The next few weeks passed uneventfully. That is not to say nothing happened, for the partners stayed busy. It is rather to say things were much smoother between them. They worked some smaller cases with very little difficulty. Sherlock's behavior did not change but, now that he was aware of the cause, he was better able to moderate himself and his treatment of John, most especially when they were working. And John, because he knew Sherlock was adjusting to accommodate his feelings, found he was better able to accept the protective and possessive behaviors. Things were better than they had been for a while, with them and the bond.
Sherlock even joined John on one of his walks and, managing to put his best foot forward for once, met Sally and Christian. Sally was as gracious and straight-forward as ever, soon winning Sherlock over with her genuine fondness for John. Christian studied Sherlock intently from his mother's arms while Sherlock returned the scrutiny, neither appeared prepared to break their stare. John struggled not to laugh as the impression hit him, of Sherlock being sized up by a nine month old while engaging in an epic battle of stare-down. Sally noticed as well but said nothing, merely continuing to talk to John while the duel went on. When Christian at length fell asleep in his mother's arms, Sherlock seemed to think he had won and smirked to himself. Neither John nor Sally could stop the laughter then, and only laughed harder when Sherlock looked affronted.
Sherlock was happy to see John laughing and smiling so freely after the sadness of the past months and approved of the friendship wholeheartedly. So much so that, on a particularly rainy afternoon, he did not protest at all when John invited Sally over with Christian in lieu of the walk they could not take. He greeted them warmly and went to prepare the tea so John could visit. Sherlock had already noticed how much John enjoyed spending time with Christian and he wouldn't deny him this. Leaning against the counter as he waited for the kettle to boil, Sherlock wondered to himself if John was even aware of how much his desire for children showed when he was with Christian. He knew now that if he had met Sally and Christian earlier, seen them together with John, then he would have deduced John's wish for another child weeks ago. It was painfully clear when he held Christian and smiled at him. Sherlock finished the tea and prepared the tray to take in for everyone. As he reached the doorway, he found he was forced to stop and take in the view. John held a sleeping Christian snuggled close in his arms, smiling down at him as he spoke softly to Sally. The image of John holding their child the same way struck Sherlock so swiftly he had to take a step to steady himself, at the same time it made the Alpha practically purr in contentment at the idea. John sensing the flicker of movement looked up and his eyes met Sherlock's. A small, warm, smile of understanding crossed his face and Sherlock returned it easily, enjoying the sight for just moment longer before bringing the tea on into the sitting room.
Sally and Sherlock prepared their cups and Sherlock prepared John's while he continued to hold the baby. They chatted casually about the latest case and such until they had all finished. Then in a carefully orchestrated plan, Sherlock would swear to it later, the two friends manipulated the Alpha. Sally disappeared into the bathroom and John, without preamble, deposited Christian in Sherlock's arms. He tried to refuse, to object, completely unprepared for the small body in his arms. John quickly shushed him, "Shh….he's still sleeping. You'll be fine love. Just try it out a bit, yeah?" With another warm smile John began clearing the tea and left him alone with the child. Sherlock's gaze followed John uncertainly as he entered the kitchen before falling to the sleeping child. He did find he couldn't help studying the small face; long dark lashes rested on plump rosy cheeks in their slumber and small pink lips puckered and suckled even in sleep. He was surprised by the pleasant warmth and weight of the babe as he settled him into his arms more securely, then paused to wonder how did he even know what was more secure for the baby. He had never held a baby before in his life.
As they had arranged, Sally slipped from the bathroom and met John in the kitchen. Together they snuck glances at Sherlock as he adjusted to Christian in his arms. The Omega sighed as the scene he was watching almost perfectly matched up with the dream John had had of Sherlock holding their child. At length Sally spoke, "You see John? Nothing to worry about, like I told you. The bond prepares you for this, activates those instincts, all Sherlock needs is the impetus to put them into use."
John nodded, "Yes. The question is will he ever get that impetus? Things are better than they've been in a while. We're communicating better than ever. But it's nearly been three whole months since the accident and still not even a hint of a heat. I'm not sure what else I should do."
"Have you spoken to Doctor Johnson again?"
"Yes, actually I have. Sherlock insisted on going with me to question him about anything he should be doing as well as more information on helping me 'prepare'." John laughed a bit, "I could hardly believe it Sally, but he was quite serious. Taking all the pre-pregnancy planning pamphlets in the office. He's been reading everything, planning a vitamin regimen for me, watching my diet…..Mine! If that isn't turning the tables right there then nothing is!"
Sally laughed along, "Sounds about right, maybe a bit more intense than Jeff was with me, but it Is Sherlock after all. Did Doctor Johnson have any advice?"
"No. He said it sounded like we were doing fine and to let nature take its course. That if nothing had happened in a year then we would address it again."
As always Sally was incredibly perceptive, "How about intimacy between you both? Any difficulties there?"
John blushed furiously before stumbling over his reply, "Uhm...we haven't since...I don't….it's….I'm really sorry Sally. I'm just not comfortable talking about this outside of Sherlock and I."
But Sally wouldn't let him avoid it completely. "Sure John, I can understand that. But Have you talked about it with Sherlock? The doctor told you any issues between the two of you could affect the bond. If you aren't talking to Sherlock about it, let alone doing anything about it together, then there may still be an issue in the way. I don't mean to overstep here John but sometimes you just need things pointed out to you….Both of you even."
John wouldn't look at her for a few moments, he couldn't begin to explain everything going on in his head on this subject. Finally he brought himself to reply. Raising his hands in surrender he said, "Look, you're right Sally. I know you are right. It's just not something I can talk about right now, okay? I appreciate what you're saying but…..it's something I have to work through first alright."
Sally stared at him silently for a few moments before agreeing, "Fine John. But when you've worked through it, if you need to talk you know where to find me." She gave John a big smile and a cheeky wink reminding him of their first meeting.
John laughed and held up his cell, "Got that number right here….Same office right?" They both laughed out loud before their eyes darted towards the sitting room. "We probably should get back in there, it's been too quiet. I keep waiting for Christian to wake up and terrorize Sherlock." The two friends made their way into the sitting room only to be brought to a halt by a stunning sight. The rain continued to pour outside and the heavy clouds had darkened the day so that the sitting room had become a lazy little haven, all cozy and warm away from the storm. So much so that they found Sherlock asleep in his chair, head resting against the back but leaned over until his cheek rested against Christian's downy head. Christian still slept soundly, snuggled close to Sherlock, wrapped securely in his arms with his small fist clenched around Sherlock's finger. The sight was so achingly sweet that John could only stare, loathe to disturb either one. After a few moments he and Sally seemed to have same idea, glancing sharply at each other they exclaimed softly, 'Picture!" They quickly put cell phones to use and snapped several keepsakes of the adorable scene. John could just imagine Mrs. Hudson exclaiming over them and couldn't resist making his favorite one into his screen saver, perhaps a little visual reminder of what he was hoping to have for them someday.
When it could be avoided no longer, John leaned forward to place a kiss on Sherlock's sleeping brow. Speaking softly as he ran his fingers through tousled curls, "Time to wake up love, Christian and his mom have to go home sometime today."
Sherlock opened bleary eyes after a few moments of coaxing by John. He quickly glanced down to be sure his charge was still secure, then with a lazy smile stretched up to kiss John warmly. "Hello to you love. Party over so soon?"
"Yes, I am afraid so Miss Scarlett. This ball is winding down and your little Prince Charming must get home before the clock strikes twelve." John eased Christian from Sherlock's arms and returned him to Sally who was still chuckling at John's joke and Sherlock's obvious confusion. After a change and a bottle the guests were all set to go, Sherlock himself insisted on hailing a taxi and bundling them off home safely.
As they climbed the stairs to the flat, Sherlock took John's hand in his, "You know…..this has been a reasonably enjoyable afternoon. I am glad you had them over John." Falling silent once they reached the flat, Sherlock pulled John over to sit with him on the sofa. John didn't object in the slightest, cuddling close as Sherlock wrapped him in his arms. Once they were settled, Sherlock seemed to pick up his train of thought once more. "Do you have any idea how wonderful you look with a child in your arms? You should see how you light up…..how natural you are…..how happy. I want to be able to make you happy like that you know? I want to see you with our child."
John couldn't stop the flush of warmth or the slight blush caused by Sherlock's words. "I am sure you will Sherlock, when the time is right. And, I am not the only one who looks good with a child in their arms. Or even the only one who looks natural either." John pulled his cell out of his pocket and showed Sherlock the pictures he had taken. He had expected Sherlock to complain, instead all he heard was 'Oh.' After staring intently at the photos for a few moments, Sherlock passed the phone back to John.
"Thank you John. Normally I would be quite annoyed with such manipulation, unless I am the one doing the manipulating of course. However, being tricked into holding Christian proved to be…..nice."
"I am glad you enjoyed it love. We thought you could use a little...uhm..exposure to an actual child..er..baby. I do hope I get to see it repeated with our own child at some point as well." John felt an indistinct 'Mmm' against his head as Sherlock rested his there. They fell into an easy quiet, listening to the rain continuing to fall outside, each man lost in their thoughts.
At length Sherlock decided to make them more comfortable, stretching out on the couch and pulling John down alongside him. As John settled on his mate's chest, Sherlock pulled the woolen throw off of the back of the couch and covered them both. "No reason not to just enjoy a lie-in right now is there?" He smiled down at John who reciprocated with a sudden kiss.
Claiming the full lips of his love in a slow lingering kiss that spoke of simmering passion and deeply held love, John kissed as though they had forever to do so. With one hand pressed against Sherlock's chest, the other slid up to grasp at well-loved curls and pull them closer together.
Sherlock had missed this….this easy intimacy between them. Moaning softly into the kiss he wrapped his arms around John and pulled him tightly against him, already half-hard from the stimulation and hoping for more. But John did not press further, merely kissing until they were both senseless with the need for air. When he slowly pulled away with the softest brush of lips, Sherlock could only smirk as he asked, "What was that for?"
John grinned in return and winked slyly, "Just because I wanted to." In a more serious tone he added, "I have missed you, you know. I've missed us...like this."
Sherlock understood just what John meant. Brushing his finger along one cheek he replied sincerely, "Me too."
With a sigh, John lay his head back on Sherlock's chest. He was remarkably content but his conversation with Sally wouldn't seem to leave his mind in peace. He had no way to explain to her how he felt, or to Sherlock for that matter. He wasn't afraid of being intimate again. He knew he was healed and they would be careful; it wasn't as if they didn't have sex outside of heats before the accident. He did feel bad though. Denying his body's urges had been old hand for Sherlock and no hardship either apparently before they bonded. But afterwards, once you allowed the natural biology to rule it was much harder to suppress those urges. With John's healing, cases, and just general tensions they had not been together since before the anniversary. Sherlock hadn't pushed for more...not even one time...even a little, still John had felt the beginning of his arousal just now and knew he wanted more. It was his own insecurities getting in the way and he had to figure out what to do about them. How could he explain that losing the baby had made the Omega feel somehow incomplete….and inadequate. And what if the heats never returned and he didn't have a child. Now that he knew Sherlock wanted that too, what would happen if he was unable to provide it. How would the Alpha look at his Omega if he could not give him children. Would Sherlock even find him desirable anymore if he was broken, if he was no longer a proper Omega. As the weeks wore on without anything happening, John worried more and more about these things. He was sure the stress wasn't helping and he felt almost impotent himself in his inability to initiate more with Sherlock. The kiss was a bit of a test John set for himself, to see how far he could push himself. After fighting to be seen as strong and independent, even by his own mate, he just couldn't explain to Sally or to Sherlock these feelings of weakness, inadequacy and failure. To make it worse, he was certain that Sally was right and this was perhaps the last hurdle to overcome in righting their bond.
Sherlock had been quiet, dozing on and off, but startled John when his low voice vibrated through his chest. "John I can hear your thoughts spinning in circles. Why don't you just tell me what is bothering you?"
"It's not easy for me to do that Sherlock."
"You should try John, you will never rest at this rate."
John stayed quiet for a long time before quietly offering at least part of his concerns, "What happens if I can't have a child Sherlock?"
Never one to mince words, Sherlock tightened his grip on John and replied, "Then we go on as we always have John, together. No more, no less, you and I together."
John accepted his answer with a nod, knowing it wouldn't solve everything but reassured just the same. They both fell silent once again and soon drifted off. For once the world chose not to intrude on the couple sleeping soundly in each other's arms, while the evening waned and the rain fell on, all was peace within the flat on Baker Street.
Two days later the weather had cleared and John was ready to get out and walk again, "Are you coming with today," he asked Sherlock who was perched in his chair.
"Not today John, I need to do some work in my Mind Palace while things are calm. You go ahead; if anything comes up I'll text you. If not I will see you when you get home. I'm thinking we should go out for dinner tonight, Angelo's alright?"
"Yeah….sure, it's fine. See you in an hour or two then." With a quick kiss in parting, John was off setting a brisk pace and drinking in the fresh air.
Sherlock watched him go before resuming his thinking pose. What he failed to mention was the work he had to do was all to do with John. Sherlock knew there was still something troubling John and he needed to work out what it was so he could set about addressing it. He was sure it was all related, their bond, John's heats, intimacy and losing the baby. Emotions and sentimental conditions associated were still hard for him to decipher, but this was John and it was something important to his mate which made it important him as well. Sherlock sat back and reviewed all he knew of John Watson the man, likes and dislikes, motivations and goals. He reviewed what he knew of John Watson the Omega in much the same way. He rewound their entire relationship from the very beginning to now, especially the past few months from his horrible failure with the anniversary onward. John was certainly happier now than he had been but he still seemed to hesitate with Sherlock. Where John had always been confident in their relationship before he now seemed uncertain. Sherlock followed that train of thought to a series of clues that started with John's frantic wish for him not to be there when Doctor Johnson first examined him in the hospital. Then John hesitance to have his help in the bathroom when he came home from the hospital followed by resignation to its necessity. He acknowledged John's new-found fondness for pajamas when he used to sleep in briefs alone or nothing at all and his sometimes fidgety behavior when Sherlock was in close proximity. John wasn't afraid of intimacy he was sure but something was holding him back. Something had made him unsure of himself and that was an unusual occurrence for Captain John H. Watson. Sherlock finally arrived at their conversation two days ago and John's questioning him about children. He almost had the answer. There was only one clue he thought he needed to solve this, but he was going to have to see to it personally. Exiting his Mind Palace for the real world Sherlock found an hour and a half already gone by and John was still out. Grabbing his coat, Sherlock sent a text to John on his way out the door.
Out to get something I need. Back in time for dinner.-SH
A reply came while Sherlock sat back waiting for the cab to get him to his destination.
Alright then. Just finished visit with Sally and heading back home. See you for dinner.-JW
Once he arrived Sherlock was obliged to wait for the person he needed to be free to see him a few moments but was finally called back.
"Sherlock! Here without John? That's a bit unusual, that is, how may I help you?"
Sherlock shook the outstretched hand and got right to the point. "Doctor Johnson I need to know what John whispered to you when he wanted me to leave the hospital room for your exam." At the doctors wary expression he hurried on, "I understand about doctor-patient confidentiality but I am trying to figure out what is still holding John back. He wants another child so badly and he is worrying himself so much about the bond, his heats, never being able to have a child. I think it is all starting to get in the way. And I think we, he and I, are the last problem waiting to be resolved to settle the bond."
Something in Sherlock's words or earnest manner reached the good doctor and he softened his gaze, "How do you mean you and he are the last problem Sherlock?"
Sherlock swallowed briefly before the words tumbled out in a rush. "John and I have not been intimate in any way beyond kissing and cuddling since before the accident. John is almost...nervous around me if a situation approaches intimacy; he even wears pajamas to bed when he never did before. Something is making him insecure and uncertain with me and I can't help fix it if I do not understand the problem. So, I need to know what he said to you, I think it is the clue that will make it all make sense to me so that I can help John. I will not bring it up to John or tell him you told me if that will help," Sherlock added hopefully at the end looking at the doctor expectantly.
Doctor Johnson sighed. John could be a difficult patient because he kept so much to himself. How did he expect the bond to right itself if he couldn't even let himself be intimate with his mate? He knew John well and understood exactly what the problem was. Sherlock was a very smart man and he hoped he would understand as well. "He said he couldn't let you see him broken, not like that."
Sherlock's eyes widened in surprise, "I don't think of him as broken!" Rapidly connecting the clues in his head with this new information he reached his conclusion in record time. "But John does! He feels like he's broken somehow, like he's failed, that it is his fault his heats haven't returned, that he may never be able to have another child because of it. The Omega feels insecure and uncertain of his position with the Alpha if he can't produce the desired children. Of Course! John asked about our future if he couldn't have a child! I should have realized then! No wonder he gets nervous around me, he's practically paralyzed with stress and anxiety!"
Doctor Johnson nodded along as Sherlock rattled off his deductions, glad that he had caught on so easily. He knew Sherlock truly cared very deeply for John to go to this much effort to find a way to help his mate. "John's convinced himself, I think, that you will see him differently because of the miscarriage. Not want him in the same way, especially if he can't give you a child. I believe your job will be to convince him he's wrong, that you see him and want him just the same as you always have. Perhaps when you accomplish that, all will be settled for you both. I am actually hoping to see John through a pregnancy in the not so distant future you know." Doctor Johnson smiled kindly at Sherlock as he rose from his chair. "I believe I have given you all you need now Mister Holmes. I have some more patients to see and I believe you….have a mate to get home to." With a conspiratorial wink, Doctor Johnson showed Sherlock out of his office and towards the waiting area once more.
"Thank you Doctor Johnson. Thank you indeed, for everything. I shall hope that we do have good news for you soon as well." Shaking the doctor's hand Sherlock took his leave and hurried home to John, his mind pouring over what he would need to do to reassure John. He would start this very night with dinner. Angelo's was special for them and could be very romantic. He hoped it would not take long to ease John's anxieties; he missed making love to his mate, something Sherlock would have never thought he would say before John. The cab drove on through the busy London streets and Sherlock planned.
As it turned out, Sherlock's carefully thought out plans would be overturned by nature, fate, and a wet shirt.
Sherlock had done very well reassuring John both in word and in action. Without actually calling John out on his insecurities, Sherlock managed to slowly eliminate them. He didn't push, he didn't talk about a child or getting pregnant, not wanting to put undue stress and pressure on John. He was as caring and considerate as he could think to be. Anything he could think of he tried, from affectionate kisses to John's neck as he passed him reading in his chair to a squeeze of his bum when he walked by to or from the shower. His favorite had become dragging John back to bed in the morning for an extended snogging and petting that would last until John tore himself away smiling, breathless, and flushed with arousal to go see about breakfast. Weekends were especially good for this and Sherlock looked forward to them immensely.
This weekend however had found them on a case, chasing the killer through darkened London streets. By the time he was caught and things wrapped up with the Yard it was well past dinnertime Saturday night. They took the cab to their favorite Chinese down the street and plopped down in their favorite spot for a hot meal! By the time they had finished and were ready to head home, London's spring rains had descended upon them again. John was in remarkably good humor now that the case was over and Sherlock found his mood infectious. It really made no sense to get a cab for only two blocks and the rain showed no signs of letting up, so when John grasped Sherlock's hand in his and said, 'Bloody hell, let's just leg it, we're going home anyway,' Sherlock merely gave a nod and off they ran. Arriving at the flat soaked to the bone and giggling like silly school boys, they left their coats hanging in the hall to drip and dry. Losing their shoes and wet socks inside the door, John headed for the bathroom to get some towels and Sherlock set about making some tea to warm them. He was feeling uncharacteristically introspective, thinking that no evening more perfectly suited John and he than this one.
He turned at the sound of John returning and found words arrested on his tongue with no air to move them. The Alpha stirred and a low rumbling began in his throat. John didn't notice as he was busy towelling his wet hair, still holding another towel in his other hand for Sherlock. What had stopped Sherlock short was the white shirt plastered tight to John's muscled chest by the rainwater, dark nipples clearly visible and hardening as the air hit the cold wet shirt. The sight stirred the Alpha who finally seemed to be tired of waiting. "Mine," the husky low voice announced as he stalked his mate across the room.
"Hmm…..what was that Sherlock? I didn't catch what you said." John remained oblivious to the advance of his mate, now towelling his hair with both hands, having placed Sherlock's towel on the chair. He remained unaware until he found himself pressed against the kitchen door by a very aroused Alpha. Meeting Sherlock's heated gaze was all it took to speed his respirations and dilate his pupils as the Omega responded to its mate. John had not had that look directed at him in so long but he knew exactly what it meant and he welcomed it gladly as his body responded.
Pulling the towel from John's hands and dropping it on the floor, Sherlock spoke in a voice so low it could be felt as a visceral presence instead of sound. "I said….Mine!" That was all he spoke before claiming John's mouth in a fiery kiss. One hand sliding down to grip a firm ass in clinging wet jeans and press their groins together. The other cupped around the base of John's skull holding him firmly in place while Sherlock claimed every centimeter of John's mouth anew, sucking and nipping at his lips, licking across his teeth and palate, and sucking hard on the supple tongue of his mate.
John was helpless in the face of such passion, moaning into the kiss and melting into Sherlock's embrace. Just as he was sure he would faint from lack of air Sherlock pulled back, pressing his forehead against John's and lowering the second hand to cup his ass. Pulling John even closer, pressing their erections together, that low voice spoke in John's ear. "I want you love." His tongue traced along the curve of John's ear before darting to lick inside, warm breath from his mouth causing John to shudder at the next words, "I want to have you John, tonight and always." With a firm squeeze of John's ass to emphasize his intent Sherlock continued, "I want to claim you as mine once again. Please John, may I do that?"
John nodded against Sherlock's head and managed to reply, "Yes Sherlock. You may have me, tonight and always, I am yours."
That was all Sherlock had been waiting for, dropping his head instantly to John's chest he latched onto his right nipple through the wet shirt and suck hard. Sherlock could taste London itself in the rainwater soaking both John and his clothes as he sucked shirt and nipple both into his mouth, suckling like a child until he had drawn all the water from the shirt and John's nipple was swollen and hard. Never one to leave things half-done he moved to the left nipple giving it the same treatment while his hands began to unfasten the buttons of the still wet shirt.
John was not prepared for the intense spike of arousal he felt as Sherlock latched onto his nipple. His head fell back against the door with gasp and a dull thunk as his cock throbbed in time with his nipple. When Sherlock moved to the other nipple John thought his knees would surely buckle and he would end up in the floor, but Sherlock held him up with his hands and the weight of his body against him. John looked down when he felt Sherlock release the other nipple. He watched as Sherlock parted his shirt and pulled the tails from his jeans. Holding John's gaze Sherlock leaned forward and ran his tongue around his navel before pressing inside to collect the little pool of rainwater there then sucking firmly against it as well. His hands worked John's soaked jeans open in the meantime. John sucked in his breath at the sensation of Sherlock exploring his body like this. This was new, This was intimate, and the intensity was unlike anything John had experienced with Sherlock before. He wasn't sure if it was just because it had been so long or the novelty but he found he really didn't care when Sherlock slid his jeans and pants down his legs to his ankles and that low voice instructed him to step out of them.
The Alpha sat back and viewed its handiwork with intense pleasure. His Omega practically panting above him, naked except for the shirt hanging open, lips and nipples swollen and red from his ministrations and his cock hard and leaking with want for him. Sherlock ran his hands up those solid muscular legs until he could grasp that tight ass in his hands once more. Leaning forward he buried his nose in the tuft of hair at John's groin, still smelling the rain on his skin as well as that scent that was pure John. He licked a long slow stripe along the crease of John's groin, ending in a kiss to the peak of his hip bone, before giving the other side the same treatment. Pulling back for a moment he met John's stare before leaning in and licking slowly from the base of his cock up to the head, flicking the tip of his tongue across the head to collect the drops of precum there. Then without warning he swallowed John down whole to the root. John gasped loudly and fought not to thrust his hips as Sherlock sucked him firmly while pulling himself back up John's shaft, oh so slowly. John wanted to whine when Sherlock released him but was shushed as he rose to his feet and pressed his fingers against John's lips.
"Oh John…..your smell….your taste….everything in this world that matters to me….only Yourself and London." With that he drew John into his arms and kissed him so tenderly and with such tangible love that John began to fear he would embarrass himself with tears. He was spared that however when Sherlock literally swept him off of his feet and into his arms. For once John did not care to protest placing his arms around Sherlock's neck as the Omega reveled in the strength of his Alpha. John nuzzled against Sherlock's neck kissing and licking along his carotid artery feeling the pulse against his lips. "I believe it is time to take my Omega to bed…..don't you?"
John trembled at that voice and pressed himself as close as he could manage. "Yes Sherlock, please…... take me to bed."
Sherlock kissed the top of his head and did just that, carrying him through to the bedroom and lowering him back to the ground beside their bed.
"We really should get you out of these wet things too love, you're getting cold," John said. When Sherlock reached for his buttons, John stopped him, "Let me…" The Alpha ceded the task to John with a nod. John found he did not have the patience to linger as Sherlock had, quickly stripping him out of the cold wet clothes clinging to him. Noting the goose-bumps on Sherlock's skin and the very fine tremors of his body, the doctor's instincts took the lead. "Come on love, under the covers with you until we warm up a bit." Sensing Sherlock's smirk, John spoke before he could open his mouth, "And no jokes about that last bit, you know what I meant." The next moment found them wrapped together in the warm cocoon of their bed.
Sherlock was loathe to lose momentum having reached this point, his fingers restlessly roamed John's body, naked and pressed against him. John seemed to suffer the same dilemma, pressing his lips to Sherlock's heart as his thumb rubbed over one nipple, bringing it quickly to a hardened peak which proved to be too much of a temptation for John. He moved to run his tongue around and over the nipple, flicking it repeatedly with the tip just to hear the sounds Sherlock made before closing his mouth over it and sucking softly.
Sherlock moaned and pressed himself into John's mouth. His hands moved with more purpose now, smoothing over the planes of John's back and over the curve of his ass. Pulling John closer into his body, he allowed his long fingers to stroke along the crease of his ass pressing in gently with each pass.
As he was drawn closer, John became aware of the press of his erection against Sherlock's thigh and found himself rocking slowly back and forth between finger and thigh. A steady thrum of pleasure was building as he moved across to Sherlock's other nipple and continued his torment of the tight bud. The motion brought him even further across Sherlock's body and into contact with the hard length of Alpha cock lying there. Humming against the nipple in his mouth, John was losing himself to the sensations they were creating together.
Sherlock didn't know quite how much foreplay he could take tonight. He was already fighting the Alpha's urge to simply claim John roughly and now. He needed to be careful, so he controlled himself as best he could….and it was a challenge indeed. Cupping John's ass in both hands he pulled him over to lie fully on him bringing their erections into alignment. Heightening the pleasure for both of them, he held John firmly as he ground into him over and over. He hissed as John sucked harder at his nipples and managed to bite out, "Do you suppose we are warm enough now doctor?"
John raised up from his task, looking Sherlock in the eye but not stopping their steady movement against each other. "I'm really not sure Sherlock. What do you think," he questioned breathlessly with a cheeky wink before ducking his head and nipping the first nipple sharply with his teeth.
Sherlock groaned and John found himself on his back in an instant, the weight of his Alpha holding him down. Growling softly at his neck, Sherlock spoke, "I think…..you should not tempt your Alpha with rough play tonight. It has been too long and I will not allow myself to hurt you." A long lick up the side of John's neck followed by the bite and tug of teeth at his earlobe emphasized the point before Sherlock settled to sucking his mark quite clearly at the base of John's throat.
John writhed at the dominance and spread his legs wider giving Sherlock his rightful place between them. His hands pressed up along the pale back until he could twist his fingers into the dark curls he loved so much. Pulling gently he brought Sherlock to his mouth once more, initiating a passionate kiss. Rubbing his foot along the back of Sherlock's leg while they continued to rut against each other, John deepened the kiss searching for an indefinable more that the Omega seemed to know they needed. He couldn't even remember why he hesitated before, his body obviously knew what it needed, and it needed its Alpha. He wanted Sherlock even closer if it were possible, to be more deeply and intimately connected. Pulling away from the kiss, a plea tore from his throat, "Please Sherlock! Please….I need you! It's been too long and I need you inside me…..part of me…..together…..Please?!"
Sherlock stilled his movements against John and gentled him with light kisses and shushing sounds against his skin as he reached for the lube in the bedside table. "Shhh…..it's okay love. Patience, we will get there soon." After another lingering kiss, Sherlock sat back and directed John to raise his hips as he placed a pillow firmly underneath him. "Spread more for me love, show me." John grasped firmly behind his knees, pulling them up towards his chest and then spreading them as wide as he could, submitting to his Alpha and exposing himself completely to him. Sherlock knelt on the bed between John's spread legs drinking in the sight of his Omega, hard cock twitching and leaking against his stomach while his asshole tightened and relaxed in anticipation of his touch. Yes the sight of John spread wide just waiting to be fucked by him stirred all the primal instincts Sherlock possessed. He found himself stroking his own impressive erection, rubbing the blunt head against John's puckered hole in promise. "Mine," he growled again.
John could not stop the needy whine as he tried to rub even more against the cock he craved, "Yes….yours, always yours…..please….please Sherlock."
The plea was enough to stir Sherlock to action, applying a generous amount of lube to his fingers, he reached forward rubbing his thumb around and around the tight ring of muscle first, relaxing John slowly. Leaning forward to capture his mouth once again in a lingering kiss, Sherlock slipped the first finger in smoothly. John barely flinched at the finger, merely humming into the kiss as Sherlock worked it in and out of his body. Sherlock broke the kiss and drifted down John's body once more, lavishing his attention on his neck and throat before settling on the very sensitive nipples. He sucked hard at the right nipple as he pressed his second finger into John while he was distracted by the pleasure. Indeed John barely hitched a breath as the fingers stretched his hole, busy pressing his chest into the sinful suction of Sherlock's mouth. Sherlock continued to work steadily and with purpose, to prepare John to accept his rather large cock without discomfort at the same time he drove John's pleasure to a fever pitch. After paying equal attention to the left nipple, leaving them both swollen and red, Sherlock moved further down John's body, following the lines of sculpted muscle with his lips and tongue. As he wrapped his mouth around John's cock and worked his tongue around the swollen head, he added his third finger. John clenched down against the intrusion for a moment before a well-timed brush of his prostate, in conjunction with Sherlock swallowing around the cock buried deep in his throat, sent him thrusting against those fingers and begging for more in the same breath. Sherlock worked the fingers in earnest now scissoring and stretching John as quickly as he could while keeping him begging as he hit his prostate intermittently and sucked his cock with abandon. The breathless pleas and lust filled moans from John nearly drove him to distraction as well, as he ached to bury his cock in his mate. When he was able to introduce a fourth finger and all John did was moan and fuck himself against Sherlock's hand he knew they were ready. Releasing John's cock from his mouth, he continued to fuck him with four fingers while he reached for the lube once more.
When the fingers left his body, John protested the emptiness until he saw Sherlock spreading lube generously over his swollen cock and knot. Oh it had been so long since he had been filled with Sherlock, even when not in heat there was no feeling quite like the pleasure of his mate's cock stretching him to his limit, filling him as nothing else ever could. John tried to stretch legs wider and pulled his knees up tighter to present his well-stretched and lubed hole to his mate as he begged, "Please Sherlock, please do it…..please fuck me love!"
Sherlock couldn't help the rumbling growl in his throat as his mate presented for him, for him alone and his cock, to take and claim over and over. Sherlock still held the reins tight on the Alpha's primal desire but it was a near thing. Stroking his cock firmly in his right hand, Sherlock wrapped his left around John's thigh. "Is this what you want John? You want this big cock inside you….filling you up….fucking you? Or maybe you would prefer something else?"
John shook his head violently and bucked towards Sherlock, "No...you, only you…...always you inside me. I need it….I need you…..please?"
And that was the end of Sherlock's own patience, pressing his leaking head against John he pushed forward entering him at last in one long deep stroke. The pleasure of their joining was almost too much for both of them. Sherlock stilled when he bottomed out, leaning forward to rest his forehead against John's. He shuddered as John shifted against him settling him more deeply inside, "Oh John! This! Oh God how I have missed this love! Missed the feeling of being with you…..in you….so perfect love!"
John could only moan at the sensation of being completed by Sherlock as the thick cock entered him. He had almost forgotten how good it felt to be surrounded and filled by his mate. As Sherlock spoke, tears pricked in John's eyes because it was perfect and he too had missed it desperately. Releasing his knees he wrapped his legs around Sherlock's waist, using his heels against those pale buttocks to pull them as tightly together as possible. Stroking along the long pale body above him, John cupped his hands around Sherlock's shoulders and brought him down until their chests met while he tilted his head to kiss him deeply again. Sherlock moaned against his lips until John broke the kiss, "I have missed this too love….so very much. Now please move….let me feel you moving inside me, claiming me once again….please…..move!"
Sherlock would have chuckled at John's impatience had he not felt exactly the same. Noticing some moisture pooled at the base of John's throat, he ducked his head to taste. Lapping up the drops with his tongue he followed the line of John's throat with his tongue, caressing over his Adam's apple, the underside of his chin, to the chin itself where he placed a small kiss before claiming lips to kiss John again gently. "Your wish is my pleasure love." He pulled out slowly before pressing deep into John once more, both of them sighing at the sensations. He held John close, kissing his lips, licking and sucking at his neck and ears while he fucked slowly in and out of the tight passage. The Alpha wanted more, as did Sherlock, but it was worth it to take his time and allow John to relax fully. When John's moan became whimpers and he began trying to push his hips up to meet Sherlock's slow, steady thrusts, he knew it was time for more. Raising up on his hands to look down at John he questioned, "Alright?"
John merely nodded urgently and whispered, "Please…"
Sherlock nodded as he pulled out once more then thrust in hard and deep, the Alpha rumbling as its mate cried out in passion. Holding John's hips steady with one hand, he used the other to rub and pinch at his sensitive nipples or stroke his swollen leaking cock, while he continued to pound into his ass as deeply as he could manage. How he loved seeing John spread beneath him like this, totally trusting and open to him alone. The Alpha growled as he continued reclaiming his mate.
John was beside himself at the sensations, the pleasure of his body. Sex with Sherlock was an all-consuming thing, passion and love that left John senseless, only able to beg for more. He was only sorry that this would not last longer but they had both gone without each other for too long. His own cock was leaking a puddle of precum where it bounced on his abdomen with each of Sherlock's thrusts. When John heard the throaty growl of his Alpha he knew it would not be long, he met the now feral eyes of his mate and snarled his own reply even as he begged for relief. "Yes love! Fuck me hard! Give me what I want! Oh Please, please….Now love!"
Sherlock's responded so quickly it took John's breath away. In an instant he found his legs over Sherlock's shoulders as he leaned forward and fucked into him furiously hitting John's prostate over and over. He bent John's legs up towards his chest as he pushed forward to claim his lips again. The position provided friction for John as his cock was rubbed between their stomachs with every thrust. He was so close now and so was Sherlock. Sherlock reached one hand into John's hair and yanked his head back to bare his throat before biting down hard. The sharp sting coupled with the sensations he already felt sent John over the edge, crying out as he came hard between them. Sherlock himself only lasting a few more strokes, as the feeling of John's orgasm milked his cock he growled once more and filled his mate with his cum.
He rested a moment but soon moved to take his weight off of John and pull out, only to be stopped.
"Wait! Stay...please! I...I want you inside of me a little longer," John finished quietly.
Sherlock only nodded in understanding, easing John's legs off of his shoulders to make him more comfortable, he supported himself on his elbow as leaned forward again to kiss him tenderly.
John sighed happily, wrapping his legs around Sherlock to keep him close and returning the kiss. When they parted John tenderly brushed sweaty curls from Sherlock's brow and spoke softly, "Thank you love. It has truly been too long without you. Even though we have been here together all along, this is different and I have missed it….missed you…..missed my mate."
Sherlock only nodded, leaning into John's palm as he spoke. Running his fingers lightly across John's lips and cheeks, throat and chest he agreed, "You are most welcome love. I have missed you as well. This is different…..it's always been different between us. Perhaps that is why we work so well together?"
John only smiled and hummed against Sherlock's lips as he kissed him once more, "Perhaps….."
Sherlock continued stroking John as they calmed from their orgasms but his mind had gone off on a tangent over something John said 'This is different'. It was different with them, they had always been different, first because they denied their natures, went against expectations, then even denied each other for so long before giving in to biology and bonding. Even just the sex tonight was different, many Alphas and Omegas only had sex with their heats and not any other time. He and John had always made love whenever they wanted with or without the heat. They simply were not a typical bonded pair, they did what worked for them and it was more than enough for them and their bond. And they were happy with it that way. For once Sherlock could not blind you with irrefutable logic or a seamless trail of deductions, but suddenly he knew! He knew exactly what John needed to hear to ease his worries and doubts!
"This!" He practically shouted causing John to startle in his arms and look at him as if he doubted his sanity at this moment. Lowering his voice Sherlock continued, "Can't you see John? We are different and THIS, this right now is enough for us!"
John shook his head, "I don't follow..uh….what are you…"
Sherlock cupped John's cheek with one hand and looked at him tenderly as he spoke, "John if we ever have a child I will be a happy man. But if your heats return and you never get pregnant, or if the heats never return, I will still be a happy man. This is enough John. You and I are enough; it's always been that way John from the very beginning. You said this is different and you're right because We are different. We aren't the typical pair, a typical bond. You are enough John and you will always be enough! Child or not, as long as I have you I will always be a happy man!"
John swallowed against the lump in his throat and knew the tears pooled in his eyes would spill over but couldn't bring himself to care. Cupping Sherlock's face in his hands he brought him down for lingering kiss. When Sherlock pulled away enough to look at him John could manage to speak, "Are you sure love?"
"Positive John, you make everything worthwhile. Anything else we may be blessed with is only an added bonus, not necessity."
John kissed him senseless then breaking apart only when they were desperate for breath. "Thank you Sherlock! I don't know how you knew…..but that was perfect. Thank you so much love. I think I will keep you." John was so happy and could not resist teasing his mate with a cheeky wink and a smile.
Sherlock chuckled in return before observing, "Well I seem to have...erhm….come out and we have made quite a mess love. I propose a shower if you would accompany me. And then, if you are up to it of course, round two? I haven't had nearly enough of that gorgeous body of yours to appease me after all these months." He winked at John as he climbed off the bed and offered his hand.
John accepted the hand in equal good humor, "Well far be it from me to turn down such a tempting offer. Knowing you I will be surprised if we even make it out of the shower."
Sherlock merely raised an eyebrow at his mate and grinned as they strolled naked to the bathroom.
It did prove to be a very long shower.
Two weeks later John's heat returned.