on tumblr? my personal one is thesecitystreets and my fanfic one is sherlockian87
:)
Chapter Seven – Strange Love
This Love
This Love, is a Strange Love
- This Love, Sarah Brightman
Several days had passed since Sherlock and John had left for Reading. Mary had offered herself up to Molly as her research assistant when she wasn't busy tending to Amelia. Molly gladly accepted her help, having been missing Sherlock's, albeit rather annoying at times, comments and suggestions. For the most part the paper was written in entirety, she just wanted to delve into further detail in several of her paragraphs.
While she was furiously scribbling down notes, her daughter gave a swift kick to her ribcage, just as the screen of her phone lit up and her text tone chirped. She let out a whoosh of air, her ribs aching slightly.
"Oh! It's Sherlock!"
She hadn't heard from him in two days. John, of course, had been dutifully texting Mary.
"Ohhh … he's sent me pictures of the murder victims!"
Mary made a face, then continued tucking in Amelia into her travel cot.
"Wow, the murderer certainly is creative. Those are some of the strangest incisions I have ever seen … what sort of weapon could he have used?"
Mary rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "Like I said strangest parents ever!"
Molly heard her but chose to ignore the comment, instead sending a reply to Sherlock.
"The weapon must have been some sort of blunt instrument. I would say that the murderer has an incredible amount of strength; he would need it. Could the weapon be a letter opener? They aren't exactly sharp, and neither are they serrated. From what I can tell from the photos the lacerations look smooth, and yet too small for a normal blade. – M"
Sherlock's reply came quickly.
"Mrs. Holmes, you are brilliant. Remind me to show you how much I love you when I return. – SH"
She felt her cheeks grow warm. Sometimes an overly-affectionate and expressive Sherlock was too much for her. She loved it, most definitely, but it was still just all so strange. Suddenly she realized that she hadn't replied and quickly did so.
"I love you too. Now catch the murderer so you can come home to me! – M"
"Will do. – SH"
Molly giggled as she put down her phone. Mary sat up, Amelia having finally settled down, and looked at her.
"Most men would send a simple 'I love you' or "I miss you,' not photos of murder victims! I may be an ex-assassin but, UGH!"
Molly laughed again, "When has Sherlock ever been like most men?"
"Mmmm … never?"
"Exactly! Besides, he sent them to me because he appreciates my opinion and I have the tendency from time to time to spot things that he's overlooked."
"Really?"
"Mmmm."
"You two are perfect for each other."
Molly smiled, "Thanks. I think you're the first person who has ever told me that."
A little while later the pair of them, with Amelia, had decided to go for a walk to the nearby park. Mary told Molly that she needed both the fresh air and the exercise. The day was a bit chilly, even with the sun shining brightly. Amelia cooed waving her little hands as Mary settled her into the pram, tucking the blanket around her so that she would stay warm. Molly couldn't stop herself from smiling as she watched little Amelia practically snuggle herself into the blanket before letting out a wide yawn.
"A baby's yawn might be the sweetest and cutest thing ever."
Mary looked at Molly and smiled, "Oh just you wait, you will think that everything you see your daughter do is adorable! It can't be helped! You just fall in love with every little thing."
Molly took in a deep breath, loving the feel of the cool air on her face as they started to walk down the street towards the park. It felt good to be outside, walking about; it had been several days since she had done this. And it was always in the company of a coddling Sherlock.
They slowly strolled through the park, admiring its beauty. Both Mary and Molly began to discuss how much they were looking forward to when their two daughters would be able to play there together.
"I do love it here. London is such a beautiful city. No place has ever felt like home as much as this does."
Molly and Mary had parked themselves on a bench, Molly needed to rest her swollen feet.
"You didn't grow up in London than?" Mary asked.
Molly shook her head, brushing away a few wisps of hair as a breeze blew over them.
"No, I grew up in Sussex, lived there until I went to Uni. I would go back for visits during breaks, but then my dad got sick. So the house was sold and he got a flat in London while I continued Uni. I would split up my time there and at his flat. Until he passed, shortly before I graduated. He had wanted me to keep his flat, but I couldn't. It just held too many memories, too many sad memories. So I sold the flat, and with the money I bought the flat I had been living in until I moved into Baker Street with Sherlock." Molly paused, looking out over the expanse of the park, "I don't know really, I did love living in the country, growing up in it, but as soon as I came here to London, I just fell in love. It felt right, like I belonged here."
Mary brushed the tip of her finger lightly over Amelia's cheek. She was sleeping soundly, her little hands curled into fists, thrown up by her head.
"Do you think you and Sherlock will ever move out of Baker Street?"
Molly contemplated this question for a moment, "Oh God, I have no idea. The thought really hasn't ever entered my mind. I suppose it would have to be considered if we have more children … but at the moment I think we will be quite content at 221. Sherlock love's the place, and so do I. I think that that has been his true home."
They both grew silent for several minutes. Molly leaning her head back, closing her eyes as she turned her face up towards the sun. Her daughter gave another swift kick to her ribs. Molly reached up to rub her hand over the sore spot.
"I don't know about you Molly, but suddenly I am positively famished!"
Molly opened her eyes and looked at Mary, "Mmmm … I am starting to feel a bit peckish."
"We can just grab a bite at Speedy's, you should probably rest some more. We've walked quite a bit."
"All right."
They both stood, Molly much more slowly than Mary, and began to make their way out of the park. Silence fell between them again. That was the nice thing about their friendship; they didn't always need words while they were in each other's company. Suddenly the text tone on Mary's phone chirped.
"It's from John; they think they've found the killer."
"Oh good, I'm glad to hear that! I've been really missing Sherlock."
Mary tucked her phone away after she sent a reply, "I've been missing John too. And I know Amelia has as well. It's fascinating to watch how her eyes light up when she sees him. And she does this adorable little thing with her hands; she grabs at the air as if she is trying to reach out for him! I love it! I think I might have a video of it on my mobile, I'll check when we get back to the flat."
After getting sandwiches at Speedy's they entered 221 and were in the process of making their way up the stairs when the door of Mrs. Hudson's flat opened.
"Oh hello dears! Gone for a walk have you? It is such a lovely day! How is little Amelia?"
She had walked over to them and was now leaning over the pram, gently stroke Amelia's cheek. She had woken up and was staring up at Mrs. Hudson with wide, curious eyes.
"She really is an absolute dear! She will grow up to be a lovely girl! And I know that yours will too Molly." Mrs. Hudson gently laid her hand on her arm.
"Thank you Mrs. Hudson."
"Is there anything you ladies need? Some tea perhaps?"
"Oh please don't trouble yourself Mrs. Hudson!"
"It is no trouble at all Molly, go upstairs and settle in and I will bring you both some tea."
Molly and Mary entered the flat. Mary went up to feed Amelia and hopefully settle her down for a proper nap. Molly had walked into the kitchen and was gathering up plates for their food. As she walked into the living room and settled into Sherlock's chair her text tone chirped.
"Have yet to catch the murderer, but I am positive I have discovered his lair. He knows we are after him. He tried to commit another murder but his fear made him clumsy. John was able to save the victim, but the killer escaped. You were right about the man's size; John called him Goliath, why? - SH"
Molly smiled slightly as she read his text, and began to type back, "The name is from a Bible story, David and Goliath. You must have deleted it. Goliath was a giant, and David defeated him with a slingshot and a rock. – M"
"Ahh. I won't delete it now. – SH"
She was starting to type a reply when he sent another text.
"I miss you. – SH"
She stared down at the screen, brushing her thumb over his message.
"I miss you too. – M"
Several moments passed before he sent another text.
"I miss your body. I miss your warmth. I miss the noises you make from the affect of my ministrations. – SH"
Molly felt her face flush crimson and a rush of heat surge through her lower body.
"Sherlock Holmes! Are you sexting me? – M"
Her cheeks grew a deeper shade of red as she read his reply.
"Yes. Isn't it obvious? Why aren't you sexting me back? – SH"
Molly rolled her eyes, muttering under breath, "The man could have had the decency to ask me if I was alone first!" She typed off a rapid reply.
"Mrs. Hudson is bringing up tea! – M"
"Damn the woman! – SH"
Molly rolled her eyes again.
"You have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, do you not?"
She shook her head, "As always, a rapid change in subject!"
"Yes. – M"
"Sorry that I'll miss it. Forgive me? – SH"
She could perfectly picture the sad puppy eyes he would be giving her, if he was there with her.
"It's quite all right. Mary will go with me. – M"
"I should be home the day after tomorrow. – SH"
"Good. I miss you terribly. – M"
"I miss you more. – SH"
"Hoo hoo!" Mrs. Hudson called out, entering the flat with a tray of tea things. Molly moved to stand up but she waved her hand at her.
"Don't bother yourself dear, rest your tired feet!"
Molly settled back down into the chair, laying her phone off to the side, as she watched Mrs. Hudson prepare the tea. Mary came down a few moments later, a baby monitor in her hand. The two of them tucked into their food, Mrs. Hudson dismissing their offer, saying she had already eaten. The three of them sat and chatted for a while, until Molly started yawning. It progressively grew worse and both Mary and Mrs. Hudson told her to go and lie down for a bit. Molly didn't argue and got up, making her way towards her and Sherlock's bedroom. Kicking off her shoes she slipped into the bed, grabbing Sherlock's pillow. She snuggled it to her chest, burying her nose into it so that she could breathe in his scent. Letting out a contented sigh she closed her eyes and drifted off into sleep.
The next day Mary and Molly were sitting in a room at the doctor's. Mary had left little Amelia in Mrs. Hudson's care. She had appeared to be rather excited by this, cooing over her as Amelia giggled and waved her hands about. This put Mary at ease.
This was just a routine checkup, mostly to make sure that all was still well with the baby and both Molly and the child weren't lacking in any nutrients. After the doctor came in and they chatted for a bit he checked her over and then had her lie back to do the ultrasound. As Molly leaned back and pulled up her shirt, exposing her belly, she came up with an idea.
"Doctor Martin, could I uhh … record my daughter's heartbeat with my phone? For my husband, he's away for work and rather disappointed that he couldn't be here."
"Oh absolutely, that's perfectly fine!"
Mary stood up, "I can hold your mobile for you if you want, so that it can be closer to the machine and really pick up the sound."
"Ok, thank you!" Molly handed Mary her phone.
The doctor squirted out the gel on her belly. She gasped slightly, the coolness of it always shocking her a bit. Her face lit up with a huge smile as the image of her daughter came up on the screen. Like always, tears began to fill her eyes. The sound of her heartbeat filled the room, strong and steady. Mary pressed record on the phone, making sure to get the image on the screen as well.
A little while later Molly and Mary were on there way back to Baker Street. Molly had wanted to send the recording to Sherlock straight away, but decided to wait until she knew he had caught the murderer.
"Molly …?"
"Mmm?"
"Do you like baking?"
Molly turned to look at Mary, "Yeah, I love to! Haven't in a while though, why?"
"I've been having an urge to bake something lately, but with my not being at home I've held it back …"
"You want to bake? Oh yes! Let's!"
The pair of them hurried off to the shops to buy what they needed. Upon returning to Baker Street, Mary carried up the shopping before getting Amelia from Mrs. Hudson. Molly went up, carrying the lightest bag and began to put the things away. They had decided not to bake anything until the next day so that they could take some time to decide on what they wanted to make, having bought an assortment of ingredients.
Molly's phone chirped. She pulled it out of her bag and saw that it was a text from Sherlock.
"The killer has been caught and arrested. He claimed that he chose to use a letter opener as his weapon because he wanted to be 'unique.' I'm sure John will come up with some asinine title for this case on his blog! - SH"
Molly giggled, "Glad to know that the murderer is no longer roaming free! Will you be coming home soon then? – M"
"Yes. Tomorrow afternoon at the latest. – SH"
"Good. I have a present for you. – M"
"A present? – SH"
She sent him the video. For a minute or two she received no reply.
"Thank you. – SH"
"You're welcome. XXX – M"
