Mystrade
You: (TW:Mentions of past abuse) Greg (Omega) hadn’t always been on such hard times. There had been a time when he’d had a rich and powerful Alpha, an Alpha that knew exactly how to use and abuse him. Now, a few years later, Greg had been fortunate enough to have finally gotten away from the Alpha. He’d given birth to a pup a few weeks ago, deemed worthless to his Alpha and after a beating had been turned away from the manor. He was walking down the sidewalk, the tiny little girl tucked close to his chest, when he ran right into someone. The little girl gave a wail from being jostled, Greg’s head snapped up, ready for a hit he was sure was coming, and stopped on the sidewalk. “I’m...I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention..”
Stranger: Mycroft frowned and offered a small smile, looking at the Omega and the child. "It's quite alright... it was my fault. Is the baby alright?" he asked, worried that he might have harmed the child while focusing on his phone instead of where he was going. He stepped closer and offered his fingers to her, smiling as she gripped it and he made small cooing noises to calm her just as he'd once done with his baby brother to calm him.
You: "Sh-she's fine." Greg said quickly, wanting to pull away from the man, but thinking better of it. He didn't want to cause a scene on the sidewalk, or rather, more of a scene than they already had. He should have been paying better attention as he hurried down the street instead of tucking his head down. He was surprised when the baby began to calm down with the soothing voice that floated out of the man. "Well, thank you for calming her down, sir. I appreciate it, but we should go. It's getting dark, after all."
Stranger: "Yes it is and it can be dangerous for an Omega to be out on his own. Where are you going? I'm happy to walk with you, make sure you get home alright." Mycroft offered, smiling as the little baby girl looked up at him with such bright, curious little brown eyes. He looked up at the man holding her, glancing at the man's silver hair and tired face. "My name is Mycroft. Mycroft Holmes."
You: "I can take care of myself." he said. "I'm going to the shelter. We don't have a home." he added quickly, a bit ashamed to be confessing such things to the clearly well off Alpha. "I'm Greg." he said, sticking out his hand. "This is Annabelle." he nodded down to the little girl as she squirmed in his arms. She was ready to be fed and to get out of the cooling weather, but she was curiously looking up at the Alpha, as if she wanted to be passed off to him.
Stranger: "Annabelle. What a lovely name." Mycroft said softly, sighing as he looked into Greg's eyes for a moment before offering a smile. "You won't want go to a shelter, they won't accept you with a newborn. I can offer you a room for the night." he said softly, leaning on his umbrella and looking back down at the baby girl who was quite content to just stare at him it would seem.
You: Greg's heart sank. He hadn't even considered that the shelter wouldn't accept him with Annabelle. He should have done better research before he was turned out of his former manor. He glanced back up to the man, eyebrows knitting together in confusion. This man, this complete stranger, wanted to offer them both a room for the night? There had to be some sort of catch. The man must want something from him. Not money, given his state of dress, but perhaps sex or a house keeper. Greg shook his head. "No, thank you, we'll- we'll be fine. I wouldn't want to impose."
Stranger: "You wouldn't be imposing at all. The house I own is far too large for one man if I am honest. You can take your pick of guest rooms." Mycroft replied with a soft smile as he looked down at the baby and sighed. He couldn't stand the thought of them being out on the freezing cold streets at night. It would be so dangerous for them both and Mycroft wouldn't have that.
You: Hesitating a few more moments, Greg finally relented, nodding. "I don't have money to pay you for the night..." he began. He only had enough for another can of formula for the infant. "We can...figure something out, I'm sure...." he said as he moved to stand beside Mycroft, just a touch behind the Alpha. It was habit for the Omega, to walk behind and not beside the Alpha, having been taught respect at an early age. "We'll only need one room, so we shouldn't be in your way. We'll be gone by sun up."
Stranger: "No, don't be silly. Breakfast will be served at 8am, Gregory." Mycroft said, slowing so he was at the Omega's side. He glanced at the baby and smiled again at her. She was awfully cute. "I will have one of my men collect some formula and nappies for the baby." he added, putting his phone away in his inside pocket and bringing Greg to where a car with a chauffeur was parked up waiting for him.
You: Breakfast being served was something Greg had been used to in his former life. His previous Alpha had been rather well off, with a small staff, and the trappings of luxury. When Mycroft advised he'd be having items bought for the baby Greg shook his head. "That's really not necessary. I've got enough stuff for her. You really don't need to go that far, especially for a complete stranger." He stopped at the car as the driver opened the door. He really shouldn't have expected anything less from the businessman beside him. He carefully slid into the car, Annabelle still tucked up against his chest.
Stranger: "I'd rather she didn't go hungry and soiled." Mycroft replied, getting in beside Greg and closing the door. He made sure the heating was up, hoping it would help warm the both of them. It had been particularly cold that evening. "Tell me, Gregory... how did an Omega with a newborn end up on the streets like this? What sort of sick, twisted Alpha would kick their child out of the house?"
You: Greg sighed at the warmth of the lush town car. They'd been outside for hours, walking around the city. "I've got food for her and nappies." Greg grumbled to himself, upset at the notion he'd let his own child starve to death. "Some Alphas are uninterested in raising families." he said, not looking up at Mycroft. "They prefer to have young, attractive Omegas on their arm. When that one falls pregnant they have plenty to choose from." Greg swallowed thickly. "Not that I mind. We're better off without him."
Stranger: "Oh, I meant no offence. I just thought it would be best if you wish to prolong your stay, or for when you leave... either way." Mycroft said, then frowned at the catch in Greg's voice. He sighed a little and frowned as he looked into Greg's eyes. "I have met Alpha's like that... they are usually vile, old and usually look like they hit every branch when they fell out of the ugly tree."
You: Greg couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips at Mycroft's comment. He hadn't expected a phrase like that from such a 'put together' man. "Charlie wasn't ugly...isn't ugly, at least not in looks." He also wasn't as handsome as Mycroft, but Greg kept that observation to himself. "He is, however, a vile man. I tried to warn his newest Omega. Charlie brought him home while I was pregnant. He didn't listen. He was too caught up in the charm and gifts that Charlie was lavishing upon him." Greg shrugged. "Doesn't matter much anymore...our bond has been scrubbed. It's just Annabelle and I. I'll get a job and a little flat and we'll be just fine, eventually."
Stranger: "Men like that will die alone and unloved." Mycroft replied with a shake of his head. He smiled as Annabelle began to drift off to sleep, head tilting on one side. "She looks just like you." he said softly, glancing up at Greg and then back down. He was glad to help, he couldn't stand the thought of an Omega as sweet and handsome as Greg being thrown out onto the streets purely for giving birth.
You: "I'm grateful for it." he said, glancing down at the little girl. "It's be difficult if she favored Charlie." The rest of the ride passed quietly as they headed towards Mycroft's home. When they finally pulled up the long drive, Greg looked out of the window. Mycroft wasn't joking about having the space. He got out of the car, allowing Mycroft to help him. "You don't have a partner who's going to be upset that you brought home a couple of strays, are they?"
Stranger: "As I said, it's just me. Well me and my staff. Other than that... it can be rather lonely walking these halls at night. Please, come in." Mycroft said, smiling as his butler as he opened the door and thanking him softly. He took Greg through to a lounge on the ground floor where there was a proper fire burning and a pot of tea for two waiting along with a perfectly made up bottle being kept warm for the baby.
You: Greg followed Mycroft into his house, looking around as he went. The home was impeccably clean, lavishly furnished, yet inviting. Clearly there had never been children or a family in the home, from the state of everything. Greg's stomach grumbled as he saw the tea for them. Mycroft had clearly called ahead. "You don't need to keep this up." he said, motioning to the bottle and tray of goodies for them. "I'm sure your staff don't appreciate having to wait on us." he smiled at Mycroft as he sat down on the sofa. "But I do appreciate it. You'll have to let me repay you for your kindness."
Stranger: "Nonsense, they have to wait on me. It's hardly taxing to put an extra cup out." Mycroft replied with a soft smile on his face as he poured the tea out for them like a proper gentleman. He sat back and watched as Greg got comfortable. It was nice to have company of an evening. "Supper will be ready soon, I assume you'd enjoy a bite to eat? And I'm happy to keep an eye on little Annabelle while you shower or bath if you wish to?"
You: Greg sat the offered tea aside so that he could feed Annabelle. It had been a little while since her last meal and Greg wanted to make sure she was full and happy while they were visitors in Mycroft's home. He didn't want the girl to fuss and upset the Alpha. "Maybe a little something, yeah." he said as the girl happily ate her own dinner. "You really don't have to trouble yourself with watching her. If you really don't mind, we'll wash up before bed. She hasn't had a proper bath yet."
Stranger: "I really don't mind at all. I used to keep an eye on my brother all the time." Mycroft said with a wave of his hand as he took his suit jacket off and shoes, relaxing for the evening. He sipped his tea and sat back on the sofa, smiling as Annabelle fed. "Goodness me, the little mite makes quite the noise when she's hungry." he said with a little titter of amusement.
You: Greg was worried, at first, that Mycroft was annoyed with the sounds the little girl was making. "I-I can feed her somewhere else..." he said quickly, looking up. "If it bothers you. I know you've just gotten home from work and it's important you relax. You shouldn't let us completely wreck your normal routine." Greg noticed the near twinkle in Mycroft's eye. It was curious, to him, to see an Alpha so captured by an infant. Or really, to be around an Alpha that seemed to /want/ to help with the infant. "Or..." he began cautiously. "You could feed her, if you want. You look like you want to ask."
Stranger: "I... may I?" Mycroft asked, brightening as he sat up and put his tea down. He offered his arms and gently took her into them when Greg handed her over. Smiling wide, he began to feed her. "There we go... there..." he whispered to her, his heart melting as tiny fingers gripped at his own to hold on while she fed. "Well, aren't you just a little delight?" he asked her, smiling wide.
You: Greg nodded as he moved to pass over the little girl and her bottle. He took the dirty blanket away so that Mycroft wouldn't ruin his waist coat and settled back with his own cup of tea. He took a long draw from the cup, letting the hot liquid warm him up properly. "Careful." Greg whispered. "It's all a show for you. Just wait until she's screaming at three in the morning because she's wet and hungry." Greg chuckled. "She'll have you changing your mind." He watched the man feed Annabelle, who was perfectly content to finish her whole bottle (something she hadn't done in a long time). "She's quite taken with you. I don't think I've ever seen her so comfortable with another person."
Stranger: "I am honoured she feels so safe with me. And now, little miss... a little winding." Mycroft said, taking the towel from the tray and putting it over his shoulder as he sat back with her and rested her over his shoulder, rubbing her back gently and patting to have her burp rather loudly down his ear. "Well goodness, that was a bit one!" he chuckled, looking over at Greg with a smile.
You: Mycroft shook his head. "You're a curious man, Mycroft Holmes..." Greg finished his tea and leaned forward to pour himself another. "You're clearly well off. You've got tailored suits, a staff that's near magic, and a house that should be featured in a magazine. And yet you're not all that flashy about it. You're humble, overly generous and excellent with children." he said. "How do you not have a mate and a brood of your own?"
Stranger: "My job. I thought it not fair to have an Omega miss me for so long or have to bring up a child when I might be absent for weeks at a time. It's through choice. Though right now with a child in my arms I remember that I have made some truly awful choices in my life." Mycroft sighed softly as he rubbed at Annabelle's back a little more before realising that she'd fallen asleep.
You: Greg hummed. "At least you made the conscious decision not to start a family because you couldn't be active and present in their lives. It's admirable, really. Charlie never felt the same way. He'd leave for days at a time, with his assistant being the one to tell me he was out of town. I'd fuss at him, in the beginning, and he'd buy me gifts to shut me up. It was fine for the first few years..." he trailed off. "Sorry, I shouldn't be bothering you with all of this." He noticed Annabelle had fallen asleep, nuzzled into Mycroft's neck. "Are you alright with her? I can take her, if you'd like."
Stranger: "No, it's quite alright. You have every right to be angry." Mycroft said softly, smiling as he held Annabelle against him. He chuckled and shook his head. "I'm quite alright. But do you mind popping a little more tea in my cup with a dash of milk please?" he asked softly, not speaking too loud so he didn't wake the baby up now she was so deeply asleep.
You: Greg quickly poured Mycroft his tea, careful not to add too much milk. He held the cup out for the man. "It's not worth dwelling in the past." Greg said quietly. "It's not going to help Annabelle and I. I've got to get over myself, find a job and a flat and a daycare that'll take her. Shouldn't be too difficult, right? Put in some applications, make the rounds a bit, bump into another wealthy Alpha to take me in for the night." he chuckled.
Stranger: "You're welcome to stay as long as you wish, Gregory. Until you are financially stable." Mycroft said warmly, sipping the tea and holding onto Annabelle with one arm and a smile on his face as he closed his eyes. He looked suited to it, sitting here with a babe in arms and a cup of tea. Like he was actually built for it. Not that he would let his guard down like this anywhere else.
You: "I would never do that. I promised you one night and you told me I couldn't leave before breakfast. I'd hate to see what you'd say if I stayed for a few weeks. And besides..." he watched the man carefully, though Mycroft had since closed his eyes. "I could never afford rent on this place." he teased gently.
Stranger: "My rent is quite reasonable. One cuddle of the baby a day." Mycroft said with a soft little chuckle. He sipped his tea again and looked over at Greg with a sigh. "How long have you been on the streets? It seems like a while..."
You: "Only one?" Greg asked. "I don't believe that for a second. Not with the way you relaxed when Annabelle was put in your arms." he said quietly. He swallowed thickly when Mycroft asked about his recent homelessness. "Annabelle was two weeks old when I was thrown out. We didn't go right to the streets though. I had some money in my accounts and I got us a room for a few nights. Spent the rest of it on some formula and some nappies. So, to answer your question, about a month."
Stranger: "I'm so sorry..." Mycroft whispered, putting his tea down and resting his now free hand on Greg's shoulder with a sigh. He squeezed it gently and smiled sitting up a little. "I must insist that you stay longer than just for breakfast." he said brightly, carefully stroking at Annebelle's hair gently. She was snoring a little against his neck.
You: "I didn't tell you all that so that you could pity me. This sort of thing happens all the time, Mycroft. There are plenty of Omegas who've been coupled with shitty Alphas who take advantage of them. Who use and discard them. It's a sad truth, but it's a truth none the less." He smiled over to Mycroft as the man squeezed his shoulder. When Annabelle gave a particularly loud snore Greg chuckled. "You'll have to teach me your ways before I go. I've never heard her snore like that."
Stranger: "This is aid that I'm offering, Gregory. Not pity. I would be very happy to have you both here where you would both be safe." Mycroft said softly as he looked down at the baby, chuckling at her snores. He sighed and shrugged. "Perhaps it's because she knows she's safe here?"
You: (Hey,love, if you've sent something I haven't gotten it. Can you resend?)
Stranger: "This is aid that I'm offering, Gregory. Not pity. I would be very happy to have you both here where you would both be safe." Mycroft said softly as he looked down at the baby, chuckling at her snores. He sighed and shrugged. "Perhaps it's because she knows she's safe here?"
You: (Thanks!!)
Stranger: ((np!))
You: "I'm sure she's an excellent judge of character, even at six weeks old." The Omega assured the Alpha. "It also helps that your scent is so warm and comforting. I don't think I'd let you go either, if I was in Annabelle's place." Greg finished his tea and put his cup back on the tray, collecting Mycroft's empty cup as well. "Are you sure you don't mind watching her a bit longer. I could pop into the shower while she's sleeping."
Stranger: Mycroft blushed at Greg's words and smiled as he gave a nod. "Of course, go and shower. I can hold onto her then you can put her down to sleep before we dine. There is a cot in the third bedroom on the left when you go up to the west wing of the house. I'll have my butler show you the way. There's a bed in there and an en suite you can use." he said, leaning back again.
You: Greg nodded as he was shown out of the lounge and up to the nearly empty wing of Mycroft's home. He thanked the butler and disappeared into the bathroom. He turned the water on and stepped under the scorching flow. He took a deep breath as the water began to relax his impossibly tight muscles. He hadn't had a chance to relax in weeks, or bathe, for that matter. Greg scrubbed himself nearly raw and shampooed his hair twice, just to make sure he was a bit more presentable for Mycroft. When he was done, he stepped out of the shower, noticing his clothes were gone and instead were replaced with a fresh pair of trousers and a cozy, cream jumper. "Do I want to know how you were able to get all these baby items /and/ a pair of clothes that fit me perfectly in the twenty minute ride it took to get here earlier?" he asked as he rejoined Mycroft.
Stranger: "The cot and toys were... already here. The clothes are actually my own. We're roughly the same size and I haven't warn those at all. I thought jeans and a jumper would be needed at one point for a trip. It wasn't." Mycroft replied as he looked up at Greg. He looked a lot happier now he was clean and in fresh clothes. He really was quite handsome with his hair sticking up all over the place so sweetly from his shower.
You: "Can't really imagine you as the type to wear jeans and jumpers." he said frankly. "Seems a bit out of character. Your suits...you wear them like a body of armor almost. Regal, groomed, tailored. I bet you're a beast in the boardroom, making everyone quiver in your wake." he teased as he moved in and held out his arms for his daughter. "I'm sorry for asking about the items." he said quietly. "It wasn't my intention to bring up any bad memories."
Stranger: "Less boardroom... more parliament. And, it's quite alright. I had a partner, I was ready to start a family and then the position that I have now opened up. We mutually decided to bring our relationship to an end." Mycroft said with a shrug of his shoulders as he got up and handed Annabelle over so she could be put to bed properly. "There is a baby monitor up there too."
You: "Still doesn't make it any easier." Greg said as they moved out of the lounge. He left Mycroft at the stairs and went up to put Annabelle in the little cot. He kissed her before settling her in and turning on the attached monitor. "You're quite smitten with him, aren't you?" he asked the little girl, watching her for a few moments. "Don't get too attached, darling, he's not our Alpha. We're guests, remember?" Greg sighed and took the other monitor with him as he rejoined Mycroft in the dining room. It was all terribly formal for Greg; a ghost of his past life. "So you're a politician?" Greg asked as he waited for Mycroft to sit. "Makes sense now, I suppose."
Stranger: "Of... a sort." Mycroft said, gesturing to the seat across from him. He smiled and sat down. He'd rather sit across from him than sit at the head of the table as he usually did. It seemed like it would be awfully pretentious if he did. "Is she comfortable up there?" he asked softly, sitting back as his butler brought out a wonderful meal for them that would certainly fill Greg up.
You: Greg hummed. "Let me guess..." he said, looking down at his plate full of food. God he'd be spoiled if he stayed here too much longer. "You dabble in a bit of everything? Hold a minor position? All confidential, of course?" Greg was teasing the man now, finally beginning to loosen up at the idea that Mycroft was genuinely interested in helping him instead of using him. Greg nodded when Mycroft asked about his daughter. "Quite." he turned the little monitor around so that Mycroft could see. The little girl was laying splayed out like a starfish in the cot.
Stranger: "Yes, and that is as much as I can tell you, I'm afraid." Mycroft said with a little laugh. He took a bite of his dinner and hummed, nodding as he swallowed. Impeccable as ever. He looked at the monitor and gave a soft little chuckle. "She seems ever so content, doesn't she?" he asked softly, smiling at her little image as she moved a little in her sleep. He looked back up at Greg and smiled. "Food alright?"
You: "It's really amazing to see her like this. Usually she's on edgy, fussy. Even though she always has plenty to eat and a warm place to stay. Just goes to prove how much she needs an Alpha, I suppose." Greg nodded. "The food's excellent. I can't tell you the last time I had lamb this tender...." he took another bite, trying to pace himself so that he didn't get sick from eating too much too quickly. "Charlie didn't have a cook, loved to do it himself, but he wasn't nearly as talented as your chef."














