Summary:

Molly receives the results of the paternity test; Sherlock is there to comfort her, despite his reservations. This time he doesn't speak his mind, but rather, his heart.

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Molly's entire reality seems to become slow motion as her body is stunned, stuck in place by what she's hearing.

"Miss Hooper? Miss Hooper? Hello? Did you hear me? I said the DNA is a match."

The phone slowly slips from Molly's grip, but she suddenly snaps back into reality and catches it before it falls, placing it back near her ear. "Y-yeah...thank you...thanks", she murmurs, hanging up the phone and staring into space again.

Sherlock paces around, wanting to know the result, but he also doesn't want to push her, especially if she isn't sure how to feel about the result.

"Molly? I know you're probably in shock, but you can get through it. Look, none of your friends, myself included will let Tom take over your life again. Baby or no. I know that having his baby wasn't in your plans after you broke up with him for good...but you'll make it work just like everything else in your life. You will power through it and-"

"It's yours", she says quietly, breaking off his rant.

Sherlock feels like he has been struck by lightning, as he becomes frozen, similar to her own stance. "I-...wh...what?"

She tears up a bit and slowly turns towards him, her lip trembling as she mentally screams at herself not to crumble in front of him. She had promised herself that she wouldn't. Plus, she knows this isn't the life he wants. He won't be a father figure, so she needs to just tell him and get on with it.

Sherlock looks at her wide eyed; panic and real fear behind his swirling kaleidoscope eyes.

Molly quickly wipes away a tear that had trailed down her cheek and takes a deep breath, trying her best to compose herself. "Against all the odds...and probably not the result you wanted. I-I'm sorry", she whispers, her voice cracking with emotion.

"It's...mine...?", he repeats, but it is phrased more like a question as if he needs more confirmation.

Nodding, she steps around him and busies herself, making some tea, not knowing what else to do to make the moment less tense.

He blinks rapidly, as his mind tries to wrap around the fact that he is the father. The father to a living human person within Molly's womb. The father to Molly's baby.

"How did this happen?", he mutters softly.

Molly looks at him and furrows her brow. "Sherlock...I know you may not be the most informed man, but I think you very well know how babies are made, or at least you should..."

"No. No, not-...not /that/", he blushes. "I'm not a juvenile, despite how I act like it from time to time. I meant...probability wise. I knew it wasn't impossible, but it was hardly probable."

"Someone once told me that once you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, -however- improbable, must be the truth. So yeah, it was improbable, but it is true. The doctor told me that your DNA is a match to the baby's. Do you think I would lie to you about this? Because I wouldn't", she says, crossing her arms, a look of hurt on her face.

"No. I know you wouldn't Molly. I'm just...processing", he sighs.

"Me too", she says weakly, stirring her tea absently. "We have a lot to talk about, though I know neither of us want to talk about it. It's the elephant in the room and it's uncomfortable. I'm sorry that you were thrown into this, but I'll keep to my word. You don't have to have anything to do with this child if you don't want to, I can take care of them by myself. I was partially prepared to do that anyway, and I don't need anything from you, nor did I do this to get anything from you."

Sherlock looks at her, stunned. "Molly, I know you would never do that. I don't believe you would ever do anything to promote ill will towards me, nor do I believe this is some sort of crazy conspiracy. I believe you not only because I was there, but because you have never ever been dishonest with me and I don't think you ever would be, especially about anything this detrimental. I know what we did, and I know what happened that night. We can't take it back, and in a way, I wouldn't want to because it has given you the child you have always so desperately wanted. You are already a great mother; I've seen how you talked about raising Matthew, the look of pain on your face when you spoke about losing your son, and I have seen you step in every time Rosie needs to be taken care of, without even a thought to your own schedule or needs. If I had chosen anyone in the world to somehow give birth to a child of mine, it always would have been you."

Molly begins to sob at his kind words, unable to control the emotions that flood through her, her pregnancy hormones making everything worse. Sherlock walks over and slowly wraps his arms around her, stroking her hair as she cries into his chest.

"I don't want you to be sorry. I don't want you to be torn between being sorry because of me and being thrilled that this child exists and is healthy. I want you to be happy. I don't know what will happen. I don't know how things will work out, but I know that I am happy."

"Y-you are?"

"Yes. I don't know much, but I know that. I really did not want this child to be Tom's. And with it being mine, you at least have free reign to decide how to want to raise the child. I know I am not the best role model, nor influence, but seeing as I am the father, I would like to be a part of their life. As big or small as you allow. Despite whatever happens between us. This can be amicable, and we can raise them well by working together if that's what you want."

Molly wipes her tears away and looks up at him in awe. "I- didn't expect that response..."

"Me neither", he chuckles. "But I let my heart speak this time instead of my head. The future of a child is at stake, and I want to do what is right for him or her."

She reaches up and cups his cheek, gently stroking her fingers along his jaw and lips. "I hope they look like you. Who wouldn't want those high cheekbones or those colorful eyes, or even those raven curls?"

Sherlock clears his throat, flattered by her words. "Well the curls aren't always a wonderful thing to have", he murmurs. "Plus, I think your brown eyes, and your pink cheeks, and your button nose are great facial features.

"Really?", she asks shyly.

"Really. Despite my horrific past of hurtful words, you are a naturally beautiful woman."

Her face turns red, and she shrugs. "I could be better."

"I think you're perfect."

Her eyes snap up to his and he flushes pink. "Sherlock Holmes, are you /flirting/ with me?"

"Don't be ridiculous, I don't /flirt/, I merely state facts."

"Riiiight...", she smiles cutely.

He rolls his eyes and glances at her baby bump curiously, an emotional glint in his eyes.

"Sherlock...do you want to feel? You are their father..."

"Are you okay with that?"

"Of course I am. As I said, you're their daddy."

"Daddy?"

"Well...if you want them to know you as their dad...sorry, I jumped to conclusions."

Sherlock goes over to her and gently cups her belly, feeling small kicks beneath his palms. His eyes light up in awe. "It's fine. I think I'd like that. If...if they knew me as their dad. As long as that's okay with you."

"It's more than okay with me", she whispers, placing her hands over his. "I have another appointment next week. You can come with me if you'd like, but no pressure. I think I want to find out if it's a girl or boy."

Sherlock looks at her and smiles nervously. "I'll come with you; I'd be curious to know as well."

"Good, then it's set. I'll remind you the day before. That way if you have a case, you can let me know."

"I won't."

Molly raises an eyebrow with his quick response.

"I'll clear my schedule, I'll be there. Alright?"

"Alright", she smiles softly, placing a kiss to his cheek. "Thank you for being so good about this."

"No, Molly. Thank you for changing my life. Sometimes things need a change...", he murmurs, seemingly deep in thought as he trails off.