A/N: I know I could've peacefully wrapped up this story with a bow and ended it in this chapter, but the whole John issue had remained unresolved and I knew I needed to fix that. Plus, maybe I just really enjoy this story and don't want it to end? Anyways, enjoy!

John could hear the faint whisper of Sherlock's coat as he strode past him and vanished around a corner. He hesitantly waited another moment before peeking his head out from within the little alcove he had hidden in. After he was relatively sure the coast was clear, he hurried down the hallway and stood before the door of Molly's apartment.

He crisply rapped his knuckles on the slightly faded paint. There was a muted shuffling behind the door before it grandly swung open and Molly's exuberant face was suddenly in front of him. It was subtle, but he could see the excitement dimming as she realized who exactly was at her door. Her response was still cheerful though. "John! What funny timing, Sherlock just left."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "I know." She stared at him. He coughed, suddenly uncomfortable. "Look, can I come in? This won't take long."

"Oh, yes. Sure!" She stepped out of the way and he eased his way into her living room. He shuffled awkwardly from foot to foot, his hands stuffed in his coat pockets. She danced around him and waved her arm towards the direction of the furniture. "Go ahead, sit down. Can I get you something to drink? Is this a business-related meeting? Does Sherlock know?"

John blinked. "Thanks, some tea would be great, no and no."

She disappeared into the kitchen and returned moments later with his drink in hand. He gratefully accepted the proffered beverage. It gave him something to stare at as he attempted to figure out what exactly he was going to say.

"So. What brings you here then if it isn't related to a case?" She sat down cross-legged on the couch across from him. The sheer innocence of that gesture twisted something in John's gut.

"Right, well. How's Sherlock?" He figured plunging head-in to the topic was his best bet.

Startled, Molly rocked back a bit before grinning. "Oh, he's good. Great actually." She giggled quietly to herself before uncrossing her legs and leaning forwards. "You know John, I think he fancies me!" It was so simply stated and brimming with confidence that he had to fight off a grimace.

"About that." He cleared his throat, trying to unclog the words that were stuck. "That's why I'm here. To talk to you about him."

"Okay." She seemed more curious that concerned about his tone, and she settled back comfortably.

"He's uh, told you about his little "experiment" right?"

To his surprise, she nodded. "From day one I knew about it. I don't mind, really. Look what's become of it!"

Pausing for a moment, John mentally backtracked to count the days since the start of Sherlock's absurd idea and now. It was at best a two-week span.

"Molly…" John's voice was soft. He sucked in a deep breath. "Do you honestly believe Sherlock has feelings for you?"

She frowned. "O-of course." Her mind wandered to that tantalizing kiss she had received not even two hours ago.

"I don't."

"Excuse me?"

"Molly, I know more about Sherlock than anyone, save for Mycroft, but he isn't going to come waltzing in here doing you any favors."

"Favors!" Molly cut in, her voice unusually high and tense. "What do you mean by favors?"

"It is not in Sherlock's nature to forge any sort of emotional attachment to a woman. You remember Irene?" Molly's eyes narrowed. "This is all part of his experiment. He is a mastermind when it comes to manipulating emotions; both yours and his. He's managed to create a sweet and romantic façade for you and even now he's observing how you react. None of it is true." She was silent. "I'm sorry to dump this on you so suddenly, but I figured you should know… before it was too late."

Molly had dropped her gaze while he was speaking, and she looked up at him now. "Too late?" Her eyes were shiny with unshed tears. "It is much too late now, John."

John half-rose out of his chair in an attempt to offer her some comfort but she held up a hand, stopping him. "You're right. I was completely blinded by this ridiculous hope that maybe… maybe he would change." She let out a shaky sigh. "I should've known though. He has never spared me a passing glance unless I was needed in aiding him in one of his plans."

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry, Molly." John's voice was quiet. His guilt at causing her distress was eating away at him. It was true, Sherlock was his best friend, but damn him sometimes. "I'll go ahead and leave."

She hastily stumbled after him and reached over his shoulder to open her front door. When he turned to glance at her once more, she offered him a watery smile. "Thanks John. It was... I'm glad… I needed to know." She finished lamely. He wrapped her in a one-armed hug and quickly left.

Molly maintained her relatively calm demeanor as she shut the door and then burst into noisy tears. In a matter of five minutes, all her excitement and hopes about Sherlock had ground to a painful halt.

He was a liar.

He was an arrogant asshole.

He was a sociopath.

And she was completely devastated.

I finally watched the third episode of the newest season and oh my God. I thoroughly enjoyed both the end of Molly's engagement and her slapping the hell out of Sherlock. Hopefully we don't have to wait another two years before the next series comes out. Thank you for all of your wonderful reviews!