Chapter Text
Greg was used to Mycroft having his secrets. It was all part and parcel of the man. First, he'd kept his second gender secret until after Greg had expressed interest in dating him. Greg himself was an alpha, but he was attracted to people of all second genders, so that hadn't bothered him a bit. He'd noticed the relief in Mycroft's eyes when he'd told him that too; clearly he'd been bracing himself for rejection.
They'd taken things slow, which Greg had expected. He wasn't looking to rush into another relationship so soon after his divorce, but also if he was honest with himself, he'd been interested in Mycroft long before that paperwork had been filed.
He was always careful to treat Mycroft the same way he treated everyone else, regardless of second gender. To most people, Mycroft was a beta and a scarily competent official. But Greg had seen glimpses of his human side over the years and in truth, he was honored that Mycroft trusted him enough to let him know his true second gender.
The first time they'd made love Mycroft had been anxious. Clearly it had been quite some time since he'd indulged in anything with an alpha. Greg had done his best to assuage his fears and bring him pleasure. In the end, Mycroft had fallen asleep in his arms and Greg had laid awake stroking his skin and marveling at him. It was a privilege to fall in love with Mycroft Holmes.
But there was more that Mycroft was keeping from him, Greg knew that. Ordinarily, he'd chalk it up to Mycroft's work, but it felt different, something more personal. Greg tried not to push or ask too many questions; Mycroft would tell him when he was ready and not a moment before.
Finally, just as summer was about to arrive, Mycroft asked Greg to come over. He was pacing when Greg let himself into the house. It was rare that Mycroft was at a loss for words. He looked at Greg, then looked away again, pacing once more across the floor before stopping in front of a bookshelf. He took a breath and moved a few of the books, reaching behind them and taking out a picture in a frame.
He swallowed hard, looked at the picture, then brought it over to Greg, handing it over silently.
Greg looked down at a picture of a younger, happier Mycroft. Ah, this was the secret. He was sitting close to a man, leaning against him. Both he and the man held toddlers in their lap. They smiled at the camera, a moment frozen in time.
Looking back up at Mycroft, Greg saw the worry in his face. Even after all this time, he was so afraid of his own feelings, afraid of the damage Greg could do to his very human heart.
Greg stepped over to him and kissed Mycroft gently, then steered him to the sofa, sitting next to him and putting an arm around his shoulders. "What's his name?"
"Adam," said Mycroft quietly. "The children are Hudson and Victoria."
Greg kissed his temple, feeling Mycroft nearly trembling. Whatever had happened, it was clearly still raw, no matter the years. Greg wasn't sure what he should say, so he simply asked: "What happened?"
"A car accident," said Mycroft quietly. "Something utterly banal. He lost control on a wet road and they were hit by a lorry. He died almost instantly, but fortunately, the children were in car seats in the back and nearly unhurt."
"I'm sorry," said Greg sincerely.
"It's been twelve years," said Mycroft. "But I'm afraid I buried myself in my work. As soon as they were old enough I sent the children to boarding school. They'll be home for the summer soon. I... I'm not a good parent to them."
Greg hugged him tightly. "You've done your best, I'm sure."
Mycroft shook his head. "I could do more. When they're gone I somewhat pretend they don't exist,” he said quietly, ashamed. “Most people outside my family don't know I ever had a mate, let alone children."
"What do you do when they're here?" asked Greg.
"They're often in various summer programs. I'd usually be making up their rooms right now. And of course I needed to tell you."
Greg kissed his temple again. "Thank you for trusting me."
Mycroft squeezed his hand. "I haven't allowed myself to care about anyone for a very long time. But I care very much for you."
"I love you," said Greg quietly. "And I'll be honored to meet Victoria and Hudson."
“They're fourteen now.” Mycroft turned his head and kissed him. "Would you help me get the house ready?"
"I'll be glad to help. Would you tell me more about them?"
Mycroft nodded and put the picture on the coffee table. He got up and took out a box that was sitting on another shelf. "Would you help me put these up?"
Greg smiled encouragingly and took out the pictures. He'd noticed some time ago that there were few family pictures on the wall, and now he understood why. The box held photos of the twins at various ages since the family one, as well as one or two of them younger, with Adam also in the picture.
"When I have functions here it's easier if the photos are already put away. But I don't want them to see that when they get home. I do think about them, often. We have phone calls sometimes, and we email."
Greg squeezed his hand. "You've spent your career hiding the fact that you're omega; you don't have to explain to me."
Mycroft looked at him and kissed him gently. "I... don't want to keep hiding it. I must admit, I'm tired."
Greg wrapped him in his arms. "You can lean on me," he said.
"They're both alpha," said Mycroft as they headed upstairs. He opened the closet and took out bedding, heading into one of the rooms Greg had always thought was just a guest room. "Victoria is very into sports and on the rowing and cricket teams. Hudson takes more after me and is rather studious, though they both get excellent grades."
"I'm sure they're quite brilliant," said Greg, making the bed.
Mycroft talked a bit more about the kids as they worked, loosening up as they went. He clearly loved them, even if he was uncertain in his relations with them.
As they finished, Mycroft looked up at Greg. "I don't want them to think I'm ashamed of them. I'm not. I'm not going to make some big announcement or stop covering my scent at work, but I am going to stop pretending they don't exist. Or you."
Greg leaned in and kissed him. "I know things can still be difficult for omegas. Whatever you need from me, if it's in my power, I'll give it."
"You already are," said Mycroft. "They'll be here in a few days. I'll let you know when you can come over and meet them.
"I look forward to it. Now, you've had a long day. Let's take a shower and go to bed." Greg took his hand and led him to the ensuite.
A few hours later, Greg was awakened by Mycroft jerking in his sleep. "Hey, you're okay," muttered Greg, quickly sitting up and holding him gently.
Mycroft opened his eyes, looked up at Greg, and then quickly looked away, shaking with emotion.
Greg smoothed his hair back. "It's alright," he said gently.
Mycroft rubbed his eyes. "I can't... I shouldn't...."
"You've never really grieved," said Greg softly. "It's okay. Some people grieve right away, some don't."
"I've been running away for twelve years," said Mycroft, voice threatening to break.
"And no wonder you're tired." Greg folded him against his chest in the darkness. He felt Mycroft take a few gulping breaths, and then he let go, shaking in Greg's arms. Greg felt his heart ache for Mycroft, for all the pain and regret and grief he'd been keeping bottled up for years and years. Maybe, just maybe, he could start to heal.
When he felt Mycroft start to still, Greg gently cupped Mycroft's damp cheek and kissed him. "I love you," he said.
"I know," said Mycroft. "And that terrifies me. Because what if I lose you, too?"
"You can't live your life by what if's, you know that." Greg hugged him. "My job can be dangerous, and so can yours. But life and love is worth the risk."
Mycroft smiled sadly. "You and Adam would have got along," he said. "He was a lot like you in some ways. But an accountant."
"Yeah, I don't have a head for numbers like that," said Greg. "But thank you. Do... you want to tell me more about him?"
Mycroft nodded, raised his head and kissed Greg gently. "One moment."
He slipped out of bed and out of the bedroom. Greg heard him going to his office down the hall. He waited patiently as Mycroft came back and turned on one of the bedside lights, clutching a worn photo album.
Mycroft settled back into bed. Greg put an arm around him as Mycroft opened the album and started to tell him about his relationship with Adam. Meeting at a university party Mycroft had nearly skipped. Falling in love over the school year, deciding to marry and mate after graduation. Adam supporting Mycroft as he got his advanced degree, and then finding out Mycroft was pregnant and becoming parents. "We only had five years together," said Mycroft as he turned the last page.
"And it can feel like you never got a real chance," said Greg, kissing his temple.
Mycroft nodded. "Getting that phone call was the worst day of my life," he said quietly. "I was so glad the twins were okay, and then I was so focused on them, it was hard to believe Adam was really gone, even after I saw the body and the funeral. I kept feeling like I would wake up and find it was all a nightmare. But it happened and Victoria and Hudson don't even remember their father."
"But you do. Even if you've tried to put it behind you."
"You're right that I never truly grieved." Mycroft sighed and leaned against Greg. "I've got the number for a good therapist in my mobile. I should call her."
"Only you can decide that, but I think it would be a good idea. I've seen one from time to time."
Mycroft put the photo album aside and kissed Greg. "Thank you for being here."
"I'm here for you, no matter what," promised Greg, turning the light off.
They settled back into bed and Greg held Mycroft close, not falling asleep until he knew Mycroft had.