You flattened the outer layer of your silky dress. The fabric thinned and settled as you brushed your hands down its surface. You gazed upon your reflection, looking into your own eyes and sighing briefly. You looked absolutely stunning. Your dress caressed your body and fit perfectly, the mask you wore complimented the shape of your face, and your makeup looked perfect. You could barely recognize yourself.
Your heels clicked as you stepped into the main room, Sherlock's violin playing resonating through the flat. Your dress squeezed through the small frame of the door. Sherlock was faced towards the window, eyes peering at the passing bystanders. He spun to face you, and he came to an abrupt halt in playing as his eyes met your attire. His eyes widened, but they returned to normal in an instant. You glanced at your phone before looking back up to him.
"Sherlock?" You called out as your cheeks tinted a light shade of pink. "Are you okay?"
"Y-Yes, I'm alright. W-Where are you going?" He stuttered before blinking profusely.
"This guy Andrew asked me out, so we're going to a masquerade," you explained as the doorbell sounded his arrival. "I really wish I could talk, but I have to go. I'll be back in a few hours, and if you need anything, call me," you shouted as you skipped down the stairs. Sherlock remained flustered by your quick introduction, standing in the middle of the flat like an idiot. A masquerade? I always have loved dancing.
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You walked into the ballroom in pure awe. Everything looked so beautiful. The floor was riddled with handsome gentlemen and equally attractive women in elegant dresses. Andrew smiled at you as you linked your arm with his, making your way to the dance floor.
After about half an hour of faking your ability to dance the waltz, you excused yourself to the bathroom, leaving Andrew at the bar for a moment. You adjusted your mask and hair before letting your mind wander to thoughts of Sherlock. You had been able to push the thoughts to the back of your mind until now. You were planning on spending the night solving simple cases by email with Sherlock like you always had, but this sudden invitation corrupted your night's activities.
You exited the bathroom to return to Andrew. You scanned the large ballroom and looked towards the direction of the bar. You spotted Andrew and found him talking to another girl. As you traipsed towards him, he took her hand and they began moving towards the other dancers. He spun her in his arms and they began dancing. You sighed before continuing towards the bar. Just my luck. You ordered a drink and took a seat, well, took a seat the best you could with the giant puffy dress in the way. After a quick drink, you were about to leave, but you felt someone's presence behind you.
"Hi, I would just like to say you are absolutely breathtaking," a deep American accent said. You turned to see a tall man with his brown hair combed back. A single curl cascaded onto his Phantom of the Opera mask. His tall form was held in a well-tailored black suit. Your eyes met his icy blue ones.
"Thank you," you blushed. He smiled widely at you.
"Would you like to dance?" He asked with a hand held out towards you. Normally, you would decline an offer like this from a stranger, but something in his beautiful eyes changed your mind.
"Yes," you agreed before hopping off of the bar stool. You immediately lost the difference in height. You were now many inches shorter than him. You placed you hand in his and walked to the center of the floor. You rested your hands on his shoulders as he placed his at a respectable height on your waist. You danced nervously, feeling slightly worried you would ruin the spark with your inability to dance. He was a wonderful dancer. You felt fairly overshadowed by his dancing. He sensed your shyness and began slowing his pace. You grinned.
"What is a handsome man like you doing all alone?" You asked. He chuckled before responding.
"You haven't even seen what I look like behind the mask," said he.
"I don't need to see you to make a first impression, and my impression is that you're a handsome, nice, and fair gentleman."
"First impressions tend to be based on one's appearance and facial structure, not voice and choice of mask," he mumbled. You stared at him, puzzled. "Sorry." You giggled. "I'm here, searching for the person I will love for the rest of my life. The woman who will complete the man I want to be," he explained.
"How is your search going?"
"I believe I have found her," he smirked. You gasped slightly.
"You haven't even seen my face," you teased. He slowly reached up to remove his mask.
"Oh, but I have, Y/N..." he whispered in your ear, his American accent disappearing and pronouncing your name with a deeper voice. As the mask was removed completely, you saw him. The man you had been thinking of all night.
"Sherlock?" You asked. His sparkling blue eyes looked into yours. He smiled and moved his hand up to your cheek.
"...and believe me when I say I have found the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with," he hummed as he brought his lips close to yours with each word. You closed the gap and began moving with his lips. All the noise in the world silenced. You smiled into the kiss as his hands pulled your body closer to his. You broke for air and giggled.
"What?" He asked.
"I never thought I'd see you at a ball." He smiled.
"Well, Y/N, I love dancing. I've always loved it." Your eyes widened in pure shock.
"I love you, Sherlock," you said as you rested you head on his chest, continuing to sway to the music.
