A/N: Hello! So I lied, I said I would tone down the fluff, and that just didn't happen, but I added smut to appease the masses, and this is a longer chapter, so I hope you like it!
John looked toward the dark grey skies and shivered. The weather had turned unexpectedly cold over the last week, not that he had given it much thought. But now with the sun rising, hidden beneath layers of clouds, it was something he was almost forced to think about as he packed case after case. One large case for each of them, plus the diaper bag and a duffel for Maddy's extra toys, diapers, and such. But really, how many suits and coats did one man need?! Did Sherlock really need a case full?
John looked back out the window, glancing over a few of the toys that sat on the sill. John could hardly believe Maddy was almost two, they could start potty training any day. Had it really been six months since Sam's death? It felt like the time had flown by, and yet at the same time he could feel the seconds ticking past.
He knew he had already broken so many of the promises he had made to her, but really, Maddy wasn't in any danger, and he did try to talk of her often. But still with every day that passed, he could tell Maddy remembered her mother less and less. To be truthful, that broke his heart. He only wanted what was best for his daughter, but he couldn't bring her mother back to life.
He worried about the conversations he would have to have with her the older she got. Where do babies come from, the birds and the bees, but even more he worried about what he would say when she asked him things like where her mother was or the day he would have to explain his and Sherlock's relationship. He worried if other children would pick on her for having two dads, or if she would feel different or left out because of it. But wasn't having two loving caring parents of the same sex better then having hateful or fighting parents of different genders? At least they had love spurring their relationship.
John knew that one day these questions would come up, and he wanted to be truthful with her, but how could he make it so she could understand without making it too grown up? Maybe Sherlock could think up a way. Okay, maybe not. John laughed as he thought about Sherlock explaining something like love to his daughter.
'Well, Madeline, first oxytocin and endorphins are released...'
No, it would be less confusing to tell her about cupid. John would just have to figure it out. Maddy hadn't much had a chance to meet children her own age or meet other families. No time to see other families with both a mommy and a daddy. But then again she had never really known a family with both, she was raised up to this point mainly by a single mother and a part time dad, and now she was being raised by her father and his...boyfriend? Life partner? Flat mate? Lover? Consulting detective? Where did Sherlock fit in? He wasn't he father, wasn't an uncle, he was just Sherlock. He was helping raise her so far, but their relationship really didn't have any definition, they were just Sherlock and John. So what did that make Maddy to Sherlock and vice versa?
If john was being honest with himself, he loved Sherlock, he hoped to one day marry him or at least define the relationship under certain terms. But he also hoped that Maddy would love him like a father and that Sherlock would love her like his own. He didn't care is Maddy called him papa or daddy or even just Sherbrock, as long as she could love him he, would be happy.
"John are you done with the bags?" Sherlock called down the hall.
"Ya, just about. No thanks to you." John laughed.
"Hey now, you know how horrible I am at packing." He said as he appeared in the door way and made his way to John's side.
"I will give you that." John said, smiling, remembering the last time Sherlock packed his bag. He hadn't even brought any clothes.
"We could probably leave soon, if you wanted." Sherlock proposed, wrapping his arms around the smaller man's waist.
"Uh ya, could do." He said, his brain muddled by the feeling of Sherlock's hands on him."Jaust a few things left to grab, and then we can go."
Sherlock spun John around and kissed him, deeply and heavy, and then left the room without so much as another word.
John zipped the duffel he had just finished packing, and slung it over his shoulder as he picked up two of the suitcase and carried the down the stairs. They hardly used Sherlock's room anymore, with Maddy in John's room, John's room soon became their room. John figured one day they would just turn Sherlock's room into a nursery, but for right now it worked as a nap room for Sherlock when Maddy was sick and occasionally a place for...other things.
"Sherlock?" John called.
No answer.
So he tried again. "Sherlock?"
"John! Shhhh!" He whispered sternly.
He smiled as he turned the corner, Maddy was sleeping on the sofa. Her soft auburn curls falling over her face and into her eyes. Her ratty teddy under her arm and her mouth falling open. As much as she looked like a mess, she looked absolutely adorable. Sherlock had a sketch pad in one hand and a pencil in his other. It took John a second before he realized what Sherlock was doing, he was drawing her. Sherlock, being Sherlock, was great at everything (well minus astronomy), that included art. He didn't sketch very often, maybe occasionally for a case, but the few John had seen from his uni days were amazing.
He placed the bags on the floor and quickly moved to peer over his shoulder. John could feel his jaw drop. It was beautiful. It was simple, just a few hastily drawn lines so far, but he had some how managed to captured her perfectly. The way her fingers clutched the bear, or the way her hair fell, it was just perfect.
"Wow." He hadn't even meant to say it, it just slipped out. It was truly the best piece of art he had ever seen. The most elegant, the most charming, the most amazing.
Sherlock shot him a look, his shut-up-or-I-will-murder-you look, usually the one reserved for Anderson or sometimes Lestrade, if he was in a bad mood.
John mouthed a quick sorry, before letting him continue. John sat down in his chair and watched as his little girl slept soundly, still in awe over Sherlock's many talents.
"I thought you wanted to get going?" John whispered.
"We can wait." He whispered back.
John had to stifle a bit of a laugh. Everything moved at Sherlock's pace, he could swear if Sherlock Holmes wanted the earth to stop spinning it would. But he was right, they weren't in any rush. John went and double checked they had all the toiletries, someone always forgot a toothbrush or something along the line. All toothbrushes packed, everyone had a few clean pairs of socks, and all gadgets and cords were accounted for. They were packed and ready to leave Baker Street for the first time since they had moved in.
They all could use a holiday, not that this was much of a trip, it was still nice to get away. All they had done were day trips here and there for a case. John could at least hope this would be relaxing in part, low danger, maybe an easier to handle Sherlock, fingers crossed.
"Joooohn..." Sherlock whined from down the hall.
"Yes?" He replied, peeking his head put of the bathroom.
"Will you please come here and put Madeline back to sleep?" He asked not so politely.
"I'm surprised she slept this long, Sherlock, I don't think she will fall asleep again that easily." John said as he headed back to the living room.
"Well, I'm not finished." He complained.
"Daddy?" Maddy yawned.
"Good morning, sweetheart." John said as he moved to lift her into his arms.
"Morn, daddy." She smiled, rubbing her eyes and attempting to get the hair off of her face.
"Fine, I will just have to finish it later then." Sherlock huffed as he went and packed his sketch pad away. "DId you call for the cab yet?" He asked.
"No, you said you would." John said, as much as he loved Sherlock, he was getting sick of being the responsible one. "Fine, whatever. I will just call them now, it's not like we are in a hurry." He sighed, pulling his phone out of his pocket.
He quickly dialed and held the phone up to his ear. They answered just as he was passing the wiggly little girl to Sherlock's waiting arms.
"Uh, ya. Hi, I need a taxi to 221B Baker Street, quick as you please." John asked, rushing with his words.
"Daddy? Car?" Maddy asked with a big yawn.
"Ya, we are going to go on a trip." He said, pulling both her and Sherlock in as he kissed her forehead.
"Oh, what twip?" She asked very seriously.
"It's when we go in the car and have a sleepover." He said in a way that she would understand.
"Nana?" She squealed.
"No, Nana has to stay here." He said, as much as he would love Mrs. Hudson to come along, three's a crowd.
"Oh, kay." She said, looking slightly disappointed before the smile returned to her face. She still tried to squirm out of Sherlock's arms, even though he had a firm grip on her. She looked up suddenly as the doorbell rang.
"I thought you broke the doorbell?" John asked, surprised that it worked.
"I did." He replied simply before grabbing one of the large cases with his empty hand and heading down the stairs to the landing. John followed shortly, holding the other two cases and the duffel thrown over his shoulder.
"I didn't think they would be that quick." John laughed as he took the steps two at a time, before sliding to a stop. "Harry...Uh..Hi." He stumbled, in shock.
"What the actual fuck?" She said, her face twisting with anger. John could smell the alcohol on her, so strong it burnt his nose just to breathe it in. She look tired and sunken, her skin glued to ger face, yet deep sagging circles still lived under her heavy eyes.
"Sherlock, take Maddy upstairs." He said, pursing his lips and bracing for a fight.
"John, I don't thin..." He started to say as he stroked Maddy's curls.
"Now." John said using his strong and commanding army voice, the one that gave the orders, the one that had to be obeyed.
Sherlock glance over them, hesitating before staring up the stairs. John and Harry watched as he gingerly took each step as slowly as possible.
John waited until he heard the door shut before he started talking. "What the hell Harry!? I don't see you for years and the you just show up on my doorstep swearing." He said, throwing his hands into the air.
"Well that's the funny thing about family, isn't it. One minute your all chummy, next thing you know your brother is calling your girlfriend and airing out the dirty laundry." She said, her temper not masked by her humor.
"We were never chummy, I was what, nine when you left? Second it was nothing she didn't deserve to know." He scoffed.
"What did you tell her!?" She half asked, half yelled.
"You mean you don't know? You just decided to come and scream at me, when you don't even have a clue of what I told her?" He asked, almost laughing.
"Do give me some credit, I have an idea. I came home and she kicked me out, all of my stuff sitting on the steps, outside, getting soaked." She said running her hand through her bobbed blonde hair. It was the exact same sandy blonde as John's, peppered with the same browns but with a little more grey.
"I told her about dad, I told her about you leaving, and about the alcohol, that's all." He said, unapologetic.
"Well, that would do it John!" She screamed, kicking the wall closest.
John rubbed his forehead. "How could you not tell her? Your in a serious relationship, she deserved to know! Well, that and she asked."
"So you are saying you tell your girlfriends every little detail about you past? You tell them about our parents? Did you tell them about the war? Did you tell them about Alex?" She snarled.
"No, I don't. But my longest relationship with a woman only lasted six months." He said, watching as Harry raised her eyebrow at that last bit.
"Are you saying?" She whispered, almost as if it were taboo.
Ding dong.
The doorbell. Saved by the bell, again. "Sherlock, taxi's here, let's go." He called.
"John, we're not finished." She said.
"I don't care." He said as he opened the door, waving at the driver. "We are leaving."
Maddy and Sherlock were soon with them at the bottom of the stairs. The little girl, smiling away, Sherlock's concern clearly showing through. "We'll meet you in the car, love." He said smiling.
Although it probably wasn't the best way to be outed, John felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. At least now he didn't have to make an awkward conversation out of it. Coming out wasn't as hard as he thought it would be, most people had already assumed the he and Sherlock were a couple already. But telling people about Maddy, that was a different story. Only a select few knew that side of him, his caring, fatherly side. He didn't really care who knew about his wavering sexuality, his daughter though...he needed to protect her, from everything and everyone.
Sherlock took Maddy and the few smaller bags and started to load them into the taxi, all while continuously glancing back at the closed door of 221 Baker Street.
"Harry, if you want to talk, like a civilized person, send me a text and we will go for coffee or lunch or something. You can't just barge into my life and start throwing punches." He said reaching for the door.
"Where am I supposed to go John?" She asked, tears filling her eyes. "Clara, she kicked me out when she found out I was drinking again. It was just one drink, I swear. I..just...What am I supposed to do now?" She asked, openly choking back a sob.
"I don't know." He said shaking his head. "But I am sure you will figure it out." He paused, taking a deep breath. "We have to go now, goodbye Harry."
He opened the door, his hand shaking slightly as he turned the knob and ushered them both out. He trued not to look at her face, knowing if he saw her, he would change his mind. He threw the last of the bags in the boot, careful not to turn around.
"But...John." She whispered as he got into the cab and it started to move. He closed his eyes will his thoughts onto different things, like the hand that now rested on his thigh. The long skinny fingers that tapped the curve of his leg. The pale skin that rested on his jeans...
"Daddy?" Maddy sang joyfully.
"Yes, honey?" He said, turning his grimace into a weak smile.
"Maddy love. Daddy love?" She asked.
"Of course, of course I love you!" John cooed, pulling her into his lap. "You sweet, silly girl."
"John." Sherlock said, his voice reassuring, as he continued to swirl circles into his thigh.
John smiled, trying his hardest to be happy, even though he wasn't fooling anyone. "I'm fine." He said. Sherlock just glanced at him, knowing better. "No, I am really. I just, it was time. She is out of chances." He said, letting out the breath he didn't know he was holding.
"You don't mean that."
"I think I do." He replied as he started to feel his body relax. He combed his fingers through Maddy's tangles, trying to work out the knots as gently as he could. God, he would have fun at bath time tonight.
The rest of the ride went in a quiet peace, just the sounds of their breathing or a small murmur from the little girl who was soon sleeping again, much to John's surprise. But within minutes, he was sleeping as well, exhausted from the late night birthday party. Though he was pleasantly and unexpectedly awoken when the car came to a halt not long after he started napping. It wasn't nearly as far out of the city as he thought it would be, though it was still a bit of a drive.
"Are we here?" John asked as he rubbed the sleep out his eyes and gently roused his daughter.
Sherlock just hummed and nodded in response, stepping out of the car and onto the long paved driveway, only to be greeted by an older gentleman wearing a dark grey suit. John watched as he continued to nod and let the man pay the cabbie.
Getting out of the car, John still didn't know what to expect. But he did know that the sight that greeted him was not even close to what he had pictured. They stood in front of a large, no mammoth sized mansion. It was white, with large grey stones in front of a grand entrance. It had Corinthian pillars and delicately carved railings, adding to the old english effect. Suddenly John felt very out of place, glancing around at his luxurious surroundings. He moved quickly, although trying to keep his composure.
"John, this is Westley. He is the butler and care taker of the Hemsworth Estate." Sherlock said, giving his introduction with a very formal tone.
"Hello Sir, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I do hope if you ever need anything you may ask for me personally, though if I am unavailable, James is also very qualified." He said, as a young man, maybe twenty or twenty one stepped forward from the line of...Staff? Servants? No, staff was right, no one had servants anymore and even then only the filthy rich had staff. Mycroft would have staff, but Sherlock? It seemed a little more uncharacteristic.
There were eight women, all dressed in a long black uniform dress, hair all in the same dull buns, as well as two men dressed in black pants and a white shirt, wearing a grey vest to top it off. Really, the only two who stood out were Westley and James, so at least it would be easy to tell them apart, he thought.
"Oh, thank you." John said almost forgetting his manners entirely.
"Also, I took the liberty of finding a Nanny for Miss Maddy, she comes highly recommended. Unfortunately she does not arrive until tomorrow, as we were under the impression that you would not be arriving until later in the week. Please accept my apologies, Mr . Holmes. " Westley explained as he took a step back.
"That will do, though please have her references on my desk by this afternoon, I would prefer to have a browse through them myself." Sherlock said almost a little too harsh.
"As you wish." He said giving a brief nod before waving the two men to the car. "Sir, if that will be all, we do have a few last minute preparations to finish, if you will excuse us."
Sherlock merely waved his hands and the staff resumed what they had been doing previously. "John, come along and I will give you the tour." He said as he started to walk toward the large and incredibly ornate door, made all with dark wood and brass fittings.
"You told me this was a house, not a bloody mansion." John scolded, obviously caught off guard.
"It is, just a house. It is a collection of rooms, that function as a dwelling. That is the definition of a house." He said sarcastically.
"You know what I mean." He said, struggling to both keep up with his long strides and hold the sleepy little girl in his arms.
John felt completely unprepared when he walked into the giant foyer. It was big open room with a grand staircase (made of the same dark wood as the door) towering right in the center. Just this room was overwhelming, everything was so lavish, he was scared to touch anything or put Maddy down, just in case she would break some thousand year old vase or ruin some priceless work of art.
"Stop worrying." Sherlock said, placing his hand on John's shoulder.
"I just thought it would be along the lines of five bedrooms and four bathrooms, something bigger than average but not this, not twenty bedrooms and thee zillion bathrooms." He laughed.
Sherlock rolled his eyes. "Don't be ridiculous, it's only eleven bedrooms." He said pulling John into an quick embrace.
He rolled his eyes, 'only eleven'. To John it may as well have been Buckingham Palace. He looked around at his flawless surroundings, everything in it's proper place. John watched as one of the maids walked quickly across one of the halls, her arms full of linens and sheets, all carefully folded.
"Sherlock, where do all the staff live?" He asked. "Do they live here?"
"No, the main house is just for us, well, and our guests. They all live in their own residences on the estate grounds, all within walking distance though." He explained.
Hearing Sherlock say us, melted John's heart. "So what do they do here everyday?" He asked.
"Well they are only part time staff when we aren't here. They come in on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The only full time staff are Westley, James, and Scott. Scott takes care of the animals on the grounds."
"You have animals?" John asked, surprises waiting for him at every turn.
"We have horses, sheep, a few dogs, there's cats and I think there's a couple of cows and chickens in the barn. But I haven't been here in a while, Scott would be the one to talk to if you want more information." He said as they wandered down a long hallway that ended at a magnificent kitchen.
"So, this is the kitchen." Sherlock said, quite matter of factly.
"It's nice, have you ever used it?" John laughed.
"Yes...for experiments, and occasionally for it's hand in providing my body with nutritional value." He smiled, even though he tried to hide it. "Come along, I want to show you the upstairs." Sherlock said as he grabbed John's empty hand, before dragging him up a closeted staircase.
"I have a feeling I am going to get very lost here." John giggled.
Sherlock pulled/dragged him along the long and beautiful decorated hallways. Every hall was different, held doors to different types of rooms, some had oil paintings, some had photos, some even had pictures of them. Ones of him and Sherlock, ones of Maddy, ones of all three of them, doing one thing or another.
"Where did all these pictures come from?" John asked pointing at a black and white one of them, John smiling (or at least trying to) and Sherlock making a face. They both remembered that day, it was raining and Sherlock throwing a fit about not being able to go see a crime scene for one reason or another. It was an older one and one of the funnier ones they had together, but it was them, one hundred percent. That picture was quintessentially them.
"From me, every now and again I will send a photo for them to print and put up. It makes me feel more at home when I have you two here." Sherlock said as he opened a door a few down from their picture.
They walked in and John instantly knew which room they were in. It was Maddy's room. It was painted a light yellow, a happy yellow. There were stuffed animals in all different colors, dotted around the room. There was both a crib and a small bed, probably for when she got a little older. There was even a bookshelf packed floor to ceiling with everything from picture books to children's novels.
"This is wonderful. And didn't you tell me that this 'house' wasn't set up for a child?" John said as he placed the little girl into the white crib. Smoothing her curls down before kissing her forehead.
"I may have, but I'm glad you like it." He said as he wrapped his arms around John's waist. "Because if you like her room, wait until you see what's next." He kissed his neck, nuzzling his nose into the crook.
"Mmmm." John mumbled as Sherlock guided them out of Maddy's bedroom and toward a door only a meter or two a way.
Inside, there was a large plush bed, with a clean and perfectly placed blue comforter on top. The room was a light grey, with a big white rug in the center of the room. This room had everything, it had a desk and an office like area, a flat screen TV and even a couch off in the corner. It also had a marvelous view. It looked out over the grounds, the bright and vivid green of the grass, only interrupted by trees here and there.
Right over the bed was a large photo of them, mid kiss. It was beautiful, John, couldn't wrap his head around it.
"When was that?" John asked, turning around to look at his detective.
"That was at Angelo's, our first real date. Remember?" He asked as he scratched the back of his head anxiously. "I thought it would suit our room well." He said.
"Oh, of course!" He smiled. "You were so nervous, you kept fidgeting and rearranging the flatwear." John said, laughing at the memory.
"I wasn't nervous, I was excited."
"About?"
Sherlock crossed the small space in between them in one long stride, soon holding John just by his shoulders, before leaning in and pressing their lips together. John, even though he was caught off guard, accepted the kiss and started to let his hands roam. His fingers untucked his blue button down and slide underneath, reaching and teasing his nipple. Just enough to make him moan.
Watching him come undone was John's favorite part, he loved stripping him down one layer at a time. Watching as his walls come down, watching him need to be touched, watching him need him.
Sherlock was soon tugging on John's jeans, brushing over his growing erection. John pulled his hand away, and continued to tease him. Sherlock pushed him backward and let him fall onto the bed. John looked at him, consumed by want and need, reaching out for him. Soon Sherlock was on top of him, pushing him into the bed.
"Sherlock, do you have any lube?" John panted.
"Uh yes...Somewhere." He said as started to dig around the room. He went through the night stand, and rummaged through the dresser, ransacked the on suite bathroom, and even checked the desk drawers...nothing. Sherlock's face fell.
"Doesn't matter, we will figure it out. Get over here." He said as he took off his shirt in one fluid motion. He didn't move for a moment, silently figuring out what his next move would be. He pounced. Pulling off his own trousers with one quick heave, leaving him just in his pants. Soon John was in the same state, his pants obviously tented.
"John." Sherlock shuddered, his body shaking.
John slid his fingers under his waistband and tugged his pants down, revealing his straining erection. He was standing over the blond who was sitting on the edge of the bed. John could smell Sherlock, his strong scent crashing over him in waves. He reached out, taking Sherlock's length in his hand, lightly kissing and caressing it. John smiled as he felt the man above shake with pleasure. John took him in his mouth, well, as much as he could. He slipped his tongue around him, swirling him in his cheek before moving him in and out of his mouth. He pressed hard using his lips as a tight ring. John moved him out of his mouth, with Sherlock moaning at the cold air. He licked two fingers, making sure they were moist before they made their was to his backside, deftly sliding between his cheeks and skimming over his entrance.
Sherlock let out a shaky breath as John pressed his fingers inside, moving them in just the right way. He twisted his fingers into John's hair, grasping and pulling in every direction. John used his free hand to bring him back into his mouth as he continued to fuck him with his fingers. John grazed over his prostate, making Sherlock almost buckle over.
"I..I.." He breathed, trying to warn him. But John didn't care, he kept on what he was doing, licking, moving, and tasting. Watching as he shook with his release, struggling to stay standing. John swallowed as much as he could only letting a few bits fall.
The dazed look in eyes only spurred John on, milking him of every last drop. He removed his fingers and focused on his cock. Polishing the tip with just the end of his tongue.
Sherlock's breathing became heavier and more labored as he pulled John off of him and moved himself down to kiss him. He pressed his lips onto John's, piercing his lips with his tongue.
John moaned into him. John tugged them apart. "I love you." He whispered as he moved down his neck.
"It's my turn to take care of you." Sherlock said as he held him down to the mattress, just letting John shimmy up so his legs were on the bed as well.
"Pants. Off. Now." He said as he ran his hands down John's chest. His fingers gently rubbing against his nipples, watching as his cheeks went flush. John tried to get his hands to cooperate as best he could, but they were shaking with anticipation with every movement. Although he was desperate, it still took him quite a while and a series of awkward tugs and pulls before he was actually freed.
Sherlock sighed with impatience and excitement. As much as John loved getting him off, Sherlock loved it even more.
John looked dazed as Sherlock's hands found his stiff cock, aching to be touched. John thrusted his hips, feeling relief as Sherlock's pale fingers wrapped around him. John moaned, trying to get more leverage and failing.
"Please. Oh god. Please." He panted, trying to make him go faster.
"That's right, I want you to come for me." Sherlock whispered into his ear as he hunched over and took his left nipple into his mouth. He grazed over the delicate skin, just using his teeth at first, and then adding his lips and tongue. He could feel his muscles tightening, building up for his climax. And then he fell over the edge, almost embarrassed by how quick he went, but he was so lost, he couldn't really give a fuck.
As he slowly came back to earth, he started to remember where he was.
"Sherlock, we just made a colossal mess of this bed." He giggled as he rolled to look at him.
"Doesn't matter, we have nine others left to try." Sherlock out right laughed.
"We should probably get cleaned up." He said with a smile. "Now that we have christened our bedroom." John couldn't stop grinning, Sherlock always knew how to cheer him up.
"We should also pick up some lube." Sherlock said with a large grin on his face.
John sat up and ruffled his hair, stretching out his over used muscles. Sherlock grasped his arm and used it to pull himself toward him. Sherlock kissed his shoulder, the undamaged one, feeling the ridges in his skin.
"Why do you love me?" John asked, turning his body so he could see Sherlock's face.
"That's an impossible question. I love you because you are you. I love you because of everything you are. There is no one reason." Sherlock said as he moved in for a kiss.
"But in comparison to you, I am so dull. I am the most ordinary person in the world, and yet you chose me. So why?" He asked earnestly.
"Because you the kindest, most loving, most genuine, and the least dull person, I have ever had the pleasure to meet." He said, kissing his neck between words. "Now that we have that settled why don't we go get washed up, still lots to see." Sherlock said as he almost jumped to his feet.
"Okay, okay. Wait for me!" John laughed as he untangled himself from the sheets to join him.
By the time he had finished his overly long shower, he felt like a new man. Partially because he had decided to make today a great day and partially because of the million and one shower settings.
"Sherlock?" John called out into the bedroom.
Nothing.
"Sherlock?" He called again.
No answer.
Strange...he was probably just off pestering some maid about the ration of water to laundry detergent or something equally odd.
John wrapped a towel around his waist and went into the bedroom, he couldn't get over was the nicest house he had ever seen, hell, it was the nicest anything. It was beautiful, it was a mix of old classic and chic modern style, but somehow it all came together and worked surprisingly well. He must have put all of his inheritance down on it, or at least as much as he had access to.
He sat on the bed, looking at their empty bags in the corner. Someone must have unpacked for them, he could get used to that. John rummaged through the drawers, before finally pulling out a blue T-shirt and a pair of faded blue jeans, something comfy.
He took a deep breath before he opened the door to check up on Maddy. He looked around for a map, or a sign that would help him find his way back, but soon gave up on the futile search. Until he spotted the picture he had seen earlier, the one with Sherlock making the face. He opened the door closest to the large photo and found the room he had been hoping for. The bright yellow walls and white trim, instantly cheering him up. He looked over at the crib and saw Maddy standing up and smiling at him.
"Did you have a good nap, sweetheart?" He asked as he reached to pull her out.
"Mmm, ya." She said grabbing hold of his neck as he picked her up. "Hungry, daddy!"
"Should we go find you a snack?" John asked, holding her close.
"Yes, 'ease." She smiled as she started to wiggle.
John laughed, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Now just to find his way back to the kitchen...yikes. then he had an idea. John pulled out his phone.
Which way to the kitchen? -JW
Sherlock replied almost immediately.
End of the hall with the flowers, turn left and then follow till you see the yellow chairs and open the door on your right. Go through the office, down the main stairs, then follow the hall on your left. -SH
God, this was going to be a disaster. He laughed and attempted to follow his directions as precisely as he could. He got to the office but when he came out the other end he couldn't see stairs of any kind, let alone the grand staircase case he saw when he first came in. He decided just to call him.
"Hello?" He asked on the other line.
"Ya, hi. I'm lost, I'm in the office but I don't see any stairs." John said.
"And you opened the door on the right of the yellow chairs?" He asked incredulously.
"Yes, I did. Where are you anyway?" He asked, suddenly curious.
"I'm in the office, which is why I find it strange that you are in the office and yet not in the same room as me." Sherlock said, stifling a laugh.
"Can you just come find us, we are in a room with a couple of bookshelves, two desks, a couch, and a fireplace." He said as he looked around the room.
"You are in the study, one moment." He said as he hung up.
Within a few seconds Sherlock opened the door wearing a dark grey, three piece suit, and looking dashing at that.
"Your not wearing that are you? " Sherlock asked as he gave John the once over.
"Oh, I see. Love, you are doing that thing where you don't tell me what's going on, again." John said, feeling a grin rising on his face.
"I could swear I told you. At any rate, Mycroft managed to secure us an invitation to dinner at the Cornwall's tonight, we should be leaving within the hour." He said as he adjusted his cufflinks. "I hate these damn things! Will you just do them?"
John walked over and put Maddy down on the sofa, and carefully place his cufflinks in the right spot and clipped them together. "Sherlock, I don't have anything this formal." He said, hesitantly.
"Yes you do, I made sure of it. There's four new suits in your closet, that's the right one." He said, quite matter of factly.
"Who will watch Maddy? Westley said the nanny wouldn't be here until tomorrow."
"No matter, I will make sure a maid is on hand."
John sighed. "Okay, well can you go feed her, while I get dressed? There's baby food in the duffel or at least there was."
"Mmm." He hummed as he lifted the little girl into his arms. "Are you hungry, princess?" He said as he tapped the end of her button nose. "Meet me downstairs in a half hour. If you need directions, just call." He said as he left the room.
Well this will be fun, John though as he attempted to find his way back to their room in the maze of hallways. But then again how would he ever find his way around if he didn't get lost a few times on the way?
A/N: Hello, hello! Long time no see..Well not really, but you get my point. Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter, if you did please review! I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love reviews. And the more you review the more I write, so it's good all around.
Also before I leave, quick poll... Shorter chapters and quicker updates or longer chapters but slightly longer update waits?
