A few days later, John once again pulled up outside Baker Street. He parked and sat there for a moment, staring at the door, his face expressionless in thought. Alex seemed to understand that he needed a moment and so she climbed out of the car and headed into the flat ahead of him. John watched her go and took a deep breath, preparing himself for the onslaught that was bound to occur over the next few days.

Sherlock had spoken to him on the phone about the trip to his parents and he'd been reluctant at first before he remembered that Sherlock wasn't the only person he stole Alex from. He decided to man up and agreed to come. Now, however, he felt close to puking.

The last two times he'd been in Sherlock's presence, he'd kissed him in the heat of the moment. It was awkward. There was no other word for it. He didn't want to mess this up.

Deep down, John knew that there was nothing stopping him really. Once again, he was just scared.

"I'm not running away again" John whispered to himself. "I can do this" and with that he climbed out of the car and headed into his old flat, memories flooding into his brain.

As soon as Alex ran through the door, she hung onto Sherlock like a limpet and Sherlock hugged her back, breathing in her unique scent. He stoked her hair as he whispered to her, "Hello, darling. How are you?"

Sherlock looked to the door and saw no one there, sighing with relief as he had a few more moments to gain his composure so he didn't either kiss John or be awkward around him. He wanted to make sure that everything was ok between them for Alex's sake.

John was working on plastering on a fake smile but when he walked in and saw Alex and Sherlock hugging, his smile was one hundred percent genuine. The jealous that was once there disappeared in an instant. He's completely happy for Sherlock now. They both want their daughter to be close to them and John knew Alex was just angry at him for denying her access to Sherlock for so long.

"Hey, Sherlock" John said, smiling warmly at the sight of the two still. He met Sherlock's eyes but not for too long or he knew his eyes would go to those soft, moist lips that he wanted to kiss again. "Are we heading to your parents' straight away or having a cuppa first?"

Sherlock fed off of the happiness that was apparent on John's face and instantly calmed. "Hello. Yes, I think we have enough time for tea. My parents are expecting us in about 3 hours and it only takes 2 and a half hours to get there so we might as well take our time."

Sherlock let go of Alex and walked into the kitchen, filling the kettle up and turning it on. He walked into his room whilst the kettle boiled and came back into the living room carrying a small case. "Would you prefer to leave my parents on Saturday night or Sunday night? It doesn't really matter to me but I'm not sure if Alex needs to be back at a certain time or something?"

"Uh.." John thought for a moment. "How about Sunday afternoon? She's at school on Monday, so.." John shrugged. "I mean, we could leave late afternoon. Say, five o'clock. I'd prefer to be back before seven, though"

"Yes that's fine." Sherlock went back into the kitchen and made the teas, returning with a tray in hand. "6 whole days with my parents.... We might want to make sure that we arrange some trips to the local village or something otherwise you will never get out and my mother... my mother can only be described as the totally opposite as myself. Just awful. She will smother you. I can guarantee that and Mycroft will probably pop in. He will claim that he was in the area but he would just be lying. He just wants to torment me, show me that I was a bad Alpha." Sherlock muttered, his hand adding more and more sugar to his tea as he explained the terrible situation in more depth.

John seemed to take personal offence to the last comment and he stareed at Sherlock, his disgust for Mycroft evident in that moment. "Sherlock, you are not a bad Alpha. You took care of me and did everything you could - everything I allowed anyway. Just because you're not an Alpha that takes and takes and takes does not make you a bad Alpha. It makes you a bloody brilliant one. If you were a bad Alpha, you'd not be here right now, you'd be off trying to f-" John glances towards the living room where Alex sat. "trying to get with young Omegas" John finished, face turning pink as he realised the onslaught of compliment he just gave his ex. Probably not good.

Sherlock felt his cheeks burn at the compliments and he couldn't help but smile a bit deducing that John honestly thought that he was a good Alpha. Then why did John leave me? It was a question that was burning his mind a lot recently especially after the kisses, they just showed that John didn't leave because he could not feel the love for Sherlock that Sherlock felt for him. But he had to try and forget about it, otherwise it would drive him mad. He had to put it away in the furthest corner of his mind palace and forget about it. Just for the duration of their stay at his parent's.

"Thank you John. That... that means a lot." Sherlock sat down in his seat with a sigh and began to sip at his tea, the hot liquid always managing to have a calming effect on him.

John sat across the table from Sherlock and he found himself smiling at the memories that hit him. He remembered when they used to eat breakfast together like this. Of course, nine out of ten times Sherlock was working on a case or an experiment instead of eating but still. All the memories were fond, even the stupid arguments that had John storming out to Mike (or one of his dates before the pair of them got together). Like John had said to Mycroft, he was never bored. Although, John was truly glad that Sherlock seemed happy and willing - eager, even - to settle into family life. It was already clear, Sherlock had proven it, that the detective was fine about giving up good cases to be involved. He'd turned down a case to come watch Alex plays sports. That ays a lot to John. Sherlock thought sports were meaningless before.

John let out a content sigh as he leaned back in the chair and sipped his tea. Sherlock still made his tea just perfect. John's heart leapt up to his throat as he has a mental image of him coming out of Sherlock's bedroom in the morning to be greeted with the sight of his daughter and Alpha (who seemed to be wearing a gold band on his finger) eating. In the fantasy, Sherlock was handing him a cup of tea and kissing him on the cheek, telling him to have a good day at work. Alex was smiling and swinging her legs under the chair, like an excited puppy that just needed to move about to try and use up some of the happiness they have.

John cleared his throat and sat up straighter, his cheeks feeling on fire now. God, that was embarrassing. He stared at the table and willed away the blush, hoping that Sherlock's omniscient eyes didn't manage to read his thoughts in his face.... But he knew that he would, the bloody detective never missed a thing.

Sherlock was in deep thought about the up coming week at his parents when he heard John clearing his throat. He looked up and saw the faint blush on John's cheeks, trying to read into it further but not getting far with it. It was obvious that the blushing was a sign of embarrassment but what was he embarrassed about... He had done nothing wrong, at least nothing that Sherlock had noticed. He decided to ask John about it later as it seemed that John was ok with him, even though they had kissed just over a week previously.

Sherlock finished the last of his tea and stood up, smiling at the sight of his family at home. Yes, it was home, even though they didn't live at Baker Street with him (yet), Baker Street was still where it had all started. It was the place where John and himself used to live, the place where they had solved crimes together, the place where they first admitted that they liked each other more than just friends. It was home and he hoped that Alex would soon come accustomed with calling it home, even if it was her second home.

John doesn't take much longer to finish his tea and he automatically washed both their mug before putting them away. He barely even realised what he was doing. He felt at home here, especially after his little daydream.

After putting away their mugs, John entered the living room and smileed at Alex. He smiled even more when he got a smile back. He felt like she had fully forgiven him now but he can't help the feeling that she has done something. Pulled one of her tricks. She was always up to something, though.

"Have you definitely got everything?" John questioned, banishing his thoughts for now. Alex looked down at her bag before nodding (their cases are in the car). John then looked to Sherlock. "And you? Oh, and who's driving? I didn't ask before. I'm the only one with a car so it's obvious we're taking that but I wasn't sure if you'd like to drive or not. You'll be giving me directions often, that's all, so... Yeah. The choice is yours."

"Whatever you feel most comfortable with you. It is a fairly long journey and I'm guessing you worked late yesterday and didn't get a lot of sleep, according to the bags underneath your eyes and the way you are rubbing your eyes. I can drive if you want. You could sleep." Sherlock suggested carrying his case down the stairs, leading the way to the car as he wanted to get on the road as quickly as possible, hoping that he could try and wish the week away as he already knew it was going to be awful. His mother would probably get annoyed at John because it was clear from the way that Alex behaved that she would clearly love her grandmother and her grandmother would love her. And his mother protected anyone who she loved.

John smiled softly at Sherlock and nodded. He handed over the keys once they were all down on the street. Alex climbed into the front seat, tapping away on her phone. She was busy deciding what her and Nathan's stall was going to be. John was glad they were speaking again, even though he didn't have a clue what their fight was about. Nathan's mother couldn't get a word from him. They were as both as stubborn as each other and if it wasn't his baby girl he was talking about, he might even say they'd make a good couple.

John got into the back of the car and rested against the window, yawning softly. The clinic had been chaos lately, seeing as the big event for the year was approaching. John barely managed to get the week off and really had to work himself to get certain things locked down for the Auction before he left. All that was left to do was print the flyers and ask a few more Omegas to participate. The girls at the clinic said that they would handle that and they all wished John the best of luck with Sherlock's parents.

Sherlock started the engine, pulling off from the curb and started to drive down the road. He turned the radio on quietly so that there was some noise when there was silence in the car but it was quiet enough for him to be able to talk to Alex as he drove.

It didn't take long for John to fall asleep. His family took many trips in the car when he was younger so he didn't have a problem with sleeping while in a moving car.

Once Alex finished texting, she put her phone away and smiled over at Sherlock. She looked back to ensure that John was asleep before speaking. "I've kept my end of the deal. Nate and I are doing a game stall where you can win lollies or money. So, you have to keep your end too"

"Of course, Alexandria." Sherlock joked, a smug smile on is face as he carried on driving. "How much do people usually spend at the auction?"

"The charity event changes. This is the first Bachelor Auction that I know of" Alex shrugged. "But seeing as W is at the end of the alphabet, you'll see plenty of other's first. I'd say between twenty pounds and fifty. There's probably a fixed starting bid of ten pounds or something along those lines"

"That makes sense. What events have been done in the past?"

"Uh, well, last year they did one of those games where you go around an area to find certain object. You had to pay an entry fee of at least five pounds per person - kids paid three pounds - and the team had to be a minimum of three people. That made a lot of money. There was an adult and kids version." She smiled, remembering how she, Nathan and Val got lost and found a total of two objects out of thirty.

"Sounds like a lot of fun. This one seems a bit more adult related though. Except for the stall. Hopefully it will make a lot of money though because it looks like a good cause." Sherlock turned and quickly smiled at Alex before turning back to the road. He knew from that moment onward that he would pay however large a sum of money to get a night with John not only because he wanted to show John that he had changed for the better but also because the money would go to a good cause, a good cause that John would have used when he left Sherlock if it had been around.

"There's other stalls too. It's like a.. like a school fate! The Bachelor Auction is just the main event, you know? There's go karting, that's always there, and bouncy castles for the very little kids" Alex explained.

Sherlock smiled again, pride filling in his heart as he heard of his John's work. He always knew that John had something special in him, a kind spirit that meant that he would always feel compelled to do go for the benefit of others. And he did just that. He left home, pregnancy, homeless, without and money and made a life for himself. How many omegas could say that they had done that for themselves? Definitely not many because they spent most of their lives popping out babies and cleaning the home.

"You're proud of him" Alex stated, eyes on her father's face. "Lots of people are. Nathan's mum absolutely loves him for all the work he does. All the women and men at the clinic act like he's a saint too" Alex felt like she was aiming for sarcastic but failing as her own pride for her dad pushed to the front line.

"Mhh... he really is an exceptional man." Sherlock muttered, trying to watch the road as he had become too unfocused with all the thinking about John.

Alex didn't say anything else, just looked out the window and watched London go by and eventually disappear. It wasn't that long a drive but Alex quickly became bored and leaned against the window, falling asleep almost as quickly as John had. She snored lightly as she slept, her long hair covering her face.

Once Alex had fallen asleep, the drive went by quickly for Sherlock for he listened to some classical music and tried to imagine that he had his violin in his hand and he was playing the song.

When he pulled up at his parent's house he shook Alex slowly to wake her and quietly called out to John so not to shock him before getting out of the car and getting the bags out of the boot.

When Alex climbed out the car, she looked like she hadn't even been to sleep but John was another matter. He was yawning and his hair stuck by in a way that had Alex giggling. Despite being so tired, John immediately went to help Sherlock with the bags.

"You might want to..." Sherlock pointed at John's hair, raising his eyebrows also. "And you should... straighten your jumper. It's slanting at a rather... unusual angle. I can carry these while you sort yourself out." Sherlock took John's and his own bag to the front door, leaving them on the step with Alex before returning to get Alex's bag.

John looked down and blushed, realising half his stomach was revealed. How hadn't he felt the cold air?! With pink cheeks, John ruffled his hair and sorted himself out. What a great impression that would make, he thought with a small scoffs.

Then, he took a breath, and walked after Sherlock with Alex by his side.

Sherlock led his family to the door of his parents' house, taking deep breathes to calm himself. He always got worked up before visiting his parents, knowing that they were the complete opposite of himself; sociable, reliable, loving and 100% frustrating.

But Sherlock knew that this time was different. He was introducing his daughter to them. Although his parents were loving and kind people he knew that they would blame Sherlock for their lack of contact with their granddaughter although they would never bring this up with him. He also worried that they would get annoyed at John too and he did not want that. He needed John to feel safe and loved not like an outsider. He needed for John to trust him again, him and his family.

As Sherlock approached the door he stopped for a minute and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath in before ringing the doorbell. He looked behind him at Alex and John and smiled mischievously. "Let the madness begin." He whispered.

John placed his hand on Sherlock's shoulder and squeezed lightly, silently telling the man that it would be okay and not to worry. He didn't linger, however, and removed his hand a few moments later.

John was nervous too. He could just imagine how much of a disappointment he was to the family. The omega that run off while pregnant. It sounded more like something a pregnant teen would do rather than a grown man.

Sherlock smiled and relaxed slightly. He rang the bell again realizing that his parents were probably in the garden so wouldn't be able to hear the doorbell as well as they normally would. Finally he saw some movement behind the door and prepared himself for the onslaught of overbearing parents.

"William dear. Thank goodness you're here. We thought you wouldn't listen to us and wouldn't come." Mrs. Holmes cried out, bringing her son into a tight hug, her arms wrapping around his taller frame with ease despite the height difference.

"Of course I wouldn't mummy." Sherlock replied, a hint of sarcasm mixed in there. He stepped into the house so that his mother could see John and Alex. "This is John, as you already knows and this... this is my daughter, Alex."

John smiled and gave a wave as he was mentioned. Mrs. Holmes' attention wasn't on him for long, anyway. Her eyes fix on Alex, who stood there with a small smile on her face.

She stepped closer and both of the females seem to have the same idea as they almost crash into a hug. Alex is grinning and pressing her face into her grandmother's chest, overwhelming happy. For years, all she ever wanted was to meet her dad and his family and now that was finally happening she almost couldn't believe it. She was so happy that she ran off for a few hours and scared the life out of everyone when this was the result.

Sherlock smiled at the scene in front of him, happy that he had managed to do one thing in his life that would please his mother. He acknowledged that it was the right thing to come and see them even if he knew that he would regret his decision later in the day when his mother brought out the photo albums...

Mrs. Holmes eventually let go of Alex and ushered them all in, heading into the kitchen straight away to make everyone a well deserved cup of tea.

Alex couldn't get the grin off her face as she sat between her fathers on the sofa while her grandmother prepared them tea. She smiled at Sherlock and John in turn before she sat further back, waiting to see how it was going to work.

A man walked in the room then and Alex gasped, surprised to see him here. She didn't know all the family would be here. "Uncle My!"

Sherlock groaned loudly and flopped back in the chair, already regretting bringing John and Alex down here.

Mycroft raised an eyebrow at Sherlock's reaction but smiled at Alex and nodded his head at John. That was when Mrs. Holmes came back into the room. She jumped at the sight of Mycroft so close, not having expected him to be there.

"I thought you were off back in to London?" She asked, setting the tea tray down and began to serve the tea for everyone with the help of Alex.

"I go back this evening." He told them, taking a seat in one of the chairs.

Alex pouted at that. "But I haven't seen you in so long"

Mycroft just smiled at that for a moment. "We'll have lunch soon, Alexandria. I'm very busy at the moment but I'll make time soon, I promise"

John would never get used to how unMycroft like he became around Alex. At first, he'd thought that he was playing some trick but eventually he came to realise that Mycroft honestly cared for Alex and wanted to be the best uncle he could. Not that he'd admit that to anyone besides Alex herself.

Sherlock rolled his eyes, trying to ignore the obvious bond that Mycroft and Alex had, one that he himself did not have with his daughter. "Unfortunately Mycroft isn't very good at keeping his promises. Remember that time when I was 10 and you promised me that you would always look out for me yet, 20 odd years later here we are, sitting in the exact room that you promised me that and you have a better connection with my daughter because you kept her from me for 12 years."

"Sherlock, dear-" Mrs Holmes started.

"No, Mummy. He's right" Mycroft interrupted, looking across at Sherlock.

Alex tensed for a moment before she curled against Sherlock, hugging him. She didn't think that Mycroft and her had a better bond. Mycroft was her jokey uncle that made her food and told her stories about her dad. For years, she was the only thing she had even remotely close to Sherlock. Now, Sherlock was here and Mycroft was just her uncle that she liked to spend time with. She loved them both dearly and didn't want them to fight. She curled closer to Sherlock, hoping her message was clear.

Sherlock coughed and spluttered on his mouthful of tea, positive that he just heard his brother wrong. "I'm right? I'm actually right? You're finally admitting that I was right?" He squeezed his daughter tightly, a large smile on his face.

"Yes" Mycroft nodded, face blank. You can't tell what he's thinking. At the sight of Alex looking so happy, however, his lips quiver, trying to force a smile on his face.

Alex chuckled softly at the look on Mycroft's face. She remained cuddled against Sherlock, glad that they hadn't fought.

Mrs Holmes stared between her boys, looking utterly proud of them. She never thought she'd see the day that they agreed on something. It was all thanks to Alex, there was no denying it. She, without realising, was pulling the whole family together.

Sherlock saw all the emotion in the room and decided to change the subject, unable to endure any more happiness for the time being (although he locked away the memory in his mind palace so he would be able to remember this moment forever- not only because his brother had said for the first time that he was right but also because of the pride that was radiating from his mother and father.)

"Is there anything specific that we will be doing over the next week or so because if not then there are a few things I would like to show Alex."

Mrs. Holmes and Mr. Holmes looked at one another, smiling in that way people do when they know something that no one else does. John suddenly felt nervous but everyone else seemed to be okay and so he swallowed the feeling as best he could.

"Well, do you remember how, when you and Mike were little-"

"Mycroft" corrected the eldest Holmes brother, but he went ignored as his mother continued.

"-we'd go to camping down at your great Aunt's cabin?" She looked expectantly at Sherlock.

Alex perked up at the idea of camping.

"Would you like that Alex? There would be plenty to do there for a few days. I could teach you how to camp properly and how to put up a tent." Sherlock asked Alex, really wanting to do it once he started to think of all the things that he could teach his daughter which she had probably never done before.

Alex nodded eagerly. She definitely wanted to do that.

"I won't be there the whole time, however." Sherlock's father said. "I've got some work that needs doing so I'm there for the first day and I'd like to spend time with Alex while I can"

"Of course father. We could spend 3 days there starting from Monday?" Sherlock asked casually, looking around the room to see most of them agreeing with his course of action. "Then we can return back to the house and have the rest of the week here before we leave? I would like to take John and Alex into the village and I would like to show Alex the treehouse in the back garden some time." And I need to show John my old bedroom, just like I promised him I would all those years ago.

John remained quiet but smiled when Sherlock included him.

Alex grinned. "Sounds like a plan. I dibs a tent with nan!" She added, loving the idea of John and Sherlock having to share a tent for a few nights.

"Oh dear of course I would love to do that. It might only be for one night though as I have a bit of a dodgy knee and I don't think it would be good for me to sleep a tent for 3 nights. I will have to stay in the cabin for the other nights." Mrs. Holmes smiled lovingly at her granddaughter, doing her best to keep her happy.

"Well, we can have the cabin and we'll throw the boys out into the wild" Alex joked, smiling at the older woman.

John's eyes widen as he realized exactly what Alex's plan was and he looked to Sherlock in a panic, unsure if he should speak up against it or not. He didn't want to hurt Sherlock's feelings but he didn't want it to be awkward either. John relaxed then, realising this was what Alex wants. She'd purposely done this and he wasn't going to upset her. He'd manage a few nights in a tent with his ex.

Sherlock realized what Alex was up to at the same time as John noticed. "Nope. You wont be able to learn anything if you are stuck in a cabin all the time."

"I'm sleeping in there, though. Or having my own tent. Dad snores and you're so tall you'll take up too much space" Alex stuck her tongue out. Mycroft smirked at her, seeing through her plan as easily as the other. Seeing through it didn't mean they had the power to stop it, though.

"Your own tent? Alright then but you do realize that the tent will be a small one man tent then?" Sherlock smirked, knowing that he couldn't stop Alex's plan, but he could easily make it as difficult as possible for her.

"If it can sit one man inside, it can easily fit one teenage girl inside." Alex replied. "Besides, Nate and I had to sleep in a small closet together once for a dare. The tent will be roomy compared to that"

"Well don't come complaining to us when you start getting back ache." Sherlock smirked at Alex, finding the whole situation rather funny even if it was looking like he was going to have to spend 3 nights in a tent with his ex.... Not the best idea ever but he couldn't say that it was the worst situation he has ever been in. It would obviously be awkward but he hoped that they could make the most out of it and have a little bit of fun (that's why he didn't point out that they could easily buy another tent for John.)

"We could buy a-" Mrs Holmes began, only to get interrupted by Mycroft.

"Mummy, that's not burning I smell, is it?" He asked, innocently.

Her eyes widen and she rushed into the kitchen. Mycroft sent both Alex and Sherlock a "You owe me" look, although the look towards Alex was far friendlier than the one given to Sherlock.

A few minutes later, Mummy came back into the room, carrying a perfect Victoria Sponge, iced and decorated. "Does anyone want a piece?"

"Mycroft will, although he will definitely want more than just one piece." Sherlock muttered to Alex, trying not to laugh when Mycroft actually asked for a large piece.

Alex giggled with Sherlock before she simply laid there, enjoying the closeness and the relaxed atmosphere. She was handed a piece of cake and she nibbled at it slowly, getting sleepy again even though it wasn't that late and she'd been to sleep during the drive up here.

John smiled at the scene and balanced his plate on his knees while he took out his phone to snap a picture of Sherlock and Alex cuddled together like that. The angle he had was perfect for seeing how Alex was leaning against Sherlock's chest and how Sherlock had an arm wrapped around her. John took a few pictures, catching Sherlock's eye and giving him a small smile as he changed the picture to be his phone's background.

Sherlock smiled back at John and quickly fired a text to the other man, asking for a copy of the picture also. Once he has it, he too saved it as the lock screen and background for his phone. The position was quite comfortable, not only because of the way in which they were lying together but also because his inner Alpha was practically purring at the contact that he had with his daughter (FINALY!).

John grinned at his family, just happy that he got to see them like this. He'd imagined Alex and Sherlock and the rest of their families together. When he was pregnant, he imagined it all the time and he had when Alex was a baby.

What if he had stayed?

That question haunted him. Always had and it still would. He'd never know truly but he could guess now. Sherlock would freak, then accept it and they'd have been a family. It still wouldn't have been perfect but it would have been a whole lot easier than brining up a baby on his own.

Sighing, John drained the rest of his drink before he stood up and went to the kitchen to help Sherlock's mother. She smiled when he enterd and he returned it, quietly greeting her and then helping with folding the washing. They were the two omegas in the house and John knew it was stupid but he felt like that made it easier for him to talk to her.

"Hello, dear." Mrs. Holmes said as warmly as she could, considering the current situation.

"Hi, Mrs. Holmes. I thought I'd leave them to enjoy their time together, even though she's sleeping. You don't mind me being here, helping, do you? If you do, just tell me and I'm gone. I'd understand" He didn't look at her as he spoke and he did his best to keep composed but a small quiver entered his voice and it was clear that he was holding back tears.

"Its fine, John." Mrs. Holmes touched John's arm, trying to calm down the other omega realizing that he was hurting. "I was hoping that we could have a little chat some time during this week. This seems like a good time, if any to do this."

John smiled, nodding and then rubbed his face just to make sure that he did not have any tears on his face.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be such a baby. It's been a crazy month or so... What did you... Well, I think I know what you want to talk about" John laughed nervously, fidgeting as he folded another shirt.

"I'm just worried John." Mrs. Holmes said as she folded up a towel. "For all of you. I suppose that's because I don't really understand what's going on. One minute you and Sherlock are in love and living together, the next you have disappeared, a decade later you are back again and you also have a child. Its quite confusing for an old person such as myself." She joked, making eye contact with John and smiling.

John sighed. "I only really understood it a bit myself when I left. It wasn't until I'd had Alex that I realised there was a bit more to it than I was admitting to myself. I still just take the cowards route and say it was just because I was scared of Sherlock's reaction. It's easy to say that..."

"Everyone is worried of their partners reaction," Mrs. Holmes started, putting down the folded towel on the pile of clothes. "When I got pregnant with Mycroft I was 26, I had my life ahead of me and I was worried that Jack wouldn't stay with me and I would have to bring a child on my own. Luckily he was ecstatic but not everyone is. Some Alpha's leave their omega because they don't want to be tied down to someone for the rest of their lives. I suppose you thought my son was own on those Alphas. Running around London at any time of the day and night, conducting weird experiments in his flat, not sleeping or eating for days because it stops him from solving crimes. Not exactly father material."

John scratched his neck. "Well.. I guess but that wasn't the problem. I loved" love, John thought in his head "him because he did all those things. It made him different and it wouldn't have been the end of the world if we'd had Alex, he went off to work and I stayed at home to look after her but..." John looked up at the ceiling. "I don't want to be an Omega that stays at hone once they've had a kid and.. Well, as different as Sherlock is, he's an Alpha and Alpha's see themselves as the ones that need to work and protect the family... The omega is just... a house mother"

"Mmmm.... There are many Alphas who are conservatives* so I agree with you there. But Sherlock isn't a typical Alpha though, is he? I think he would have wanted you to leave Alex with Mrs Hudson or myself a lot of the time because he would want him by your side, chasing criminals through London. He wouldn't have wanted that to change no matter what."

John nodded. "Yeah... but there's another problem right there. Yes, I want to work but I don't want to leave my daughter with other people all the time. I'm her father and I want to watch her grow up... And I know that I can't have everything but I just..." John sighed "I don't even know..."

"Its fine, John. I'm not trying to trick you out or anything. I am just trying to understand what happened. Hormones, John. This is what this is all about. Hormones. You were simply trying to protect your daughter from any threats, just like any good omega would. You saw threats everywhere and the first thing you did to get rid of them was to run."

John chewed on his lower lip and nods. "Y-Yeah. That makes sense but I still hurt the man I love..d.. loved and that's not right at all. Omega, Alpha or Beta, it doesn't matter. You don't hurt the people you love like that on purpose."

"You have also been hurt John. Everytime you saw her do something that reminded you of Sherlock, every birthday, Christmas, anniversary you were reminded of what you lost. But you put your daughter before yourself and Sherlock. That's called being a good father." Mrs Holmes smiled warmly.

John shifted awkwardly for a moment. "How can you say that? I mean, I agree with you but.. How can you say that when the one I've caused pain is your youngest son? You say putting your children before yourself is important and everytime I see Alex even a little upset, it breaks my heart. How could you see Sherlock in pain and not hate me?" John really wants to hug her but he clenched his fists and stayed put.

"Because you did the right thing in the end. You see the way that Alex looks at Sherlock and the way that he looks at her, that's why. And although I cant be sure for certain, I think that they may have a better relationship than they would have done if they had never been separated for such a long time. Plus, Sherlock will most likely delete a large percentage of the time they spent apart so his pain will be reduced significantly compared to yours as you will always remember what you did and the suffering that it caused."

John nodded. "I see... That makes a lot of sense, actually. I... Thank you so much, Mrs. Holmes. I didn't even realise what a weight on my shoulders that was... Not saying it. It's hard being an Omega sometimes..." John sighed and looked towards the living room. "I think things will work out now... Sherlock and I seem to be getting along despite a few awkward moments and Alex obviously adores you all... Yeah" John nodded and smiled at the woman. "This is definitely a good thing. I just need to stop being so whiny and lingering on the past"

Mrs Holmes laughed at John. "Its alright, dear. I'm always here if you need to talk but I must warn you, if you hurt my son again, I will get Mycroft to do his worst."

John nodded and gave a soft smile. "I don't doubt it and, honestly, I'd want you to. I never want to see him hurt like that... I... Well, I love him, Mrs. Holmes. He gave me our beautiful daughter and he's so wonderful... But I don't want to jump into anything. Not until Alex is settled into all this. Even if all three of us want it, I... I'm doing it again, aren't I? Making excuses because I'm scared?"

Mrs Holmes tried to contain her laughter but failed miserably. "It is perfectly normal to be scared, John and your 'excuses' once again make sense. You are looking out for your daughter. But remember John that you deserve some love, your inner omega deserves some freedom after 13 years of being suppressed."

John nodded slowly and looked down with a sigh. He rubbed his neck and tried to think of some way to express how much this was helping him. Bit by bit he felt lighter and happier.

"Mrs Holmes... Honestly... Thank you so much. This little chat has truly helped me feel better. I just... I want you to know that"

"Good, John. Don't take too long in telling Sherlock the truth." Mrs. Holmes comments, just as Sherlock walked in...

"Tell me what, John?"

John's face lit up a bright red and his eyes grew to the size of saucers. He opened his mouth and then stared at Mrs Holmes, silently pleading with the woman to help him.

Mrs Holmes quickly spoke up for John. "He was wondering if you would come to the charity event that his clinic holds each year and if you could look after Alex for a few days afterwards because he has a conference that he has to go to." She made up effortlessly.

John didn't say a word about anything, just looked to the floor with a blush on his cheeks. For a minute, he thought that he was going to have to confess everything to Sherlock. And a small part of him actually hoped Sherlock saw through it so he could tell the man he loved him.

"Yes that's fine. Alex was asking for you, not sure why but... I didn't want to intrude." Sherlock pointed to the lounge, and raised his eyebrows at his mother.

"Ask for me?" John asks with a small frown.

"Yes. She said she wanted to you."

"Okay..." John said, headed into the living room to see his daughter curled up on the sofa, watching something on the TV. She sat up further when John approached and so John went and sits beside her. "You summoned me?" John askd with a lopsided smile.

"More like commanded your presence." Mycroft commented in-between a mouthful of cake.

"I'm tired... I don't feel well and I don't know what to do. I just... want you, Dad." Alex muttered the last bit quietly, as if she was embarrassed to admit that she wanted her father.

John smiled at that and wrapped his arms around his daughter, holding her close and pressing his lips to the top of her head. "I'm right here, sweetheart. I always will be." He promises, voice low so she can at least pretend Mycroft couldn't hear and wouldn't be embarrassed further. "I've missed you" John said and he knewsthey both knew he meant; that they hadn't really been close lately.

"Me too, Dad." Alex whispered back, her head resting on his shoulder. Her stomach had started to hurt about an hour ago, starting off as a mild pain throughout her whole stomach but now it was a harsh throb. She just wanted her dad, the doctor, to make it better.

John kissed Alex's head once more before he gently held her away from him so he could see her face. "Right. You said you were feeling bad. What's wrong? Tell me the symptoms"

As he spoke, John checked for a temperature.

"My stomach hurts and my head.... I just feel... weird." Alex muttered, holding her stomach whilst breathing deeply.

John frowned and studied her for a few moments. "I don't want to jump to conclusions but I've seen this before with teens. I.. Alex, I think you're going to present soon. In the next few weeks, maybe"

"w-ww-what?" Alex stuttered, looking up at her father. "I... I cant be. I don't think anyone in my class has presented yet... I've probably just got a stomach bug or something."

"Maybe but... omega's instinct" John chuckled and gently pinched her nose. "I just have a feeling" He said, more serious now. "You're right, it might be nothing but you could be. And don't worry about being the only one. I presented young too. It wasn't that bad. Everyone was just fascinated and asked me what it was like"

Alex can't help but chuckle at that. Her mood changed quickly, though, her mouth forming a straight line as she became more serious. "I just... I just don't want to be different... I want to continue being Alex the rounders player not some Alpha or Omega who cant control their instincts."

That caused a spark of anger to flare in John. So many people assumed that kind of thing, especially about Omegas. They all assume an Omega was a slut as soon as they were in heat, like they'd fuck absolutely anyone. Like they were no longer themselves. John's nostrils flared for a moment before he calmed down.

"You'll be able to control yourself, Alex, whether you're an Alpha or an Omega. The change is scary, of course, you feel out of control but you won't be. I promise. It's like... you know when I go into heat at home and have to go to the hotel? Do I seem out of control or just a little on edge?"

Alex thought for a moment, thinking about the last time her dad had to go away for a few days and Aunt Harry came to say. Her dad was always... preoccupied, kind of distant. "I suppose you are on edge but... don't heats become less... potent as you get older?" Alex's face flushed, uncomfortable with talking to her dad about his heats. She knew it was perfectly normal to talk about these things but this was her dad and she didn't ever want to think about him in that predicament.

John chuckled. "A bit, yeah, but I remember what they were like. My point is, you won't lose control no matter what happens, okay?" He said, moving on from the topic of his heats when he noticed her flushed face. "You're body will change, more so if you're an Alpha but you'll be fine. I had to change so I could carry children but it wasn't bad. Lots of sick days off school"

Alex smiled at him. "Will I be allowed to have ice cream if I have to stay off school?" She asked cheekily, winking at Mycroft who was now listening into the conversation.

John laughed and hugged her again. "Course you can, you cheeky monkey" He said before tickling her sides. He laughed louder as he does.

"Dad.... Dad stop... ddddaaaddd." Alex said in between giggles, wriggling around to try and get away from her father.

"Never!" John cheered, continuing to tickling Alex. She, unfortunately for her, had all the same ticklish spots as he did so he knew most of them.

"Dadlock.... Help me..... pllleasee!" Alex shouted, screeching when John started to tickle a particularly ticklish spot.

Upon hearing his daughter calling out, Sherlock strolled into the lounge and smiled as he watched John tickle her. "You can get yourself out of this."

John chuckled and slowed down. He was panting. He sat back and sunk into the sofa. "God, I must be getting really old if I'm already out of breath" He giggled, still, relaxed.

Alex poked his stomach. "You are old"

"Cheeky!" John accused.

Sherlock stood and watched his little family, finally content with life. He had spent the past 13 years just surviving, attempting to get through each day even if it meant being in pain. But now... now life was worth living, was worth it because he had Alex and John. He could happily go on solving crimes and seeing Alex at the weekend without the need to smoke or shot up when he was feeling particularly down because in the past 2 months, he hadn't felt in such a low place that he had felt after John left.

Alex laughed again before she curlsedunder her dad's arm. "My stomach still hurts..." She muttered.

John frowned and kisses her head. "Maybe you should go to sleep for a little while longer, love. You've been tired all day. We don't know if you're ill or preparing to present yet" As he spoke, he ran a hand through her hair. "And if you still feel ill in a few hours, just come and find me and I will give you some paracetamol."

Alex nodded and stood. She pressesda kiss to John's cheek and then Mycroft. She walked over to Sherlock and smiled up at him. "Show me where my room is?"

"Ok." Sherlock answered, leading the way through the little cottage until they reach the room. "This used to be my old room when I was younger." Sherlock walked in and looked around, not much had changed since he was 18. The walls were all different colours as he could never decide which colour he liked best. There was a shelf full of books ranging from chemistry to Denis the Menace (he had been a fan of the character when he was 5 and had never been able to throw them out without them reappearing back on the shelf- obviously due to his mother's sentimental nature). Then in the corner there was a desk with a whiteboard/corkboard over it, pinned on it were a large variety of sheets and writing all over the whiteboard.

"The door," Sherlock said pointing to the door which was next to the desk, "is a kind of wardrobe. I used to use it as a hideaway but you can store your clothes and shoes in there if you want. The bathroom is straight off the stairs and some towels should be in the wardrobe-room-thingy."

Alex nodded. "All right. Thank you" and then she pushed on her tiptoes to kiss Sherlock's cheek and she hugged him as well before moving over to the bed and crawled under the covers.

"If you don't feel well and you need something, I will be downstairs in the lounge." Sherlock mentioned before he exitd the room and headed back downstairs again.

Alex nodded and yawned, happily snuggling into the pillows.

When Sherlock got down the stairs, John sat up to smile at him. Mycroft had moved into the kitchen to talk to their mother and only John remained in the living room.

"She all right?" John asked, concern peeping through despite all the laughs and tickling.

"Yes. She seemed very tired but nothing out of the ordinary. It has been a very busy day. What do you think is wrong with her?" Sherlock asked, sitting down on the sofa next to John.

"There's not really any solid evidence to say but... I think she's going to present soon. I just... have a feeling. She's got a stomach ache and she's been grumpy lately and the fact she had an argument with Nathan was a big sign that something was happening hormones wise... Huh, guess there was some kind of evidence. Mum said I was like that before presenting so..." John shrugged and looked away from the stairs to look at Sherlock with a soft smile.

"I slept for 2 solid days before I presented. My mother called the local doctor to make sure I was ok because she was not used to me sleeping for such a long time." Sherlock commented, smiling as he remembers being woken by a old aged doctor who smelt so... off to his newly heightened sense of smell.

John nodded. "Well, if she's an Omega - which I doubt, honestly - then she won't be changing much. Just getting periods and such. If she's an Alpha... She's got a lot of changing to go. I remember it... changing so I was able to have children. I thought I was dying..." John chuckled and rubbed his neck. "Don't tell her that, of course"

Sherlock laughs. "No... I don't think telling her that would help much. She would start to worry and then we would have to deal with the fall out. It's not just the changing she has to worry about though. The biannual ruts will be hard enough to deal with especially when you don't have a partner."

"She's not getting one of those. Not so young" John's eyes widened and he laughed once he realized his over the top reaction. "We don't know for sure... She'll get through it, though. She's a strong girl"

Sherlock laughed. "Of course not. And if she ever does I'll deduce the hell out of them." Sherlock joked... but was he really joking? This is Sherlock Holmes after all. A protective Alpha who would never let harm come to any of his family (maybe Mycroft but that was a different matter altogether). "If she is an Alpha then she should be able to cope, as soon as you orgasm the rut stops it's just a bit harder to do so if you don't have a mate. If she's an omega, then it will be fine... but as you just said she is strong, she has your mentality."

John wrinkled his nose up at the thought of Alex and sex even if she was just doing it to herself. "She's so young... We'll have to wait and see..." John sighed before relaxing into the sofa again.

"Yes." Sherlock nodded, thoughts about Alex and sex going through his head. Thoughts he never wanted to think about again.

John glanced at Sherlock and smiled. "I hope you don't mind about the whole tent thing"

"It's fine John. You stay in your sleep bag and I'll stay in mine. Most of the time we wont even be in the tent. The tent is simply for when it is dark and we want to sleep."

"I know, I know but it... It just sounds like such a typical set up, that's all." John shrugged. "And.. well.. I guess I don't trust myself around you considering I've been the one to kiss you both times it's happened..."

"Well stop thinking about it then otherwise you wont have fun and enjoy yourself." Sherlock smiled, thinking that if John kissed him again he wouldn't be able to hold back, he would have to taste him, smell him, touch him.

John nodded his head and sat forward. "Right. Sorry... I, uh, I think I'll head to bed too. I'll see you in the morning. If she's feeling better, I'm sure Alex will want to go camping as soon as possible"

"Yes, of course. Goodnight John." Sherlock replied, smiling. "Do you know what room you are staying in?"

John hesitated. "Uhh.. No" He admitted, blushing lightly. "Will you, uh, could you... umm, yeah.."

Sherlock stood up and led John out of the lounge and up the stairs. He took him to the spare room of the cottage, a small-ish room right at the back. "I told Alex that I will be in the lounge if she needs anything and because she doesn't know where you are, I will come and get you if there is a problem?"

John nodded and gave his ex a smile. "Yes, please do. Even if she just wakes up and feels bad, please come get me... I know it's only a fever at the moment and that she'll be fine but I still worry, you know?" He laughed nervously, like he was embarrassed.

He was embarrassed. Not because of what he's saying because he was sure that Sherlock worried just as much as him. He was embarrassed by Sherlock's eyes on him and the fact he was thinking about leaning forward and kissing him goodnight. He wouldn't, though. Couldn't.

Sherlock noticed John's anxiousness and assumed that it was because he was worried about having an Alpha in his (temporary) bedroom so he stepped back so he was standing outside the room. "I know and I will. Even though I know plenty about the human anatomy, I that you are better equipped to deal with our ill daughter."

"I know you're capable of looking after her without me, Sherlock. God. Don't think I'm saying that you're not or that I don't trust you with her. I just worry a ridiculous amount" John smiled, fiddling with his t-shirt as he looked at Sherlock.

"I know John. I just don't think I am good at dealing with our daughter when she is ill as you are. You have had a lot more experience and you are a doctor."

John nodded. "Right. Okay.. Well, um, thank you for showing me to the room. Goodnight" He smiled brightly and shut the door after Sherlock replied.

Sherlock strolled back down the stairs, checking that everyone was in bed before locking the front and back door. He then went through to the lounge and lounged out on the sofa, holding his head on his hands and closed his eyes.

*conservatives: People who believe that Alphas and Omegas should have traditional roles and no not want the system to be modernised. They don't believe that omegas should use contraception or should go out to work, instead they should sty at home and birth as many pups as possible. Some ultra conservatives buy Omegas for their alpha children when they because sexually mature and they will bond after the omega's second heat.
John is certainly not a conservative. He wants omegas and alphas to be treated equally and that omegas should be treated with respect, not like an animal that has one use and one use only: as a breeding machine. That's why he runs the omega clinic, hoping that he can help omegas who are in bad situations and re-educate people into understanding how omegas really are, not how they are presented by society.