A/N: Oh boy. This one took so bloody long! Not entirely happy with it. But please go ahead and check it out.

A little grateful shoutout to the reviewers: Irene90, andreyvit (hehe, personally, I wouldn't mind a lot more shagging, either. But for the sake of the storytelling, I'll turn it down a notch...maybe. hrhr), NicoleJacobs (thank you so much. What a wonderful compliment), Fandom Exploitation, MorbidbyDefault, MegHolmes, Meegan (hahahaha, I knoe exactly what you're talking about!^^), Rocking the Redhead (haha, mee too. Ah, good times. Hrhr), BelieverofManyThings, Laurelin the Pale (that would be a career for me^^), AllonsyBatch (sorry you had a bad week. Hope everything is better now?), 4May (hahaha, you're mean^^), AdaYuki, Brytte Mystere (yep, he's very thorough in his exploitations), Angels-heart1, lovelyhouseofblack (I think Mrs. Hudson ships him with happiness, really. She would have been fine with Johnlock, as well^^), thousandsmore, Empress of Verace, Renaissancebooklover108 (well, if I had that man...no, let's better not go there.^^), roxyxena007, Poodle warriors, HueReka, FionaLunetta (why thank you so much and welcome to the ship! Hop on board! ^^ I actually blushed at your nice compliments and I am beyond happy that you like the story. We do have awesome writers in our ship. If you like, go check out my favs for some recs. :)), SomeOneOnThisWorld (thank you for your honest words. After 30 chapters without any action, I thought we all deserved some extended bonking. It's one of the best parts of life, so I'm telling you now this will continue to occure. But the plot continues in this chapter, so I hope you're still on board and like the read :)), JM2010 (yeah, I so have to revise this story at one point. Just have my lazy ass to blame, I'm afraid. No beta. I have some more chapters planned (could turn out to be a lot, actually). Thanks for the advice), cassie. .3, Ante162 (welcome on board, matey! ;)), KraZiiePyrozHavemoreFun, foreverwholock and s6shlover (welcome to you, too).

Before we start, I have to thank MorbidbyDefault for the tidysmut idea. She had a dream about Molly picking up clothes after Sherlock that I was allowed to work into the plot. Thank you, dear. Hope you like what I did with it ;)

After a week, Molly finally felt ready for action again. The past few days had been torture, being forced to be good with that bloody Adonis in her bed. He insisted of them spending the night together, or at least him holding her until she fell asleep. Molly was truly overwhelmed by Sherlock's attention and affection towards her. She tried to keep her feet on the ground by telling herself that all of this was just because there wasn't a big case. He spent these days solving small, boring cases which he rarely left the flat for. So he was quite hyper when she got home in the evening and demanded her attention. Long story short, Molly had never snogged so much in her entire life. Not that she was complaining.

In fact, she couldn't wait to get home tonight and celebrate her not being sore anymore.

She even thought about buying something pretty for him as she walked into her little office to put the file of her latest autopsy in the filing cabinet. She checked her mobile on her way out and noticed that there was a missed call.

"Hello Albert", Molly greeted her financial consultant as he answered the phone.

"Oh, hey Molly, thanks for calling me back. How are you?"

"Can't complain. How are you? And Josephine and the kids?"

Albert Castel had been her financial consultant/accountant for years. Her father had entrusted him with all his finances years ago and he had become 'the Hooper's family accountant', as Albert liked to say.

Molly herself only had the stock options her father had bought for her for her 18th birthday and Albert usually just called her if he needed her signature from time to time.

After the chitchat was done, Albert got serious.

"Molly, I need you to come in as soon as possible for several signatures."

"Okay. Is everything okay? You sound worried."

"Worried? No, that's not the right word...So, when can you come in?"

Molly frowned. Something was wrong.

"Why are you not telling me what this is about? Am I poor or something?"

Albert cleared his throat.

"No, no, not at all…look, I really don't want to talk about this over the phone."

"Okay, okay. Is tomorrow soon enough for you? Around 9am?"

"Perfect. I'll prepare the papers."

"All right…do I need to be worried?"

"Ehm…no. I wouldn't say so. Everything's fine. I'll explain it all tomorrow."

After a hasty goodbye, Albert hung up and left Molly wondering what the hell was wrong and, after finishing her shift and switching her next to the night shift, checked the newspaper as soon as she got home.

"You have shares?" Sherlock asked and caused her to jump as he appeared out of nowhere behind her, snaking his arms around her waist. He buried his nose in the crook of her neck and took a deep breath. It still made her shiver, even though he did it every time she got home.

"Hello. Yes, my father bought them for me when I turned 18. My accountant called today and he sounded very…weird. He said I had nothing to worry about, which of course only made me worry."

"Hm", Sherlock uttered in agreement as he trailed soft, warm kisses up her neck.

"Nope, everything looks fine…oh, that's nice…"

Molly let the newspaper drop as Sherlock sucked at her earlobe. With a smile she turned around in his arms, wrapping hers around his neck. Instantly, his lips captured hers and his kiss made her toes curl.

"Hi", she whispered against his lips with a smile.

Sherlock grinned and his hands wandered down her back to cover her butt cheeks.

"Anything interesting today?" he asked while he massaged her arse very nicely, pressing her front against his.

"I'm afraid not. No good case yet?"

"No. It's like all the criminals have decided to go on holiday at the same time."

Molly chuckled and gently scraped his neck.

"Poor consulting detective. If only there was something else to occupy your mind for a while…"

She grinned wickedly at him and he lifted his eyebrows.

"Are you suggesting…?"

"Oh yeah."

"So you're feeling better?"

Instead of a reply, she kissed him hungrily, her fists buried in his hair. When she released him, Sherlock stumbled against her, letting out a hum. After clearing his throat he let go of her. Walking towards the bedroom, he ripped his clothes off his body. Molly chuckled as she saw his briefs fly through the air. She tilted her head and looked at his lovely butt as he walked into the bedroom, looking at her expectantly before he jumped onto the bed.

There was a trail of clothes leading to the consulting detective's lair and Molly picked up piece by piece, draping them over one arm while she held his shoes in her hand. Closing the bedroom door with her foot, she looked at him sprawled out in his bed, his head resting in his hand. His glas eyes bore into hers, lust causing them to sparkle.

"Just leave them and come to bed", he purred in his deep voice and patted the place next to him.

Molly just shook her head and started folding his clothes before she hung them over his valet stand.

"Molly!" Sherlock called out to his lover impatiently.

"Don't leave your clothes on the floor. They'll crinkle and then you'll come with your puppy eyes, asking me to iron them and when I refuse you'll beg Mrs. Hudson. All this nuisance could be avoided if you just hang your clothes…Ah!"

Molly was hurled onto the bed mid-sentence and laughed as Sherlock rolled on top of her with a pout on his face.

"Don't lecture me when I want to make love to you", he complained, his adept hands opening the buttons of her blouse and exposing her black bra.

"If you would listen to me, I wouldn't have to lecture you. I told you a thousand times to hang your clothes on the bloody valet" Molly protested and spread her legs so Sherlock's hips rested between them and she could sling her thighs around his slim waist. Sherlock hummed and hastily pulled her shirt out of her trousers before he pressed his hips against hers, sliding his already hard length over her sex. Molly bit her lip and grabbed his butt, scratching her nails over his delicate skin.

"It's been 16 times, at most", Sherlock commented dryly before he leaned down to gently bite into the mound of her breast.

"23, at least" Molly uttered and wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders.

"18."

"24."

Sherlock lifted his head.

"That's not how negotiation works, Molly. You have to pick a lower number."

Molly grinned, nibbling at his throat.

"You have to hang your clothes on the valet."

"If you say 'valet' one more time, I'll throw the bloody thing out the window."

Sherlock had pushed the cup of her bra down and was about to suck her pebbled nipple between his lips when Molly lifted her head, her lips brushing his ear and causing him to shiver as she spoke: "Valet."

Sherlock growled and rolled off of her, jumping out of the bed to get his hands on the piece of furniture when Molly stopped him, laughing.

"Don't! I'll be good now."

Sherlock whirled around, showing off his erection with his hands on his hips.

"How good?" he asked and cocked an eyebrow.

Molly smiled cheekily and brushed off her blouse, throwing it onto the floor. As she reached behind her back with both hands, they looked deep into each other's eyes. Biting her lip, Molly unhooked her bra and brushed it off, exposing her breasts. The look on Sherlock's face was the most wonderful compliment she had ever gotten.

Giggling, she threw the bra at him but Sherlock was too mesmerized with the sight before him to react in time, so the bra wasn't caught.

Neither did it fall to the ground.

Molly had never bitten her lip this hard.

Still, it was no use.

The laughter burst out of her and she clasped her hands over her mouth, trying to say she was sorry that her bra was no dangling from Sherlock's prominent erection. She fell onto the bed, holding her belly and laughing tears while Sherlock removed the bra from his manhood and threw it over the valet stand, trying very hard to keep his cool. The pink glow on his cheeks gave him away, anyway, and he tried to cover it up by diving back into bed. He couldn't help but chuckle at the ridiculousness of this moment as he enveloped Molly in his arms.

"My penis is not a valet stand for your bra, Molly", he scolded her, only causing her to laugh harder.

Her head had turned red and Sherlock did his best he could to calm her down: By nibbling and sucking at her lovely breasts.

It worked like a charm and soon, he heard her giggle turn into moans of pleasure and felt her arms wrapping around him.

"I'm sorry", she whispered into his hair and he lifted his head, cupping her breast with his hand while he shifted so he could kiss her.

From that moment on, no more words were spoken.

~oOo~

Four minutes to 9am, Molly arrived at the bank. She couldn't see Albert in his little office with the glass walls, so she asked a free teller for him.

"Oh, Miss Hooper. You're expected. Sorry you had to wait. I'll come round and show you the way."

Well, that was weird.

Her bank was quite polite (well, for a bank), but that was certainly new. And how did the woman know her name?

Anyway, the middle aged woman hurried to join her and gestured her with a ridiculously bright smile to follow her. Molly did so, more confused than ever.

The teller used her Identity card to open several doors and Molly felt more and more uncomfortable the deeper she went into the building. She couldn't help but notice how expensive everything was, the wooden walls, the carpet, even the lamps. Molly got the suspicion that there might be a mistake. Just as she wanted to point this out, the woman stopped and pointed at the door with the golden handle before she made her way back to her desk.

Molly looked after her for a moment.

Then she took a deep breath. She wished she had Sherlock with her. He certainly would have known what was going on…

Nevertheless, she opened the door to a spacious room with timber walls in the color of walnuts and a dark green carpet. To her relief, Albert was sitting at the table in the middle of the room, looking up from some papers as he heard someone enter.

"Ah, Molly, there you are. I hope you didn't have to wait."

Molly frowned as she walked up to the table and put her ridiculous bag onto the polished wood.

"Will you tell me what's going on now? I'm about to freak out, Albert."

The man in his late 50's with the brown hair sparked with grey laughed.

"I'm afraid you will freak out, Molls. Sit down."

"No. Tell me now."

Albert looked at her, a wicked smile on his face. For an accountant, he had a boyish sense of humor.

"You want to sit down for this, Molly. Trust me."

Molly sighed in annoyance, pulled a chair back and dropped on it gracelessly. Then she looked at him expectantly.

Albert folded his hands and took his time before he spoke. She wanted to throttle him.

"Before me, I have a declaration of acceptance. If you sign it, the amount stated on this declaration will be credited to an account I have already set up for you. The effective interest is stated on the declaration, as well. Of course I did everything to maximize the interest, although this means that it is fixed. If you want to withdraw an amount after that, you have to notice three months prior withdrawal, otherwise you'll lose the interest. We can still change the amount that will be fixed, if you want, but I'd highly recommend it the way it is. This way, the profit is maximized and you have enough at your disposal to go a little nuts."

He grinned at her, expecting to join in, obviously forgetting that she still didn't understand a word he was talking about. Her confused face seemed to remind him of that, for he flinched in his seat.

"Of course. Sorry. It's the first time for me. I'm a little excited."

He cleared his throat and put on his professional face. Without another word, he slid the paper across the table, turning it on its way so Molly didn't have to look at it upside down. He withdrew his hand and Molly looked down, reading the declaration of acceptance.

Trade language,

trade language,

blablabla,

legal notices,

some more blablabla,

Fixed amount,

Total amount,

bla…

Molly gasped and clasped her hands over her mouth as her eyes flew back to the total amount:

A Two, followed by six Zeros.

Her head snapped up and she found Albert grinning at her, suppressing a laugh.

"Is this real?" Molly whispered and pointed at the sheet of paper.

"Absolutely."

"Oh my God."

Like if the seat had bitten her, Molly jumped out of her chair, still pointing at the sheet of paper that would turn her into a Millionaire.

"Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!" she repeated over and over again, the only words she could remember at the moment.

Then, all of a sudden, Molly rushed forward and slammed her hands onto the table.

"That's not real, Albert! It's a mistake, it must be!"

"Oh, I thought that, too. But the initiator made very clear that you are indeed the correct beneficiary."

"Initiator? I thought you made me that much money with the shares."

Albert laughed and got up from his seat.

"I'm good, but I'm not that good, I'm afraid."

He walked across the room as he continued.

"No, Molly, this is a donation inter vivos. And I might add that the taxes are already paid by the initiator."

Molly stared down at the written amount that made her dizzy.

"But why? And who?"

She looked up again. Albert had reached the door by now, one that lead to another room.

"The 'who' I could answer, but the 'why' is beyond me, so why don't you ask her yourself?"

The grin still in place on his face, Albert pushed down the handle and let the door swing open.

…And in stepped a person Molly had thought she would never see again.

Irene Adler had always been a woman for the dramatic entrance.

Molly couldn't help but admire her beauty in that knee-length, prim sheath dress, the black color contrasted with a white band on the elbow-length sleeve and on the Bateau neckline. Even though the dress was rather simple, the fabric was exquisite flannel. Combined with the artful hairstyle and the bright lipstick, Irene looked nothing but stunning.

The sound of her black high-heels was dulled by the carpet as Irene went over to her with a smug grin on her face and a sway in her hips.

"Hello, little doe", she greeted Molly in that sensual voice and the pathologist needed a second to overcome her astonishment.

"Irene", she replied in a hoarse voice that brightened the smile on Irene's face.

With a look over her shoulder, the Woman told Albert that they wanted to be left alone and the accountant couldn't oblige fast enough.

So now they were alone again and Irene tilted her head, looking Molly up and down.

"I see you finally have made him a man."

Molly's eyes widened and her cheeks were pink in an instant. Hastily, she averted her eyes and cleared her throat.

"Well, this is none of your business, is it now?"

Irene chuckled.

"Oh, that good, is it?"

Molly wrapped her arms around herself to fight the urge to hide her burning face behind her hands.

"Please, stop it."

"Oh, come on. After all I've done for you, you could at least gossip a little. I had to stay abstinent for almost two weeks now, due to that bloody bullet wound."

That made Molly look up.

"Are you even allowed to be up and prancing around?"

"Prancing? I'm not a horse, Molly!"

"Strutting around?"

They looked at each other. Then they grinned.

Irene shrugged her shoulders, hissing a second later. Her natural instinct to protect and nourish taking over, Molly took a step forward and reached out for her before she realized what she was doing and let her hands drop again.

Of course it didn't go unnoticed by the Woman, neither did the worried look on Molly's face.

"I'm fine", she reassured her with a warm smile.

"You really shouldn't be up. Did you even have your stitches removed, yet? Do you want me to take a look?"

Irene chuckled.

"I'd love you to have a look at me."

Molly rolled her eyes.

"I mean the wound, Irene."

The taller woman sighed.

"You're such a spoil's sport. I hope you're not that uptight with Sherlock."

Molly's eyes darted to the side, reliving all the fun they had had, and Irene chuckled again.

"That lucky bastard."

Molly blinked.

"Can we leave him out of this, please? I just want to know what you're reasons are for all this."

Molly pointed at the papers on the table.

"It's my way to clear the debt between us."

"What debt?"

"You saved my life."

"Oh…"

Molly looked down at the big black numbers, coming to a rest on the 2. A humorous smile spread on her lips and she looked up again.

"I really thought your life would be of more value."

Irene's eyes widened in surprise for a second. Then she tilted her head back and laughed.

Shaking her head, Irene crossed the distance between them and let her fingers run through Molly's long brown hair. Molly didn't mind anymore. She knew Irene wouldn't harm her or force herself upon her. Why she knew that, she couldn't say. She just did. There was something between them. Maybe it was the fact that they had both run for their lives together, or that Molly had saved her life. It had brought them closer on an unconscious level somehow.

"Of course my life is worth a lot more. But I'm still a greedy woman, Molly Hooper. Sharing doesn't come natural to me."

"Then I should appreciate it even more?"

"You better."

They smiled at each other for a second, then Molly got serious again.

"I don't want that money, Irene. I didn't help you because I was hoping to get something out of it."

"Oh, I know. You're a little angel, descended from heaven to shed some light upon us demons, hoping to cure at least one of us…"

Molly didn't know if Irene was meaning it or just mocking her. Most probably the latter.

"I'm not an angel", Molly protested anyway.

The way Irene looked at her made her shiver.

The black-haired woman let the back of her hand run over Molly's cheek.

"Yes, you are."

Molly blushed once more. Irene's eyes were so soft and warm all of a sudden and she was standing definitely too close, her sensual perfume filling her nose and her body heat radiating from her body.

"I could use someone like you in my life…Are you sure you don't want to run away with me?"

They looked at each other for a long moment.

"Maybe in another life", Molly whispered finally, referring to something Irene had said to her that night she had kidnapped her.

Irene smiled knowingly, stroking her cheek one last time before she stepped away from her, breaking the spell that had laid upon them.

"Very well. Then take the money. And you are not allowed to donate any of it. This is for you."

"But I just said…"

"You will take it," Irene said in her professional dominatrix voice, but when Molly flinched, it softened, "for me. So I don't feel obliged to you any longer."

Molly was at a loss of words. She looked down at the papers again.

While Irene already knew she would take it, Molly needed almost another minute to make that decision.

"Oh my God", she whispered, the impact this would have on her life dawning on her.

"I'm going to be a Millionaire", she breathed and clasped her hands over her mouth as soon as those words left her mouth.

Irene grinned as Molly looked up at her with widened eyes.

"Yes, you will."

Molly went back to repeatedly calling out to a deity, all kinds of emotions rushing through her system at once, making her feel like she was about to burst. She gasped again and rushed forward to take Irene's hands in hers.

"Thank you. Thank you, thank you!"

Irene laughed. She couldn't help herself, seeing Molly so overjoyed. And it surprised her how good it made her feel about herself, being the reason of her happiness. Once again, Irene realized that she could really care for the brown-eyed doe.

What a terrifying thought…

"You can thank me with a kiss", she purred quickly to live up to her reputation.

"Oh, stop it, Irene", Molly just said and grinned, letting go of her hands.

Silence fell between them for a second in which they just looked at each other.

"Where will you go?" Molly asked, seeing in Irene's eyes that this was a goodbye.

"Everywhere", she replied with an excited grin. "Give Mycroft a chance to miss me and come after me."

Molly frowned.

"Do you really think he feels for you? He gave order to kill you."

Irene waved the argument off.

"Of course he did. He's scared of the effect I have on him. I'm already under his skin, but he is still fighting it, kicking and screaming like a little brat. I'll have to beat that out of him."

Molly sighed.

"Just don't push him too far. Mycroft is even more against feelings than Sherlock. I don't want you to get hurt again…without me being there to rescue you."

Molly really didn't know where she got that mouth from…

But Irene just laughed.

"Who knows, maybe we will be sisters-in-law one day."

Molly's eyes widened in shock.

Marrying Sherlock Holmes? What a thought!

Yes, of course she had thought about it. Ever since she knew him. She had even wondered if she would keep her name or if she would take his. But this was ages ago!

Now they lived together and most recently had swapped their friendship relationship status for…lovers? Yes, they were lovers, of course. She wouldn't call him her boyfriend. The term would cause Sherlock to vomit, no doubt…

Marrying Sherlock Holmes…

No! she ordered herself angrily. Don't be foolish. Sherlock would never propose. Most surely, he doesn't believe in marriage. He would never ask…no, absolutely not…

The chuckling noise Irene made brought Molly back from her trip to dreams-that-will-never-be-land and she hastily cleared her throat.

"I wouldn't have taken you for a woman who would like to marry", she stammered with hot cheeks.

"Oh, I have nothing against marriage. The problem is to find a person you can trust…and isn't as dull as a fish."

Molly frowned.

"Isn't that the perfect description for Mycroft Holmes?"

Irene laughed.

"Up to now, yes. But I have big hopes for him. He needs to be broken first, though."

"Okay, that's about enough I want to know about your…business."

Irene just sighed and shook her head.

"Well, I've got to go. As soon as Mycroft knows I've left witness protection, he'll unleash his dogs."

"What? You left? Why the heck did you do this? You could still be in danger!"

Irene shrugged (only with her good shoulder this time).

"Bored. He stuck me in that ridiculous small apartment with absolutely no view worth mentioning. It was unacceptable."

Molly threw her arms in the air in frustration. She was absolutely furious with that woman. After that horrible day, after a near-death- experience, she still was that reckless. This was just insane.

"I can't believe you", Molly exclaimed with anger in her voice.

"Oh, don't give me that look. You're neither my mother nor my lover."

They glowered at each other.

Then Molly sighed. There was no discussing with that woman. She was right, after all. Molly had no right to tell her what or what not to do.

"Fine. Do whatever you want. I don't care."

"Yes, you do. And I'm honestly touched. But I'm not like you, little doe. I need my freedom and the excitement of the chase."

"But you can't run forever, can you?"

"No, of course not. But while I still can, I will have my share of fun."

Molly looked at her, the worry still visible in her eyes.

"Just promise to be at least a little careful…for me."

Irene took a deep breath and looked at the pathologist for a long moment. Then a gentle smile played around her red lips.

"Fine."

Relief spread in Molly's chest and she smiled.

"Now, will you accept the bloody money or not? I don't have all day."

"I will."

As soon as Molly said it, the excitement was back.

"I can't believe this."

She wanted to pinch herself. She did, actually.

"What am I going to do with this money?" she asked herself out loud, really clueless what to do.

Irene laid an arm around her shoulders and leaned in, pressing a kiss on Molly's cheek.

"Buy yourself a treat, little doe. How about a little house in the Bahamas?"

A house…

An idea formed in Molly's head and she was so caught up in it that she nearly forgot to say goodbye to the Woman. She whirled around on her heels and saw Irene had already opened the door.

"Goodbye, Irene. Thank you for everything."

Irene glanced over her shoulder, then that smug smile was on her red lips.

"Take care, little doe."

Molly smiled, too.

"Stay save."

With one last look, the women parted and Molly was left alone. But only for a few seconds.

Albert stuck his head inside the room.

"Are you ready?"

Molly beamed at him.

"Yes. But we have to adjust the figures. I need money right now."

"Oh?" Albert asked as he crossed the room.

"And what is your first investment, Miss Hooper?"

Molly straightened and smiled.

"I'm buying a house."

~oOo~

It was all done in complete secrecy. They told no one. Neither did Sherlock deduce it (Molly was especially proud of that). But on the day the papers were approved by the notary, Molly received a call. When she answered, she could already hear the shouting in the background.

"He knows" were the only words coming from the other end of the line.

"I was about to leave, anyway. See you in a bit."

~oOo~

"What did you do?!" Mycroft Holmes yelled, not for the first time this evening.

"I don't know what the hell you are talking about!" Sherlock yelled back, not the first time, either.

"The money, Sherlock! Where did you get half a million pounds?"

"What?"

"It can't come from a case, for I know there hasn't been a big one in the last few weeks. And there have been no withdrawals from your accounts."

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop controlling my finances? I've been clean for years, for God's sake!"

"Did you sell drugs?"

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. It's the only logical explanation!"

"Explanation for what?!"

Mrs. Hudson flinched as she heard the Holmes' brothers fight from downstairs. She was looking up the stairs, clutching her blouse with one hand while the other was grasping the stairrail. With her back to the door, she didn't notice how Molly opened and closed it behind her.

"How long has it been going on?"

Mrs. Hudson flinched at the voice behind.

"Goodness, dear. Don't do that to an old woman."

Molly smiled apologetically and patted Martha's back. Both their eyes drifted upwards as the shouting continued.

"I think it's time to tell them, isn't it?"

Mrs. Hudson nodded and together they walked up the stairs, unnoticed by the sharp ears of the Holmes's brothers.

"You've gone too far this time. If you sold drugs, I don't want to have anything to do with it. This time you have to sort it out by yourself."

"For the last time, Mycroft, I have no idea what you are talking about!"

Mycroft pushed the stack of newspapers off the coffee table with his umbrella before he pointed it at his younger brother who was currently standing by the window.

"I tell you one thing, Sherlock. If I find out you bought this house with dirty money, there will be consequences!"

Sherlock blinked.

"I didn't buy 221 Baker Street."

Mycroft stiffened.

"Don't even try, Sherlock. I'm tired of your childish games."

Sherlock balled his hands into fists.

"I. Didn't. Buy. This. Bloody. House!"

Mycroft looked his brother up and down.

"Then who put your name on the deed?" he asked in his most sourly tone.

"It was me", Molly said, stepping out of the shadows and into the living room, closely followed by Mrs. Hudson.

Silence fell upon 221b Baker Street as both Holmes' brothers stared at her, processing her words. The way Mycroft glared at her sent a chill down Molly's spine.

"How?" he asked after another long moment.

"The call. Your accountant called a few days ago. Something about shares" Sherlock put in another piece of the puzzle.

Mycroft snorted.

"Those shares are hardly worthy enough."

Molly was taken aback and Mycroft rolled his eyes at her shocked look.

"A background check, done years ago when you first got in contact with Sherlock. Routine procedure."

"Do you do this every time a person gets in contact with your brother?"

"Only if the acquaintance is going to last."

Molly was confused, but Mycroft didn't care to elaborate.

"Where did you get the money?" he asked straight forward.

"I don't think this is any of your business."

Mycroft took a deep breath. He was stressed. Molly had never seen him stressed before. It was very unsettling.

"Miss Hooper, why don't you save us both the time and just tell me. I wouldn't appreciate wasting time by dragging you along to get interrogated."

At this, Sherlock took a step forward, his eyes blazing with anger.

"If you lay but one finger on her…!"

"Irene Adler!" Molly shouted quickly, the fury in Sherlock's eyes making her speak. She didn't want this fight to continue or worsen.

Both of the men stiffened and looked at her.

"She gave me the money four days ago. She was there in person, you can call Albert Castel if you don't believe me. It was a legal donation."

Molly's words died out as she saw Mycroft's look.

"Did Miss Adler give a reason for bestowing you with that much money?"

Molly gulped at the icy tone.

"It was her way to thank me for saving her life."

Mycroft clenched his jaw. He needed a second before he spoke again.

"Let's sum this up, shall we? Four days ago, Irene Adler donated you half a million pounds and the first thing you do is to buy this very building?"

"Two million pounds, actually", Molly croaked.

Mycroft's and Sherlock's eyes widened. Mrs. Hudson gasped.

Again, dead silence in the living room.

"Where is Miss Adler now?" Mycroft finally asked.

Molly shook her head.

"I don't know. The only thing she told me is that she hated the flat you put her in and that she wants you to chase her."

Mycroft's grip around his umbrella made the wood creak.

Once again, he took a deep breath and straightened.

"Well, I have to congratulate you, Miss Hooper. Not only did you let escape a criminal, but you also put the least responsible person in charge of this building."

While Molly blushed, Sherlock's head snapped up. Finally, all his brother's accusations made sense.

"You gave me 221 Baker Street. You put me in as landlord in the deed", he exclaimed in astonishment.

His eyes were huge and he seemed frozen to the spot.

"Yes", Molly said and smiled shyly.

Before Mycroft could pour more of his venom, Sherlock crossed the distance between himself and Molly and cupped her cheeks with his hands.

"You gave me Baker Street", he muttered, his blue green eyes hurrying over her face while his thumbs caressed her cheeks.

"Why?"

"Because you love it", Molly replied and looked up at him.

Sherlock looked deep into her big brown eyes for a moment.

"Get out!" he shouted all of a sudden, causing everyone except Mycroft to jump.

Mrs. Hudson, used to his tempers and knowing this tone, hurried out the room and down the stairs.

Sherlock was still looking at Molly when he noticed that his brother made no move to leave.

Without letting go of her eyes, Sherlock said icily: "I said get out. I'm about to declare my love to Molly Hooper and I am certain that this is not something you want to witness, brother dear."

Mycroft clenched his jaw.

"I warned you about this, Sherlock. This will have no happy ending."

Molly's eyes widened at those words.

"What?"

"Don't listen to him", Sherlock protested, but Molly freed herself from his grip to turn to his brother.

"Warned him about what? About me? My bad influence on him?"

She crossed the distance between them and Sherlock was astonished to see Mycroft take a step back when Molly walked over to him.

"This is in your best interest, Miss Hooper. Sherlock is not made for a relationship and at one point, he will hurt you. Maybe you'll both get hurt. It's best to end it while you still can."

"Unbelievable", Molly breathed in utter disbelief. "I've defended you so many times, told Sherlock that you only do the horrible things you do because you care for him. But he's right about you, after all. You only have your own, selfish interests in mind. You just don't want him to be distracted by me, don't you?"

"I ensure you, this is not about me."

Molly snorted. Then she straightened and held her head high as she spoke.

"This is Sherlock's house and he told you to leave. I advise you to do so. Now!"

A long second passed when Molly and Mycroft glared at each other. He used his most arrogant look at her, but Molly held his gaze, unimpressed. Then she tilted her head and cocked an eyebrow.

"Or do you want to be dragged out of here by the police?"

Mycroft inhaled soundly. His eyes darted to Sherlock, who had a smug grin on his face.

Without another word, Mycroft left swiftly.

Molly glared after him until she heard the front door close.

"How dare he..unf!"

As soon as she had turned around, Sherlock was there to crush his lips against hers. Before she knew it she was thrown onto the couch with Sherlock on top of her, tearing at her clothes. Molly needed a second to realize what the heck was going on, but then mimiced his actions and tore at his clothes, as well.

Fabric ripped, clothes were thrown across the room. Hands were kneading muscles and teeth bit skin.

There was no foreplay. As soon as Molly wrapped her legs around Sherlock's hips, his hand guided his rock hard cock to her entrance and slammed it into her. She was ready for him. Dear God, how ready she was.

Sherlock buried his head in the crook of her neck while he thrust into her hard and Molly pressed him against her, wanting him as close as possible.

His hot breath hit her neck and his deep growls filled her ears and she closed her eyes, focusing completely on her lover. She arched her body against him and he wrapped his arms around her possessively, only thrusting into her faster.

He moaned her name against her skin and the desperate uttering sent her over the edge unexpectedly, and she dug her nails into his shoulders while her orgasm raged through her system. Her walls convulsed around his cock and Sherlock grunted loudly. A few more hard thrusts and he shuddered as he poured his seed deep into her womb.

While they were catching their breath and slowing down their heartbeats, they continued to hold each other tight. They were still united, neither of them in a hurry to change this. Molly was stroking Sherlock's hair tenderly while he placed soft kisses on her throat and neck. Molly giggled when his lip tickled the sensitive skin beneath her earlobe.

"What brought that on?" she asked and turned her head to look at him.

Reluctantly, Sherlock lifted himself up so he could look at her.

"As it turns out", he said with his lips brushing against hers, "I find it utterly sexy when you threaten my brother."

Molly giggled and pressed a kiss to his lips. It was meant to be a brief, chaste kiss, but Sherlock had other plans. He entangled his tongue with hers and Molly sighed into his mouth.

After they parted, Sherlock looked at her, emotions and vulnerability in his eyes. His thumb drew small circles on her cheek and his lower lip quivered before he finally spoke:

"You gave me Baker Street. I can never repay you for this."

Molly smiled.

"Well, I'd say this was a good start."

She twitched her eyebrows and chuckled. Sherlock smiled only a second.

His amazing eyes roamed over her face, taking in every little detail and storing it away in his mind palace.

"Will you stay with me?" he asked her in an unsure whisper, quite to Molly's confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"I want you to stay with me…here."

"But I already am living with you…in case you didn't notice", Molly joked.

But Sherlock didn't smile.

"You're rich now. You could buy a flat or a house of your own…"

Molly hadn't even thought about this. Yes, she could buy a place of her own. But why should she? She was exactly where she wanted to be. She told him this.

Sherlock let out a breath of relief and finally smiled.

"Good. That is good. You belong at Baker Street…with me."

Molly's heart fluttered and she lifted her head to kiss him.

"I feel the same way."

She let her hands slide up and down his back while they kissed for a long time.

They made love again, this time slow and tenderly. After they were done, Sherlock rolled onto the side and pulled her back against his chest, curling around her. Her head rested on his elbow as she drifted off to sleep.

What a marvelous creature, Sherlock thought as he looked down at her, holding her close.

She had received two million pounds and the first thing she did with that money was buying him a home. No one had ever done something like this for him. He didn't know how to thank her properly. He wasn't good with words, he couldn't even begin to describe her what it meant to him. What she meant to him.

He loved her. Of course he did. He had never loved anyone like the way he loved her. He couldn't tell when he had fallen for her, but he knew it had been longer than he'd like to admit. And there was no way back now. He didn't want to be without her anymore. She did belong to him as he belonged to her. Call it boyfriend/girlfriend, lovers, companions or whatever term some might choose. He didn't care. It didn't scare him anymore.

Frankly, he had never felt more at ease, more content. Being in love with Molly Hooper wasn't scary at all.

It was being home.

Leaning down, Sherlock pressed a gentle kiss on Molly's shoulder, tasting her warm skin, slowly kissing his way up to her ear and breathing in her scent. His lips brushed over her ear as he finally whispered the words that were in his heart:

"I love you, Molly Hooper."

"I love you, too."

Sherlock smiled and rested his head on top of hers.

He had thought she was already sleeping.

Once again she managed to surprise him.

What a fascinating woman...

A/N: So, any thoughts about Irene giving Molly money? Is it believable? We don't get to know her that much in the show, I think, so I'm not sure if she would do something like this. But Molly did save her life, after all and I can imagine that Irene doesn't want to owe anyone anything. Furthermore, she likes Molly. Ah, well, I dunno. Let me know what you think, if you like. :)