Mycroft gave himself one last look in the mirror in the morning before leaving his room. He didn't really take notice, but for the first time in very long his reflection dedicated him an honest smile. He then went out of the dungeons and headed to class with Anthea arm in arm. His recent weight gain, freshly tailored uniform and latest –and probably last- growth spurt made her look delicate and petite in his arm, while he felt he looked quite imposing. The glares people dedicated them -or him, more like- didn't feel intimidating anymore; he actually found himself craving that kind of attention more and more with each pound he gained. But no one dared bring up the subject, not even Sherlock, not after what he had learnt days before. So he simply smiled to himself in silence at the bewildered looks and half-concealed whispers aimed at him at meal times. Mycroft's body got all the appreciation it craved elsewhere, anyway.
The end of the academic year was approaching and, as it was his last, a feeling of apprehension was beginning to nest on Mycroft's chest. Of course, he had already gotten an internship on the Ministry –in the Muggle Liaison Office, to be precise- but it wasn't his career he was particularly worried about. His relationship was going as smoothly as one could ask, for a couple of school children at least, but he was preoccupied things between them would feel the strain after classes were finished. Mycroft hadn't said a word to Greg yet, but he picked up the hint soon enough.
-If I'm gonna be a Hit Wizard we are going to see each other every day anyway.
The amused smile on Greg's face made Mycroft frown.
-I wouldn't say every day; we would probably cross one another in a hall, once in a while. It's a big place, you know.
Greg actually snorted.
-You are cute when you are worried, have I told you that before?
Mycroft rolled his eyes at him but couldn't contain a smile.
-I'm not worried, I'm being realistic. Things are inevitably going to change and we should be prepared. I dislike surprises, you know that.
Greg scratched his head, looking to the horizon for inspiration.
-Well, we are still going to date. That's what people do, go out on dates. Right?
Mycroft bit his lower lip.
-Actually… well, my parents are going to let me use their apartment in Whitehall. It's supposed to go to me and Sherlock, but it'll be four years until he's out of school. I could buy some place new by then; leave him the old place…
Greg looked fairly confused. Mycroft was a bit thrown off by this, but he cleared his throat and continued.
-And as you were planning to go back to your parent's place, I was thinking that maybe –if you want- you would like to move in with me?
Greg's eyes widened like plates.
-Are you serious?
-Why, of course.
Mycroft allowed himself a hint of a smile.
-Provided you learn how to cook.
The velocity in which Greg's mouth went from wide open with surprise to the beamiest smile Mycroft had ever seen, was quite astounding. In a blink, Greg was snogging him almost to the point of asphyxiation. Mycroft broke the kiss, barely able to contain the laughter
-Darling, remember we are in public.
Mycroft reckoned Greg looked a bit like an excited puppy.
-Jesus Mycroft, I don't know what to say.
-Well, you could say yes. You haven't yet, I'm getting a bit worried.
He said sarcastically.
-Yes, of course yes!
He resumed his kissing, and Mycroft let him take it a bit further this time. Well, that had gone ever better than expected. He knew there were downsides, of course -meeting Greg's parents as his boyfriend would be painful enough, but Greg meeting his would be simply excruciating- but he decided he would leave those thoughts for later; right now he would simply enjoy the moment. Suddenly and without a warning Greg broke the kiss and just exclaimed.
-I gotta get down to the kitchen. I gotta get recipes.
Mycroft stood frozen for a moment, watching him run away. Greg then turned back, as if he had forgotten something, gave him a peck on the lips, whispered 'I love you', and went on his way again. Mycroft was just staring at him, with a quirky smile on his lips, when Anthea came out of the shadows.
-So I take you asked him.
-Yes.
-And it went well.
Mycroft's smile reappeared brighter than before.
-Very well, yes.
Anthea smiled beamingly.
-Congratulations, darling. I believe this calls for a celebration. Tea?
-God, yes.
-You think you can handle that with your stomach full of butterflies?
She said teasingly. Mycroft had to laugh.
-You know I can.