A Holmesian Solstice

*giggles and applauds* This was exactly what I needed to read right now! I haven't read much of this pairing, but I can still tell that what you've done with these two, their insecurities and self-conscious misinterpretations, is unique and marvelous. From the moment that Molly uttered the words "stress relief," I wanted to shout, "MYCROFT! NOOOO!" to keep him from walking out on the misunderstanding, but alas. Anthea is an unexpected and delightful source of tension and help, and I really love the cloak-and-dagger aspects of her profession that she reveals to Molly. Out of curiosity, might Anthea's brother be quartermaster at MI6? :D Given that Mycroft is so much more guarded with his feelings, it makes perfect sense that he would squirrel away his fantasies and memories into a private place that has meaning to him. And my favorite part was definitely the color-coding on the cards. I think what I love most about this paring as you've written it is that Molly is terrible with words and Mycroft is ridiculously good with them, and yet he doesn't yet have the ability to discern her meaning from what she says. I suspect this will come in time, as Molly's ability to cut through his tendency to be a martyr did in the final scene. And the final lines about pants, hearkening back to the pants and nonmagic shoelaces at the beginning, are absolute, delightful perfection. Thank you so much for this winning, winsome, affectionate romance with two unexpectedly wonderful lovers. This was absolutely splendid! Bravaaaaa!!!!!