Dreams

Disclaimer: I do not own Downton Abbey.

Her dark hair was pressed against the pillow as she rolled over to face him. A grin spread across his lips and he tugged her closer, feeling her body press against his. He sighed happily from the warmth of her body. "Darlin'…"

"Da?"

Tom Branson opened his eyes and saw his young daughter standing by the edge of his bed. Beside him, the bed was was all just a dream. He felt his heart drop.

"Da?" Little Sybbie climbed into her father's bed and sat in front of him, her legs tucked beneath him.

"Sybil, what is the matter? Why are you out of bed?"

The question animated his daughter, causing her to launch into a scrambled story about a snake. He could not help but chuckle, shaking his head and pulling his daughter closer to him. "Shh…" he whispered. "Everything is going to be alright, love."

"What were you dreaming about?" Her question made him pause. He looked down, amazed at the physical similarities between little Sybil and her mother. The little girl was already starting to doze off.

"Nothing, my darling little one. It was just a dream."

A/N: First Downton Abbey fic. Hope it isn't too terrible.