Mycroft couldn't say when it happened or how, but it did. What was this feeling slowly creeping in on him? His treacherous heart gave his mind no real warning. One day he was Mycroft Holmes Minor Government Employee, on his way to another meeting of politicians all hungry for each others blood, and then the next he was Mycroft Holmes sputtering idiot.
The object of his affection and confusion was entering into his office smiling politely. So handsome in his plain attire, today the ex navy doctor was wearing a dark crew neck ribbed knit jumper, something a naval man would wear aboard a ship on a nippy day.
His dark jeans weren't new but well taken care of as well as his black polished boots. Those jeans were perfect against the toned figure beneath, the dark blue almost black jumper hide many things. And Mycroft found himself wanting to discover just what.
He had read the man's service records everything was there only one disciplinary note, that was intriguing but Mycroft refused to dig any further. And naturally the injuries sustained through Dr. Harlow's military career were all well outlined in the medical file. The older Holmes found himself wishing to trace a finger and run his eyes over what was well hidden.
Right there on the antique furniture, it would be worth the cleaning bill to have the young man naked under him. Naked and spread open, it could be a beautiful thing. Yes, having Doctor Harlow looking up at him with those sea green eyes glazed and pupils blow wide with want.
The British Government wanted to deduce the man, wanted to strip away his secrets and desires. However when his eyes flicked back up to the young doctor's clean shaven face, there was nothing to read but a polite greeting.
It was frustrating and so very very distracting, how was Mycroft to get any work done when the young doctor sauntered in like he owned the place. Obviously this man was well aware of his affect on men and women. Surely Mycroft wasn't the first to fall under the seemingly innocent spell of Lieutenant Surgeon Joshua Harlow. His file had several notes on inappropriate behaviors. It was too bad really, such things had cost the young naval officer a couple promotions.
This led Mycroft to ponder how many others there had been, then he cut that line of thought off almost immediately. No, Doctor Harlow was temptation and he would not submit.
"Ah, Mr. Holmes." The doctor's voice was casual and low not as deep a baritone as Sherlock's but deep enough to cause the British Government to snap to attention.
He had tried to ignore the doctor a few times and failed miserably, he knew it was best to just get it over with.
"Doctor Harlow." Mycroft closed the file on his desk and frowned, he refused to smile, absolutely refused. Smiling was sentiment it was an open invitation of interest and Mycroft would not play victim to his eager libido. Yes that's it, he was only physically attracted and who wouldn't be?
He could easily seduce the other man, it wouldn't be difficult according to his record. Perhaps a high paying position at a private clinic, or even a teaching position at a military school. Mycroft could make all of these things available and in return the younger man would be very, very appreciative.
Maybe Mycroft would look further into Doctor Harlow's background before requesting his services further.
Doctor Harlow was handsome, even with the angry burn that scared and discolored the left cheek of the ex navy doctor, a scar that ran over the straight jaw, running down the slender neck disappearing into the collar of his jumper. If anything the scar made Doctor Joshua Harlow that much more attractive, it was a testament to the man's bravery.
It was a badge that Harlow should wear proudly; he had earned these marks while working at a field hospital. When a suicide bomber had managed to get past the lines even badly burned the doctor had managed to pull his people out only to be present for a second explosion that riddled the left side of his body with hot shrapnel. The Doctor walked with a limp and his injuries were the end of his surgical career much like John's.
Not that Doctor Harlow was anything like John, their military careers were nearly identical their field of choice in particular. However that was all the two men shared in common. John had never been so promiscuous and open with his sexual exploits. Once more Mycroft had to mentally push these thoughts aside, he couldn't careless about the other man. He was only Mycroft's Doctor, one that John had assigned to him, after today he wouldn't have to be subjected to such unbecoming thoughts.
Sea green eyes carried a look of concern, "Alright, I know you loath work interruptions but no need to look so foreboding." The younger man sighed placing his medical kit down near Mycroft's desk. Mycroft snapped out of his musings once more.
"Come along Mr. Holmes you know the routine." Harlow gestured to the older Holmes to take a seat in one of the red winged back chairs near the fireplace. "I don't want to accidentally see something confidential and end up in the river for it."
"Nonsense Doctor my men wouldn't put you in the river, too easy to find the body then." Mycroft never understood the ease in which this man put him in, and suddenly he's joking with the man. And after he swore to remain aloft, dammit, what was it about this doctor?
The ex naval officer was laughing now, the deep rumble made Mycroft's groin stir and he wondered what it would feel like, his body pressed against the other man naked, while he laughed. Yet again with these distractions!
"There you go again with the frowning. It's a wonder you don't walk around with a permanent headache. Now open." Doctor Harlow held the thermometer to Mycroft's lips.
Gray eyes narrowed on the younger man holding the stethoscope. " Don't worry. This will be our last forced meeting. You're looking like the flu has finally left you. But I firmly believe you should try and get at least three meals in a day. You still look a little peaked and don't think I haven't noticed you've lost more weight."
The doctor removed the thermometer "Perfect, normal. Now a listen to the lungs and we'll be done here, then you can return to ruling the world. Or whatever it is you do." Mycroft didn't reply he tried to recite the Blood lines of the English royal monarchs in his head, willing himself to remain flaccid. This was proving difficult when the doctor requested Mycroft remove his jacket and unbutton the expensive white shirt beneath.
Then his wretched heart sped up when the doctor clinically did a quick examine, his elegant hands with the long fingers would make any pianist envious. Even with the badly burned left hand. Those scars could cover the whole of the younger man and Mycroft would still find him beautiful.
Now, those same hands were holding the stethoscope's end over the older Holmes's heart, moving lower to listen to his gut.
"Normal, good. Deep breaths." The professional listened, sea green eyes focused on the task at hand, giving Mycroft ample opportunity to examine the young face unnoticed. Dark bags marked circles under Joshua Harlow's eyes; Mycroft wondered what kept the man up late.
Perhaps a lover, of course this Doctor had someone, an intelligent young man with handsome features and an impressive military career. How could he not be unattached? Mycroft could find out easily but he refused, he would not give in to this fixation. The sooner the man was out of sight the faster he would be out of mind.
Joshua Harlow was close so close, the ends of this man's soft neatly cut hair tickled just under Mycroft's chin.
The older Holmes could easily reach out and run his hands through the soft strands, or perhaps he could hold the strands tight forcing the bowed head lower allowing those beautifully curved lips to move expertly over his heated flesh.
Mycroft felt himself stir and his heart start to pound thankfully the doctor was pulling away finished with his examine.
"So, I'll be happy to report to your brother in law you are back to normal. Next year I propose you not forget the flu shot. Or perhaps as a reminder John and I will have to sneak up on you. However that may prove difficult with the level of security you have in this place."
Doctor Harlow packed up his case and once more flashed a bright smile causing the British Government to fumble with the buttons of his shirt. "I'll miss these little meetings. I thank you and John for the extra work. If you need anything no matter the time don't forget to call. I've left my card with your assistant but just in case." Doctor Harlow handed Mycroft a business card, "My mobile number is there. Take care of yourself Mr. Holmes or I'll be forced to return. Remember to eat more. Even the British Government needs some form of nourishment, can't run a country on an empty stomach."
And just as quickly the younger man was gone leaving the room with a feeling of cold emptiness.