have the power to break you if you give them the means. Finally, he spoke, "Doctor Watson killed a man today. And he held his wits with me despite my… tactics. He's a man to be taken seriously, regardless of the extenuating circumstances."

"Extenuating circumstances being that he did those things to protect your brother." It was a statement, not a question.

"Yes." He answered anyways.

"And you're not happy to be rid of the job because…?"

Mycroft had to force down the sick, churning feeling that scenario caused before answering evenly, "There is no such thing as 'rid of the job' inspector." There couldn't be. Not if he wanted a reason to get up every morning.

Lestrade gave him a critical look that would have set anyone but a Holmes fidgeting in their seat.

As it was Mycroft merely continued serenely, "My dear brother, as you well know, is wild, unpredictable, and impulsive."

"Yeah, he's mental alright." Lestrade agreed, somehow managing to make the admission sound both resigned and terribly fond. "But John seems pretty normal. Tame almost. Might just be he's the good influence that makes the difference."

Mycroft paused. The DI had spoken true, of course, but that was the worst of it. "Perhaps, we shall see. Keep an eye on them would you?" He nodded at the door.

"I don't work for you, you know." He huffed. "I'm not some employee to be beckoned and sent packing whenever you please."

"I have never claimed you were."

Lestrade nodded, then asked, seemingly against his will, "What would you call us then?"

No hesitation. "Colleagues."

"Funny, that's what Sherlock called John, when he introduced him, I mean. Well… goodnight to you, Mr. Holmes."

Mycroft stared at the retreating form, which luckily didn't look back to see him positively gaping. He snapped his mouth shut and returned the nicety, "Goodnight, Detective Inspector."

Gregory Lestrade certainly was an interesting man.

A/N Back writing Mycroft! Always a treat :) And finally Lestrade as well! I'm afraid I'm as insecure as always about whether or not I've captured them right, so hopefully this felt in character to everyone!

This might be a one-off or it might be a series of vignettes… I dunno anymore I've given up on trying to predict haha either way this is in-universe with A Complex Man. If you want a more in-depth look at Mycroft's motives, that's the place to look!

P.S sorry it's been so long! I've had like, 6 different fic's in the works that I have barely touched because of school being so crazy right now :s I'm going to try and do better though so hopefully you'll hear from me again soon!