"John! Door!"
...
"John!"
Folding the paper he stood with a sigh as his brief moment of peace passed by. Last night had been date night which meant he could wake up when he wanted, do what he wanted and seeing as it was now Saturday, be still in his dressing gown at half 10 in the morning. Of course Molly had other ideas. She'd given in to Stamford's pestering and agreed to come in at 12, which left him on full solo fatherly duties. Not that he had any problem with that. Little Mary was their own little ray of sunshine in an otherwise painful world. Snapping himself out of it he made his way to the door.
Upon opening...
"Daddy!" The overenthusiastic 2 year old pounced upon her father who caught her and pulled her up onto his hip. Chuckling softly to himself, he stepped away from the door to allow entrance.
"Hello, darling. I assume you were a good girl?"
"Oh you know she's no trouble." Mrs Hudson delicately removed and hung her coat upon a peg. John closed it behind her, his eyes not leaving his little princess. "And to be honest it keeps me busy..."
"Tea?"
"The kettles boiled!" A shout sounded from further within their house.
"Oh ok then..." Mrs Hudson took a seat as John carried Mary towards the kitchen. "...and a couple biscuit too if you have any, love!"
John smirked as he grabbed an extra mug. He dipped his head slightly as the grin faded, but his thoughts were soon interrupted.
"Daddy! Can I have a biscwit too, pwease?"
"No!" Molly called from down the hall. John lowered his daughter to the ground and with his finger to his lips handed Mary her present. Stifling a squeal, she scampered back into the living room. Following soon after, John presented Mrs Hudson with her drink and regained his previous position.
"So, how was last night?"
"Good, went to that little Chinese round the corner from you."
"Oh, very nice...you know Detective Inspector Lestrade called round last night." She casually slipped into conversation. John looked puzzled. "...He comes around every now and then. I think he feels the need to entertain me because I haven't got anyone to tidy up after anymore..." The corners of John's mouth curled up slightly before frowning again. "He did ask about Sunday..."
"Daddy, what's happening on Sunday?"
"...Mary, why don't you go see if Mummy's ready for work yet?"
"John, if you want me to babysit or..."
"No...Its fine we'll..."
"...figure something out." Molly finished. She stood by the archway between the hall and the living room. She smiled lightly towards John who couldn't help but to return it. He instant felt better, a little bit at least.
