John
John had been lulled to sleep by his Alpha serenading him with beautiful violin music. He had a dream that he had fallen through a mirror and was now in a strange world where misbehavior was rewarded with hugs and kisses and he was able to chose what to eat and could even touch his own private parts when he was cleaning himself! The best part of the dream was that the tall, lean, curly haired Alpha was intent on pleasing him.
He felt wakefulness reluctantly entering him, his diaper was damp so he knew he wouldn't be getting back to sleep until he had done his morning exercise on the stationary bike and was fed breakfast. Then they would put him down for his mid-morning nap. He stretched...and no restraints stopped him...his eyes snapped eagerly opened and he was met with the relaxed face of the grey-eyed alpha from his dream.
It hadn't been a dream then...It had been real. He really was in wonderland! A beautiful Alpha that was happy to tend to and coddle him. Who hugged and kissed him when he cried. Who looked upon him with not lust, but compassion...Who had said he wanted John to have independence and equality. Words that John couldn't even really understand but that sounded wonderful. Who kissed him and cuddle him when he was upset. There was no one better in the world than Sherlock!
Deciding that being changed wasn't nearly as important as cuddling with the sleeping alpha, John closed his eyes and cuddled into the tall man's side. Still sleeping, Sherlock shifted and his arm tightened around John. John was so contented that he couldn't help the happy hum that softly escaped him or the smile that overtook his face. When he'd gone to the Sanctuary John didn't think he'd ever have cause to smile again...Now, he couldn't seem to stop!
Sherlock
Sherlock stirred awake to the sound of his Omega humming softly, it sounded almost like a cat purring. He was happy to feel that the small man was relaxed completely in his arms. He opened his eyes and looked down at the top of John's head, "Good morning, John."
John lifted his head to look at Sherlock, "Good morning, Sherlock," John replied softly, then he immediately tensed and flicked his eyes quickly around the room. Sherlock decided to respond to the small man's anxiousness by hugging him closer and kissing his cheek.
"I am pleased that your vocabulary has expanded beyond 'Yes, Sherlock.' Not, that I would have been mad if that was all you ever said; but, it's nice to hear you say other things as well," Sherlock said, trying to reassure the Omega that it was okay to talk to him. Sherlock was happy that the Omega had relaxed enough in his presence to talk to him and wanted to encourage the progress that the small man was making while reassuring him that there was nothing wrong with his previous behavior.
"Do you want to clean yourself up or do you want help?" Sherlock asked John and nuzzling his temple.
It took a moment but John finally whispered, "Help, please?" It sounded like a question so Sherlock kissed the man's temple and then pulled away slightly and smiled at him before standing from the bed. John whimpered so Sherlock picked up the man and carried him to the bathroom. As soon as Sherlock picked him up John snuggled up against his chest, settling his head under the taller man's chin.
Sherlock quickly and gently changed the man into a clean diaper. As soon as he washed his hands he bent down in order to encourage John to stand; however, the man reached both arms into the air and whined. Sensing John wanted reassurance,quite possibly thanking for help had ben okay, Sherlock picked the man up and cuddled him as he walked to the kitchen. When he went to put John down the man just tightened his grip.
"John," Sherlock spoke softly, careful to keep his voice light and gentle so as not to scare John or worry the Omega (he never wanted to here John call himself 'Bad' again), "I just want to get the breakfast choices for today. I won't leave your sight, just into the kitchen a little."
Sherlock wasn't sure what made John so much more needy than he had been so far. He was quite worried that by picking him up every time John acted anxious he was encouraging the anxiety. However, he couldn't bring himself to force John away. Wouldn't that be rejecting the Omega? Was it really hurting anything by holding and hugging the man. Wasn't he reassuring the Omega that he was here for him? that he could care for him? Sherlock didn't know much about people and relationships. For now he would continue with the hugging. Perhaps John just needed extra reassurance in the morning. Maybe the man had had a nightmare...he hadn't just been saying 'Yes, Sherlock' since the talk yesterday and that was improvement...right?
John & Sherlock
John was happy that the Alpha didn't just push him away and force him to sit alone at the table. John wasn't feeling particularly well. His stomach was aching and he had a headache. He just wanted to lie on the couch and watch those game shows while Sherlock shouted at the stupid contestants and deduced them. Sherlock hadn't been mad when John had shook his head before, so John did so again.
"No?" Sherlock questioned, "You don't want breakfast?"
"Please," John shook his head.
"Please what?" Sherlock was just concerned. He pressed his lips to the Omega's forehead but he felt no fever, his voice had sounded pained though, "How about just some milk for now, we can eat some breakfast later." Sherlock decided to give in some, it wouldn't hurt if breakfast waited, and he wanted to give the Omega things he asked for as often as he could.
John nodded at that idea. His alpha wasn't gong to force him. He had apparently been telling the truth when he said John could say no to anything.
"What did you eat before?" Sherlock asked as he walked to the cabinets to pull down two cups.
"Just the nutrient drinks," John replied. Sherlock always kissed him when he answered, and John wanted a kiss right now...it made him feel all warm and loved. True to form Sherlock kissed his cheek. Of course, Sherlock kissed him chastely quite a lot yesterday and this morning. John generally smiled when Sherlock gave him affection, and Sherlock loved seeing the small and hesitant Omega's smile.
"Well, the change in diet is sure to be upsetting your system. You can't stop eating completely, but lets make sure to eat small meals today." Sherlock nuzzled the man then pulled the milk out and poured it into the glasses. He handed John one then settled them both onto the couch. John's clinginess ensured the he was settled straddling Sherlock's lap, his head settled under the taller man's chin.
Sherlock chuckled, "You won't be able to drink very well in that position. How about you sit sideways in my lap for now. I promise if you want to sit this way again once you finish your milk, you may."
John sighed, but obeyed the request. Sherlock was so kind to him, and he felt quite amused, concerned, compassionate, and sincere so John shifted into a better milk drinking position. John's hand began to shake as he lifted his glass to his lips so Sherlock wrapped his hand around the glass to steady it.
Once the milk was finished Sherlock kept his word and allowed John to shift back into his previous position, cuddled as close as he could get on Sherlock's lap. Sherlock turned the telly onto a nature documentary then shifted so that they were laying together on the couch. He pulled the blanket draped over the back of the couch down and wrapped it tightly around them.
"Just rest John," Sherlock soothed, "I'm not going to go anywhere." John was sure that here, in this alpha's arms, lounging on the couch wrapped up in a blanket and gentle arms, the television playing softly in the background (something about penguins), and his very own alpha's heart beat steadily pounding in his ear from where his head was resting on the man's chest...this must be heaven John thought, certainly nothing could top this, aching stomach and pounding head or not!
