Chapter Text
“I think we’ll suit each other quite well. I’m gender-neutral and your reproductive system is seriously compromised due to depression and PTSD. In my mind that makes the arrangement ideal, don’t you think?”
John blinked and took a step backward, unused to such a bald assessment of his mental−and sexual−weaknesses by a complete stranger.
But he said nothing other than, “Right then. Well, the place is nice, or, could be nice, with a bit of tidying, so, ah, alright then. Let’s give it a try.”
It was probably madness on John’s part; he was still a functional Alpha after all−although, as Sherlock pointed out, he was now disabled. But John was intrigued by the man before him, all dark curls, pale skin and eyes that flashed blue lightening. For the first time in months John felt the stirring of something like life inside himself; a small flare of light in the unceasing grey of his existence, and he would not turn away from it now.
The man was likely right, John thought bitterly; he was no risk. Sherlock had obviously scrutinized him and written him off as any sort of threat, for to invite a strange Alpha into his home, even a disabled one, was an unthinkable risk for an average Omega. And John had known immediately Sherlock was an Omega despite Sherlock’s claim of being sexless. Sherlock had the speed, the alertness and the wariness of a prey animal, although he had none of the fear. He was an Omega certainly, but no average Omega, that was obvious. He had a supremely confident demeanor, a bold stride and tightly coiled strength; John could sense that he was ready to spring from harm’s way on a split second’s notice if required. And John had no doubt that the man’s self-defence skills would be on par with John’s own fighting skills−at least John’s skills as they had been back when he was still a soldier−a warrior−and not the lame, halting man that obviously he was perceived as now, if Sherlock’s dismissive assessment of him was any indication.
He sighed, knowing there was no point in wasting time dwelling on his past glory. He would move in with Sherlock, it was the only option available to him anyway, and try to find some satisfaction and meaning in whatever he could still do as a physician.