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Mycroft sat back and lifted his reading glasses so they perched on his forehead. He was quite satisfied with his holiday message. He he looked across the kitchen table at his partner. Greg looked less satisfied. His brow was wrinkled and the corners of his mouth were turned down.
“Is there something wrong? Mycroft asked.
Greg sighed. “No, I think I got it.”
“But you’re not happy with it.”
“No.” Greg agreed. “I just wish—“
“Let me see.”
“You won’t like it,” Greg warned.
Mycroft gave Greg a skeptical look. He stood and moved to stand behind Greg, flicking his glasses down into place.
“Ah.”
“I knew you wouldn’t like it.”
Mycroft rested a hand on Greg’s shoulder. “It’s fine. It’s just a bit… casual, shall we say.”
“Casual?”
“I’m wearing a knit vest.” Mycroft pointed out the obvious.
“Well, we are on vacation. I figured you wouldn’t like the beard.”
Mycroft considered the photo for a moment. “Do you have another picture of the two of us?”
“Only if you count one of our feet.” Greg clicked a couple of buttons to show Mycroft the picture that had been chosen for the back of their holiday card.
“Oh dear.”
“Yeah, my New Year’s Resolution is to take more pictures of the two of us.”
Mycroft hummed in agreement and then shrugged. “It is what it is.” He moved back to his chair. “It’s not a bad picture of the two of us, despite my knit vest and your terrible moustache.”
“Oy! It was No-Shave November, and not everyone can grow a full beard in a fortnight.”
“It is a gift,” Mycroft admitted smugly.
Greg rolled his eyes. “So, it’s settled? These are the pictures we’ll use?”
“Yes. Let me make a minor adjustment.” He typed briefly then forwarded the message on to Greg.
Greg read the holiday message. “Nice,” he commented as he imported it fill in the text space on the back of the card.
Mycroft closed his laptop and returned it to his office. Entering the kitchen again, he saw Greg closing his laptop.
“Tea?” Mycroft asked.
“Please.”
Mycroft started filling the kettle. “Did you order enough cards?” He asked.
“I hope so. But if I didn’t I can order more.” Greg pulled mugs from the cabinet.
They prepared their tea in companionable silence. Greg raised his mug to Mycroft, who returned the gesture.
“To another holiday card done and dusted,” Greg declared.
“And a New Year’s Resolution determined.” Mycroft tapped his mug against Greg’s.
“Yeah, more pictures of us, together.” Greg took a careful sip.
“Pictures featuring our faces, preferably,” Mycroft amended with a smile.
Season’s Greetings!
2025 has been a year of tempest and tumult for the world. We, for the sake of our sanity, have tried not to pay much attention to the things we cannot change. Rather we have focused our efforts more locally, supporting favorite business and charities that serve our neighbors. They may be small victories, but satisfying nonetheless.
Gregory continues to serve the public as Detective Chief Inspector at the Met. He has taken to reciting the Serenity Prayer at least once a day, and no less than twice if he’s has the misfortune of working with Sherlock.
Mycroft has been delegating more and more of his administerial duties to his staff in anticipation of retiring in the next few years. Also in preparation for said retirement, we have been taking more holidays. The picture featured on the card is from one such trip, hence the informal attire.
We wish all of you a healthy and happy new year. May it bring you the courage and wisdom necessary to make the changes this world needs.