Author's Note: Thank you for the feedback last chapter. It was one of those things where you can see everyone's points of view, wasn't it? Now for this chapter. I have a plan coming up, but I didn't want to start that plan this chapter so I went to Tumblr for ideas. This was made from a few suggestions, one that suggested a party or something, another that asked if they'd done Christmas together yet. This was the result. I hope you liked it. Read, review, and enjoy!

Disclaimer: Clearly I don't own Sherlock. The show is the baby of Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, while Sherlock Holmes itself is the creation of Arthur Conan Doyle.

The First Christmas Exchange

"Miss James." Anthea's eyes were drawn from the computer screen up to the door to her side. Her face still in the blank look she was giving the computer, she spotted her boss – a few files in hand. She gained a small smile and held her hand out to accept the files. Without a word the files were handed over to her. "It has come to my attention that you haven't requested your usual days off this holiday season." Mycroft continued in his professional tone as Anthea separated the files into two piles on her desk – the ones to be stored here and the ones to take to the club. She smiled bashfully and nodded as she placed the last file down.

"You're right, sir." She nodded. "No reason to, this year." It was the first year since she'd spent one Christmas with Tim's family that Anthea hadn't left town for Christmas. She really went away to spend the holidays with Jamie's family as she had done since university, but she'd also set aside Christmas lunch to visit her uncle since she was already out of town. This year with Jamie staying in London and having dinner with James' sisters, there was really no point going away. It would be a Christmas of the morning with Jamie, and then dinner with Carol's family. Anthea had refused saying that she didn't want to intrude, Carol had insisted that Anthea's cheekiness would save her from her in-laws.

"Ah." Mycroft raised his eyebrows and nodded, understanding where his assistant was coming from. Anthea dug into her briefcase and collected the signed forms James had brought to her flat last night when he was visiting Jamie, and handed them to Mycroft while he was in her little section of the office. He took them curiously and began thumbing through them, not moving from besides Anthea's desk.

"I'm not going to be alone, if you're worried." Anthea insisted as she placed the briefcase back on the floor. Mycroft continued to read the document.

"Why would I be concerned?" He asked flatly, flicking over another page. Anthea smiled wryly as she watched her boss studying the pages.

"Oh, yeah. You like to spend the entire season alone in your empty house." Her voice full of humour.

"I have no good memory of Christmas dinners, my dear."

"Scrooge." Steel eyes flickered up from the page to give Anthea a warning glare, but there was no real threat there, not with that mischievous glitter present. Anthea turned her head to the side and rose an eyebrow, almost warning him back playfully. Mycroft's mouth almost twitched into a smile before he quickly placed his attention back onto the document. Anthea took a deep breath, pushing a loose curl behind her ear as she swivelled in her chair to turn back to her desk.

"Anyway," She breathed, pretending to look at the files on her desk. "Now that he's got some power, James is making his department at the agency have a Christmas party." Anthea paused as Mycroft sniffed in derision. "I know you don't go to anything you're invited to unless there's any gain." She inwardly winced. "But Jamie and I are going. It'll be fun." She pursed her lips, waiting for the dismissal of her plan.

"How would I find it fun, Miss James?" And there it is. Anthea blinked, swivelling around to face her boss again, looking at him earnestly while he held himself with all that sass and defiance.

"Okay, so maybe you wouldn't." Anthea shook her head. "It's a bunch of people drinking, dancing, and being loud. Sensory overload, as well as just annoying." Her eyes flickered down to her heels. "But I'll be trying to make the most of Christmas that I can, and I'll be having fun." She looked back and shrugged again, just trying her best to come off as aloof, like it wasn't as important to her as it was. "If you stopped by, I don't know. I'd have more time to find you a stupid gift for once, and it would just make it a bit more fun." She watched as Mycroft watched her, lips pursed.

"I really don't think so, my dear." He dismissed it once again, sounding exasperated. "I won't rule it out entirely." Anthea blinked, letting the possibility sink in. It was still a dismissal, but it wasn't a complete dismissal. Anthea smiled and gave a single sharp nod.

"I'll put a reminder in your calendar, sir. Just in case."

There was always an unknown reason as to why Anthea really liked the agents, and tonight, at this party, she had discovered why. Despite all they did, all the things they knew, how much some of the higher up ones earned, they were all very real, down to earth people.

The party was being held in a simple space that James had rented out using half his own money and asking for a simple fee from the rest of his department. It was how Anthea remembered work parties to be – loud music, a table full of cups and ice buckets full of alcohol, and a table full of finger food and the like. They'd set up tables and chairs, but they were purely for people to sit down to talk and relax. James, being the absolute goofball he was, had insisted on Christmas colours. Imagine, if you would, a room full of some of the most dangerous people in the entire worlds, all who own a firearm, all in Christmas colours and sweaters, singing along to a Queen song. It was one of those rare moments that Anthea felt like a human again, that any of the agents probably felt human with the spouses present in this world, and probably the first time Jamie had felt included in Anthea and James' secret life.

Truth to be told, Anthea wasn't expecting Mycroft to turn up. He'd said maybe and that was a big victory on its own. She'd brought the little gift she got him every year just in case, the one she'd leave on his desk on the last day before going away. This year she'd just give it to him after the Christmas break if, or when rather, he didn't turn up. Instead, Anthea in her green dress with red shoes and a red headband, would enjoy the night dancing with Jamie, talking to Carol and Katie, and plotting with the other agents to poor a bucket of ice on James.

She was also determined to spread the 'cupcake' nickname around like the plague, but that was her own private mission.

It was going to be fun, it was going to be like going out for the evening with Tim, or a concert with Robbie, or club hopping with Jamie. Pure, stupid fun.

Anthea and Jamie were dancing with Katie, Carol's daughter. The teenaged minor, who'd finally had her makeup done by Jamie, was highly amused by the two tipsy girls as they kept her entertained and away from her 'boring' parents. Jamie had almost lost balance after tripping over her own foot and they were all laughing hard when James approached.

"Sorry to interrupt you beautiful ladies," He began as he edged his way through the crowd. Katie was visibly blushing, it was well known, much to her mother's chagrin, that the teen had a crush on James. He took the opportunity to wink at her. "But A, there's someone outside waiting for you." James gestured over his shoulder with his thumb. "Came in for a bit to talk to me and Carol, but got sick of the chaos pretty quick."

"Mycroft?" Anthea asked, speaking loudly to be heard over the bouncing music. James gave her a large shrug.

"If it isn't, then I just let someone who looks a lot like him tell me I'm dressed like a buffoon." To be fair, he was. He was wearing a Christmas sweater he'd owned for years, with white and red plaid trousers. "And there's only a few people I'll let get away with that." Jamie even said it almost made him look ugly. Anthea told him his blonde hair made the whole thing look even stupider. Carol had taken a single look at him and sighed while her husband laughed. Cheekily, Anthea mocked a gasp.

"Maybe," She cocked her head to the side. "You've found an alternate dimension Mycroft who doesn't mind parties, and is more evil than good." Jamie giggled while the colour seemed to drain from James' face.

"And I left him with Carol's husband…" He trailed off, looking terrified. Anthea looked at him in disbelief as Jamie burst into laughter.

"Cupcake, how much have you had to drink?" Anthea asked.

"Too much to deal with this kind of mind trip." The tall blonde agent shook his head. Anthea turned and shared an amused look with Jamie.

"Alright, I'm going to leave you with your cupcake while I go see Anti-Mycroft. Try not to think too hard." She rolled her dark eyes as she headed off towards the entrance of the party.

Stepping out of the front doors and closing them behind her, the muffled music was still audible enough to make out the song playing. Right now it was some Pink song or another, Anthea only knew a handful of them and the rest sounded the same. Mycroft had his back to the building, umbrella in one hand, and cigarette in the other. He was in one of his grey suits, looking as dapper as always. Anthea smiled as she kicked the ground, revelling in all things Mycroft and the way he always wore his silly tailored three piece suits. As she began walking towards the man in question, Anthea heard the gravel crunching under her heels.

"You almost made the whole month without a single smoke." Anthea smirked as Mycroft smoothly turned around to face her with his eyebrows raised. Anthea feigned disappointment. "What would your mother think?" Mycroft rolled his steel orbs as he dropped the cigarette to the ground and stomped it out.

"I think having to see James dressed like an oversized elf warrants a cigarette." He hummed. Anthea chuckled, coming to a stop next to her boss, a small distance between them.

"I didn't actually expect you to come." Anthea smiled softly, looking Mycroft in the eyes. "I know this is far from your thing. Even though you really should stop by to see me, James, Carol, Walter, and anyone else associated with the agency that you use on a regular basis." Her smile turned into a simper. Mycroft pursed his lips and faintly tilted his head to the side.

"Really, the only reason I forced myself to come down here was to see you once more before the holidays." He explained flatly. Anthea looked out to the distance, smile faltering faintly though she did not really know why. Her head was lighter than usual and she didn't want to over think it so she shrugged it off.

"How very brave of you." She teased.

"Oh, I know." Mycroft played back, eyes widening, fake smile dancing on the edges of his lips.

Silence passed as the two peered out to the road, standing almost shoulder to shoulder.

"Oh." Anthea peeped, turning around to face the genius once more. Her hand digging into her small bag. "I have your gift if you want it." Mycroft quirked a single eyebrow.

"You mean one of your tongue in cheek trinkets you leave on my desk every year?" He took a deep breath. "If I must." Choosing to ignore the exaggerated exhaustion from her boss, Anthea pulled out a small box and held it out for Mycroft to take. As weary as he always was when Anthea presented a gift to his face, Mycroft very carefully plucked the box from Anthea's grasp. Opening the lid revealed the small trinket – a gold tie pin in the shape of a closed umbrella. Mycroft's looked up to give Anthea a look of derision as the girl, feeling light and airy, began laughing softly. As she laughed, however, Mycroft's expression slowly turned warm. He looked down and rubbed a thumb over the small golden gift. After a quick inspection he closed the box and placed it safely in his trouser pockets. "And once again, you walk the line of thoughtful and trying to be funny." Anthea turned her head to the side, raising her eyebrows to her forehead.

"You don't like it?" She asked.

"No, this one I do like." Mycroft's corrected her. "It screams of your ridiculous sense of humour but is practical. I can use it. Thank you." His real, honest smile making Anthea look to the ground trying not blush.

"You're welcome." Anthea responded warmly.

"I believe it's my turn." Mycroft hummed, pursing his lips, as he dug into his breast pocket. Anthea playfully widened her eyes in shock.

"You, who doesn't see much point in presents?" She crinkled up her nose. "What did I do to get onto the Grinch's Christmas list?"

"Well I can't very well turn up here without a gift in return, can I?" Steel eyes rolled. Anthea sniffed.

"Oh, of course not, how improper." She teased. Mycroft didn't respond, he just simply clicked his tongue as his assistant enjoyed her teasing. He pulled out a small box of his own, longer but flatter than the one Anthea had given him. Anthea took the box and gave it a once over.

"More jewellery?" She asked, guessing by the box. As her eyes met Mycroft's, he nodded down to the gift indicating for her to stop talking and just open it. She crinkled her nose again but did so. As she lifted the lid she came across a delicate silver chain with a single blue bird hanging from it. It was so simple, but so elegant. Anthea clicked her tongue and mouthed an awed 'oh'. "Mycroft." She whispered.

"To replace the bird your mother's cat ate." She didn't need to look up to see his eyes sparkling, Anthea could hear the humour in Mycroft's voice. She sniffed in laughter.

"Except it's not yellow."

"My dear, I wouldn't insult your intelligence and try to convince you a piece of jewellery is actually your pet the way your mother did with another bird." Anthea laughed. Once she stopped, the large smile stayed on her face. Mycroft was so funny, so dry, and remembered everything. Why couldn't other people see this side of him? Why did everyone else see the cold exterior and fierce intelligence, and get frightened off? He was so thoughtful, even when he was mean he was thoughtful. Even his jibes were well directed, that's why he and Sherlock could get at each other. Anthea can't think of a single gift she'd received from him that wasn't full of a ridiculous amount of thought. Nothing was a simple as a piece of jewellery, or a book. It all had meaning. And he accused her of thinking through her presents.

"Anthea?" Anthea looked up to see Mycroft looking at her with some level of concern hidden under his polite mask. Apparently she'd been zoned out. Anthea shook her head to clear it.

"Sorry," She muttered, rubbing her forehead with the back of her hand. "I was just thinking…" She paused, biting her bottom lip. Restart the sentence. "I was just thinking about flaunting this in front of Charlotte." Mycroft clicked his tongue and looked to the road once more.

"I gather you appreciate the gift, then." He asked as he looked back. Anthea pursed her lips and nodded.

"Yes." She nodded a few more times. "It's really beautiful. Gorgeous."

A pause.

Anthea took the bracelet out of the box, holding it out to Mycroft with her right hand, and holding out her left wrist.

"Can you put it on so I don't lose it?" She frowned as she asked. "I'd hate to lose my bag, and lose it." Without an answer, without so much of a nod, Mycroft took the bracelet from Anthea's hand and very carefully wrapped it around her wrist and doing up the clasp. As it fell loosely around her wrist, and carefully played with the charm with her free hand. "Thank you." She breathed.

"You're more than welcome."

Anthea didn't know what to say, or what to do. She kind of just stood there, holding her wrist, looking out across to the other side of the road with Mycroft standing by her side. He made it so hard not to like him. She wanted more than anything to make sure their friendship was solid, and nothing would get in the way of their working relationship, but whenever he showed her that there was something hidden under all that ice, it made it so hard on her. Why couldn't Tim have made her heart feel this way? It would have made life so much easier. Or why couldn't she feel the way for Mycroft the way she did for Robbie – the perfect team but with no connection. Did Mycroft know what he was doing to her? Did Mycroft know that he made her heart ache, or was he so shut off from emotions that he didn't even notice? He had to notice, but then why did he let it keep going? What if it lead to a massive screw up again? But no, enough of all that. Enough of what could possibly go wrong. She was happy right now, with her friends inside having fun, and her out here, standing outside with Mycroft by her side.

"Haven't I heard this song in your car before?" Mycroft's voice broke Anthea out of her thoughts once more. It's a good thing he'd come now and not later after more drinks. She turned her ear to the door to listen. She heard the Radiohead song playing. She sniffed a laugh and looked to the floor.

"Yes, you have. Probably more than once." She rubbed her neck. "It's my favourite song, I think James had it added to the playlist just for me." Mycroft seemed to consider this as he nodded.

"Well then, perhaps you should go back inside and enjoy your evening."

"No." Anthea bit her bottom lip. "No, I'm okay out here with you." She earned a scoff for that one.

"Please, you must be freezing out here, my dear. Go, be an average person." But she'd much rather be out here, than be normal for once. Anthea inwardly frowned, trying her best to keep it off her face.

"Only if you want to leave." She shrugged. "I'd be fine to keep you company out here for a little longer." Mycroft looked her up and down once with his cold and calculating eyes, thinking in that way only he and Sherlock did.

"I only came to exchange gifts. With that accomplished I see no reason to linger." Anthea licked her lips and nodded.

"Completely understood, sir." Did that sound convincing? She hoped so. "I'll, be going then." She started walking backwards on the gravel back to the door. "Goodbye." And she turned around.

"Oh, Anthea?"

"Yes, sir?" Anthea turned her head to face Mycroft once more.

"See you after the holidays." Her boss gave a single nod. Anthea's lips pulled up once more.

"See you after the holidays."

Author's Note: So? What is our opinion on this chapter? I've shared the song on Anthea's blog before, but her favourite song is "True Love Waits" by Radiohead. It's a lovely song that I used when being the sound designer in a production for uni once. It just suits the Anthea in my head. Let me know what you think of the chapter. Thanks to all the guest reviewers: Britta, Guests x2, maggiestarjump, Corrine, Wheezzy8, Wink, and Mary. I love all my reviewers and readers so much.

Important: I leave for Sydney on Friday night (less than 24 hours for me) to go to the Aussie Doctor Who Festival. I'll be there for a week but I write in the evenings so I'm planning to still update the fic as normal. If you don't hear from me, presume that being in the presence of Mark Gatiss killed me.