GlassSoul- I managed to update so quickly because I was already half way through the second chapter before even uploading the story. I had a system of always finishing the next chapter before uploading the one before that but because I got such good feedback I uploaded the third chapter sooner. I might go back to the old method though, really depends on how long people would be willing to wait for it.
I have leaned more towards platonic but it is bad that I listen to cute little love songs when writing these up. P.S: LKAJFLKHFOI Kitten!John would be adorable.
Hikari Kaiya- Just keep on lurking my friend.
Alice The Walker- But if John never left this story would go nowhere. Keep pulling at the reader's heartstrings and bring in sympathy points for Sherlock.
Jnpg- All excellent questions. The thing with being away from the sea thing is that John is growing accustomed to being away so he was not getting sick after being away for as long like the first time because he can withstand being away longer but there is still the emotional longing for returning to his natural home. As for keeping it canon, I'm teetering on the fence because in most cases with story ideas, I first think of it being incorporated into canon events but we'll find out once we cross that bridge, won't we?
Shadowkitsune-sama- Kevin was nice and I have thought of maybe at some point possibly, but very unlikely, have him make an odd appearance sometime later and again as for canon-wise I'm still debating it but I think I will end up sticking close to the plot, maybe. I am very indecisive.
A.N: I've got a beta now so my story will become even better! Lots of thanks to ! This also means I'll probably try and put a schedule on update speed so not to flood her with chapters. Maybe, I don't know. Latest chapter and again not as long but still a good length, or I like to believe so. Enjoy!
MYCROFT
Mycroft knew. Of course he knew, the army doctor was hardly subtle with the matter. It was so obvious that the older Holmes was rather disappointed in his brother for not knowing it at all, unless he did and wasn't letting anyone catch on about it to protect the man. However, it was more likely that John was the one protecting him and not the other way around. Mycroft scolded himself when he found out because really, it had been quite obvious even when Sherlock had found John the first time as a harmless hedgehog and then again as a golden retriever. Mycroft had grown concerned when he did learn and feared that the Selkie would once again return and sweep his brother away to the sea this time. Mycroft learned because the government knew, they knew more than they would let the actually species know. The government was slowly reaching out to these hidden and mythical creatures, having a few in their possession. Yes, testing and experiments were conducted but only for future medical purposes when they, hopefully, integrated these creatures into society. It was an ongoing project and surprisingly enough, Selkie was one of the hardest to come by due to their ability to walk as a human but Mycroft knew the signs and related the facts to the characteristics of both John and Hamish; Sherlock's beloved childhood pets.
John was aware of the fact that Mycroft knew what he was. The older Holmes would not let the doctor live with the illusion of having fooled him the moment he found out. Of course that had not been long after John had met Sherlock as a human being that Mycroft clued in and confronted the army doctor on the topic in their second encounter. It was another abandoned warehouse, rather spacious and greatly similar to the first time John met the older Holmes. Of course, Sherlock was too distracted at the time with his current case to take notice of his missing friend. Mycroft sneered thinking of it, his brother and this creature had become friends, and he did not like it. Mycroft was unsure of the creature's intentions, he had entered and left Sherlock's life repeatedly and he feared that, one day, when he leaves, he'll take his little brother with him and Sherlock Holmes will be lost to the world.
John acted as if nothing was wrong. Strolled towards the suit-clad man with confidence and curiosity as to what he wanted to speak with him about. He suspected it was about Sherlock and his present case as well as health, as the topics usually were. Mycroft fought the urge to glare or show any malice or suspicion least the Selkie catch on but he figured John would smell it. The released scents of suspicion, the scent that implied hidden intentions or the thoughts of something unpleasant. He had used this instinct much more as a golden retriever and now than he had as a hedgehog. Mycroft had spoken calmly, basic topic of conversations to try and lure John into a sense of security and comfort but he could tell the doctor was on edge. No matter how calm he may seem, his muscles were still tense in anticipation, he smelt danger and was not sure as to what the threat was. This comforted Mycroft in the least, John still recognized him as an ally from their childhood but also disappointed him because it proved John to be too trusting, even when it was obvious the threat was his own friend.
Mycroft irritated John. He was annoyed by the lingering sense of danger and had snapped at the man before turning to stomp off and leave. John had certainly gotten bolder in his years apart from the Holmes family. It was then Mycroft spoke, watching John's retreating form.
"I know."
The room was tense and John stopped abruptly but he dared not turn around and face Mycroft.
"I know what you are John and I must advise you take your next steps carefully." Mycroft threatened and so John slowly turned to look at the older Holmes brother. "Selkies usually don't live so far from the sea for so long, do they? Feel a little homesick John?"
John remained silent and stared at Mycroft with such intensity he almost felt intimidated. Little tests and studies had been successfully done by Selkies, no one know if they're violent and dangerous or avoid conflicts. Defensive and flee or aggressive. John remained perfectly still, those same blue eyes Mycroft has seen in different forms stare back at him from years in the past.
"Just what are you getting at Mycroft?" John finally spoke, voice even and seemingly oblivious but the hardened expression hadn't changed. John lifted his chin ever so slightly and Mycroft smirked, he was challenging him. Prove it.
"It is really quite obvious, I am disappointed Sherlock hasn't figured it out yet. Although, I guess Sherlock has deleted those memories to save himself the trouble." John squared his shoulder, jaw clamped shut tightly and standing tense, fists clenched and then uncurling.
"A small defenseless hedgehog named John, died and left at the very bushes in our Aunt Helena's backyard but his body had disappeared when we visited her the following summer." Mycroft began approaching John and the Selkie fortunately remained still. "A brave and loyal golden retriever named Hamish. Supposedly got lost chasing a squirrel in the summer just a day before Sherlock had to return to his second year of University. Was late by two weeks in search of the pet but then again he always considered those two creatures his friend. Is it ringing any bells John?" Mycroft continued to smirk, stopping just in front of John and staring him down.
"Can't really say it does. Is there a reason you're telling me all of this Mycroft?" John replied, chin still held high and staring back at the man defiantly.
"Don't play coy with me, it doesn't suit you." Mycroft hissed and he noticed when John shifted back only an inch. He was getting defensive. Mycroft wasn't particularly worried at this point, if John proved to lash out, he had men hiding and awaiting his command. "The government knows more than they let you believe. We have facilities planted across the globe studying species and your kind. I merely speak now out of concern for my brother."
John against shifted to make more room between himself and Mycroft, brows furrowed and fists clenched once again. Blue eyes locked onto him intensely. Mycroft didn't let it bother him and remained unperturbed by the gaze.
"Do understand John, we have yet to truly study a Selkie and so your patterns and intentions with humans is a mystery. I am just concerned that the next time you disappear to the sea, Sherlock will be with you and gone forever." Mycroft admitted his fears and was unsure on how to react to the offended and affronted expression shot back at him by John. The other male's eyes widened and jaw slackened as his whole tense composure deflated.
"You suspect that I would drag him into the sea?" John seemed angry now as he voiced Mycroft's suspicions. "I am Sherlock's friend and always have been. I, nor would any other Selkie, drag a human be drowned in the sea. I can assure you right now Mycroft that I would never bring harm to that man nor would I ever let anything else come close to even be a threat to him." John snarled, fuming he turned around and began to march away.
"You've done that quite enough already, don't you think?" Mycroft called after and John froze. "Running off on him to return to the sea. He was devastated by your disappearances. Do it again and prepare to be hunted for the rest of your life and forced into captivity."
"I wouldn't even dream of it."
Of course Mycroft may have been reassured that John's intentions were nothing sinister he stilled worried. John has always been different, for obvious reasons, but how was Mycroft to know if all Selkies were like John and if not, then how many would be attracted to Sherlock because of his own Selkie companion. Mycroft had attempted to convince John to be a willing subject of various tests, all offers declined. Mycroft could have easily kidnapped him and forced him into one of these facilities but if John was gone for too long then Sherlock would certainly notice and demand to know of his friend's whereabouts. If the shock of him thus discovering what John truly was wasn't enough to make him speechless, then his younger brother would most certainly be furious with him for even considering conducting experiments on John. All Mycroft had ever gotten were reluctant interviews from the male Selkie, the only one who could speak the human tongue so fluently no one could suspect him of ever being anything else.
Mycroft learned the language. Not in the sense of being able to speak to a Selkie but he could recognize it and vaguely translate it judging by the created noises, pitch, and tones. They had recordings from wild Selkies they had been unable to capture. He also learned that a Selkie could speak or understand human language, they learn it naturally over years, but it seemed to be that the process takes years. John had proven to learn it quickly and that was undoubtedly credited towards the high levels of exposure to human culture he experienced. What he also learned from John was that the Selkies aging record was different. They didn't keep track of age or maturity by counting years like a human. They simply matured over time and aged, a Selkie that has grown black spots along its back is considered one of great maturity and age. John stated he had gained his black spots after being around for five years but his own sister, whom was only two years older than himself, had her spots when he was originally born. It differs.
Mycroft began growing impatient with John, who really ought to come clean to Sherlock about this. He was guilty to admit that he had purposely roped Sherlock into certain situations where John would have to save him in hopes that he would out himself as a Selkie, but so far luck had always been on John's side and he had no need to abandon his human disguise and adopt his old skein. John would be able to save Sherlock to the best of his human abilities, so there had been no reason for John to become his true self or to use the pelt of another animal. That is, until the one scuffle Sherlock had and was thrown into the Thames where he nearly drowned if a seal had not of dove in and saved him. He regained consciousness on the bank of the river with John hovering over him dripping wet and doing his best to try and warm up Sherlock before he caught some cold. It was this one case that had attracted Mycroft's attention and was the reason why John found himself in the Diogenes Club, sitting in one of the back rooms with Mycroft.
"How is Sherlock recovering?" Mycroft questioned, pouring two glasses of Scotch. He glanced over at John seated in the overly plush leather chair across from where Mycroft would be sitting in.
"Fine, he's doing fine." John responded quickly, seeming distracted by something else. Mycroft raised a brow but walked over slowly and offered him a drink before being seated. "He's going a little stir crazy but what's new?" John joked before taking a sip of the drink. His face scrunched ever so slightly as the liquid burned.
"Not very fond of human alcohol?" Mycroft questioned with a smirk before taking a small sip of the drink.
"Can't say I'm very fond of it." John responded honestly, keeping the glass in his hand and turning it with eyes locked onto the liquid. Mycroft noticed his right foot was bouncing ever so slightly. He stashed the information away for now.
"You're going to have to tell him soon John." Mycroft firmly ordered, staring the shorter male down as John stared back stubbornly. "He is going to get himself committed one of these days. He was rambling to me the other day about a seal in the Thames. Said he grabbed his hand but when he woke up again you were there instead. He's going to try and find the seal and you know it." Mycroft explained and John nodded with a grave expression.
"If not then people will surely think him insane at this point." He added but John remained quiet, staring at the drink and foot bouncing even more. He looked a little pale and he was tense now.
"You seem far too restless for one supposedly at ease, John." Mycroft leaned back in his chair while taking another sip of his Scotch and John's eyes moved around the room. He frowned when spotting something and Mycroft looked to see him looking at one of the many paintings decorating the walls of the building. It was of a sandy beach, lighthouse, and an empty open field beyond the sand. Water crashed along some rocks below the lighthouse and waves caressed the sandy beaches. Realization struck Mycroft and he looked back at John sternly.
"Homesick are we?"
"You don't understand Mycroft." John spoke shakily, one hand trembling once more and he drank down the rest of the Scotch completely. "It is in my blood to live in the sea. Before meeting Sherlock I had the leisure to return to the sea from time to time but it's been years since I've gone back. I grow weak the longer I'm away, I get sick or worse… I could pass away."
Mycroft understood when he was told of this. He thought back to the weak and ill hedgehog known as John who supposedly died in those last moments before Sherlock put him down under the very bushes he where he had found him. He was away from the sea for too long when he was too young. Hamish was away from the sea even longer and ran off to return home. John Hamish Watson, Mycroft couldn't imagine how long it had been since he'd gone back to the sea. Stuck in a war zone in the middle of a desert, now constantly being dragged along on chases and to crime scenes at all hours of the day and taking care of the stubborn consultant detective. John truly was Sherlock's friend and truly cared for the human. Running himself close to death before finally leaving his side.
"If he knew of this, I am certain Sherlock would understand if you needed to take time away to return to the sea." Mycroft spoke with the least amount of empathy. John hardly seemed angry that Mycroft continued pushing his point to this extent.
"I can't tell him, not now, the timing is bad. He is recovering from almost drowning, I couldn't possibly leave him now, and not especially after just telling him I'm some creature from the sea. 'Hey Sherlock, guess what? I was your hedgehog John when you were a kid and your best friend Hamish the dog when you were a teen and I need to go to the coast before I die, alright bye'." John ranted sarcastically and Mycroft frowned, it was what John didn't say that Mycroft caught.
"You think he won't accept you?" Mycroft questioned for confirmation and John simply sunk into the chair. "You don't trust him to accept the true you after all this time. You think he'll be angry for keeping it from him and then be afraid of you because for all of those years you were something beyond normality. Afraid he'll think you a monster, a freak and delete you from his life."
John confirmed this questioning by slumping even further into the chair and looking simply weak and afraid.
"You give him little credit John. Sherlock can surprise even those who know him the most." Mycroft finished his drink and placed the glass down delicately on the small table next to his chair. "I'll inform Sherlock you were sent by me to Nottingham for three days to do a medical examination for me of one of my close colleagues. Go collect your pelt and be quick."
John nodded and wordlessly got up. He hurried for the door but stopped and faced Mycroft once again, relief flooding his blue eyes. "Thank you, Mycroft."
Mycroft simply waved him off while texting Sherlock's cellphone.
John's vacation was only two days, Mycroft had a few of his top scientists follow the doctor and spy him for observational studies and try to learn as much as they could without disturbing him or alerting him of their presence. They would have to try and calculate their own theories and hypothesizes based on what they viewed. Mycroft thought of other ways to convince John to allow these men to conduct basic and non-harmful tests and experiments on him. Mostly just tests, like rigorous physicals. Mycroft considered the prospect of this mysterious sister of John's and told his men to keep an eye out for any other Selkies John may interact with during his vacation.
Mycroft frowned at the few findings. Observations and reports all said the same. John transformed using his pelt and swam. He went out at least 25 miles before disappearing into the water for the rest of the day. He returned to the shore in the evening, reverted back to human, and simply remained in the sand with his feet in the water and watching the stars before returning to the water as a seal in the morning. He didn't swim out far and was usually in sight but made no known contact with any other and by afternoon had packed up and headed back home seeming filled with energy and in the best of moods. No sightings of a second Selkie. Mycroft knew he would have to speak with John once he got back, especially since Sherlock was very displeased with the situation and was growing quite annoying in his petulant ways. Mycroft couldn't wish for John to arrive sooner and appease his brother.
Upon John's return he was once again confronted with the offer for testing and once again John was not interested. Sherlock was out at the time, leaving Mycroft and John at the flat.
"I am not asking for you to allow them to inject you with anything or use any substance on you. Just a few tests." Mycroft spoke calmly and remained mostly in one place. "Think of them like physicals if anything else." He added and John heaved a sigh.
"I am not an object to be studied and observed Mycroft, I am a living being with feelings and I don't exactly appreciate being prodded and observed like some science project." John defended himself while clearing some of the clutter from the coffee table, mostly gardening magazines for Sherlock's newest case. "You wouldn't conduct experiments on any other human being."
"Yes but you are very different from a human being." My croft stated and John stared at him blankly for a moment. "You must understand we do this for the safety of our people. We must know all we can of these different species so we may be able to defend humans from any that have the intentions of doing so and so we may integrate these beings into society as safely as possible."
"Yes I know but I really doubt any knowledge on the Selkies will do you any good. For starters we perceive humans as a predator so we often avoid them and it is rare for a Selkie to even want to be among humans." John spoke in exasperation and Mycroft could only lift an eyebrow in response to John's statement. "I'm one of the rare cases. We tend to prefer being in the sea and not on land."
"Yes and even if you are different, there are undoubtedly more that have disguised themselves as humans that could now use this form to defend themselves against a 'predator' take it out on fishermen and poachers." Mycroft countered. "As I understand your own family was separated because of poachers. If given the chance would you not bring harm onto those men?"
"Why would I? Only good that would do is put blood on my hands and get me locked away in one of your facilities in Ireland." John responded with a snort before making his way to the kitchen.
"I could help you find her." Mycroft blurted and John froze.
"Who?"
"Your sister." Mycroft rose to his feet from where he was seated in John's chair and faced him. "You're missing sister, I would be willing to offer all of my services available to find her. The only family you have left." Mycroft elaborated and John hung his head.
"I've been trying to find her for years. There has been no traces of her returning to any coast I have been to and if that's the case then she's most likely dead at this point." John stated quietly and Mycroft stiffened at this, he had hoped this would be a trump card of sorts against the orphan Selkie.
"What is her name? Perhaps she has found herself a body of water to keep herself replenished." Mycroft offered but John went quiet. There was a moment of silence between the two. "Did she have a name?"
"Harriet, her name was Harriet but I usually called her Harry. Everyone did."
There was a mutual understanding between the two. Mycroft would cover for John whenever he needed to return to the sea, being gone for three days at the most before returning to Sherlock rejuvenated and revitalized. Mycroft would continually pester John about tests and experiments, but would only be granted interviews and given firsthand knowledge of the Selkies as in instincts, common facts, and things about the usual lifestyle. Mycroft had services and researchers spread across the country in search of a woman who resembled John and went by Harriet or 'Harry' as a nickname.
Mycroft still pushed for John to tell Sherlock the truth, especially on those days when Sherlock looked in particular need of a friend. On those nights when he locked himself into his room and just seemed pathetic and lonely, he would find all of the old pictures of John and Hamish that he had locked away. Those particular nights Mycroft would not stop texting John and John would continue to tell him that it was bad timing until Mycroft was finally fed up with it and marched right into the flat.
"You are going to tell him John." Mycroft hissed as he stormed into the flat sitting room, Sherlock in his room and John sitting in his chair with a cup of tea. John immediately rose to his feet, putting down the cup and keeping a strong and confident pose. "You are going to tell him tonight."
"Mycroft, it is a 'danger night', do you really think now is the best of times?" John responded quietly, eyes moving to the closed bedroom door but Mycroft didn't care at this time.
"Now would be the opportune moment John. He needs that old friend he lost twice more than ever and I refuse to let him to continue in such despair. You will go in there and you will tell him the truth John." Mycroft ordered. Neither heard the bedroom door lock click and unlock or notice it open ever so slightly.
"I am not intimidated by you Mycroft and do know that you can't boss me around." John hissed his eyes narrowed and tense. Mycroft had no men nearby to step in if John got violent and they both knew it.
"I have been nothing but yielding to your every request and I have done you enough favors John. You are in no position to be disobedient." Mycroft sneered and John simply glared intensely. "If you don't do this one thing then you can consider yourself cut off from any of my offering services and locked away in a laboratory located in Germany."
"I would like to see you try." John snarled with such vehemence that Mycroft would have almost been frightened if he hadn't expected it and wasn't so angry with the infuriatingly stubborn Selkie.
"Either you tell him or I will and don't think for a second that the moment he takes it bad I will be there to help. If he even so much as utters a negative adjective at you then consider yourself Subject #0132. My patience has been exhausted due to your stubborn resistance."
"And what exactly is John supposed to tell me?" Both Mycroft and John looked over, all venom in their expressions dropped immediately as eyes locked onto Sherlock. He stood in his blue dressing gown, dark curls disheveled as if he had been sleeping. His bedroom door had been left open behind him, revealing the dark room. All three grew silent and John went pale as if something extremely terrible was happening and he couldn't stop it.
"John?" Sherlock looked to his friend quizzical and Mycroft smirked, a hidden smugness gleaming in his eyes.
"Yes, dear John, do share with Sherlock this vital information. I am sure he would be delighted to know something so personal about you." John growled with animosity, glaring darkly at the Holmes brother and cursing violently under his breath. John would never trust Mycroft with such a matter like this ever again.
"John." Sherlock spoke expectantly, arms crossed and brow raised. He couldn't deduce what John had to tell him, clearly it was something he was not comfortable sharing, but Mycroft wanted him to tell Sherlock. Mycroft looked pleased and beyond smug at the corner John had been backed into. "Go on, tell me what you must. I haven't got all night."
John's eyes flickered between the two Holmes' brothers before focusing purely on Sherlock. He was growing impatient and couldn't be able to deduce what it was. If he didn't know then John hoped maybe he could lie about it, but he doubted Mycroft would let him get away with that. He took a deep breath, released it, relaxed his once tense muscles, and attempted to calm himself down. Mycroft had him seeing red with the threats and commands. John locked his gaze onto those icy blue eyes and he prepared himself for the worse.
