Burnt Hearts
Chapter One
Summary: Almost three years after the fall, Sherlock and Molly learn what was meant by "I'll burn the heart out of you."
Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to BBC's Sherlock. We all know who does. ACD and MOFTISS *Fist Shake*
It had been a shock to everyone when Molly Hooper had announced she was expecting a baby.
Mixed emotions flowed from her small group of friends. John, still heartbroken by the death of Sherlock, had congratulated her before retreating back into his grief again. Mrs Hudson had begun doting on her immediately, checking on her almost daily and inviting her around for tea at Baker St. at least once a week.
Greg Lestrade's reaction had been shocking. He had gone silent, congratulated her, and then left quickly, making up an excuse. If Molly hadn't known any better, he could have sworn that he had been hurt by the development.
No matter whom she had told, the first question out of each of their mouths had been the same: "Who is the father?"
"Nobody important" Molly had replied, tears glistening in her eyes, hoping that she came across as a brave woman scorned and not a love sick puppy. She had rehearsed her answer in the mirror numerous times, hoping it sounded sincere. "It was a stupid little fling, nothing really. Just after Sherlock died… I just… I needed someone. I'll be doing this alone"
One day, John Watson had snapped. Molly had been visiting him at Baker St. when she had taken a call. A university friend had heard about her situation and called to pass on her best wishes. John had sat in the living room silently, watching Molly as she told the voice on the other end of the line what she had told everyone else "No, no husband, or boyfriend. I'll be doing this alone"
"You won't you know" John said, as soon as she had hung up. "Be doing this alone, I mean. You have Mrs Hudson. And me. I am here too"
And it was true. By the middle of her second trimester, John was slowly starting to feel better with the prospect of living without Sherlock, putting as much of his energy into looking after Molly as possible. He escorted her to appointments and, embarrassingly, pre-natal classes.
As repayment, Molly had set him up on dates. Surprisingly, it was a young pre-natal nurse that had caught his attention. It had taken Molly a while to convince her that John wasn't the father of her child, but soon enough, John and Mary were dating.
Molly had taken her maternity leave from the beginning of her third trimester. Mrs Hudson had practically moved in with her, cooking and cleaning and looking after her. John was there daily, helping her when she became too large to comfortably mover around on her own. Greg had even visited her a few times in those last few months, sheepishly giving her compliments like "pregnancy suits you" and "you're glowing Mols"
The nine months of her pregnancy flew by. It had been an easy pregnancy and an easy labour. At 3:15 in the afternoon, Henry J. Hooper was born. Molly had cried the first time she had held the little boy in her arms. Looking up, she had also seen tears in John's eyes too.
Henry, named for Molly's father, had bright blue eyes and a head full of dark curls. He looked so much like his father. Even the small smirk the newborn infant carried was so familiar that Molly knew she would not be able to lie. Not to the ones who knew her, and him, the most.
When the nurse asked for details for the birth certificate, Molly sighed, and for the first time in almost a year told the truth about Henry's heritage. The name of the father was listed as Sherlock Holmes.
