Chapter Ten: Mycoft Worries Too Much

AN: Sorry I've been a no show for a while. I've had so much on and trying to update at least one chapter of each older story while I can. So I've skipped ahead slightly. Ria is due to give birth in two weeks and funnily enough, Mycroft is the one panicking ;) xxxx

"Uncle My, calm down. I'm perfectly capable of getting downstairs by myself." Ria sighs, trying to shake off her Uncle who's currently hanging onto her like she's shatter to pieces.

"I know, Alejandria. I just don't want any harm to come to you or Veronica, my dear." Mycroft replies gently, still holding Ria's arm.

"I know, Uncle My. But seriously …"

"Sweetheart, she's alright. Come on, give the girl a little space, love." Greg interrupts from the bottom of the stairs.

"Well, only if you're sure. I could set up a bedroom down ..."

"My, stop it. You're panicking. And it's no good for Ria or Ronnie. Now, come on. Let Ria go and help me make breakfast for us all. After all, Ria's eating for a very hungry little one now."

"Alright, my dear. Alejandria ..."

"I'll shout if I need you, Uncle My. As I always promise to." Ria smiles softly at her Uncle, patting his arm.

Mycroft nods before hesitantly descending the stairs and following his partner.

"I know you're worried, sweetheart, and I'm glad to see this protective side of you, but you're smothering Ria and it's getting her worked up. She's been alright so far, being in your big house isn't going to change that." Greg says gently as Mycroft enters the kitchen.

"Gregory, I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to them."

"I know you wouldn't, love. But she's a big girl and she's doing great. She's not straining or over-working herself, she's eating well and she's sleeping regularly. Ria isn't stupid and she's made sure Ronnie is as safe as Fort Knox. Just try to relax, love. It's all going to be fine."

Mycroft nods his head slightly in agreement, walking over to the cupboard to pick out glasses and plates, before setting them on the table and grabbing juice from the fridge.

"You're going to miss her, aren't you?" Greg asks suddenly, looking up from the fried eggs to his partner.

Of course I'll miss Alejandria, she's your niece and the mother of our daughter."

"Just admit it, My. You've got a soft spot for my niece that isn't just because of who she is to me. You love that girl like your own, I can see it." Greg replies with a teasing smile.

"Yes, well. She is a very wonderful young girl, Gregory. And very brave for what she's doing."

"Admit it, My." Greg continues to tease, grinning at his partner.

"Yes, alright. I do love her. She's giving me the one thing I've always wanted and more so, she's our niece and she's perfect." Mycroft sighs, but gives a genuine smile.

"That she is, love."

"Alright, now I need a sit down and some juice." Ria interrupts with a tired sigh, gingerly climbing onto the kitchen stool at the table.

"Here's breakfast for ya, kid. Your favourite, a full English."

"Ta, Uncle G. And, um, thanks for everything you've done for me."

"You're my niece, I'd do anything for ya."

"I know. But I really appreciate you putting me up and taking care of me."

"Not a problem, kid."

"You too, Uncle My. It's an amazing home, you have. And I love the library."

"Well, I'm glad you've enjoyed your time here, Alejandria. I hope you'll come back soon."

"Course I will. I love it here." Ria grins, before digging into her breakfast.

"You're welcome any time." Mycroft smiles, sitting down and accepting his own breakfast.

x..x

"I wonder if you'd like to do some shopping with me, Alejandria? For some baby clothes or something for yourself?"

"Sure, I'd love to, Uncle My. I know just the place."

"Grab your coat and I'll have Fredrick come around with the car then." Mycroft smiles, pulling out his mobile to summon his driver.

"Afternoon, Mr Holmes." Fredrick greets cheerfully, opening the door for Mycroft and Ria.

"Good afternoon, Fredrick. How are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you, sir. And yourself?"

"Very well, thank you."

"And what about the young Miss, then?" Fredrick asks with a smile, looking over at Ria.

"I'm good, thank you, Fredrick. Me and Mycroft are going shopping for some things for Ronnie." Ria smiles brightly, settling into the backseat.

"Ah, so that's what you're calling the little one then. It's a lovely name, Mr Holmes. Definitely fits with the Holmes-Lestrade name."

"Thank you, Fredrick. Gregory picked it out. Her full name is Veronica Rosalie Holmes-Lestrade."

"Absolutely lovely, sir. And I bet with a mother like that young Miss, she's gonna be a bonny one."

Ria giggles girlishly and blushes under the compliment.

"But then again, given your Uncle, I bet all the good genes run in the family." Fredrick grins through the front mirror at Ria.

"That's true." Mycroft smiles softly, looking towards Fredrick.

"I tell you what, sir, your brother's doing pretty alright for himself too. That Doctor Watson is quite a handsome chap. You Holmes' know how to pick the good ones." Fredrick smirks, winking at Ria.

"Yes, and when will I get to meet the infamous brother, Uncle My?" Ria asks in a teasing tone.

"Believe me, Alejandria, you're better off not meeting my little brother." Mycroft replies with a slight smile.

"I bet he's lovely really." Ria giggles.

"Yes, as lovely as an angry bear."

Ria laughs heartily and it warms something deep in Mycroft's heart to hear it, it's so like Gregory's laugh that it makes him smile stupidly

"Ah, here we are." Ria replies breathlessly, grinning madly.

x..x

"Gregory, we're home." Mycroft announces with a warm smile.

"Ah, and how are my two favourite people then?" Greg smiles, leaning in to first kiss Mycroft and then his niece.

"We had a wonderful day, Uncle G. And you should see the clothes we picked out. They're so small and cute, and it's so funny how little babies are."

"I know they are, love. I remember when you were that small. Now look at you, all grown up and a proper little lady. Boy, does the time fly." Greg smiles, hugging his niece tight.

"Oh God, run, Uncle My, before he gets all emotional and starts crying. It's not a pretty sight." Ria teases, nudging Mycroft a little.

"Oi, you. And after I spent all day slaving over a hot stove to make your favourite." Greg chastises mock seriously, ruffling Ria's hair.

"You mean, Spagetti Pancakes. Thanks, Uncle G." Ria replies excitedly, throwing her arms around her uncle's neck.

"Oh, so now you're nice to me?" Greg teases, kissing Ria's hair.

"Spagetti Pancakes?" Mycroft asks in a bemused tone.

"Yeah, it's spagetti on top of pancakes. It's nicer than it sounds." Greg replies with a smile.

"Well, I'm always willing to try something new. And then after tea, we could show you what we bought for Veronica."

"Sounds lovely, My."

x..x

"Thanks for tea, Uncle G. I'm gonna get a bath and then get some sleep. It's been a long day."

"Alright then, kid. Sleep tight. Shout if you need anything."

"Will do. Night, Uncle G. Night, Uncle My." Ria replies with a sleepy smile, hugging Mycroft tightly. "Thanks for today. It was really nice."

"You're welcome, my dear." Mycroft smiles back, kissing Ria's cheek.

"See ya in the morning, love."

"Night."

Ria slowly makes her way upstairs and into her on-suite bathroom, running the bath before setting up her pyjamas.

"So, good day then?"

"It was wonderful, Gregory. I don't think I've ever had so much fun shopping before."

"Good. So, let's have a look then."

"Ah, of course." Mycroft smiles, pulling the shopping bags over to them. "Alejandria really thought this would be cute, and seeing her eyes light up, I could hardly refuse."

Mycroft pulls out a tiny bear onzie complete with little ears on the hood and holds it up to Greg.

"Aww, it's sweet. And it looks really warm too. Do they do these in adult sizes?" Greg grins, holding up the little onzie.

"I'm sure they do somewhere, my dear."

"We'll have to get matching ones." Greg continues to grin, nudging Mycroft.

Mycroft just chuckles before pulling out a few baby grows and a few little dresses.

"They're all really lovely, My. I'm so proud of you."

"It's Alejandria you should be proud of, Gregory. I didn't even know babies had all of these different things."

"No, I mean the way you're taking to this father thing. Taking Ria out shopping for stuff, looking out for her, giving her a place to stay. You're going to be an amazing dad, My."

"As will you, my love. We're in this together and I know it's going to be the most happiest experience of my life, raising a little girl with you."

"Yeah, mine too, Mikey. And I can't wait. In just two weeks, we'll have a daughter."

"That's exactly why I was thinking we should convert the guest room next to ours into a nursery. I thought we might do that tomorrow. With Alejandria's help, of course."

"That sounds perfect, My. And then maybe we can take her to see John and Sherlock. I know what you're thinking but she's apart of this family and she should get to meet her other uncles too."

"Of course. What ever you wish, Gregory."

"Good, it's settled then." Greg grins, pulling Mycroft into a firm and loving hug.

Mycroft sighs happily and let's himself relax into Greg's arms; apparently today was a long day for the older Holmes too and he's ready for sleep.

Apparently reading his mind, Greg whispers softly, "Let's get some sleep, love."

The older man stands and looks at his partner; Mycroft follows him willingly, looking forward to being able to curl up next to his husband.