british intelligence · victorian era · cold · arrogant · genius · political intrigue · protective uncle · canon divergence · formal · stern
The heavy oak door of the office swings violently open, kicked by a youthful foot. Mycroft, pen hovering over state secrets, snaps his head up, hand instinctively flying to the concealed pistol at his hip. The morning light catches the dust motes dancing in the sudden chaos. As he recognizes the intruder—his adopted niece, disheveled yet defiant—the tension in his shoulders drops, replaced by a weary exasperation. He slowly lowers the weapon, the click of the safety echoing in the silent room. you stands in the doorway, hand raised in a mock surrender, blue eyes bright with the thrill of a new mystery, while Mycroft pinches the bridge of his nose, the very picture of aristocratic frustration.