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Mycroft Holmes didn’t much care for Christmas. It always had been a big tradition in the Holmes household, a tradition he was glad to skip out on as a kid whenever he had the chance. Now, as an adult, it was much easier. For years he only went for the traditional Christmas dinner to appease his parents and endure the Christmas cheer for a couple of hours. Now there was no reason to go anymore. After his brother had drugged everybody before the main meal some years ago, Mycroft had taken to politely refusing the invitations This year he didn’t even get an invite, not after Sherringford, and he pretended to be fine with the situation.
Greg on the other hand, loved the holidays. They had worked hard to reach a compromise. Their first Christmas together, Gregory had insisted on decorating and participating in the typical festivities. Mycroft had tried to keep everything outside, had vetoed everything and had been a terrible grinch according to Greg. After that nasty argument Greg had made a list. A list with, for him, the bare minimum Mycroft had to concede about. There would be a decorated tree, gifts on Christmas day and at least two work free days to celebrate together. Greg would be going to his parents on Christmas eve day and Mycroft would be welcome to join him.
After giving him the list he said “Read it, get me a tree and decorations that won’t upset your delicate sensibilities and let me know if you’ll join me at my parents for the 24th.” and he had left the room.
At that point Mycroft had realized he would have to compromise. A tree was procured, tasteful ornaments chosen and Mycroft was home the 25th and the 26th to enjoy some quality time with Greg. He didn’t join Gregory at his parents house till their third Christmas together.
When Mycroft thought about it, he had participated a lot more in the traditions the past few years. Greg had skillfully maneuvered him to take part in more and more of the traditions. At first Mycroft didn’t really notice and afterwards it was to late. He had addressed Gregory about his suspicions and Greg had blinked innocently in response.
First the tree, tasteful decorations and gifts together with a two days off. Then a visit to the Lestrades after baking cookies. The year after Greg had needed new decorations, this time not only limited to the tree. After that Christmas had begun a full week earlier with gentle music and the scent of the hot spiciness of cinnamon. Only last year Mycroft had discovered that the decorations had spread out across the entire house and Gregory had volunteered them to host the Lestrade family gathering on the 24th.
This year Gregory had commenced the decorating at the start of December. So when Mycroft came hom from work, he wasn’t surprised by Gregory waiting for him in the doorway and he was even les surprised by a particular decoration he spotted.
“Oh, how convenient, some mistletoe.” Mycroft was sure Gregory could hear the implied eye roll. “Luckily you’re exceptionally kissable and this won’t be any hardship.”
Greg cupped his face and looked him in the eyes. “Thanks for indulging me love.” he said before closing the remaining distance.