CHAPTER 2

Why hello gems, I hope today has been okay for you, here in Chester UK the weather has been changing by the second which is great because I can complain about it. Anyways, lets get these two emotionally constipated men together shall we?

—-

Gregory got out of the car and stared up at the house. It was as daunting as the iceman himself, yet he knew there were flames inside the fireplaces, and that they where not the only warmth within the house walls.

Before he could even knock on the door Mycroft opened it, looking a bit sheepish.

"Please Gregory come in, it seems to be freezing cold" He says, welcoming him in and taking his coat.

"Thanks Myc. Nice change of scenery and company." He said with an awkward laugh. He knew it was pretty early on in the visit to bring up the subject but he couldn't help himself.

Mycroft blushed and looked down, pretending to study Greg's coat. Gregory couldn't help but notice. Maybe there was something to his thoughts in his car and not just teenage girl crush like hope.

"Please come this way, I have a fire going in the library and I just added some lovely liquors to my drinks globe" Mycroft said, cheeks still glowing.

Moving towards the library the two accidentally brushed hands but neither of them pulled away. It was like they were magnetically connected. They always had been, but now it was indisputable. They sat in their respected chairs and Mycroft went over to his drinks globe to pour somes drink. Greg couldn't help but check him out like he had done so many times over the years. So handsome, tall, wonderful auburn color hair and this aura that reminatated power and also protection over the ones he cared about. Greg knew to at least some extent that he was included in the protection aspect.

Mycroft came back with two glasses of the finest bourbon.

—-

Mycroft knew he would have to explain. He had been trained both by himself and others above him (there wasn't many above him but still the Queen had given him a few tips), to hide away, keep in the shadows, but he couldn't simply anymore. There wasn't a millimeter of alcohol in his system yet he knew he couldn't keep a secret from his unknown beloved.

Greg was thanking him for the glass, but before he could say anymore Mycroft interjected. "I couldn't help but notice that truly awful man you used your precious time on. Seriously Gregory you deserve the world, let alone being some side chick or whatever the youth are saying."

He saw Greg's eyes dilate and his face had become flushed. Hmmm, interesting information to internalize. Mycroft lent back and observed the man. He seemed nervous despite the fact they were definitely used to each other's company.

"What exactly do you mean by the world? I'm just your average, middle-aged, divorced man, who would think any different?"

Well shit.

It was now or never. As Mycroft sipped his bourbon, he knew the confidence was brewing and he knew he could blame it at least slightly on the alcohol if it all went tits up.

Staring up at his white patterned ceiling and the bookshelves that towered above them both like a rainforest, he simply stated "you, my dear Gregory deserve the world and more. I only wish you could see yourself the way I see you."

There was a pause, not awkward but not quite comfortable either.

"How do you see me Myc" Said Gregory, standing up to walk over to Mycroft. Mycroft, instively got up too and ended only to become one inch away from the only slight shorter man. Gregory's cologne radiated off him and it felt more homely than the entire house he had lived in for so long.

"You are a close friend who is extremely talented in all departments." Replied Myc, only to see the look of disappointment on the Gregory's face.

So Gregory does like him! Surely no? Otherwise why would he be disappointed? Mycroft hated seeing that look. Oh to hell with it.

"My dear Gregory, you are handsome, smart, funny, passionate, ambitious and much more. Yes, I have been observing your dates. I am sorry but for once I seem to lack a sense of …should have a partner in your life that truly appreciates you"

—-

Holy shit this was actually happening. It was like the flames of the fire in the fireplace had also melted the icy exterior even more so than usual.

"A partner like who" Gregory said in a whisper somehow getting even closer to the man in front of him. Mycroft didn't say anything out loud but his eyes darted down to Gregory's mouth, and whether this was on purpose or not was irrelevant.

"Mycroft, I went on those dates because I felt I should. That's what people do, no? Date? Even when they like someone else they feel they have no shot with?"

Before the stunned not to minor government official could respond, Gregory cupped his cheek and leant forward.

"Or maybe, just maybe they do?" He whispered.

"They always have. For years before and years after." Mycroft said shakily. With all the confidence he had (he used less on presidents than he had to use on Greg in this moment). He leant down, and to Greg's surprise Mycroft kissed him first.

The fire blazed behind them as Mycroft pulled Gregory towards him as if to ground himself and make sure he wouldn't fly away. It started sweet like cotton candy but as it got more heated Mycroft realized he needed to make a point so he pulled back briefly.

"Be mine Gregory." He stupidly asked.

"Always" Answered Greg, his heart bursting and his chocolate eyes shining.

—-

Well gems what do you think! I may have had some gin whilst writing that last part so editing it this morning was interesting. Anyway see you tomorrow, I think I will just write a one shot tonight because I am having my COVID and Flu injection today, so I don't know how much energy I will have.

- Love ya, Hopkinson