I rarely used tumblr but well- hey! At least I'm back alive (this time). Also, happy birthday to myself lol
The London night wasn't like any ordinary day, not especially for an important event that Mycroft Holmes himself never once initiated in so many years: her birthday. It used to never crossed his mind from doing so. However, despite Sherlock's eager presents for Amane, he didn't find her company unpleasant at all. In fact, it made him respect her further for standing up for herself and protect the only autonomy she had within her after acknowledging her parents will never nurture her back.
He found her resolve attractive, not in the sense like romanticism, but the unwavering purpose inside of her. Despite their differences in processing logical thinking, intelligence (Mycroft would never downplay Amane's distinct genius side on the artistic level) and behavior, they appeared to share the same common interests quite often. Because of this, the elder Holmes find the company of an intense, passionate and deep-provoking individual incredibly magnetic, the same feeling he had when being around with Sherlock. Except, he can also see himself in her.
Amane, the enigmatic individual that once caught the attention to the government due to the similarity of his younger brother's familiar intensity, was infatuated of her strong presence. He *knew* he had to show his appreciation and genuine care, unlike to her mother who belittle her for wanting too much of attention, when it's just... Basic necessity of human's connection with others. Mycroft Holmes, the untouchable government figure in society, had held an private ballroom for her: Amane Raani.
He sent both the invitation and a letter to her, in hopes to reach out to her and warm the cold locked heart of roses ice who had been told her existence only burdened others because she stopped acting like an doll. But his concern says otherwise that he wouldn't dare to dehumanize her. He knew, of course, the resentment and vengeance that had been building welling in her after leaving everything behind even when she tried to hide it.
Once his invitation and the letter being sent to her, she responded to it in a shocked feeling and made her final decision: she is going. His hard work finally went all into smooth plan, he might need to shower her with words of gratitude, no— everything that their family neglect her simply that there was no need to keep up their pretense. Amane did told him some half of the information she shared: her birth wasn't planned in the end, not because the parents wanted to, but they tried getting an biological daughter after several failed attempts.
She was expecting "normal" reaction from Mycroft himself, a reaction that she was used to since childhood. However, the tension coming from the eldest makes the environment between them intensified and highly uncomfortable: it wasn't indifference, Mycroft is rightfully furious. Amane almost flinched due to the heavy weight in the air, if Mycroft ever had a younger sister and she is still Sherlock in his eyes even if it does happen in another timeline, he would absolutely slap them on the face.
The unshakeable government wouldn't want to mistreat or dehumanize Amane, especially when she is the incredibly seductive danger devil to him. After the unforgiving days where he almost hurt her, not because of her but at the parents, he vow to himself that she deserved everything, not the small half-baked fake love which are conditional with prices and favors to dedicate herself to religion like Christianity. That is not his plan to open the old wounds, he wanted to heal her, treat her right and give her exactly what she's been lacking of since her childhood years.
When she finally arrived on time in the evening, the gift that he gave to her before her birthday surprise him. She wore the gown that Mycroft would think it will suit her greatly, the gorgeous red wine and soft black dress match with her rosy beige skin. The present Mycroft give to her after the dress was there as well, glistening with ruby sparkles into deep russet hues. It matched perfectly with her colors.
He approached her, trying to control himself before his composure shattered entirely even with just miniscule.
"The gown suit you well, I am glad to foresee that you've come to this ball."
"I deeply appreciate it, Mr. Holmes... Especially after the previous weeks ago. The gown was lovely."
Mycroft extend his arm to her, waiting for Amane to hold him. He watches her for a quiet moment, until she eventually hold his arm.
"Now, shall we? I've had requested the musicians to put on songs that you would liked. However, I have another... Favor, if you let me."
"What is it, Mr. Holmes?"
As they walked to the center of the ballroom, it was just the two of them. The clock strike at night time with its big chime, however, the two of them are not sleeping in yet.
"May I have this dance with you, Miss Raani?"
The music had already started from earlier, Amane was deeply taken aback. After the years of being treated like an outcast, the black sheep in the family and being seen as an burden and being dehumanized constantly by her mother, this ballroom felt like an fantasy after years of narcissistic abuse. But now? It's reality. She smiled softly at him, her cheeks flushed slightly.
"Of course... Mr. Holmes."
In the end, she doesn't need to hide everything from him anymore.
