-You are not starting to regret your diet already, are you?
The teasing smile on Greg's face when Mycroft raised his eyes from his tiny, empty plate made the Slytherin purse his lips.
-Mocking me already? I thought better of you. Obviously, I was wrong.
Greg shared a devious smile with Anthea, who was sitting opposite them at the table.
-Come on, he was just kidding. You get so sensitive when you are hungry.
Mycroft's eyes shot up again to meet what seemed to be a very amused Anthea.
-Seriously. You two are seriously doing this now. Great, loving the support.
This time Greg's demeanor changed a bit, and he seemed genuinely repented as he put his arms around his boyfriend. Mycroft didn't move a muscle.
-Oh, Mycroft please, don't be upset. It's just that sometimes you just look so vulnerable it'd be a sin not to take advantage. It doesn't mean I really think you are doing less than great.
Mycroft shook his head with an expression of genuine bewilderment on his face.
-Who are you? Weren't you supposed to be a Hufflepuff?
Anthea pointed a finger at them both as she nodded.
-We sort too soon, I'm telling you. I've always thought that. Besides, he'd been hanging around with us too much. He caught the Slytherin.
-Don't let my Quidditch team hear you say that.
Mycroft let himself relax the tiniest bit, and smiled at the comment. Greg turned to him again.
-In all seriousness though, how have you been doing with your… not diet.
Mycroft just rolled his eyes as Anthea cut in.
-He's been eating rabbit portions again. And regretting it later…
Mycroft's eyes went like plates as he shook his head at her, implicitly begging her not to continue that sentence.
-…and raiding the kitchens at night.
Greg gaped in surprise.
-You are a horrible best friend, do you know that?
-Yes, I've heard that before. From you, actually.
They smiled sarcastically at each other. Greg was just staring at Mycroft and shaking his head.
-Why? Why would you do that? I thought you…
He was going to say 'were over that', but it sounded a bit too harsh, even inside his head.
-…didn't feel like you needed to do that anymore.
Mycroft shrugged with fake disinterest.
-I have long since given up in trying to understand my eating habits, Gregory.
Anthea nodded, pretending to agree with him.
-Also, his parents wrote again.
Mycroft slapped the table with his palms.
-Why do I even keep you around?
She shrugged.
-I am the conscience you never had?
Greg's voice was but a whisper when he spoke.
-They did?
He let his head roll back as he ran a hand through his hair.
-Why didn't you say so? Oh, I'm so sorry Mycroft.
Mycroft sighed. It was out there now, wasn't it? There was no point in trying to deny it hadn't affected him. Still, he kept his composure the best he could.
-I'll be fine. It's just not as easy when you can't immediately answer back. Besides, they were a bit harsh. Well, harsher than usual, at least.
Greg knew better than to ask.
-Having that crap on writing doesn't help either. You should get rid of it already.
Anthea's tone was demanding. Greg looked confused.
-You haven't? Why?
-He needs a shrink, Greg.
-You need a muzzle, Anthea.
Greg sat back and ran a hand through his hair. He was going to punch both Mycroft's parents right on their stuck up noses. When Mycroft had finally found a bit of emotional equilibrium, they had to sneak in and ruin everything. He hadn't felt this angry in a very long time. He held his boyfriend hand, but kept staring at the floor.
-I'll never tease you again, I promise.
Mycroft had to smile. Greg looked simply too cute.
-You'll make it up to me later.
They tenderly smiled to each other.
-Ok, I hate to interrupt your romantic moment guys, but you need to figure this thing out, Mycroft. Either you give in to what your parents want –which would be completely idiotic, in my honest opinion- or you start eating like a normal human being again. This kind of intermediate thing is not working out at all. You are going to make yourself sick.
She held her tongue. She was about to say 'again'. Mycroft, however, didn't seem in the least upset by this point in the conversation.
-Fine, you can stop worrying, I'll start eating properly.
Anthea didn't look convinced. Mycroft insisted.
-It was just a minor setback, I promise; it happens to the best of us. Look, this kind of thing is not something you just get over from one day to the next. And relapses… happen.
The word 'relapse' was a bit too strong for Greg. He didn't know Mycroft had been struggling that much. Of course he knew he had some food issues, but he didn't know he considered himself to be sick. He could feel a tight knot forming in the pit of his stomach.
-Oh, Greg, don't make that face again.
Mycroft's voice showed his amusement. He laid a sweet kiss on Gregory's cheek.
-I've told you once and I'll tell you until you get it: you are not the one hurting me, ok? If anything, you've made things so much easier for me. You've helped me.
-You mean it?
He didn't sound too convinced.
-I wouldn't lie to you. You are too good in bed.
Anthea stood like there were ants on her chair.
-All right! That's my cue to leave. Goodnight, darlings.
She grabbed her stuff and dashed away under Mycroft's and Gregory's amused eyes. Only after she disappeared through the door, Greg dared speak again.
-In all seriousness, are you really ok?
Mycroft nodded.
-I am. And I promise this had nothing to do with you. You've done nothing but good for me.
Greg finally relaxed a bit.
-Just promise next time you are not feeling ok, you'll tell me.
Mycroft nodded. Greg allowed himself to smile.
-So I can go to your place and punch your parents sane.
Mycroft's laugh was honest.
-I promise.