14th September 1939
There was a quick tap on Molly's door. "Sargent Hooper." It wasn't a knock but it alarmed them that somebody was at the door.
Molly had heard the man and recognised the voice over the newborn baby crying on her shoulder. Wandering in to the hallway to open the door. "Hello, Mr Holmes."
Matthew walks into the hall and looks at both of them. He had the same features as Molly; apart from the deep green eyes that coincided with the uniform he was wearing. "You know this man Molly?"
"Ah, you two haven't met. Matthew, this is Sherlock's brother, Mycroft Holmes. Please come in, I was about to make some tea."
"Thank you." Mycroft flashed a quick smile and entered, hoping the baby would sleep soon.
"Excuse me a second while I put the little one down." Molly disappears, carrying David into the kitchen.
Mycroft and Matthew went into the living room to discuss the reason why he had visited. "I assume that Molly has told you about me."
"Yeah, the man who works in the government. She told me about your little discussion at a men's only club." Matthew understood why but didn't appreciate what he did. "Me and my sister don't keep secrets from each other."
Mycroft gives a snide smile. "I'm sure you don't."
"I know about my sister's relationship with your brother and I can reassure you, I trust her. I know she won't let anything inappropriate happen."
"I am reassured, I know what she is like. I can attest to that. Back to business anyway." Looking up to see Molly hovering the cup of tea. He reached up and took the cup and saucer as he spoke, slightly relieved that there was no baby crying. "Due to my minor position in government I can tell you that your deployment is postponed until October of next year. "
"What? Really?" Molly smiled, a little relived. Matthew was not too sure.
"What's the catch? There's always one."
"Matthew, don't be like that." Molly glared at him. "It's a chance to stay at home longer."
"No, no. I understand. No catch for you." Mycroft smiled a little. "Molly, have you seen my brother anywhere?"
"No. Not today."
"Tell him to ring his mother. He might actually listen to you. She is dreadfully worried about him. She gives me a headache every time she rings and asks me about him."
"I'll try but he will not listen to me either."
...
"Your brother came today. He managed to get another year here for my brother."
"There was something else?"
"He thought you might listen to me about ringing your mother."
"Horrid creature." Sherlock muttered, sprawling across the sofa again, resting his head in Molly's lap, closing his eyes. Molly smiled a little.
"He may be, but you'll be safe off being clever somewhere." She said, sighing a little, cupping Sherlock's jaw, stroking his cheek with his thumb.
"You'd die of boredom without me. They will be okay." Sherlock said, eyes still closed. She chuckles.
"Quite possibly. Does Mycroft know about us?" She asked, frowning as he thought about it.
'Know?' Sherlock said, opening one eye, looking up at Molly. "Why would you ask that?"
"I think he and my brother were talking about us earlier."
"Oh yes, of course he knows. He hires men to follow me, there was one tailing me that night I came here. And besides, he's many things, but he's not stupid.' He closed his eyes again. "Does yours?"
"Yes, he knows. I'm not going to lie if he asks. He will kill you if we do anything 'inappropriate', as he puts it." Molly said.
Sherlock smiled and rested his hand on Molly's waist. "I know. That's why I love you. I wish I didn't have to go at all."
"Why'd you say that?" She looks down at him.
"I'm only going because my brother promised that John and your brother didn't have to go to the continent for another year if I did."
"Thank you Sherlock." Molly said, tugging Sherlock closer to her, giving him a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too." He sighed a little. "It's going to be so different now."
"I know you don't like change. We'll manage."