Hi!

Wow, sorry for the wait!

A slightly longer chapter here, I hope you enjoy…the dinner is upon us!

Please leave me a review, I would really love to know what you think of it!

Enjoy!

Onwards…..

'Gregory, stop fiddling with your tie'

'But it's uncomfy!'

'For goodness sake! Come here, then'

Gregory frowned as he shuffled nearer Mycroft. They were currently riding in the back of a very expensive looking car, and Lestrade felt rather exposed. He didn't like the idea of lording around in front of other people, but Mycroft, it seemed, didn't have that problem.

Deft fingers gently undid, then redid, Lestrade's bow tie. Greg had never got the hang of tying the damn things. The inspector sighed as the government officials' fingers ghosted over his neck; he could feel his hot breath tickle his face.

'And they have no idea you're gay?'

Mycroft pursed his lips at the rather abrupt question 'No.' he stated. 'And it is to remain that way.'

'…why?' probed Lestrade.

'Because they don't need to know. I like to keep some facts about my life private.'

Greg looked indignant. 'Oh, so I'm a "fact" now, am I?'

'No!' Mycroft looked stung. 'That's not what I meant, Gregory.'

But Greg smiled softly and Mycroft finally caught on. He laughed, a rarity outside of their own home unfortunately.

As they turned into the hotel's driveway, Mycroft caught Greg grinning broadly.

'Look' he smiled sarcastically, pointing. Mycroft craned his neck to see.

'I told you the Health Secretary would be here!'

Mycroft rolled his eyes

-x-

'Mr Mycroft Holmes'

'Good evening, Stephen.' Replied Mycroft, nodding curtly.

The man, Stephen Whoever, turned to Gregory, who looked back at him.

He could feel Mycroft tense next to him and his heart sank. What did he say? Mycroft told him not to talk if he could help it…

'Good…evening?' he said, nodding in the same fashion as Mycroft.

'Got yourself a new one, have you, Holmes?' Stephen turned back to Mycroft, completely ignoring Gregory.

'Indeed' clarified his partner, smiling. 'Takes time for them to get the hang of it.' He added.

'Yes, I suppose it does. Now, about these National Average Figures…'

Gregory bit back some well-chosen swear words and followed Mycroft and this Stephen fellow through the entrance hall. He curled his hands into fists and pretended to type into his palm; always calmed him down.

'Gregory!'

His head snapped up as Mycroft called for him; he had now moved into the dining area.

'Yes?' he moved over to them and stopped at the look on Mycroft's face; one eyebrow was risen. He'd missed something out.

'…Sir?' he added.

Stephen whistled. 'I think you were better off with the other one, to tell you the truth!' he laughed, patting Mycroft hard on the back.

Mycroft closed his eyes for a fraction of a second and Greg held his breath.

'Sorry, sir' he shuffled on his feet.

'No matter, Gregory.' Mycroft told him, smiling. Stephen moved away, smiling inanely at someone else.

'Please' implored Mycroft under his breath. 'Please try and at least act professional'

'I'm not doing this on purpose!' Lestrade hissed back, indignant. 'It's these posh ponces lording it about. I don't know how you stand it.'

'Because it's my job.' Mycroft told him. It was rather comical really; Mycroft was stood there looking down on him as if he were having 'stern words' with his PA and a group of well-to-do ladies in the corner were whispering. It seemed even the British Government wasn't immune to gossipers.

'Would the ladies and gentlemen please now move to the dining area?' a well- dressed lady with brown hair spoke to the room at large, smiling broadly. Gregory watched as she scanned the room and caught Mycroft's eye. He felt rather like the third wheel as she stared into his partner's eyes.

'Ahem'

Mycroft looked at him. 'I do find it fairer to warn you now…'he started, looking for the first time, uncomfortable.

'That you've got a fan' Greg giggled, trying to keep a straight face.

'If you like'

'Well, as long as she doesn't try and drag you into the cloakroom, it's alright with me.' Greg told him. 'At least I get you at home.'

'Thank you, Gregory.'

They moved together through to the dining room. It was now that Lestrade noticed the other PA's. They were the hang-abouts, the runners who were always trailing behind someone in a more expensive suit or dress than them. All he could say was that he was glad he could go back to his day job.

'Ah, Mr Holmes'

'Miss Larkson' Mycroft smiled politely and bent to kiss her extended hand. Greg looked away.

'And this must be your new…acquired help?'

'Yes, this is Gregory'

'Charming' Miss Larkson had a sickly sweet voice and didn't look at Gregory.

'You must sit with me, Mycroft. I have urgent matters to discuss with you.'

'I'm seated next to David, actually…' Mycroft tried to sidle out of it.

'No matter, I'll sit next to your other side.'

Gregory's ears perked. That's where he was supposed to sit, he remembered Mycroft telling him.

'Of course.' Mycroft smiled and motioned for her to lead the way.

Gregory followed the pair.

This night was just getting better and better.

Stephen Whoever and Miss Larkson bear no resemblance to anyone in the British Government to my knowledge : )

Thank you for reading, please leave a review…it would be much appreciated as to whether or not I continue this fic!

I'll update soon….

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