Molly and Carly spent their lunch hour together talking, catching up and making plans to have Molly and Matthew over for dinner at her house when Matty is better. Molly tells Carly a bit about her and Matty's childhood and how their mom became a terribly abusive drunk and drug addict. She explains how she was afraid of Matty going into the Army, not only for PTSD, but because she knows that soldiers drink a lot when they can. Now she's afraid he could be taken by it the way their mom was, and she would do anything to stop that from happening.

"I'm sure you and his girlfriend will get him the best help that you can, right? I mean I know both of you love him a lot, so you will make sure he's okay."

Molly smiles sadly and fiddles with her hands. "Yeah, I hope he will be okay. I know he wants to be nothing like our mom. I know he would do anything to get better, to be better. I'm just so worried about him."

Carly gently squeezes her hand and looks at her. "He'll be okay. I know he will. He has a lot of people around who will make sure of it Molly."

Molly hugs her and nods slowly. "Thanks Carly. He'll have you too now. I'm sure he'll love meeting you."

"I hope so...I just hope it's not too much for him to handle all at once."

"I'll make sure he's okay with it first, don't worry."

"Alright", she smiles. "We should probably get going back to the morgue...you said you had that important autopsy, right?"

Molly's face falls again. "Yeah...important and..difficult."

"Difficult?"

"He was my fiancé...well, ex-fiancé. He wasn't who I thought he was. He was a good guy, but he was involved with bad people. Got him killed..."

"Oh, Molly...my God."

"Yeah. It's okay...I'm a professional so I can handle it. It's just a hard art of the job sometimes. People will come across the slab that you know or recognize, and you still have to do your job. Just a hard part of it that you have to learn."

Carly nods slowly. "I suppose so."

Molly slowly takes down the sheet from Tom's body. His skull is shattered and the front of his head in the forehead area looks like a sinkhole. Molly cringes a bit and tears well up in her eyes. Taking a slow, deep breath she closes her eyes for a moment and tries to swallow her sob. She feels nauseous but she tries to brush it away. This isn't about her; this is about his autopsy. About him, about her job. Not about her own feelings.

She snaps her gloves on and Carly does as well, preparing to hand her all of the tools she will need to successfully do her examination and finish the autopsy to completion.

After an hour and a half, Tom's autopsy is finished, the results and the extent of the damage to his skull and brain shocking to her. It's one of the worst cases of a shattered skull she has ever seen. The bullet smashed it to bits, not to mention the fact that it single-handedly turned nearly half of his brain to slop on impact. That was one powerful bullet.

Carly throws her gloves away and hugs Molly's arm comfortingly, realizing how difficult it was for her. She was silent for almost the entire autopsy, when she usually rattles off her thoughts.

Molly smiles sadly then cleans up the body, snapping off her own gloves and discarding them. She pulls the sheet back over his body and wheels him over to the refrigerators for the other morgue assistants to place him inside until mortuary pick-up. She makes a mental note to call Lestrade later and ask him when the services will be. She wants to contribute, since, well, she was his fiancée at one point, and he has no other family around that cares about him at all.

Mira holds Matty's hand as he rests in his hospital bed. The nurse were kind enough to give him a bit of sedative so he could have a restful sleep. It was clear that even though he hadn't been obvious about it, he hadn't slept well in over a week. She looks at him sadly and kisses his cheek. "I love you, Matty. I'm so sorry this is happening to you. You deserve so much better and I'm sorry you're hurting...I should have noticed..."

A couple hours later, he begins to wake up slowly and drowsily, his eyelids still heavy. He blinks a few times to clear up his vision and smiles when he sees Mira still seated where she was when he had been administered the sedative. "Mmh...hi."

She looks up quickly and smiles sadly, tearing up. "Hi, you." She cups his face and kisses him softly. "How are you feeling?"

"A lot better than I was before. I actually slept. Clearly."

Mira nods and intertwines their fingers lovingly. "I'm so sorry I didn't notice before. I should have noticed...I should have gotten you help sooner..."

"Shh...I didn't want you to know. I didn't want to be a burden on you. Plus, it's my problem...y'know? I chose to join the Army. It's my fault that I'm like this now."

"No. It's not Matty. PTSD just happens, it's not like you wanted it or purposely have it. You went through horrific things during the war, and you saw things that were so terrible. You...you watched your friends die in front of you. Nobody can blame you if that affects you. It would affect anyone with a heart. And we both know you have one of the biggest hearts in the world." She places her hand over his heart and lies her head on his chest. Matty tears up and strokes her beautiful red hair.

"I love you so much. I didn't want to disappoint you, or...I don't know...ruin what we have. Because ever since I've come back, I've been so focused on you and on us, and that's what I wanted. That's what I still want. And instead I ruined it with these stupid flashbacks and all I want is to get them out of my head and be normal again. For us. You deserve a boyfriend who isn't riddled with this shit. You deserve a boyfriend with no limits. You deserve the world Miranda Hayes. Right now...I'm not that boyfriend, and it kills me."

"Matthew Hooper you are the best boyfriend. However you are, you're still you. That's all I need. You. I've loved you since we were six. I've been through a lot of bad crap with you and it has never scared me away before and it won't now. It's just another hurdle and I'm not running away. I will never run away. I love you too much, and I know that you're worth coming out on the other side with. I love YOU. No matter what. I'm here, okay?"

He tears up and she raises her head to look at him. Matty cups her face and put his forehead against hers, a few tears falling down both of their faces. He nods weakly and strokes her cheeks. "I...I'll need help with this...p-professionally. I think."

"Then that's what you'll get. I just want you to feel better. I think it's a good idea, and I'm glad you realize that you need it. However...I think there's something else that needs to be discussed too..."

Matty looks down. "I know..."

"The drinking Matty...you know that alcoholism runs in your family and you also know that stress is a huge trigger. You can't drink. You know you can't drink, because you never stop at one or two. Even with the best intentions, it's not smart for you to ever pick up a drink, even in leisure when you're feeling your best. We both know this about you."

"I-I know...I don't...I'm not sure why I did. It was just the images in my head, and I couldn't escape them and I just...needed something. I don't know. I know it was stupid."

"Well hopefully a therapist can help you with that. Molly and I will do some research and see if we can find one that specializes in PTSD or work with retired or active military. I'll also be here if you need a distraction. But Matty...you know the hospital has to report this to your higher ups..."

"I know..", he mutters. "But honestly I don't really mind. The worst they can do is discharge me. At this point...I think that's what I'd want. Of course, I'd probably feel like a failure since I only lasted nearly six years...but I just want to be with you. I want to move forward with my life, I want to build a life with you Mira. I know me being so far away for too long isn't easy for you either and as I said before I would die if I lost you."

"Matthew Hooper you are not a failure, you are an honorable soldier. You will never lose me, not ever. I am here for the long haul, I promise you with all my heart. I am yours, alright? I want a life with you as well."

He nods and hugs her tightly, and she hugs him ack, cuddling into his side as he holds her.

Molly texts Sherlock to tell him the news about Matty. He tells her that he is finishing up a case, but that he and John can swing by the hospital in a little while. He thinks maybe John can talk to him, since going through the same thing after getting shot.

Agreeing, Molly cleans up the morgue with the help of Carly and asks her if she wants to come with her upstairs to visit Matthew. She nods hesitantly and follows her upstairs once they lock up. They go to his room and Carly elects to wait outside until she's sure Matty wants to meet her.

Molly squeezes her hand and nods, then slowly enters his hospital. She smiles, seeing him cuddling with Mira, loving how they are o good together and that he had found her at a time when he needed a friend the most. She is always a constant for him, loving him and getting him through the worst of times.

"Hi you two", Molly whispers, hoping she isn't disturbing them too much. Mira and Matty open their eyes and smile a bit.

"Hey Molls", Matty says softly. "You didn't have to be bothered to come."

"Of course I was going to come see you, you're my baby brother."

He blushes slightly and Mira giggles softly. "Thanks for stopping by. Matty and I were discussing y'know...what he's going to need going forward."

"Of course. Matty if it's okay, Sherlock and John are going to stop by. I know you don't like a lot of people knowing when you are in need, but John has been through it and I think it would be really helpful for him to speak with you about PTSD and how to handle it because he has been through it himself."

He swallows and looks at her. "I know you're trying to help Molls...I just..."

"I know...you don't feel like talking about it. But you have to talk about it. You have to. That's the only way you're going to get better." Molly goes over and sits on the edge of the bed, patting his hand softly. "I love you. I want the best for you, and I want you to get better. I'm sure Mira told you that too, hm?"

He nods and looks down sadly. "Yes...some days it seems impossible. I just want to be okay and I want to move on with my life. I want a life with Mira without these mental battles."

"Then you have to be willing to work for it Matty." Molly hugs him tightly and he hugs her back.

"I know, I am..er..I want to be. I'll put in the work; I'll talk with a therapist. I just need you to guide me to the right person. Is..that something you can help me with sis?"

"You know I'll help you. I'll work with Mira and we will all figure it out together okay? Plus, Sherlock's friend John can probably give you some good advice. He got through it, he got married, had a beautiful little girl. You can get through it too. I promise you can."

Mira strokes his hair. "Yeah, and Matty you're so strong and so willful. You've got this."

He nods and kisses her temple. "Thank you, love. I'm glad I have you both in my corner. I'm lucky."

Molly smiles at them and realizes that she's lucky too. They have both been through horrific experiences and come out of them stronger, and with the people they love. That's a win in her book, regardless of the hurdles life throws at them.

Sherlock and John hop into the cab and Sherlock tells the cabbie to go to Bart's. John furrows his brow and looks over then smirks. "Ah, visiting your girlfriend then?", he asks teasingly.

Sherlock rolls his eyes. "Not just that. Her brother was hospitalized, some sort of PTSD episode Molly told me. Alcoholism also runs in their family and earlier he turned to that to drown out the visions of war. I thought that maybe since you have been through quite a similar experience that you could have a talk with him...?"

John folds his hands in his lap and takes a breath. "Yes, well...I can certainly try. Although I was a bit of an adrenaline junkie, not much of a drinker. That was Harry's forte. But erm..I suppose I can talk to him about therapy. Keeping a blog or a journal or something to ground him the way Ella taught me. I know of a few good programs he can join."

"Great...he's her brother, you know? She practically raised him which makes him more important to her. I may not be close with my own siblings, as far as actual closeness goes, but Molly is very protective of him, very motherly to him. It's second nature to her. I figure helping Matthew, gets me in better graces with Molly too, so it's a win-win."

John snorts. "Better graces? What, are you in the doghouse already? What've you done this time?"

"No, no nothing like that. Molly and I are...well..we're...good."

"Just good?"

"Great. I love her, she loves me. She hasn't tried to change me, and I adore the way she is too, so it works. Better than I ever would have figured before. It's affirming."

"Have you..."

Sherlock quirks an eyebrow and glances over then away. "Have I...?"

"Oh God, you haven't have you? What was Mycroft right?"

"What on Earth are you talking about, John?"

"It /does/ "alarm" you, doesn't it? You're still...y'know" John snickers slightly.

Sherlock sighs and swallows. "Possibly."

"Sherlock...she may not want to change you, but you have to be willing to give a bit to her too! That's what a relationship is. Plus, it's just something couples do together."

He grumbles a bit. "Yes, you'd know the first thing about that wouldn't you?"

"Well...yes. I do have a daughter, don't I? Plus, it's bloody fantastic if it's with the right woman." John nudges him and Sherlock turns a shade of red John has never seen, to which he bursts out laughing. "C'mon mate, it's Molly. You love her. After every bloody thing you two have been through I doubt she'd judge you. It's er...trial and error I suppose."

"Let's change the subject, now, please."

John chuckles and shrugs. "Fine, but Sherlock, she /is/ a woman. Nobody can wait forever, especially a woman who's...used to it."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Sherlock growls a bit.

"It means she has had other boyfriends and other experiences and I'm sure what she wants is to have that with the man she's actually in love with. So you better not fuck up the only good thing you have ever had because you're scared."

"I am not scared!"

"Oh, really?"

"Yes!"

"Then prove it to her."

Sherlock scoffs and crosses his arms like a child, peering out of the window, a pout on his lips. "Maybe I will...later. Maybe."

John smirks and turns away so Sherlock doesn't see. "Yeah, yeah. I'll celebrate when I hear it from Molly or Mrs. H."

"Mrs. H?"

"She's the group gossip, c'mon we all know that. Plus, she and Molly are fairly close. She's like a mother figure to her. No doubt Molly would blab about it. Just another reason to hurry it up and make it good for her."

"Ugh...I'm done talking about this!"

John shrugs. "That's fine with me, I don't need /any/ graphic detail, thanks. Just a confirmation that you've committed. That's part of it, so just...maybe let her...I don't know...guide you?" John cringes a bit at his choice of words. "You know what I mean, don't keep her waiting around too long. She loves you, and let's be honest, neither of you are getting any younger."

"Why would age matter?"

"You're serious?"

Sherlock looks confused. "Yes...no...?"

"Sherlock, I know you have seen Molly with Rosie tons of times. You have to have noticed that she'd make an incredible mother. At least if you'd get your head out of your arse once in a while. It's no secret she's been in love with you for ages. No doubt she'd want your child. She'll be turning thirty-four soon. You don't have too much of a window left. But you two should be communicating about these things, not me. You need to have these talks with her. You're together finally. Stop skirting around everything that makes you the least little bit unsure. You love each other, so it will all work out. Trust me."

Sherlock sighs and shrugs. "I suppose I'll have to...I just don't want to disappoint her."

"You're not bad with kids yourself, Sherlock. You've watched Rosie a couple times. She loves you."

"It's not about what I want or don't want...it's about my work, and the risks that come with it. How could I knowingly bring my own child into a life filled with the risk of getting killed because of who their father is? I don't think I could do that."

"I think that's something you would have to discuss with Molly. But, if it's any consolation, I believe you'd both protect them."

"Mhh...", Sherlock says absently, watching the buildings pass by.

Back in Matty's hospital room, Molly had told him that Carly was there that day after helping her out in the morgue and wanted to meet him. He had relented and met his little sister for the first time. It was a weird feeling for him, since he had always been the youngest, and coming to realize that he was now the middle child felt odd. However, they immediately connected, and he realized for the first time what it felt like to be protective of a younger sibling. He could see things through Molly's eyes and how much she had cared for him over the years.

Carly was very sweet to him and promised to help him through his troubles as well. Matty had promised to help her with her history homework since it used to be his best subject.

Sherlock and John had come and joined them all in Matthew's hospital room, and Molly, Sherlock, Carly, and Mira had given him and John some privacy to talk about what he was going through.

A couple days later, Matthew was thriving in specialized therapy for military members, and beginning to sleep better. Mira could tell he was making progress and Molly and Carly called him periodically to make sure he was alright as well.

Molly sighs as she looks in the mirror with her black dress, tying her hair into a side braid and putting on some light makeup. Sherlock walks up behind her and wraps his arms around her middle, laying his chin on her shoulder. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?"

"I'm sure. It's going to be a very small group, and I know you didn't like him. I'm sure it'll be a pretty quick funeral and burial." Molly turns and looks at him. "I hope you understand why I had to give him a funeral."

Sherlock nods slowly. "I do...and I respect you for it. You have a big heart Molly. One of your best qualities. Love and forgiveness. You never cease to amaze me."

Molly smiles sadly and reaches up on her tiptoes to peck his lips. "Thank You. I'll be home in a couple hours. If you don't get a case, maybe we could go for lunch when I get back?"

"Sounds like a plan. I'll see you soon." Sherlock kisses her soundly and cradles her face gently before letting go. "I'll be here if you need me, alright. I'm only a text away."

"I know, thanks Sherlock." Molly grabs her purse and leaves, sighing sadly. As much as her time with Tom wasn't ideal, she never would have imagined attending the funeral of the fairly decent thirty-four year old man. Molly feels bad for him, especially since Greg had told her everything Tom had said about wanting to build a new and genuine life for himself. Now he will never get that opportunity. Molly can only be thankful that she and Sherlock will, especially after everything they have gone through that could have ended their own lives.