Mycroft had heard little from his traveling companion since they left the manor, but he was far too adept at deductions to believe that would last long. They had barely left the estate grounds before the doctor's stern voice was heard. "You realize this won't work?"
He sighed deeply, "I had ascertained as much myself but confess had not come up with an adequate solution. What are your recommendations, sir?"
Doctor Johnson looked at the passing scenery for a few moments as he gathered his thoughts. "I do understand the need for security in the given situation. I am only concerned for John's and the baby's well-being." He met Mycroft's gaze as he reached his decision. "I will let things continue as they are for now but I will check on John every two weeks instead of every month as we discussed. I would also be more comfortable if you could make arrangements for some items to have on hand, purely as a precaution. I would prefer to be prepared for any possibility. We are likely to see some stress related behaviors both in John and Sherlock, a bond simply is not meant to take this kind of strain, especially during a pregnancy. The bond is meant to strengthen the couple and shelter the child...supporting the new family during gestation. John didn't really know enough about the bond's function during pregnancy for one thing and panicked rather spectacularly about the baby's safety for another. Should it reach the point that the baby will be affected, I shall expect you to see to the most expeditious reunion you can manage with your resources." He narrowed his eyes sharply and faced down the British government without reservation. "If you expect me to deliver John and Sherlock's child safely you will do exactly as I ask, as soon as I ask. I won't care if Moriarty has been dealt with or not if the child is at stake. Are we perfectly clear, sir?"
Mycroft abruptly revised his assessment of the doctor in the face of his resolve, few men would stand up to him for any reason. That he did so not just for John's sake, but for the baby as well as Sherlock, spoke volumes about the kind of man he was….a friend as much as a doctor. Mycroft had been distantly polite during lunch and had resigned himself to a tedious ride escorting the doctor back to London because this was the man John wanted to care for him. He should know John only chose the best of people to place his trust in. Chagrined he extended his hand to the doctor and warmly shook the hand of a new-found partner. "I shall be more than happy to assist you in any way you deem necessary Doctor Johnson. I appreciate your dedication and you candor."
Doctor Johnson returned the handshake, smiling warmly, "As long as we are on the same page Mister Holmes. John and Sherlock deserve the best we can do for them after all they have been through."
"Agreed, sir." The remainder of the drive to London passed in detailing possibilities, needs, and actions that may be required. Both men were confident in their plans for the coming weeks and months by the time the city lay before them.
{*} {*} {*}
Sherlock was staring at the laptop in front of him trying to deduce the pattern in the transactions but wasn't having any luck. Mycroft had found substantial evidence tying a corporation to Moriarty. The Saint-James Foundation was presumably set up to facilitate the distribution of assets and allocations for an alliance of companies. All a front to launder money and move funds for Moriarty's operations. It would be nothing for Mycroft to freeze the entire assets of the corporation but that would get them no closer to Moriarty. If Sherlock could determine a pattern in the transactions he may be able to track Moriarty's movements and bring him in at last. Then John could stop this farce of military training and come home. The problem seemed to be that he needed John in order to simply think. For once in his life he was having difficulty focusing on the data in front of him, his thoughts proving to be as slippery as oil on water. John always helped him focus. The Skype calls each week seemed to help temporarily but were becoming less and less effective. In frustration he finally slapped the laptop closed and tossed it onto the other chair.
"Having difficulties brother dear?"
Sherlock sneered angrily at Mycroft. When had he gotten here anyway….he shouldn't have been able to sneak up on him…..he always heard him on the stairs. He buried his fingers in his hair and growled furiously. He really was off his game. How was he ever going to deal with Moriarty if he couldn't even think properly! It wasn't even the Alpha disturbing him, it was his own mind.
Mycroft eyed his brother calmly, waiting for him to settle himself. He sat on the sofa, learning very soon after the departure that sitting in John's chair was a mistake he would rather not repeat, and placed the briefcase and umbrella next to him.
When Sherlock had let his anger run its course, he turned his irritation on his brother. Seeing the briefcase that Mycroft rarely brought with him, his eyes quickly darted around until he observed his bedroom door barely ajar when he knew he had closed it earlier. The fact that Mycroft had obviously been in the flat for far longer than he realized was certainly of significant concern but one he did not voice now. He was reminded of a repeating pattern he had managed to notice and chose to confront his brother about it instead. "Pray tell, brother mine, what shall I find missing this time? Pajamas, another scarf, perhaps the pillowcases, it is truly a fascinating form of kleptomania you have developed. Do you wish to explain yourself because, judging by your guilty expression, you are completely aware of what you are doing?"
Mycroft sat stiffly, clutching the briefcase handle defensively, a subtle enough gesture but it did not go unnoticed by Sherlock "Your other items were returned promptly once they had served their purpose," he replied sharply, realizing a moment too late he had played right into his brother's hands.
Sherlock smiled smugly, "And that purpose would be? I am most anxious to hear what could possibly be gained from my worn garments."
Mycroft sighed and told the truth. "They are for John, Sherlock."
Sherlock quickly sat forward in his chair, the Alpha rumbling as well, instantly concerned for his absent mate. "Why? What is wrong? Is he okay? If you've let anything happen to him during this insane assignment I will never forgive you Mycroft!"
Mycroft put his best poker face on and forced himself to lie to his brother. "He is fine Sherlock. The separation is just more challenging for him. While you are still here at home surrounded by the scent of your mate, he is not. I have simply been helping out as best I can. There is nothing to worry about at the moment. Should it start to affect either of you adversely, of course we will make other arrangements."
Sherlock relaxed a fraction knowing John was well enough but still snapped at Mycroft. "Affect either one of us?! It's affecting us Now! I can't think Mycroft! I can't focus on the data enough to get any sense of a pattern! I can't even imagine what is happening to John! It needs to stop and stop now!" He didn't feel badly for snapping at his brother but he did feel guilty, once more his inability to be a proper mate was obvious. How John might be dealing with the separation had not once occurred to him, he was only caught up in the ire of the Alpha and his own frustrations. He still couldn't blame John for feeling he might be safer out of the picture for now if he himself couldn't give him more thought than that.
Mycroft remained silent and let his brother vent, knowing it was for the best. Once Sherlock calmed a more subdued voice spoke, "You could have just told me, instead of all this sneaking about."
"I thought it was hard enough on you already without drawing your attention to the situation Sherlock. I am sorry for the deception, but we will have to make do with the arrangement a while longer and strive to gain a grasp on Moriarty. I assure you I will not let John suffer unduly if it becomes too much. We will make other plans if we need to, but we are not at that point…..alright?"
Sherlock merely waved a hand noncommittally in the air, but made no further comment. Mycroft took that as the best he was likely to get for now. Instead of pursuing the topic further he offered his assistance as a means of distracting his high-strung brother. "Why don't we both take a look at the data? Maybe two sets of eyes will help, hm?" Sherlock looked at him darkly for just a moment but then retrieved the laptop, anything to help get John home to him sooner he thought. Before long both men were lost in the work and the argument forgotten…...for now.
{*} {*} {*}
The late summer sun warmed his skin while a soft breeze kept it from being too much. The scent of numerous flowers in bloom wafted along on the air; the only sounds to be heard, the call of a few birds and a rustle through the trees. John had found the chaise at one end of the patio to be his favorite place to stretch out and nap when the day proved exceptionally lovely. He was just wondering what had stirred him from his slumber when the barest shift in the air sent him into action before another thought passed. An instant later found him crouched over his assailant, one hand wrapped around the throat while his other brought the Browning to bear.
"Och! Tis a verra fine grip ye have there John!"
"Fuck Alec! Are you trying to scare me to death?! I could have killed you!" John quickly released his host and got to his feet the best he could manage in his current pregnant state. Alec was already on his feet before John could tuck his weapon away and offer his hand. Alec was chuckling merrily in the face of his potential death at the hands of the erstwhile Omega.
"Och, you'd av tried true enough, but it'd take a sight mor than tha to take me oot! Not meanin no offense to ye young sir." John still looked on in astonishment, even after two weeks he could not be sure how to take the older Scotsman sometimes. Alec relented in his teasing and clasped a strong hand on John's shoulder. "Y'er doin quite well lad. Yer reflexes n coördination are good but cud stand ta be sharper. And y'er right strong for an Omega that's for sure. I spect ye've struggled ta incorporate the soldier ye've trained ta be wi the Omega ye were born as." He received a silent nod from the man before him. "Well we'll keep at it then. Ye've already improved ye ken….there was no hesitation ta yer actions jest then. Right? Seamless...the soldier an the Omega as one, that's where yer strength lies John…..that's how you protect yerself an the child." With another bone shaking clap to the smaller man's shoulder Alec was off with a nod to tend to some other task, leaving John to consider his actions but more importantly his words,the barest trace of an itch in his skin the only remnant of any reaction to the man in question .
John had quickly tired of only his walks and books to occupy himself here at the manor and the staff didn't take kindly to his attempts to see to his own housekeeping. Eventually Alec had coaxed him out to the lawn after breakfast and began to teach him the patterns and rhythms of Tai Chi. Though he had felt ridiculous at first, John had soon found it to be quite satisfying, stretching and strengthening his muscles in a way that was not impeded by the pregnancy at the same time it allowed him to calm and focus his thoughts. Considering what had just happened John had to admit that Alec was correct. John had always pushed the Omega deep but now had no choice but to accept that part of himself. The exercises had allowed him to accept the Omega once and for all, the inborn instincts now joined with his soldier's training giving him a much more effective defense against any threat. As twisted as it may seem, Alec was simply testing John's abilities and allowing him to learn himself even better. John's grudging respect of the unique Alpha only grew as he learned to appreciate what both Mycroft and Sherlock had benefitted from and he looked forward to spending more time with the wily Scotsman.
The crunch of tires on the drive stirred him from his thoughts. Alec's distraction had made him forget the nervous anticipation he had been feeling all morning, but now Mycroft had arrived with Doctor Johnson for his next exam. With a bright smile, John walked toward the front portico to meet them.
{*}{*}{*}
John endured a great deal of good-natured ribbing by the time lunch was finished, both his hosts and his doctor chuckling at his eagerness to get to his exam and the promised ultrasound. The portable machine had been delivered yesterday by van and if John knew anything about looking at or reading ultrasounds he would already have rivaled Sherlock in experimentation. As it was, the machine sat untouched and waiting for them upstairs and John couldn't seem to coax Doctor Johnson to move any faster.
"Goodness I do hope you haven't been shoveling in all of your meals like that John! It's certainly not wise to bombard your digestive system like that. You'll surely end up sick to your stomach" Doctor Johnson's eyes twinkled in merriment as he teased John. The latter who had been hunched over his plate eating as quickly as he could manage.
John's face flushed as he sat back from his plate mumbling apologies. The suppressed smiles and chuckles turned into actual laughter and John's blush deepened though he smiled sheepishly as well. Even Mycroft found it hard to hide his fond smile as Doctor Johnson wiped a tear from his eye, "Oh John my boy, I promise you the baby will not go anywhere before we finish lunch and get to have a look." So with another nod John resigned himself to socializing and waiting a little longer to see the child Sherlock and he had created.
At length lunch was over and John led Doctor Johnson upstairs once more, locking the door promptly behind them to prevent the advent of his mother-in-law. If he wasn't getting to share this moment with Sherlock it was at least going to be private. He sat patiently through the questions and physical exam again, assuring his doctor that there had been no further reactions to anyone. Doctor Johnson tutted to himself when he measured John's abdomen again and notated the results. John vowed he had only been eating normally and was even getting exercise thanks to Alec. Finally he was instructed to loosen his trousers and lay back. John felt short of breath as his heart rate picked up in excitement, a little gasp escaping as the gel was applied before the wide transducer began to slide over his abdomen. It took only moments for the doctor to zero in on the baby and soon John could hear the gentle whoosh of a fetal heartbeat once more. Even though it had only been two weeks John couldn't prevent the smile that split his face at the renewed proof that his child was real and doing well.
Doctor Johnson tilted the monitor so John could see easily and soon he was pointing out the tiny details of John's child. The curve of a small skull, the blinking bubble of a heart beating, the details of a face, tiny fingers curled into a fist and pressed against lips that sucked gently in their watery slumber. John laughed out loud when he watched a long slender leg kick out sharply on the monitor and felt the impact against his belly at the same time. "Ow!" he exclaimed before laughing again " 's Sherlock's child alright." The angle changed as Doctor Johnson moved the transducer and zoomed in to focus between the tiny legs. John held his breath and waited.
"Well John, I would certainly hold on to any receipts just in case I'm wrong," he winked merrily at his own joke, "but it appears that you and Sherlock will be having a perfectly healthy little boy."
"A boy?" John practically whispered as the news sank in, falling back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling and repeating to himself, "A boy…..a son Sherlock. We're having a son." He smiled wistfully, determined to keep any tears at bay on such a happy occasion. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice his doctor's silence.
When the baby kicked there was an odd shadow on the ultrasound and what sounded like a momentary arrhythmia, it could be nothing at all at this stage of gestation but Doctor Johnson was a thorough man and had begun to examine not just the baby but the surrounding area as well. John only noticed once more gel was applied and the transducer had slid across practically his whole abdomen and settled nearly on the other side of where they were just looking at the baby.
John finally looked back at the monitor becoming concerned when he saw the intense focus on his doctor's face. "What is it? What's wrong?" He was frustrated and surprised when Doctor Johnson shushed him quickly, remaining focused on the image. John had no idea what the doctor was looking at, all he could see was the baby on the screen just like before. He forced himself to remain silent until he heard a bemused "Huh! Well isn't that wizard!" While it couldn't be particularly bad if his doctor was quoting Doctor Who at him, John was really tired of the suspense.
"What?!"
Doctor Johnson's broad smile and warm eyes didn't waver when John snapped at him. He gestured at the screen and said, "Well I'm pretty sure I know why your measurements are off John, and why you have spent so much time napping."
John was completely confused. "Yeah…..it's the baby. What does that have to do with the measurements, what did you see? I'm sorry Doctor Johnson, I don't understand what you're trying to say."
Doctor Johnson couldn't stop himself from chuckling again, enjoying himself and John's naiveté immensely. "Now pay attention John, and don't be giving up on any of those names you've been trying out either. Because that.." he pointed sharply at the screen just as a small hand shot out and John winced softly at the sensation. "That tiny martial artist would be your daughter." He sat back and waited.
John's brow wrinkled in consternation. "What do you mean? You just said it was a boy. I mean you're the Omega doctor here man! It's not like you can be ambiguous about it! Which one is it?!"
Doctor Johnson shook with laughter, made even worse by the very cross look John gave him. Oh this diagnosis might just make his whole month! By the time he pulled himself together John had crossed his arms over his chest in a huff and was glaring between the doctor and the screen trying to see what was so funny. "Okay John….okay. Stay with me here." He pointed once more to the screen. "This...here on your left side...that is your daughter. Now keep your eyes on the monitor please John." He slowly and purposefully slid the transducer over John's abdomen towards the right side and John watched the monitor as the baby seemed to disappear and reappear on the screen. "And this….along your right side….this is your son."
John gaped at the screen. It wasn't possible was it? His mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water trying to breath as he attempted to form words. They couldn't possibly have done…..there weren't even any in either of their families. He finally met the doctor's eyes in stunned silence, receiving a solemn nod in answer to the unspoken question. John was definitely short of breath now. "Twins!" He and Sherlock were having….twins. John shook his head as if the thoughts would settle into some form of sanity before the word slipped out on a whisper, "How?"
Doctor Johnson merely shrugged. "I can't say for certain John. Hormonal fluctuations with age affecting ovulation, your body over compensating for the miscarriage, or maybe the fates just decided to grant you a little blessing to make up for so much sorrow. I don't have all the answers John, but my hearty congratulations on what appear to be two very healthy and vigorous babies."
John finally allowed a small smile to break as his face was suffused with wonder. The smile soon followed by rather manic giggling as John struggled to deal with his excitement and disbelief….too much emotion to deal with at one time so instead he giggled. "It's true then? It's real! Sherlock and I…..we are having…..twins! A son…..and a daughter?!"
"Yes John. They are very real, as you can see right before your eyes. Would you like to look at them some more?"
John didn't hesitate, nodding excitedly and raising up to see the screen better once more as the transducer moved across his children. They spent another twenty minutes looking over both babies, assuring that each of them were perfect. Doctor Johnson making several screenshots for John and printing them out. When the doctor finally turned off the machine and began to clean the gel, John still clutched the tiny images of his children close.
Once John redressed and sat up Doctor Johnson addressed him seriously. "Now there will be several things to consider regarding your care. While normal gestation for female Omegas is still nine months, for males the gestation is normally eight months and the babies often a bit smaller. With twins, however, you have a much higher risk of premature labor and low birth weight but this does not necessarily mean the babies will be at risk, just a normal outcome of a male Omega pregnancy when two babies are involved."
John absently ran his fingers through his hair as he listened. So much to take in, so much to protect. He wanted desperately to share this with Sherlock even as he dreaded it. The Alpha knowing about the pregnancy was one thing but knowing about twins surely would make the Alpha even more protective and territorial than normal. The perfect ammunition to use against him. John scrubbed his scalp forcefully, refusing to allow thoughts of Moriarty to tarnish this day. The movement caused Doctor Johnson to stop in his litany and look John over, well aware he had not caught the last bit of his speech.
He knew John had a lot to assimilate however, so he waited until John seemed to focus again. "Alright there? Shall I continue?" With an embarrassed smile and nod from John, he simply gathered himself and started over. "You will need to continue your moderate exercise regimen with Alec, take your walks, rest as much as you need and eat as healthily as possible. I am going to change your vitamins, add some other supplements for the increased demands on your body and I will be seeing you every two weeks unless something happens. But all in all I think everything is going very well." He paused to let John absorb that bit of information smiling kindly in return when he smiled his understanding. "Now lastly but most importantly, have you considered what I said about the bond and Sherlock? He will have to be told and preferably soon. There simply will not be any way around it John, you will have to return to him before too long. I am actually surprised you have made it this long without more serious withdrawal symptoms without the presence of your Alpha."
John told him what Mycroft had been doing with the scent and to a certain extent with his presence, as well as being here in Sherlock's room. "I guess it has helped more than I realized. But I have thought about what you said also. Mycroft helped me do some research and there are one or two options that may help as far as safety for me and the children when we have to return to London. I wanted to discuss the options with you and see what your thoughts were."
Doctor Johnson didn't hesitate, "Then let's begin."
{*} {*} {*}
Tea time had come and gone without any word from John or Doctor Johnson, the door remaining locked to the outside. Mummy and Mycroft were wearing a path into the runner along the hallway in front of John's door. Alec was leaning against the bannister far too casually to convince anyone of his own lack of concern. As Celeste met Mycroft in the middle of the hall during their mutual pacing she voiced the exasperation they were all feeling.
"Oh this is just ridiculous Mycroft! DO something for goodness sakes!"
Mycroft uncharacteristically rolled his eyes, "And just what am I supposed to do Mummy? Break down the door? Deny John his privacy in our home? You've already had me stoop to trying to eavesdrop through the door and I told you I couldn't make out anything but low conversation. I am just as concerned as you but whatever it is, I am sure John and the good doctor will let us know as soon as it's feasible."
Mummy caved slightly, going over to lean against Alec's broad chest as a warm arm supported her. "But what if something is really wrong? Poor John shouldn't have to deal with so much heartache!"
Alec was quick to soothe her, "Now lass ye ken better than ta borrow trouble where there's nay to find. We'll jest have ta be a wee bit more patient."
A sudden burst of laughter from the room caught all of their attention and spurred them into action. So that when John opened his door, he found himself immediately faced with three very concerned faces. Ever calm under fire John replied easily, "Oh...hello. Sorry we kept you waiting so long…..wasn't intentional." He casually pushed past his extended family, making for the back stairs, "Missed tea time too, huh? And nearing dinner time now….no wonder I'm so bloody hungry." John kept heading down the stairs as Mycroft's cool "John?" and Mummy's exasperated "John!" reached his ears. He smiled to himself before wiping his face and turning back to the faces peering down the stairwell at him. "No really! If I don't pop down for a bite to eat soon the twins may chew my insides out." He struggled to stifle his laugh as he disappeared down the stairs.
It took a moment to hit, Mummy and Mycroft looking sharply at each other. "Did he just say?" "I believe he did." If there had not been witnesses both Mummy and Mycroft would deny their behavior to their dying days but both Alec and Doctor Johnson saw them clutch hands like schoolgirls as they yelled in unison and raced down the stairs. Their resounding chorus of "JOHN?!" met by the rolling echo of laughter from below. Left alone on the landing, Alec smiled at Doctor Johnson, "Tis a right fine day ta be alive is it not?"
Doctor Johnson clapped the Scot on the back as he laughed along, "Indeed sir! A right fine day at that!" They made their way down the stairs to join the excited voices and an impromptu celebration that lasted through dinner.
{*} {*} {*}
Sherlock was oddly disappointed when he awoke from the dream. He had fallen asleep at some point during the late afternoon and had been having such a nice dream... a dream with John. His mind, normally consumed with details while awake often used those same details to create vivid dreams when he did manage to sleep. He could recall them if he chose but usually just deleted them. He couldn't even say he was surprised as dreams with or about John had started occurring more frequently since they had been apart and he could never bring himself to delete them. Dreams of the future, things they could do together, things that they both wanted and this time he dreamed an almost perfect scenario. He dreamed his John was pregnant, with twins even, his family members gathered around celebrating the coming children, and the Alpha rumbling over all of them with pride. It was more than Sherlock ever dared hope to have in real life but it was a beautiful dream. John was so very happy, as was he, deeply content to be expecting not one but two children with John. The man who had always frowned on sentiment now mourned the memory of that happiness, to only be found in a dream it seems. Still, as he forced himself to turn his mind back to work, he felt far more content than he had in a while. Perhaps some small portion of the dream managed to carry over into his waking life and he cherished the feeling for as long as it would last.
{*} {*} {*}
John meandered among the manicured gardens on his early morning walk. He chattered all sorts of nonsense at the children just as he normally did but now, knowing the sex and where about the children lay allowed him to be even more specific. "Benjamin, will you stop kicking your sister and I? I can manage but I'd hate for your sister to be born black and blue thanks to you. Cassie seems to be napping young man so you behave! I realize you're a bit cramped in there but that's just the way it is." John rubbed gently over his belly soothing his unruly offspring as he walked further into the gardens. He enjoyed these quiet mornings alone with his thoughts and the children, something it would be hard to achieve in London he knew. He wondered absently how Sally was doing with her pregnancy and thought how big Christian must be getting now. With a sigh he let the thoughts pass, much as his missed his friend, he would never risk her or her children either. Everyone was much safer this way.
John was distracted by his thoughts but his time with Alec had indeed paid off, even as his mind wandered his instincts and senses took in the subtle changes in the environment that indicated John was not alone. He continued his rambling monologue with the babies, turning casually back toward the manor as he assessed the information; a twig snapping, birds surprised from their perch, the brush of cloth against a tree limb, and a scent drifting on the air. John would have dismissed all of these as merely Alec testing him again but for that scent. That scent screamed Alpha and stranger in no uncertain terms. John continued to walk slowly but steadily toward the house, his gun an ever familiar presence at his back. He suspected whomever this person was would not let him regain the yard and he turned to meet the threat head on as a throat cleared loudly and a man's voice called out. "Hello there! Sorry to trouble you….but I seem to have gotten lost. Been on a bit of a hike you see and seem to have gotten turned around. Thought maybe you could help me out."
John assumed a loose at ease pose and quickly took in the man's appearance. Well built, dressed casually though his attire was not appropriate for a lengthy hike, especially the trainers he wore instead of boots. He carried only a small knapsack instead of a full pack that recreational hiking would require and the butt of a gun in a shoulder holster beneath the jacket did not escape his scrutiny. John knew good and well a normal hiker would have been stopped by security before they ever crossed the grounds let alone reached almost to the house. John would give the man credit for managing to get this far but otherwise his 'disguise' was as transparent as glass. He granted the 'hiker' a small, tight smile that any smart man would see as the threat it was, this one didn't appear to be very smart however.
"Oh I don't think you need my help at all, you seem to have had quite the stroke of luck getting this far without the benefit of a proper disguise or even adequate training for that matter. Has your boss gotten so desperate as to scrape the bottom of the barrel for help?" The fake smile on the hiker's face faltered and John closed his fingers around the Browning as he goaded the young man into a response. "Or were you hoping to impress him with your initiative? Hoping for a big reward right?" The man's eyes widened sharply then narrowed angrily. Bingo, thought John. Of all the times he had been grateful for the things he learned from Sherlock, this was one. John already had the Browning leveled on the man before he finished drawing his own gun from it's hiding place and a precise shot across the wrist had him quickly unarmed as he dropped his gun to clutch his bleeding appendage.
"Would you like me to tell you what happened to the last operative who hoped to get a big reward from your boss with news of me? The last man who only saw a pregnant Omega and thought he had an easy mark? Do you really want to know how that played out?" John aimed his weapon pointedly, "He never made it out of Italy alive to deliver his news." John saw the man's eyes darting about in fear, seeking an escape. "And if I had my way, you would be joining him. Sadly for both of us, I believe my brother-in-law will be wishing to speak to you." John gestured for the man to rise, pointing the gun toward the house, "Now walk, before I change my mind."
The man turned half-way as if to do as instructed. Thankfully John's newly incorporated senses alerted him to the impetuous action almost before it came. The man lunged at John, throwing his full weight into the move. John easily ducked and displaced the man's weight, throwing him over his back and to the ground. A smarter man would have stayed down but this one was angry, afraid, and desperate. He rolled himself quickly and launched into John's legs taking him to the ground by sheer momentum, allowing his own Alpha to growl loudly expecting submission in return. This proved to be his final mistake as it only served to make John incredibly angry. A knee jerked sharply into the man's groin and John rolled him off easily as he moaned in pain. But John was through playing and the assailant now suffered his full wrath. A well placed kick significantly injured the right knee and when he tried to curl up to protect himself strong fingers gripped his hair and forced the head back to receive two brutal left hooks in a row. Dazed and in pain the man no longer fought but John still held tight to his head as he retrieved his gun from the ground nearby. Pressing it forcefully into the man's temple, he spit out his words with venom, "Make just one more move...one more twitch, and you will be dead before security even finds us!" John knew already that his shot alerted security and it would be only a matter of minutes before they arrived. The man made no further attempt to move as he whimpered in pain and eyed the fiercest Omega he had ever seen. A moment later Alec arrived with two of Mycroft's security team in tow, one look at the scene and both men knew they would be in for the grilling of their lives for allowing anything like this to happen on their watch. John gave them a perfunctory report and made sure they would see to the man's medical care as he could not bring himself to find the compassion he normally had at the moment.
They soon were taking the man away and John was walking silently toward the house, his gun still clenched in his hand. He had been running on adrenaline for the past half-hour and it had only just begun to abate somewhat. As he reached the steps up to the portico he became aware of the reaction he had pushed aside in the heat of the fight. A strange Alpha had invaded his home, threatened both him and his children, touched him, growled and attempted to dominate him. John's hands began to shake as he realized the extent of the reaction, he was not safe, he didn't feel safe even though the man was in custody. He made his way up the stairs knowing he had to get to his room. He needed to rid himself of this foreign scent and wrap himself in Sherlock's scent as soon as possible, this was so much worse than with Alec, he could tell by how badly he felt now and the adrenaline wasn't even out of his system.
Alec himself followed along behind John silently keeping watch at his back. He made no move to touch him but stayed at the ready if his help was needed. He realized instinctively what was happening and knew it was going to be bad for John. As soon as they were inside, he grabbed the nearest staff member and sent them to fetch Celeste. He had a feeling John was going to need her.
John made it to his room, shutting the door behind him before making a beeline for the bathroom. He only realized he still clutched his gun tightly when he tried to undress. Locking the safety he laid the gun on the edge of the sink still in easy reach should he need it and began to strip in earnest though slowed by the increasing tremors of his hands. Everything was left in a pile beside the door as he stepped into the shower and began to wash away the foreign scent. The tremors were spreading but he forced himself to wash steadily, even as the emotional repercussions set in as well.
Celeste knocked softly on the bathroom door to alert John to her presence, but he still suffered an unreasonable spike of fear before her voice registered. "John, do you need anything dear? What can I do to help?" Met only with the sounds of the shower, she tried again, "Please John? You're not alone, let me help if I can."
John was fighting the waves of emotion battering his heart and mind as he tried to answer. He finally managed to choke out a reply, "Clothes. Do something with the clothes…..the scent…..get rid of it…..please."
Celeste wasted no time, ignoring John completely she grabbed a large towel quickly bundling everything John had taken off inside of it and rushing it out of the room and down to the laundry to be cleaned. She even washed well before returning to John's room, making sure to announce herself before entering again. John was already out of the shower, roughly dried and now sat in Sherlock's bed with his shirt and scarf on. She could see the tears on John's cheeks as he rocked himself back and forth in the bed, one hand rubbing obsessively over his abdomen. Celeste quickly sat on the side of the bed and reached for John only to have him flinch away from her. So….very bad reaction indeed, she pulled back carefully and spoke very softly, "Is there anything else I can do John? Anything at all?"
John was just shaking his head when he let out a low groan, followed by anguished tears as both hands now rubbed over his abdomen. He stuttered out, "Doc….Doc…Doctor Johnson…..think I need…..the babies…." That was all he managed before the emotions took over and he was pressing one hand over his mouth fighting the desperate sobs that racked his body along with the intermittent pain he seemed to be having in his abdomen.
Celeste responded instantly and would have put any drill instructor or field medic to shame. "Into bed John! Lie down, on your left side." She waited while John numbly slid down into the bed then pulled the covers well up over John. "Good. Now do you have more of Sherlock's scent with you? Yes?" John pointed a shaky finger toward the box at the end of the bed. Celeste checked the contents and quickly opened the remaining packs inside the box, wrapping the fresh scent around John's neck and putting it beside his face. Mycroft could always get more but this was an emergency. "Now John, I am going to call Mycroft and Doctor Johnson. They will want some information. Did the intruder strike you, your abdomen, did he injure the babies as far as you know?"
John rocked gently in the bed for a moment trying to recollect his actions before he replied, "No….he never got the chance. I didn't give him a chance. He only knocked me to the ground and I broke my fall with my hands." Then another pain hit and John's inner monologue began playing out loud in his mumbled words. "Please, please stop. Please babies…..I can't lose you….can't do it again…..please….please." He rubbed his abdomen where the dull ache lingered between acute pains and rocked himself slowly in the bed accompanied by his recurrent pleas.
Celeste pulled the curtains and turned off the lights hoping to allow John to calm himself and rest while she practically ran to her study and the secured line to Mycroft. Security had already notified him of the incident of course and he was making plans to arrive this evening to oversee interrogation of the man himself. She quickly informed him of what was happening with John, that some more scented articles would be required, and that she needed to speak with Doctor Johnson. Mycroft agreed and left his mother to call the doctor while he arranged to have him picked up to travel to the manor with him as well. He knew the doctor would want to see John personally.
Within thirty minutes Celeste returned to John's room with water and medications in hand, thankful that Doctor Johnson had foreseen possible complications and insisted that Mycroft make preparations. She could still hear soft crying and see the subtle rocking of the man in bed as she spoke, "John? I need you to sit up a minute dear. I have some medication Doctor Johnson wants you to take until he can get here himself, okay? He says you can verify the dose yourself."
John slowly pushed himself up to a sitting position while Celeste turned on the bedside lamp. John blinked slowly looking over the two medications she handed him while he tried to focus. "Zaleplon?" John read the word and struggled to access his medical knowledge amid the swirling chaos of his mind. It took several minutes before John could bring up the correct information and even then he was hesitant as he spoke. "He...he's giving….uhm….sleeping pill?"
"He wants you to rest," Celeste replied, "He figures the relaxed state will also help ease the contractions in addition to the other medication as well as help get you through the worst of the reaction."
John nodded absently as he picked up the second medication, "Makes sense." He continued reading over the next medication with only slightly better concentration, 'Terbutaline..common bronchodilator used….used off-label for pre-term contractions' his mind finally supplied. "But it can't...can't be used for very long?" John's lapsed from inner thought to verbal expression unaware that Celeste hadn't heard him completely.
Celeste seemed to understand the struggle he was having however and didn't bother to correct or question him. She simply answered the unspoken question, "Doctor Johnson will be here by this evening but he doesn't want you to go that long without something. So he said one tablet now, and another every hour if the pains haven't subsided up to a maximum of four, but he's hoping the one dose and the sleeping pill will stop them…..that it's just the stress of the situation that triggered them since there was no injury."
John managed a weak smile, "You know, you would have made an excellent nurse." Celeste returned his smile, her pleasure displayed in the warmth of her expression as John reached for the glass of water and swallowed the pills down.
"Now back to bed with you, hopefully you will sleep until the doctor arrives but I will check back in an hour to see if you are still having pains." John dutifully slid down in the bed as Celeste pulled up the covers.
John reached out and caught her hand before she could leave, "I'm sorry I flinched away. It wasn't intentional…...wasn't you. Just, you've been so kind, and I want to apologize."
Celeste patted his hand gently, "It's alright John. I do understand. Your apology is not necessary but I will accept it just the same. Now rest." Turning off the light, she was gone leaving John still rubbing a soothing hand over his belly while he waited for the pills to work.
When Mycroft and Doctor Johnson arrived that evening, Celeste could report that John was still sleeping and had only required one further pill for the contractions. While Alec reported that the assailant had been seen to medically as well as fed and now awaited Mycroft's interview. The security detail would be awaiting their own debriefing as well and had spent the afternoon reviewing security logs and walking the grounds to determine where the breach in security occurred.
Doctor Johnson waved off all offers of food or drink for the moment and headed straight to John's room. He found his patient still sleeping soundly and left him alone while he set up the equipment he would need. Once he was ready he spoke softly to John alerting him to his presence, if he did this carefully he could do all he needed without actually waking John. Talking in that low dreamlike voice he carefully turned John over and slid the monitor's straps underneath him, before laying him back once more. Beyond that it was easy, John slept in only pants and shirt so the doctor could easily perform his exam. He palpated gently, listened, and measured before securing three different transducers to John's abdomen and lowering the volume on the monitor. One would register any contractions still present while each of the other two were centered on the babies and would record their heart rates and responses to any contractions. Both babies heart rates were running higher than they would normally despite John's sedation, most likely a response to the stress. Doctor Johnson made himself comfortable in a chair at the bedside to monitor his patient.
Celeste turned up some time later along with one of the kitchen maids, between them both carrying a tea service as well as a thermos of coffee and a dinner tray loaded with hot food and snacks for later even. She insisted the doctor have something to eat and drink while he kept watch over John. She admired the doctor a great deal for his foresight and dedication to seeing John safely through this pregnancy. Doctor Johnson accepted her kindness with grace, relieving the maid of her burden and sitting it on the table beside the two chairs. Celeste sat her own tray down and excused the maid with her thanks while she rummaged in the armoire and produced a spare pillow, sheet, and blanket for the doctor. Placing them on the end of the chaise in case he needed them, she turned and surveyed her handiwork with hands on her hips. Seeing Doctor Johnson merely looking at her in bemusement she pointed a long finger at him, "You need food and rest every bit as much as your patient if you are going to be at your best to care for our John!" A pointed jab of her finger first at the doctor and then the chaise emphasising her words, "Now eat! Then rest!"
Doctor Johnson chuckled softly before hastily suppressing it. Saluting her smartly he replied, "Yes Ma'am! Thank you Ma'am."
Celeste smirked and smacked his shoulder firmly for his cheek. "Yes….well I can see why John likes you anyway. If there is anything you need during the night, I am in the suite at the end of the hall. Alec and Mycroft may be tied up for most of the night with that young man, anyway." A quick look around the room once more and she determined she had done all she could to ensure the comfort of both John and his doctor. "Well, I shall leave you to it I suppose. See you in the morning." She waved off Doctor Johnson's repeated thanks and made her way out closing the door firmly. Doctor Johnson simply chuckled at the maelström of a woman before checking the monitor once more before settling to his meal while it was still warm.
{*} {*} {*}
Sherlock rested his forehead against the cool porcelain of the toilet bowl after being sick for the third time in the last hour. He had no idea what he could have eaten or gotten into that could have set this off. He only had some toast and coffee for breakfast after all, what could be wrong with that. He had finally found a pattern in the transactions he and Mycroft had studied and had begun tracking particular strands. He had been fine until mid-morning when he just started to feel 'off' was the only word he could think of. The feeling had only increased until he was feeling..almost….anxious...decidedly not normal for him. The nausea followed soon after and he had only held out half an hour before he was at the loo. There was nothing even left in his stomach, yet he still felt sick. Where was your doctor when you needed him dammit?! Across the bloody country or world for all he knew being 'safe' according to his brother. Sherlock slowly stood, rinsing his mouth at the sink and splashing some cool water on his face. He thought perhaps if he just rested it would pass so he made his way into their bedroom. Crawling into bed and curling up with John's pillow, he soon found himself deeply asleep.
{*} {*} {*}
John felt well enough the next morning, only a little anxious and very hungry considering he missed everything but breakfast the day before. Doctor Johnson insisted John remain on the monitor and in bed for the day so he indulged with a huge breakfast in bed. Celeste arranged for plenty of juice and water to be kept at the bedside for hydration, as well as some of John's favorite books to keep him occupied. Alec had checked in but remained only in the doorway not wanting to chance setting off a renewed reaction by accident. Mycroft came by relying on the fact that he was close enough to Sherlock's scent to enter the room and sit down to discuss the incursion with John.
"You were dead on in your assessment of the intruder John. A younger member of the organisation eager to make his mark, he overstepped quite a few boundaries and it might have paid off in the end. Though I doubt it. Moriarty doesn't take kindly to disobedience regardless of any benefit gained. At this point, he will remain in custody indefinitely. We can't have him free and running to Moriarty with your location or condition now can we?"
John shook his head before locking onto something Mycroft said. 'What do you mean Moriarty doesn't take kindly to disobedience?"
Mycroft gave John the flat barely smile he used when relaying facts, "One of the reasons this is the most secure place I have access to John is an unspoken agreement between Moriarty and I. This is the home of my family, my one sanctuary if you will, and it is off limits to any plot our vile friend may concoct or to any of his erstwhile colleagues. An action against this estate and any who abide here is tantamount to a declaration of personal warfare. The young rogue took it upon himself to go against Moriarty's express commands to explore the estate by stealth hoping for a big payoff. As it is he has put his life in greater jeopardy than he can even imagine."
John seemed taken aback by this information, "But I still don't understand. After everything he has done, to Sherlock….to me, you don't consider yourself at war with him already?!"
"Calm yourself John. I have long approached Moriarty much as my brother does. We engage in regular skirmishes and all out battles, playing the 'game' if you will. We do this quite willingly, but even among scoundrels there must be some kind of boundaries. I could freeze every asset tied to Moriarty in a heartbeat but we allow him to function within certain parameters, occasionally benefitting from the arrangement ourselves. However, his behavior towards you and Sherlock has become quite obsessive and dangerous. We will put a stop to his plans one way or the other John. I can assure you of that."
John fumed silently not exactly sure of what he might say if he opened his mouth. However, Doctor Johnson had been present for the entire interview and saw John's current state reflected in the elevated heart rates on the monitor. "I believe that is more than enough for today Mister Holmes. Time to go and let John rest." The doctor barely let Mycroft say goodbye as he hustled him from the room, giving John a quick wink as he followed and shut the door behind him. However, all pretense at levity dropped as soon as both men were alone in the hallway.
"Do you even know what low-stress mean Mister Holmes?! Do you wish to undermine John's care or can you simply not manage to think beyond your own grandiose concerns?!" Mycroft attempted to sputter out a rebuttal only to be cut off swiftly by the nearly irate doctor. "No sir, you listen. You have gone to a great deal of expense and effort for John's sake and I appreciate that. I have accommodated your demands for privacy and even emergency house calls, requiring another physician to cover with my regular patients. I have done all of this without complaint because I want the best outcome for John and Sherlock both. But this event triggered a massive episode of premature labor for John, it strained a bond already significantly weakened and increased his risk for further upset. We are at a delicate point in the pregnancy and the longer I can keep those babies inside their mother the better. You! Dropping random comments about playing your patty-cake games with the man threatening the existence of both his children and their father is Not how we keep things 'low-stress' Mister Holmes! If you are not capable of observing some sense of self-control or conscious thought when speaking with John then I am afraid I will have to limit your visits. Do I make myself clear?!"
Mycroft had by turns been furious and shame-faced, his face flushed with the emotions he suppressed. His instant reaction was his long bred response of 'How dare he talk to me like that! Doesn't he know who I am?'. But actually allowing the words and non-verbal messages to settle in Mycroft realized the doctor knew exactly to whom he spoke and didn't give a damn about it if the welfare of his patient was affected. A quick replay of the previous conversation in his mind was enough to show him the signs of John's increasing distress he had failed to acknowledge. Had Sherlock been present the Alpha would have never allowed his behavior either. Duly humbled by the forceful doctor he replied, "You are quite clear Doctor Johnson. I apologize for not assessing the situation more clearly and appreciate your….frankness in the matter. I shall adjust my conversations accordingly."
"Thank you Mister Holmes. That's all I can ask. Now, if you'll excuse me, I should check on John and the twins." With a brief nod Doctor Johnson ended the conversation, disappearing quickly back into John's room. Leaving Mycroft with much more to consider.
{*} {*} {*}
Doctor Johnson returned to London with Mycroft the next morning. He advised John to resume his regular activity slowly and to stop if he felt any strain. John was happy to be up and around and looked forward to resuming his Tai Chi with Alec as well as his walks. Oddly enough when he went out the first morning he found he could not bring himself to step off of the portico onto the lawn. He thought long and hard about it, chastised himself for being silly, gave himself a pep-talk to get over it and just go ahead like a good soldier. But nothing he did worked, John could not set one foot off of the portico without a sudden wave of nausea and increased anxiety. He finally settled for asking Alec if they could exercise on the portico. Alec thankfully didn't question him and Tai Chi continued as before, though John returned to the house as soon as they were done and skipped his walk.
John thought it would get better the further away from the actual incident he got, but it seemed to get worse instead. After a couple of days, he no longer wanted to go onto the portico, or even leave the house. It seemed as if it was getting harder and harder to leave the sanctuary of his room and Sherlock's scent. Soon he appeared only for meals and when everyone thought he had lost himself in the library once more, he would make his way back to his room and stay there. On Thursday afternoon he yelled uncontrollably at a maid who had opened the doors to his balcony to air the room out, slamming the doors closed and sending the maid away in tears. He locked his door and refused to speak to Mummy when she came up as well. She had a key to the room but didn't push instead having dinner set outside the door when John failed to appear that night. On Friday, John did not appear all day or that evening. Celeste sent his meals up and observed as each came back picked over but barely eaten. She took the chance of violating John's privacy to unlock the door and check on him, but only found him sleeping soundly in the bed with Sherlock's things wrapped around him. He was not feverish nor appeared in pain so she left quietly, not knowing what else she could do. By the time Mycroft and Doctor Johnson arrived on Saturday she was beside herself with worry. John hadn't even moved his breakfast tray from outside his room.
Doctor Johnson took one look at her haggard expression and made a beeline for John's room. John was not just sleeping, he was practically unconscious, his responses to the doctor were again merely instinctual and primal as he clutched more firmly to Sherlock's things. The doctor quickly put Mycroft to work, rolling John and once more securing the transducers to his abdomen to check on the babies. At the same time he questioned Mrs. Holmes about what had been happening since he was last here. She filled him in on John's behavior and loss of appetite. She was nearly beside herself with guilt but Doctor Johnson reassured her, "You did everything you could think of Mrs. Holmes. You had no way of knowing what was happening, especially since it happened fairly quickly after the confrontation on Thursday. It appears the attack was merely the last strain that the bond could take and John's withdrawal has been increasing ever since then. It's not your fault."
While the doctor waited for the strip to set up a good pattern, Mycroft produced a new sealed plastic bag. He quickly opened it underneath John's nose, gaining an instant response as John reached for Mycroft and the bag while quietly calling Sherlock's name. Doctor Johnson looked sharply at Mycroft, "What is in that?"
Mycroft blushed uncomfortably but answered, "Sherlock's underwear...with….ejaculate on them. Sherlock presented them to me when he was in a bit of a snit one day, making a rather bad joke about emergencies. Hindsight being what it is, perhaps he wasn't joking."
Doctor Johnson nodded, "No...probably not joking. Ejaculate has the strongest concentration of an Alpha's scent. It is an emergency and we do need it." The waves on the strip had finally settled. One glance was all he needed to show him depressed heart rates for both babies.
"I need you to get Sherlock here now!"
{*} {*} {*}
Lestrade groaned loudly as his phone rang for the third time. A case had him traipsing across London early this morning, surprisingly without Sherlock who had failed to return any of his texts or calls. The result being that he had fallen asleep at his desk trying to do paperwork and he could feel the knot already forming in his neck. He finally grabbed the phone on the fourth ring without even bothering to look at the caller ID, managing a mumbled "H'lo" without even lifting his head from the desk.
"Gregory, I do apologize for waking you...and for the neck, but I require your assistance quite urgently."
Greg blinked, held the phone in front of his face and verified the name Mycroft Holmes was actually there, then blinked again forcing himself into some semblance of alertness as he returned the phone to his ear. "Mycroft? You need my help? I find that very hard to believe but tell me what you need and I will see what I can do."
An actual sigh escaped before Mycroft spoke, "Thank you Gregory. There has been a bit of a family emergency and I need you to assist me in getting Sherlock to the family estate as fast as possible. I am indisposed here and can not come do it myself. I'm sorry I can not tell you more than that actually but I assure you I would not ask this of you if it was not imperative." Lestrade scrubbed his hand over his face and looked over his desk at the work remaining but before he drew another breath Mycroft spoke again. "Do not worry about your work Gregory, I will take care of your superiors while you are helping me out."
Greg shook his head in wonder, 'how did the bloody man do that?'. "Okay, okay fine Mycroft. What do you want me to do? Sherlock hasn't even been answering my texts, what makes you think he will come with me?"
Mycroft chuckled wryly, "I don't actually. I haven't seen him in about a week but I suspect he may be in a right state by now and is very likely to be difficult. Anthea will meet you outside of 221B with some supplies. Should my brother not agree to come with you willingly, you have my full permission to sedate him promptly, cuff him too if you have to. The Alpha tranquilizer should put him out long enough to get him onboard the helicopter and possibly all the way here but I am not sure given his current condition. I need you to accompany he and Anthea because you are one of the very few men I know who can handle him."
Greg was truly alarmed now. "Christ Mycroft! What the hell is going on?"
"I'm sorry Gregory, that is all I can say until you are here, but please believe me it is a genuine emergency and I need you most desperately. Now please, stop asking questions and get moving!" The fact that Mycroft had lost his composure enough to yell at him actually scared Greg into action and he was out of the door before the line went dead.
Not that Lestrade ever doubted Mycroft's word, but as promised Anthea was waiting outside 221B beside a black sedan. She showed Greg the fast acting Alpha tranquilizer and how to use it before they both headed up the stairs. The plan was for Greg to secure Sherlock's compliance one way or the other while Anthea packed a bag as fast as she could. The door was standing open when they arrived but the sight that met them shocked Lestrade. He didn't think he had ever seen the flat in this bad of a state, not even when Sherlock had been using. The flat was wrecked. One whole bookshelf had been emptied of its contents and they lay along the opposite wall haphazardly as though they had been thrown there. A couple of pillows were ripped to pieces and the kitchen was littered with bits of broken glass and what looked like jam. Greg had yet to lay eyes on Sherlock and only grew more worried the more they saw.
"Sherlock?! Are you here mate?!"
A loud thud, followed by a groan preceded the appearance of the consulting detective himself from the bedroom. Greg and Anthea looked sharply at each other, then back to the man before them. Sherlock was frightfully pale with deep dark circles under his eyes, his hair a frenzied mess atop his head. There were long scratches on his face and his hands were covered with dried blood. A cursory glance around revealed a several fist sized prints on doorways and in a few places the drywall had been punched clean through. None of his wounds had been tended, he wore only his pajama pants and his dressing gown hung from one shoulder while his bare feet were also adorned with cuts. When Sherlock finally spoke the altered baritone and false smile was so unnatural as to be frightening.
"Why Hell-LOO Detective In-spec-Tor!" The broken words punctuated by the jab of a finger to Greg's shoulder. Sherlock sketched a mockery of a bow before snapping upright, an unpleasant gleam in his eye. "I would pretend it is a pleasure but as you can surely conclude for yourself, it is not. John is not home for proper hosting duties and I am in no fit state to entertain myself. So let's do make this brief." Turning his narrowed gaze on his brother's assistant, he practically hissed, "And Anthea...did dear brother send you to check in instead of facing me alone?"
Anthea flinched when Sherlock spoke, his Alpha voice spilling out without any provocation. Lestrade quickly spoke, "Look Sherlock, I don't know what is going on but there has been an emergency and your brother sent us to collect you." Greg kept trying to draw Sherlock into the sitting room so Anthea could slip by to the bedroom to pack.
"Really? An emergency you say? Pray what could constitute an emergency to dear brother, I wonder? And one that would require me too? Hmm…...it does boggle the mind!" The oily voice that oozed from Sherlock's throat sounding more dangerous the longer they were here.
"I can't tell you very much Sherlock. Just that we are to get you to the Holmes estate as soon as possible. Now are you going to shape up and come with us? Or does it have to get ugly?"
Sherlock sneered as he replied, "Oh what do you think the answer to that is Lestrade?"
Anthea had almost made it past Sherlock when he spun sharply and grabbed an arm, pinning her to the wall harshly. A frightened squeak forced it's way from the normally straight-laced assistant. "Just where did you think you were going Anthea dear? The bedroom? Oh No." He breathed across her face as he pressed his forehead against her temple. "No, no, no, no, I'm afraid I simply can't allow that. That is mine and John's room and I can't allow strange Omegas in there. It simply wont do. John won't stand for it…...and neither will I." The Alpha growled and snapped just inches away from her throat. "As for this little trip brother has in mind, I'd sooner sit here and let my brain rot than do anything he wants right now."
Anthea had closed her eyes, turning her head away when the Alpha snapped. As she opened them now she saw that Lestrade had moved in closer behind Sherlock, his hand in the pocket holding the tranquilizer. When their eyes met, Greg gave the barest nod to signal her. Anthea jerked at Sherlock's hold focusing his attention on her for the moment it took Lestrade to step up behind him and plunge the tranquilizer into Sherlock's neck. The Alpha roared, releasing her and turning on Lestrade in an instant. Lestrade stepped back quickly and braced himself to fight the enraged Alpha. Sherlock took one step towards him then staggered a second step before collapsing to the floor. Too many years of watching John had Lestrade checking for a pulse before addressing Anthea.
"Pack fast. I don't know what's up but I am more than worried." With only a nod Anthea went about her task and in less than ten minutes they were out the door, Sherlock slung over Greg's shoulder and Anthea holding the door. The car ride was tense and practically silent. Greg attempted to get some idea from Anthea about what was really going on but she was about as forthcoming as Mycroft ever was.
The ride in the helicopter was only slightly better. Both Greg and Anthea kept their eyes on Sherlock during the trip but he never stirred from the sedative, as if the tranquilizer was the final straw in a week-long bender and now he was down for the count. They made the most of the time in flight however, between the two of them and the med-kit Anthea had swiped from the flat they managed to clean and dress the wounds to Sherlock's face, hands, and feet before they arrived. Mycroft was waiting when they landed, ever on duty Anthea had already managed to text him regarding Sherlock's condition. Lestrade briefly wondered why he was even surprised as he lifted Sherlock from the seat and stepped out to greet Mycroft. Taking one look at his brother the government official's mouth set in a grim line and he motioned for Lestrade to bring Sherlock and follow him. Anthea trailed behind with the small bag and med-kit, Mrs. Holmes was quick to greet her and lead her off as the men continued upstairs. When Anthea stopped, her gaze following her boss's back, Mrs. Holmes was quick to reassure her, "He won't be needing you for a while dear. He'll likely have his hands full helping the doctor with the boys. You come have a nice cup of tea, then we'll see about getting you settled." Anthea, accustomed to Mrs. Holmes hospitality as the result of many working holidays at the estate, knew she would know what was needed and when. With a small smile she followed her into the kitchen.
Greg had never been to the Holmes estate himself but he spared very little attention to his surroundings as he followed Mycroft upstairs with his burden, stopping momentarily outside a room before being shown in. Mycroft indicated a low chaise and Greg put Sherlock down before bothering to take a look around. The room was dim and quiet except for a soft whooshing sound near the bed. As his eyes adjusted to the low light Greg could finally make out the figure in the bed. When he made out not only his long absent friend, but also the fact that said friend was quite obviously pregnant, his mouth fell open and he stepped toward the bed. Just as he started to call John's name a hand on his shoulder stopped him. He turned to face Mycroft's solemn expression and swallowed convulsively when he slowly shook his head. When Mycroft turned his attention back to Sherlock, Greg noticed the doctor for the first time.
Doctor Johnson was looking over Sherlock, listening to his heart and checking his pupils. Finally standing he meet the expectant gazes of both men. "I'm afraid it quite got away from us gentlemen. It is much farther along than I would like, most likely due to the highly stubborn natures of these two, but not beyond hope." Greg had no idea what the man was talking about but understood enough to know something was very wrong with Sherlock and John. "If you two could help. We need to strip him and get him into bed with John." Greg looked briefly at Mycroft but moved readily to help strip Sherlock down and get him into the bed, scooting him over next to John. Doctor Johnson himself eased John over until his head rested near Sherlock's throat. As they all stepped away from the bed, Doctor Johnson gave both men a hopeful look. "Now we wait gentlemen."
Both of the baby's heart rates stabilized within an hour of Sherlock's placement in the bed with John. But for the next forty-eight hours neither man woke nor hardly stirred except to wrap themselves more securely around each other.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Gracious! My chapters keep growing as the story unfolds! LOL Many thanks to everyone reading, following, and favoriting! I am always grateful for every review, comment, and kudos given by you all! Ongoing gratitude to Spades for so much encouragement and inspiration! I would blame the 12,000+ word chapter on her, but it Really isn't her fault! HAHAHAHAHAHA! Hope to hear from you all! ;) Cynthia