Chapter Text
John woke up to the sound of small footsteps running through the flat. His and Sherlock's bedroom door opened to Reese in her pajamas and messy bed head hair. She padded over to the edge of the bed and crawled up on John’s side. “Daddy, wake up.” John groaned sleepily as she shook his shoulder. He reached an arm around and pulled her into a snuggle, peppering her in kisses. Reese giggled loudly and tried to wriggle her way out of John’s grasp, but failed. “Did Santa Clause come visit you?” John asked as he finally released her. The girl nodded excitedly. “I saw presents under the tree!” She quickly jumped off the bed and ran towards the living room. John sat up and stretched before patting the sleeping form of Sherlock next to him. “Time for Christmas, Sherlock.” Reese peeked back into the bedroom. “Come on, hurry up!”
John watched from the comfort of his chair as Sherlock and Reese sorted through the pile of gifts surrounding the Christmas tree. The lights casted a soft glow around the pair, leaving John almost wondering if the scene was real. He was so wrapped up watching the moment that he didn’t notice Mrs. Hudson with a tray of cookies and hot chocolate. “John”, she asked gently “would you like some cookies?” John snapped out of his thoughts at the question. “Oh, no thank you. I’m all cookied out right now.” The sight of the cookies made his stomach queasy.
Reese wasted no time in opening her gifts. Her favorites were a doll playhouse from Mrs. Hudson, a beginner’s violin from Sherlock, and a fleece blanket with her name embroidered from “Santa”. She climbed into John’s lap with her new blanket to snuggle. “Oh wait, I think you forgot a present. Look.” Reese followed where John’s finger pointed. A small silver box with a red bow on top sat under the tree. Reese crawled underneath and grabbed the present, looking it over to see who it was from. “To big sister from Daddy.” She looked at John with awe. He smiled as she opened the box. “No wonder you didn’t eat the cookies.” Sherlock winked at John as he sat on the armrest of the chair, eating said cookie. John turned away in disgust. “Ugh, they are making me nauseous as we speak.” Reese studied the small black and white ultrasound picture. “Is this a baby?” John held back a laugh. “Come here, love.” He gathered Reese up into his lap. “This is your new brother or sister. They’re in Daddy’s tummy right now.” “Oh-” Reese looked back at the picture, “They look like a bean. Can we name them Bean?” Reese kicked her legs excitedly. John snuggled Reese close. “Bean is fine for now. Merry Christmas, Reese.”