"Indeed," Elena said with a grin. "Forgive me my curiosity, but Sherlock didn't mention what you do." She raised an eyebrow at him.

"I occupy a minor position within the government," Mycroft answered easily, ignoring Sherlock's snort from behind him.

Elena hid her smile behind her teacup at that. "I see," she said. "Must be interesting."

"From time to time," Mycroft replied. He sipped his tea, savoring it.

Elena was content to let the silence stretch for a few minutes to see if Mycroft would bring up any other topics. She was curious.

Mycroft was perfectly content to let the silence stretch. He was still getting plenty of information off of Elena; she was at ease in the flat, meaning she was comfortable around Sherlock. She knew exactly where the tea was kept in the kitchen, so she must visit the flat regularly. She knew not to sit in John's chair. Even more interesting was the fact that Sherlock didn't mind at all. He wasn't glowering at her, or trying to intimidate her into leaving. They were both comfortable around each other.

Interesting.

Likewise, Elena was getting information from Mycroft. She wasn't a genius, but she had a lot of practice reading body language. Mycroft was comfortable but a touch aloof, but he knew the flat well. He was largely ignoring Sherlock, who still looked a bit pouty. Not extremely close, then, but not estranged either. Likely this was normal for them. She tilted her head as she examined Mycroft more closely.

After a few more moments, Mycroft finished his tea and set down the cup.

"The chat was lovely," he said, standing up. "But I believe I've spent enough time away from the office."

"Have to be there to keep the world from falling apart?" Elena asked with a teasing little grin. But she stood as well to see him out. "It was lovely meeting you."

"Indeed," Mycroft replied, a bit amused. "It was lovely meeting you as well. Thank you very much for the tea."

Elena saw him down the stairs and shut the door gently before she made her way upstairs again.

"That 'minor position' in government isn't so minor, is it?"

"Mycroft practically is the British government," Sherlock replied over his tea. "He pulls the strings of every major working the government does."

"Interesting." Elena hid her smile as she started to clean up. "And you were just going to let me blunder around him?"

Sherlock raised an eyebrow.

"You were just fine," he said. "Masterfully handled."

Elena snorted and shook her head. "If you say so. You know him better than I do."

"Mycroft would not have accepted tea if he didn't approve of you being here," Sherlock said as he downed the rest of his cup. "You should have seen how he tested John, it was rather amusing."

"What did he do?" Elena settled in next to him, curious to hear this story.

"He kidnapped John and offered him money to spy on me," Sherlock replied easily. "John refused. A pity, we could have used the money at the time."

Elena looked at him for a moment before she laughed.

"Yeah, that sounds like you," she agreed.

Sherlock blinked.

"Sounds like me?" he asked, surprised. "I didn't ask Mycroft to test John, I had no idea he was even doing it. Mycroft is insufferable, always feeling the need to investigate everyone I come into contact with."

"No, the "pity he didn't take it" part. You're more practical, thus makes sense for you to say that." Elena grinned at him.

"Well, we did need the money," Sherlock pointed out. "Luckily, that was when business picked up a bit so we were able to earn an income."

"I heard that you weren't so concerned with the money," Elena said with a bit of a grin. "Not until later."

"Heard, heard from whom?" Sherlock asked, raising an eyebrow. "Certainly not from me, or likely John."

"Abby." Elena grinned. "John doesn't mind telling her things. Apparently he'll share things that aren't in the blog if she asks."