Chapter Four: A Night Out
The tux that was delivered to Greg's flat was perfect and gorgeous. Greg didn't want to know how much it cost or how on earth Mycroft got his measurements. He looked himself over in the mirror and even checked out his arse. He was clean shaven and had lightly styled his short, silver hair. He looked damn good, if he did say so himself. It was but minutes to six and Greg expected Mycroft any moment. Just as his digital clock read six, there was a knock at his door. 'How predictable,' Greg thought as he went to open the front door.
"Good evening, Mycroft," Greg said as he opened the door and let the man in.
"Good evening, Gregory," Mycroft replied.
"I keep telling you, it's just Greg," he said with a smile.
While they exchanged these pleasantries both men looked each other over. Greg thought he'd never seen anyone so dashing, and that was saying something considering how Mycroft dressed on a daily basis. Mycroft silently thought that Greg looked like something out of a GQ magazine and completely edible. Only one was brave enough to voice his exact thoughts.
"You look very good, Gregory," Mycroft said reservedly.
"Thank you. And I must say you look quite good. Wish there were more occasions for you to wear a tux," Greg said as he straightened the white scarf across Mycroft's collar bones. "Very dashing."
They left for dinner and had a sumptuous meal at a restaurant Greg was sure he could never afford. He let Mycroft pay the bill when the man refused to let him even see the tab. They drove to the Opera house and suddenly Greg was nervous. The front room of the opera house was full of glamorous people- people Greg had never met and wouldn't likely socialize with on a regular basis. Just as he was starting to get really uncomfortable he spotted John and Sherlock across the room.
"You didn't tell me these two would be here," Greg said as he and Mycroft approached the couple.
"It must have slipped my mind," is all Mycroft said in reply.
"Well, it's good to see you two here. John," Greg said as he shook the Dr.'s hand, "Sherlock," he said with a nod at the tall man.
They all exchanged pleasantries and John and Greg shared some small talk for a few minutes. Mycroft and Sherlock shared a few quiet words, but were otherwise silent. Then Mycroft took Greg's arm and steered his detective away from the couple towards a small crowd across the room.
"There are a few people I would like to introduce you to, if you don't mind," Mycroft said.
"Not at all, I'd like to meet your friends," Greg said as he squeezed his dates arm in reassurance.
"They're not friends of mine so much as friends of the family," he said seeming nervous.
"It's all fine, Mycroft."
"Mrs. Stinson, how are you?" Mycroft asked politely.
"Oh, Mycroft, dear, so good to see you," the older woman said, kissing the bureaucrats cheek.
"It's good to see you as well. How is your husband?"
"Fine, not up to the theatre, as always, but never mind that now. Who is this handsome young man on your arm?"
"This is Gregory Lestrade, a Detective Inspector for the Yard."
"A detective! How wonderful! You've quite a catch in Mycroft, you know," Mrs. Stinson said.
"I know 'mam," Greg told her with a smile.
"Good, good. Nothing but the best for my dearest Myc, you know. Now come greet the Housers, I'm sure they haven't seen you in ages, either."
Greg was introduced to the Housers and then to Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley. It all went surprisingly well, Greg thought. There was not one comment or even a raised eyebrow about Mycroft having another man as his date. Being family friends, perhaps they'd already known that Mycroft wasn't heterosexual. Whatever the reason, Greg was grateful that their first real date was going off without so much as a hitch. Everyone was called to take their seats and then they sat for an hour or so in silence as they listened to the Italian Opera. There was a short intermission where Greg managed to snag Dr. Watson and chat with him about the show thus far and then it was back to the music. After another hour or so the Opera ended and everyone bid everyone else a goodnight in the front hall of the Opera house before departing.
"Did you enjoy yourself?" Mycroft asked.
"I did, Opera's never been a thing for me, but I had a very nice time. Thank you," Greg replied.
"It was my pleasure Gregory."
They briefly discussed the Opera before they were back at the detective's flat. Just as last time, Mycroft walked Greg to his door.
"Mycroft, I had a truly wonderful time."
"As did I. I'm glad you came with me. I must confess, the socializing associated with these events has never been a favorite of mine."
Greg laughed and without thinking leaned in and kissed Mycroft. Mycroft was surprised but immediately responded enthusiastically. What should have been a brief kiss turned into something much more passionate very quickly. Finally, after several seconds, Mycroft pulled away from his amore. With a last peck on the cheek, the bureaucrat bid the detective good night and returned to his car.
Greg waited till the car was leaving before letting himself into his flat. He locked his front door then slumped back against it. 'Damn,' he thought, 'that went ridiculously well. Jesus Mycroft can kiss.' With that he prepared for bed as usual and went to sleep thinking of Mycroft's soft lips.
