#caring greg

Before they met, they both had a tendency to sacrifice a lot for their work. A lot of their own selves.

But the difference now is that they had each other to remind them to take care of themselves.

And today it was Greg's turn to remind Mycroft, which is why he decided that he could enter his office.

He spoke softly so as not to frighten him out of his concentration, "Mycroft." Then he reached over, laid a hand on Mycroft's shoulder, and asked softly, "Didn't you say you'd only be here for an hour?"

"I did," confirmed Mycroft without looking up from his laptop.

"You know you've been here for three hours, love?"

"Oh really?" replied Mycroft again, still not looking up.

Greg sighed fondly and then leaned in, watching Mycroft surreptitiously, his dedication to his work was after all one of the qualities Greg loved. Mycroft was truly breathtaking when he was focused. To be honest, Greg found him permanently breathtaking.

He had this intense look in his eyes and his whole body vibrated with the tension that was almost constantly in him.

But Greg could also see the dark circles under his eyes, the reddened eyes from too much screen time, the drawn features and that was less breathtaking.

So he murmured in Mycroft's ear, "Take a break until tomorrow."

"But..." began Mycroft.

"There are no buts about it..." Greg brought his lips even closer to his ear and whispered, making Mycroft shiver to his delight, "I miss my lover..."

Mycroft leaned his cheek against Greg's hand still on his shoulder, "You're an excellent negotiator."

He replied in a playful tone, "It's not just you who has that particular skill."

Mycroft laughed softly and spun his wheeled seat to wrap his arms around Greg's waist, "You should have called me sooner."

"Mycroft, I know that when you go to work and say you'll be an hour, it's going to take an average of three times that long, and I don't mind because that's you, which is what you are, and I love everything about Mycroft Holmes, even the scrupulous workaholic who can't find rest until he's untangled I don't know what diplomatic problem. So I've given you the time I think you need, but I'm not going to let you work yourself to exhaustion either."

Mycroft pressed a kiss to Greg's belly and laughed softly again.

"Okay dear, I get it. I'll stop until tomorrow," Mycroft finally conceded and then turned off his computer.

He stood up and took Greg's hand, saying with a mischievous smile, "Now I'll have to make it up to my neglected lover."

He pulled Greg behind him down the hallway and into the living room where he sat on the couch pulling Greg toward him until he was astride his lap.

He then buried his face in the juncture between Greg's shoulder and neck breathing in his scent as Greg slid his hands over Mycroft's shoulders and gently stroked his back.

"Hmm," Mycroft murmured, "I missed you too." he straightened up a bit and framed Greg's face before kissing him gently. Then he nuzzled his face again into the neck of Greg who rested his chin on Mycroft's head and continued to gently stroke his back.

They stayed like that for a long time, rhythmed by the regular breathing of Mycroft in the neck of Greg and the hypnotic caresses of Greg on the back of Mycroft.

Then Mycroft slowly raised his head, catching Greg's lips again in a warm and meaningful kiss. He gently stroked his jaw and let his eyes close, his tongue gently brushing against Greg's bottom lip. He slowly broke the kiss after a few moments, looking lovingly into his lover's eyes.

Then with a sheepish look, he said softly, "I'm sorry that sometimes I get so immersed in my work that I forget everything, even you."

Greg put a finger to his mouth and said, "And I'm only sorry because you forget yourself and don't take care of yourself."

Mycroft put his arms around him and rested his head on his shoulder, "Yes, but you are here to set me straight."

Greg chuckled. "That's right, so now is the time to tell you that falling asleep on the couch is out of the question."

Before Mycroft could protest, Greg stood up and grabbed the hand of Mycroft, who had no choice but to follow him into their room.  Greg pushed gently Mycroft towards the bathroom.

Mycroft said with a surprised tone, "Aren't you coming in the shower with me?"

"No, I already showered love."

"How could you do that?" asked Mycroft in a plaintive tone as he headed for the bathroom.

Meanwhile, Greg opened the bed and slipped under the sheets, beginning to doze again, lulled by the sound of the shower.

When Mycroft returned a few minutes later, he stopped for a moment on the doorstep to admire the sight in front of his eyes, the sheet that revealed just a bit of bare shoulder, the disheveled hair, more than usual, the slight beginning of a stubble.

Then he murmured as he approached, "It's not just me that's tired it seems."

Greg looked so peaceful, but at the same time so tempting, that Mycroft couldn't help but lean in and kiss him.

As soon as Mycroft's lips touched his cheek, Greg stirred and opened his eyes, despite the lightness of the kiss.

Mycroft felt a little guilty so he gently brushed Greg's hair, kissed his cheek and softly whispered, "Go back to sleep my beloved."

Greg shook his head with his characteristic stubbornness and tried to sit up.

"I wasn't sleeping, I was just dozing while waiting for you."

Mycroft smiled fondly, then lay down beside him, and turning to him said gently, "Well, I'm here now, you can fall asleep for good."

They were now face to face and Mycroft took this moment to admire his lover. His mouth was slightly open, his breathing getting heavier and his eyes clouded with fatigue. Mycroft leaned over and kissed his forehead in a lingering kiss. He moved his lips downward, moving closer to Greg's. Their breaths mingled and he could smell Greg. Cedar and pine. Lemon and mint. Mycroft closed his eyes in delight.

"Mycroft," sighed Greg, already half asleep, "I love you."

Mycroft gasped. He may have heard it many times before. Every time Greg said those words, it was as if it was new, as if it was the first time.

And as Greg's eyes were closing he whispered softly, his throat tight with emotion, "I love you." wondering what he had done to deserve someone like Greg.

After a final brush of his cheek, as if to verify the reality of his presence in his arms, Mycroft wrapped his arms around Greg who automatically snuggled up to him and Mycroft let sleep take him away.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story 🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝