Title prompt fic
"Right, well I guess you're all ready then." Molly rocked on her heels as Sherlock prepared to leave her flat. "Overall, it was a success I'd say."
"It was, yes," he agreed as he pulled his coat over his shoulders. "Rather tricky, but I believe we all managed to pull it off."
Molly nodded and smiled nervously. She was glad he was alive and safe, but the question was still on the tip of her tongue and she didn't know how to ask it. She wasn't sure she had the right to, despite the fact that he'd made it clear how much she mattered to him.
"So you'll fly…somewhere tonight?" Molly asked and then chewed her lip.
"Mm, Mycroft has arranged a private jet. He hasn't told me exactly where I'm off to, but it doesn't matter much. Once I'm far from London, I'll be making my own way. I certainly won't be checking my travel plans with him."
"So you won't be keeping in touch? With Mycroft, I mean," she hurried to add.
Sherlock shrugged. "Not unless it's truly necessary, no." He wound his scarf about his neck and picked up the small case he'd packed.
Molly jumped forward, realizing that time was rapidly running out and her fear was mounting that this was the last time she'd see him for...well, who knows how long.
"I um, I was just wondering-"
Sherlock cut her off. "I am coming back, Molly," he said in a soft but resolute voice.
"Oh," she said, barely audibly as she stared up at him. "Ok, well, that's good."
He looked down and swallowed thickly for a moment before looking at her again and speaking with a hint of hesitation. "I certainly wouldn't want to lose...London...forever."
Molly nodded. "I'm so glad to hear it. Because, I mean, London would hate to lose you as well. I don't know what...it would do without you."
Sherlock drew a deep breath. "Of course, I have no idea how long I'll be away."
"Well, London will be here when you get back." She smiled, looking up at him shyly.
He looked a little sad for a split second. "I can't help but wonder though...how different the city will be whenever I do return. Things could certainly change."
Molly hesitated. What were they really talking about? She wasn't sure now. And it made her unsure of how to answer him. Was he concerned about things changing while he was away? Exactly what sort of things?
"Um, well," she began softly. "Some things won't change, I'm sure."
Sherlock looked at her somberly and nodded, then the corner of his lips tugged upward in a half smile. "I can only hope so," he whispered, and then he gently grasped her face as he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. He pulled away and gave her a bigger smile. "Goodbye, Molly, and thank you."
"Bye, Sherlock," Molly breathed out, and he was passing through the door even as she spoke the words.
Both of them were afraid of the very same things on the day they parted, for what would turn out to be two whole years...and it had nothing to do with the city of London.