Chapter Two: Adorable


The next morning Sherlock was awoken from his slumbering to find that he had not only fallen asleep in his chair, but he currently had a small five year old child in his lap. He looked down at Lidia with a raised brow, taking in the glass of milk and one of Mrs Hudson's tarts she had in her hands. He had woken up in strange positions before, most of them occurring during his two years away, but he figured this topped them all.

He was about to tell the girl to remove herself from his person, only before he could even open his mouth Mrs Hudson practically burst into the room with his morning tea. His face went blank as he watched her silently as she prepared his cup with a little smirk playing along her lips. He wasn't sure what the look was for, but he knew that it annoyed him to no end.

Forgoing speaking for the moment, he simply tried to remove Lidia from his lap by carefully pushing on her legs and shoulders, only she ignored him and just cuddled up closer to his chest. Mrs Hudson tutted at him like she was wont to do when she was scolding him, making him roll his eyes. He already had one mother that delighted in scolding him, he really didn't relish having another.

"The poor dear just watched as her father was kidnapped, the least you could do is allow her whatever comfort she wants." She had known that Sherlock would grumble on when he woke to find the little girl in his lap, but she couldn't find it in her to say no when Lidia had crawled up his legs and settled against his chest. It was the sweetest thing she had actually seen, more so because sleeping Sherlock had wrapped his arms around the child and held her close. Of course she would never tell him that, he would have a full blown conniption.

"I'm not denying her comfort, but does it really have to be on my lap? She is getting crumbs everywhere." He cringed as said crumbs toppled down his clean, well once clean, white shit and gathered in a little pile at the top of his trousers. He was just glad that Lidia was as old as she was; he didn't like to think about the many times that Lizzie had spit up on him.

"Crumbs never hurt anyone; and I wouldn't complain, I can't recall how many times I've found crumbs all over your bed." She hated cleaning up after him after he finished a case, she swore he binged on biscuits in the middle of the night.

Sherlock rolled his eyes and declined to comment as he took the offered cup of tea. She was over exaggerating, sure sometimes he would eat in bed, but not enough for her to complain.

With Lidia still ensconced in his lap, Sherlock watched with an exasperated expression as Mrs Hudson fretted around the flat. She always had something to titter on about; the amount of dust, dirty dishes left about, fingers in the fridge or the time she found a set of lungs floating in the bathtub. Most of the time he just let it go in one ear and out the other. He hadn't been lying when he said he had Mrs Hudson on semi-permanent mute. He adored the old woman, but she could grate on his nerves like no other.

"I swear Sherlock, this place isn't fit for a child. You can't just leave body parts lying around like books you know." Martha had learned long ago that she would need an iron stomach to clean 221B. The first couple of times she had found some piece of the human body in the kitchen she had shrieked and promptly gotten sick. Really, who kept toes in the oven to dry out?

"I do believe that I mentioned that already, when you brought up the idea of allowing the girl to stay actually." Why did no one ever listen to him? He liked his flat just the way it was, and he refused to change it just because it was "unseemly."

"I understand why John and Mary never bring Lizzie 'round." At first she had expected the little girl to be around often, as Sherlock was her Godfather. Though she had only seen her actually over for a visit a handful of times, mostly he just went to her. Carefully gathering the squirming pile of maggots on the kitchen table, she didn't blame John and Mary one bit.

"They never bring her over because I don't want her here." Sherlock's voice was quiet as he spoke, more a whisper than anything. He ignored the rather sarcastic look his landlady threw him, one that assured him that she knew he was lying.

It wasn't that he didn't want his Goddaughter around, but more that he didn't want to have to change his home. Mary had been very vocal about the state of 221B, and how it related to the amount of time he got to spend with Lizzie there. He didn't understand it, it wasn't like he was planning on allowing her to mess with any of his experiments.

Lidia remained quiet the entire time, finishing her tart while watching the two banter back and forth. Mrs Hudson continued to mutter on about body parts and various unidentified fluids as she worked, hoping that at least one thing she said would actually stick in that overgrown child's head, and yet knowing nothing ever would. For his part Sherlock just gazed into the cold hearth, ignoring the small child in his lap.

It wasn't until he felt the weight on his chest increase that he looked down to notice that Lidia had fallen asleep, her empty glass held precariously by quickly loosening fingers and her head resting heavily against his chest. The sight created a strange feeling in his throat, but he ignored it, mostly when he heard the most undignified noise come out of his landlady.

"Oh Sherlock, isn't that the sweetest thing you have ever seen?" A smile stretched from ear to ear as Martha watched Lidia sleep curled up against the warmth of Sherlock's chest. There was nothing that warmed her heart as much as watching the consulting detective with children.

"I'm sure that I don't know what you are going on about Mrs Hudson." What was it about women when it came to men with children? Mary was always going on and on about how adorable it was to see him holding Lizzie, acting like he was some puppy doing tricks for her amusement.

"Of course you do, don't be a pain dear; there is nothing wrong in acknowledging how endearing you find that Lidia is comfortable enough to fall asleep in your lap." The smile did not waver once, in fact it only grew larger the more Sherlock protested. Oh how she would love to see him with his own little one some day.

"It is not endearing, she is going to drool all over my shirt." Drool that was mixed with tart, lovely.

"Say what you like, but I've seen you around Lizzie, and that nice boy from the wedding. What was his name, Angus?" She had to admit that she had been worried when the young boy had shown up for his pre-wedding interview, but when she had gone up to check on them they had acted as though they were the best of friends.

"Archie." Sherlock rolled his eyes, he knew perfectly well that Mrs Hudson remembered the boy's name.

"Oh, right. Well I know you still keep in contact with him; sending him e-mails and such about cases." The boy was like a mini Sherlock, what with the way he had deduced the murderer at the wedding.

"The boy has an interest in detective work, who am I to hinder a great mind's development?" He wouldn't admit that he also enjoyed conversing with the boy, he had a sharp mind and a natural talent for puzzle solving.

"If you say so dear. Well, I've done all I can right now, though I am sure I will find something else later on that needs tidying up." Martha pulled off her gloves, the smile still plastered on her face.

"Wait, wait, where are you going?" Sherlock tried to sit up straighter, but as he moved Lidia began slipping further down his legs requiring him to wrap his arms around her so she wouldn't fall to the floor.

"I'm off to the shops. Lidia didn't bring a thing with her, and she can't go around wearing your old shirts. Little girls need certain things. Now, I'll be back as soon as I can. Do try to stay out of trouble." Maybe it was a mistake leaving him there with Lidia all on his own, though if Mary trusted him with Lizzie she was sure she could trust him with a five year old.

Not giving him time to object, she made her way as quickly as she could down the stairs. If given time, she was sure he would convince her to take the girl with her. Well convince really wasn't the right word, more like he would have taken off or done something that left her with no other option. It was one of his many annoying habits.

Once Mrs Hudson had gone, Sherlock gathered Lidia up the best he could and placed her on the sofa. He wasn't sure how long a girl her age would nap, but he didn't relish the idea of wearing his soiled clothes from the day before for much longer. There was also the beginnings of stubble along his jaw, and he refused to go around unshaven since his return. With one final look down at the girl he left to ready himself for the day.


Freshly showered and dressed, Sherlock settled down at his desk to power up his laptop. He really needed to get out there, examine Lidia's home for clues, but currently he couldn't leave his flat. He would have to settle for researching online.

He had just started chatting with one of Professor Montgomery's past students when he noticed movement beside him. He turned his head to find Lidia staring up at him while fidgeting, hopping from one foot to the other. He turned back to the screen, hoping to ignore her, but her jumping up and down was becoming bothersome.

"What is your problem?" Informing the student; which he had already deduced would be of no use; that he would have to leave, he turned until he was facing Lidia head on.

"I have to pee?" Lidia continued to hop from foot to foot, her bladder practically screaming she had to go so bad.

"Well, the toilet is just down there." Sherlock waved his hand in the general direction and turned hoping that the conversation was now over.

"I know where it is, but I can't reach the handle!" She had already tried to open the door, but she was too short.

"Well…just jump higher." He had noticed that Lidia was smaller than the average girl her age, but surely she wasn't so short she couldn't open doors.

"I can't, and Daddy always stands outside the door and whistles so I can go." The hopping increased, though she was beginning to have to squeeze her legs together.

"I'm not doing something so…silly." Sherlock blinked down at the girl, visibly cringing as Lidia began crying. Why was she crying, did girls cry when they had to use the restroom?

"Please! I don't want to pee my pants like a bad girl!" She was a good girl, really she was, but she had to go so bad that it actually hurt.

She was still crying, why was she still crying? He had seen Lizzie cry, but she was just a baby and that was what babies did, but Lidia was older. It was bothersome enough when his Goddaughter brought on the tears, but Lidia just looked pitiful and the tears running down her face made Sherlock very uncomfortable.

With a huff Sherlock shut his laptop and stood up, walking to the bathroom with Lidia following behind him. He opened the door and looked down at her, the tears on her cheeks thankfully starting to dry.

"You won't be needing any…help with anything else will you?" He cleared his throat, standing awkwardly to the side.

"No." Lidia shook her head as she ran into the bathroom, the door closing behind her. "You're not whistling!"

"That is because I'm not going to subject myself to such an indignantly." Sherlock stuffed his hands into his trouser pockets and leaned against the wall. He wanted to return to his research, but if she couldn't get in then she couldn't very well get out on her own either.

"I really, really have to pee so please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please…" Lidia kicked her legs back and forth, practically in tears again as she pleaded with Mr Holmes.

"Would you stop that?" If this was what little girls were normally like he would have to have a talk with John, he was her Godfather and he thought it his duty to make sure she rose above the ordinary and didn't act…well didn't annoy her Godfather like Lidia Montgomery was at the moment.

"Not until you whistle! Please, please, please, please, please, please…"

"Fine, fine! Just shut up!" Finding himself to the point of actually yelling at a child, Sherlock reluctantly started whistling. It was an indignity he was very glad no one was around to witness. After a moment he finally heard the toilet flush, and immediately ceased the idiotic whistling.

"I'm done!" Lidia straightened her skirt and looked up at the sink with a huff. Her daddy said that there was nothing wrong with being little, as great things always came in small packages, but he didn't know what it was like.

When Sherlock opened the door he found Lidia struggling to reach the tap, so with a sigh he walked in, turned on the water and picked her up by the waist so she could wash her hands. Lidia looked back at him with a watery smile before proceeding in washing her hands.

Once done and back on the floor, Lidia headed straight for Sherlock's chair where she curled up. Sherlock just looked at her a moment, wondering if she planned to take another nap, before heading back to his laptop. Thinking that she would remain quiet he ignored her until he felt a small hand come to rest on his knee. He looked down at her to find she was crying once again, and again it made him uncomfortable.

"What is your problem now? Surely you don't have to go again?" It hadn't been but maybe ten minutes, he knew she had a small bladder, but it couldn't be that small!

"I thought you were going to find my Daddy!" Lidia cried harder, her hands twisting in her skirt. This is not at all what she had been expecting. Mr Holmes was supposed to be a good man, that is always what her daddy had told her.

"That is what I'm doing." If he had ever felt like pinching the bridge of his nose, it was at that very moment. How did anyone expect him to work when he had a child to look after? Mostly one as irritating at this one.

"No, you are playing on the computer." Lidia crossed her arms over her chest, if Mr Holmes thought she was stupid enough to buy that!

"I'm not playing…look I'm using the computer in order to gather information that will help me find your father. I'm talking to other people on their computers to see if they have seen him, alright?" He lifted a brow as he looked down at the crying girl, a sigh of relief escaping his lips as she quieted and simply nodded her head.

"Can I help?" Uncrossing her arms, she reached up to wipe away the tears on her cheeks. She had never thought about using the computer to find her daddy, at home the only time she got to use it was for playing games.

Sherlock had thought to say no, at least until he looked into her eyes and remembered one other child that had stood there beside him. Archie had been excited to see the pictures from his cases, and he hadn't had someone important on the line like Lidia did.

He nodded and held out a hand, taking Lidia's small one and helping her climb up into his lap so she could see the screen better. She bounced a little bit before he settled her down and wrapped a single arm around her waist and used his free hand to type. Not the easiest, but much better than dealing with tears.


It was two hours later that Mrs Hudson returned with bags filled to the brim with everything she thought a little girl would need. She had prayed almost the entire time she was gone that Sherlock would behave, it really wouldn't surprise her to find the whole place in shambles, she just hoped that he would act the adult for once.

The flat was thankfully still intact, there was no crying or screaming, no smoke or signs of an apocalypse. What she found instead left her standing in the doorway to 221B with her mouth hanging open, for there sat Sherlock; typing away with Lidia perched on his lap.

"Really Sherlock, showing a child that young those pictures on your computer…" She knew he had shown them to that sweet boy from the wedding, not that she approved of it then, but at least he was older than Lidia. Some of the pictures that Sherlock retained gave her nightmares, she didn't want to think about what it would do to such a young child.

"I'm helping to find Daddy!" Lidia bounced up and down a couple of times as she sent a wide smile to Mrs Hudson. She liked that Mr Holmes was allowing her help, she knew her daddy would be so proud of her when they got him back.

"Is that what you really think of me?" Sherlock rolled his eyes at the older woman, he was getting really tired at everyone expecting the worst of him. He might not be the hero, but he wasn't the villain either.

Martha was speechless for a moment, the fact was she hadn't thought of any other explanation when she had entered in on the scene before her. In her defense he had never given her evidence that he would act any other way. Gathering herself, she set down the few bags she had in her hand and stepped fully into the flat.

"Have either of you eaten?"

Sherlock looked confused for a moment, his eyes slipping to glance at the time. Mrs Hudson flung her arms in the air with a huff and turned on her heel to quickly make a bit of something for the two.

Lidia sat at the kitchen table a few minutes later, happily digging into the quick meal that Mrs Hudson had fixed, her feet kicking back and forth. Sherlock spared a momentary glance at the girl before sending off a text to Molly.

"Have you found anything yet?" Mrs Hudson carefully set a plate on the desk beside Sherlock, her eyes straying to the laptop screen.

"So far there has not even been a whisper, but the sites and chatrooms were a long-shot this early anyway." He had known that, even though he still held a bit of hope that something would pop up.

"I hope you find something soon; the poor dear shouldn't be without her father." Martha patted Sherlock's shoulder, moving quickly away afterwards and towards the kitchen in order to do a bit more cleaning.


When Molly arrived later on in the afternoon, she was leery at what she would find. It wasn't that she didn't trust Sherlock, he had proven himself able to handle the girl the day before, but that was only after a short amount of time. She had figured after all that time Lidia would have gotten on his nerves and the two would be fighting, or sulking. So she was of course shocked when she entered to the sight of Lidia sitting on Sherlock's lap while he worked on his computer.

Mrs Hudson had been cleaning, a job she found was never ending in 221B, but after seeing the look that came over Molly's face came over to stand beside her.

"Isn't it just adorable? I found them like that earlier, they've been that way all afternoon." Martha leaned in, her voice much louder than the whisper she pretended she would use.

"Ms Hooper! I'm helping find Daddy!" Lidia smiled proudly before turning back to the screen.

Molly just giggled, her hand going up to press against her lips. She had never seen him so accommodating with any other child but Lizzie. She smiled through her giggles; there were many versions of Sherlock she loved, but she had to admit her new favorite was Sherlock with children.

"I'm not adorable." Sherlock practically snarled through clenched teeth, his head lifting to watch the two grown women giggling like adolescent girls. It was unbecoming, or at least that was what he told himself.

Molly and Mrs Hudson just laughed harder, their eyes sparkling with mirth.

"What, I'm not. And I would appreciate it if both of you would stop looking at me that way." He had been looked at that way before, Mary had looked at him that way, right before she told him that he would make a great father one day. It unnerved him to see that look from Molly, even if it did make her eyes twinkle and her cheeks to turn a pleasing shade of pink.

Mrs Hudson shook her head and leaned closer to Molly's ear.

"Whenever Lidia needs the loo Sherlock stands outside the door and whistles for her." It was the sweetest thing she had ever seen, Sherlock propped up against the wall whistling away. She had thought her heart would melt when she snuck around the corner to watch him pick Lidia up in his arms so she could wash her hands.

"Would you both shut up?" He had had it with the women in his life, tittering away at him like he was some grand amusement.

"That's bad Mr Holmes, Daddy says you don't says things like that." Lidia crossed her arms over her chest, looking back and up at Mr Holmes. Shut up was a no-no at home, Daddy always said that only rude people said it.

"Yeah Sherlock, be nice." Molly had finally stopped laughing, but only just. She winked at Sherlock when he rolled his eyes at her. She knew she shouldn't tease him, but sometimes it was just too easy. Plus, she enjoyed their new dynamic, the one where they were actually functioning friends.

"Where have you been?" Lidia smiled up at Ms Hooper, she hadn't seen her all day and she had wondered why. Didn't she live there too?

"I was doing some work at hospital." Molly smiled and quickly shucked her coat and bag. She still wore the clothes she had worn to work, but thankfully her day had been filled mostly with paperwork and she was blood and gore free.

"Are you a nurse or a doctor?" Lidia's eyes went as wide as her smile.

Molly took a moment to think about it before she answered. She really didn't think it was a wise idea to say she cut up dead bodies for a living, it would probably scare the girl. In the end she decided it would be best to keep it simple and vague.

"I'm a doctor." Molly ignored the raised brow of the man in front of her, he had of course noticed her pause, but he really couldn't blame her.

Lidia squealed and bounced a bit in Sherlock's lap, making him grunt in pain. It surprised both Molly and Mrs Hudson when he didn't make her get down and only settled her until she was still.

"I've wanted to be a doctor all my life, and Daddy says that I would be a good one." Lidia couldn't believe it, the nice Ms Hooper was actually Dr Hooper. She practically beamed up at the woman.

"I'm sure you will be too." Molly shifted just a bit at the look that Lidia was giving her, she had never had a child look at her like that. Like she was some sort of superhero, it was a bit overwhelming.

"I didn't ask you here for career advice." Sherlock looked back and forth between Molly and Lidia, unsure what had really just happened.

"You didn't ask me here at all, you demanded actually." She was used to it of course, Sherlock just thinking he could order her about whenever he wanted. Even since the change in their relationship he continued to act in such a way. Then again she had done nothing to stop him, it had just become habit.

"You don't mind, I know that because I know you." She had never turned him down, never told him no, even when she had been with…Tom. He had once likened her to a dog, when he whistled she would come bounding up to him with her tail wagging. It was an image he no longer associated with her, she had changed during his two years away. He knew had she ever really wanted to, she would refuse him. He was just lucky that so far she still wanted to have anything to do with him.

Molly just stuck her tongue out at him, making him laugh lowly. Sadly he was right, but she would never tell him that, his head was big enough as it was.

"You shouldn't do that, Daddy says it's rude. Tongues are meant to stay in the mouth." Lidia's mouth pressed together in a bit of a pout. Why did adults always do the things that they said not to do? It didn't make sense to her.

"Yes Molly, don't be rude." Sherlock smirked, winking at Molly just as she had done.

Mrs Hudson watched on, shaking her head. When John had told her how the two had been acting around each other she hadn't believed a word of it, but it was hard to ignore what she was currently seeing. Seriously, were the two…flirting?

"Well, now that you are here; I want to visit Lidia's house, see if I can find anything." Sherlock cleared his throat, turning away from Molly to shut down his laptop.

"You want me to watch Lidia?" Molly started to pull out a chair to sit, only to notice Sherlock was giving her one of his 'are you really that stupid' looks. She hated when he did that.

"No, I want you to go with me. Mrs Hudson can look after Lidia." Really, why would he need her to watch after Lidia when he had a perfectly able housekeeper to do it?

"What about John?" Sure, she had helped him more often since his return, but she knew he still preferred when John was with him.

"I've been informed not to disturb them for the next few days unless someone actually dies. Lizzie is sick with a cold." It was the baby's first cold, and of course it didn't matter that John was a doctor, he was freaking out just as much as Mary.

"Oh my, is she alright?" Molly frowned, Lizzie was so young. The poor thing, she bet John and Mary were out of their minds with worry.

"She'll be fine, nothing to worry about. Now, shall we go?" Sherlock raised a brow at Molly, hoping that she wouldn't start fretting over Lizzie. He needed her focused, anyway he was sure the girl would be right as rain soon enough. The parent in John might have been worrying, but the doctor in him would take charge in the end and Lizzie would receive the best care.

"I wanna go too!" Lidia looked back and forth between the two adults, not liking that they had been ignoring her.

"No."

"Lidia I don't think that would be best."

Sherlock and Molly spoke at the same time, looking at each other with faint smiles once they had finished.

"It would be better if you stayed here with Mrs Hudson." Molly looked down at Lidia, feeling a bit nervous at the wetness forming in her eyes. She hated when children cried.

"But I wanna go! I can help, Mr Holmes you said I could help!" Lidia began to cry, pressing her face into Sherlock's chest, her fists balled in his shirt.

"Fine!" Sherlock threw up his hands in exasperation, could she just turn it on whenever she wanted?

Molly gave him a strange look, mostly when he pushed Lidia back enough that he could wipe off the tears from her face. She had expected him to grow angry, even snap at the girl, she had never expected him to give in. Or to be so tender, it made her heart clench momentarily.

"It won't really be dangerous, the kidnapper won't return for fear of being caught." Thinking about it, Sherlock decided it might actually turn out for the best. Lidia would be able to fill in any gaps.

Lidia smiled and got up from his lap to grab her coat. Though when no one moved she went over and grabbed Molly's hand, pulling her over to grab one of Sherlock's.

"Hurry up, I want my Daddy back." Lidia tugged on their hands, no longer caring about being rude. They were going to get her daddy back, and that was all she currently cared about.

Sherlock and Molly looked to each other and sighed before allowing the girl to drag them out of the flat and off to gather clues. Not that they really had a choice in the matter.


Author's Note: Ok, sorry that took awhile, I ended up having a bad week. I had half of this done and then ended up with migraines as well as panic attacks. I've just finally had the time to finish this. Hopefully it won't be so long before the next one. Plus, the next one has to be my favorite out of all the chapters.

Next Chapter: Reenactment, an old friend, dinner and conversation, bath time and contemplation, bedtime and stories, and music.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.