No one moved for long minutes after situating the pair in the bed. The doctor stared at the monitor while Mycroft's gaze alternated between him and the silent couple. Greg stood back from the bed, completely ignored by the other men. He stood with his feet apart and his arms crossed over his chest looking between all of them, still trying to figure things out. Alas, he did not possess either of the Holmes's abilities. When he couldn't stand the silence, nor the lack of information any longer, he spoke in a loud whisper. "Would either of you kindly like to tell me what the bloody hell is going on here?!"

Mycroft literally flinched, obviously having forgotten all about the detective, while Doctor Johnson merely glanced at him and then back to his charges.

"Gregory, I do apologize. I realize I have drug you into this quite suddenly. You certainly deserve some answers and, if you will be patient a few moments longer, I shall give them to you. Please forgive me for my...distraction."

Lestrade lifted one hand to wave him off, "More than understandable given the circumstances, but I can't simply stand around here for no reason, even if you have been kind enough to deal with my superiors."

Mycroft gave a brief incline of his head before turning to Doctor Johnson. "Is there anything you require at the moment?"

"No, thank you Mycroft. I believe we can expect both of them to sleep for a while. I will stay here and monitor them, along with the babies. You two go on, it is getting late and you probably both need some dinner. You can have them send up a tray for me, then perhaps you could relieve me for a nap later. I am not worried about John when he wakes, but Sherlock will be another issue entirely. It won't do to leave them unattended."

Mycroft could only imagine, "Certainly doctor. I will send the tray and get Gregory settled before I return."

Doctor Johnson merely nodded absently, still checking the strip carefully. Mycroft took that as assent and turned to Greg, gesturing him silently out of the room. Greg headed back for the main stairs, the way he had come, only to be stopped by a hand on his arm. He ignored the strange tingle that radiated out from where Mycroft touched him, focusing on his words and what he wanted instead.

"We can take the back stairs Gregory. It is the fastest way to the kitchen. I don't know about you but I could use a cup of tea, then we can talk." Mycroft turned to head in the opposite direction and Greg followed, chuckling softly to himself. Mycroft heard him of course and when he asked about it Greg replied easily.

"I was thinking I could use something a bit stronger than tea, actually. A stiff whiskey wouldn't go amiss after the day I've had." He smiled broadly at Mycroft and soon found it returned. Although it was a smaller, tired smile, it still pleased Greg to have relieved a small bit of the strain apparent in Mycroft's face.

Mycroft allowed himself a small huff of laughter as he replied, "You certainly may be onto something there Gregory. But I'd best eat something before I indulge. We've been occupied more or less since we got here, meals weren't exactly our highest priority."

They reached the kitchen and Mycroft broke off to speak with the cook about a tray for Doctor Johnson while Greg waited patiently. Mycroft had just turned back to motion Greg to a seat in the breakfast nook when his mother appeared.

"Oh, there you boys are. What are you doing messing about in here Mycroft? You know cook doesn't like being bothered when dinner is on. Now you and your friend go wash up and get to the dining room for a proper meal."

Mycroft couldn't seem to halt the light blush across his cheeks while Greg fought to stifle his laughter. After all, even the great Mycroft Holmes was entitled to have a mother and to be soundly embarrassed by her in front of guests. It did not bear thinking about Sherlock being berated as well or he would lose his composure for certain.

Mycroft cleared his throat, "Mother, this is Detective Inspector Gregory Lestrade of New Scotland Yard. He has been a great friend to Sherlock and John both. Gregory, this is my mother, Celeste Holmes."

Greg was quick to take the outstretched hand, inclining his head slightly, "Mrs. Holmes, it is a pleasure to meet you, despite the ehm...rather unusual circumstances."

"Yes well, it seems that we are becoming accustomed to unusual circumstances around here Detective Inspector." Celeste laughed lightly, "I am most pleased to meet you at last and you are very welcome here." When Greg looked a bit startled she smiled warmly and replied, "I am not completely unaware of all you have done for our Sherlock over the years, young man. Today is merely one more example. Now honestly, you would think you boys weren't even hungry the way you stand here gabbing instead of washing up. Come along now before it gets cold."

"Yes Ma'am," both men chimed at once. Greg smirked over at Mycroft, who smiled softly as he directed Greg to a small washroom. Once they finished, he led Greg to the dining room where they found Celeste waiting, along with Alec and Anthea. Greg was treated to another round of introduction to and appreciation from Alec before Celeste insisted they all eat. Over the course of the meal Mycroft managed to tell Greg the entire story from start to finish; everything John and Sherlock both had gone through, from Moriarty's return and plans, to the pregnancy and bond issues. By the time they had reached the coffee after dinner, Greg's head was swimming. He understood the secrecy but still wished he had been able to help his friends in some way. He finally sat back in his chair looking squarely at Mycroft. "You know those two stubborn asses upstairs may be the death of us one day."

This seemed to break the tension that had built as the story unfolded and soon everyone was laughing lightly around the table. Mycroft rested his hand briefly over Greg's as he replied with another chuckle, "You are absolutely correct Gregory. We must make a pact, this very day, to assist each other in surviving those two." He chuckled some more, removing his hand to rub tiredly over his face. Greg did not let his smile falter as Mycroft's touch lingered on his skin. He was considering once more why he responded so acutely to Mycroft when a tumbler of golden amber liquid appeared before him, as well as Mycroft. He looked up to find Alec acknowledging him with his own glass.

"Ye gents look as if ye kin use a stiff one jest now."

Greg accepted the whiskey without hesitation, raising his glass to Mycroft who returned the brief salute before taking a drink. The warm burn as he swallowed was a welcome distraction from his thoughts. They sat quietly for a time, occasionally speculating about when the boys upstairs would wake or regarding what they would do next. Soon Greg found the whiskey and his very long day catching up with him and before he knew it he was stifling a rather large yawn in front of his hosts.

Celeste was quick to notice of course. "Oh Gregory, you must be exhausted. Let me get one of the girls to ready a room for you. It will only take a few moments."

Mycroft who was propped up, elbow on his chair and chin in hand, waved her off with a tired gesture. "It's too late in the evening to bother the maids unnecessarily Mummy. Gregory can just use my room. It's ready and it's not as if I will be using it. I suspect Doctor Johnson and I will trade shifts watching John and Sherlock. I'll just nap on the chaise in Sherlock's room." Mycroft was staring into his half empty tumbler as he spoke and failed to observe the looks around the table.

Gregory looked at Mycroft in surprise and planned to blame any apparent blushing on the whiskey. He didn't actually think Mycroft considered the implications of offering his room to an unbonded Omega. Even though widowed, Greg's prior bond had faded long ago so he was more or less unbonded again. Greg had no idea if he was simply too tired for such things to occur to him; or possibly so inexperienced with relationships that general practices escaped him. He was very much like Sherlock in that respect it seemed. Nevertheless, he did not entertain the notion that Mycroft was making any form of overture towards him so he said nothing to draw any attention to it.

Anthea glanced sharply at her boss. She understood the implications, but her employer had never displayed anything remotely close to courting behavior before, let alone made blatant offers such as this. Though she did have to say of all the people he did interact with, outside of John and Sherlock, he was the most cordial, on a consistent basis, with the inspector. Perhaps the situation with his brother and his mate was having more influence than they realized. She sipped her coffee and remained silent as well. It wasn't her job to offer opinions unless asked.

Celeste's gaze was sharp and quick. She had observed her eldest son's interactions with the inspector practically from the moment he had arrived. And she knew far more about the widowed Omega than she would let on to him, or to her son. She saw Mycroft briefly touching the detective, apparently unconsciously. Saw the detective's instinctive tendency to stay near Mycroft and follow his lead. She saw the faint blush on the inspector's cheeks when Mycroft offered his room. She also knew that her normally precise son was completely oblivious as to what he had done. She took it all in quickly and met Alec's eyes across the table, apparently he had observed much the same as she. A dark eyebrow raised in question and she replied with an answering raise of her own, hiding her smile behind her coffee cup. There looked to be hope for her eldest yet. "Excellent point Mycroft. As you say, it is quite late. Gregory is certainly welcome to use your room. He will be nearby that way in case you or the doctor need a hand as well. I think that is a wise plan all around. When you've finished your drinks, you can show Gregory up," with a meaningful look at Alec she rose from the table, "but I think Alec and I will excuse ourselves now."

Good-nights were exchanged all around. Anthea excused herself as well, soon leaving Greg and Mycroft alone. They continued sipping what remained of their whiskeys in silence until Greg spoke.

"You know hiding won't work forever. Is there a back-up plan? Some other option? I mean even I, had I known, could have told you that John was going to need Sherlock present to complete this pregnancy safely. What will you do now, hide Sherlock too? Has there been any progress on Moriarty?"

Mycroft sighed heavily, "Not much, no. We have one avenue to trace his movements but not enough to catch up to him. We have not been successful at baiting him into exposing himself. He is also aware of John's absence and, beyond regular taunting of Sherlock, Moriarty seems quite content to bide his time. I completely understand John's fears and once Sherlock is aware of the additional risk he faces from Moriarty, he will be even harder to deal with, I'm sure."

Gregory nodded in agreement, seeing all too easily how Sherlock could react to a threat, not just to John, but now his children as well. Mycroft took a deep breath before uttering the next statement in a low rush. "I am afraid we will have to coax Moriarty into a confrontation; however, that will mean exposing John. I am not sure Sherlock could restrain himself long enough to go through with it and John's agreement is questionable at best." He shook his head slowly before emptying his glass, setting it down on the table with a solid thunk.

Greg swirled the last of whiskey around before downing it in one go, "Maybe after they have recovered a bit, we can all set down and have a talk about it. They can't live under this threat forever and if that means we have to incite the maniac to gain the upper hand, then that is what we do. At least we will have control of the situation."

Mycroft could only smile and admire Gregory's loyalty. He hadn't even asked him to assist with the Moriarty affair, yet Gregory had just automatically included himself in the conversation, and indicated he was more than willing to participate in the implementation of any plan they came up with to boot. It was so comfortably familiar, just like the inspector should always be a part of plans pertaining to the Holmes. There was a small, nagging thought trying to push its way forward in Mycroft's mind. The thought that said it was comfortable and familiar because Gregory did belong there, should belong…..should be a part of their family. His family. Mycroft very quickly pushed the thought aside and chalked it up to a fancy brought on by fatigue and alcohol. Nonsense! As if the inspector would want anything to do with him. He cleared his throat as he saw yet another stifled yawn, "Best get you up to bed then. No reason you shouldn't get some rest after all, and Doctor Johnson will be looking for me."

Greg merely nodded and followed Mycroft back up the stairs and down the hallway. Mycroft ducked inside for a moment to collect a few things but soon returned. Opening the door wide to Greg and stepping back into the hallway he gestured Gregory forward. "Please make yourself at home Gregory. I shall just be down the hall in Sherlock's room if you need anything. I hope you will sleep well."

Greg glanced around the room before answering, "Thank you Mycroft, this is incredibly generous of you. I will probably sleep like a baby in such posh digs," he paused a moment, "but please feel free to call on me should you or the doctor need an extra pair of hands. Alright? I won't rest at all if you don't promise to call if you need me."

Mycroft smiled warmly and patted Greg's arm as he replied, "I promise I shall call if we need you Gregory. But in the meantime, please rest. I shall see you soon." And with that, he turned, retreating down the hall and disappearing into Sherlock's room.

Greg didn't know why he was still standing in the doorway watching him go, nor why the touch of a simple pat still lingered on his arm like an insistent scratching. With a sigh he stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. He made a beeline for the bathroom, stripping quickly and stepping under the hot spray. The heat felt good over his skin, easing what tension still remained after a good meal and a whiskey. Borrowing Mycroft's pajamas felt too...personal, so he simply crawled into bed naked. He burrowed into the covers, certain that he would be asleep in moments. Instead he found something else preventing his sleep. While he was well aware of Mycroft's scent when he was around him, he had not counted on the effects of the ongoing, concentrated scent of a virile Alpha in his own den.

Greg couldn't understand it. Alphas had practically no effect on him whatsoever. None of them had, ever since he lost his mate; it was as if Alphas were completely off his pheromone radar. Not that it affected his work in any way. And he didn't mind taking care of his minor heats with toys, they were much shorter and less frequent since he was widowed. But now, now he was surrounded in Mycroft's scent, aware of it in a way he had never noticed before. Now he burrowed his nose into the pillow beneath his head and felt arousal stirring in his groin. He tried to ignore it, certain it was a fluke brought on by stress. He closed his eyes and focused on counting backwards from one hundred, focused on sleep. He might have succeeded if his cock hadn't had other ideas.

After long minutes attempting to sleep and denying the throbbing between his legs, Greg threw back the covers and glared at his swollen member as if it had betrayed him personally. 'This can not seriously be happening!' Greg swung his legs over the side of the bed and practically stomped back into the bathroom to deal with the situation. He couldn't very well have a wank in Mycroft's bed now could he. He flipped on the light and leaned against the sink to take himself in hand only to find himself only half erect and the urge fading quickly. He smirked as he ran a hand through his hair, "Fluke." He washed his hands anyway before flipping off the light and heading back to bed, certain that he would rest now that his body had gotten...whatever That was….out of his system. Five minutes later he sat in bed cursing himself in a hushed voice as he argued with….his penis.

"Christ! What in the Bloody Hell is wrong with you?! Up-down-up-down, I'm not a fucking see-saw!" He made his way to the bathroom, only to have the same thing happen all over again. It took all of thirty seconds for the penny to drop. 'Oh. OH! Oh, this was bad. Really, really bad.' He knew what the problem was now and could not believe it was even happening. As if his life was not complicated enough with the Holmes brothers; his Omega, it appeared, wanted Mycroft...wanted the Alpha. Greg rubbed a calloused hand along his cheek as he thought, before letting it fall to his side. "Well Fuck."

There was nowhere in the room he could escape the scent. He didn't fancy sleeping in the bathtub all night, and he couldn't switch to another room without raising all kinds of questions he didn't want to deal with now. After processing all of his options, Greg sighed again, collected a towel and a damp cloth and headed back to bed. At least once he dealt with his arousal, he should be able to sleep for a bit. As for the rest of it? The rest would have to wait for a much later time because there was too much to deal with already to add to the pot with this. Laying back in the bed, he took his cock in hand and began to stroke firmly. He had hardened almost as soon as he returned to the bed and was very quickly on the cusp of an orgasm more intense than any he had had in years. Greg grabbed a pillow to smother his screams as he came forcefully, spasms wracking his body long after the come was spent. He forced himself to clean up the evidence before he fell into a deep and contented sleep. The last thing he was conscious of was a question tugging at his sleep addled brain.

'What am I going to do now?"

{*} {*} {*}

Sherlock occasionally thought his mind might indeed be a curse. When his dreams were so vivid he could feel the weight of his mate against his body, and the familiar scent of him filled his lungs, during those moments he considered his mind to be a vile affliction. This particular dream was not new, he had had it many times while John was away; his mind always readily supplying the most intricate and intimate details of his mate for his enjoyment and torment. The let down of waking with his arms wrapped around John's pillow and an empty bed every single time had also become painfully common. Despite the foreknowledge of his disappointment, Sherlock would not be swayed from indulging in the respite of his dream; an oasis in the solitude of his life without John. He pressed forward into the warmth of his mate, nuzzling into his neck and rutting his own erection against the lush roundness of his ass. He sighed at the delicious friction while he placed a kiss over his bond mark, allowing his tongue to drag slowly over the salty skin and revelling once more in the taste of John on his tongue. Taste? Taste was a very esoteric sense not common to Sherlock's dreams. The thought triggered Sherlock's analytical tendencies as even in his own mind there was room for improved comprehension. What was different about this dream besides the taste in his mouth? And why was it different now after months of the same dreams without John?

Sherlock's eyes flickered rapidly behind closed lids while the landscape of his mind shifted as incoming data was re-assessed. It was a slower process than it should have been but his conscious mind was sluggishly catching up to the awareness of his subconscious.

Mycroft stood back from the bed and watched his brother intently. Doctor Johnson had roused him moments ago as Sherlock began to stir and now stood just off of John's side of the bed, observing. Mycroft found himself nervously fighting the urge to interfere in the process. An Alpha's instinct would be to mount his mate to re-establish the bond after their long separation. However, at this point in time, such action could potentially put John and the twins at risk. The twins appeared to have stabilized but John had yet to show signs of waking, even after forty-eight hours with Sherlock beside him. Doctor Johnson was adamant however that Sherlock be given a chance, so he forced himself to merely watch and wait.

Sherlock continued mentally deducing his own dream. Perhaps he had finally lost his mind without John's stabilizing influence…..Moriarty should be happy then, he supposed. Or maybe this was actually a nightmare instead, though unlike any he had ever had before either. John would normally respond to his rutting in some way and any attention to the bond mark virtually guaranteed an amorous response from his mate. But there had been no response from the body in his arms, no sound, no movement…...nothing. He came back to the taste; he had never been aware of John's taste in a dream before. His mind busily processed the salts, oils, and hormones registering on his tongue. The taste was….off in some way, completely John's taste but the balance of hormones was wrong. Why was it wrong? Why was this dream different and why wasn't his mate responding as he should? His arms tightened, determined that this John would not escape his grasp until he found the answers he sought. Sherlock was oblivious to the low rumble of frustration in his throat that his observers heard instantly.

Mycroft's hands flexed uselessly when he heard the low growl from Sherlock's Alpha and saw the arms tighten around John. He glanced at Doctor Johnson and saw only a small furrow between his eyes to betray his concern. The doctor insisted that Alphas were equally attuned to illness, injury, or weakness in their mate and would amend their instinctual behavior accordingly. He believed Sherlock's own instincts would prevent him from doing any harm to John or the babies despite the separation or the fact that he knew nothing about them. The theory was supported by the Alpha ceasing to rut against his mate, but only remained sound until the arms tightened and John began to have difficulty breathing.

There was only a moment's hesitation before Doctor Johnson sprang forward to try to help John. Mycroft quickly stopped him with a raised hand. Attempting to free John from his Alpha's grasp would be a mistake but intervention was required. Sharp and clear, he let the Lead Alpha's voice ring out across the room.

"Sherlock! John can not breathe. Relax your hold."

Sherlock's hold relaxed instantly, then...they waited for the Alpha's next action.

The machinations of Sherlock's mind ground to a halt. He had heard and responded to his own Alpha's voice….his brother's voice, and if there was one thing Sherlock was certain of, he would never dream about his brother ordering him, nor responding to him either. If he accepted the previous statements as truth then logic dictated that he was not dreaming, and if he wasn't dreaming. Sherlock's eyes flew open and met the sight of Doctor Johnson standing beside the bed. He growled, largely out of reflex, seeing Mycroft stepping into view as well.

Doctor Johnson held his hands out in a placating gesture, "Easy Sherlock. We know there is a lot to take in but we're only here to help you and John. I have to ask you, please, to allow John to try to wake on his own. The strain of your separation was harder on him and it is taking a bit longer for him to recover."

Sherlock could only blink in confusion for a moment before the words registered. John! His entire focus instantly on the man in his arms. The mate he desperately missed was spooned against his front, but so still and quiet. He began to observe and take in all that he could in his current state; obviously his synapses were still not firing properly and it limited his deductions to a frustrating degree. The sandy hair was tousled, dirty, and at least a half-inch longer than John normally kept it. Dark circles were present under his eyes despite appearing to be asleep. The stubble over his cheeks and jaw indicated he had not shaved for at least three days. What had happened? Sherlock easily recognized his old bedroom. Had John been here this whole time? For that matter, how did he get here? He had a vague memory of Lestrade coming to visit but his actions before and after that were shrouded by a red haze. He let all of those thoughts simmer in his mind while he enjoyed the warmth and closeness of his mate, the vibrancy of his scent at the source. John's head was cradled in the crook of the arm which crossed over the front of his chest and held him close. Sherlock nuzzled into John's neck, kissing him softly, keeping Doctor Johnson's request in mind while his hands began to gently reacquaint himself with his mate.

Several things then happened in short order. Sherlock's Alpha registered an alteration in John's scent that he was unfamiliar with, just as the hand smoothing down over chest and abdomen encountered the rounded swell of belly along with straps and transducers. Sherlock quickly glanced at Doctor Johnson, his hand held firmly in place lest he be imagining what he thought he felt there. Damn his slow thoughts, how did it not register as unusual for John's Omega doctor to be at his bedside. Sherlock became aware of a low whooshing murmur, his eyes slowly tracking to the monitor at the bedside. His eyes closed as he lowered his mouth to John's throat once more. He carefully licked a long stripe over the bond mark and it's scent gland, this time fully aware of what he was tasting on his tongue. There! There it was, a complex and altered mix of estrogen and testosterone. Sherlock's hand trembled over the taut abdomen and his breath came in shaky inhalations, his eyes remaining closed as he analysed further. He finally isolated a heavy concentration of progesterone and the final abnormality in John's taste, hCG, large amounts of hCG. Human chorionic gonadotropin, made by the placenta during pregnancy and commonly tested for to indicate the same. He didn't question how he knew the taste of hCG, his Alpha provided the information about its mate. He sucked in a startled breath as awareness settled over him like a mantle. The breath brought an influx of John's scent and Sherlock became aware that the differences he could taste were also the differences he could smell. He fought a small sob as the Alpha purred in contentment. His Omega was pregnant….His John was pregnant…..They were going to be parents. Beneath his hand, at this moment, was his child. Sherlock's eyes flew open as he acknowledged the realization and met the kind, warm gaze of Doctor Johnson who only nodded at him. His eyes darted to Mycroft who also bore a soft smile for his brother. 'Oh God!' Sherlock thought, 'It's true'. All this time. This! This was why John was sent away. This was what they were fighting for…. protecting. He could not move his hand from John's abdomen to save his life and suddenly he needed to see with his own eyes, to confirm what his deductions told him. He eased his right arm out from under John's head and shoulder as carefully as he could, gently rolling him further onto his back as he did so. Once he was free, it was a matter of seconds before the covers were carefully pulled back, baring John to him. His left hand was now joined with his right as he cupped and caressed the swollen abdomen. Christ! Had it been that long? John seemed so big. The straps and transducers were in his way and he needed to feel. With a sharp glance at the doctor, he began unfastening the straps until John's belly was bare. So, so gently he smoothed his hands over the skin, observing the changes in his mate, oblivious to the slow, silent tears that fell. When a sudden sharp jab met a roving hand, he could not contain the small gasp of surprise and pressed a bit more firmly until it was repeated. The Alpha rumbled with pride as Sherlock's soft chuckle faded into a sob. Without any further thought, he lay down beside John, his head resting over his child as his arms wrapped protectively around the precious mass of child and mate, and wept. He wept for the time they had missed sharing this together; he wept as the thumps and bumps of his child met his cheek; but mostly he wept for pure and absolute joy. He had his mate back and he was pregnant with their child.

Doctor Johnson and Mycroft let him be, retreating to the chairs beside the fireplace to wait. There would be numerous questions when Sherlock was past the shock, while John had not stirred through all this and would later regret missing.

Several minutes passed before Sherlock's tears slowed, and profound awe and wonder took their place. Raising his head once more, he smoothed his fingers across the abdomen in front of him, and placed a reverent kiss over the spot where some appendage pressed and distended the flesh of its temporary prison. "Oh John! My amazing John. Look what you've done, love….look what we've done." His face had broken into a wondrously large smile as he looked up from his place to address John. His brows furrowed as the lack of response reminded him of the stillness of his mate. He still had no idea what was actually going on with John and not knowing, coupled with the Alpha's instincts, sent his anxiety soaring. He quickly crawled back up next to John's head, pressing himself fully against his mate from chest to feet.

"John?"

Propping up on his elbow, his right hand stroked across the placid brow while his left caressed the stubbled cheek. His eyes darted back and forth across the sleeping face before cupping it in his hands and placing the tenderest of kisses on John's lips.

"John? I am here love. I am here now and you have to wake up. You have to wake up and share this miracle with me. Please John. I have missed you so…...I need you here with me…..love…..please say something. Please?"

Doctor Johnson had risen and returned to John's side, drawing Sherlock's attention. "He will be fine Sherlock. I promise, he will wake but it will be according to the Omega's own time. Rushing him will be of no benefit to either of you."

Sherlock looked between John and his doctor the questions obvious in his eyes. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, awareness caught up with his body. He had no idea how long he had been out but he was suddenly aware of how badly he needed the bathroom. He forced himself to roll away from John, putting his legs over the side of the bed and pushing himself into a sitting position to put his feet on the floor. Strangely, he found just that simple movement sapped his strength. When he tried to push himself up from the bed he only fell back onto the mattress. Before he could exert himself trying again, he found his brother's arm around his waist and his own draped across strong shoulders.

"Come brother. Let me help you. You and John have both been weakened by the separation and it will take some time to regain your strength."

Sherlock made no protest as Mycroft helped him into the bathroom to relieve himself. His brother stood discreetly with his arm still supporting Sherlock on his unsteady feet. As he finished and moved towards the sink to wash his hands, his insides clenched as a sudden wave of nausea hit. In seconds Mycroft found himself supporting his brother while he retched for long minutes, nothing but bile coming forth as he hadn't eaten in days. When it seemed to have passed, Mycroft helped him to stand propped against the counter while he got a cloth to wash over Sherlock's face and offered a glass of cold water to rinse his mouth.

"That's to be expected I'm afraid. We'll get you something light to eat, some broth maybe with crackers will settle your stomach. You can come sit in one of the chairs for a bit and eat, get you out of that bed for a time."

Sherlock listened as Mycroft spoke but he was listening more intently to his body. His anxiety had increased dramatically since he left John's side, the nausea merely a side effect he thought, regardless of how long he had gone without eating. Every instinct he possessed was screaming for his return to John even though he was just in the next room. He was quick to enlighten his brother as he helped him back to the bedroom. When Mycroft directed him towards the chairs he shook his head violently with a low rumble, "Bed…..Now…..back to John. Have to get back to John, he needs me. And I need him." Mycroft blinked at his brother briefly before acknowledging the request, as well as the need, before assisting Sherlock back to his side of the bed.

Sherlock scooted over until he was next to John once more. Propping pillows behind his back so that he could sit up, he noticed that Doctor Johnson had replaced the monitor straps and recovered John while he was gone. He smiled at the gentle whooshing he knew represented his child's heartbeat, listening for a moment while he absently ran his fingers through John's hair. After a moment he collected himself and spoke. "Right. Food first, then answers...from both of you."

Mycroft and the doctor exchanged a quick look before they both nodded in agreement.

Within the hour Mummy had appeared with food, giving Sherlock a quick hug and kiss but not lingering to distract from his recovery. Sherlock ate slowly, taking small bites to not overwhelm his stomach. He now knew he had been here for forty-eight hours without eating but when he ate last prior to that was completely unknown. The broth and toast went down well enough and he even allowed himself a cup of weak tea. When he finished it all, returning cup to saucer before setting it on his nightstand, he felt far more alert and ready to face his brother.

"So. This is why you sent John away? For safety? Has he been here all along? I suppose it was a wise choice since you know I rarely come here but John must have been going mad."

Mycroft sat back in his chair, tea-cup abandoned, one leg crossed over the other. His hands rested on his knee as he considered his brother's questions. Finally, Mycroft shook his head slightly, "I didn't actually send him away Sherlock, nor has he been here the entire time. This..." A long finger pointing at John's covered but prominent belly, "is why he ran." Sherlock couldn't stop the sharp, surprised look he aimed at his brother before he continued. "He found out that day, just a week after the business with Moriarty, and he panicked. He was terrified of what Moriarty could do, how he could use both he and your offspring against you and your Alpha. But I think fear of losing another pregnancy is what really fueled him. I did try, brother, but he could not be reasoned with at that point and he refused to place the additional worry on you by letting you know."

The Alpha rumbled while Sherlock scrubbed a hand viciously through his hair, "You let him go off half-cocked and not even thinking clearly? What were you thinking Mycroft?!"

"You are mistaken in your assumptions, Sherlock. While your Omega did indeed panic spectacularly, your soldier took charge. He was most specific and adamant in his plan. Well, you, of all people, know how forceful he can be when he chooses. All I was allowed to do was ensure secure communications and attempt to provide for his overall safety. He traveled on his own for a time, deeming it safer to be alone. When we felt the risk was becoming a bit too great, we moved him here." Mycroft and Doctor Johnson had discussed this extensively while both men slept and agreed it best to gloss over details that might enrage the Alpha at this point. There would be time much later for the full story to be told. For now, Sherlock merely needed the basics to answer his questions while they waited for John.

Sherlock was quiet, considering what his brother said and seeing exactly how John could react and come to the conclusions he did. Neither he nor the Alpha agreed with his choices, but he knew his mate well and certainly understood. He finally raised his eyes to meet those of Doctor Johnson.

"You have been caring for John this entire time then?"

Doctor Johnson shrugged, "I did see him briefly before he left, to advise him and be sure he had the vitamins and supplements he needed. After that, I was not able to see him until your brother brought him here. However, I have seen him every two weeks since then, provided appropriate check-ups and kept his records confidential and offline. As far as we are aware, we have succeeded in keeping John's condition from your enemies as well as keeping him safe and healthy."

Sherlock cocked one eyebrow at him, "Healthy? You call it healthy when I have yet to see my mate stir even once? I don't even know what is going on exactly but he looks anything but healthy to me. If this is healthy under your care then perhaps we should seek another doctor before anything serious happens!" His anger had risen, largely fueled by his fear for John, the Alpha snarling through as Sherlock spoke.

Doctor Johnson glanced furtively at Mycroft, but did not back away from the Alpha. With a reassuring nod from the elder Holmes, he continued. "Yes Sherlock, he is perfectly healthy. And while we understand that this is quite disconcerting for you, it is a perfectly normal, although extreme, reaction to your separation and the strain it has placed on your bond. I am given to understand that you yourself have suffered the effects, so I am sure you can understand that they have been even worse for John due to the pregnancy. As best we can figure, he was already fully withdrawn for between twelve and twenty-four hours before we were able to intervene." When Sherlock opened his mouth to question further the doctor silenced him. "All details you can hear about later Sherlock. This is merely to help you understand why John has not stirred yet. He's been out longer than you and will take longer to recover, but he is perfectly healthy. The pregnancy is safe and intact. There is no imminent threat, you will simply have to be patient."

The Alpha still let out a low growl, patience never being a virtue, but after a moment's contemplation Sherlock nodded his head sharply. There did not seem anything further he needed to know at the moment and he still felt quite weak and tired. Scooting back down in the bed, he soon had John spooned in front of him again; happily inhaling the scent of his pregnant mate as his eyes drifted shut and sleep claimed him once more.

The doctor stepped away from the bed, walking over to Mycroft. He considered the pair for a moment before whispering, "You know, I don't think Sherlock has figured out about the babies yet."

"Nor do I," Mycroft agreed, speaking in a low voice as well. "His mental faculties still seem much slower than usual and there has been a great deal for him to try to process in a short period of time. He will catch up to all of it eventually. In the meantime, if we can not draw attention to it, we can at least leave some news for John to share with his mate when he wakes. Don't you think?"

Doctor Johnson smiled, "Yes, we can certainly try our best."

Both men returned to their chairs and settled down to wait.

{*} {*} {*}

Sherlock only slept for a couple of hours but found his strength much improved. After observing both Mycroft and the doctor asleep in their chairs, he was able to get himself up and to the bathroom on his own with just the ready support of furnishings, doorways and countertops. His anxiety over John did not spike as before and the nausea did not return, both of which he considered to be good signs. He made his way just as carefully back to bed and wrapped John in his arms once more. He thought there must be something more he could do to help John. He finally settled on talking, much as you would do with coma patients. He cradled John close and spoke in a low voice just above his ear while he allowed his hands to roam gently over the warm body next to him, always returning to cover his child with his long fingers. He talked about the separation, he talked about the baby, he talked about the future, he talked about childhood memories in this very room and how appropriate it was to have John here now with their child in his womb. He rambled on about anything he could think of and was still talking an hour later when the other men stirred. He stopped for a long drink of water and considered the time while Doctor Johnson checked over John and the baby. It had been early evening when he awoke the first time and was past dinner time now. The Alpha had put forth an idea to possibly stir John but he would need some privacy to try it.

"I'm sure you would like some dinner, gentlemen, and I wouldn't mind some time alone with John. I am awake now, I can easily call if there are any changes."

Mycroft was never fooled, "Just what are you up to Sherlock?"

Sherlock huffed in annoyance, preferring not to discuss this with either of them, before he snapped at his brother. "If you must know, I intend to engage in something extremely primal and instinctive to help rouse my mate. I should merely like to have some privacy to do so, if you don't mind!"

Mycroft's mouth opened but a response did not seem to be coming forthwith. It was Doctor Johnson who responded. "Sherlock, I am aware of the Alpha's needs after your separation but it is not safe for John and I can't leave you in good conscience if that is your intention."

Sherlock rolled his eyes, "Oh yes. Because I have so little control over myself that I am just waiting for you both to leave so I can fuck my pregnant, unconscious mate regardless of the risk to him or the baby! Yes, I can see your logic there. It is so painfully obvious I have merely been restraining myself due to your presence. Why it is a wonder that I could even do that instead of just fucking him right under your noses!" His voice had risen considerably as he spoke until he was practically shouting at the doctor.

To be fair, Doctor Johnson took it in stride, studying Sherlock as he calmed. Once Sherlock was breathing normally again the doctor spoke, "Very well Sherlock. You have a point and it was wrong of me to make such an assumption. Except for just before you woke you have been a most careful and attentive Alpha. What do you need from us? I do prefer for John to stay on the monitor until he wakes and can communicate with us."

Sherlock quickly waved off his concerns, "No, no..that is fine. Can you just help turn him towards me so that I can cradle him in my arms? Put his head on my shoulder or chest? That's really all I need. Then just give us some privacy, only thirty or forty minutes. It will either work within that timeframe or not."

Doctor Johnson studied Sherlock for a moment longer before deciding, "Alright." He then bent to roll John carefully towards Sherlock, helping get them both settled into a comfortable position before standing back.

"Thank you doctor. I promise there will be absolutely no risk to either John or the baby. All shall be well when you return." Both men gave him a nod as they left the room, only pausing when Sherlock called out, "And bring some dinner back, I'm hungry. And real tea this time, I think I can handle it."

Mycroft smiled at the doctor as he answered, "Certainly brother, I will see to it myself." Then they were gone.

Sherlock wasted no time pushing the covers away from himself and John. He kept thinking about John's taste on his tongue being the trigger that began to pull him from his own unconscious state. That in turn gave him the idea to help John, with the Alpha in complete agreement. He held John close with his right arm while his left hand pushed his briefs down to expose his cock, before his long fingers wrapped around it and began to stroke firmly. It was not difficult to become aroused simply from scenting his mate; he pressed his lips against John's kissing him carefully and brushing his tongue across the seam of his mouth as he increased the speed of his fist. It took only minutes to reach a reasonable orgasm, using his cupped hand to contain the come he would need in the area of his navel. He quickly took the still warm come on his fingers and began to rub it along John's lower lip. There was no immediate response but Sherlock knew the come already carried the strongest scent, now he was counting on the strong association of taste to rouse his mate at last. John's jaw was still slack with sleep, his lips easy to breach. Sherlock gathered another swipe of come and pressed his finger into John's mouth, spreading it around as much as possible before returning for more. By the time he pushed the second finger full into the warm mouth, there was a slight twitch of John's nostrils, followed by the barest flick of his tongue. Sherlock smiled at these smallest of signs while the Alpha purred at his mate. He quickly gathered another dollop and returned to John's mouth. He stroked along the lower lip again and this time was rewarded with a tongue snaking out to lick those lips clean. When he returned once more with two fingers and pressed gently, the lips parted, drawing both digits in with gentle suction. A soft whine escaped as he removed the fingers to gather more come before returning them to a mouth now sucking urgently. He could see John's eyes flickering rapidly behind his closed eyelids as he too processed the stimuli. He gathered as much of the remaining come as he could on his fingers before pressing them deep into John's mouth, letting him suck them long and hard until they were clean once more. He felt John's cock swell against his thigh as a soft whine escaped and quickly ducked to claim the needy lips with his own. John seemed to freeze in surprise for a moment before returning the kiss with increasing passion. Soon John's right arm slowly made its way up to wrap around Sherlock's waist and the Alpha purred even louder at this sign of success. He kissed John until he knew they needed to breathe, pulling himself away from John slowly.

John breathed in and out for a moment, a small smile on his lips, though his eyes remained shut. Finally a soft whisper, "Sherlock? Am I dreaming again?"

Sherlock smiled, brushing his fingers tenderly over the well-loved face, "No. You are not dreaming. I am here John…. I am with you love. Wake up and let me see those beautiful eyes once more."

John sighed softly as his eyes finally fluttered open, blinking several times before he could focus properly on his mate. Once he could see clearly, his smile grew to span his face, "Sherlock." He sighed happily once more as he nuzzled into his mate, scenting deeply even as he spoke, "It is so good to have you with me again. It seems like it has been forever." He raised his head to claim Sherlock's mouth himself but soon broke away licking his lips and smacking a couple of times. "Why do I taste like I just gave you a blow job?"

Sherlock actually blushed when John noticed his briefs pulled down and the last of the come drying on his abdomen.

John's eyebrows shot up as he looked to Sherlock, "I….didn't…...did I?"

Sherlock shook his head as he quickly pulled his briefs back up and yanked the covers back over them. "Uhm...no, you didn't. I was...uh...well, I mean...that is to say….I was.." The blushing wasn't getting any better and he soon accepted that it wouldn't get any easier to say so he blurted it out, "I was feeding you my come to help you wake up."

John's face was completely blank for a long moment, he blinked several times during the ensuing silence before breaking into a smile again. "Alright. Of course you were." John shrugged as if to say 'how could I have thought any different', before a small giggle escaped him.

Sherlock smiled as the giggling only got worse and soon found himself joining in as they held each other close and laughed, simply happy being together again.

When Mycroft and Doctor Johnson returned, they found both men awake and still giggling in each other's arms. The doctor rushed to the bedside to check over John and the babies before looking to Sherlock in wonder and questioned, "What did you do to wake him Sherlock?" He couldn't imagine why this sent both men into gales of laughter and he didn't receive an answer regardless. He glanced from the laughing pair to Mycroft, "What did I say?" This only sparked a new round of laughter as the duo clung to each other and wiped tears from their eyes.

Mycroft merely shrugged observing the two, "I have no idea, doctor. No idea at all. Best leave them to it though." He finally smiled as he motioned the doctor back out of the room and left the pair to enjoy their laugh and settle down.

{*} {*} {*}

John sighed in contentment as he sipped on his broth and nibbled his toast. He wrinkled his nose at the weak tea but even that tasted heavenly. He eyed Sherlock's sandwich jealously and his doctor did not miss the look.

"You can have something else later John, provided this sets well. It has been at least three days since you put anything into your stomach so you need to go easy. I was able to give you fluids to help but they don't count."

John made a face but nodded in understanding. He had already grumbled because he couldn't get up yet to have a bath and shave his infernal stubble. For one thing he was too weak and would have to be carried to the tub. For another, Doctor Johnson refused to remove his IV or catheter until morning, let alone remove him from the monitor. He did get to wash his face and hands and brush his teeth with a bowl and a cup of water and now he had some food so he at least felt a bit more human. He sat next to Sherlock propped up in bed with pillows just enjoying the closeness of each other once more. They were both mostly quiet as they ate but found themselves touching often. The stroke of fingers here, the nudge of a foot there, shoulders rubbing together, small touches to reassure each of the other's presence.

John was quick to notice that Sherlock's attention strayed often to his belly, a sort of puzzled wonder on his face. He knew he had missed out on the revelation and was nervous to bring it up still. But when Sherlock's hand hovered near his belly a moment before he pulled it back, John gathered his courage. Setting his cup aside, he reached for Sherlock's hand, kissing the palm tenderly before he placed it on top of his baby bump. Sherlock's eyes darted from his hand to John's face before breaking into a brilliant smile reserved only for his mate. He leaned over to kiss John before curling up next to his side once more. John finally let out the deep breath he felt like he had held.

"So what do you think about it, really?"

Sherlock's eyes met John's, "What do I think? John, I think it is the most bloody wonderful and miraculous thing to happen to me since meeting you! I could never have imagined how happy this," he rubbed his palm gently over the swell beneath his hand, "and you would make me. I am quite certain that I will be incredibly nervous, if not downright terrified, at some point. That is to be expected. But I am completely over the moon with excitement about this. You're pregnant John! We're actually going to be parents." The Alpha's purr rumbled loudly as he nuzzled his mate and laved his tongue over the bond mark. John hummed happily in reply before Sherlock jerked away, a startled expression on his face. "JOHN! We're going to be parents! I don't know how to be a parent, what are we going to do?!"

John couldn't stop himself from laughing, Sherlock was so earnest and sincere in his concern. He brought his hand up to cup his husband's face, "Well….yes we are Sherlock. And no baby comes with a 'how-to' manual, we will figure it out as we go and it will all be fine. We will be fine, Sherlock." He leaned up to kiss away the furrows on the worried brow before claiming lips for a deeper and more welcome kiss. Sherlock soon got over his brief panic and lay back with John's head on his chest, both men lost in quiet contemplation. John had almost fallen asleep again when Sherlock spoke.

"Have you thought of any names yet? I mean do we even know the sex?"

John answered drowsily from where he lay, "Well yeah. Yeah we did...find out I mean. Uhm, haven't really decided on anything, just been trying out different ones to see what seems to fit you know. Like Joshua Alice or Michael Charlotte, you know, different combinations."

Sherlock hummed to himself a moment before replying, "Those are certainly unusual first and middle name combinations. Are you aiming for complete gender neutrality for our child then?"

John was still sleepy and hadn't grasped Sherlock's sense of confusion yet. "Oh those are just the first names. I have a whole different set of middle names, Thomas Miriam and Noël Danielle and the like." John yawned loudly, wrapping his arm around Sherlock's waist and snuggling closer.

Sherlock was terribly confused now. John said he knew the sex but had male and female names he was trying out? He felt sure Doctor Johnson might have mentioned if his child was a hermaphrodite or something. He considered all the possibilities and reached no logical conclusion. With a sigh of annoyance he questioned John again, "John, even for Britain that is a lot of names you are trying out for only one child. Would you care to explain your logic to me because trying to deduce it is making my head hurt."

Something in his tone finally broke through John's stupor and he raised his head in surprise to answer. "But I thought you already…...that you would have deduced…" he trailed off, studying the increasing concern and confusion on Sherlock's face, "Oh love! I thought you already knew! That you would have figured it out. I'm so sorry."

Sherlock couldn't stand not knowing and snapped at John in frustration, "What?! What don't I know John?!"

John merely smiled calmly and patted Sherlock's cheek, "It's alright love. I can explain, just give me a moment." Even as he spoke John was pushing himself back up until he was upright and reclined on his pillows. He pushed the covers away from his belly and reached for Sherlock's hand. He pressed the hand firmly against his right side first and said, "Joshua," then slid the hand over to his left side and pressed again saying, "Alice".

Sherlock only shook his head, "I don't understand."

John just smiled and repeated the steps, substituting "Michael" and "Charlotte" on their respective sides this time. When he still saw only confusion in Sherlock's eyes, he forced himself not to roll his eyes or laugh. This time he took both of Sherlock's hands in his. Placing the first hand back over his right side and pressing, he waited for Sherlock to meet his eyes before speaking. "Child number one, your son, Joshua or Michael," realization began to dawn and Sherlock's eyes grew wide as John placed his other hand over his left side and pressed once more. When he met John's eyes this time he heard, "Child number two, your daughter, Alice or Charlotte. Two children Sherlock, a boy and a girl. We're having twins."

Sherlock couldn't move, he couldn't even speak. His hands were glued to John's belly where he could now feel two distinct sets of movement. How did he not notice before? Well to be fair there was a lot going on and his processing still wasn't up to par. His internal wheels were churning with new information but all he did was stare at John's belly and blink occasionally.

John tilted his head and studied his mate; he tried calling Sherlock's name once or twice without any response whatsoever. Finally he lay back with his hands behind his head and waited. Mycroft and Doctor Johnson returned from the kitchen and found them like that. Sherlock still not having budged.

Doctor Johnson looked between them and asked John, "What's wrong with him?"

Mycroft took one look at Sherlock and responded, "Mind palace."

"Or shock," offered John, "I told him about the twins. Seems he hadn't actually figured that one out yet. I am surprised you kept it a secret."

Both men smiled and the doctor answered, "Well we didn't want you to miss all the fun." They chuckled lightly together before he asked, "Will he be okay?"

John and Mycroft both studied Sherlock for a moment before nodding to each other. "He will be fine when he finishes processing. He'll snap right out of it." John supplied.

As if on cue, Sherlock gasped in a deep breath, "JOHN! We're having twins!" The smile on his face lit up the room as he looked down at John, both hands still clasped over his children.

"Yes love, we are." John couldn't stop his laughter and soon Mycroft and Doctor Johnson joined him. Sherlock wasn't sure what they all found so humorous but he was so happy he didn't even care as he chuckled along with them.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Constant thanks to Spades (FF) for all her time and effort, reading, proofing, editing, and basically just making me better! I appreciate it so much! Much gratitude for all the follows, favorites, and reviews for this story, each one of you help make my day! This is the one so many of you have pestered me for and waited for so please Enjoy! :-D Cynthia