A/N: This is just a one-shot for now. Just something I did to celebrate the final season of Sherlock that will be released sometime between Oct. 31st and January 1st. I really love the show and I love Cumberbatch and Freeman, they are so versatile. I don't think I spelled them right.

Chapter One

Bourbon on Drunk Street

Molly was at Bart's late. Almost everyone, accept for the night staff, was gone. She was in the woman's locker room preparing to go home. Upon removing her coat she felt a shiver run up her spine but tried not to think about it. She was used to the creepy feelings she would receive on occasion while at the morgue late at night. In all honestly it kept her on her toes; part of her secretly enjoyed being a little jittery.

However, this shiver was different. She felt like she was being watch, she glanced over her shoulder slowly as she laid her lab coat across the bench next to her and allowed her eyes to scan the dim room around her. All was silent and there was no hint of movement or strange shadows so she tried, once again, to shrug it off and she started to undress.

Every since Sherlock's "fall" she had taken to going on a jog after work. She would leave her work items in her locker and pack her old clothes from the day in a running bag and then quickly change into her running attire before she started her forty-five minute jog home. It had made her feel so much better because the stress of keeping Sherlock's secrets for the last two years had really eaten at her heart.

So many times she had longed to tell John and see the look on his face. A look of shock would be better then the look of horrible depression and sadness that had started to create lines on his face and deep circles under his eyes.

She stripped down to her skivvies and then started to pull on her sports bra and jogging pants. It then that she heard it, the smallest hint of fabric brushing across fabric. She spun around and pressed her back against the locker in utter shock.

"You're back." She said after her eyes had scanned the room to locate the sound of the noise. Sherlock stood in the shadows, his ice blue eyes staring at her with a mild intensity.

"I must admit Molly, the jogging has done wonders for you. I never imagined a Molly Hopper with abs before. It suits you."

Molly looked down at herself and realized she was only in her sports bra and exceedingly tight jogging pants. She had never worn anything so form fitting in front of John, Sherlock or anyone for that matter. She only ran at night when most anyone she would know would be either at home, working the night shift or in bed. She had never been comfortable in tight clothes and realized, just now, exactly why.

Molly knew Sherlock didn't love her, could never love her. He would and could never WANT her in that way. It wasn't who he was, but the way his eyes scanned her body and looked her up and down made her realize she really wanted to put her baggy khakis back on. Her cheeks flooded with red and she turned away reaching for her lab coat in the process.

"How long are you here this time?" Molly asked as she tried to change the subject from her newfound abs to Sherlock himself.

Sherlock let the tension in the air slide away as he gave a small smirk, "As long as forever." He said.

It was way to romantic a statement for Sherlock and Molly swung around as she adjusted her coat. Her eyes grew wide as she saw the hidden smile in his lips and she couldn't keep herself from smiling back, "You mean-"

"It's over." Sherlock said as he allowed a small flash of relief to play across his face.

Molly didn't even try to stop herself, she crossed to him and wrapped her arms around him, "You don't have to hug back." She said feeling him stiffen.

"You can come home now." She whispered as she buried her face into his soft, warm coat. "You are safe. You are home."

Surprise took her heart into its grasp as she felt for the first time in her life his long arms wrap around her and hug her back. His chin rested atop her head and Molly swore she heard him inhale her scent.

As Molly pulled away she suddenly felt Sherlock teeter a moment, "Sherlock, are you alright?" Molly asked as she took his arm over her shoulder and led him to a bench.

"Even I am not exempt from the symptoms of malnutrition and exhaustion. It is finally catching up to me. I need water."

Once Sherlock was sitting on the bench, Molly rushed off for water and when she returned she noticed for the first time how not like Sherlock he looked. He was thinner with lines on his once perfect face and dark circles that matched John's. A fatigue that normally never existed in the man's normally serious face seemed to give him a softer appearance.

As Sherlock drank he put a large hand on Molly's knee and she scooted a little closer and placed her hand on his back.

"Molly, I need you to know. This wouldn't have been possible with out you. You once told me that you didn't matter, that you were not important in the grand scheme of my life. And while it is true that most times I have been less then kind to you, you as a person managed to fool one of the greatest criminal masterminds into thinking that you were nothing but a grunt. In fact, you are so much more. He didn't take you into account and there for you were never a target. You were, in all sense of the word, my trump card to his madness. With out you, I would have-"

Molly brought up a finger to her lips and Sherlock looked at her with sad and tired eyes.

"I would help you again if needed. Any time you ask I am here, no matter if your normal eccentric self returns in the near future or not. As it were, I am not important right now. The only person who matters right now is John. He needs you Sherlock; you must tell him tonight he won't be able to make it much longer. He became so dependent on your friendship and acceptance that when you left he completely shut down. I've had to force-feed him several times and his therapist can't ever get him to come in. He doesn't want to see or do anything. He just wants you and your friendship back and making him wait another night in the darkness will only kill him faster."

Sherlock drank this all in and then nodded as he stood on shaky legs; he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his phone.

"Call Mycroft and let him know what is going on. Tell him at any cost he is to get John over to the clubhouse tonight. No bitching."

Molly nodded with a smile and got to work.

00000

Mycroft had been very straightforward about John's condition when ever Sherlock had asked, but now, looking at the newest images of John that Mycroft had collected, it suddenly seemed like Mycroft's words hadn't done John's condition justice.

He looked simply awful, and his limp had returned…. And he was feeding pigeons in the park! He was acting like some old decrepit man who couldn't do more then hobble down the street.

"You let him near those filthy beasts?" Sherlock had asked as he shoved the pictures of his friend away and they skidded across the desk.

"It seems to be the only thing that makes him content, and if I do recall, you made me promise to allow the man breathing room. You wanted him to be content with your death Sherlock, and apparently feeding pigeons has become his only way to find it. I wouldn't judge, he has been lost with out you dear brother."

Sherlock balled his fists as he felt old fury return, Mycroft sounded just like mummy! How dare he lecture Sherlock about the value of his friendship with John when Mycroft didn't have any friends at all!

"Do not ruin this for me tonight brother. I want John to be happy not excessively irked off." Sherlock said looking out the window at the pouring rain.

Mycroft was about to rebuttal when a small peep came from the corner, almost like from the squeak of a mouse.

"Boys, um…. Maybe no fighting tonight? I know you don't get on… but John needs strength and reassurance. He will be irked either way Sherlock. You and I lied to him for two years…. Mycroft, you did too. I imagine he won't be happy to see any of us for a few days so Sherlock, I would prepare yourself and don't expect things to go back to normal five minutes after he sees you."

The small girl bowed her head and shifted uncomfortably as the two men stared at her like she was a different species they had never seen before. Mycroft placed both his hands on the top of his umbrella.

"Your pathologist is right, we must be ready for anything, come hell or high water John will be very… put out with us all."

Sherlock sighed and ran his hands through his hair and then looked at the door, as it swung open. Everybody visibly relaxed when they noted it was just a servant with a tray of tea and biscuits. He set the tray down near the center of the room with out a word and then left shutting the door behind him.

Silence filled the room as everyone realized just how tense the situation was.

"You did tell John his gun was not necessary correct?" Sherlock asked as if the severity of the situation just seemed to come to light.

"Naturally. With something this delicate discretion is advisable."

Sherlock nodded as he stared at a point on the floor and after a moment his eyes flickered up to look at Molly who was standing there looking totally defeated. Her fingers gently traced the side of the rather large grand piano that was cattycorner to the rest of the room. Her eyes were drinking in the shiny instrument as if she had never seen one before. Her eyes looked so sad and forlorn and her usually small lips looked bigger as she was allowing them to pout slightly. She sighed and Sherlock watched as she wiped a tear away.

Sentiment.

Sherlock whished he had an announce to spare, he wished he could allow himself to indulge because as often as he claimed to be devoid of all emotions he knew the truth, the truth that he hid from everyone. With the exception of Mycroft who had grown up with him no one realized that Sherlock had more emotion then most other people that he dealt with on a daily bases.

He just refuse to let them control him, Sherlock shoved his emotions down so far that he was able to numb out any other emotion that could cloud his usually logical and cool intellect. He had to be numb, because being anything else would ruin his abilities, ruin his mind. Emotions were like Heroin or Cocain, if he allowed himself to indulge in their seductive whims he would be lost and his deductive skills, his cold logical exterior would be adrift forever.

Sherlock couldn't allow that, he had to be who he was otherwise he couldn't do what he does. The truth was they would all be dead right now if he hadn't allowed his mind to be who it wanted him to be.

But as Sherlock looked at Molly he couldn't let it go, perhaps he had spent to much time with John and Molly and Lestrade but for a moment he allowed his barriers to fall and he took a step towards her.

"Molly…" She looked up at him as she continued to wipe her eyes, "I'm sorry, I know… I know I am too emotional… I just… it's finally over. John doesn't have to hurt anymore and I am… well… you are home… I am trying not to be over emotional but I c-can't…"

"Molly, I need to ask you something… it's very important… before John…" But he didn't finish. He looked over at his brother who, though unaware of what was to come, seemed to understand Sherlock's cue and turned away walking to the book shelf's nearby to look at the books with false interest.

Molly slowly walked over to him, her eyes puffy and her nose sniffling in an attempt to stop the flow of bodily fluids.

Sherlock handed her a tissue from the nearby table and waited for Molly to clean herself up.

"Molly, I need to know something… something that you may not be able to answer."

Molly nodded and though her eyes showed that she was longing to come closer she stayed a foot or so away and waited patiently.

"Why?" Sherlock asked.

Staring at him blankly Molly felt her mouth hanging slightly ajar and she shook her head in an attempt to clear her thoughts from her mind as she spluttered out a confused, "W-what?"

"Why… have you done all this…" Sherlock ask slowly trying to make sure his question was coming across correctly. He knew that Molly loved him that she was devoted to him but that still didn't explain why she did all this for him for two years.

"I don't… I thought you…knew…"

"Just say it Molly. I know you love me but you also know that that is a long dead road. You know I can't…" Sherlock faltered for a moment, something that never happened and Sherlock noticed Mycroft shift to look over at him, the look on his face was one of curiosity. For once he had no idea what was happening and he always knew what was going on were his little bother was concerned… Molly Hooper seemed to have a knack for stumping even the most clever of minds.

"You're right…" Molly said looking down, her demeanor changed then. The mousy Molly that Sherlock knew was changing and suddenly the real Molly was standing in front of him. No trembles or shakes or dodgy glances or constant avoidance. Her eyes locked with his and she said in a rather confident voice, "I love you Sherlock. And I know you can and will never return my affections. I am not a fool on this matter. And honestly, I never have expected you to."

"But why… you've gone above and beyond the call of friendship. You've done more for me then anyone. You've risked everything for me knowing that you will never get anything in return… at least not what you really want. Yet, you have put your job on the line, you've put your personal life on hold for two years… you were my life line and my personal doctor when I need it. You've done everything that a man's lover would do and you've done it all with out ever actually receiving any love or affection of any kind. I need to know why because I don't understand sentiment… I don't understand this side of humanity and never will… I just need to know, before it's too late and I lose the power to ask… why, Molly Hooper, would you ever do this."

"You've turned everyone but John, Greg, Mycroft and myself away. Even Miss. Adler was spurned after the incident in Belgravia. "

Sherlock felt his eyes grow wide, and he could feel Mycroft stiffen, how did little Molly Hooper know of the scandal that happened in Belgravia, was there more to her then Sherlock thought? After all this was Molly allowing him to see how clever she really was once the mask of fear and anxiety fell away?

"If I don't love you… who will?" Molly asked, "As awful and cruel and horrible as you can be, and trust me, I of all people know how you are Sherlock believe me-" A tear slipped from her eye but she furiously brushed it away, "But I also know you are imperfect just like the rest of us… you hurt… I told you once that I've seen you hurting… it's in your eyes and your face and the way you move. You will NEVER admit it Sherlock, but deep down you wish you were as blind as the rest of us. Part of you, a part you've forgotten wants to be a boring, normal, sloppy person like John and like me and like Lestrade. But you and I both know you can't, it isn't who you are, you can't-" Molly turned away from him then and for the first time Sherlock felt his stomach drop as he realized she was shutting him out, she had never done it before and he didn't like it at all.

He reached out a hand and placed it on her shoulder, "Sherlock…" She said softly and she turned back to him, "You've sacrificed more for me then anyone else I've ever known and that includes my family. You would have died to save John and Greg…and if I had been in danger… I think you would have done it for me too."

"Yes." Sherlock said before he could stop himself.

"You are a great man Sherlock, but someday you will learn how to be a good one. No one can do what you do… and I think you've come closer to finding your humanity then you ever have before. Embrace it Sherlock, before the feelings are lost again." Molly said and then she turned and slowly started to head out of the room. Sherlock's eyes stared into her back and as she reached for the door she felt Sherlock's hand grab her by the wrist and he pulled her back and leaned down and placed a genuine kiss on her lips.

Molly was so shocked she felt her legs give out and Sherlock pulled her closer giving her the support she needed. The kiss was heated but not like something Molly had seen in so many of her romance movies. It was a true kiss and for a moment Molly forgot herself and allowed her heart to be swept up, this was Sherlock's way of saying thank you and she was going to take it all in.

Someone cleared their throat and Sherlock and Molly pulled away to look at Mycroft who gestured to the door on the far side of the room with his head, they turned to look and John and Greg stood there staring at them.

"Sherlock and Molly… I didn't see that coming." Lestrade said as John continued to stare with his jaw hanging.

"John… it's wonderful to see you." Sherlock said trying to smile but it faltered a moment and before anyone could react John had launched himself across the room.

0000

Everyone had made an attempt to get to Sherlock before John in an attempt to keep the detective in one piece. They thought John would go for Sherlock's throat first but as Sherlock moved his arm in front of Molly to keep her out of the way of the fist that was sure to fly towards his face Lestrade tripped over the corner table and the tea tray went sprawling across the floor as the Detective Inspector landed with a thud in a large puddle of tea. Mycroft had been half way before the tea tray had gotten lodged between the tall man's feet and he tumbled down to match Lestrade, both men reaching out in confusion to try and stop John.

But this entire ruckus had not been necessary apparently because when John did connect with Sherlock it was to wrap his arms around the man and hug him as tightly as possible.

"You bloody fucking thick headed eccentric asshole!" John yelled as he hugged Sherlock tighter.

"John, I… I am… happy to see you." Sherlock stammered, which was a rather delightful thing to behold. Molly giggled into her sleeve as she offered a hand to Mycroft who had been nearest her. The man took her help to stand clutching his umbrella in his free hand.

Greg had managed to stumble to his feet and was standing there staring at the two men with awe.

"How did you do it? What wonderfully horrible scheme did you develop to end your life like a hero. You just wanted the limelight of a glorious come back didn't you?" John said releasing the bewildered detective who very quickly adjusted his clothes.

"I can't believe you managed to hide this from me for two years. How'd the others take it… I mean… I get the kiss from Molly, she must have been bloody glad to see you but…Mycroft…."

John was so exuberant that everyone was still in shock; they all stared around the room not making eye contact, with the exception of Greg who was staring at Sherlock waiting for an answer.

"John I… I need to tell you something…" Sherlock said as he rubbed the back of his head nervously.

"Right, what is it?" John said as he gave his usual smile.

"I… Molly and Mycroft…they knew….the whole time. They were in on it…it's quite a lot to explain but…"

John's smile faded and his eyes danced between the three guilty parties.

"Wait, you mean… they all… they knew… the whole time. Molly Hooper and bloody Mycroft Holmes KNEW you had faked your death and no one told me? ME! YOUR FUCKING BEST FRIEND!" John shrieked as he looked to Greg, "DID YOU KNOW!" He yelled as Greg held up his hands in fear, "No! I didn't! This is the first I knew about it….come to think of it… you would think when it came to faking someone's death a man on the inside would have been a real help. Why the hell didn't you tell me! You know how much easier it would have been for me to go through all the bloody paperwork if I had known there was a good reason to do it!"

"I had a man on the inside… actually… a woman. Molly faked all the paperwork and kept in contact with me while I have been away to ensure that you and Greg were safe."

"Safe!" John yelled as he took a step closer, "Safe! You trusted Molly Hooper, and your brother but not me or Greg because you wanted to keep us safe? Safe from who? From what? Your own selfish personality?"

Sherlock was about to respond but Molly came to his aid, "To keep you safe from Moriartie's network! He has been gone two years trying to take down the people who have constantly been trying to kill us. All of us, Moriarty wanted to make sure that if Sherlock didn't die, if he managed to survive… that you would all be killed. Sherlock has spent the last two years disassembling his network so that no one else anywhere will ever be hurt or threatened again. He couldn't tell you because…"

Sherlock put his hand on Molly's shoulder and John furrowed his brow at the touch, "John, Molly was never a target… Jim never counted her as a friend to me. He thought I didn't care about her, that I didn't view her as a friend. To him Molly was not a weak spot with me so she wasn't on the paper to be assassinated. She was the only one who didn't have a sniper on her twenty-four seven. She was the only number in the equation that Moriarty hadn't accounted for, therefore she was my only hope at pulling off my not so permanent demise."

"But you could have told me you stupid git! I've suffered-" He stopped and bit his lower lip before he took a deep breath, "I've lost so many people in my life Sherlock. You are the closest thing to a brother I've ever had. Losing you… it almost killed me. And now, you come waltzing back into my life… acting like nothing happened, like I am supposed to welcome you back and act like you didn't choose to leave me out, like you didn't choose to let me suffer!"

"John… please I… I was trying to protect you… you and Greg and molly and Mycroft… I was trying to protect everybody. You know how I am with sentiment… I don't understand sometimes… but I was trying to do my best to protect the few people I care about."

Greg sighed and itched the back of his head, "I had a sniper on me?"

"The new man you hired… your personal assistant… he didn't show up to work a week after you hired him… he never came back because I took care of him. He had a gun on you the whole time Detective Inspector. You were going to be killed if I didn't jump. Even Mrs. Hudson had someone trained on her, the repair man she had hired… took me a few days to get him but when he didn't show up to repair the lamp fixture… he's gone now too."

"And me? What about me Sherlock? What mystery man entered my life and then mysteriously disappeared because as far as I am concerned… I've not had that happen."

"Moriarty knew you were my weakest point. He knew I would do anything to keep you safe. He knew I would bare my soul or jump off the highest building in London, what ever it took… he knew I would bend over backwards to protect you. He put a man called Sebastian Moran on you John, his top man. I had to chase him across the sea… but I got him… he won't be back either."

"Sebas-" John stopped and felt his chest tighten, "Moran was in the fusiliers with me… he was the best sniper in the brigade."

"He was also Moriartie's right hand man. I couldn't involve you… if Moran had even suspected that you knew… you know he wouldn't have missed a beat John."

John nodded almost absent mindedly, "So, it's all over. Moran's dead and… they are all dead?"

"Or in prison but I left few to be found. No one is going to come back for us, for any of us. We are all safe again."

John gave a shutter as he rubbed his arms with his hands, he looked confused and hurt and Sherlock, though he was running out of the strength necessary to empathies could tell that this was going to take a long time to heal between them.

"John, you are… you are a Holmes. Whether you like it or not you are a part of our small dysfunctional family. So you get all the shit that comes with it, including but not limited to dealing with all my sociopathic behavior. Mycroft has adapted, what I want to know now is… with time… can you?"

John allowed the hot tears to stream down his face and Molly moved forward slowly, she wrapped her arms around him and squeezed gently, "We aren't much John… but we are all here for you. No one is going away any time soon."

John gently hugged her back and said softly into her hair, "I am sorry."

"Don't apologize, I've heard worse… I work with Sherlock…"

Greg let out a snort and John laughed a little, and then soon Molly was laughing too and Mycroft had a rather flighty smirk on his face. Sherlock laughed lightly as he slowly crossed to John and put his hand on the man's shoulder. Molly moved aside and watched as Sherlock extended his free hand, "Partners?"

John looked up into the face of the only man he had ever truly shared a bond with and with out double thinking at all took the man's hand and said, "Partners."

OOOO

"And so… the man in the back of the pub tossed me the gun and I shot Legume down before he could grab his knife. When I turned and asked the man for my bill he looked at me and asked... American Express?"

Everyone was howling with laughter accept for Mycroft whose smirk stayed firmly in place.

"He thought you were American?" Greg asked as he took a swig of his beer.

"Apparently they are infamous for brawling when they come to visit the country. But we all know how bloody savage those Americans can be right Mrs. Hudson?"

Mrs. Hudson was sitting on the piano bench not even bothering to gasp at the shrewdness of the story. She had cried for an hour when they had all walked into 221B and announced his return from the dead. She had hugged Sherlock on and off for twenty minutes and the man had done his best not to snap at her. He had missed her more then he had missed his own mother.

Now the whole group was reunited, John and Molly, Sherlock and Greg, Mrs. Hudson and Mycroft all sat around the living room of the old haunt that Sherlock and John had called home.

"If you do not mind, I will take my leave. I have some work to do before next week to avoid the sure to be riot's near the courthouse."

"Riots?" Greg asked setting his beer down in confusion.

"Remember my dear Lestrade that my brother occupies a minor seat in the British government, he knows things before they happen." Sherlock said hiccupping as he took a small sip of his tea, which John had been dropping small amounts of bourbon into for the past three hours.

"Do I need to go to the yard?" Lestrade asked standing on a wobbly center.

"No need my dear fellow no need. It's just that, soon enough, the news of my brother's return will hit the papers… there are many who did not believe him a fraud and they will want him vindicated as soon as possible."

"Oh, right." Greg said sitting down and picking up his beer.

"Oh yes, my mass fan work of netted people!" Sherlock said standing and pointing his finger at the ceiling.

"His what?" Molly and Greg asked at the same time.

"I think he was trying to cross-reference his homeless network with his online fan base and somewhere in that thick brain of his he couldn't sort it fast enough. If the brain isn't clear Sherlock becomes rather inept." John said pulling on Sherlock's arm so that the man would sit back down. He tipped his bottle into Sherlock's cup and the larger man downed it quickly, "You know Molly, your breasts aren't as small as I have said they are. I was in the locker room remember?" Molly, who usually would have blushed and ran off to hide her embarrassment had already had three glasses of wine and simply laughed.

"I believe that is my cue." Mycroft said as he turned and headed for the door.

"See you Mycroft!" John called as he tried to steady Sherlock, "It's true! Greg, I think she is about a C… at least!"

"OKAY! I think Sherlly's had enough!" John said trying to save his friend the morning embarrassment.

"I don't mind!" Molly said and Mrs. Hudson playfully nudged her shoulder.

"Better get the boy off to bed before we have a case on our hands dear." Mrs. Hudson said to John as she stood and started to pick up the empty bottles that were littered around.

"Undoubtedly." John said as he tried to lift the man up and place one of Sherlock's arms over his shoulder. John himself wasn't quite as smashed as Sherlock but his own center of balance wasn't that good either and he struggled for a moment before Lestrade stood and helped John lift the man out of the room and towards his own.

Molly stood and started to help Mrs. Hudson gather up the clutter, "It's alright dear, I'm not really their housekeeper but they just make such a mess sometimes… and they are always on cases so I just tidy up here and there and try to help."

"I don't mind. Personally I think a woman's touch would be good for them." Molly said following the older woman into the kitchen.

"Don't say anything to Sherlock, but I think John plans to be adding a woman's touch around here soon enough." Mrs. Hudson said as she pushed the rubbish bin closer to Molly with her foot.

"Is john going to propose to Mary?" Molly asked. She wasn't sure how Sherlock would take it considering he had hoped, despite his comments on not expecting things to go back to normal; that John and him would be able to live somewhat close to how they had originally.

"I'm not going to say anything dear, but I do know that he has been going to a few jewelry stores the last couple of months. Though things now with Sherlock being back and all, I suppose it could complicate matters."

"Sherlock never really did care for John's previous girl friends I suppose?"

"You were at the Christmas Party, saw the way he dismissed that school teacher. Poor young thing. She had been so pretty too."

"Mary isn't hard on the eyes either though."

"I should think not but the way he goes on about her… you'd think she was the queen of the world."

Molly smiled sheepishly and as John and Greg reemerged from Sherlock's room giggling like school girls who had just figured out who was crushing on them they moved to the main room and Greg got ready to go. As Molly left the kitchen and was about to approach the two she heard a strange sound.

Turning she saw what she thought was Sherlock's door cracked open and a large hand poked out. A single finger motioned for her to come closer and Molly, double-checking to make sure no one noticed, slowly approached.

She leaned forward and was turning her head to listen as she felt a hand grab her wrist and pull her forward into darkness.

The door, which had been the only source of light, was shut quickly and Molly's eyes had no time to adjust before she felt someone grab her and press her against a wall.

"S-sherlock?" Molly called out softly.

"Of course, you're in my room." He whispered softly.

"Why are you whispering?" Molly asked as she tried to shift away from him casually.

" I have to tell you something… and John and Greg are annoying. I don't want them to hear."

Molly could smell the bourbon on his breath realized that this scene she was in was not a Sherlock norm. She was in his private space, he was almost pressing his whole body against her and he was practically whispering gibberish into her ear.

She had never seen Sherlock drunk and she wasn't sure if she liked it or not.

"Molly, my sweetest Molly. My own little pathologist, how would you feel about me keeping you in my pocket so I could take you out whenever I may need you."

Molly felt her cheeks go red and she tried to breath as she realized that Sherlock Holmes was coming on to her. And despite everyone's protests that he was married to his work, despite John's joke of the man being asexual Molly felt as if Sherlock was better practiced then any of them.

Sherlock took his finger and hooked her chin with it; he brought her face back to look at him. "My. Little. Molly. How could I ever thank you enough for all of the assistance you have given me the past… how long have I know you… seven years?"

"Eight, but whose counting." She said flashing a smile before she ducked out of his reach and maneuvered closer to the bedroom door.

"I'm always counting, everything." Sherlock said rounding on her very slowly. His posture and balance was impressive for a drunken man and she felt her heart nearly beating out of her chest as he slowly changed course and moved back towards her.

"I've counted how often you glance at me while I am at the morgue. And I've counted how many times I've made you blush or how many times I've made you cry." He said stepping up to Molly as he very gently pressed her against the door.

He reached up a hand and Molly locked her dark eyes on him, she had wanted this for so long but it was a bitter taste to know she couldn't reciprocate. He was drunk and in the morning he would be furious at her for allowing him to act upon something as… how would he put it… bestial as drunken sex.

She was pulled back when she felt his fingers grace the crown of her forehead and move some loose strands of hair to the side.

"You've done so many things for me, some small, some large and through it all… you allowed me to take advantage of you because you love me knowing full well that I could not return the affection. But now I can… I can give you any and everything you want Molly Hooper. And my bed is only three feet to the right…" the last line he whispered into her ear and Molly felt her knees almost buckle. She was clenching her hands so hard she felt her nails digging into her skin and she let out a small guttural breath, which drifted across Sherlock's neck.

If Molly could have seen his eyes at the moment her breath crossed the porcelain skin of his neck she would have seen them dilate, she would have seen his nostrils flare and his jaw clench as his hands slide from beside her head on the door to digging into her hips.

Molly let out a gasp and Sherlock leaned hard against her pressing her mouth into the crook of his neck. Thought Molly had already promised herself she wasn't going to let her 8 years of man worship dictate what happened tonight she had a lapse in judgment and gently bit into his skin.

Sherlock jerked and shoved her against the door as he let out a low moan, Molly felt her brow furrow as she wondered if John or Greg had heard anything yet.

"Sherlock… we have to…."

"Yes, I know…" He said stopping her midsentence.

His large hands gripped her arse and hoisted her up and Molly, with out meaning to wrap her legs tightly around him. His fingers dug into his clothes and she took another slightly harder nip at his neck.

Sherlock moved to the bed and laid her down roughly and Molly quickly sat up and shoved away. Sherlock looked up at her confused and then reached and grabbed her ankle pulling her back under him.

As of yet Sherlock had not crossed any line to make Molly uncomfortable or worried but that look he had given her when she had pushed away. It had been border line possessive and angry and Molly was worried that Sherlock's sudden generosity to grant her wish and fulfill her lustful desire was turning into something much more dark and dangerous.

Sherlock was a logical man, science and thought came before the sexual desires of the body. If everything John and others had said was true then Sherlock had indeed never had sex, which meant that Molly would be his first. And doing the math was not that hard, assuming Sherlock never… took care of himself… all of his sexual frustrations that he had put on hold to be the brilliant man he was were slowly creeping forth the further they went. Add on top of that the fact that Sherlock was close to smashed beyond belief Molly didn't need much more help putting two and two together.

The Sherlock she was in love with wasn't here right now this was someone different. This was the Sherlock no one ever saw and Molly suddenly felt her stomach tighten in fear.

Sherlock released her ankle and wrapped his hands into her thick auburn locks.

"You know Molly, with the street lamp shining through the window your hair looks the color of blood."

Molly felt Sherlock press his lips gently against her neck and despite her sudden realization she felt her back arch and a gasp escape her lips. Part of her wanted so bad to respond, and second by second that part of her was taking over. She put her hand on his chest and shoved and as he was pushed away she rolled to sit on top of him. She felt his length press against her and she whished she could let this go on.

She leaned down and hovered just above his lips, "I think you need to sleep this off darling." She pulled back slowly and trailed her finger gently down his forehead, over his nose and down his lips.

Sherlock gripped her hips tightly and gave a harsh thrust as his suddenly spiteful eyes locked onto hers.

"To tired are you darling?" He asked with an acidy tone.

Under any other circumstances Molly would have melted if he had called her Darling, bent to any request he had made. But Molly knew, the tables had shifted. She once again had to do something for him, she wouldn't be able to live with herself if she destroyed him like this.

"You don't really want this Sherlock. You are drunk and you are high off the evening's activities. You won't admit it but you missed them and part of you was relieved to know they missed you too. We all missed you. You are our Sherlock. With out you we all wouldn't be together tonight. You are the center point of this family. Without you…" She stopped her self at the look that suddenly replaced his aggressive face.

"You don't want me anymore do you." He said, he sat up but Molly didn't move from her place on his lap.

"I am damaged now, and so you don't want me." Sherlock was looking down at the small space between her pelvic region and his own. The look could almost pass for hurt if his eyes didn't scream of confusion.

"No Sherlock, "Molly started as she took his perfectly smooth face into her hands, "I will always want you. I love you and you know it. But having sex with you tonight wouldn't be right. You would only regret it in the morning."

Sherlock's eyes went from confused to distressed, "But I want you… I do… I have been cruel to you before… but I wouldn't do that to you now… I wouldn't love you tonight and pass you off tomorrow."

"If I walk away now you won't even have to worry about it. You aren't yourself Sherlock and I won't be the one to be your downfall." Molly went to move off of him but his hands quickly came up her back and held her in place.

She looked at him and he leaned in and kissed her, Molly kissed back but did not allow herself to be taken up in it.

When the kiss ended Sherlock pulled her to him and placed his head on her chest, "I know more about you then you think Sherlock. If we did this tonight…you'd be replacing one addiction to conquer your demons with another."

Molly felt the hands on her back grip tighter and she kissed the top of his head as he slowly released her.

As Molly stood and straightened herself she was ready to walk out and let Sherlock sleep off this debilitating night and wake up feeling like he had narrowly dodged a bullet.

She felt his soft warm hand gently take hers and she turned to look at him. He was sitting on the edge of his bed and looking at her with rather cool eyes.

"Stay… just for tonight." The sincerity in his voice made Molly smile softly and she allowed him to guide her back and on to the bed. He lay down and pulled her close and she knew that she would need to be gone before he woke up.

He closed his eyes and said in a rather tired voice, "Thank you Molly Hooper."

"You're welcome Sherlock." She replied in the same soft voice.

"My Molly." He said as he drifted to sleep and Molly, though knowing this proximity would never happen again, smiled and snuggled in next to him allowing her eyes to shut.

OOOO

John sat at the breakfast table and read the paper as he slowly lifted a forkful of eggs to his mouth. He heard a muffled cry from Sherlock's room and then a thud and turned his head in time to see the man's door swing open and Molly Hooper ran out barefoot and just barely passable to go outside. She was adjusting her bra straps and straightening her jumper and holding her slip-ons in her left hand as she tried to get her hand through her sleeve.

She jerked to a stop suddenly when she noticed John and with the fork full of eggs still hovering in limbo between his plate and his mouth he was about to ask what was going on when he heard Sherlock cry out again, "Molly!"

The woman jumped as her eyes grew wide and she rushed for the door trying to get her shoes on. Sherlock swung out of his room in a furry as he chased after the petite pathologist who had just dashed out the door and into the street. Sherlock had stopped at the top of the stairs and stood there staring after her.

With a sudden jerk and a grunt Sherlock spun and as he passed by John he swung his arm out and a glass vase flew across the room and smashed into the wall nearby.

Sherlock turned to see John sitting there in total shock and awe, Sherlock gritted his teeth and yelled "PISS OFF!" as he went into his room and smashed his door shut.

John remained motionless as he sat there, the paper he was holding started to bend awkwardly at the top, as he was no longer focusing on holding the paper properly. He continued to stare at his flat mate's door.

Suddenly something came to mind, he hadn't seen Molly leave last night and obviously she hadn't since she had just rushed from Sherlock's room in a rather undignified tizzy. But something else played at his mind, something he had forgotten in his drunken stupor.

Suddenly it hit him, the groaning and grunting and loud banging from Sherlock's room last night. John had assumed nightmares and Bourbon induced restless sleep.

But the truth was right before his eyes as his own deduction skills were starting to twirl his head into overdrive.

Sherlock had… Sherlock Holmes had slept with… Molly Hooper… SHERLOCK HOLMES HAD SEX WITH MOLLY HOOPER!

"Oh God!" John said standing as his fork cluttered to the floor. He started towards Sherlock's door before he stopped and looked at the stairs. Should he go to Molly… or should he go to Sherlock or should he… what should he do? Molly was a strong young woman but she had loved Sherlock for so long and then him chasing her out of here after they had finally slept together…

But Sherlock was so unpredictable… did he realize what had happened, had he already erased it from his mind palace… was he going to forget Molly Hooper ever existed in his sheer panic to try and escape the fact that he had just… just… stooped his pathologist?

John went to Sherlock's door and as he was about to reach for the knob the door swung open and Sherlock was fully dressed including coat and scarf and swept right passed him and towards the door.

"Hold it! Hold it! Wait you arse!" John said as he followed Sherlock to the stairs.

"Yes, what is it John!" Sherlock said in a hurry.

"What the hell was that about!"

"What? Me rushing out the door or me getting dressed?"

"About Molly Hooper just now shuffling out of your room looking like she was at the bad end of a rough night!"

"Oh that, yes well not all of us look the best in the morning. She has long hair and I didn't have a hairbrush."

"Sherlock. Don't you dare push this off as another little fact of non-importance. You just slept with Molly Hooper! And then you kicked her out! She isn't a toy for you to play with Sherlock! She has feelings, she is a human being."

"I am quite aware she is a human being as I slept with her all night long and she is quiet warm." Sherlock turned to go and John stared in shock, "All night?" John asked.

"Yes. All night or didn't you notice her leave this morning?"

"I mean… this was your first time… and you… all NIGHT?" John asked with the most bewildered expression Sherlock had ever seen.

"Yes John, we shared a bed all night long, that's how it works when you sleep with someone! Now I have to go."

"Where are you going then?" John asked still in shock.

"I have to go find Molly! She rudely rushed out of here before I had time to explain myself and I need to clear the air."

"Don't you….wait… you're going to apologize?"

"I didn't say that. I am going to explain myself. Two entirely different things you should know by now I don't apologize." And with that Sherlock rushed out the door and left John standing there in more shock then he had been since the war when a grenade had gone off less then thirty feet from him.

"What the bloody hell is going on?" he asked to no one as he stood alone in the silence of the apartment.

A/N: Let me know what you thought. This story isn't top priority right now cause I have a lot going on not to mention other stories I need to finish including my teen titans and my Harry Potter so if you like this don't expect a second chapter right away. This is technically a one shot until I decide if I have time to finish it. Plz r&r so I know what you think. Also, I did not do heavy editing on this piece so there will be a lot of mistakes. If people like it and I continue I will rewrite this first chapter. Much love and peace!