When Greg got to Scotland Yard that morning and got into his office, there was a fresh coffee and a brown paper bag sitting square in the middle of his desk. Blinking curiously, he set his briefcase down on the floor and walked over, peeking in the bag to find a piece of coffee cake. Licking his lips, he walked around and sat, taking a sip of the coffee and groaning. Goddamn was it some of the best he'd ever had. It was then that he saw the small note attached to the bag.
A little pick-me up for the start of what is sure to be a long day. Lunch later? -MH
Greg smiled over his coffee cup, reaching out and running his thumb across the delicately scrawled words. It was a small gesture, sure, but it carried heavy meaning behind it. Humming softly, he pulled out the coffee cake and tore off a piece, chewing happily. His day would be decidedly better now.
The next time a gesture had come through like this, Greg had been stuck at the Yard for almost 36 hours straight. It was one of the most grueling cases of his career, even with Sherlock and John working it as well, and he was currently staring at the results of the victim's autopsy for what had to be at least the fourth time. His vision was blurring, and he scrubbed at his face, deciding he needed to go on a coffee run.
A knock sounded on his door, and Sally popped her head in, holding up a sack. Greg's brow furrowed as she brought it over and dumped it on his desk.
"For you, sir," she prompted, nodding at it with a soft smile, and was gone before he could respond. Blinking, he opened the sack, pulling out a container of food from the nearby Chinese place that he loved. It was still hot and fresh, and it was some of his favorite stuff. Another note was attached, in that gorgeous handwriting.
Don't forget to eat. You neglect yourself needlessly during a particularly rough case. –MH
So he ate. If he hadn't received that food, he doubted he would've made it out to eat that night. Mycroft knew him too well. It made Greg start to wonder where he'd be without his relationship with the politician.
The gifts were always simple, always practical. But Greg still considered them gifts. There was a hint of romance behind them, something most capable with a Holmes. It suited Mycroft very well, and it was something that made Greg feel special. He felt thought of, looked after. Not to mention that they always showed up when he needed it the most.
As he all but dragged himself into his office one morning and collapsed into his chair, another token was revealed. He opened his briefcase on his desk, sniffing deeply and trying to ignore the miserable throbbing in his head. He blinked at what was revealed among his files. A pack of paracetamol, some of his favorite tea (that he could combine with hot water at some point during the day), and one of Mycroft's own handkerchiefs (a silky dark blue cloth that had a white crisscross pattern going across it). As he unfolded the handkerchief, a note fell out.
This will be more pleasant for your nose than the tissues kept at the Yard. Try to keep your strength up, darling. I can care for you properly later this evening. –MH
There were also the small series of quirky gifts that was on more of a playful, joking side. Two of the more recent ones being an apple with a note that read: They say an apple a day will keep the doctor away, but it is also rather effective when thrown in the direction of the doctor's flatmate. –MH, and a set of earplugs with the following note: I understand that a visit from Sherlock is imminent later. This should prove useful when he starts talking just for the sake of talking. –MH
No matter the context or the meaning behind them, Greg adored them. He got them at least once a week, no matter what. It made no difference if the two men had seen each other earlier that morning, or if Mycroft was in another country all together. He received them without fail.
He kept every note. They were stored away in a small compartment in the top drawer of his desk, so when he needed a moment to breathe and relax, he pulled them out and read them. They never failed to bring a smile to his face.
