Molly woke the following morning to the smell of freshly made tea, eggs, sausage, and toast. She slid out of the otherwise empty bed and dressed in what she had worn the previous day. She exited Sherlock's bedroom and found Sherlock at the table, seated across from Mycroft. She stopped in her tracks at the sight of the older Holmes brother but he didn't even look at her. She thought it safe to approach. She sat down and helped herself to some of the food on the table. Sherlock gave her a small smile before he returned to listening to Mycroft talk about the return of Moriarty.

"Lady Smallwood believes that you are the only one who can defeat Moriarty." Mycroft said, picking at a sausage.

Molly ate in silence as Sherlock responded, "And what do you think, brother dear?"

"I'm certain there are others but it would take too long to track them down. We'll have to settle with you." Mycroft replied, resting his elbows on the table and clasping his hands. He rested his chin on the top of his hands as he studied his brother over them. The love bites that lined his neck were obvious as was the light bruise forming near his collarbone. His lips were still puffy from a night of passionate kissing. And he looked too happy.

"Well I'm glad that someone has confidence in me." Sherlock said, giving his brother a sarcastic smile before returning to his breakfast. He focused on Molly and asked, "Sleep well?"

"Very. You?"

"Same."

Mycroft studied their exchange and scoffed, earning a look from each of them.

"Problem, Mycy?"

Mycroft ignored his brother's blatant use of their mother's favorite nickname for him and said, "What is this?"

Sherlock raised his eyebrow, "What is what? This is breakfast. Mrs. Hudson was lovely enough to make us this. You should do more to be nice to her, Myc."

"Enough about the maid, Sherlock." His brother opened his mouth to chastise Mycroft but the elder brother continued, "You and Ms. Hooper. What is going on? She came out of your bedroom."

"Oh, Mycroft. I thought you would be able to deduce this. I've found myself a…goldfish."

Mycroft closed his eyes in disbelief and mumbled something about never imagining his brother ever being with someone.

"I suggest you find a goldfish of your own." Sherlock continued. "They're quite enjoyable."

"I can tell from your marks, Sherlock. You should do well to cover them up before people start to talk." Mycroft said, rising to leave.

"Going so soon, brother mine?" Sherlock asked, pleased to see his brother tucking in the chair and grabbing his umbrella.

"I have matters to discuss with those much more important than you. I'll be in touch." He made to leave but turned back around. "Just one more thing, brother mine, do well and remember, caring is not an advantage." The elder Holmes brother said, letting his gaze drift over Molly before he turned on his heel and departed 221B.

Molly looked down at her plate of relatively untouched food, fighting the tears. For some reason, Mycroft always rubbed her the wrong way and he seemed to truly dislike her. He didn't want his brother to be with her and even though Sherlock said that he never listened to his brother, she knew that he valued his opinions. A hand on her chin made her look at him. Sherlock ran his long thumb over her jaw.

"What are you thinking, Molly?"

She looked anywhere but him. "Mycroft hates me."

"More of dislike, rather than hate. Mycroft is a cold individual, he places value in business and solitude. Friendship and relationships are beneath him. He finds them weaknesses. He's weak, Molly. Pay him no mind."

That made her feel a little better and the smile he gave her improved her mood drastically.

Molly and Sherlock ate their breakfast and sipped coffee while talking about the news, everything except Moriarty's return. She rose and he looked disappointed. She leaned down and kissed him tenderly. "I have to go to work."

"But it's barely 7:30." He said, bitterly.

"I have to stop off at my apartment first, Sherlock." She said, smiling at him. "I can't go in in the same clothes I wore yesterday."

He nodded and said, "Of course. Would you like to go to lunch? Perhaps that fish shop off Marylebone Road? The one that give me extra portions?"

Molly smiled. "It's a date."