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Meetings between them had increased again and Sherlock was back out of rehab.Sherlock had managed to get himself an upstairs flat in central London with a sweet elderly woman under the name of Martha Hudson after ensuring the execution of her husband.Mycroft was helping to afford the rent on the flat for his brother but he was struggling himself as he paid for his own flat on his rather pitiful wage. He'd ended up in a small townhouse not far from Soho and had slowly worked in his role to achieve a few extra responsibilities in his MI5 role and very small placement within the government. He was 28 years old and still figuring out his way in the world and there Greg was, 30 years old, handsome and rugged and having just been promoted to Detective Inspector of Scotland yard.It was another evening they'd been having dinner not far from where Mycroft lived when Mycroft had got an alert on his phone that Sherlock had encountered possibly another flatmate, he shook his head preparing for the fact another would likely not even turn up to view the place with Sherlock."What is it?" Greg asked drinking from his coffee cup."Another likely awful potential flatmate for my dear brother has come up, there's been a meeting and then not long after the man left the meeting area again. " Mycroft shrugged uncertainly and took a sip of earl grey before he added some extra sugar to it hoping Greg wouldn't notice, missing the fond look Greg gave him as he saw it."Ah well, we can only hope" Greg chuckled."Indeed Detective Inspector" he set his phone away.Greg grinned at that and rolled his eyes. "What happened to Gregory?" He asked and Mycroft laughed softly.The evening passed smoothly with them both relaxed and enjoying each others company.They hadn't brought up the kiss since the day Sherlock had run off, Greg because he deemed it unwelcome and something Mycroft probably hadn't wanted considering they had been both drugged by Sherlock as well as under the influence. Mycroft assumed Gregory hadn't realised who he was with or maybe he was too drunk to see. Besides it was this that had lead to Sherlocks relapse. He was almost certain of it all.So they hadn't mentioned it or pushed for anything since.Mycroft became set on the idea that Greg would prefer him if he didn't see what he truly was, softer in the last year due to overindulging with Gregory on their evenings, he had a bad habit for that, when he was stressed or unsure.
_________
Sherlock had mentioned to Stamford that he was in need of a flatmate. He'd lived alone now in the flat above Mrs Hudson for a couple of weeks now and he could barely afford the pants.om his own..a two bed flat in central London and the only money he ever managed to get was help from Mycroft towards the rent and the occasional paid private case.
He never expected Stamford to come in that afternoon though whilst he was investigating the blood splatters left from a suspect days prior. He'd mumbled as he heard the door open, Molly Hooper the pathologist, entering along with two others.
He looked up briefly before speaking.
"Mike can I borrow your phones no signal on mine?" Sherlock asked as he turned more in his seat.
"What's wrong with the landline?" Mike asked as he patted himself down.
"Prefer to text"
"Sorry, other coat" Stamford sighed.
Sherlock looked briefly put upon before a stronger voice made itself more present.
"Here, use mine", the shorter man beside Stamford hobbled over, stick clicking on the linoleum floor as he reached Sherlock and handed him the phone.
Deductions were made as Sherlock took it and sent a text.
Time passed and conversations were spoken and shocked looks stuck to his skin and Sherlock eventually left Barts after he'd retrieved his riding crop from the mortuary.
He headed home above Mrs Hudson's flat and put his new trenchcoat over the banister smiling faintly at it.
Soft comforts. He really was getting sentimental. 21 years old and he had finally started his own business.
Consulting Detective.
Only one in the world.
He shivered faintly and went to close the windows, regretting not helping pay for his share of the heating. Fingers crossed tomorrow John would come to view the flat and maybe he'd stay.
Just maybe._______Greg was admittedly very shocked when Sherlock turned up at the crime scene with the same man who was sat in the flat with him just moments earlier.The man was shorter in stature but he looked strong despite his cane and limp, his hair was cropped short, military style, dark blonde and neat and he wore a soft cable knit jumper and jeans with leather brogues.He looked...nothing at all like anyone that he could have imagined Sherlock choosing to spend time with. Let alone a flat. And now somehow he shared a crime scene with him, a doctor apparently.Greg worked the crime scene with Sherlock and even accosted the mans new flat on a 'drugs bust' when he withheld new evidence from him. He knew Sherlock was a great man, but he was also sly and mischievous. Everything found suspicious in his flat on the drugs bust was removed and destroyed in the toilet before his team could draw accusations to the young man.Greg saw the man properly again when the crime scene was being closed up at a university late at night, tape and lights and one of his big ends to a case since becoming a DI.He'd been interviewing Sherlock who was complaining about being held back from going home when the man had become distracted and disregarded the case as a whole, acting obvious to who the gunman who killed the cabbie was. He'd figured it out and then disregarded it. Admitted to being wrong.Greg didn't believe it for a second.He caught sight of where Sherlock was staring and as he followed the man briefly before letting him go, he tore the page he'd been writing on our of his notepad before screwing it up and sticking it in his pocket.He watched, for a last momen, as Sherlock headed to the man behind the tape and they headed off together before he headed back to the crime scene. Reaching into his car as he passed it to get the orange blanket out the front window."Evening Detective Inspector" a smooth voice responded beside him as a pulled back out of the car."Hey, Myc, shock blanket?" He offered jokingly, offering the large rough material orange blanket at the man in front."No although I admit I am surprised.""Why? What's happened?""Can I tempt you to coffee? We can talk there" Mycroft proposed with a small smile."Yeah, lemme wrap this up" he turned to Mycroft, "do you wanna wait in the car, it's pretty cold still despite being nearly February.""Global warming Gregory, seems to be having the opposite effect" he smiled tightly."Won't be a second" Greg smiled back.
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Greg drove back to the yard once the crime scene was closed up and all evidence was collected, heading to his office he tidied up and grabbed his coat.He headed back outside once he was done and went to the curb where a black jaguar x type pulled up, only a couple years old and in beautiful condition. The door opened once the car pulled to a stop and out stood Mycroft Holmes from the drivers seat."May I offer you a lift, I know the perfect spot for coffee ?" Mycroft teased, his voice lilting at the end with a smile as he leaned on the hood of the car."Thought that was the plan anyway, I leave the panda car here and you take me to some shiny late night coffee place far out of my price range" Greg smirked as he stepped closer."You know that's not true" Mycroft chuckled.Greg opened the passenger side door, "so new flash Jag?""The Merc was losing it's presence, I've had it since university""Course you have" Greg smirked as he got in the car, "beautiful though, polishes up nice""My thoughts precisely" Mycroft responded before he pulled away from the curb heading back to Soho where they had been the previous morning."That place we went to running late too?" Greg asked surprised."No not there"Mycroft continued to drive until he entered a street of townhouses, no cafes or shops here before he pulled up in a parking space down the side of one of the houses before getting out, taking his umbrella in hand and waiting for Greg before locking up the car."Central locking, nicely done...erm...where are we?" Greg asked looking around and recieving no answer as the younger man lead him up the porch steps to the house they parked beside and unlocked the door before opening it for him. "Upstairs, everyone's likely sleeping so we'll be quiet""What...right yeah on it" he whispered back before heading up the stairs, following the other until they reached the middle floor and he pulled a new key and unlocked the door ahead of them."It's not much and nowhere private is really open right now considering the time of year" he smiled shyly, "I've got a coffee machine though and I'm getting rather good at them""This is your place?" Greg asked as he slipped his shoes off with Mycroft at the door."Yes. Erm...Anthea is already upstairs in her flat, high security places for her sake..I...I never apologised for how I disappeared just over a year ago. I never meant to leave you that way. I had to protect her and make sure she was safe. I couldn't bear being the person to take her into care and she was there for a short while but she doesn't fit in. I ..made a rash decision but ...I adopted her. Amelia I mean...legally done, I don't consider myself her father. I mean it's only five years between her and Sherlock but she was young enough to be adopted and I was old enough to adopt." He chuckled embarrassed as he said it, "sounds rather insane to say out loud"Greg looked at him in mild shock at all that but shook his head. "It's a big responsibility admittedly, but you've got a big heart Mycroft" he reached across touching Mycroft's hand."You've been around my brother too much, you think everything is perfectly sane and reasonable""Maybe, but I know you", Greg leaned against the kitchen counter as he looked around as Mycroft set up the coffee machine. "It's a nice little place and Christ you've got an excellent selection of coffees" he exclaimed as he started looking through the paper bags and the names on them. "Haven't got a clue what any of them are but I'm keen to try"The ginger haired man chuckled as he started making a coffee for the both of them and set the machine grinding and frothing milk. Greg watched him and couldn't help the soft fond look he was giving him.______They were sat down on the chesterfield in the lounge drinking milky coffees together when Greg turned to face the other better."Right, what did you wanna talk about?" Greg asked as he crossed one foot under himself. .Mycroft sat forward and took a good drink of coffee as he turned to Greg."Right so I abducted John-" Mycroft started."You what!? Same way you did me when I met Sherlock ?" Greg piped in."Well, yes but I had Anthea to do the kidnapping along with someone who owed me a favour who drove and then I did the whole interrogation act....anyway...he got defensive, I asked if now they'd moved in together and were running around London together if we could expect a happy announcement-""Mycroft! Really " Greg slapped his arm."Anyway he declined the offer of payment and keeping an eye on him but I think....he could be the making of my brother ""Or make him worse than ever" Greg offered.That set them both off laughing, and they fell into each other nearly spilling the coffee as they giggled."I can't believe you My" Greg giggled grasping the younger mans shoulder.Mycroft froze breifly under the touch, "we shouldn't"Greg frowned at that."We didn't really do anything, it wasn't us that caused that, I know you wanna beat yourself up about it forever but it wasn't you, his...his stuff ...what he goes through...was going on long before ya know.. that boxing day" Greg spoke softly as he looked at the other. " I wanna ..I wanna try, if you'll have me""Gregory we can't...besides...you..." His breath shuddered, "you won't want me...not really ..I'm convenient right now, we're good friends I think....but I...you'll be disappointed, I won't be good enough at being someone you can rely on""Myc really...there ain't no-one like you. Not even your ridiculous brother...I've...I like you" he scratched his dark hair, "a lot actually" he reached for mycs arm and squeezed it, "even if you try to scare me and Sherlock's potential boyfriends" he teased, looking a little self conscious.That got a shy snort out of Mycroft who was flushed slightly and once he set his coffee cup down he reached for the hand on his arm and squeezed it back.Very quietly Mycroft whispered back, "I like you too ya know"Shyly Greg moved a little closer and nudged his knee to Mycroft's as he pressed closer to the younger man."Give us a chance" Greg whispered as he pressed even closer, hand on Mycroft's bicep and the other reaching to touch his face.Greg waited then, thumb very gently brushing the youngers cheekbone. He felt more than heard it as Mycroft whispered gently in the space between them, looking at Greg through his eyelashes. "Yes...I'd like to try too...please"
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"Come 'ere freckles" Greg grinned before he pulled the younger forwards suddenly and kissed him, swallowing the whimper the younger let out as he was pulled tightly into the other.Greg slipped one hand across the others thigh before he slipped it to the other man's waist under the jacket feeling the curved body under his hand as he tilted his head, his head tilting to get a better angle as the other began to kiss back unsure.Greg felt a hand slip into his hair as the other held onto his shoulders, winding up to wrap the whole arm around as he let out a small choked noise into the kiss.Greg smirked slightly as he pulled back from the kiss looking at the other."You really are gorgeous" Greg whispered between them.The older Holmes' blushed darkly and blinked. "I assure you I'm not""And I assure you you're wrong" Greg teased before kissing him again. He pressed a soft kiss to his cheek when he pulled away. "You gotta stop saying that, it's not true" he finished with his forehead to Mycroft's."Gregory I've had plenty tell me otherwise""You got their addresses saved somewhere?" He tried joking but Mycroft didn't laugh. He sighed and pulled Mycrofts head to his own looking into his eyes."You're perfect, I just hope one day you believe that" Greg soothed stroking down the younger mans cheeks and neck with his hands. He felt fingers flutter on his on waist now wanting to touch but unsure how. "We'll figure It out, we'll be okay" .Mycroft looked away, before looking back, meeting the warm chocolate eye of the Detective Inspector. "How can you be sure Gregory?""I can't but...that's what people do...take chances...see if it goes somewhere? Surely you've tried before ...leap of faith?" Greg offered."I admit my previous endeavours have ended rather...pitifully...I held too much hope for people that didn't want me back" he whispered.That started a reaction out of Gregory who pulled him tight into his own body hugging him, "Christ Myc" he whispered into soft auburn waves as his other hand carded up into the styled hair mussing it up and pulling the other man's head to his shoulder, safe."No matter what happens, wherever this leads, I need you to know that I will always want you, I will always admire you Myc. Doesn't matter if we're together or not...I mean Christ yeah I thought you were a Prat for abducting me that time but I get it now...I'll probably do my own small intervention soon enough...sorry sorry rambling"Myc pulled back to look him in the eye again before something crossed his face and he was kissing Greg hard, diving at him with such surety that he sent Greg tumbling back into the couch, pinning him with his weight as he kissed the man, hands tight on his shoulders and biceps as he tilted his head.Greg was shocked for only a second before a hand was pushing up the sleek silk of the waistcoat and the other was dragging through the ginger locks, more curls tumbling free from their gel prison. He savoured the gasp as he nipped gently at the others lower lip and deepened the kiss brazenly as he opened his mouth to breathe against his lips, delighting in the shudder than ran through the other man who pulled back after a moment looking rumpled and soft and kissed .He was panting softly, a shy smile quirking his lips up and a dark flush running up from under his shirt collar to the tops of his ears. Greg only smiled back, his own hair haloed around his head, dark against the red leather he lay back against, his shirt creased, tie long removed on the way from the yard. He set his hands on the younger mans hips, fingers grazing his waist and the heels of his palms just brushing the others thighs."Come 'ere" he growled playfully before he pulled him down again, deepening the kiss more quickly this time and tasting the sweet coffee on his lips, a stolen cigarette, the flavour almost faded. Large hands reached for the jacket the other man wore and gently pushed it off his shoulders leaving him in the rest of his suit, the waistcoat beautifully tailored and emphasising his curves rather than hiding them and Greg couldn't resist running his hands over his back and shoulders and into his hair and across his face and beloved nose.He kissed his nose then and couldn't resist tracing the freckles with his lips, smiling when Mycroft tried to squirm away and he pressed a daft smacking kiss to the skin just below his ear."Gregory!" Mycroft laughed then, swatting at the older man's chest, laugh lines breaking the usually so carefully trained features."Yes?" He asked innocently before he pressed another kiss to the hinge of his jaw."You're being distra...ah!" His hands tightened with a whine which he tried to bite back as Greg nipped at the skin there and sucked just briefly, leaving a faint red mark but not quite a bruise.Greg's eyes were dark as he traced the faint mark with his finger, "you're so...pretty" he whispered, eyes lightening as he found the word that suited. He nodded once with a smile enjoying mycrofts blush renewing itself across the bridge of his nose and cheeks, "definitely pretty""..Gregory...""Yes Darlin'?"That only caused the blush to darken further and for Mycroft to hide his head, burying it against the DIs chest and shoulder, a pathetic small sound escaping him.Nobody had ever been like this with him before, he was...shocked..surprised...uncertain.Hopeful."Y'alright Darlin'?""Just..." He shuddered, "gimme a moment"
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Greg smiled at the man on his chest, settled into his body having paused with their kissing for now, savouring the weight of him on top of him. He ran his fingers over the gentle bumps of his spine, the silk of the waistcoat gliding under his fingers up to the change in material of his shirt over his shoulders.He carded his other hand through the gingers hair loosening the remaining product."Comfortable My?" Greg asked softly and just received a hum in reply. "Shall I take that as a yes Darlin'?"Mycroft shivered at that and lifted his head to glare weakly at him.Greg just raised an eyebrow and Mycroft flushed and looked away pulling away as he sat up, carding a hand through his curls embarrassed. "Sorry for ermm.. that" he gestured as he sat back into the corner of the sofa."I rather liked it" Greg smirked as he sat up himself. He looked at his watch as he did and sighed. "S'getting late"Mycroft hummed softly in agreement and yawned, loosening his tie and undoing the top button of his shirt.Greg caught the movement, staring at the new skin revealed as he did. "Before I go, there's something I gotta do" Greg said seriously."Hmm? What?" Mycroft murmured."This" he said before he tackled him back into the sofa pinning him in place with a grin before he dove down and kissed him again, lips trailing from his mouth to his jaw and then to the open collar of his shirt, fingers reaching and waiting for the quiet yes in response before he unbuttoned a few more, his collar opening further as he nosed it aside gently being placing more kisses there."Can you stop looking so damn...hot...just doing nothing..it's distracting" Greg growled quietly as he nipped at the youngers earlobe, grinning at the gasp it got, before pulling back to look at the disheveled man."I still owe you that dinner" Greg said softly as he nuzzled his nose to Mycrofts jaw and cheek."I believe you do yes" he whispered between them. "I'm free tomorrow""I'll pick you up?" Greg offered, hand smoothing over a freckled flushed cheek."Well now you know where I live""I do dont I? Terrible decision on your part, now I'll be throwing pebbles up at your window when I'm lonely""Why would anyone do that?" Mycroft laughed."No idea, maybe you'll throw down your lovely ginger hair like Rapunzel""It's not ginger""'fraid to say it is doll, suits you"Mycroft rolled his eyes, blue eyes bright looking up at Greg with a grin as he arched under him.Greg gasped before holding the younger man down by hips, "ah ah easy Lad" he grinned at Mycroft's affronted look. "I'm taking my time with you, I don't plan on rushing"Mycroft actually whimpered at that and squirmed again but this time Greg easily held him in place not letting him thrust up against him."Dinner first, we can get to know each other better" Greg murmured. "I've rushed ahead before with other people, my ex wife, we got married young and we didn't know what we were doing, would have had kids with her if she hadn't cheated on me...I'm not rushing this Myc. I can't." He whispered.The younger man nodded and reached his hands up hugging Gregory to himself."I don't want to rush either" he replied softly, "I'm new to all this, to it actually mattering. I don't want to mess this up, I don't want you to leave"________Greg eventually went home and woke up in his own bed in his flat, his lips still tingling from the night before, he got in the shower as he let the previous day wash over him and down the drain.He got dressed and headed back into the yard and Into his office to start writing down the case and documenting it properly so it could be sent off to the superintendent and closed off properly with a good conclusion.He was tidying up when he heard a familiar voice making itself known in the yard."Morning Sherlock" he rolled his eyes as he stood up from his desk. "And Doctor John Watson I believe it was? Yes?" He added looking at the older man."Captain John H Watson, fifth Northumberland fusiliers, veteran of khandar and Bartholomews hospital, part of the Royal Army Medical Corps" the man responded slipping into parades rest and holding out his hand to which Greg shook, and eyebrow raised, impressed.He nodded to Sherlock who was staring breifly in awe at the shorter man before he snapped out of it and quickly say down in the chair behind him, John following."You understand I need you both to write me statements of everything that happened from your accounts alright?""I gathered" Sherlock huffed before he took the pen and paper from Greg and started scribbling."Legibly Sherlock " Lestrade stopped him breifly."Right yes fine" he muttered and started writing slightly neater. John sniggered slightly before he stayed writing himself. Typical doctors chicken scratch. Brilliant. He'd spend half the evening trying to read it.He rolled his eyes before standing heading to the coffee machine in the staff room before bringing back one for each of them as well as a chocolate bar tucked open and in reach of Sherlock as he did so. Leaving another close to John who looked up puzzled before shaking his head as Greg only shrugged.He definitely had his hands full.
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Sherlock had expected living with someone would be ...difficult to say the least. He had imagined there would be a complexity to settling into each others personal living space, possessions mingling and styles crossing, mismatched and clashing and leading to arguments. He'd expected the other man to leave once he got to know more about him, once he'd seen him as every other person had.He needed the freedom and exhilaration living alone had given him when he'd first left home, the ability to leave and return as he pleased, to smoke and not be caught and admonished for his actions, to shoot up with something stronger, something to quiet his mind. He hadn't wanted someone to tell him what was good and bad, to hint at his lack of social cues, to encourage a diet of more than penne pasta and tomato sauce; he hadn't needed it and as good as Greg had been taking him in, he had felt like he was back home, being watched over by Mummy and Father.He hadn't felt controlled per se, but he hadn't felt free. he couldn't play the violin when he was thinking for fear of waking the copper, he couldn't leave body parts in somebody else's fridge. it wasn't his place and therefore he had no right to leave it in a state of dissaray. He wasn't a complete bastard.John was different, the second he entered the flat. He had sat down in that unassuming surprisingly comfy chair as though he had always been there, he had sunk into the cushion, stick to the side as though he had always done it. Comfortable, no signs of stress, left hand loose on the arm of the chair, he had tagged along with Sherlock completely unaware of what he was being dragged into and he had just run alongside him, limp forgotten and aim unmatched as he shot a man he had never met to save a man he barely knew.Johns small possessions and comfortable style didn't clash with Sherlock's as he had expected but instead complimented it; a Parker jacket hung next to a dark trench coat, unassuming and different, the RAMC mug in the cupboard next to the classic style tea set. Pg tips next to finely ground and infused tea and strainers, a plastic toothbrush next to an electric one, warm spicy scented shower gel next to sweeter, the two scents mingling when one took a shower after the other.John fit. Like a perfectly imperfect puzzle, the last cog that makes the clock chime smoothly.He provided guidance, warmth, meals that he had worked around Sherlock's sensitive tastebuds, cultured and tried until the detective would eat a full meal at the table, plates and cups amidst the petri dishes and microscope.He regained the weight he lost during his last stint in rehab, as did John, as though somehow Sherlock offered comfort in the way John did for him.They soothed each other and brought each other alive.Sherlock made the spark, and John kindered it into the fire that it resulted in, until somehow, the flat became...Home.-----------They had been living together now for several weeks and something akin to friendship or certainly companionship had blossomed between them, it was here, sat in their opposite chairs that Sherlock spoke, a question that had burnt in his throat since he first read johns blog posts and had followed the stories anonymously, reliving the moment through johns eyes and unable to help the question of why? Why do you stay?"sorry what?" John asked.He realised then he spoke aloud, before he had a chance to bite his tongue."I...why do you stay?" he asked before he hastily clarified, "what I mean is, nobody tolerates me, not for long, I drive them up the wall eventually or they move out or complain to the dorm" he shrugged, trying to understand John's expression."Did you want me to leave?" John asked, head tilted and looking at Sherlock through azure blue eyes, studying him."No, I just don't understand. You hold such high regard for cleanliness and order, you don't seem to appreciate half the experiments I do in the kitchen and you've even taken the role as bill organiser and chef. My form of living would trigger every Ex military personnel into some sort of meltdown but you don't, you work and live amongst it, you've taken up work in the surgery to keep on top of the bills when my cases don't pay. after everything, even being kidnapped by that gang a few weeks ago in which you safely got us out- thank you again for that- you stay."John was quiet for a moment."Because I'm your friend, I care about you and your ridiculous ideas, I like it here"Sherlock looked frozen then, blinking at john as if he'd said the moon went around the sun or maybe it was the sun that went around us...it didn't matter.After what must have been a while, John seemingly uncomfortable at breaking Sherlock Holmes brain he cleared his throat and tried to regain the younger mans attention."Earth to Sherlock, hey, you in there?" He asked, snapping his fingers briefly before slipping out of his seat and sinking to a crouch in front of Sherlock's and reaching for his neck, feeling the skittish pulse before his touch must have jolted the younger man back into the present with a shaky gasp, as though he couldn't quite take in enough air. "Hey, you okay? lost you there for a minute"The detective shook himself, trying to regain main brain function as he blinked hard twice and then his eyes focused solely on the Doctors."I'm your Friend?" he asked, voice so unsure as he darent even swallow lest he break this fragile thing between them."y..yeah 'course you are, christ, Sherlock" the older man chuckled weakly as he looked into those hazy grey green eyes. "I'm a pretty shit friend clearly, considering I-""No!" Sherlock exclaimed before swallowing, looking at John's startled face, before looking away to his hands, "I mean no, you aren't...'shit', as you put it...I just, I have never had a friend before.""oh? i thought...what about Greg?""Hes more like... I don't know...some sort of Dad...I guess?" Sherlock said uncertainly, voice lilting up at the end in question."No no, I get that" he studied the younger, reaching for a trembling pale hand. "You've got one now."Warm tan skin settled over a larger more delicate hand, he could feel the tendons beneath his fingers and palm."I'm not going anywhere, not even if your brother becomes convinced I'm a bad influence on you" he smirked, delighted when the younger man was startled with a laugh, leaving cupid bow lips and sending a warm glow up his neck and cheeks."He'd have to fight me first" Sherlock murmured, a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
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Greg looked around his small townhouse, briefly considering vacuuming the floor again or reorganizing the bookshelves one final time before he shook his head and went to get dressed. It was his day off today and he had plans, involving a proper date with one Mycroft Holmes, seeing as the other seemed so unsure with any affection and didn't have brilliant past experiences he decided he would take this slowly and gently and only as fast as the other man was comfortable with.He selected a beautiful dark blue shirt that hugged his shoulders and torso, and black jeans before he added his a warm dark grey sweater and his trench coat. He sprayed cologne sparingly focusing on what his grandpere had taught him when he was younger, letting it settle on heat spots that would leave the scent lingering throughout the day, and he combed his shaggy hair back into a boyish sweep winking at himself in the mirror, singing along into his hairbrush as he tidied himself up, Huey Lewis and the news playing in the background. sweet is the honey from the honeycomb,
sweet are the grapes of a vine,
but there's nothing as sweet as you, Darlin'
and I hope some day you'll be mine
---------Mycroft fretted, he hadn't set a plan in stone with the Detective Inspector and not wanting to have the man waiting on him he had woke early just in case, showered, and dressed in one of his newer suits that came with the new job. This suit was more to his own taste, dark heather and ivy tweed, the material made in the highlands and sent down to Saville Row where the suit was tailored to precise measurements. the waistcoat was beautifully snug and his tie was woven from the finest silk. He checked his reflection multiple times in the mirror, considered gelling his hair back but decided against it after he remembered last nights events with a dark flush.He felt his eyes catch the shadow of something on his neck and he leaned closer to inspect it seeing it for what it was truly was.A bruise.Gregory had left a dark blooming bruise with his lips...his rather soft lips...He blinked as he felt himself tracing the mark almost reverently as though scared it would rub off, a small shiver at the feeling it produced as he prodded it.He recalled Gregory's thick fingers in his hair and the way they scratched his scalp just so, he recalled the warmth on the bare slithers of skin he'd managed to reveal as they kissed and he'd felt awfully cold in his bed that night despite the heating being on full in his apartment and having wrapped himself tightly into his duvet.He'd woken having briefly considered the previous night a rather pleasant dream but he had shaken his head as he found the evidence of the coffee cups and the creases in the sofa and throw over the back of it that spoke of a tousle. He felt a blush rise up his neck again and his fingers toyed with his collar ensuring they covered the bruise there, his pale skin leaving it obvious and dark as its colour had bloomed darker on his sensitive skin.Becoming aware of 'it's' presence again, he decided to have a word with Gregory and pulled out his phone sending off a text. You absolute menace Gregory -MH oops now I'm in trouble, what'd I do? -GL you know exactly what you did -MH nah sweetness, you gotta be more clear -GLGreg felt himself smirking as he grabbed his keys and wallet, heading out the house and locking up. He rather enjoyed riling up the older Holmes. Gregory Rupert Lestrade, you have left a Subdermal contusion also known as Hematoma upon my person -MLGreg reread that message a couple times before he clicked, working as a detective gave him access to fancy scientific words like that. you mean I gave you a hickey? -GLThere was a pause before he recieved a response. yes. -MLGreg chuckled outloud to himself as he unlocked his car and got in, a quick trip to tescos before he collected the MI6 agent and then he would be ready.Scratch that. A quick trip to Marks and Sparks, he was a rather posh date after all.-------------Greg finally pulled up at the house of flats in Soho and got out his car, a trip to a few other places on the way here left him standing with a wrapped box of luxury chocolates under his arm and a bouquet made up of tulips, moss roses, iris, pansies and cyclamens wrapped in brown paper and tied off with a modest twist of cord. It felt suiting and the florist had spoken reverently as he had wrapped them, dark red hair hanging in a floppy fringe over his eyes. The man had wished Greg good luck after accepting the cash Greg handed him.He breathed deeply, once then twice before he went up to the flat and pressed the buzzer for Mycroft's flat.He entered as he was granted access and he jogged upstairs, his face taking on a glowing bright smile as he reached the correct floor to find Mycroft, sans jacket so he stood with his waistcoat on show as he leaned in the doorway, expression open and warm despite his messages.Greg stood up close, pressing a gentle kiss to willing lips before he presented the flowers and chocolates."Am I still in trouble Darlin'?"
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Mycroft accepted him into the flat as he took the flowers and chocolates."You are forgiven" he said, "for now."Gregory laughed, kissing his partners cheek as he followed him into the flat. "awe shucks, gotta pull out the Lestrade Charm" he murmured, stepping up close behind his Love as Mycroft set about filling a vase with water and the sachet of flower feed and then carefully snipping the bouquets tie and apper and beginning to arrange them in a similar manner to the florist."I assume you went to Anthony's for these?""Know him do you?" Greg teased gently, "Should I be worried? two redheads sounds a bit worrying""No, hes all bark and no bite, one of my part time jobs was there during university and Anthony owns the shop, inherited apparently" Mycroft shrugged, "Besides hes with the bookstore owner on the corner""How did you figure that one out?" Gregory asked curious, intrigued at the possible deduction."Went to purchase a book I had my eye on for a while, found them against said shelf, needless to say, I made haste" He sighed then, "I never did get that edition of Oscar Wilde"Gregory chuckled softly, kissing Mycroft's nape, smiling at the shiver it produced. "We can go there if you want, or a few others we can find, try and find the one you're after?" he offered, "whatever you want, my treat""I didn't take you for a bookshop man Gregory""Then you need to get to know me more, I like a good book, when I've got time I mean" He replied, squeezing Myc's waist when the flowers were finally arranged, having not wanted to disturb the process. "When I haven't got my hands full" he smirked, feeling the younger turn in his arms, the small of his back against the kitchen island and leaning back just slightly to see Gregory's face better."Is that do Detective Inspector" Mycroft flirted back before a soft smile overtook his face. "I'd like that, but didn't you have plans?""Well, I had plans for a meal later but we've got hours until then, I can multitask" Gregory promised, kissing that softly pointed nose, "I wanna see you enjoy yourself" he smiled softly back.The redhead seemed to consider for barely a moment before he nodded, "That sounds perfect My Dear"The endearment caused a flash of something soft and gentle and warm to cross the DI's features before he gently kissed the Agent, cradling his face as if he was something precious and worthy, something to commit to, something to cherish, to hold, to love. The other man melted into it, eyes slipping closed and arms wrapping around the inspectors shoulders, pulling him closer, falling harder for him by the second."Je t'aime de tout mon cœur" Mycroft whispered, tucking his face into Greg's neck as he pulled back from the kiss and settled for hugging him, unsure if he had overstepped. He felt the arms tighten around him."J'espérais que je le dis-le en premier" Gregory chuckled kissing the side of the other mans face, just near his hairline, "Je t’aime aussi d’ailleurs"Mycroft froze briefly, "You speak french" said as a statement not a question, but Gregory answered anyway."My Grandpere is french" he smirked, "and just in case you weren't sure, I love you in English as well"Mycroft actually chuckled at that, embarrassed, slowly recalling Greg mentioning his grandparent before. He felt the shy blush catching his cheeks, blinking and looking away. "I ...I rather adore you Gregory"Gregory kissed him again then, just as soft as before, before pulling back to look at the man he loved."Wanna get going? I'll drive, we can go find that book you want and maybe a few more, find some pastries and something to drink somewhere and then I'll show you my inherited culinary skills back at my place" he offered softly.Mycroft nodded and waited briefly for Gregory to step back before he pressed a warm, lingering kiss to the corner of Gregory's lips, one hand cupped to his cheek, "I'll just grab my jacket" he murmured before slipping past him to head into the living room and Gregory watched him go, eyes unable to leave the sight of this beautiful man. Even when said man, was waiting at the door patiently, umbrella hooked over one arm, suit pristine and head cocked to the side watching his lover in return.Greg nodded, shaking himself out of his daze as he headed to the door also, "Amelia gonna be alright?""She's safe" Mycroft nodded, looking up to the upstairs flat as he locked up his own.Greg nodded too before he beckoned the younger first, "come on then Gorgeous"They headed out to Gregory's car, Greg going around the passenger side, and opening it for Myc, making sure he was in, before going around and getting in the other side He started the engine and put his arm behind the others seat, briefly kissing his cheek before he began reversing, looking behind them and pulling onto the main road and then driving off.They pulled up on a street in Mayfair first, several bookshops on the street already visible. He gently slapped the redheads hand away from the handle before getting out himself and going around opening the door, "Let me look after you, yeah?" he said softly as Mycroft got out, a faint blush on his cheeks as he stood in Greg's personal space, "You deserve it""I can open a door Gregory" he said fondly exasperated."Don't care, you're dating me, this is what you get" Greg said firmly.The younger man went to retort but found himself unable as lips pressed warmly to his own leaving him holding one hand tight on the frame of the door and the other on Greg's shoulder, leaving him to briefly wonder what idiotic woman had let Gregory go to begin with before the thoughts were lost to the soft sound that left his own lips as Gregory deepened the kiss and then pulling back."Probably should stop 'fore we get arrested for public indecency" Greg smiled shyly, his own cheeks taking on a rather fetching flushed hue."Probably best"They went through multiple bookshops, including the one he had originally tried but the seller although friendly didn't appear willing to help to sell one of his books. Eventually they found a multi-story on Gower street and Greg watched, completely head over heels as the Mycroft he had wanted to meet under the suits and cold demeanor lost himself amid the shelves and picked up multiple, which Greg took from him bearing the weight himself as the younger fluttered between the shelves and whilst the younger man was distracted, he purchased the rather hefty pile and had it wrapped and put into a brown paper bag. The Oscar Wilde he was after sadly not in the mix but Gregory would keep an eye from now on.Gregory delighted in the awed and lost look when he presented the other with the bags before he found himself getting a shy peck on the cheek in the middle of a fancy bookstore in the middle of London.The books safely in the backseat of his car, they wandered London streets and purchased pastries from a french bakery and Greg couldn't resist feeding bites to the younger man and eventually being offered to himself, shyly, as manicured fingertips lingered at his lips long after the last bite was taken.They eventually drove to Greg's own home, pulling up outside and carrying the books himself as he let Mycroft in."I'll make us some tea, I've got Earl Grey if you fancy it?" Greg offered as he set the books down in the living room and went to the kitchen, Mycroft taking one of the poetry books from the bag and leaning against one of the kitchen counters as he began reading verses, looking younger and more relaxed than Greg had ever seen him, "My?" he tried again."Hmm, oh, yes, Earl Grey would be lovely, thank you" he looked up, ginger fringe in his eyes."On it Gorgeous" he smiled back and set to making it.
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Gregory decided to give Mycroft the house tour, seeming only fit considering he'd seen both of Mycroft's residences in the time he had known him.It started with a look around the living room, the bookshelves catching Mycroft's attention immediately along with the retro looking sound system and vinyl collection which after an encouraged nod from Greg he looked through and pulled out different ones, making noises of approval as he read the artists and the titles.Greg lead him pass his desk and work area and into the hallway, showing where the bathroom was and then his bedroom, with yet another bookcase.Mycroft noted a lot of the books must have been from Gregory's time on training courses as they were either forensics based, criminology or psychology. A fair few of the books were fiction though and Greg seemed to have a inclination towards thrillers and action as well as the well worn dog eared detective stories that appeared to be a fair bit older, likely his teen years, there was a football shirt with his surname and the number 10 across the back hanging proudly in his team colours and held behind glass.As they passed back through the living room, Lestrade decided to put on with his old records from when he was younger, surprised when Mycroft seemed to recognise the tune as "I cant Explain" by "The Who" began to play.Mycroft followed him through the house until they were back in the kitchen and Greg went about sorting ingredients, deciding to cook an old Lestrade family favourite, something warm that would also hopefully impress the older Holmes, he gathered potatoes, carrots, garlic, onions, red wine, and beef steak he'd prepared earlier as well as some other ingredients which he started chopping up, a towel over his shoulder as he worked, jumper off and the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to the elbow. He glanced at Mycroft as he started, to see what he was up to, assuming he'd gone to take his new book into the living room and settle into the sofa but was surprised to find the man had gently put the books aside and removed his jacket once again and then his tie, setting them on the back of the desk chair in the corner of the living room before he joined Greg in the kitchen."Can I offer some assistance?" the younger man asked, rolling up his sleeves methodically giving Gregory access to look at the new skin revealed, strong pale forearms, covered in dozens, no, hundreds of freckles, and a very light dusting of hair.Greg swallowed, drawn to the methodical movement as the other sleeve was rolled once, twice, three times and tucked just so and settled into place, the other forearm now visible to Gregorys wandering eyes. "I uh, yeah, you can help me cut up these, we've got carrots, celery and potatoes here, I've already started some."Mycroft slid up beside him and started cutting the veg, paying close attention to how Gregory had already started.Greg then set the stove up and put a pan over the flame, adding oil and allowing it to heat he reached over and grabbed the onions and a separate chopping board, not even considering the possibility of crying until he heard Mycroft sniffle at his side and turned to see the younger man who's eyes were watering and slightly red and he was turning his head away from the source of the attack."Wanna step back for a bit?" Greg offered."I'm quite alright""I can grab you some swimming goggles?" Greg offered instead, grinning at the huff of laughter as he finished cutting the onions, added them to the now hot pan and washed his hands, coming back to gently wipe the tears from Mycroft's face with a smile before he rinsed his hands again and went to cooking the onions. Adding the garlic as he crushed it himself under the knife and chopped it he began letting the scents combine.Leaning close to Mycroft he asked him to put everything apart from the potatoes into the pan and Mycroft followed the order adding the potatoes to a separate pan to boil and soften.Greg then added the wine and sauce mix to everything letting it thicken and simmer into a sort of stew as he added the meat he'd prepared earlier."I was rather hoping we were drinking that" Mycroft joked as he stood back from the veg and watched Gregory."Plenty to spare sweetheart don't worry" Greg grinned as he made sure everything was coming together.Allowing it to cook on the stove, Greg grabbed two wine glasses and the bottle and poured them both a glass each, offering one to Mycroft.The younger man took it with a small smile and sipped delicately as he began to take in Greg's home more openly. "You have a lovely place Gregory""Its a roof over my head, its alright" murmured Greg, drinking his own wine and watching Mycroft."You've quite the collection of vinyls, and books, similar music taste to myself""You're kidding?" Greg asked, finishing his wine and cocking a hip against the counter as he turned down the heat on the sauce and turned off the heat entirely on the now soft potatoes."Pray tell Lestrade, what music did you think I listened to?" Mycroft queried, swirling his own wine."Dunno, mozart, Bach? Beethoven? " Greg shrugged, "You're a posh boy, all pretty and wear these classic old style suits like some poster boy from the 50's or something"That startled a full laugh out the younger man, "I hardly ever listen to actual classical music unless I'm playing it""Play it?" Gregory tilted his head, "Like the violin?""No, that has and will always be Sherlock's forte, I play the Piano" Mycroft said proudly before a frown took over his face. "Or at least i did, I don't have one now, no room for one in the flat and I have to travel light until my job fully transfers over""Moving into a government job then? S'what Sherlock said anyway, a while back""Something like that yes" Mycroft smiled, "Maybe I'll get another one day""Bet you look beautiful playing" Greg thought aloud and only realised what he said when he caught the tips of Myc's ears going red to match his hair, "Sorry, but true though."Mycroft looked down shyly, still not believing Greg when he said things like this, only looking up when a hand cupped his chin gently and lifted his head so he would meet those caring chocolate brown eyes."I mean that My, one day you'll believe me" He smiled softly before gently kissing the younger man on the lips as the music played in the background.
I learned how to raise my voice in anger
Yeah, but look at my face, ain't this a smile?
I'm happy when life's good, and when it's bad, I cry
I got values, but I don't know how or why
Gregory pulled back after a while just looking into those bright blue eyes. "I promise MY"
I'm looking for meYou're looking for youWe're looking at each otherAnd we don't know what to do
Mycroft smiled shyly, biting his pinkened lips as he looked back at Gregory, one hand on the counter holding the stem of the wine glass and the other feeling the strong muscles of Greg's bicep.After a little while, the timer went off for the sauce and they pulled away, touches lingering and soft as Greg helped Mycroft mash the potato and start layering the sauce then potato and emmental cheese into a pan before it went into the oven.They played more vinyls whilst it cooked, drinking from a new bottle of wine as they spoke about music taste and a shared love of queen, David Bowie, the clash, and even a few favourite songs from the beetles.Eventually they had sat down and shared the cooked meal, Mycroft moaning softly at the first bite and then going bright red having been caught by Greg who was looking at him like perhaps he was also on the menu. He swallowed and went to take another bite as he felt Greg's hand reach across the table for his own and squeeze before Mycroft turned his hand up and entwined their fingers, both of them caught on the sight as if they couldn't believe it was real.Dinner was followed by more wine and chocolate mousse Greg had bought and stored earlier in the day.Gregory watched the other man, unable to take his eyes off him, as tipsy, they finished dessert and the last of the wine and cleaned the dishes together before unable to resist it anymore Greg found himself pinned to his desk, Mycroft stood between his legs and fingers fumbling as he managed to get the Detective inspectors shirt buttons undone and pushed the thing off his shoulders revealing the warm tanned skin and strong broad shoulders he'd found himself fantasizing about far too much recently. They had outdone his initial deduction of how he expected Gregory to look under those shirts, deciding they were far too deceptive.Gregory found himself leaning back on his desk trusting as Mycroft's hands spanned his chest and shoulders and the abs he had hidden under a soft layer of skin, fingers catching in the thick chest hair which caused a deep groan to slip from Greg's lungs, the groan turning to a soft growl as the hand tightened in the hair there and he pulled the younger into a bruisng kiss, his hand slipping down from his neck as he sat up more and used his other hand to push the braces from Mycroft's shoulders and then move to undo the buttons of his shirt, fingers pausing when mycroft froze before nodding he continue."We don't have to do this, we can stop" Greg said, moving his hands to settle on Mycroft's shoulders, somewhere safe and not pushing."I just feel...you...I...I worry you will be disappointing with what I have under my own shirts.." Mycroft murmured, looking away, ashamed."Darlin' look at me?" He waited for him to do so before he continued, "I love you, for you, everything else, that's just a bonus, a really big, lovely bonus don't get me wrong, I want to see you" Greg assured, "I wont be dissapointed"Mycroft nodded, taking a deep breath and letting it out before he lifted his wrist and struggled to remove his cuff links with shaking fingers, only stopping when Greg's hands took over the task, setting the cuff links on the bookshelf beside the desk, safe from being knocked onto the floor or lost under furniture. Mycroft started his shirt buttons, Greg's fingers tangling softly with his own and leaning forward to press soft kisses to the skin revealed, lingering briefly on the hickey already there, laving his tongue over the warm skin, memorising the whimper it produced as he reached those pale freckled shoulders, warm and alive under his hands and gently pushed the shirt off, catching the silky material and draping it lovingly over the desk chair with Mycroft's jacket, just in reach of where he sat on the desk.He pulled back just slightly, having not yet looked at the younger mans torso yet as he looked at his face instead. "Can I look at you now, I want to see how beautiful I know you are""Yes" whispered softly, with a nod and a deep breath, sucking in his softened stomach faintly as Greg looked at him, receiving a gently pat to his waist."Stop that Gorgeous, don't hide from me, please?" Greg said gently as he felt Mycroft stop holding in and slowly begin to relax before he was pulled in for another bruising kiss, hands grasping at Greg's shoulders as the Detective Inspector deepened the kiss and tasted the sweetness of the chocolate mousse still on his tongue and the warmth of the wine. Gregs hands smoothed over his skin, settling on his waist, warm and grounding as they kissed, holding him safely. The older mans kissed left his lips and moved to the soft angle of his jaw and the light stubble starting there as he grazed his own against it, fingers trailing and teeth nipping at jaw, earlobe, tendons in his neck before whispering into a warm freckled shoulder."Gorgeous" Kissed into his shoulder."Lovely" sucked into his Suprasternal notch leaving him whining and holding on tighter as his knees buckled, one strong arm around his waist holding him up as if he weighed nothing."Pretty" breathed into the soft bit of his palms, cradled in the others hand."Wondeful" murmured against his forehead, just above his left eyebrow."Charming" spoke into his chest, over his heart, that free hand now brushing a nipple, reveling in the gasp it produced."Perfect" kissed into his stomach, just below his ribs, Greg having to bend down and pull Myc even closer to reach."Mine" He finally growled, that free hand dragging up from his waist, over his chest, up his neck and into his hair before kissing his lips again, nipping and biting and sucking in between kisses leaving the younger gasping and whimpering trying to keep up as he held tight to the mans shoulders and arms and thighs, his own trembling as need crept up on him, his body on fire with sensitivity and his blush running all the way from the tips of his ears to halfway down his chest before his body lost control and he tipped over the edge, knees buckling properly as Greg caught him with both arms, holding him through it, soothing him despite the sounds he made, all whimpers and moans.Greg's arms stayed strong and comforting around Mycroft's waist as he came down from his high, pins and needles running through his body as he regained sense in his fingertips and legs and the ringing in his ears died down."Shh, s'alright" Greg murmured softly, talking as though worried he'd spook the older Holmes like a wild animal caught in a trap. "s'okay" steady hand moving up and down his spine, over the gentle curves and dips, warm and comforting. "That's it Darlin'""Greg?" quiet unsure."I'm here, not going anywhere""That was rather short lived" tries to joke."You were beautiful, knew you would be" Greg smiled, carefully standing and keeping the younger close before entwining their fingers and leading to his room to find something clean for the younger man to wear. Gently dressing him into fresh clothes after helping clean up with a warm flannel, not making it sexual now, just caring for him as he knew and felt the other deserved. He pulled Mycroft onto the sofa gently after for a cuddle, words were hushed, unsure for one, certain for another. Mycroft melted into the care and into the warm fuzzy chest as he settled against Gregory in his borrowed sweater and clean boxers.Hours later. Whispered into the setting darkness of the room."Thankyou""What for? Loving you isn't a chore, it never will be" Greg whispered back, holding him closer and kissing those frizzy rumpled ginger curls.