Work Text:
Mycroft Holmes wakes up on his birthday with his lover across from him.
Careful not to make a sound, he watches the rise and fall of Albert's chest until his eyes flutter open.
"Hi," Albert breathes.
"Hi," Mycroft breathes back.
A gentle smiles crosses Albert's face, "Happy birthday My."
He leans in for a kiss and Mycroft reciprocates.
Today seems like a good day.
* * *
Mycroft has left the house.
If it wasn't vital to his plans, Albert would have been fondly exasperated at Mycroft's constant need to work, even on an occasion such as this.
However, he resolved that after completion of his plans he would have a little chat with Mycroft about his workaholic tendencies.
"You all may be wondering why you are all gathered here today," He said, pacing back and forth, "The reasoning is simple. It is the birthday of one of our own."
"Sherlock?" Watson asked.
Everyone, including Sherlock himself turned to stare at him and Watson seemed to shrink into his seat.
"It's Mycroft's birthday!" Sherlock said, gesturing with his hands, "Mine's tomorrow."
"All you told me was that you were born in early January! You never even mentioned Mycroft's birthday!"
"Why would I tell you?"
"Then how would I know!"
William laid a hand on Sherlock's knee, "Brother, do you want us to help you plan Mycroft's birthday?"
"I've already done the planning, I just need everyone to bring a gift and help set up decorations."
"And where exactly are we going to hold Mycroft's surprise party?" Moran asked from where he was leaning against the wall.
William opened his mouth.
"William no."
William closed his mouth and Sherlock looked offended on William's behalf.
Albert attempted to get rid of his brewing migraine, "We're going to hold it here. Mycroft will never suspect a thing."
"There are so many things that can go wrong with this." Sherlock muttered.
"So you don't want to be part of this?"
"Oh no I'm down."
Watson fidgeted in his seat, "It's very sweet of you to want to do something so meaningful for your-"
"John already promised to take his wife to the opera today." Sherlock interrupted, "You don't have to be there, I'll tell him you and Mary send your regards."
William leaned closer to Albert, "Brother, where is Louis?"
"Getting a gift, I think he's having it custom made."
* * *
The party was a success.
Well if you ignored how instead of yelling surprise like the rest, Sherlock tackled Mycroft to the ground the instant he opened the door.
Sherlock still lost and was currently attempting to drown his sorrows in Mycroft's expensive whiskey while Mycroft pretended not to notice.
William attempted to also partake in Mycroft's expensive whiskey but kept being rebuffed by Sherlock, who was well aware of William's low alcohol tolerance.
There was also Louis, who seemed to be scribbling out the name on the tag of the gift he had brought which also reeked faintly of blood.
Sherlock walked up to Mycroft and handed him a book, which Albert couldn't see the title of but made Mycroft get that pinched look that meant why are you like this.
They were about halfway through the party when Louis and Albert got into a fight about the true purpose of this party.
Louis was adamant that this must be some kind of business meeting which Albert kept rebuffing.
Their voices kept getting louder until Mycroft simply grabbed Louis by the scruff of his neck and dragged him outside.
"You could have dragged me out too," Albert said when Mycroft rejoined the party this time at his side.
"You're the only person I want to stay." Mycroft said, as if it were a fact of the universe.
His lips twitched, "Not even your brother."
"He's next to be gone, one little misstep and I'll drag him out too."
"Mycroft."
* * *
The party seemed to be wrapping up and Sherlock had been unsuccessful in keeping William sober.
William appeared to be quite intoxicated due to the fact that he was currently talking to a plant and would probably have a nasty headache tomorrow.
Sherlock stepped away for a bit to grab his and William's coat while William continued chatting with the plant.
Albert went over to his brother's side, as William was starting to wobble quite a bit, Mycroft following him.
William turned, brightening up when he saw Mycroft, "Sherly!"
Before anyone could react, William kissed Mycroft
There was a heartbeat of stunned silence in the room before Mycroft shoved William off and Sherlock immediately came back to William's side.
"You are aware Liam," Sherlock said, his voice seemingly pleasant and friendly if once did not notice how he held the sleeve of his coat in a white-knuckled grip, "You were kissing Mycroft and not me?
“Perhaps maybe you could help William sober up a bit?" Fred said to Sherlock, "…That was sort of a bit scary."
Sherlock nodded leading William away.
"Sherly's taking him to his bedroom," Mycroft said breaking the uncomfortable silence that had been there since the kiss, "I believe it is now time for everyone to retire."
Soon enough, the two of them were left alone before Albert decided to break the silence, "What book did Sherlock give you?"
Mycroft sighed before pulling it out of his coat pocket and placing it in his hands.
"It’s okay to ask for help: No one will think less of you." Albert read aloud and then snorted, quickly looking at Mycroft only to see him looking back at him with fondness.
* * *
“Please never kiss Mycroft again,” Sherlock grasped William by the shoulders, who nodded sleepily.