#;;albert

[covertsworn]

@kitxkatrp,

"...Are you sure you want to do this? You and Sherlock had a relatively friendly relationship. You might just be throwing it away in a moment, here."

He'd taken it upon himself to send out a message to Sherlock and invite him over. As much as he regretted the false pretenses written out to him, this was important.

At least, it was to Albert.

He'd honor that wish, to be as transparent with the younger brother as possible.

"...Yes. If I hide it and he finds out of his own accord, the resulting calamity will be disastrous." They heard the knock on the door--he'd already let himself in, it seemed.

"You may enter."

[covertsworn]

He could be found sitting alone at a desk, quill pen scrawling across a piece of paper. Another letter to Mycroft. Keeping in touch wasn't exactly difficult, at least...

[covertsworn]

Continuation

@kitxkatrp

"Mmm...it is a rather good thing though..." The rare times he had seen those Brothers interact had never really felt...comfortable. It was clearly a sore spot. Best not to start any arguments.

"...But I doubt we will be interrupted now...so I'll listen."

--

Whatever smile Albert held before had faded as he slowly swirled the wine in his glass before taking a sip.

"Well. I wouldn't consider it bad. Besides the clear class divide now, he's simply just a busy man. Works for the Queen, doesn't really have much time. I expected as much."

[covertsworn]

@lachrymosestorm

It was a charity event, one that allowed for both nobles and the working class to attend and participate. The Moriartys were not the ones hosting, but Albert had joined today.

William and Louis had their own errands, as did the others. That was fine...a day to himself--he hadn't had one of those in awhile.

The auctioneer had already gotten the event going, rattling off ever-climbing prices every second while Albert waded through the crowd of people to head toward the shade of a tree--only to accidentally bump into a small lady on his way.

"Ah, pardon me, miss," he looked her over to make sure he hadn't ruined her pretty dress. "I hope I didn't startle you."

[covertsworn]

Albert: "Oh, please forgive my brother's crass words. He can be uncouth at times, but he's a good man." Mycroft can't say the same for their fractured sibling relationship. "Hopefully, lord William can help soften the edges on him a bit." (lordmycroftholmes)

[Unprompted]

"...Or make him worse," Albert joked lightheartedly. "For how reserved William is, he can be quite the rebel at times. He might even enable some of Sherlock's behaviours. I would not put it past him."

[covertsworn]

Just thinking about one specific thing that happened only once so far, but he absolutely enjoyed.

[covertsworn]

Albert: Mycroft had been looking forward to this day ever since they've met. Even more the moment they started seeing each other privately and on a more intimate level. He had prepared a couple of gifts after observing his partner. And his own brother's gifts to William James Moriarty. A book and pocket watch were great gifts, but Mycroft didn't want to outright copy his little brother on that...

What he ultimately decided to buy Albert was an expensive bottle of wine from a farm north of their town. He had personally taste tested it himself because his beloved Albert deserved nothing but the best. His other gift was a thin gold bracelet with their names engraved on the inside of it. Mycroft wanted Albert to know he was always thinking of him and he loved him.

Mycroft arrived at the Moriarty household and he was allowed inside by the youngest Moriarty brother. He was a smaller version of William, but still a nice lad, Mycroft thought. He was glad the younger man allowed him to see Albert alone. It was preferable anyway as their relationship is private. He entered the office where Albert was residing in and announced himself.

"Hello, Albert. I've come bearing gifts." He entered then closed the door behind himself. In a few strides, he was in front of Albert when he gave him a kiss and poured the love he had into it. "Happy Birthday, Al. I love you more than words can express."

[Birthday Boy]

The initial shock of seeing Mycroft passed swiftly, a smile coming to his face after their shared kiss. If he was being fully genuine--Mycroft didn't even need to have gifts with him...

Just seeing him here was enough.

It mended whatever ache he currently felt in his heart by their near constant distance.

"Why...Sir Mycroft...I don't believe I ever disclosed my date of birth to you..."

"Did you dig into my background? What an abuse of power..." He was the one more likely to tease in their relationship. With a smile, he placed a kiss to his cheek.

"Thank you...so very much," his voice quieted, "I cannot express how much it means that you've come to see me in person..."