-A Week Later-

"Come on, Rosie! Da-da!" I coax Rosie again, turning her to face John who repeats my encouragement.

"Da-da, Rosie, come on!"

She imitates it again and cooes mischievously. I blow out a small breath and continue prompting Rosie. Sherlock, seated in his chair with his legs crossed and two fingers against his temple, continues to observe in silence. I shrug off his piercing gaze which has haunted me since the cartel case and shift Rosie a bit. He's had his eyes on me all week.

"She should have been able to say it by now." He comments.

"I think she's being a little stubborn," I admit, garnering a smile from John. If anything I want Rosie to say Da-Da today because it's passed what would have been John and Mary's third anniversary, and I believe hearing Rosie talk would be wonderful for him. But after a few more attempts John and I give it a rest, "Stubborn."

"She's a Watson." Sherlock tsks. My heart aches when I see John's eyes cloud over with memory. Rosie babbles and I give her a toy to keep her occupied. Then I pass her to John.

"Thanks." He responds, holding his daughter tightly. I exhale deeply.

I've spent the last week helping John and Sherlock cope with memories of Mary. John's snapped a quite few times at me, but I am aware why and so I've been patient and understanding. This has helped a lot, I suppose, because John's opened up and has been talking about Mary. I'm happy to see some of the weight lift from his shoulders.

"Mary was always so stubborn," Sherlock muses. I turn my attention to him, making eye contact, "Rosie definitely takes after her."

"And I'm not stubborn?" John asks with a slight laugh. Sherlock gives one slight shake of his head. John and I both chuckle.

After a few minutes of silence, John sighs and stands up, "I think it might be time for some fresh air for all of us."

"Mm?" Sherlock hums. John tsks.

"Come on. We're getting out of the flat and taking Rosie out," John turns to me, "You coming, Susanna?"

"Of course." I stand up and grab my purse, smiling. Sherlock doesn't budge.

"Sherlock, come on." Sherlock begrudgingly relented and grabbed his coat and scarf, finally taking his eyes away from me.

After practically dragging Sherlock outside the flat, we decide to go to the Park. I grab my helmet and put it on, "I'll meet you there, then." John waves as I hop onto my bike and ride off, leaving them to hail a cabbie. Feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I escape Sherlock's view, I breathe deeply and relax.

I get to the Park first, so I stow my bike and find an empty bench to wait on. Some minutes later, John and Sherlock show up with Rosie and a bag of two day old bread for the ducks. Sherlock takes the spot across the bench from me and takes out his phone.

I watch Rosie and John feed the ducks for a while before taking over, offering to walk her around the park. John goes and sits with Sherlock, and I start my circuit around the green.

Halfway around the loop, my danger antennae goes off and the hair on the back of my neck stands up. I stop walking and talking to Rosie and look around. I half expect to see Sherlock and John following me, but I don't. I only see movement in the shrubs, small and hurried. I take a deep breath, "Probably just a bird or a squirrel playing around..."

But I can't shake the feeling. I gather my wits and keep walking as if I'd dismissed the incident. I notice the shrub continue to shake, and then watch it move along the row of bushes with me. I pull Rosie against me and wrap one hand around her head and neck, should I have to run. Once I can make out Sherlock and John's figures on the bench, the rustling abruptly ceases. I purse my lips and walk a little faster.

"Ahh, was she good?" John asks as I pass Rosie over. I smile and nod.

"Oh yes. I think she rather enjoyed seeing the birds."

"Did something happen on your walk?" Sherlock inquires, catching on. I shrug.

"I had a bit of a fright, but it was probably nothing." I admit.

"A fright? What kind of fright? Was someone following you or..?" John questions.

"I'm not completely sure, really. I just got a strange feeling and saw the bushes moving near me," I replace my wary face with a smile to throw them off, "It was probably just an animal playing in the shrub that drew my attention."

"You're sure?" I nod.

"Yes. Positive."

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