John and Mycroft sat in silence for the greater part of two hours; Mycroft occasionally checking his phone, and John becoming lost in thought as they waited for Sherlock to regain consciousness. It took a little over the expected two hours before Sherlock began to stir. As Sherlock began to stir Mycroft turned towards John.
"John, if you'd be so kind as to go and inform Dr. Sangushi that Sherlock is awake. Providing that there are no unforeseen complications I imagine that the two of you will be on your way back to Baker Street within the hour."
John nodded dully, and turned towards the door. He didn't have to be a Holmes, to observe that Mycroft clearly needed some time with Sherlock alone. Sighing as he pondered the complexities of the brothers' relationship he headed out the door.
Mycroft watched John exit the room and then turned his attention back to his brother. Sherlock's eyes fluttered open and he groaned as fell upon Mycroft.
"Piss off, Mycroft." Sherlock said as he pushed himself into a sitting position on the bed.
"So feeling better then I presume?" Mycroft inquired, his voice cold and business like once more. Mycroft turned away from Sherlock as he poured him a glass of water. Sherlock glowered at the water Mycroft offered but reached for it nonetheless. Mycroft observed Sherlock as he took a small sip of the water, any signs of the vulnerability Sherlock had shown earlier were gone. However a hint of shame was evident to Mycroft on Sherlock's face.
"How much do you remember?" Mycroft asked, taking the glass back from Sherlock and leaning back into his chair. For a split second Mycroft could see that Sherlock was debating whether or not to lie, however with the drugs still in his system, Sherlock seemed unable to gather up the will to lie.
"Enough" he answered gruffly, turning his eyes away from his brother. They sat in silence for a moment, Mycroft waiting to see if Sherlock would discuss anything further. Sherlock however was waiting to see if Mycroft was going to push the issue.
"It's been about three days, in case you were wondering. I've sent John to get Dr. Sangushi, I'll have the car ready to take you to Baker Street once she says you're in the clear." Mycroft rattled off the facts for Sherlock, knowing that his brother was more comfortable dealing with the objective facts. If Sherlock didn't feel the need to discuss anything, Mycroft had learned a long time ago that it was better to simply let him be.
Sherlock was sitting up fully now, slowly becoming more aware of everything around him. Mycroft was speaking now, listing facts, the equivalent of small talk for the Holmes brothers. Ignoring Mycroft, Sherlock turned his attention instead on the various machines that he was connected to. He heard Mycroft sigh as he removed the different wires attached to him. Various alarms began ringing as Sherlock disconnected his heart monitor; Mycroft gave him a rather annoyed look as he got up to turn the monitors off. Sherlock was aware that Mycroft's' gaze was upon him. However years of dealing with Mycroft had left Sherlock with a rather strong ability to ignore his brother. They both remained silent for a while, neither willing to submit to the will of the other. As usual it was Mycroft who broke first, telling himself that it was simply part of his role as the elder sibling.
"Are we really going to keep doing this Sherlock?"
"Although I'm sure you believe that I do this simply to irritate you, I assure you that this is not something that is in my control."
"Completely in your control no, however I do remember Dr. Sangushi giving you certain guidelines that are supposed to decrease the likelihood and severity of these attacks."
"None of those had empirical data to support them, besides I'm sure I've also heard something about your diet, and we've all seen how well that has gone."
"Must you always resort to such childish tactics, when outwitted dear brother?"
"Only in response to your attempt to control the actions of someone with a superior mind."
Mycroft sighed; of course now that Sherlock was on the mend, sarcasm was seeping heavily back into his brothers tone. Not that he blamed him of course; sarcasm had long been one of Sherlock's defense mechanisms. Considering how vulnerable his brother must have been feeling over the past few days, Mycroft decided not to take anything too personally.
"I should inform you that both Dr. Watson and should be arriving shortly. Once Dr. Sangushi informs me that you are well enough, I shall have the car take you back to Baker Street."
"Where's my phone? I assume you are responsible for its disappearance."
Mycroft pulled Sherlock's phone from his jacket pocket and placed it on the bedside table next to Sherlock.
"I have already informed inspector Lestrade that he need to try to reach you for the next few days."
It was that simple sentence that Mycroft knew would give him the last edge. No matter how Sherlock tried to convince him, Mycroft knew that the inspector would not ignore a direct order, especially not one from him. Sherlock's displeasure at Mycroft's statement was slowly permeating the room. Before he could respond further, the door opened and both Holmes brothers turned to be greeted by both Dr. Sangushi, and Dr. Watson.
The process of releasing Sherlock was almost mechanical, Dr. Sangushi was quick and precise in her examination. John stood back and let himself be a silent observer. Once Dr. Sangushi give Mycroft a brief nod that indicated her approval. She disappeared once more into the hallway. Taking her place was Anthea, she stepped into the room smoothly.
"The car is outside and ready for departure." She spoke with purpose, but almost offhandedly knowing that Mycroft had already assumed as much. She had disappeared once more before John even had the opportunity to try and flirt. However John was the first one to follow her out the door, Sherlock who looked no more worse for the wear followed him. He paused at the door slightly and gave Mycroft a look, one that had long since been their sign for gratitude, because heaven forbid either of the Holmes brothers ever showed a disadvantage such as caring.