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Someone had really done a number on the poor man’s self-confidence, Greg thought to himself. Though Mycroft was extremely confident in professional settings (to the point of arrogance), his confidence in himself and his qualities as a person was sorely lacking.
Greg vowed to himself that should he ever find the person or persons responsible, he would have a few choice words with them. Greg had his suspicions: Sherlock’s habit of casually disparaging his brother clearly pointed to a certain direction.
After discovering how an honest compliment could make the ice man blush, Greg also vowed to verbalise all his sentiments regarding the man’s qualities (Mycroft deserved the praise). The man had been so charmingly embarrassed, but the embarrassment had not hidden the fact that he had also been pleased, rather than merely flustered. (Greg found the flustered look oddly adorable.)
After another close call with Sherlock: “You take excellent care of your brother.”
Giving Grep a light home late at night, when he’s tired and wet and his lower back aches: “You’re a godsend.”
Delivering Greg supplies (paracetamol, chicken soup, and fresh citrus fruit) when he’s down with the flu: “You’re a good friend.”
Together at Mycroft’s club: “You have excellent taste in whisky.”
Another night at the club: “I really like spending time with you.”
Invited for the first time to Mycroft’s: “Your home is lovely.”
Having dinner in Mycroft’s kitchen: “That was delicious, you’re a great cook.”
When having a takeaway at Greg’s (Indian) and watching a silly show (Monty Python): “I love to see you smile.”
Receiving an extravagant present (a well-fitting suit to make Greg presentable at a dreaded gala he’s been invited to): “You really know how to doll up a man.” (Greg quite likes being spoiled.)
After Mycroft agrees to accompany him, “I feel so much more confident having you as my date.” (Greg feels like he can face anything, even the Mayor, with Mycroft on his side.)
When Mycroft is picking him up before the event: “You look... wonderful.” (Greg flounders.)
After the soirée: “I had a surprisingly good time, all thanks to you.” Greg also gathers his courage to ask if they might go on a second, proper date again soon. (The answer is “Yes.”)
A few days later, when Mycroft picks him up for lunch, “Those trousers make your legs look endless.” (It sounds decidedly flirty, but Greg cannot find another way to express his appreciation of the man’s svelte physique.)
Later that week, having dinner together at an intimate restaurant, “That tie really brings out the colour of your eyes.” Greg can distinguish the man’s blush even in the dimly lit room.
After the dinner: “Thank you, that was perfect.”
In the privacy of Mycroft’s car: “You really are an excellent kisser.”
Sometime later on the same backseat: “Gods, those elegant hands of yours really do it for me.”
And, “You have no idea how long I’ve wished to have my mouth on that pretty neck of yours.” (It turns out that Mycroft does have an idea – the man is a Holmes, after all.)
In the intimacy of Mycroft’s bedroom: “You look gorgeous naked.”
The morning after: “Last night was truly wonderful.” They both agree that they need to do it again, soon.