Once Molly had released Sherlock's restraints, Mycroft ushered them through the winding halls of the airport, passed various officers without comment (though many shot Mycroft and Sherlock fearful looks) and into a black, unmarked car. Sherlock slid in beside her while Mycroft and the BlackBerry woman sat across from them.
In her oversized cardigan and baggy trousers, Molly felt completely out of place with the immaculately dressed couple. Noticing immediately her self-consciousness, in his own silent way, Sherlock tried to reassure her, placing his hand next to hers on the seat and brushing his little finger atop hers in silent acknowledgement. Molly glanced down at his touch, trying to sort out the confusing rush of feelings the display of sentiment elicited.
Even after everything, there was still a tiny thread of doubt in the back of her mind. It was all so overwhelming. She wasn't sure she was ready to accept his affectionate display, afraid for her heart.
Slowly, she pulled her hand into her lap and clasped them tightly.
Against the seat between them, Sherlock's hand fell softly, but he did not retract it, leaving it there in silent invitation.
Molly ignored the sight, and her tugging heartstrings, choosing instead to stare out the window as London passed by.
London. Her gaze flew to Mycroft's. 'Where will I stay? My flat's been let and all my belongings are-'
'-currently en route to a suitable replacement flat here in London,' Mycroft smoothly interjected over her panic.
Molly blinked in surprise. 'Oh.'
Anthea smirked behind her BlackBerry. 'It's a lovely place. The landlady is a dear and delighted to have you as a temporary tenant. However, she oversees another tenant who is somewhat less than desirable.'
Beside her, Sherlock rolled his eyes and grumbled, 'Must you be so impolite, Annie.'
Mycroft raised a hand to end the glaring contest between the two and smiled as politely as he could at Molly, bordering on slightly creepy. 'In case Anthea wasn't clear enough, I've arranged for you to stay in Doctor Watson's former living quarters at Baker Street until a suitable flat has been procured.'
'Erm,' Molly bit her lip. 'Are you sure that's a good idea?'
Sherlock turned to face her, eyes wide with hurt. 'I assure you, I am an adequate flatmate, as John can attest.'
Molly furrowed her brow in thought as she wrung her hands together. 'It's not that…'
'You're concerned that being in such close proximity will make you feel pressured to accept a relationship you're not ready for,' Mycroft deduced in his usual cool, calculated way. But his eyes were soft in understanding.
Molly swallowed and nodded, her cheeks burning in embarrassment.
'Molly,' Sherlock murmured and placed his hand over hers. 'I won't pressure you. I'll wait until you're ready, even if you never are. I don't want to force you to accept me, but I want to give us a chance.'
Suddenly very aware of Mycroft and Anthea's presence, Molly flushed even more and ducked her head. 'I know, I just…'
She didn't know how to explain it. Every reason she could come up with just sounded like a lame excuse. Turning her head to look up at Sherlock, she bit her lip. 'Will you promise to give me time… and space?'
Sherlock nodded emphatically, a serious expression on his face, but Molly could see the gleam of triumph in his eyes.
'Very well,' she sighed and turned to Mycroft. 'Take me to Baker Street.'
Glancing around the simple room with its single bed, Molly bit her lip worriedly.
'Settling in?'
She turned around at Sherlock's voice from the doorway to see him leaning against the doorframe, his hands in his pockets. He pushed away from the wall and sauntered closer, making his way through the small sea of cardboard boxes.
Molly sighed and moved another box from John's… her bed to the floor. 'For now.'
'If you're still uncomfortable with this situation, I can set Mummy on Mycroft to speed up his search for another flat.'
She breathed out a laugh and shook her head. 'No, it's fine.' She glanced away as she repeated, 'For now.'
He narrowed his eyes at her and sighed. 'You're still doubting.'
Damn him and his deductions. 'A little. I think once I get a good night's rest and let reality sink in, I'll come around.' She grinned ruefully up at him, trying to lighten the somber mood. 'It may take some time. I spent a lot of years daydreaming about this… well, not this, but you… likin-loving me.'
She rubbed a hand over her forehead and forced a laugh. 'That will definitely take a while to be real.'
Suddenly, Sherlock was right in front of her, his hand cupping her cheek and lifting her gaze to his. 'I promise, Molly. It's real. I love you. Whether or not you ever decide to be with me, I will always love you.'
She wanted to believe him, but here in the quiet after the emotional storm, the doubts were rising up. A lump formed in her throat and tears blurred her eyes as she whispered, 'How can I be sure?'
'Just… trust me.' He looked down at her pleadingly, a tender, hopeful smile on his face. For an instant, Molly wanted him to cross the distance and kiss her, to show her his feelings were real.
But he stepped away. She closed her eyes, relieved. A kiss would only confuse her more, make her feel pressured to accept something she wasn't ready to.
He held his hand out in invitation and smiled softly. 'So, how about that dinner?'
She stared at his hand, anxious and unsure. All it takes is one step, Molly. She silenced the doubts in her mind and focused on that first step. A leap of faith. And trust.
Taking a deep breath, she smiled and slid her hand into his. His fingers closed around hers, warm and protective.
As he led her out of the room, she felt her broken heart begin to heal, its battered and broken heartstrings slowly rethreading back to life. And when he shyly pulled her close as they stepped out into the rain, shielding them with the umbrella he stole from Mycroft, she felt her hurt begin to fade.
She couldn't forgive him today; no, the hurt went too deep for that. But each timid brush of his thumb across her knuckles, each hesitant glance out of the corner of his eye to make sure she was still there, was another reason for her to keep trying.
AN: Thank you, my wonderful dears, for all your favs, reviews, follows, and encouragement! This story was a crazy ride for me as a writer and though I'm relieved to be finished, I'm going to miss coming up with more angsty Conspiracy ideas. :) A bonus thank you to my lovely Betas, MizJoely and Buttercup59, for all their help!
