→ people are fragile things, you should know by now

[thedominatrix]

Who: Irene Adler, Mycroft Holmes
What: Just get in the carriage, Mycroft.
Where: ...a place, followed by The Vault.
When: A little after this.
Notes: Mycroft hates fun, PASS IT ON
Warnings: The Vault, Irene, TBA

First, she sends the bird-drawn carriage. It's her favourite carriage to rent- completely impractical, of course, with the wrought iron of the carriage and white silk cushions providing no shelter from any unfavourable weather conditions and the brightly coloured plumage of the giant, flightless birds that pull it no defence against their unpleasantly loud squawks. She isn't surprised when word is returned to her that he refused to get in, and doesn't give any instructions to force him, simply thanks the driver- already paid- and sends another.

She's not that surprised that the sleek black carriage drawn by graceful black- bears? Yetis? Creatures with beady bright purple eyes is also turned down.

When he refuses the- gorgeous, she thinks- winged lizards, she has to wonder what on earth is wrong with him. Can the man not appreciate a pretty reptile?

(Well, he doesn't like her, so probably not- she has to smile to herself as the joke occurs to her).

Finally, however, she relents, and sends a tasteful, simple carriage with a plush red interior, all dark wood and rich colours, pulled by perfectly ordinary bay horses. There, Mister Holmes. Try it out for size.

In her dressing room at the Vault, Irene ensures the doormen know where to send him, and shoos everybody out, before turning to her dressing table. Now, about lipstick- burgundy? Plum? Coral? Blood?

She twirls an eyeliner pencil in her fingers and pouts at her reflection, and starts applying her armour.

Comments

[diogenesis]

Mycroft's smile gains an edge that wasn't previously there.

"I'm afraid that possibility is not related to the type of business I've come here to discuss tonight." As though he'd needed any further proof that Irene isn't bothered about her schedule. She's just toying with him now.

There are times when Mycroft is content to let others act out their dramas in front of him—it makes them feel more confident, more like they have a chance at getting the upper hand, and in turn they become much easier to manipulate. He's already seen Irene's act, however, and what lies beneath is a woman who could crush nations with these simple kinds of games.

Safest to cut straight to the point, then.