Reality hadn't hit Molly until she was inside her flat.
"I kissed Mycroft Holmes on the cheek." She couldn't believe she had done that. They were just friends. Molly was afraid that she had just jeopardized their friendship. That was when her phone beeped with a text message.
Coffee tomorrow?-MH
Molly released a sigh of relief, and with a grin sent her reply.
Sure!-MH
She changed into her pajamas and went to bed happy.
The next day, Molly met Mycroft for coffee and they had a lovely chat. They laughed about different stories and made plans to have coffee every morning.
As the days went by, Molly and Mycroft met at the same time and same table. Molly enjoyed having someone to talk to and Mycroft enjoyed the simple nature of their friendship. Molly was always very chipper when she entered the morgue which made the younger Holmes brother curious. He had to figure out why this mousy pathologist was so happy. On one particular occasion, Sherlock Holmes decided to learn the cause of Molly Hooper's change in attitude.
"Molly?"
"Yes, Sherlock?" Molly asked.
"Why are you so happy lately? I know it isn't Tim-"
"Tom." Molly corrected.
"Tom. Whatever. Meat Dagger isn't around anymore, so who is it this time?" Sherlock inquired.
"I don't have a boyfriend, if that's what you're asking. I've made a friend who I am meeting for lunch in ten minutes. You can take care of yourself, right? Lock up everything when you're done." Molly smiled at him.
"Sure." Sherlock was dumbstruck. Molly would never let him lock up, but he would never turn the opportunity down.
"Thanks. Bye." Molly left and made her way to the little café where Mycroft was waiting for her.
"I was wondering when you would get here." Mycroft said.
"Sherlock was questioning me." Molly said.
"Right. He's a curious one." Mycroft replied.
"I need blackmail against Sherlock. Has he ever done anything embarrassing?" Molly inquired.
"Let me see. He didn't always want to be a detective. He's always deduced, but he used to want to be a pirate."
"Really? He was probably an adorable little pirate." Molly smiled at the mental picture.
"If you are looking for blackmail, I have the best resource. Here is my mother's number. I'm sure she would love to meet you and share stories about Sherlock."
This is why two days later, Mrs. Holmes was at Molly's flat with photo albums.
"And this is Sherlock on his fourth birthday. We gave him a pirate costume."
"He was adorable. Who is that cutie in the background?" Molly asked.
"That is Mycroft. He was eleven." Mrs. Holmes replied.
"He was so cute." Molly gushed.
"I'll let you have some of the copies. Sure those boys would be mortified if they saw these." Mrs. Holmes said.
"I'm sure. It would come as even more of a surprise that I am in possession of them." Molly agreed.
"Mycroft seems quite relaxed with you, my dear. I don't think he has ever had a friend before. What did you do to open him up?"
"I just offered him a coffee meeting if he wanted. I didn't force him." Molly replied.
After Mrs. Holmes left, Mary Watson came over with baby Louise.
"So, I heard you've been having coffee with Mr. British Government every day." Mary smiled mischievously.
"Yes. I have." Molly confirmed while bouncing Louise on her lap.
"Does this mean anything?" Mary asked.
"What? No! We are just friends. Mycroft and I just enjoy each other's company." Molly blushed.
"Do you want it to be more?" Mary inquired.
"No. Yes. I don't know." Molly sighed.
"Well, you should see where he stands on it in a subtle way." Mary explained. "Don't come out and say it. Get him to make the first move."
"Oh because John definitely made the first move." Molly said sarcastically.
"I let him think he did." Mary winked.
Meanwhile, at the Diogenes Club, Anthea was ready to give some advice to her boss.
"Sir, permission to give more advice?" Anthea asked.
"I guess so." Mycroft said.
"It is quite clear you like Doctor Hooper, so why not ask her to dinner?"
"Since when did you become an expert on relationships?" Mycroft inquired with a raised brow.
"I do have a life outside of work. Girls like it when the guy makes the first move." Anthea replied.
"What are you talking about?" Mycroft asked.
"You know, ask her out. Don't make her ask you out. And don't give me the sentiment talk. I've heard it before. Just try it." Anthea explained.
"I'm sure you have suggestions." Mycroft said.
"Of course, Sir." Anthea smiled.
Molly had just gone to bed when she got a text message.
Dinner at 6 tomorrow?-MH
Molly excitedly replied.
Sure. What should I wear?-MH
Be yourself-MH
Molly quickly shot a text to Mary.
Got invited to dinner with Mycroft-MH
Mr. British Government made the first move-MW
His name is Mycroft if you could possibly struggle through it-MH
He'll always be Mr. British Government to me-MW
Whatever. Gotta get my beauty sleep-MH
Oh definitely. You need all the sleep you can get-MW
Hey :(-MH
Just kidding. I3 you-MW
3 you too-MH
Molly went to sleep content.