The Art Of Trying New Things (ENG. VERSION)

0. Step One: Compromising.

"What if I were to say that I would like us to switch positions?"

Albert, the one who had asked the question, was busy helping his husband sort out and fill in some papers: comfortably cross-legged on the couch in the middle of the office, a fountain pen in his right hand and a sheet of paper in his left, a hint of a grin on his lips. At the moment, they were both in the main office of the older man, located in the Parliament: Mycroft was sitting behind his desk, intent on writing, reading and listening to the brunette.

"I don't think it's possible: the plan we've established for the MI6 mission exected to be carried out next month is ready and everyone's already been instructed, I can't make any sudden changes in roles or it'll mess everything up." The Director sighed, his eyes moving quickly as he read. Albert chuckled at the answer, deciding to lean forward and put the pen and paper down on the small table in front of him, getting up and walking towards the desk. "Oh darling, I certainly wasn't talking about the roles for the mission."

"What did you mean then?" asked Mycroft, not interrupting his work.

"Sex positions."

It was only then that the Director stopped for a moment before resting his fountain pen on the surface of the desk and lifting his gaze to see Albert with his arms crossed and an obvious mischievous grin on his face. "I don't think this is the best place to discuss these matters, we're in Parliament. " the younger man slid his hands across the desk, leaning forward slightly until he was almost face to face with his husband. "And yet I seem to recall that this hasn't never stopped you-... or rather, this hasn't never stopped us from having a few private 'talks' behind closed doors in the years, or am I wrong?"

He wasn't wrong.

Mycroft cleared his throat, leaning back in his chair and crossing his legs. "'It does remain a fact that it's inappropriate to discuss these matters here, in this place, and especially during working hours: technically, I'm still the Director and you should be with Agent Q right now, not in my office." Albert looked around, (partially) ignoring his superior's words. "I have already fulfilled my duties early in the morning, Mr Holmes: I have studied the pros and cons of the new plans with Von Herder with the utmost thoroughness, and even got an outside opinion from Colonel Moran and Bond." his emerald-green eyes rested on the Director's exquisitely decorated cigarette case, and with a movement he reached close enough with his left hand to take it from under his nose. "I then met with my brother William to update myself on the latest information we have received regarding our next target, just as you instructed."

Albert took a cigarette and immediately replaced Mycroft's case on the desk, then took a small packet of matches from one of the inside pockets of his waistcoat, drawing out one and lighting it up. "I thought it would be awkward to get home before everyone else, so I felt magnanimous enough to help you sort out the huge pile of work you have to put up with on a daily basis, Director." the brunette brought the match closer to the cigarette and lit, looking intensely at the small flame before extinguishing it. "But apparently my kindness was not appreciated."

Mycroft watched the whole scene, trying to remain as professional as possible. "I don't seem to have made any complaints." he began, reaching for his case and taking out a cigarette too. "Normally this task should be assigned to Agent M." Albert brought the cigarette to his lips, dragging it out and exhaling a cloud of smoke: it had been a long time since he had smoked, the last time had been back during in his college days.

He had been invited by a group of boys that were in his same year to try a new brand that had recently been imported in England, and although he had accepted the invitation out of politeness rather than desire, he remembered that for a moment the tobacco had cleared his mind.