Fandoms of the Past (Random One-shots)

Care (Mycroft Holmes x fem!reader[platonic])

You and Mycroft Holmes were an interesting pair to say the least. Nothing romantic, of course. Mycroft didn't really do "attachment" and you weren't up for any kind of relationship. But you were very close friends much to the surprise of everyone. There was nothing to say you shouldn't be friends. No toxicity between you. It was just that you were both so different.

Mycroft was the type of man who engaged in dangerous situations behind the scenes. He worked too hard sometimes and often forgot to take care of himself. And while he tried to act like he didn't care, you knew it wasn't true. The man simply cared too much. He took care of everyone else around him (especially Sherlock) before he took time for himself, no matter what front he put up.

You were the opposite. You absolutely threw yourself into dangerous situations. You were a detective for Scotland Yard. Your life was constantly in danger any way. While you often placed others before yourself, you knew that self-care was essential as well. And you could somehow always tell when people around you weren't taking care of themselves. Like Mycroft.

"When was the last time you slept, Mycroft?" you asked as you slid into a chair across from him. He hardly glanced up from his phone. With a sigh, you reached over and plucked the device from his hand. "Give it back," he told you, but you ignored him. "Mycroft Holmes, when was the last time you slept? Or ate a proper meal?" Mycroft twirled the handle of his umbrella with his hand."I fail to see how that is relevant to our meeting today." You rolled your eyes and handed back the phone.

"Mycroft..." you growled, "You need to eat. And you need sleep. Whatever these people want can wait. You are going to sit here, enjoy dinner with me and then you are going home to get some real sleep. I will knock you out with a frying pan if I have to."Mycroft fought back a huff at your threat. He was used to it by now. For some reason, you cared about him. Which is why you were the only person he let speak to him the way you did.

"And what of you, hmm? When was the last time you slept? I hear the case you're working on has been difficult." You laughed lightly. "Don't change the subject. We're talking about you. Or do I need to get Mummy Holmes involved?" Mycroft blanched at the mention of his mother. "Please...don't. And never call her that again." You let out another laugh and Mycroft couldn't help but smile a little.

"Then please eat and then go sleep. You need to take better care of yourself, Mycroft." Mycroft regarded you for a moment. "Why is it so important to you?" You gave him a deadpan look that said, "are you serious?" and took a sip of your drink before replying out loud. "I don't have many friends. Neither do you. Not true ones anyway. You constantly put others above your own needs, Mycroft. Sherlock, Lestrade, Watson, the entire British government. It's admirable, but everyone needs to take time for themselves sometimes. You need to take the time to take care of yourself or that beautiful brain of yours is going to wither away and you'll become just like the rest of us goldfish."

Your gaze met his and he looked horrified for a split second. Then he schooled his features once more. "What a ghastly notion," he replied, earning a smile from you. You knew he hated to be compared to what he referred to as "goldfish". In other words, people who didn't have the genius skills of deduction he and Sherlock had. You were the exception for Mycroft apparently.

"Then please, go home and get some rest, alright?" Mycroft let out a sigh. He wanted to argue. Really he did, but he knew you were right. He needed rest. He needed a holiday really, but that wasn't going to happen anytime soon. "Very well. But first, a delicious meal." You nodded as your lips split in a grin.

The two of you ate in mostly silence. Mycroft preferred it that way. He was able to go through and keep his email up to date while he ate. It wasn't ideal, but you knew that was the best you'd get out of him. When the meal was done (and Mycroft paid even though you argued with him), you rose from the table and headed outside where Mycroft's car was waiting for him. In usual Mycroft fashion, he lit a cigarette to enjoy before heading home.

You turned to him. "Now, are you going to go get some sleep on your own, or do I need to bring the frying pan?" Mycroft scoffed lightly, but knew you'd have no problem doing exactly what you said. "I assure you, the frying pan will not be necessary. I shall retire to my bed as soon as I've reached home." You tried to hide your little smirk of victory.

"Good." Without warning, you gave him a short hug. No one else was allowed to do that to him, but he'd learned over the course of your friendship that sometimes, you just needed a hug. So he allowed it, but only for a few seconds. That was all you needed. As soon as you released him, Mycroft climbed into his car where Anthea was waiting. "Goodnight, Mycroft."

He bid you goodnight and closed the door. The car began driving off so you turned to begin the short trek home, all the while a smile painting your lips. "Five...four...three...two..." before you could finish your countdown, the phone you'd pinched from your best friend rang. Your grin grew as Anthea's name flashed from the device.

"Hello, Mycroft."

"Turn around and bring me back my mobile."

You hummed a little in reply, as if you were thinking about it. "Nope. You don't need the distraction and Anthea can handle whatever problems arise. If it desperately requires you, I'll call her and have her wake you. Until then, consider this your frying pan. I shall return your mobile in the morning. I'll be on your doorstep bright and early. Now go home and go to sleep."

Mycroft grumbled on the other end of the phone. You heard the shuffle of the device being returned to its owner. "Thank you, Y/N," Anthea whispered before hanging up. You slipped Mycroft's phone into your pocket and went about your trek home, whistling to yourself. If nothing else, at least you made sure to help one person today.