I made a fanart regarding this fic which is posted in my blog here: post/103975608673/something-i-came-up-with-for-the-4th-chapter-of-my

enjoy this chapter! :)

"Finally figured it out, Sherlock? Took you a lot longer than I had expected. You are getting dull." Mycroft said, his lips quirking upward as he spat the words to his younger brother.

Sherlock rolled his eyes, the invitation to Irene-well, Lucia Bennett- and Godfrey Norton's wedding lay innocently on top of the fireplace. Mycroft picked it up, studying the paper and smiling sourly. "How does this make you feel?" The older Holmes said.

"If you think you could make me work on this case by using The Woman, then you're just wasting time." Sherlock hissed.

Mycroft raised his eyebrows in amusement. "Are you forgetting that the only reason why you're back to the comfort of your flat, happily living with your "friends" is because I pulled some strings? Now, the security of the nation lies in your hands and you will get into this case or else."

"Is that a threat?" Sherlock mused.

"Yes, brother mine, it is." Mycroft replied. "Also, Irene Adler's 'identity' is also in the loop. If my 'friends' find your actions uncooperative, then you drag her in as well... There is also the files on Mary Watson's 'false documents'... Too much on the line just because your pride got in the way."

Sherlock gritted his teeth, wanting to crush Mycroft's throat using his bare hands. Quite annoying that he has a point. Not that Sherlock would admit it.

"They would be in a charity ball tomorrow night-Ms. Adler and Mr. Norton along with 'company'... I took the liberty of getting you in the guest list." Mycroft announced as he headed for the door.

Stopping on his heel, he turned back to his brother. "Oh and by the way... It's a masquerade ball."

/

"Sherlock Holmes." the detective told the usher as he arrived at the venue. Dressed in a purple button-down shirt tucked on his black trousers and a fur one-sided cape that Mary insisted on making him wear, plus leather riding boots from Lestrade, he looked like someone cut out straight from a dark and mysterious novel. His dark curls fall over the dark mask he wore over his blazing blue eyes, the silver accent of the mask glittering against the yellow light of the halls.

As he started making his way over to the ballroom, his mind reeled over the other guests. Politicians, businessmen-most of the people in the room having chronic affairs by the looks of the lower half of their faces, Sherlock deduced- and also a melting pot of power-play and deception.

His eyes scanned the area for Irene-and Mr. Norton to some extent- but to no avail. To his surprise, someone tapped his shoulder.

"Well, you look dashing!" said the woman who called his attention as she took off her blue bejewelled mask. She was wearing a black-laced off shoulder dress and black high heels, her red lips turning into a smile as she scanned him.

"Janine? What are you doing here?" Sherlock asked, surprised.

Janine shrugged. "New job, new boss-seriously hope this one's not a nutcase like..." she paused to lean in, "...the last one. Thanks for blowing his brains anyway. Mental, that one." she whispered with a smirk as she directed him towards her new boss with her eyes.

"Not like Magnussen, but you should file your resignation immediately. Drug charge, bank debt... You'll be sent off without pay with that one." Sherlock deduced.

Janine hooked her arm in Sherlock's, grinning as she replaced her mask. "Oh, I missed you... You crazy know-it-all. Come on, let's dance!"

"I'm on a case." Sherlock said, his eyes scanning the area once more.

"Just one. Think of this as my apology for not dancing with you over at John and Mary's wedding." Janine insisted, tugging his arm.

"That's a long time ago." Sherlock replied.

"I'm forgiven, then. Come on." Janine said and Sherlock gave in. People will start to grow suspicious if he just stood there and watched. Might as well blend in.

They quietly swayed to the music, Sherlock not noticing Janine's grin. His eyes darted everywhere, trying to get a hold of Irene's location.

After the song ended, people started to gather around the entrance, welcoming someone who just arrived.

"Fancy and elegant that lot. What can you say about them, Sherl?" Janine asked, nudging Sherlock's side. She looked up and saw him, eyes fixed on the woman dressed in red, black fur wrapped around her shoulders, grey eyes are visible underneath a black mask accented with white and red feathers.

"Do you know her?" Janine asked curiously.

"Yes." Sherlock simply replied, his eyes fully on the arrival of Irene Adler, whose arm intertwined with Godfrey Norton's.

"So she's the one, then?" Janine mused, smiling fondly at him.

"What do you mean?" Sherlock asked, his voice almost deadpan.

"I know what your fake-love look is, Sherlock Holmes. And this is not it." Janine said.

"I don't know what-" Sherlock tried to say but Janine laughed.

"Don't even try to say no. Goodness me, Sherl. Have you saved that engagement ring?" Janine asked.

When Sherlock remained silent, Janine nudged him once more. "They're not yet married, you know. Go get her, tiger!"

Sherlock gave her a small smile.

"I'll leave you then. Better make your move or I'll kick your arse off." Janine said, grinning as she winked and gave him a thumbs up before walking over to her boss.

Sherlock watched as Irene and Godfrey joined the crowd, trailing behind her is Mr. Alfred Norton. He tried to concentrate on the reason why he's here, trying to forget Mycroft's purposive plot to bait him in further.

Many of the guests fawned over the newly engaged couple, the gentlemen reaching and kissing Irene's hand for which she obliged. Sherlock saw Godfrey lead Irene to the dancefloor, his hand on her waist. The detective could feel a lump rise in his throat as he saw Irene smile over what Godfrey had whispered in her ear.

To his surprise, Janine snatched him by the arm and led him near where Irene and Godfrey is. "You are not making much progress are you?" she mused. "Good thing I'm feeling sorry for the trouble I caused you before."

"What are you doing?" Sherlock asked.

"Helping." Janine replied as she danced, bumping to Godfrey in the process. "Oh! I'm so sorry," Janine mused as Godfrey and Irene turned. "...my partner and I got carried away."

Godfrey smiled. "Not a problem, miss... I... Mr. Holmes? Good to see you here."

Sherlock faked a smile. "Mr. Norton, is it? Good to see you too. Apologies for what my friend just did."

Irene's eyes narrowed at the sight of Sherlock and Janine. "No one got hurt so I guess we can all return to our dancing." she said curtly.

"Seeing as how I interrupted you and the mister, I'd say I owe him a dance." Janine mused, offering her hand to Godfrey, which he took.

"Lovely lady you have here, Mr. Holmes. I shall leave you for a moment, darling." he told both Irene and Sherlock. "Better to catch up, then, yes?" he said.

Janine winked at Sherlock. "You're welcome." she mouthed.

"We can't just stand here." Sherlock told Irene, offering his hand. Irene rolled her eyes as she took it.

His hand slid to her waist, hers on his shoulders. They swayed to the music quietly, trying to read each others' eyes.

"What are you doing here?" Irene asked.

"I'm on case." Sherlock replied.

"With her?" Irene said, her eyes trailing on Janine.

"Simply a coincidence." He simply said.

"Clearly." She replied, her tone clipped.

Sherlock felt Irene breathe deeply as he slid his hand from her waist to the small of her back, closing in the distance between them. His other hand, the one holding Irene's, also moved to meet the one on her back.

"What are you doing, Sherlock Holmes?" Irene breathed.

"Dancing. I thought that was fairly obvious." He replied, his heart pounding in his chest.

Irene's hands closed in on his nape, her head leaning on his chest. "I'm getting married."

"I know. Are you happy?" Sherlock whispered.

"Godfrey's a good man." Irene replied.

"And I'm not?" Sherlock mused.

At that, Irene looked up at him, her grey eyes blazing. "This is not about us."

"It is. Do you know what you're getting yourself into?" Sherlock asked.

"I-if you're talking about Godfrey's family, then yes." Irene replied.

"So why?"

"You wouldn't understand."

"Try me."

They studied each other, both lips quivering and skin tingling from both contact and despair.

"Meet me at St. Bart's tomorrow." Irene whispered before Godfrey Norton returned with Janine.

"Here's your lovely lady friend, Mr. Holmes. Could I have my fiancée back now?" Mr. Norton said with a chuckle.