Summary:
Sherlock is settling into Molly's home after moving in; Molly and Sherlock discuss a name for their unborn daughter.
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A week later, Sherlock had moved most of his non-working items into Molly's...well now, their home. It was time, and when anyone said the word home, it equated to Molly's house in his mind anyway.
Molly grins as he hangs up a few of his clothes in the left side of her closet, leaning on the doorframe as she watches him, rubbing her bump.
"You have no idea how many times I imagined or dreamed of this happening. It all feels so surreal still, even the baby. Which, by the way, we need to sit down and discuss names for her. I've had a couple in mind for a while, but I know a lot of couples fight over names and I was trying to hold that off because we are in a wonderful place right now."
Sherlock looks over at her and smiles a bit. "I'm not fussed, Molly. But we are not naming this child after me."
Molly laughs at his antics. "It's not a girl's name! For God's sake."
He smirks and puts a few of his belongings in one of the suitcases he had brought over as well. "May as well do this while I'm putting things away since we are going to my parents this weekend anyway. Makes no sense to hang them up just to take them down in two days."
"Makes sense."
He runs a hand through his curls and sighs, seemingly bored by the mundane but mandatory task.
"Y'know, with how many times you've commented on your name I'd almost think you wanted a child to be named after you one day."
He turns to her with a face of horror. "Absolutely not! It's a joke, it's just a joke!"
Molly laughs and clutches her stomach, her cheeks turning pink in glee at how she can get such a rose out of him.
He growls annoyedly and goes over, hugging her close in a bear hug. "You little-"
"Hey, hey! If you can joke, I can joke too, mister."
Sherlock rolls his eyes and kisses her softly. "Am I allowed to take a break from hanging clothes?"
"Sure. Want some lunch, I could go for a really big sandwich right now", she chuckles.
Sherlock rubs her stomach a bit and presses a kiss to it quickly.
"Alright, let's go." He gently holds her arm as they walk to the kitchen and Molly can't help but smile at how completely different he has been since learning that he's a father.
It would be a complete one-eighty if she weren't so close with him and known his softer side to begin with. It's still a big change, but a great one. The most important thing is that unlike his worries, it hasn't hindered his ability to solve cases at all either. Turns out, sentiment isn't found on the losing side. Being on the side of the angels is actually an advantage. Every great person has a great support system. What Jim Moriarty had said was Sherlock's ultimate demise, which was clearly also discussed with Eurus, emotional context, was actually his clarity once he stopped fighting it.
He does not need to be cold to be great. His softness along with his intellect, working figuratively hand in hand is what makes him great, and she's thrilled he is finally beginning to see that.
Molly begins to prepare large sandwiches for them both and Sherlock chuckles, removing some of the extra meat and veggies from him. "Woah, love. Too much. You may be two people, but I'm only one, and I eat limited quantities as it is."
"I know, but remember way back when, when we told each other we would try to keep each other accountable for eating? I know shit happened and we let that go but we shouldn't have. It was a good support and we both need to be healthier. Of course, the baby is making me eat a lot now, but when she's born, I'm assuming I'll go back to my old habits which aren't always great. So can we renew that little pact?"
Sherlock sighs deeply and nods a bit. "It matters more to me that you eat."
"And it matters to our daughter that both her parents are healthy. Please? I care about you too, Sherlock. None of that digestion slows you down crap. Even if it's some crisps or something, try to eat?"
"Okay, okay. I'll try."
"Thank you", she grins and kisses his hand since she can't reach his face without straining. They take their plates over to the coffee table and Molly digs right in as Sherlock chuckles.
"This looks good, Molls. Thanks."
"Mmmph", she mumbles, chuckling with her mouth full.
"Sooo, names then. She's due in a couple short months and is overdue for a name."
Molly swallows her food and nods. "As I said, I have a few that I like."
"Every time I heard one that I liked I kept it in my notes on my phone."
"You did?"
"Mhm", he hums in the affirmative, grabbing his phone out of his pocket and finding his short list.
Molly grabs her own phone and flips to her list. "Okay...I have Lilly, Maddison, Abigail..."
"Wait, really?"
"Huh?"
"Abigail is on my list too. Though Abby has a better ring to it."
"I totally agree", Molly gapes. "Abigail Holmes."
"Wait, what?"
Molly furrows her brow. "What?"
"Oh, n-nothing...just...you want her to have my last name?"
She blushes and nods. "If you'd like her to. I'm sure you'll be a great father, so I see no reason why she shouldn't."
"No I-...that's fine. That's- better than fine", he blushes. "I just wasn't expecting you to want that."
"Of course I want that, Sherlock. She's your daughter too, and let's be honest, it's a better surname than Hooper", she chuckles.
Sherlock smiles weakly and shrugs. "I'm just concerned about her connection to me."
"Sherlock, we've been over this. We can protect her, and when she goes to school, we will make sure there is security and all that stuff. I'm sure despite how Mycroft feels about children, he will care enough for his niece to keep an eye out for her through the security systems, hm?"
Sherlock snorts. "I have no idea, he's a wild card."
"Anywayyy", she drawls. "Back to the matter at hand, is that her name? Abigail? We can call her Abby."
"That works", he smiles.
"I was also thinking that since your parents are so excited, I want her middle name to be Joy. For your Mum."
Sherlock raises an eyebrow, clearly touched but nods nonchalantly. "I think that's sweet, and she'll completely freak out."
"Oh good, I was hoping you would say that. I hope she's thrilled as well. I haven't seen your parents in person since...well since that one time I met them in passing when you were at Speedy's talking with Mrs. H. But I enjoy when they call."
Sherlock groans and takes their places to the sink. Molly tsks and he blushes, putting them in the dishwasher instead.
"Don't groan. I think it's great how much they love you. I'd do anything for one more day with my father. For him to be a part of this; to meet our daughter."
Sherlock's eyes soften. "I know that; I'm sorry. They're just..."
"Enthusiastic. Too mushy for you."
"Yeah", he chuckles. "They are very constricting."
"Well, I think you can survive a weekend. They are your parents, Sherlock."
"I know...I'm just glad I'll have you there. You can keep my mom distracted and talking for hours while I sneak out for air."
"Hey!"
"I have heard you on the phone, you two could talk for hours. Don't act surprised."
"Fine", she huffs.
Sherlock walks over and kisses her, receiving an equally eager kiss back. "I'm going to go tie up some loose ends so I can be here tomorrow and help you pack. Ok?"
"Okay. Maybe we can get Chinese takeaway tonight?"
Sherlock laughs softly. "Thinking about food again already? Yes, of course we can."
"Oh hush you. Go."
He chuckles and nods, slipping his Belstaff on. "Text me if you need anything. I'll be home for dinner."
"Alright, see you later."
"See you", he replies, smiling as he closes the door.
Molly rubs her bump and smiles happily. "Well Abby, you have quite the dad. I think the minute he sees you and holds you, he's gonna fall in love harder than he ever has."
