The Baker Street Dozen

by CaraWinter

John has been struggling through his heats alone, unwilling to submit to any Alpha other than Sherlock. Sherlock has been avoiding him, unwilling to see him suffer, reluctant to claim him and risk everything. But when John's heat comes early and they find themselves bonded with pups on the way, everything changes. Omegaverse, Mpreg, if you have a squick assume it's in here!

11. Christmas morning

Christmas morning came in a gentle fall of snow, quiet and peaceful. John woke warm and contented in the nest, his mate already rubbing lotion into his growing belly, kissing it and murmuring to the pups as he worked. He smiled and threaded a hand through his Alpha's curls, purring softly at the attention. "Merry Christmas, love," he breathed, grinning when Sherlock crawled up the bed and claimed his lips in a possessive kiss. "What were you saying to the pups, hmm?" He nuzzled his cheek affectionately as he flipped over, lying with his back to Sherlock instead of facing him, hushing his mate's confused whine by spreading his legs encouragingly. He was now too big to lie on his back, the pressure on his internal organs and spine was too great, and he felt too lazy to kneel on all fours. "Tell me while you take me," he murmured, shuffling back to press himself up against his Alpha.

Sherlock didn't need to stroke himself to hardness in preparation for entering his Omega; he was already fully erect, just his hands on John's belly enough to interest his cock. The Alpha purred as he draped an arm over his mate, caressing John's gravid middle once more. A breathy groan escaped his lips as pressed inside John's tight heat easily. He began to rock them both together in a gentle, slow rhythm. "It was nothing," he murmured as he pressed a kiss to the hollow behind John's jaw. He suddenly felt embarrassed of his mate catching him in such a moment. "I was... teaching them about the outside world. Explaining winter and snow ...," he cleared his throat gently, blushing, "And how they have such a brilliant mother."

John sighed blissfully as Sherlock entered him, humming as his mate explained what he'd been crooning to the babies. He smiled affectionately and purred loudly, pressing a hand on top of Sherlock's. "They're so lucky to have such a wonderful father... so clever, so strong. The babies will be just like you, they'll notice everything," he breathed, closing his eyes and allowing the sensations to take over as his Alpha began to rock them together a little faster. They whispered sweet nothings to each other as they made love, stroking over John's gravid swell together, John twisting his neck so he could kiss Sherlock as they both drew closer to release, keening gently as Sherlock spilled inside him and shuddering as his own orgasm pulsed through him. He nuzzled his mate tenderly, smiling at him. "That was wonderful," he said happily. "I don't tell you enough. How amazing it is when you take me, I mean. It's always incredible. Afterwards I always feel... complete. Satisfied. Nobody else could ever compare. Only you could ever have made me feel this good." He pressed a small kiss to Sherlock's jaw. "Come on then," he grinned. "Milk me, and then we can open our presents. Do you want me to get on all fours for you?"

Sherlock felt his chest blossom with warmth at his Omega's words. As an Alpha, the words satisfied him, but as Sherlock - as a man who had spent nearly entirety of his life with the understanding that he was impossible, unlovable, alone - they were so much more. He nodded at Johns question, ignoring the suddenly thick feeling in his throat and retrieving the pumps before helping his partner onto hands and knees, John's belly hanging heavily and pressing into the sheets more than ever. Once more, the Alpha entered his mate as the Omega's milk began to spurt into the bottles, accompanied by a low moan of pleasure from John. As the pair began to move together, Sherlock placed tender kisses to his mate's shoulders. He worked his way to John's neck with a hum of pleasure, suckling light marks on the slightly tanned skin, laving his tongue over the Omega's scent gland and making John whimper beneath him. His hands caressed his mate's belly, felt the fullness of it, the sensations of thirteen pups beginning to awaken, causing the swell to tremble with their movement. He pressed his forehead to the nape of his mate's neck and purred to soothe them, feeling himself drawing closer to his release as milk filled the containers at John's teats. The Alpha reached down to stroke his mate's cock, taking John's small member easily in hand as the bottles neared their capacity.

John had let out a soft cry of surprise when Sherlock entered him, not expecting his mate to be ready again so soon, but eagerly pushed back into his mate's gentle thrusts. He squeezed his slick channel around Sherlock, wanting to bring his Alpha pleasure, feeling his own building as he was milked and Sherlock worshipped his gravid form. As his mate's hand closed around his small cock he keened and pushed back harder, begging for more friction, whimpering in satisfaction when Sherlock obliged and began thrusting a little faster. He arched and came, trembling, just as the bottles reached their capacity and he reached out with shaking hands to turn the pumps off. He felt Sherlock still thrusting into him, obviously close. "Later, I'm going to ride you," he whispered huskily. "I'm going to lower myself onto that magnificent thick cock of yours and bounce on it, my huge belly rearing and rolling above you, so big it'll almost block your view of my breasts..."

Sherlock shuddered and came immediately at John's words, his mind suddenly filled with the image of his enormous mate fucking himself on the Alpha's member, John's swollen middle the only thing Sherlock would be able to see as it heaved and bounced within his reach. He groaned and thrust hard into his mate, milking his own release as he filled his Omega with even more of his seed. "God, John," he breathed deeply as he finished, carefully easing out and helping John back onto his knees; as the Omega grew larger, he needed his Alpha's aid in more than just standing and sitting. It had become Sherlock's duty and pleasure to counterbalance the weight of his Omega's full middle when John needed to shift between any two positions. He moved around his mate's front to kiss John deeply, one hand reverently caressing the quivering belly that now nearly extended past the length of the Omega's thighs. "They're excited," he noted, feeling the vibrations underneath his fingers.

John smiled and rubbed the topmost curve of his enormous bump. "They always move more when you assert your dominance," he purred quietly. "Daddy being a big strong Alpha gets them all riled up." He closed his eyes lazily and allowed Sherlock to worship his gravid form, petting his hair, that languid, warm feeling of Christmas seeping through him. He hummed approvingly as Sherlock latched on to his breast and began to suckle quickly and eagerly, just like an infant, drawing out the last of his milk. He gathered the lanky detective into his arms and cradled him like he would a pup curled around his swollen belly, crooning to him softly. "That's it love, all for you... you're a hungry boy today, hmm? That's right my darling, have a good feed..." He felt Sherlock's tongue teasing at his plump nipple as his mate began to make soft little grunts, like the babies would when they wanted more milk, and John felt his body respond, more milk filling him to be drained into Sherlock's greedy mouth. After a while he nudged his Alpha gently across to the other breast and tangled a hand in his curls, holding his head in place, still crooning, rocking him slightly, content to let him nurse as long as he wanted.

Sherlock suckled contentedly, closing his eyes, letting his Omega's body nourish him. As his stomach filled, his mind slowed sleepily, his body growing pleasantly heavy and warm as his stomach filled and expanded with his mate's milk. He curled further into John's safe embrace, his Omega's soft body and comforting scent lulling him into deeper relaxation. Soon enough, short twinges of pain deep in his abdomen alerted the Alpha that he'd reached his limit, and Sherlock released John's nipple with a soft grunt, blinking dazedly up at his Omega as if he'd just been woken abruptly from a nap. As John drew him closer for a kiss, he hummed in pleasure, his eyes heavy-lidded. The pair's lips met, and suddenly the Alpha felt the world flooding back, aware of his surroundings, aware that it was Christmas. "John," he intoned urgently, pulling back as if he was afraid they might miss their chance by wasting another minute, "Presents."

John chuckled and kissed his forehead softly. "Enjoyed that, did you?" he asked gently, stroking his cheek. "Alright then, help me up..." He grunted and swayed as Sherlock helped him to his feet, his belly still high and firm despite its massive weight, and purred as Sherlock helped him dress in loose flannel pyjamas and a thick dressing gown, balancing with one hand on his mate's shoulders as Sherlock put his slippers on for him. When the Alpha was satisfied that the Omega was warm enough he dressed himself quickly and John smiled affectionately over his shoulder as he made his way to the living room, where they'd set up a real fir tree with lights and tinsel, a thick nine-foot Norwegian which filled the room with a pleasant pine scent. Underneath it lay the gifts they'd bought each other, wrapped neatly and tied up in bows, John's gifts to Sherlock covered in sleek silver and black damask paper. He was least sure of the only present he'd made himself; Sherlock didn't know he could knit, but he could, and very well - he'd spent three weeks knitting in secret when Sherlock was off on cases or at the lab doing experiments (when he could be persuaded that John was fine on his own) and objectively, he knew that the matching scarf and gloves he'd crafted in a cloud-soft lusciously thick gunmetal grey were well-made gifts, he wasn't sure how Sherlock, a man of Savile Row and Italian shoes, would receive home-made knitted items.

He was confident that Sherlock would like the beehive he'd bought, and be eager to fill it with bees as soon as possible; the garden was certainly big enough. The box looked stupidly massive next to everything else but it couldn't be helped. He knew that Sherlock would be pleased with the thirteen little romper suits he'd bought with "I 3 Daddy" on them, the writing a different colour on each to match the colours they'd chosen for their pups; he'd put it at the back to be opened last, in case the scarf and gloves proved a let-down. Above all, though, he was most proud of the coup he'd pulled off with the aid of Lestrade; a treasure hunt across London, with the prize of thirteen of the most bizarre, apparently unsolvable cold cases they'd been able to get their hands on. The first clue was tucked inside the Christmas card he'd bought his mate, a simple photograph of a tree with an orange ribbon pinned to it, buildings visible in the background. "Open the big one first," he murmured softly, holding out a hand as Sherlock assisted him onto the sofa.

Once John was seated, Sherlock turned to the gift, his brow furrowing as he noted its formidable size. With a curious glance back at his mate, the Alpha tentatively attempted to lift the object, not surprised when it took a bit of effort to come off the floor. Wood, he thought with interest, feeling hard edges underneath the wrapping paper. Sherlock brought the box closer to the sofa and sat down on the floor next to it. His eyes narrowed as they flicked over the surface of the outer paper, taking in the shape, the texture, the angle of the corners of the object beneath. He huffed when his mate laughed nervously and urged him to "get on with it," and, flashing his Omega a grin, removed the ribbon and began to tear into the damask wrapping.

"Oh...," he breathed as the gift slowly revealed itself. His eyes gleamed and an enormous grin spread across his face as the paper fell away, revealing a stack of three painted wooden boxes - but not just any wooden boxes - Langstroth beehives. "Oh, John..." The Alpha lifted the outer and inner cover of the topmost box to reveal the frames within, on which the bees would build their combs. "Oh, it's brilliant, incredible - Bees are fascinating creatures, John-," he began, soon losing himself to an excited stream of talk about colonies and hives and beekeeping and experiments as he inspected every inch of the structures with childlike giddiness. It was minutes before he was able to collect himself, his joyous gaze snapping back to his Omega. "Thank you," he murmured sincerely, rising to lean over the sofa and bring his mate into a deep, tender kiss.

John blushed and mewled happily into the kiss, his inner Omega in ecstasy at pleasing his mate so well. When they finally broke apart he nudged the squashy package containing the scarf and gloves towards his mate with his foot, his apprehensive glance encouraging him to open that one next; he had chosen a herringbone design, simple and classic but which looked complex and had obviously taken a great deal of effort to make so neat. It was traditional, of course, for an Omega to make handmade items for their Alpha, a sign to the outside world that their relationship was loving (crafting things by hand took time, after all), that the Omega was skilled and that the Alpha had both attracted them and made them happy enough that they wished to bestow time and labour intensive gifts. John bit his lip a little nervously, hoping that at least if Sherlock balked at wearing something so homely the afterglow of the beehive and the cuteness of the onesies would make up for it.

Sherlock looked curiously at his mate, John's apprehensiveness clearly visible as the Alpha picked up the gift. He smiled reassuringly, taking the present which obviously contained clothing of some type, by its size and give, and sat down on the sofa next to his mate. Carefully this time, he worked his fingers under the tape at each end, unfolding the paper neatly, moving to unseal the tape which held the center of the bundle together. The wrapping fell open and he pushed it back, blinking in interest as he caught sight of what lay within. A warm smile settled on his features as he lifted the scarf and gloves from their paper, feeling the softness of the yarn, inspecting the intricate detail of the patterning, the neat stitches. Expertly done, but obviously not store-bought. Then- ah. The smile grew wider as the Alpha began to purr, a soft sound at first, but which grew louder as he turned the accessories over and over in his hands, inspecting his mate's handiwork with a blossoming sense of pride and something more, something in his chest radiating an incredible feeling of warmth. He reverently tugged on the gloves, and wound the scarf around his neck, as he turned to face his Omega. Cupping John's face wordlessly, he brought his mate in for another kiss, infinitely loving, willing him to feel everything the Alpha was feeling.

John almost melted in relief as he caught Sherlock's smile and kissed him back eagerly, Sherlock's feelings radiating warmly through their bond and he could have cried that Sherlock was so proud. He nuzzled as close as he could get, wrapping his arms around the Alpha, relieved that the gift had been a success. When they drew back John's eyes were a little watery and he blinked the tears away quickly, muttering that he was being stupidly Omega. "I'm glad you like them love," John murmured softly. "The one at the back next, then your card," he purred, excited to gauge his mate's reactions to his last two presents. He rubbed his bump absently, unable to keep his hands off it if he wasn't paying attention, as he watched Sherlock pull the gloves off delicately and fold them carefully on top of the scarf so he could attack his final gifts.

Sherlock moved to retrieve the second to last gift, raising his eyebrows as he felt the soft give of fabric underneath the wrapping paper. Returning to his Omega, he opened the gift with much less reserve, freezing when he caught sight of the stack of onesies underneath the torn wrapping. He pushed back the paper with suddenly unsteady hands, biting his lip as the embroidered "I 3 Daddy" came more clearly into view. The Alpha swallowed thickly, a soft, trembling grin playing on his lips as he spread them out a little, noticing how each matched with the pup's assigned colour. His eyes stung, and the messages blurred into nothing but a blobs of colour as a few traitorous tears began to roll down his cheeks. Sherlock wiped them away harshly, taking a deep, shaky breath, trying to calm the sudden rush of emotions flooding through him.

John purred sympathetically and moved closer, rubbing his Alpha's back and holding him tenderly, nuzzling his hair lovingly to calm him. "Hush, my Alpha," he said gently, rocking them together as he pressed little kisses to his mate's temple. When Sherlock had collected himself, John grinned widely as Sherlock began opening the card. The card itself was nice enough, a gingerbread village with lead paned windows and powder snow, but it was the first clue to the treasure hunt that John was keen for Sherlock to see. The photograph was a simple polaroid, but John knew that Sherlock would be able to deduce the location of the tree from the buildings in the background.

Sherlock's eyes lit up immediately at the puzzle, scanning the photograph, his mind jumping into action to deduce the details. "A case?" he asked curiously, "No... no, not quite - there's been nothing reported in this location as of late. But ... it's a clue, yes?" He looked to his mate to explain what was meant by gifting the mysterious picture. "Obviously you want me to go here ... and then what?" he mused, "And then there might be something else there, yes... it's not a special location." He apprehensively scanned his mate's face to make sure that it wasn't a special location to either of them, that he hadn't forgotten something important. "So, then there's something there, which leads to somewhere else? And then... ah. A scavenger hunt of sorts?"

John nodded, grinning widely. "Your prize - should you succeed in following the trail to the end - will be thirteen of the craziest, most impossible cold cases Lestrade and I could find," he purred, pressing close to his mate in a silent demand to be petted. "Three locked-room murders, four staged bodies, two victims who were being blackmailed by someone who couldn't possibly have done it with no other suspects, three disappearances where the victims left home with everything but a single shoe and one case where the victim was found poisoned, shot and set on fire - in the middle of a snowy field, with no footprints anywhere."

"Of course I will," the Alpha murmured automatically. As John explained, Sherlock began to stroke a hand through his Omega's soft hair, as the other rubbed the side of John's full belly. The Alpha grew positively giddy at John's words, glowing with excitement. "Oh, this- this is incredible," he beamed, his eyes bright, "Thank you, John." He pulled the Omega into a strong embrace, kissing him soundly. "I'm so lucky to have such a clever, thoughtful mate. Such a talented Omega," he purred, pressing their lips together once more. "No one in the world has a better mate than I do."

John purred loudly at the words, clinging tightly to his mate as he returned the kiss, feeling wonderful and relieved and proud of himself for pleasing Sherlock so much. He hummed and mewled submissively into the kiss, Sherlock's praise and attentions making him wet. He spread his legs a little before he remembered that he had gifts to open too, and when his Alpha finally drew back for air he smiled lovingly at him and stroked his cheek, pressing his forehead to his mate's chin. His eyes flicked to the bottom of the tree where his gifts were waiting, but he didn't ask to open them, or even if they were for him; it was always up to the Alpha to offer the present, to bring it to his mate's feet, to show he can provide. To ask if he could open them would have been rude, so he sat patiently, fighting the urge to lie on his side and spread his legs wide right there.

Sherlock smirked as he noted John's scent subtly change to that of arousal, his Omega's pupils dilating wide. There would be time enough for that later; now, John still had his own gifts to open. The Alpha swallowed, anxiety stirring in the pit of his stomach. His mate's gifts had been perfect - how could his own compare? He'd obsessed over what to buy for his Omega for weeks, but suddenly they seemed quite paltry in comparison to what John had given him. He kissed John's forehead and rose to retrieve the first package - the lush fur throw that his Omega had so wanted during their Christmas shopping expedition. In respect of tradition, he laid the shiny, emerald green-wrapped gift at his Omega's feet first, waiting for John's acknowledgement before delivering the bundle into his mate's open hands.

John purred loudly, murmuring a husky thank you as Sherlock lifted the gift onto the sofa and stroking his fingertips over the wrapping. "This paper is gorgeous," he mumbled absently, testing the give of the package. Hmm, squashy... clothing? He opened it gingerly and squealed with delight as the throw was revealed, silvery and mottled, quicksilver plush. He shook it out and threw it around himself like a cape, giggling, burrowing into it and wriggling a little to enjoy the texture. "Thank you, love, it's perfect," John beamed, making a mental note to spread it out on the bed in the nest when he modelled Sherlock's other present for him later. He leaned in to give his Alpha a warm kiss on the lips, pushing his utter satisfaction at the gift through their bond.

Sherlock grinned stupidly at his mate's happiness, purring as he kissed his mate back and shared in John's feelings through their bond. "It's the exact one," he declared proudly when he pulled away, pressing his lips to his mate's cheek, "The one you touched in the store. I made sure of it." His Omega had touched that blanket, wanted that blanket, and the Alpha had provided him with exactly what he'd desired. He tugged the throw a little tighter around his mate's shoulders with a smile, chuckling as John snuggled further into its softness, feeling a small surge of confidence returning. If John enjoyed this, he'd certainly enjoy his next gift - wouldn't he? He gave John's hands a gentle squeeze, and went to fetch the next present. This gift was a bit heftier and larger, and he set it next to John after laying it at his Omega's feet. Several large jumpers lay folded neatly inside - exact replicas of John's favourite jumper in increasing sizes, made specially to have a bit of stretch and give as the Omega grew larger. There was no way he would have been able to find one sweater to accommodate his mate's expanding chest and belly throughout the pregnancy, so he'd worked with the designer to determine how far each garment would stretch, and at what size they would need to begin a completely new one. John would have little interest in clothing near the end of his pregnancy, the Alpha knew, but he still had jumpers made to fit his Omega up to the point of the pups' birth. At the very least, he could use the familiar garment to line their nest.

John gasped softly in surprise as Sherlock revealed it was the exact blanket he'd coveted, grinning and nuzzling his mate in thanks. He leant against Sherlock as he opened the next gift, pleased by the squashy texture, and his breath hitched as the jumpers came into view - creamy cable-knits, ones he'd be able to wear as he grew. His hands trembled slightly and his eyes grew wet as he thought of how upset he'd been that his body would change out of all recognition, despite how much he loved the pups and his Alpha; Sherlock had provided him with something that would give him a point of constancy, he'd still look like himself instead of simply an enormously pregnant Omega. He burst into happy, noisy tears and pushed against Sherlock, hiding his face in his Alpha's neck as he sobbed and rubbed his mate's chest submissively, gripping the jumpers tightly with his free hand.

"Shhh... shhhh...," Sherlock soothed gently, overwhelmed by the outburst and the sudden flood of emotions rushing through their bond. He pushed back a calming love and reassurance, stroking his Omega's hair, rubbing John's back, pressing his lips to his mate's temple. He hummed and rocked John back and forth just as his John had done with him, allowing the Omega the moment. "There's a bit more," he murmured in John's ear, "Now that we have the sizes, you can commission any shirt or jumper you like. You can keep all your same clothing throughout your pregnancy if you wish... though the trousers might be a bit difficult," he mused. The Alpha smiled softly, crooning and humming gently to his mate, helping John to settle.

John whimpered happily and clung to Sherlock, pressing his tear-stained face against his mate's skin and inhaling his Alpha scent, grounding himself. He snorted a wet little giggle when Sherlock mentioned that trousers might be difficult. "Don't want trousers," he said mulishly. "Want to be available for your pleasure all the time." When he had calmed sufficiently he drew back, kissing along his Alpha's jaw and throat. "Thank you, love, they're wonderful," he said softly, smiling as he nuzzled him. "So thoughtful."

Sherlock purred quietly at the gratitude, "You're welcome, my Omega. I am glad they please you so well." He continued to hold John loosely while his mate paid him small, submissive attentions, finally releasing John with another gentle kiss to the cheek. "Just a few more gifts," he murmured, reaching for the nearest box. He hid a frown, now certain that out of all the gifts, this might possibly be the most disappointing for his mate. The Alpha paled a little as he offered the gift to his mate realizing that, well, John could just buy decaffeinated tea anywhere, couldn't he? But once again, Sherlock had gone out on a limb, pulling a favour from a friend to find a blend that tasted exactly like the regular variety of black tea John used to love so much, only without the stimulant. He watched his Omega shyly, feeling a knot twisting in the pit of his stomach. Had he failed to provide something good enough for his mate?

John smiled and pulled the gift towards him, shredding the wrappings expertly. He paused when he saw the tea and lifted it with shaky hands, breath quickening. He'd avoided decaffeinated tea because it simply never tasted as good, but this... Sherlock wouldn't have bought it unless it was the same. He beamed at his Alpha, kissing him deeply, then pressed the box into his hands. "Tea. Now. Please," he begged, not having had a decent cup of tea since October. Everything else could wait. "It's brilliant, Sherlock," he breathed, just in case his mate had missed the joy on his face.

Sherlock nearly giggled in relief, pulling John in for another deep kiss before getting off the couch and hurrying to the kitchen. He filled the kettle, retrieved two cups, and brought everything back into the living room, plugging the kettle into the wall nearest the side table. "It... it's the exact same taste," he explained, knowing John had likely guessed so already, "I had someone blend it specially. You shouldn't notice a difference." He smiled affectionately back at his Omega as he placed the tea bags into the cups, steam rising as he poured the boiling water. He handed a mug carefully back to his mate, making sure John held it steady before releasing his hold. "There's just one more ... whenever you like," he mentioned, cozying carefully into John's side as he gazed back to one last, medium-sized box underneath the tree.

"Nnh," John grunted noncommittally, his focus entirely on the tea. He waited for it to cool a little, blew on it, and took a large sip. "Oh, come on, that's lovely," he sighed happily, some tension bleeding from his frame as he drank, groaning appreciatively. He drank the amber liquid quickly and set the mug down lightly before snuggling further into his mate, purring loudly and nuzzling into his neck. "That may be the best cup of tea I've ever had," he grinned. He pressed a soft kiss to his Alpha's cheek then drew back, eager to open his final gift but trying not to look expectant.

Sherlock had waited patiently while John finished his tea, a fond smile settling on his features at John's obvious enjoyment. "The last present, then," he nodded in response to the Omega's careful look, feeling John's eagerness pulse subtly through their bond. He stood and walked to the tree, retrieving the present which seemed appropriately heavy for its size - however, most of its heft came from the padding within. The true gift lay inside the smaller box in the center. The Alpha knew it was horribly cliche, to hide boxes within boxes like matryoshka dolls - but not to do so would have given the surprise away immediately. Nested within was a small, hinged velvet box, containing one small, silver band. The outside of the ring was simple, but the inside contained a thinner band of diamonds, embedded flush with the metal so as not to pinch or irritate the skin of the wearer, and a delicate engraving: 'S.H. & J.W.', the date of their bonding, the date of their engagement, 'With Love.'

John grinned as he made his way through the nest of boxes, breath stuttering when his fingers brushed the soft velvet. He lifted it gently, eyes snapping to Sherlock, wide and questioning. He prised it open and his jaw dropped when he saw the beautiful ring, catching the details on the inside. Suddenly everything he'd bought his mate paled in comparison. He took it out of the box, turned it over carefully; it was obviously expensive and a custom design. He flicked his gaze back to Sherlock, choked with emotion. Slowly, he held it out, pressing it into his Alpha's hands. "Sherlock… It's beautiful… thank you. Put in on me?" he whispered shakily, holding out his left hand, fingers spread.

Sherlock nodded, quietly taking the Omega's hand in his own as he climbed off the sofa to kneel on the floor in front of John. Ever so gently, he slid the band onto John's left ring finger, exhaling as it moved over the Omega's skin with ease, coming to rest comfortably snug above he bottom most knuckle - an unmistakeably perfect fit. The Alpha kept his hold around the band, holding John's hand in his own as he met his mate's gaze. "I know we have not been the most traditional of couples," he began slowly, "But I ... I feel like I owe this to you ... I ..." He paused, swallowing, "I ... You ... You are an incredible man, a brilliant mate, and I ... I love you. So much so that feels paltry, so incredibly insufficient to put it into words. You are more than just an Omega, you are my partner, and...," he drew in another deep breath, trying to find the words. "You deserve this," he said, almost pleading, as if the statement somehow explained everything, "you deserve this, and so much more. And I want you always to know how much you mean to me, how I am indebted to you ..."

John squeezed Sherlock's hand, his throat thick and sharp with emotion, beaming at him with joy and pride written large across his face. He sniffled softly, tugging insistently on his mate's hand until he joined him on the sofa and manoeuvred into his lap, purring loudly, pulling the hem of his pyjama top up to expose the rounded swell to Sherlock. He rested his head on his Alpha's shoulder, still smiling, tears stinging his eyes. "I love you too," he managed eventually. "So very much. I always used to think... think you'd never want me, I mean, you're you and the world's only consulting detective and brilliant and so gorgeous you're like an oil painting... but now... now I never doubt it. The bondbite you left on me, the pups you filled my belly with... you make me feel so secure, Sherlock. I knew when you bred me I'd end up relying on you totally... I'd never have trusted anyone else that much," he whispered softly, stroking his mate's cheek with his left hand, the cool metal feeling odd on his finger.

"I have always wanted you," Sherlock murmured earnestly, closing his free hand over his mate's and bringing it to his mouth to press a gentle kiss to the knuckles. His fingers splayed on top of the massive swell of John's belly, he felt their pups moving beneath, stirring softly in response to John's surge of emotions. "I could only ever want you." He held John quietly, closing his eyes. The Alpha buried his nose in his Omega's hair and inhaled his scent, feeling the radiating warmth of his mate snug against him, listening to the soft, rhythmic sounds of their breathing, which had fallen into unison. Pure love pulsed through their bond, and Sherlock allowed himself to lose himself to the feeling, to the sensations of being so close to his fiance, his Omega.

John pressed his nose to the crook of Sherlock's neck and breathed deeply, lazily enjoying the love pulsing through the bond, loving the feel of his Alpha's hand on his pregnant belly. He snuggled closer, sighing blissfully; surely this was what he was meant for, to carry Sherlock's pups. "It doesn't upset me, you know," he said softly. "Not being a traditional couple. I love how mental our life is and I wouldn't have it any other way... I just wish I'd thought to get you something like this," he murmured, feeling a little ashamed, cheeks burning when he realised Sherlock might choose not to wear a ring at all; many Alphas didn't, after all, whether for work or personal reasons or simply because gentlemen do not wear jewellery as he'd heard a stately Alpha sniff once. "Everything you got me is perfect," he praised quietly, kissing Sherlock's throat. "And after we have breakfast, I think it's time I got changed, don't you?" he purred, picturing the lingerie he'd saved for today.

"Don't," Sherlock murmured; there was no reason John should feel ashamed for not presenting such a gift. Everything his mate had bought him was incredible. "I could not have asked for better presents from you." He placed a gentle kiss to his Omega's temple. "Besides, you'll place our wedding band on my finger soon enough," he added with a smile. The Alpha raised a curious eyebrow at the suggestive question. "Yes, perhaps...," he murmured slowly. He stole another kiss from his mate before disentangling himself, helping John up from the sofa and into the kitchen so he could watch Sherlock make breakfast.

John ate heartily, pleased with the full English breakfast Sherlock provided; they would have the traditional Christmas lunch later, with all the trimmings, with mulled wine for Sherlock and sparkling elderflower for John, but John found his appetite was much larger these days. He looked up in between mouthfuls of sausage and fried egg, quirking a thoughtful eyebrow. "Remind me, did we decide to invite Greg and Mrs Hudson and Molly and your brother round for Christmas lunch or not? I know we talked about it, and we thought it might be nice because none of them has anyone else, but it'll also be our last chance to have a Christmas completely to ourselves in a while," he yawned. "Can't remember what we settled on. Baby brain starting early." He went back to attacking his plate, shovelling beans and bacon into his mouth with gusto. He smirked when he thought that usually, someone planning to wear lingerie for their mate would worry they'd look fat; John was actively trying to increase the size of his belly, knowing how much its size pleased and aroused the Alpha.

"Yes, we invited them," Sherlock reminded him, feeling his cock stirring in interest as he watched his Omega stuff himself. He made his way through his own breakfast more neatly, carefully cutting bite-sized pieces of egg and sausage, taking his time between each mouthful. By the time he was halfway through, he found himself helping his Omega to another heaping plate with extra beans and the rest of the eggs the Alpha had prepared. Perhaps it was his imagination, but it seemed as if John's belly was beginning to sit rounder and heavier in the Omega's lap, pressing further outward, the flesh seeming to be pulled even more tautly than usual over the gigantic swell. Sherlock swallowed another bite of beans, a blush rising on his cheekbones as he watched John easily polish off the second helping.

John nodded vaguely and licked his lips, snaking a hand out to steal one of the hash browns from Sherlock's plate and munching on it contemplatively as Sherlock picked at his food. He began to rub his swollen belly in increasingly bigger circles, closing his eyes lazily as he felt his stomach protest at the volume of food he'd forced into it. "I'm going to get changed," he purred playfully, gripping the edge of the table to help heave himself to his feet. "You stay here and finish your breakfast... don't come through until I call you, it's a surprise," he said sternly, kissing his Alpha's nose and waddling away towards the nest.

He pulled the faux fur throw along with him and spread it out over the bed, stripping out of his pyjamas and wriggling with some difficulty into the lingerie he'd chosen for this occasion; a powder blue babydoll embroidered with white snowflakes and a matching thong. It was more daring than the last set, certainly; it pushed his breasts together and up, making them look almost twice their normal D-cup size and the fabric parted high on his belly, the curve of it pushing out obscenely, too big to be contained. The thong cupped his small cock prettily and only barely contained his balls, the sides sitting high on his curvy hips, accentuating them. With a sigh he rolled back onto the soft blanket, luxuriating in the feel of it for a few moments, before shifting to kneel, sitting back on his heels, legs spread to accommodate the lower curve of his heavy middle. He smiled and stroked the bump, looking for all the world as if his sole purpose in life was to be pregnant, and called to his mate with permission to enter the nest.

Back in the kitchen, Sherlock set down his fork and knife, feeling his pulse quicken he made his way towards the other room. It would be quite awkward, he thought, wiping his palms on his trousers as he paused before the entrance, if John's surprise was not what he expected it was; his pants were beginning to feel quite uncomfortable, his cock already half erect from simply watching his mate stuff himself. He pushed back the curtain of fabric that tented the nest.

The Alpha's jaw dropped the instant he caught sight of his mate, a deep blush spreading across his cheeks as his pupils dilated rapidly. He swallowed, collecting himself just enough to close his mouth, and began to walk closer slowly, his world reducing itself to nothing but the very gravid, very sexy Omega presenting himself on the blankets. The Alpha's mouth nearly watered as the enticing scent of needy, aroused, eager-to-please Omega began to fill the air heavily, his cock now obviously tenting his pyjama bottoms. Before he knew it, he was in front of John, in front of the fullest breasts and belly he had ever seen - all for him. All because of him. He growled deeply, a predatory grin growing on his face as he loosed his trousers and dropped to his knees on the nest.

John began to purr quietly, rubbing his bump almost bashfully, as if to show off how proud he was to be pregnant. "Look what you've done to me," he murmured, pulling the floaty material out of the way to display his rounded belly fully. "Look how big and pregnant you've made me... So full of your pups, I'm barely a quarter of the way there... only going to get bigger, forced to swell more and more until I can't stand... everyone can see how well you bred me. They all know how you fucked me, filled me with your children... I know you love the way I look," he teased, nudging the Alpha to lie on his back. He straddled him quickly and began rubbing his crotch shamelessly against Sherlock's, the mesh of the thong providing some friction between them. "I see how your eyes trace the curve of my hips, the way your eyes get wider as I waddle towards you, the way you lick your lips when you sneak a glance at my breasts because you're thinking about suckling on my plump, rosy nipples and drinking my milk... Do you like how this suits me, my Alpha? How my thong sits nice and high, showing off the curve of my hips? How my breasts look so full and round? How my belly juts out, so massive... Do you like how it's moving above you now, rolling with my motions?" he whispered breathily, teasing at his nipples with his fingers. "Ohhh, so good... mmm, you'd like to rub yourself off against my belly, wouldn't you? Hold my swollen stomach as you thrust your bare cock against it, fucking the curves you've given me..." His eyes fluttered shut as he continued riding Sherlock, blushing as he realised how utterly wanton he must look, all but dry humping his Alpha as he moaned and touched his own nipples.

Sherlock groaned lowly, beginning to pant with want as John spoke, stifling a whine at the fantasy. He'd imagined rutting against John's belly before, straddling the Omega as John lay panting and mewling on his back, grinding and thrusting along the massive swell until he came, his seed marking John's full breasts and middle. One hand greedily cupped John's middle as the other snaked around his Omega's back; his index finger pushed aside the strap of the thong and began to circle the slick skin of his mate's tight hole, the pressure light, teasing. "I love how I've made you like this," he affirmed breathily, his hips bucking to meet John's. His eyes were heavy-lidded with lust, fixed on the Omega bouncing and gyrating above him. "Made you... ahh... so enormous... so desperate..." Johns belly swayed ripely, his breasts beginning to leak as he touched them, and the Alpha couldn't suppress a whimper, a large bead of precome forming at the tip of his cock and rolling wetly down his length. "Fuck... you were made for this... look so good... so- nnh- perfect..."

John whined happily at the praise, rubbing himself sensually against his Alpha's hard length as he pushed back into his touch. "Do you want me to make you come like this?" he purred, keeping a steady pace. "Rubbing against you while you stroke my big pregnant belly and finger my wet hole? Or shall I push my little thong to one side and mount your cock, ride you properly?" he panted, his leaking nipples soaking through the cups of the babydoll, making small wet patches darkening the material. "Or do you want to fuck my belly, my Alpha? Slide your thick cock against my stuffed womb, feeling how my belly button has been forced out by your pups?" He whimpered breathily and licked his lips, dragging his clothed cock slowly and deliberately up his mate's.

"Just like this," Sherlock grunted, grinding his hips upward and growling in satisfaction as the sensation made John cry out. The sight of the Omega's face drawn in pleasure, his lips parted as he panted open-mouthed into the air, sent another surge of pre-cum flowing from the Alpha's cock. The friction of the thong's fabric was becoming lost as it dampened with the fluid, the slickness between the couple's hips increasing with each passing minute. Sherlock let his legs fall open wider, John sitting more heavily on his pelvis, allowing the Omega to do most of the work in pleasuring them both. "You've already- ah- had my cock twice today," he teased, panting. "But I've made you so needy, haven't I? Such a little slut for me." The finger that had been circling John's wet entrance pressed inside just a fraction. "Later I'll have you underneath me, I'll fuck the gigantic belly I've given you until I'm satisfied, thrust my cock against it while you whimper and whine for more, mewl about how enormous I've made you." He cupped and rubbed the gravid mound greedily. "Right now I love you just like this, wanton and leaking for me, only a few degrees of self-control away from giving over to rutting yourself against my enormous cock."

"Yes, ah, such a little whore for you..." John moaned agreeably, curving his spine as he rode his mate so his belly rolled more obviously with each movement, swaying and rearing above the Alpha. He pressed back against Sherlock's finger, trying to get more of it inside him, as he concentrated on rubbing himself more vigorously against his mate's huge cock, picking up the pace. "Want you all the time, want your thick cock stretching me out, filling me," he mewled as he panted and gyrated, pulling the cups of the babydoll aside and pinching his nipples, spraying his milk over his Alpha's chest and face. "Look how much you've given me," he groaned lasciviously. "Such a full belly, having such a massive litter of your pups... you've made me so ripe, so milky... so pregnant I had to have this custom made to fit around my swollen middle," he breathed, holding the bump with both hands to keep it steady as he rubbed them both towards completion.

Sherlock swore and groaned at the confession, unable to stop himself from bucking his hips up against his Omega. He pressed his finger further inside John's hole until he found the small bump of the Omega's prostate, and began to circle the gland teasingly, brushing it with only feather-light touches. He easily added a second finger, scissoring his two digits, John's entrance automatically clenching around them. The Alpha growled in pride at his Omega's tightness, John's gigantic belly gyrating with the Omega's motions; he licked his mate's milk from his lips and moaned at how utterly wrecked John looked. The Omega's body glistened with a thin sheen of sweat, causing his belly to look even heavier and more gravid where it jutted obscenely from between the folds of the fabric. The cups of the babydoll pushed desperately aside, the ripe globes of John's leaking breasts were still pressed together by the garment, milk dribbling from the large, dusky nipples, darkening the material underneath them. John rutting against him like this, holding his own enormous belly, the wet slide of their cocks, John's eager, tight heat - it was all too much. The Alpha arched his back, his panting increasing in pace, whining softly with each shallow exhalation as he came hard, spilling his seed and increasing the slick between them.

John whined breathily when Sherlock began fingering his prostate, teetering on the brink, and when he felt his Alpha's thick cock jerking beneath him he lost it too, bucking helplessly as he spurted into the thong. He sat back on his heels, dazed and panting, slowly calming his breathing as he rubbed his hands in his mate's seed and began happily working it into his taut skin. "I'll need a shower now," he hummed. "Full of two loads of your come, belly covered in it, sweaty and dripping with milk... Can't greet our guests like this, can I?" He shuffled backwards, enough for Sherlock to sit up, and let his Alpha help him adjust his position so he was sitting up against the headboard. "I might need your help, though... I'm too big to be able to reach everywhere," he said innocently, licking his lips. "This big belly you've given me gets in the way. I can't reach my own feet anymore... why else did you think I've been wearing my slip-ons all week?"

Sherlock's cock twitched again, heavily interested. "You think I haven't deduced it?" he breathed with a smirk, taking advantage if the moment to touch John's belly further, splay his fingers greedily over the sticky skin, feel the weight of the swell in his hands. He nipped gently at his Omega's ear. "You can no longer change positions in bed without my help. Even walking is beginning to be cumbersome to you now - your waddle has grown deeper over this past week." He purred happily. "You're becoming more reliant, daily growing closer to needing me to do every little thing for you." With a press of his lips to his mate's scent gland, he pulled away, observing his mate's heavy body with pleasure as he helped John from the bed. He licked his lips as they began to walk towards the bathroom, John's encumbered gait sending blood rushing to the Alpha's groin.

John perched on the rim of the bath, reaching out to turn the taps on. "I've changed my mind," he purred. "I want a bath. It's going to take a long time to clean me up properly and I don't want to be on my feet for that long..." He smirked and licked his lips, his eyes fixed on his mate's obviously interested cock. "Besides, we had this lovely huge corner bath installed... we'll both fit comfortably. Although my belly will sit high out of the water, stuffed with so many of your pups... But you love that, don't you? You love that I'm carrying your young, that you've given me such massive brood to carry it'll incapacitate me..." The bath filled quickly and he heaved himself to his feet, holding a hand out so his mate could help him climb into the bath.

Sherlock took his Omega's hand, but approached the tub himself first. He dipped his hand into the water, considering the temperature - warm, but not too warm. Satisfied, he helped John into the bath, making sure his mate was comfortably seated before climbing in himself. He was easily able to kneel in the water in front of his mate, the tub being quite spacious. He lathered up a sponge with soap, but stopped just before beginning to scrub John's massive belly, considering. The Alpha's cock was still hard under the water, only feeling all the harder at the sight of the Omega's glistening swell rising out of the bath. "I could sit you on my lap and fuck you first," he mused lowly to his mate, cocking an eyebrow thoughtfully at the loofah, "Or I could scrub you clean, and take what is mine second. Your choice." He locked eyes with his Omega, and smirked, his gaze making clear there was no room for compromising.

The Omega's eyes widened and his breathing hitched as he gave a keening little whine. "Oh, please... now, please, fuck me first," he whimpered needily, wriggling forward to cross his legs and haul himself to his knees, turning round slowly to present to his Alpha. He pressed back towards Sherlock, kneeling forward just a little, the water supporting his bulk making it a little easier to move. "Please," he breathed, legs spread wide, the oval shape of the tub providing plenty of space. "Please, I need it... Need your big cock in me... take what's yours... claim me again..." He knew he sounded needy and desperate, but couldn't help himself; it was already starting, his more constant need for his Alpha as his pregnancy progressed. They'd been having sex more frequently in the last few weeks but there was something different today, something in John that couldn't be satisfied, and he wanted Sherlock to fuck him again and again until it hurt, even though he couldn't explain to himself why.

Sherlock hushed his mate with a hand on John's belly, cupping a handful of warm bathwater and smoothing it over the swell. His eyes grew darker, and he purred deep in his throat. "Good Omega," he rumbled quietly in John's ear, the head of his cock already creating a firm pressure against his mate's entrance. "That's exactly what I like to hear." Steadying John's hips with his hands, he thrust inside with one fluid motion. The Alpha moved slowly, the water resistance keeping him from setting too frenzied a pace; even so, the bathwater began to slosh gently back and forth against the sides of the tub as he fucked his mate. He nipped possessively along John's neck, suckling darker marks over each reddened bite. "You're right," he murmured, breath hot against his mate's skin, "You're mine." He claimed his mate's swollen belly with his touch, laved over John's scent gland to taste the Omega's need.

"Yes, yours," John whimpered, mewling happily at the praise. He began panting lightly as Sherlock fucked him, whining breathily, gripping the sides of the tub. "Oh, Sherlock... ngh, can you feel that resistance when you bottom out?" He licked his lips, his panting increasing in pace. "That's this big belly you've given me being pressed into the floor of the tub," he moaned happily. "Just a little, with every thrust... oh, feels good," he cried out softly, rocking back against him. "Fuck, yes, that's it, bite me, get your scent all over me..." He felt his Alpha's tongue at his scent gland and knew that his scent would be telling the man exactly how much John was loving being fucked and claimed, exactly how much he needed and wanted the thick cock that was filling him, how completely he submitted to the Alpha. He knew that if Sherlock asked it of him, he'd present anywhere, at any time, no matter who was watching; he wanted Sherlock to be able to prove his dominance to anyone.

Waves of water began to spill over the sides of the tub as Sherlock increased his pace, responding to his mate's scent. He snarled in approval and bit more harshly with each press of lips, visibly marking his claim with each kiss-bite, purpling his Omega's neck and shoulders with dark bruises. John's submission, the utter need that pervaded his scent, brought forth the Alpha's more feral instinct; he needed to show the world his mate was his. "Mine," he panted, pleased at John's ecstasy at being taken, at his Omega's increasing vocalizations of pleasure, John's sounds growing in volume as the Alpha fucked him closer to his release. "Mine only- mine alone- mine to touch, to take-"

"Oh fuck, yes, yours... yours to bite, yours to breed, only yours," John whimpered, his eyes fluttering shut as he grew closer to his peak. He shuddered lightly as Sherlock kept biting him, marking him, leaving dark bruises he knew would be visible to their guests, and his instincts purred as he keened, pushed back more desperately, grunted and whined and came hard, clenching hard around his mate's cock. "Oh god, fill me, please, fill me, I need it, want it..." he panted breathily, his scent becoming sweeter and muskier in an effort to please the Alpha, bring him to orgasm.

Sherlock inhaled his mate's scent and groaned, sinking his teeth into their bond bite and spilling deep into his mate. Sherlock's cock pulsed hard as he filled his mate more and more, pumping the Omega full with his thick seed; John's desperate need had nearly triggered a knot, and it was longer than usual before the Alpha was completely spent. He breathed hard against his mate's neck, his eyes closed, his hands still cupping John's belly until he felt the pleasure subside. Lifting his head, the Alpha finally released the bite, pressing his lips gently to the bleeding skin and softly beginning to lave the blood from the fresh wound. He kept his member reassuringly buried in his Omega, stabilizing and calming his mate after such a rough coupling as he tended John lovingly. "My perfect Omega," he crooned, nuzzling him gently, "Such a good mate, taking my cock and my claiming so well." He breathed in John's scent once more and purred in happiness, "Mmm, and you could still take me again, couldn't you? You still need it."

John mewled submissively and rocked back onto his mate's still-hard cock, all but fucking himself on it. "Yes, yes, I need it, oh god," he whined plaintively, giving high-pitched little grunts as he moved, his tight but pliant hole dragging wonderfully along his Alpha's thick shaft. "Can't get enough of you today," he moaned, "can't think of anything else... want you to claim me over and over, even when our guests get here I want you to sit me on your cock and bounce me in your lap in front of everyone so they can all see how you own me... ohhhh, fuck!" He licked his lips, his breathing laboured, as he continued fucking himself on Sherlock's cock, the water rippling and splashing around his massive belly.

Sherlock growled deeply, letting his mate desperately impale himself on his cock once again. He undulated his hips lazily to meet his Omega's encumbered thrusts, allowing himself to observe with pleasure John's heavy body as the Omega panted and grunted and groaned in front of him, John seeming almost animal in his need. "I'll have you completely naked, your thighs spread wide open like a common whore as I fuck you, stretch you wide around my enormous cock," the Alpha rumbled, "Your belly button out, your breasts full to aching and bouncing ripely on top of the huge, heavy belly I've given you. You'll be panting and moaning, begging for me, unable to stop yourself from mewling and crying out for more in front of everyone. Completely, utterly mine." He began to take John more actively, pulling the Omega closer against him, beginning to nip and kiss once more along his ear and jawline as he thrust to meet his Omega's movements.

"Yes, yes," John agreed eagerly, panting, hurtling towards the edge quickly as he was still so sensitive from his first release. "Please, oh, please, I need it, need you to come in me, want to be so full of your seed it forces my belly to swell out even further... Ngh, oh, so good, fuck, yes, yes, oh, Sherlock!" He moaned loudly as he felt his Alpha marking him again, pleased that there would be purpling marks for everyone to see. "Love it when you mark me," he gasped. "Love it how everyone can see who I belong to..." It only took another couple of minutes of his mate thrusting into him, worrying the shell of his ear with his teeth, for John to cry out and clench hard around the enormous cock filling him, spurting uselessly into the water.

Sherlock plunged his hand through the water to fist over John's cock as the Omega began to come, making his mate scream all the louder as he intensified his climax. John's hole spasmed and contracted even harder around the Alpha's cock, and Sherlock grunted and moaned, panting and burying his face in his mate's shoulder as he began to come hard. Another half-knot had formed in response to John's desperation, and Sherlock pumped all of the hot seed into his mate once more, the engorged base of his cock breaching John's entrance with each thrust as he continued to fuck him, to fill his Omega until he was certain John could hardly hold any more.

"Ngh... ahhh... yes, yes," John chanted mindlessly, tears beginning to stream down his face from finally feeling satisfied, the almost-knot stretching him deliciously wider, his slick channel so full of his Alpha's come it was already leaking freely into the bath. "Nghhhh, so good... mmm," he purred happily, eyes fluttering closed as he smiled blissfully and writhed on Sherlock's engorged cock. "Ahhh, that's better," he added, the relief and satisfaction evident in his voice. "So much better. So full of you... ngh, I love it... full of your babies, your cock, your come. Love being this full of you. Love being just a vessel for you." He shuddered and released his white-knuckle grip on the edges of the tub, suddenly realising just how exhausted he was. "Nest, please?" he mewled submissively. "Clean, nest, sleep?" As always, being so thoroughly claimed by his Alpha had pushed him into his Omega and he found himself able only to form the most basic words. He ached for crisp laundered sheets, their eiderdown quilt, the soft cushiness of their bed. "Pillow," he asserted, proud of his coherence.

"Yes, my Omega," Sherlock breathed, his eyelids fluttering in pleasure as he pulled out, John's hole reflexively clenching around him one last time. Pressing a gentle kiss to their bond bite, he helped his mate turn and sit down once again. "Clean first," he reminded John when the Omega whined, looking up at him with wide, questioning eyes. The Alpha took up the loofah from where it had been forgotten floating in the bath, and began to work the sponge reverently over his mate's skin, attentively washing every inch of John's gravid body. He paid special attention to his Omega's sticky breasts and belly, but also to his face, gently instructing John to close his eyes so the Alpha could run a soft washcloth over his mate's features. Sherlock paused before touching the skin, for a moment silently captivated by his mate, the realization that John was truly his. With a fond smile, the instant passed, and he lovingly pressed the washcloth to John's cheek, passed it over his eyes, his nose, his lips, attended reverently to each feature he'd come to know so well. Sherlock finished washing his Omega, even more pleased by the fact that his semen in the water would now be worked subtly into John's skin, unmistakably marking his claim to anyone who could scent his mate.

John purred happily as his Alpha tended to him, stroking his enormous bump protectively. When he was clean he blinked and reached for the cloth, cleaning Sherlock as best he could albeit a little clumsily, since his big belly prevented him getting too close without twisting sideways. When he was satisfied that he'd done his duty and tended to his mate he dropped the cloth and sat back on his heels, lifting his hands to be helped out of the tub, blinking up at Sherlock expectantly, like a child asking to be carried. He mewled a little in protest as Sherlock chuckled at him but purred again as he was helped out of the tub and dried off, led gently by the hand back to the nest and curled up in a chair while Sherlock changed the sheets. When the Alpha had finished putting fresh sheets on the bed John hauled himself out of the chair, using the high arms as leverage, and tottered over to it, allowing his mate to ease him onto it. He sighed contentedly and snuggled into it, lying on his side, his enormous belly pushed out proudly in front of him. His eyes fluttered shut, already being overtaken by sleep; he was pretty sure they'd never had that much sex in one morning before and it had tired him out. "Can you... can you be inside me while I sleep?" John huffed enquiringly, making soft little grunts of happiness as he burrowed into the bedding.

"For awhile, my Omega," Sherlock replied, climbing into bed behind his mate. He easily stroked himself to complete hardness once more, and pressed himself up against John's back as he entered the Omega, draping an arm over John's full belly. The Alpha pressed his nose into the nape of his mate's neck, a soft smile playing on his lips as he inhaled John's grounding scent, and placed a light kiss to the skin. "We'll have guests soon enough, and we've promised to tend to them. You may sleep as long as you like, but I may have to get up to answer the door and begin to heat the food we've prepared before you wake again." He closed his eyes and waited for his mate's response, only to be greeted with the softest of snores; John was already asleep. Chuckling quietly, Sherlock held his mate closer, purring as he closed his own eyes and allowed himself a brief nap; physically and emotionally, the morning had tired him out, too.

Soon enough, the Alpha woke to the buzzing of his phone's alarm. John was still out like a light, one of the Omega's hands curled protectively over his own belly as the other rested close to his cheek. The Alpha sighed regretfully as he pulled away from his mate's warmth, carefully easing himself out of his Omega. John mewled and shifted, but slept too deeply to wake. Sherlock tugged the covers up over his mate's shoulders and tucked the blankets around John, and with one last sigh, left to ready himself and their home for the guests.

John woke not long after midday, feeling inexplicably satisfied. He stretched decadently and purred loudly, demanding attention from his Alpha; he could smell mulled wine and cinnamon and roasting turkey, chipolatas and roast potatoes. He managed to haul himself upright, braced against the headboard, and purred again, louder, unsure if his mate could hear him over the hum of the extractor fan and the oven. "Alpha," he demanded loudly, shifting to try and stand and feeling an odd sensation in his channel that he knew meant his Alpha had been filling him as he slept. He smiled, pleased. He heaved himself to standing and waddled across the room, picking up the parcel of jumpers Sherlock had given him earlier. He pulled out the one that would fit him as he was that day and stroked it absently, thrusting it towards his mate when he appeared. "Want this one," he grinned contentedly. "And the blue shirt. Need your help... can only manage my top half now, can't dress myself properly, this big belly you've given me gets in the way. Feeling lazy though. Want you to do it." He swayed a little, as if drawn to his Alpha by magnetic force, inhaling his strong scent and smiling stupidly.

"Of course," Sherlock smiled, stepping forward to take the jumper from his mate and press a kiss to John's cheek. He purred when John seemed to melt into the small gesture, the Omega instinctually pressing himself closer to his Alpha, seeking more of Sherlock's touch. Sherlock had noticed his mate slipping gradually more and more toward his Omega state since John had become pregnant; the changes usually manifested themselves in small things - increased affection and approval-seeking, an attachment that meant John spent less time on his own and more around Sherlock - but today seemed to have been a tipping point of sorts. The shift had become more than obvious, and it pleased the Alpha immensely. Sherlock placed another kiss to his Omega's forehead before retrieving a nursing bra and the requested shirt. The Alpha took his time dressing his mate, allowing his hands to linger for far longer than necessary over John's full breasts and belly; he couldn't resist pressing a sweet kiss to John's navel before buttoning the Omega's shirt, smiling at the response of a few small vibrations under his lips and hands. As soon as John's shirt was done up - the collar not nearly covering the extensive amount of purple marks covering the Omega's neck - Sherlock helped him on with the jumper, the oatmeal covered garment a perfect fit. Last were the pants and trousers. He had his mate brace his hands on his shoulders as he helped John into the elastic-waisted bottoms. Finished, he looked up at his now well-dressed mate and purred with satisfaction and pride, standing to kiss his Omega and pull him into a tender embrace.

John mewled happily, warm and snugly dressed and clean and satisfied. He rubbed his belly subtly against Sherlock, transferring a little more of the Alpha's scent onto it, before blinking a few times, half shaking his head, then taking a couple of deep breaths. Slowly, the Omega receded from his mind and John Hamish Watson came back. "Hello," he smiled at Sherlock, his voice deeper, not needy and seeking praise. "Need any help with lunch? Smells like you've got most of it sorted." He held Sherlock's hand lightly as they went to the kitchen, partly because he still needed the closeness and partly for balance. He tried not to blush at how obviously satisfied Sherlock was with his gait, the deep waddle he had to adopt because of his huge belly. If they stuck to the timeline they'd discussed, he'd only be a little smaller than this in two years time when he was ripe with Sherlock's next litter; the thought made him smile fondly at how much Sherlock would love that. It felt a little odd, being so uncertain when or even if he'd be pregnant again, since currently he felt so pregnant he couldn't imagine not being so. He didn't know how either of them would react when the pups were born; whether he'd reject Sherlock's advances or want the security of his knot, whether Sherlock would want to instantly scent all of the pups and guard them while John slept or want to reclaim his mate as soon as possible. They'd both be operating on instinct, their rational minds pushed far back, so they'd just have to wait and see.

He snapped his head to look at Sherlock, who was regarding him enquiringly. "Sorry, what was that? I was miles away," he grinned apologetically.

"I said, 'I've taken care of everything,'" Sherlock said, his eyebrows raised in mild interest, "And would you like something to tide you over before our guests arrive? You ate quite a lot at breakfast this morning, but considering our recent exertions, I wouldn't be surprised if you were hungry again." He helped John into a chair and placed a sandwich on the plate in front of the Omega expectantly, not waiting for an answer. There were still dishes to be tended to, he thought, as he began to move expertly about the kitchen. Savoury aromas filled the air as he lifted the lid of each pot on the stove in turn, carefully stirring the contents of some while humming in satisfaction at others. The last was the cranberry sauce, which he'd left to the pressure cooker. Sherlock felt something niggling in the back of his brain, a curious misgiving, as he reached for the lid.

BOOM. Before the Alpha's hand even touched the handle, the lid shot off the pot, hitting the ceiling with a crash and clanging to the floor. Sherlock reeled and jerked his arm back - but not enough. He shouted as the steam and hot cranberries made contact with his skin, pain blooming where he'd been hit. The Alpha immediately scrambled back to his mate - safe on the other side of the room - shielding him by instinct, though all was already over. The whole event had only taken a moment, red, hot stickiness suddenly decorating the ceiling, the nearest cupboards, the floor. Injured, breathing hard, and growling, Sherlock stood in front of John, his Alpha ready for a fight with the threat of the pressure cooker - on which he'd simply forgotten to lock down the lid when John had called him to the bedroom.

John had looked up sharply when the pressure cooker exploded, but he hadn't flinched, too accustomed to explosions both from Afghanistan and living with Sherlock generally. He stuffed the rest of the sandwich in his mouth and tugged at Sherlock's sleeve, cooing as best he could through his mouthful of chicken sandwich to calm his Alpha, until his mate allowed his burned arm to be examined. John reached out and turned on the cold tap, pushing Sherlock's arm under it and giving him a glare that clearly said Don't you dare move your arm out from under there until I say so. He chewed as he grabbed a cloth and began cleaning, wiping down the cupboards and surfaces, every so often glancing back to Sherlock and growling a soft warning if his Alpha looked like he was going to remove his arm from the water. "That was a bad burn, Sherlock, your arm is staying under the cold tap for fifteen whole minutes. I can manage the cleaning." He got out the mop and looked up then down, deciding after a while to do the ceiling first. He made quick work of it and by the time he'd finished the floor as well, the kitchen was spotless and John's Omega was purring loudly, pleased that he'd made their home clean for his mate. He shook his head like a dog coming out of a lake and marched over to Sherlock, gently taking his elbow. "Let me have a look then," he said softly, kissing his cheek. "Mmm, yes, that looks like it's going to be very sore for a while... Let me get my kit."

Ten minutes later, Sherlock's arm was expertly dressed in a crisp white bandage. John had been forced to resort to placing Sherlock's other hand on his belly, challenging him to deduce the movements of their pups, to keep him still and occupied, but it was done. He put the kit away and looked at his mate fondly. "Are you alright now, my darling?" he purred submissively, the touches to his belly pushing him towards his instinctive state again, and his instincts were writhing in glee at having taken care of his mate. Good Omega, they supplied. Serve Alpha. Nurture. Comfort.

Sherlock nodded silently, his cheeks flushed deeply red in embarrassment, keeping his eyes downcast as he stroked his Omega's belly. "Thank you," he murmured. John's Omega tugged at his own instincts, encouraging him to praise and nuzzle his mate, but Sherlock was nearly too mortified to respond. He'd failed his mate. The dinner, the entire day, was supposed to go perfectly, but he'd managed to ruin something before they even began - the best thing, too. He knew how much his Omega had been looking forward to the cranberry sauce - which John had had to clean up because his Alpha was too injured to provide. He clenched his jaw and breathed deeply, sinking into black self-loathing.

John smiled softly, sensing his embarrassment and shame through their bond. "You've done so well," he purred, spreading his legs just a little wider. "Look at what you've provided for us. A beautiful home, so spacious. All this food, a real feast. Took care of me so well earlier... could still feel your lovely huge cock where it stretched me as I slept. Letting me sleep while you did all the real work, putting everything in the oven. You got me the perfect gifts, and now I'm cosy and happy in the jumper you gave me. We've got more cranberries, and we've got a pan with a lid we can use - because you provided them for us - and we've got time. We can make more sauce, love," John murmured, placing his fingers under his Alpha's chin and tilting his face up. "You have nothing to be ashamed about," he said firmly. "I am a very lucky Omega, to have an Alpha who can provide this well for me, who can provide so well for his future family of fifteen. Now come on, I'll prep the cranberries if you get the pan out of the drawer. That involves bending down so it's your job," he smirked playfully, leaning in for a kiss.

Sherlock couldn't help but meet his mate's lips. John's cheery determination made clear there was to be no counter-argument or despondency, but the Alpha remained not entirely placated. He gave another quiet nod and an uncertain smile when he pulled back, ignoring John's worried look and helping his Omega to his feet to set about their work in the kitchen. He obediently handed John the remaining cranberries and pulled the pan out of the drawer, nearly whining when John set to work on the dish. His Omega shouldn't have had to do the work. Especially on his favourite dish. But John gave him another stern look, and so Sherlock measured out the sugar, and soon enough there was a new batch of cranberries cooking into sauce. Unconsciously frowning, the Alpha watched the pan absently - until he felt a small, hard object bounce off his back. He turned, only to have another hit his chest -and to catch his Omega, another bad cranberry in hand, prepared for a third attack.

John giggled playfully and lobbed the third one at Sherlock's head, snickering when it hit him smack between the eyes and bounced pointlessly onto the floor. "Cheer up, love," he admonished softly. "So the first batch of sauce is gone, so what? We'll still have plenty. Nothing permanently damaged. Even the pressure cooker will be fine after a good wash. A little perspective, yeah?" He threw another cranberry, bouncing it off Sherlock's shoulder. "One little mistake doesn't make you a bad Alpha. Do you want me to get the scanner out and show you all of the pups you put in me to prove exactly how good an Alpha you are? Or should I just keep throwing cranberries at you until you agree with me?" He ducked to the other side of the counter and continued his assault, lobbing the fruits with precision, smirking as each one bounced off Sherlock or was batted away.

Cranberries hit Sherlock's uninjured arm, his collarbone, his cheek. Several landed in his hair and didn't come out, nesting easily into the dark curls. John managed a precise throw to the tip of his nose, and the corners of the Alpha's mouth quirked upwards. Another to his chin, and two berries bouncing deliberately off his cheekbones in quick succession, and the smile grew wider. Remembering himself and the recent incident, however, the Alpha schooled his features back into stubborn sadness, and opened his mouth to protest the ridiculous treatment - at which opportunity, one of the small, red projectiles flew easily between his parted lips. The Alpha swallowed it upon reflex, and stared at his opponent, stunned. There was a second's pause. The Alpha's lips trembled. And then he began to laugh.

John laughed along with him, bouncing one more cranberry off his chest for good measure before waddling over to him, his progress obviously cumbersome. He pressed up against his Alpha, purring. "Christmas isn't supposed to be perfect," John murmured. "This isn't Stepford. Christmas is meant to be a bit mental and more than a bit stressful. It's meant to be frantic and chaotic until finally everyone sits down to a meal and then there's peace and mirth and joy and we all wear those silly paper crowns and look generally ridiculous until we fall asleep in front of the telly watching The Great Escape for the fifteenth time. I know you think you have, but... you haven't ruined anything. Except maybe your ability to use your right hand for a few days, but it'll heal... and in the meantime, I can always take care of you," he purred, the double meaning obvious. "Now, it's only one o'clock, our guests won't be getting here until three... and I'm still a little hungry. Feed me? I'm getting that craving for cherries and beef again..."

Sherlock's smile grew warmer as his Omega spoke. "Of course," he murmured, pressing a kiss to John's forehead, "Sit. I'll prepare the plate." When the meat was warmed - and the cranberry sauce safely finished and removed from the stovetop - he returned to John's side. The Alpha grinned fondly at his mate - and immediately winced when he attempted to grip the fork in his right hand. He gingerly transferred the instrument to the left, his ability to maneuver the utensil only slightly diminished, he thought, in his non-dominant hand. His next move, however, proved him completely wrong. The first forkful of food ended up half-smeared over John's cheek, leaving an appetizing reddish-brown streak before plopping limply onto the table. "Ah," Sherlock mused, blushing again as he eyed the small mess.

John giggled helplessly and shuffled towards Sherlock. "Oh dear, I can't reach the napkins," he sighed theatrically. "You'll just have to clean me yourself." He purred loudly in pleasure as Sherlock took the bait and leaned in to lick him clean. He took the fork from Sherlock and dragged the plate closer. "Maybe you can just watch for now," he murmured, licking his lips. "You love watching me eat though, don't you? Nourishing your pups, making this enormous belly even bigger. Stuffing myself..." He stabbed a slice of beef and speared some cherries along with it, humming lightly as he took it off the fork, relishing the odd combination. He'd taken to having cherry jam and beef sandwiches and was almost pleased that he was getting unusual cravings, another marker of his pregnancy. He kept his eyes on his mate as he ate, slowly finishing everything Sherlock had put in front of him, licking his lips and making sounds of approval with every bite. When the plate was clean he rubbed his belly, satisfied. "Mmm, that was perfect. Hit the spot nicely. Thanks, love. Shall we go and fetch the presents for our guests and put them under the tree?"

Sherlock nodded a bit dumbly, feeling notably warmer than before his Omega had started eating. He ignored the uncomfortable tightness of his pants in favour of helping John to his feet once more. The job of bending down was once again left to the Alpha, and the presents were arranged under the tree at John's dictation. Placing the last gift down, Sherlock's hands lingered on the neatly wrapped box. It was nice, this, he mused. He couldn't remember the last time he'd officially celebrated the holiday, much less have anyone to spend the holiday with. Greg had invited him in years past, when the Alpha was clean enough, but Sherlock had never seen fit to take him up on the offer. Childhood had made the holiday joyless for him, to say the least. He moved the gift a few inches to the right to satisfy his Omega, and smiled softy.

John purred as everything was perfectly in place and held his hand out for Sherlock. "Come here then, love," he murmured. "I think we should snuggle on the sofa and watch bad tv until the guests arrive, don't you?" He mewled happily when Sherlock came over to him, wrapping them both in John's new fur blanket, holding him close and cradling his belly. "Enjoy this while it lasts," John chuckled. "This is the simplest, quietest Christmas we're ever going to have. After this we'll have thirteen babies crawling around, then thirteen toddlers, then thirteen two-year-olds and more babies... God help us," he grinned. He sighed contentedly, unable to remember being happier on Christmas day; as a child family Christmases had always been overshadowed by fighting, crying, his mother burning the dinner, Harry causing trouble, his dad getting a bit drunk... It had never been like this, loving and warm and perfect.

Sherlock's hands found their way under the hem of John's jumper and shirt; he caressed the Omega's warm belly with a quiet purr of contentment, feeling small points of pressure rise and fall underneath his palms as the pups kicked and shifted lazily. "Mmm," he agreed, burying his nose in John's soft hair. "It will be perfect."

It would also be complete and utter chaos, but he and John would work their hardest to make the holiday joyful for their children. His pups would never look back on their childhood and remember silent Christmases, dimly-lit, grim family dinners, too-tight suits that pinched around the cuffs and collars, dark hallways, fingerprint-sized bruises on wrists and sharp-tongued threats of what happened to sons who dared to be more than mute ornaments at holiday galas. The Alpha's jaw tightened and he closed his eyes against the memories, taking another deep breath, allowing John's scent to wash over him and bring him back to the present, to their home.

John scented his mate's distress and pressed closer to him, purring quietly, cleaning the thin sheen of sweat from his Alpha's forehead carefully. He nuzzled him enquiringly and was satisfied by the warm smile and extra attention to his belly he received in reply, settling back to watch the film, his head resting on Sherlock's shoulder.

They stayed like that until the doorbell rang at precisely three o'clock, a three-second ring. John roused slightly from his almost-doze, warm and comfortable under the blanket having his belly stroked, and blinked stupidly before his brain came back online. "Bet it's Lestrade," John murmured quietly, smiling fondly as his Alpha got up to answer the door. He was both pleased and surprised that Sherlock was voluntarily allowing another Alpha into his territory, where he was nesting with his heavily pregnant mate. He wondered idly if it was because Lestrade had moved between John and Anderson during that incident, Sherlock knew the other man could be trusted around his mate. He snuggled happily into the blanket his mate had given him, purring as he stroked the silky fur.