A/N Thanks again to every one, following, reading and reviewing.

"You should perhaps consider a move, brother dear. It´s pretty small here. John? Where are you? " John came up with a giggling Carys in his arms. "He put her in the bathtub, Mycroft. The bathtub! Where, the hell, do you Holmes-Boy´s get your ideas from?"

Mycroft ignored the question and looked at the girl, carefully. "She has your eyes and your hair, brother," he said confidently.
Sherlock nodded , "it´s the least one can expect. "
John tried to keep his surprise at bay, apparently Sherlock really wanted to pull his brother´s leg. He decided to just play along.

"Oh, she's similar to Sherlock in many ways, isn´t she, Sherlock? "

Sherlock nodded again, "she is an enrichment, Mycroft. In every respect."

"Um ... where shall I put this, Sir? " Charles heaved the first box into the living room and snorted. There were another three waiting downstairs. And none of those present was preparing to participate in the dragging action. Good Lord! He was a private secretary, no furniture mover.

"Just put it here, Charles. And hurry up a bit, I have another appointment, yet."
Mycroft opened the box and fumbled around, until a plush bear appeared.

"Ah, exactly what I was looking for. Hello child. I am your Uncle Mycroft. I brought something for you."

He offered Carys the bear. "Do you want to tell me your name? "

Carys shook her head vigorously and Sherlock grinned in the background. Good child.

Mycroft tried it again. " Maybe you want to take the bear, girl? I bought it especially for you. "
"By yourself, Mycroft? More likely you´ve sent Anthea on a shopping spree? " Sherlock etched from the off and took Carys from John.
" Do we really want to accept what Uncle Mycroft has provided, child? " Sherlock asked, stroking Carys cheek lovingly. She snuggled up at Sherlock's chest and glanced at Mycroft, uncertainly. "My nice?"

"Um, Sherlock? I don´t wanna barge in, but we really are not equipped." John dared to say. On the stairs a loud rumbling was heard, then an equally quieter curse.
"I might give your secretary a hand," John decided and left the two brothers alone.

oOo

"Oh for God´s sake, Sherlock, I have purchased the bear at Harrods, Sherlock. Personally. I have also been careful to not buy inferior quality. He has this button in his ear, the seller said it´s the best thing on the market. And if I remember correctly, you did have the same, as a child, didn´t you? "
Sherlock raised an eyebrow. "Indeed, brother. Until you found it appropriate, to tie him to a burning New Year's rocket, to see if he survives. "

Mycroft stroked his chin, "I actually forgot about that. But he had a quick death and he served the science. How many bears can claim that?"

"Having fun, girls?" John asked, setting down his carton. "Um. Sherlock? Let us keep Mycroft's gifts. We really need it. But I've already mentioned this, right?"

"My is... um... nice. At the moment. You can take the bear, child," Sherlock finally said. "Her name is Carys, by the way."
Mycroft escaped a little smile, how appropriate. He handed Carys the bear and she smiled. "Mama say, Carys say thank you." She said seriously.
"You´re welcome, Carys. Are you sure, she´s your child, Sherlock? She´s got manners."
"As sure as I can be," Sherlock said quietly. "Do you like the teddy bear, child?"
Carys nodded, "Teddy nice, Sherlock Papa. Teddy needs a kiss."

Mycroft had to lean on his umbrella, when Sherlock kissed the bear between his ears. Without protest, just because the little girl wanted it that way. He glanced at Watson, who had a wide grin on his face.

Mycroft shook his head almost imperceptibly, Mummy was going to drop dead tomorrow. Not only Sherlock was living with a man. No, there was also a child and obviously Sherlock cared a lot for her. There was no word about Carys mother, for whatever reason. But even that would be cleared up.

"Sorry, Sir? Your appointment with the Prime Minister. We should go now. " Charles had recovered his breath.
"Of course. Well, good night. Sherlock, Cary, John. Expect Mummy tomorrow in the morning. She is visiting some friends in York today."
Carys waved Mycroft good-bye, "Night, My."
Sherlock started laughing, "Night, My. Nothing else left to say. Let´s take a look on what Mycroft purchased."

oOo

Half an hour later it was clear, My had done a great job. The Holmes/Watson household now had a high chair, a small travel bed, a potty (what caused John to a mumbled 'Thank God'), various clothing, which was a bit large, but certainly served its purpose. Mycroft had even thought of a stair gate, John was surprised.

Carys was fallen asleep during unpacking. She was sleeping soundly on the sofa, watched by her new teddy, Sherlock's favorite skull and of course Sherlock himself, who repeatedly threw a caring look at his little guest.

"I am surprised, Sherlock," John said, when everything was so far stowed and the two men sat in their chairs.
"In fact, John? About what? " Holmes took a sip of mulled wine. "Very good, John. The slight hint of cinnamon fits very well."

" I wonder about you, Sherlock. Mycroft still believes, Carys is your daughter. Why didn´t you tell him the truth? "
"Why should I? " Sherlock asked a counter-question.
"Because she isn´t? I 'm worried about you, Sherlock. You...you´re acting strange. You have not even studied the stroller for any clues and you´re making no effort to find Cary's mother. Normally, you are like a bloodhound, once you get wind of something, you don´t stop, until it´s over. What's different this time, Sherlock? "

Holmes remained silent for a while, sipping only now and then at his mulled wine.

"I ... uh ... Something you said, John."
"Something I said? I´m talking a lot, all day long, Sherlock. Don´t tell me, you´re listening to me?"
"Oh yes, I do, John." Sherlock admitted abruptly. "Don´t you look so incredulous, I really listen to you...um...sometimes."
"Okay ..." John said gently, "and what exactly did I say? I do not mean the usual chatter, I want to know what you're thinking. Seriously, Sherlock."
"Maybe I should lie down on the couch, while you take notes?" Sherlock sneered.
"Bloody idiot."
"Thank you, John. Very nice of you."
"You're welcome, you deserve this, you know?" John filled the mugs again.
"So?"
"So?"
"Wanna...um...unburden yourself to me, Sherlock? If not, then I'll empty this mug and I´m gonna hit the pillow."

"Do you expect me, to make myself completely naked for you, John?"

John nearly choked on his mulled wine. "... Uh .. you mean this metaphorically, do you, Sherlock?"
"Hm," Sherlock thought of John's glances. Earlier, when he was freshening up. "Course, John," Sherlock replied with an indulgent smile. "I´m gonna tell you straight away, when I´m getting serious."

A/N next chapter Mummy is gonna pay her son an his 'daughter' a visit