Mycroft

Darkness dwells where darkness thrives.

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft listened intently, his eyes on the man opposite him as they had something of a personal conversation. It was rather nice, truth be told.

"I adore that for you," he responded after a moment, perusing his menu for a moment longer before playing it neatly in front of him. Salami and vegetables, something simple and authentic.

Surprisingly, his choice of drink was beer, if he was doing this it was the Italian way. He was nothing if not traditional.

[tuckeresque]

Malcolm's head tilted at the sweet comment. It was a side of Mycroft that he didn't normally get to see, no one did, and it warmed him inside. His stomach did a silly little dip, which he immediately reprimanded himself for, of course.

When the server eventually came back around to their table, he ordered his sausage and onion pizza, content as a pint was placed down in front of him. And when they were left alone again, he clinked his glass against Mycroft's.

"Here's tae us?"

[governmentfairy]

A small smile tugged at the corner of Mycroft's mouth as he lifted his own drink, toasting to the pair of them as Malcolm had, "To us."

Then he took a steady sip, his eyes still on Malcolm. After setting his glass back on the table neatly, he cocked his head.

"So. How was your day?" He was a terribly mundane, domestic question, really, but Mycroft found that he didn't mind so much.

[governmentfairy]

"They do appear to friendly," Mycroft agreed lightly, his eyes flitting to the owners who were stood chatting jovially with some other customers. It wasn't often that Mycroft got to engage with people who were just nice and being a good judge of character as he was he could see that was most certainly the case here.

"I can understand why you've both taken a shine to them, they're very charismatic individuals."

As he spoke he drew the menu closer to himself, thumbing through the pages as he considered the options.

[tuckeresque]

"I havenae got many friends outside of politics," he admitted softly, eyes roaming Mycroft's features. "It's nice tae have a few, ye know? And Sammy adores the family, so that's just a plus. I even bring my nieces here when they come down tae visit me."

He settled on the sausage and onion, setting his menu aside and resting his chin on a hand, content to watch Mycroft try and decide what he wanted for dinner. Then he added, "Their calzones are phenomenal as well, mate."

When the server came by to put in their orders for drinks, he asked for a glass of water and a pale ale pint.

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft listened intently, his eyes on the man opposite him as they had something of a personal conversation. It was rather nice, truth be told.

"I adore that for you," he responded after a moment, perusing his menu for a moment longer before playing it neatly in front of him. Salami and vegetables, something simple and authentic.

Surprisingly, his choice of drink was beer, if he was doing this it was the Italian way. He was nothing if not traditional.

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft was content to watch as Malcolm interacted with these people he was clearly very familiar with. When he was brought into the conversation though he took a small step forward, smiling.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's a beautiful establishment and I can't wait to see what you have to offer, Malcolm speaks very highly of you. And he is a man of very particular tastes."

[tuckeresque]

Malcolm was grinning his head off as they were led off to a table by the window. It was one with a nice view as well, so he was rather pleased. Eventually, he settled down and made himself comfortable in one of the chairs, eyes flitting to Mycroft.

"Nice people here, honestly. Sam's become good friends with the owner's daughter, too. It's rather sweet."

He reached for a menu, wondering what kind of pizza he was in the mood for tonight. Maybe sausage and onion, or perhaps meatball. Either way, it would hit the spot for his craving.

[governmentfairy]

"They do appear to friendly," Mycroft agreed lightly, his eyes flitting to the owners who were stood chatting jovially with some other customers. It wasn't often that Mycroft got to engage with people who were just nice and being a good judge of character as he was he could see that was most certainly the case here.

"I can understand why you've both taken a shine to them, they're very charismatic individuals."

As he spoke he drew the menu closer to himself, thumbing through the pages as he considered the options.

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft felt rather touched that Malcolm was sharing this with him if it had such personal history, he was aware enough to recognise that it was a sweet gesture, even if he wasn't usually familiar with such things.

"Well, now I'm even more interested." Mycroft replied, tilting his head so he could get a look at the building. "It says a lot about an establishment if it lasts in the current economic climate, particularly in a competitive industry like this one."

He cleared his throat and glanced sideways at Malcolm, "Shall we, then?"

[tuckeresque]

Malcolm gave him a soft grin, only saying, "Ye'll see why it's lasted soon enough. The food's phenomenal, mate." Then he was out of the car, waiting for Mycroft before locking her and pocketing the keys.

They wandered together, side by side, eventually making their way to the front entrance and slipping inside. Malcolm was immediately approached by the owner and a hostess at the door. It was sweet, and he fell victim to a gigantic grin. The owner, John, even gave him a gentle hug.

"By the way, this is a friend of mine, Mycroft," he said, turning towards the man in question. "I wanted tae bring him here tae experience yer delicious menu for the first time."

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft was content to watch as Malcolm interacted with these people he was clearly very familiar with. When he was brought into the conversation though he took a small step forward, smiling.

"I'm delighted to be here, it's a beautiful establishment and I can't wait to see what you have to offer, Malcolm speaks very highly of you. And he is a man of very particular tastes."

[governmentfairy]

"I'm beginning to see the truth of that," Mycroft responded lightly, finding that it was actually true. "There is something rather pleasant about it all."

He turned his head, a brow arched slightly at the information, he didn't bother to try and deny it, he knew that Malcolm knew the truth anyway.

"Oh? Perhaps I shall have to investigate this coffeehouse, I sometimes enjoy a change of scenery during my work day."

[tuckeresque]

"Maybe ye should," Malcolm teased. "It's just down the street from my office. It would be easy enough tae stop by and say hello if yer ever there."

The ride was a relaxing one. Malcolm welcomed it, despite the traffic. With Mycroft there beside him, at least the conversational topics never ran dry. He didn't particularly mind the arseholes on the road for once.

By the time they pulled into a small car park by a wee Italian restaurant, Malcolm was sighing gratefully. "I'm famished now. Feeling absolutely ferocious, tae be honest. Now, lemme just say, this place has been around since 1920 or something, so that should tell ye how good it is. I just wanted tae surprise ye. I bring Sammy here all the time. It's our usual spot."

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft felt rather touched that Malcolm was sharing this with him if it had such personal history, he was aware enough to recognise that it was a sweet gesture, even if he wasn't usually familiar with such things.

"Well, now I'm even more interested." Mycroft replied, tilting his head so he could get a look at the building. "It says a lot about an establishment if it lasts in the current economic climate, particularly in a competitive industry like this one."

He cleared his throat and glanced sideways at Malcolm, "Shall we, then?"

[governmentfairy]

"I see your point," Mycroft replied with a hint of amusement in his tone. Still he'd needed to ask the question out of pure politeness, Mycroft was nothing if not the epitome of manners.

"Mm, I find I am rather. Lunch seems like such a long time ago."

Not that there had been all that much of a lunch break for him, there rarely was. Something light and quick between meetings and stacks of paperwork and emails. And more often than not that was on behalf of Anthea. "Truthfully, I think I'm rather looking forward to this."

[tuckeresque]

"I'm glad tae hear it, mate." Casting a wee glance Mycroft's way as they pulled up to the end of a street, he smiled. "Going out with friends is never a bad idea. It's always a reason tae fuckin' smile, right? I've been looking forward tae this, too."

If anything, things felt better. With his hellish day with that maniac of a client, he was happy now, spending the evening with a friend. The food was just a plus.

"Ye say that, ye know, about lunch, but I think we both know ye probably barely ate anything for lunch. And a shocker, I know, but I actually ate lunch today, myself. I went tae a coffeehouse I love."

[governmentfairy]

"I'm beginning to see the truth of that," Mycroft responded lightly, finding that it was actually true. "There is something rather pleasant about it all."

He turned his head, a brow arched slightly at the information, he didn't bother to try and deny it, he knew that Malcolm knew the truth anyway.

"Oh? Perhaps I shall have to investigate this coffeehouse, I sometimes enjoy a change of scenery during my work day."

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft himself was, of course, ready. He was dressed in a smooth, navy suit, the lapels a slightly darker shade than the fabric, subtle but the material caught the light just right it shimmered. On Anthea's insistence when she found out about this dinner, because of course she'd found out about it, he'd gone without a tie, his collar crisp and starched, but he still wore a waistcoat, this one such a dark navy with the barest hints of silver thread woven through that it was enough to mimic the night sky. It was likely as casual as Mycroft got in pubic.

Checking to make sure he had everything he needed he left his house, locking up behind him before making his way to the car. Neatly he slipped into the passenger seat, smoothing out the fabric of his trousers, so as not to rumple the impecable crease.

"Good evening," he greeted with a half smile. "How was the appointment?"

[tuckeresque]

If Malcolm was being honest, and he rarely ever was, even with himself, he went dry in the mouth at the sight of Mycroft. That suit was a fucking killer. Absolutely, impeccably gorgeous. He swallowed the lump in his throat and grinned. "Aye, it was just fine. I love being fuckin' poked with needles. Doesnae everyone?"

He laughed as he pulled away from the house, heading back down the driveway and towards the road once again.

"I hope yer hungry," teased Malcolm. "I'm fuckin' starving tonight."

[governmentfairy]

"I see your point," Mycroft replied with a hint of amusement in his tone. Still he'd needed to ask the question out of pure politeness, Mycroft was nothing if not the epitome of manners.

"Mm, I find I am rather. Lunch seems like such a long time ago."

Not that there had been all that much of a lunch break for him, there rarely was. Something light and quick between meetings and stacks of paperwork and emails. And more often than not that was on behalf of Anthea. "Truthfully, I think I'm rather looking forward to this."

[governmentfairy]

Despite himself Mycroft couldn't help but smile a little, just the barest upturn at the corner of his mouth. It was rather nice having someone look out for him like this and to be so open about it. His health, in regard to food, had always been something of a complicated point. Having someone be so assertive with it... well, it wasn't the worst thing in the world. Historically it had only ever been Anthea that had taken a vested interest enough to do anything about it.

I shall endeavour to be ready at 6pm sharp.

And I appreciate the invtation.

MH x

And so much more, but that bit would have to be read between the lines, it wasn't something that Mycroft was about to openly discuss. That just wasn't his way, nor how he functioned.

With a small nod he set his phone aside and continued with his work, he had something of a personal deadline to meet now. He made sure to make it home early enough that he could clean up and change before Malcolm arrived.

[tuckeresque]

Malcolm had gone home, gotten some house-cleaning down like he'd planned that morning, and showered before heading out to get his bloodwork done and to pick up Mycroft at home. He was dressed rather casually for once, in a gray suit without a tie. A few of his shirt buttons were open as well. He felt more relaxed.

By the time he pulled into the drive at Mycroft's home, he was content and settled from the long drive. His arm ached a bit from the bloodwork, but that was alright. By the morning, it would be just fine.

On second thought, he pulled out his mobile to send a quick message to Mycroft, just in case he hadn't heard him arrive.

Outside. Take your time. No rush.

MT x

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft himself was, of course, ready. He was dressed in a smooth, navy suit, the lapels a slightly darker shade than the fabric, subtle but the material caught the light just right it shimmered. On Anthea's insistence when she found out about this dinner, because of course she'd found out about it, he'd gone without a tie, his collar crisp and starched, but he still wore a waistcoat, this one such a dark navy with the barest hints of silver thread woven through that it was enough to mimic the night sky. It was likely as casual as Mycroft got in pubic.

Checking to make sure he had everything he needed he left his house, locking up behind him before making his way to the car. Neatly he slipped into the passenger seat, smoothing out the fabric of his trousers, so as not to rumple the impecable crease.

"Good evening," he greeted with a half smile. "How was the appointment?"

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft paused after he'd read the message, blinking slowly at the screen as he considered both the words and how he should respond to them. At first he was filled with some rather conflicting thoughts about the whole thing, but then when the intention behind the words began to sink in he felt something rather akin to joy. Satisfaction certainly, but something a little deeper than that, too.

I suppose you have a point.

Very well, do you have somewhere in mind?

MH x

His response was typed slowly, like even as he wrote it he was considering what exactly to say, or how he felt about it all. Anthea would be absolutely thrilled with the turn of events, he was sure.

[tuckeresque]

I do, and it's a surprise. I'll come by and get you tonight at your place, alright? I have to get bloodwork and the lab is nearby. Be ready around six, if you can be. If not, let me know. I'll drive, and like I said, it's my treat. After all, I'm the one suggesting dinner in the first place.

MT x

Malcolm completely understood how Mycroft felt about food. It wasn't as bad as things were with his niece at one point in time, but he also never wanted to let it get that bad for Mycroft. And besides, the man was perfect just the way he was. Malcolm told him so a week prior.

Sophie, Malc's niece, had suffered from bulimia at the beginning of her university days. Malcolm, along with his sister, brother-in-law, and Ava (her sister), had swooped in to save the dear girl. She was doing great nowadays, thank fuck.

[governmentfairy]

Despite himself Mycroft couldn't help but smile a little, just the barest upturn at the corner of his mouth. It was rather nice having someone look out for him like this and to be so open about it. His health, in regard to food, had always been something of a complicated point. Having someone be so assertive with it... well, it wasn't the worst thing in the world. Historically it had only ever been Anthea that had taken a vested interest enough to do anything about it.

I shall endeavour to be ready at 6pm sharp.

And I appreciate the invtation.

MH x

And so much more, but that bit would have to be read between the lines, it wasn't something that Mycroft was about to openly discuss. That just wasn't his way, nor how he functioned.

With a small nod he set his phone aside and continued with his work, he had something of a personal deadline to meet now. He made sure to make it home early enough that he could clean up and change before Malcolm arrived.

[governmentfairy]

Despite being in a meeting when the message came through, Mycroft couldn't help the barest change in his mood, he quickly flicked his attention back to the men and the single woman — who was the only one actually worth his time in this whole thing, dragging himself through the meeting. Once he'd finished and he was being led back to his car by Anthea, his phone was in his hand again and he tapped out a quick reply.

I'm certain I can always find time for you.

What are you thinking?

MH x

[tuckeresque]

I'm thinking something greasy. Pizza, maybe, or calzones. But I don't want you exercising your arse off tomorrow. I'm well aware of how you are. Let's do something guilt-free for once. Life is meant to be enjoyed.

MT x

He was sipping his latte, enjoying a sticky bun and trying not to get it all over his face and fingers. Fuck today, honestly. One of his clients was intent on a screaming match. Somehow, he'd kept his cool. He needed something nice for tonight, something to enjoy, and he was glad Mycroft was free.

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft paused after he'd read the message, blinking slowly at the screen as he considered both the words and how he should respond to them. At first he was filled with some rather conflicting thoughts about the whole thing, but then when the intention behind the words began to sink in he felt something rather akin to joy. Satisfaction certainly, but something a little deeper than that, too.

I suppose you have a point.

Very well, do you have somewhere in mind?

MH x

His response was typed slowly, like even as he wrote it he was considering what exactly to say, or how he felt about it all. Anthea would be absolutely thrilled with the turn of events, he was sure.

[governmentfairy]

Keep me updated on things your end.

But mine seems quite pleased with himself.

As she sent the message off she made her way back into the office. They had some serious work to do, she had files and such to deliver to her boss. The being a friend to him bit would have to wait. As ever, work called, King and Country waited for no one, not even Mycroft Holmes.

[tuckeresque]

Sam only sent out a quick reply, letting her know that she absolutely would. It felt nice to have a new friend, honestly. Afterward, she went back to work and answered a few emails for Malcolm.

A week later, Malcolm finished work early and went to a favorite coffeehouse of his for some relaxing time. While he was there, he texted Mycroft.

Busy tonight? Or tomorrow?

Dinner's on me.

MT x

[governmentfairy]

Despite being in a meeting when the message came through, Mycroft couldn't help the barest change in his mood, he quickly flicked his attention back to the men and the single woman — who was the only one actually worth his time in this whole thing, dragging himself through the meeting. Once he'd finished and he was being led back to his car by Anthea, his phone was in his hand again and he tapped out a quick reply.

I'm certain I can always find time for you.

What are you thinking?

MH x

[governmentfairy]

When Mycroft found his way to the office Anthea wasn't far behind. She stood by the door as he shed his coat and set his laptop bag on the edge of the desk. He could feel her eyes on him as he moved about the room and as he took a seat in his chair, hand smoothing down the front of his suit to ease out any of the wrinkles, he looked over at her. "Are you alright?" It was an opening for her to speak her mind, he knew she was considering something.

"How was the drive home?" She asked after a moment with a hint of mischief in her tone. "Enjoyable?"

Mycroft exhaled a little breath, lips twitching just slightly as he unpacked his bag, "Quite enjoyable, thank you." Neither of them needed to say more, she placed the folders she was holding on his desk and disappeared to make him some tea. While she was out of the office she fired off a quick message to Sam, she knew Sam would know it was her without them having to swap numbers.

Hope yours is as happy as mine.

[tuckeresque]

When Sam got the text, she couldn't quell the laugh building inside of her. She'd just delivered a hot coffee to Malcolm, and she replied as she sat at her desk.

He's a bit grumpy, actually. Nothing new there.

I don't think he liked me prying into the events of his evening drive home.

SC

Malcolm, on the other hand, was ensconced in his office, coffee in hand, whilst he signed into his computer. He was already tired and the workday had only just begun. He wasn't looking forward to his eleven o'clock meeting with one of their clints.

[governmentfairy]

Keep me updated on things your end.

But mine seems quite pleased with himself.

As she sent the message off she made her way back into the office. They had some serious work to do, she had files and such to deliver to her boss. The being a friend to him bit would have to wait. As ever, work called, King and Country waited for no one, not even Mycroft Holmes.

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft allowed himself another little smile as he read the reply then set his phone aside. He wished it'd be as easy for him to settle in, but he had things that needed to be done before he could even consider it. Time waited for no man, as they said. It was a good couple of hours later that he finally settled into his own bed for what remained of the night.

Morning, it seemed, or the crack of dawn to be precise arrived far to early. The sky just beginning to lighten when Mycroft was brewing his first coffee and only coffee of the day, the rest of the day he'd be reliant on tea.

[tuckeresque]

Malcolm arrived at his office building at half seven, bright and early as always, and found Sammy waiting for him by his desk. He closed the door to his office, tilting his head at her with a curious look in his eyes. "What's wrong, hen?" he asked, shrugging out of his overcoat after setting his laptop bag aside.

She was still watching him, arms crossed over her chest. "Saw you go home with Mycroft last night," she admitted. "Do you have anything to share with me and Jamie?"

Unable to help himself, Malcolm laughed. "What? Is that why yer interrogating me right now, lass? No, it's not like that. I just wanted tae about everything. I let him drive, he's a car lover, and then I drove myself home afterward. It really isnae what yer thinking."

She approached him, sighing softly. "Okay, okay. I just... I care, you know? I'll be honest, though. I have eyes, and I caught the way you were looking at him last night. Maybe you should tell him one day."

His eyebrows drew together and he stared at her, absolutely aghast. He never had a chance to reply because she was busy coming over to pat his chest affectionately. "It's fine, okay, Malc? I would never judge you for a single thing. You were married, and you lost her. It's time to move on. She would want you to, and maybe Mycroft feels the same way for you." After she finished speaking, she reached up to peck his cheek. "I'll go fix you some coffee, alright?"

[governmentfairy]

When Mycroft found his way to the office Anthea wasn't far behind. She stood by the door as he shed his coat and set his laptop bag on the edge of the desk. He could feel her eyes on him as he moved about the room and as he took a seat in his chair, hand smoothing down the front of his suit to ease out any of the wrinkles, he looked over at her. "Are you alright?" It was an opening for her to speak her mind, he knew she was considering something.

"How was the drive home?" She asked after a moment with a hint of mischief in her tone. "Enjoyable?"

Mycroft exhaled a little breath, lips twitching just slightly as he unpacked his bag, "Quite enjoyable, thank you." Neither of them needed to say more, she placed the folders she was holding on his desk and disappeared to make him some tea. While she was out of the office she fired off a quick message to Sam, she knew Sam would know it was her without them having to swap numbers.

Hope yours is as happy as mine.

[governmentfairy]

I'm pleased you made it home in one piece.

It was a good night. I look forward to the next one.

MH x

Mycroft had spent far too long looking at that little x on the text that Malcolm had sent him, deliberating over exactly what it meant and over exactly what he should do about it, typing and deleting the little character far too many times before he just sent the message, biting the bullet as it were.

I hope you're in bed now, get some rest.

Sleep well.

MH x

He added, sending the second message soon after the first.

[tuckeresque]

Those messages left Malcolm with a sleepy smile. Shifting, he tugged the comforter up higher as he laid on his stomach. Then he typed out a quick reply as well, just before setting the phone aside on his bedside table and closing his eyes for the night.

I am, don't worry. I couldn't wait to fall into bed.

You get some rest too, mate. Goodnight.

MT x

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft allowed himself another little smile as he read the reply then set his phone aside. He wished it'd be as easy for him to settle in, but he had things that needed to be done before he could even consider it. Time waited for no man, as they said. It was a good couple of hours later that he finally settled into his own bed for what remained of the night.

Morning, it seemed, or the crack of dawn to be precise arrived far to early. The sky just beginning to lighten when Mycroft was brewing his first coffee and only coffee of the day, the rest of the day he'd be reliant on tea.

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft watched as Malcolm pulled away, the beautiful car and the beautiful man within drawing further away until they were out of sight, before Malcolm would have left the estate there was a message waiting in his inbox.

Dinner would be lovely.

Let me know, I'm at your disposal.

MH

Then he turned and made his way back into the house. He should rest, he knew, but there was no rest for the wicked and there was certainly no rest to be found for him, yet. Though he did change into something a little more comfortable before he settled in his office with a few fingers of good scotch to keep him company, the lights dimmed to a soft, warm amber that made the wooden panelled room feel cosy. It all rather suited his current mood.

[tuckeresque]

By the time Malcolm made it home, he was fucking knackered. He showered and fell into bed before even looking at his mobile again. With his cheek smushed in his pillow, he typed out a hasty reply for Mycroft.

I'm glad to hear it. At your disposable too, mate.

Home now, by the way. Knackered but it's been a good night.

MT x

[governmentfairy]

I'm pleased you made it home in one piece.

It was a good night. I look forward to the next one.

MH x

Mycroft had spent far too long looking at that little x on the text that Malcolm had sent him, deliberating over exactly what it meant and over exactly what he should do about it, typing and deleting the little character far too many times before he just sent the message, biting the bullet as it were.

I hope you're in bed now, get some rest.

Sleep well.

MH x

He added, sending the second message soon after the first.

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft cocked his head as he considered that. Obviously he'd heard the bits that hadn't been said and he took a moment to compute that. It was quite something, quite the revelation really and he found that he quite liked it, surprisingly. It turned out a tiny part of him still wanted to be accepted, his rough childhood hadn't completely stamped that out of him.

"Yes, thank you. The same applies to you, of course, though I dare say you should take the chance to get some rest before this drama I've pulled you into unfolds."

As he spoke he shifted in the seat, nearly pushing open the car door before climbing, elegantly, from the sleek, beautiful vehicle.

[tuckeresque]

"I'll do just that," replied Malcolm, eyes watching as Mycroft exited the Aston. If he watched that arse of his, then who would ever really know? No one, surely.

After Mycroft was out, he rounded the car to get into the driver's side. "G'night, Mycroft," he added, slipping inside and buckling himself in. "We'll be in touch. Maybe we can meet for dinner one night soon, just the two of us. No worries, either way."

He made himself comfortable after closing the door, offering his friend a small smile and a wave before slowly reversing and leaving the way they came together.

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft watched as Malcolm pulled away, the beautiful car and the beautiful man within drawing further away until they were out of sight, before Malcolm would have left the estate there was a message waiting in his inbox.

Dinner would be lovely.

Let me know, I'm at your disposal.

MH

Then he turned and made his way back into the house. He should rest, he knew, but there was no rest for the wicked and there was certainly no rest to be found for him, yet. Though he did change into something a little more comfortable before he settled in his office with a few fingers of good scotch to keep him company, the lights dimmed to a soft, warm amber that made the wooden panelled room feel cosy. It all rather suited his current mood.

[governmentfairy]

Everything about this conversation had taken something of a turn. It wasn't often that Mycroft had the chance to be so candid, and even rarer still that he even wanted to be. Some could argue that his life had made him withdrawn, jaded even. But he believed it wholeheartedly when Malcolm told him he'd be there should he ever need. It was becoming a habit for Malcolm to highlight how important Mycroft was to him, how important their relationship was. But perhaps he very much needed that.

"I'd have to agree. It seems everyone is on the same page which means when the time comes we can move forward without any undue complications," he paused again as he slowly drew the car to a smooth stop outside of his residence.

He knew that wasn't exactly what Malcolm had meant so he took the time to consider it more, something else quite astounding, he was being socially considerate, a skill he could probably use some practice with.

"It was enjoyable." He surprised even himself.

[tuckeresque]

As Mycroft stopped the car, Malcolm turned to give him a gentle nod. "Good," he said, pleasantly surprised and yet not at the same time. "Ye should be able tae find any time spent with friends enjoyable."

The implication was clear and written between the words: Malcolm's friends were also Mycroft's friends now. They had always liked him to begin with, that was true enough, but now it was more. They had easily accepted him into the group. Anthea as well, to be fair.

It made for a lovely little realization.

"Have a good rest of yer evening, yeah?"

[governmentfairy]

Mycroft cocked his head as he considered that. Obviously he'd heard the bits that hadn't been said and he took a moment to compute that. It was quite something, quite the revelation really and he found that he quite liked it, surprisingly. It turned out a tiny part of him still wanted to be accepted, his rough childhood hadn't completely stamped that out of him.

"Yes, thank you. The same applies to you, of course, though I dare say you should take the chance to get some rest before this drama I've pulled you into unfolds."

As he spoke he shifted in the seat, nearly pushing open the car door before climbing, elegantly, from the sleek, beautiful vehicle.