Sherlock had been up for several hours working on an experiment in the kitchen when his phone buzzed against the table. A quick look soon had him on his feet. "We have a case John," he spoke to the room in general. When he didn't receive a reply he glanced up, expecting to find John in his chair. Nothing. Maybe he went out, it wouldn't be the first time Sherlock had failed to observe John's absence. But John's keys and phone were still on the table by his chair, come to think of it Sherlock didn't remember seeing John at all this morning. Another glance revealed a cold kettle and only Sherlock's cup from earlier in the sink. "John…." he called out a bit louder but still no answer. He made his way to the bedroom to dress for the case and there found John still in bed asleep. It was far too late for him to be having a lie-in, besides they had work to do.
"John, didn't you hear me? We have a case, get dressed!" With a firm double-pat to John's backside to move him along, Sherlock turned to dress himself. A low groan from the bed was the only reply, with no hint of movement. Sherlock was fully dressed except for his shoes when he realized John truly wasn't getting up, nor had made any further sounds. His attention was instantly diverted to his mate. Sitting on the edge of the bed nearest John, his fingers rose to brush across the sleeping face. He encountered flushed, hot skin and a shudder at his touch. He tried again.
"John? Aren't you feeling well? Don't you want to come on the case? "
Another groan and John drew the covers tighter around himself before a muffled reply was heard, "No. I'm not leaving this bed Sherlock. Must be a bug I've picked up, maybe from Christian….he was sick last week you know. I just hurt all over and my stomach aches…...best thing to do is sleep it off. You go on and solve it without me, yeah? Just promise to be careful."
Sherlock merely nodded as he rubbed John's back through the blankets, "I will go, just as soon as I have taken care of you." He gathered some anti-inflammatory meds from the bathroom, a large glass of water, and made some toast then brought it all in to John. "You need to eat a little so you can take some medicine. I'll go once you're settled and I'll make sure Mrs. Hudson will come and check in on you while I'm gone."
John moaned and grumbled but did as he was told, raising up onto one elbow to eat the toast as quickly as he could and take the meds. When he had finished the water, he passed the glass back to Sherlock as he prepared to lay down once more.
"Do you need the bathroom? You haven't been up all morning."
John didn't want to move at all, but since Sherlock brought it up, he really did need to go. Best get it all over with now so he could settle down and sleep some more. He struggled out of bed to find his legs felt like jelly. He grabbed for Sherlock's arm only to find an arm around his waist before he even spoke or took a step. He could only muster a tired smile in thanks but Sherlock nodded in understanding anyway.
Sherlock helped John to the bathroom and stood by while he finished his mornings ablutions. Then he helped him back to bed and tucked him in snugly, receiving a smile and a quiet "Thanks Sherlock," in return. He kissed John's feverish brow in parting. "Sleep well. I will check in with Mrs. Hudson later and finish as soon as I can." John was already asleep again before he was out of the door.
Four hours later John awoke with a drawn out moan and realized he had been wrong. He was grinding into the mattress and a familiar wetness had his pajamas plastered to his backside. "Bollocks!" That was all John could think. His heat had returned without any warning. He was in heat and Sherlock was…...was…..where was Sherlock? Shit he couldn't think! He was here...he was….leaving...A Case! He was on a case and John needed him to come home. John drug himself from the bed and went to find his phone, unconsciously palming his erection as he tried to get to the sitting room. He was fighting to stay coherent instead of just dropping his pajama bottoms and thrusting his fingers up his leaking ass. Christ! It had never came like this, so sudden and fierce, John needed Sherlock Now! At last he reached his phone, his hands shaking too badly to text anything, he hit the keys to dial Sherlock's phone.
Sherlock was just wrapping up the case and he was annoyed. The case itself was simple, really a five at best. He should have been done at least two hours ago and back home seeing about John. Maybe that was the problem, worrying about John. Something had been nagging at his mind ever since he left home making it much harder to focus on the case. Which is why he found himself annoyed after taking twice as long as required to finish this case. He had just given his last deductions to Greg when his phone rang. It was surprising because hardly anyone called, Greg was here and even Mycroft only called when he was desperate. One glance at the number and Sherlock was on the move before he even answered.
"John?" He could hear breathing but nothing else, maybe the call was an accident. "John? Are you there? Is everything alright?" Sherlock could hear a shaky breath followed by a drawn out humming kind of moan before he caught the first words.
"Sherrr…...uhhmmm….Sherlock!?"
Sherlock had already flagged down a taxi and jumped in giving the address quickly as he tried to get more information out of John. "Are you okay? John? Why did you call John? What's wrong?"
"Nee...need you….mmmmmm…..OH….need you home…...Sherlock. Mm….my heat…..heat…..started….Oh God….please!" Just the sound of his Alpha's voice had heightened John's arousal. His hand slid in to his pajamas and wrapped around his swollen cock, pumping steadily for an all too brief bit of relief as he tried to communicate with Sherlock.
The Alpha stirred at those words, as well as the needy sounds of his Omega, and Sherlock answered, "Ten minutes John. Do you understand? I will be there in ten minutes!" A mumbled "Uhm-hum.." was all he heard before the phone went dead. Sherlock sat back, nothing to do now but wait to get home. That must have been what was distracting him all morning; the Alpha knew the heat was coming therefore the constant pull to get home. He found himself wondering about the heat, even though it had been months it had never came on this fast. They usually had a day or so to get ready, prepare things around the flat, shopping, laundry, etc. That being said Sherlock realized they had no preparations made for the next 3 days or so. He quickly sent a message to Mycroft to arrange for provisions and have them delivered to Mrs. Hudson. He knew the Alpha wouldn't let anyone else near the flat for days and anyone who tried would suffer for their own stupidity. Once Mycroft confirmed all would be attended to, he also sent a message off to Lestrade informing him they would be unavailable for the next three or four days, possibly up to a week. Being an Omega himself Greg understood and made no comments about the absence. By the time he finished these tasks he had arrived at Baker Street. He quickly paid the cabbie before informing Mrs. Hudson of the situation upstairs and the delivery to come. The Alpha could already smell the trace of John's pheromones in the hallway and made sure to double bolt the downstairs door for safety before heading upstairs.
He barely made it in the door of the flat before he was hit with a wave of pheromones and attacked, there was no other word for it, by his nude and insanely aroused mate. John was unfastening his pants and attempting to claim his lips even as he was trying to lock the door to the flat. In the end he growled and snapped at John to ease him off a bit so he could make sure they were secure.
But John was not an Omega to be put off so easily. With his own growl he yanked Sherlock's trousers and pants down in one go, sank to his knees and was swallowing around his Alpha's cock in his throat before another sound was made between them.
The Alpha gave a low rumbling purr of pleasure and thrust deep down his Omega's throat before Sherlock could regain control. An uncontrolled Alpha could choke his own mate to death with his cock and Sherlock wasn't about to harm John in any way. Stroking John's hair gently, he pulled back and let him control the pace. Sherlock removed his jacket and began unbuttoning his shirt as he took in the site of his Omega. Naked, on his knees, with his mouth wrapped around his cock and the scent of pheromone laden lubrication enveloping both of them, he was the most arousing thing Sherlock had ever seen. He leaned his head back against the door and closed his eyes to enjoy the sensation of John's mouth and tongue working over his swollen cock while he could. He knew the pheromones and John's own need would overwhelm them both soon enough, so he let his hands fall to the tousled, sandy head, stroking fingers through the soft hair as he soothed and encouraged his Omega.
"That's it John. Such a good Omega aren't you? You know just how to please me, make your Alpha happy, don't you John?"
John hummed in contentment around the prize in his mouth, sucking greedily and running his tongue around the already leaking head to taste his Alpha. The taste on his tongue and the combined scent of their arousal in the air drove the Omega's desire further and John could no longer resist the aching need to have something inside him. Quickly thrusting three fingers into his leaking hole, John sucked harder as he tried to fuck himself on his fingers. This only lasted a moment before the Alpha caught on.
"Stop John." the command came swift and firm. John could only whine with need as he stopped his fervent movements and the cock was removed from his mouth.
"Stand up and give me your hand." John could only whimper as he obeyed, presenting his dripping fingers to his Alpha.
Sherlock grabbed John's wrist, holding him firmly in place as he spoke. "How many times have I told you that Thisis all for me?" The Alpha took a long slow sniff of the fingers and hand in front of him before making a long lick over the palm and up the first digit. Holding John's gaze he wrapped his mouth around the finger and began to suck it painfully slow from base to tip, closing his eyes in delight at the flavor of his Omega. It had been so long since he had tasted him in this way. Feral eyes snapped open and pinned John to the spot as with a growl the Alpha latched onto the next finger.
John thought his knees would buckle right under him but an arm wrapped firmly around his waist and pulled him tight against the body of his Alpha and the cock he wanted so badly. He could only whine in arousal and need, trying to thrust himself against Sherlock as he continued tormenting him with the slow suction of his mouth on his fingers.
When he had sucked and licked John's hand clean the Alpha was still not satisfied. Releasing John's hand he smoothed his own possessively over his naked Omega until he reached the firm rounded cheeks and without ceremony shoved two fingers into the wetness there.
John moaned loudly and clenched around the fingers desperate for more, "Oh please….please…." he begged.
Sherlock humored him, smirking as he fucked first two, then three fingers into John, "My greedy little Omega aren't you?" He continued for a few moments as John merely hummed against his chest but the Alpha had his own demands. Pulling the fingers out with a squelch, he brushed a damp stripe across John' lower lip, leaving it there as he sucked his fingers clean, then licking across the tainted lips as he kissed John deeply. He soon broke the kiss only to spin John around. "Hands on the door John, lean forward, spread your legs!"
John quickly followed the sharp commands, anxious for whatever his Alpha would give him.
The Alpha wanted to taste John until he had his fill. To taste his Omega at his core and know that it was all for him alone. Sherlock sank to his knees behind John, rubbing his hands over the muscled legs and up to squeeze and part the pert cheeks. He took in the sight of the wet twitching hole waiting for him and his mouth watered. With a broad swipe of his tongue he licked John from his perineum to his cleft, repeating the motion before he settled to lapping away at the wet hole, plunging his tongue as deeply as he could manage, to taste every drop he could. The Alpha growled and sucked hard at the wet pucker of his mate. Both the taste and the cries of his Omega thickening his cock in response.
John bucked hard against the Alpha's mouth claiming him. His own cock dribbling pre-cum down its length and his hole clenching around the tongue spearing him over and over. He needed so much more and all he could do was beg his Alpha for relief. "Oh God! Please….Please…..I need to come! I need your cock! I need Something! Oh Please Alpha!"
The pleas at last reached through the haze of arousal and Sherlock responded to his mate's needs. Grabbing John's hips he gave a push as he commended, "Turn." John turned around to face his mate, leaning against the door for support. Sherlock promptly took John in his mouth, sucking him steadily as he thrust three fingers back into him as well.
The combined sensation of Sherlock sucking his cock and the fingers fucking into him quickly brought John off, crying out as he spilled down Sherlock's throat. He knew it would be a short-lived relief but he relished it.
As soon as John had finished, Sherlock stood and gave another pull on his hips and John again turned to face the door somewhat drunkenly after his orgasm. He managed to get his hands up to support himself and lean forward as Sherlock impatiently tapped his legs apart with his foot. He sighed as he felt his Alpha pressed against his back, the cock he truly craved gently thrusting along the crease of his ass. He shuddered with desire as the Alpha purred against the bond mark on the back of his neck.
"This is what you really want, isn't it John? You want your Alpha's cock inside of you…..fucking you….filling you, over and over. You want my knot so badly I can taste it on you John. Couldn't have it a couple of weeks ago could you? But now….now you're in heat and you know my body will respond. You know the knot will swell and fill you like nothing else ever can. That's what you want, right John? Tell your Alpha how much you want it."
John moaned and whined as the Alpha growled against the bond mark, pushing himself back against the firmness behind him. "Oh yes Alpha, I do….I want that! I want it so badly it hurts! I need you to give it to me Alpha….please. I'll be such a good Omega! I'll do anything you ask if you will please give me your cock! I want you to fill me over and over and feel your knot locking us together! Only you…..you're all I will ever need! Please Alpha…..please! Don't tease me any longer!"
The Alpha had reached his limits as well, "Mmm...you are such a good Omega John. You beg so prettily for me you greedy thing. Now I'm going to give you exactly what you want." Sherlock wasted no time pulling back only far enough to position himself before thrusting deep into John all at once.
John cried out in pleasure, hands clenching against the door as he pushed himself back trying to take in more. "Yes! Oh God Yes! More!"
The Alpha growled again pulling out and swiftly shoving back into his willing Omega, fucking into him in long deep strokes. "That's it…...that cock will scratch that nagging itch now won't it? Yes…..that'll make you happy. Look at you just taking my cock and begging for more…..so greedy my gorgeous Omega."
Sherlock had once proposed recording them during a heat as they often couldn't remember everything that went on during the hormone induced frenzy. John was able to convince him it would be a mistake as they would most likely be mortified if they heard the things they said under the influence of hormones. They agreed to just let nature have its way with them during those times and not worry about anything they didn't remember, and they were both much happier for it as well.
The sight of John rocking back and forth meeting him thrust for thrust was driving the Alpha wild, grabbing his Omega by the hips he began to pound into him forcefully; his orgasm building and his knot beginning to swell stretching John more with every stroke.
John didn't even have to ask for harder or faster, his own body responding to the call of his Alpha as another orgasm quickly approached. He forced himself as far as he could on the hard cock and came hard against the door.
Sherlock paused and groaned at the sensation of John's inner walls clenching around him tight, milking him to the peak of his orgasm. When the grip eased he only managed three more deep strokes before shoving deep as his knot flared inside John. The Alpha growled in triumph, snarling low against his Omega's neck, "Mine….always Mine," before sinking his teeth deep into their bond mark and coming long and hard into his mate.
Tears filled John's eyes as his body responded to the bite and wrung another orgasm out of him even as his thoughts cleared for a moment. How long he had worried they would never have this again, but now he rejoiced in the feeling of his Alpha's swollen knot stretching him tight and the continued pulsing of the cock filling him with seed. The tears fell even as John smiled and sighed resting his head against the door, knowing they would be stuck this way for a bit.
However a knock at the door altered their plans.
"Sherlock? John? It's Mrs. Hudson dears. I've brought you some food and water. Can you let me in for a minute?"
Sherlock quickly deduced the best course of action. Sliding the bolt open and unlocking the door he spoke, "Give us just a moment Mrs. Hudson. I'll tell you when." They were near the sofa anyway so Sherlock eased them over and gingerly sat down with John in his lap, the shifting of the knot as they moved causing both men to moan softly. Sherlock pulled the throw off of the back of the sofa and threw it over himself and John so they were relatively decent before wrapping a proprietary arm around John and calling out. "Alright Mrs. Hudson, you can come in please."
Mrs. Hudson entered carrying a large basket full of fruits, muffins, and snacks. Seeing the boys location she set it on the table in front of the sofa before retrieving the case of bottled water outside the door. She couldn't get very far with it as it was much heavier so she just slid it into the flat and left it. Sherlock knew she must have had one of Mycroft's minions help her get it up the stairs but Mycroft must have been smart enough to send betas as no scent had drawn his attention away from John. Mrs. Hudson disappeared into the bedroom to check the state of the bed and linens and they could hear her opening and closing the doors to the wardrobe. Sherlock deduced she was laying out clean linens to change the bed later. She brought each of them a bottle of water and left two more on the table before turning to go.
"Thank you Mrs. Hudson. If you will just lock the door, you should be able to get in with your key later if you need to," Sherlock said.
John quickly added, "Yes thank you Mrs. Hudson. Sorry for all the trouble but we really appreciate your help. There's no one else we would trust to do it for us you know."
Mrs. Hudson smiled kindly, "Oh you! Silly boys, you know I would do anything to help you. Now have a snack while you can and take care of each other." And with a wave she was off, locking the door and closing it securely behind her.
John sighed and leaned back against Sherlock's chest as Sherlock put both arms around him and snuggled into his neck. They sat in silence for a few moments, enjoying being bound together like this, before John's stomach let out a loud gurgle. John blushed as Sherlock chuckled, "You never ate anything but that toast did you?" John shook his head. "Well best take care of you then shan't I? It is my job after all." John merely nodded. They had to both lean forward to reach the basket, only sitting back once they had selected some muffins and bananas. John was perfectly able to feed himself but Sherlock was feeling playful after this first wave and insisted on feeding him himself. He would break off bits of muffin or fruit and tease John before pushing them past his lips. Then he would give John his water but always manage to dribble a bit over John's chin and chest with an "Oops." It was rare Sherlock got in these moods and John enjoyed himself immensely, laughing and swatting Sherlock wherever he could reach. Sherlock would return the laughter, pinching John's nipples or ass in retaliation. It was completely silly and it was perfect. When the knot finally released them, John didn't want the closeness to end. Instead he turned to straddle Sherlock's lap and informed him it was his turn to eat. Sherlock smiled wide and kissed him soundly, accepting his food with uncommon grace. John was much more creative with Sherlock's water, however, taking a drink himself and holding it in his mouth until he brought his lips to Sherlock's. Sherlock approved this method wholeheartedly, drinking his water down quickly for the reward of a long, thorough snogging. They passed their time quite happily in this manner until the pull of their hormones held sway once more.
John still wanted to hold onto this closeness as the heat took over again. He solved the matter simply by raising up and sinking himself down onto Sherlock's waiting cock. Leaning back, bracing himself on Sherlock's thighs, he rode the thick cock, sinking himself hard and fast until he was sweaty and panting with exertion.
The Alpha merely sat back taking in the view of his Omega taking his own pleasure, hands rubbing along John's taut thighs as they moved him up and down. His Omega was so strong, so beautiful. He stroked over the heaving chest rubbing at hardened nipples and eliciting low moans from his needy Omega. He smoothed his palms over the soft abdomen before gripping the leaking cock bouncing before him. He was surprised to find John was already close again, as was he. Things usually went a bit more slowly after the first really intense wave passed but it appeared it was to be different this time. He worked John's cock steadily as his hips started to falter in their ride. "That's it. That's what you want isn't it? Go on and come for me, let me feel you coming undone around me again."
With a cry the Omega sank as far down as he could and came, spilling streams of white over Sherlock's hand and both of their abdomens before falling forward against his Alpha's chest, exhausted and panting to catch his breath. The Alpha was not bothered in the least by this, holding John's head against his shoulder with one hand he reached the other around his waist to hold him in place as he fucked up into him hard and fast reaching his own climax in moments, thrusting the knot firmly into place before coming repeatedly, filling his Omega to the brim. Now locked in place the contented mates dozed in each other's arms.
The knot releasing them finally caused them to stir and find themselves sticky and stiff to boot. A shower was in order and for once practicality ruled. They both got in, washing quickly, but lingering under the water massaging each other's sore muscles as they relaxed in the hot water. That is not to say a fair amount of kissing and groping did not occur before they tumbled out of the shower. Not knowing when the next wave would hit they didn't see the point in bothering with robes. Sherlock moved the snacks and water into the bedroom near the bed, having no illusions as to where they would spend the rest of John's heat. John took the chance to make a couple of sandwiches and tea as he hadn't had any at all today and that was simply unnatural for him. Sherlock joined him and they ate in silence, each lost in their thoughts. These were the odd lulls during a heat, when each man felt as though they were in a type of limbo. Not sure of when the next wave of hormone induced lust would drive them to mate. Hesitant to start in on any normal conversation or activity only to be interrupted, they simply waited, sitting at the kitchen table, still naked with their joined hands clasped across the table. Having finished their meal, they quickly cleared up and got their teeth brushed before making their way into the bedroom.
Once more shutting the door securely behind them, Sherlock turned to find John laid out across their bed. The sheets had been pulled back and John lay stretched out in all his golden nakedness, compact and fit, his perfect mate, in fact the only Omega for him. His Omega. Sherlock's cock began to stir as he drank in John's beauty.
John turned on his side, propping his head up on his elbow and raising one knee as he returned the admiring gaze. Raking his eyes over the lean sculpted muscles of Sherlock's body, the long lines and creamy skin in no way indicative of the strength of the Alpha to whom they belonged. His Alpha. John noticed his effect on his mate and raised an eyebrow in question before holding out his free hand. "Come here love. I want you near me."
Sherlock approached and took the hand as John tugged him down beside him.
The heat came over them more calmly this time, allowing for more love-making between them. Lingering touches and slow, deep kisses stoking the embers of a smoldering fire. John spread his legs wide and wrapped them around Sherlock's waist as he entered him again. Unlike earlier, Sherlock pulled out fully, then pushed back in so slowly John could feel every ridge on his cock as it moved inside him. Brushing over his prostate and pressing against his cervix before retreating, only to repeat the actions again and again. The glacial pace and repeated reëntry was driving John insane with pleasure. He tried to speed his mate, but Sherlock would not rush this, though the building intensity caused an unbearable tightness in his groin. Propped over John on one elbow, he rubbed his thumb over sensitive nipples and observed his reactions as he took him apart one slow thrust at a time. When the precum was puddled on John's belly and he could no longer be bothered to speak, merely thrashing his head back and forth on the pillow as he moaned and clutched at Sherlock's shoulders, then Sherlock let the fire between them burn. Pulling out he sat up, supporting John with a vice-like grip on his hips he positioned his cock at the dripping hole and held it there for only a breath before shoving deep and hard into John who screamed out loud in pleasure. Sherlock had held the Alpha off for so long that there was no stopping now, he pounded hard and fast into John, growling out his pleasure and his claim. There was no other option and John just moaned and took it, his hands clutching at the sheet beneath him. The Alpha aimed for John's prostate and hit it dead on repeatedly, until with a curse John came across his own abdomen and chest. The Alpha growled in appreciation and fucked John right through his orgasm, roaring in triumph as he forced his knot into his mate and reached his own climax.
Sherlock leaned over John, nuzzling into his neck as he held his weight up on his elbows. He absently licked at the cum he could reach, humming and biting down on John's collar bone hard enough to bruise but not to break the skin. John reached one hand into Sherlock's curls as he bared his neck, giving his Alpha access, humming softly as he was marked. When Sherlock pulled back to look at his handiwork, John started to speak, having to clear his throat and try again when hardly any sound came out. With a rueful smile he asked, "What exactly was that?" He gestured over the both of them indicating the whole last round of sex, they had never been able to have that slow build up...that intensity during a heat before. Sherlock could only shrug, even the Alpha didn't seem to have a clear motivation for his actions this time. The reply seemed to be, "It just felt right." John merely hummed and nodded in reply, still stroking Sherlock's curls, that answer seemed as appropriate as any other.
Once the knot released them, Sherlock wiped up the worst of the mess with a towel before spooning John against his chest and pulling the blankets over them. It had been afternoon when Sherlock came home. It was late in the evening now, or possibly early morning, not surprising that deep sleep claimed them, at least until the next wave struck.
Only the next wave never came.
Sherlock woke a few hours later, John still sleeping soundly in his arms, with only the lingering moisture of their lovemaking still on him and no hint of active pheromones. Curious. Sherlock's mind began turning over this new mystery to keep himself occupied until John woke. Could it be a pseudo-heat, a trial heat as John's body resumes its normal rhythms? It couldn't be a sympathy heat, John hadn't been around anyone close enough to him to trigger something like that. Sherlock didn't know the answer but one thing was certain, this heat was over. Sherlock was so lost in his thoughts he was not aware of his thumb absently stroking John's abdomen just below his navel. Nor was he aware that John was awake until he lay his hand over Sherlock's and spoke, "Do you think we did?"
It took Sherlock only a moment to comprehend what John was asking and for once he responded perfectly. Kissing John's temple tenderly he hugged him closer and whispered against his skin, "Shhh…...doesn't matter."
John disagreed, turning swiftly in Sherlock's arms to face him, "What do you mean it doesn't matter? Don't you still want…." He was silenced by two fingers pressed firmly against his lips.
"Of course I still want a child with you John. But didn't I tell you that you and I were enough?" John nodded slowly. "Then it doesn't matter if we did or not. We will be happy either way. I will not throw away any moment of happiness with you worrying about what if. We will see what nature gives us John and we will be happy either way. Isn't that acceptable?"
John could only stare at his mate in shock, he supposed he hadn't thought the Alpha was entirely serious, but he truly meant it. They would wait and see and no matter what they would be happy as long as they had each other. John finally broke out a wide grin before replying, "Alright….yeah, that's perfectly acceptable." Cupping those sharp cheekbones in his hands, John kissed his mate softly, "Thank you Sherlock."
Sherlock acknowledged the thanks with a nod. "Would you like to get a shower? Have some breakfast? Tea? We could sleep some more afterwards if you like but we should clean up, change the sheets and eat."
John quickly agreed, "Yeah, that would be good."
Sherlock shooed him on into the shower, "I'll get the bed changed and join you in a bit."
John washed quickly but well, enjoying being clean after all the sticky mess associated with heat. He was finished by the time Sherlock joined him. "Left you some hot water even," he smiled placing a light kiss to Sherlock's lips. "I'll go start the kettle for tea. Do you mind just having some more of the fruit and muffins for now? I don't think I want to cook or go out just yet." Sherlock hummed in agreement and John left him to his shower. Tea was ready by the time Sherlock finished and they both sat to eat. Sherlock picked but did finish his muffin eventually along with some nuts. Two muffins, a banana and a couple of hands full of nuts later and John was starting to feel drowsy again. "I'm heading back to bed. Are you coming with?"
Sherlock shook his head, "I need to at least check with Lestrade about that case yesterday. Maybe check my e-mails, the website, usual. If I get tired I will join you but you go ahead and rest."
John didn't have to be told twice. Downing the last of his tea, he rinsed his cup and left it by the sink, giving Sherlock a quick kiss in passing, he made his way into the bedroom. True to his word, the bed had been changed with cool fresh linens. John dropped his robe and crawled naked into the bed. John thought surely one of the most magnificent feelings was being fresh from a bath and crawling into a clean bed. He sighed happily spreading out wide like a starfish over and over, feeling the coolness of the bed against his skin before he flipped onto his stomach, tucked his hands under his pillow and fell fast asleep.
Sherlock had worked without interruption for hours when Mrs. Hudson came in to check on things. Needless to say she was a bit surprised to find Sherlock up and about. He readily explained that for whatever reason, this heat had been short-lived, and John was resting. He made sure to thank her again for her help and she soon left him in peace. Realizing it was practically tea time and he hadn't seen any sign of John since breakfast, which was barely past dawn as it was, he headed to the bedroom in search of his wayward mate. He found him still sound asleep and on his stomach, head turned sideways on his pillow and jaw slack in slumber. Being tired after a full heat was normal, but this had barely been equal to a night of vigorous sex. And John never slept on his stomach at all, now he had been in this position all day. Sherlock's curiosity was at least piqued a bit as he sat next to John, intending to rouse him a bit to see what he wanted for supper. Rubbing his back gently, he tried, "John? John, you've slept all day away, don't you want to get up and eat something?"
No response, not even a hum or groan, John just slept on.
Sherlock tried shaking him a bit and speaking louder but still got no response; he was getting a bit concerned by this unusual behavior. Finally he thought he would roll John over and surely that would rouse him. He slid one hand under John's shoulder and one under his hip and started to carefully lift and roll him over.
The response was instant but completely unexpected. John gave out a vicious snarl, snapping at and then biting down on the wrist at his shoulder. At the same time his hand caught the one at his hip in a death grip and jerked it away from his body. The Alpha's instincts were to return the aggression, but Sherlock held firm sway over them as he released John in shock, letting his hand go limp in John's mouth. When he made no further movement or action toward John, the wrist was dropped with another warning snarl. Then nothing. John was asleep, same as before, as if he had not just attacked his mate. John had never been prone to sleep-walking type behaviors either. Sherlock stared between his bleeding hand and his mate. John had made a defensive bite and broken the skin…..in his sleep. He was almost afraid to try but he had to test this theory. He gingerly placed his other hand just on John's shoulder again. He quickly snatched it back when he received a low warning growl from the still sleeping John. That was enough for Sherlock. He didn't know what was going on but he wasn't just going to wait around for answers either. First the med kit to clean and bandage his hand, then he was calling Doctor Johnson.
Doctor Johnson was not in the habit of making house calls but Sherlock had been quite insistent, even threatening him with a visit from his brother if he did not come check on John. Fortunately, he was quite fond of John and did follow his case closely. So here he sat in a cab after office hours on his way to Baker Street. From what Sherlock described, he already had his suspicions and there most likely was nothing to worry about. This visit was more of an effort to soothe and calm a ruffled Alpha and reassure him that all was well.
Sherlock was pacing between the door of the flat and the door of the bedroom, checking on John while he waited for Doctor Johnson to arrive. He still didn't know why the man had insisted he could not come until after office hours. Wasn't he clear enough on the phone, something was Wrong with John! At last he heard a knock at the door and Mrs. Hudson answering, he didn't give any thought to yanking open the flat door and yelling down, "Up here Doctor Johnson! Come along...Now!"
Doctor Johnson simply chuckled at the imperious Alpha. Mrs. Hudson joined him as she shooed him up the stairs, "Best get on up there, he's been beside himself for hours." Giving a small salute he thanked her and mounted the stairs.
Sherlock wouldn't even let him put down his bag, bringing him straight to the bedroom where John still slept. "Has there been any change since you called me?" Sherlock shook his head. "And have you attempted to move him again?" Sherlock shook his head emphatically, "No one bitten hand is quite enough thank you!"
The doctor merely nodded, glancing at Sherlock's bandaged hand. "Well let's see if I can get anywhere." He collected his stethoscope and moved closer to the bed, "Hello there John. This is Doctor Johnson. Sherlock is a bit worried about you and wants me to have a look. I won't try to move you, but will you let me examine you?" A low, quiet, rumble had begun to come from John. When Sherlock became concerned and moved to stop the doctor he reassured him, "Just a small warning to mind myself. He will allow the examination, I just don't know how far he will let me go." Moving slowly and carefully he was able to check John's pupils, nose, ears and mouth. He could reach over John's shoulders to listen to his heart and lungs, but any movement towards his abdomen or groin was met with a much louder growl. Doctor Johnson finally stood back from the bed and gathered his things motioning Sherlock into the sitting room with him.
"What is it?!" Sherlock anxiously began before Doctor Johnson had a chance to speak.
"Sherlock, calm yourself. It really is nothing. There is no abnormality I can detect, no fever, nothing. John was able to at least register my presence and respond even if it was on a primal level. He will most likely wake in the morning and except for being hungry and thirsty he will be himself. You need not worry. If for any reason this carried on beyond tomorrow morning then I might be more aggressive in seeking the cause. But I am confident he will be up and about in the morning." Doctor Johnson hoped this was enough to calm the Alpha. He should have known better with Sherlock.
"But his heat came back and it wasn't like any time before….it just stopped. He was up and fine and then he was just asleep. He wouldn't wake up, and he never sleeps on his stomach, and...and….he Bit Me!" finished Sherlock sheepishly. He didn't know how to convey to the doctor how unsettling this difference in his mate's normal behavior was.
Doctor Johnson did understand however. "Sherlock the pregnancy and miscarriage really took a toll on you both and on the bond. Now things are back on track but still trying to get back to normal. This isn't how John's heats are likely to be from now on, it is just how this one is. There are numerous possible reasons why it was so short and why John needs this restorative sleep, but all of those reasons are perfectly normal responses in an Omega. Please, ease your mind, let John sleep it out and all will be well in the morning. You can certainly sleep with John, be near him, just don't try to move him again."
Sherlock gave a grudging nod to the doctor, "I will try. But if he is not up in the morning you will be getting another call."
Doctor Johnson couldn't help laughing, "Understood Sherlock. I will call and check on John regardless. Now I need to get on to my dinner if you please." Shaking Sherlock's hand and giving him a pat on the shoulder, the doctor made his exit. As he sat back in yet another cab on his way home he thought about the pair. He had no doubt that Sherlock would not sleep at all, he would spend the night watching over John. He truly was an exceptional Alpha though he doubted himself. And John, John would be fine. He would probably be calling the office himself about his heat and the house call, or rather what prompted it. Doctor Johnson did not lie to Sherlock, there were many reasons why a heat could be cut short or simply not run a full course. With the history the couple had he was not going to point out that one of the most common reasons was fertilization of an egg. The heat simply stopped if its purpose had been served. He also was not going to point out that many Omegas would fall into a catatonic sleep either on their stomachs or in the fetal position to allow implantation to occur safely and without distractions, and would violently defend against disturbance of this process or of the abdomen.
Doctor Johnson would not mention any of these things and give false hope to either man. He couldn't say John was pregnant, he also couldn't rule out early miscarriage so close to the last one. He would wait to see what happened same as John and Sherlock. That did not mean he did not hope for the very best outcome.
Just as Doctor Johnson said, John was up bright and early, eating another muffin as he cooked bacon and eggs for breakfast. At first he didn't believe he had slept an entire day away, but Sherlock pointed out the date and the bandage on his hand. John was completely shocked then. However food came first, he really was quite famished. Polishing off his bacon and eggs along with two pieces of toast and two cups of tea before he started to feel satisfied. He reached for a banana as well while he dialed Doctor Johnson's number. The doctor gave John the same story he had given Sherlock and encouraged him to make an appointment if anything else odd happened or he felt strange. When he got off of the phone, he met Sherlock's gaze with a shrug and a smile and that was that. Life simply went on as before.
London's criminals must have been on a winter holiday and all returned to town at once. For the next six weeks they were constantly on the go chasing down clues and killers with barely a day to rest here or there. John had not even had time for a beer with Greg or a visit to the park to see Sally and Christian. Today Sherlock was home doing some experiments for their latest case. Since they could do nothing until the results were in and Sherlock assured him it would take a few hours, John had invited Sally out for lunch. He figured he at least had enough time for that and Sally had been excited to talk to him about something. So they found themselves in a small cafe across town talking non-stop trying to catch up like long lost friends. It was a Saturday so Sally had left Christian home with Jeff but she brought new pictures for John, pulling them out as they lingered over dessert and coffee.
"I can't believe he has grown so much Sally! Has it been that long since I saw you guys? It certainly seems like forever since we've been so busy." John lamented as he looked at the now eleven month old Christian.
"I know John. I can't say you've missed much as life goes but he certainly is growing like a weed. I haven't even gotten to ask…." Sally was abruptly interrupted as a server walking by tripped on something and fell against their table, sloshing her coffee over and completely knocking over John's cup. The server apologized profusely as he blotted up the mess on the table and promptly returned with a fresh coffee for each of them. Once they waved off yet another round of apologies, the server returned to his duties leaving them alone. Sally couldn't help laughing, "Well, lunchtime adventures with Doctor Watson! We could write a book!"
John joined her but added, "You can write a book! I do enough keeping up my blog as it is. But…..You said you wanted to talk to me about something." He smiled his winning smile and waited, noting that Sally quickly became more serious.
"Well I had some news I wanted to share with you, but I wasn't sure how you would take it." She looked uncertainly at John who replied easily, putting his hand over hers.
"We're friends Sally, no news can be too bad. So just tell me and we'll both find out how I will take it, yeah?" His smile never wavered and Sally finally returned it as she took a deep breath and blurted out her news.
"I'm pregnant."
John didn't even bat an eye before he leapt up to give her a huge hug, "That's wonderful Sally! Why in the world were you worried about telling me such wonderful news!"
"I know. It was silly of me John. I was just afraid….well after everything, I didn't want you to resent it. I mean you and Sherlock don't even know if you will be able to and then here I come with a second one on the way. I guess I just didn't want to be a reminder."
John understood and quickly put her mind at ease, telling her about all that had happened with them since he saw her last and their decision to just take everything as it comes. "I could never resent such a wonderful thing Sally. And you have been an amazing friend through all of this. I only hope I can return the favor." And just like that, everything was fine between them, all tension dissolved. They talked a while longer and finished off their coffees, in fact they very well could have talked until dinner time but at length they both realized they needed to get back home. John paid the bill and was walking Sally out towards the tube station when a sudden wave of dizziness hit him.
Sally stopped when John did, quickly noticing something was off, "John? What's wrong? Can I do anything?"
"Mm...sorry Sally….dizzy…...just….I don't feel very well." That was all John managed to get out before crumpling to the sidewalk.
Sally shrieked, trying to rouse John with a shake and a small slap to his face before her common sense kicked in and she reached for her phone to call for help. Before she could even get the number dialed an ambulance pulled up beside her and medics were quickly pulling a stretcher alongside John. One medic spoke up, "We were just at the cafe picking up lunch and saw him fall. We'll get him seen about, Miss. Does he have a mate? Someone to notify?" Sally quickly pulled up Sherlock's number and gave it to the medic with his name as well as John's name. They had John loaded in the ambulance before she knew it and were ready to leave, the medic assuring Sally that the hospital would get in touch with his mate. Then they were gone. It had all happened so fast and Sally was still unsettled. She called Sherlock herself.
"Sally? Lunch over already?" he questioned.
Her voice shook a bit as she tried to tell Sherlock what had happened. "Lunch was fine Sherlock, John was fine...he was walking me to the tube….and he….he…..he just collapsed right there on the pavement! There was an ambulance nearby and they took him! They've taken him already to the hospital but I don't know where! I didn't get a chance to ask! They're supposed to call you but I wanted to let you know! I'm sorry!"
Sherlock's mind was already calculating, "Thank you for calling me Sally. I do appreciate it but I have to go now." He barely let Sally get out a good-bye before he hung up, promptly dialing Mycroft instead.
Sherlock didn't even let him get out his usual smarmy greeting, interrupting swiftly, "John collapsed across town, an ambulance has taken him according to Sally but she doesn't know where. So tell me brother where they have taken my mate?"
Mycroft understood the urgency, "One moment brother."
Sherlock waited, hearing the clicking of keys in the background, knowing Mycroft was checking the security detail and the ambulance logs. One moment drug into two and pushed into three while Mycroft still didn't speak and the clicking increased. When Sherlock couldn't take it anymore he snapped, "Mycroft!"
"I'm sorry, Sherlock. We're still checking, but…"
"But….What Mycroft?!"
"We….we don't have him Sherlock. It's not us."
