A/N: This chapter is very small, but I felt like some insight into Mycroft's thoughts was needed.

Also thanks to Riverdancer17 for beta-work and Brit-picking:)

"One dance," Mycroft muttered under his breath, hidden in the safety of his apartment. Only there could he allow himself a moment of silent consideration – these walls could safely hide his thoughts about a certain ridiculously charming man. "One dance." Gregory had asked for much more but that was how much Mycroft was willing to give. A small thing? No, no, such a huge step backwards for Mycroft; a crack in the shield. Carefully constructed defenses on the verge of being brought down by an open smile and warm brown eyes.

So ridiculous.

Mycroft knew that giving in even a little bit could lead to disastrous consequences – a love affair with the Prime Minister surely could pull the Holmes right into the spot light, making him of interest to all those gossipy journalists and paparazzi. Mycroft didn't need his face on the front page of a magazine – that's what Gregory Lestrade was for; a public figure who people could love or hate. Someone to have the attention of the world while Mycroft was meeting the leaders of the other countries, bargaining with secret services, creating unions and starting wars.

But Gregory was so insistent, so charming and absolutely irresistible. While being handsome, the man also was not lacking in intelligence; it was no wonder people loved him. Even his enemies admired the Prime Minister – and that Mycroft knew for sure, he kept tabs on them all.

The other issue which bothered him was that Gregory seemed to know Mycroft a little too well. For all the short time they spent working together the man could predict Mycroft's reactions, guess his likes and dislikes surprisingly well. It was disturbing but also…nice, in way. Sweet.

The birthday present – a beautifully made umbrella with additional functions that could certainly be useful – still made Mycroft secretly smile to himself. Gregory didn't realize how pleased the present made him. These days Mycroft never left his apartment without it, be it a rainy or a sunny day.

"One dance…" And yet again Mycroft's mind wandered back to that topic. Was it worth it? All the risk of getting attached, of ruining their detached working relationship for one dance? And didn't it mean that he had already gotten attached to Gregory since this was the way his trail of thought was moving? Since when had he even cared? Since he had already agreed?

One dance…

Gregory fought ruthlessly for it, he would pursue the object of his affection during the party and surely wouldn't let Mycroft out of his promise.

Such a peculiar phrase, Mycroft mused, an object of one's affection. The one person that always got Gregory's attention. Mycroft felt flattered. And also pleased.

So stupid.

Mycroft shook his head to dispel such thoughts. It was just one dance at a party with so many guests it would easily go unnoticed. Even if the person dancing with him would be the Prime Minister.

Just one dance. That was Mycroft's condition.

But what if Mycroft wanted more?