John waited impatiently for her friend at the arranged meeting place near his practice. He was visibly pleased and surprised by her visit but also wondered what had happened in Dunmore. As usual, Sherlock had not mentioned much. Only about the case and how they managed to catch the perpetrator. But something must still have happened. And why wouldn't Sherlock know that Molly was in London?
She had asked him not to tell Sherlock anything about her visit, and she kept something like that under wraps. Sherlock also seemed changed after his stay with Molly.
He was not like the former Sherlock Holmes, who disapproved of his relationships or had to comment on them with any inappropriate remarks.
Yes, he had previously been dismissive of Meena, so they could only meet outside or at her place. John just didn't want to put her through his moods. But shortly after he returned from Ireland, he seemed different. Surprisingly, he thought of himself that it would be okay for him if Meena came to Baker Street now and then. He was also more considerate and kind to her.
John was sure that something had happened in Ireland that had changed his friend considerably.
He just didn't know yet how to address this but perhaps, he thought, he could shed more light on the whole thing through Molly. But first he should tell her about her relationship with her friend.
So he stood in front of the restaurant and stared thoughtfully into the air, when Molly suddenly appeared in front of him.
She seemed slightly rushed and apologised for being late.
John smiled slightly at her and then accompanied her into the interior of the restaurant. When they both found themselves back at their seats and had placed their drinks orders, John turned back to Molly.
"So what happened because you arrived here so rushed?" he then asked.
"Oh, I was just visiting my friend Meena and we easily forgot the time, especially when Greg and Sherlock came along," she replied with an apologetic smile.
"So you were with Meena?" he then asked carefully.
Molly looked at him with a fake angry look.
"Yes and John I know about you two!"
He swallowed slightly as he looked at her expression.
"But it's okay. I'm happy for you both," she said afterwards and then put on her all too familiar warm smile.
John fell a stone from her heart and he breathed a sigh of relief.
As they ate, he talked a little about their meeting and their time together. He also asked Molly about her new life in Ireland. He decided to start slowly before getting down to business.
"So, you've met Sherlock? How did he react when he saw you?" asked John carefully. Somehow he had to slowly steer in the right direction.
"How do you think he reacted? Just like Sherlock," she tried to distract him, but turned her gaze away from him.
"Molly?! Why wouldn't he know you were here? What happened in Ireland?" he then asked and was glad when it was pronounced.
Molly looked away ashamed. She had known that this moment would come eventually, but was she ready to talk to him about it? After all, he's his best friend and he would certainly confront him. And then Sherlock would...
Yeah, then what would Sherlock do anyway? Ignore them, humiliate them, avoid them? Or would he apologise to her, maybe explain his behaviour to her?
When asked this question, Molly shook her head slightly in her mind. That would never happen. Even though he was so different in Ireland, so considerate, kind and concerned, he is still Sherlock Holmes.
Molly took a deep breath and finally told John what had happened. That Sherlock had asked her to help him with the case. How considerate and kind he had been to her during that time and that he had saved her from death. She didn't tell him about the confession of love.
"Okay, but there's more, isn't there?" he followed up after he noticed Molly's evasive look.
Molly became more and more nervous and rigid. How could she think that the information would be enough After all, we're talking about John, who, apart from her, was perhaps the most empathic and sensitive person she knew.
"Something happened that hurt me very much," she sighed and slowly she felt the sadness overpowering her. Then she raised her eyes.
"But it's okay. I'm over it and I'm fine" she said afterwards and put on a little smile, but it didn't reach her eyes.
John looked at her sympathetically and then took her hand in his.
"Molly" was the only thing he could get out of it. He felt infinitely sorry for her and wondered what his friend had done to her again. Slowly he felt the anger of his best friend rising within him. If he was at home, he would have to confront him urgently. But now he first had to be there for his friend.
Hey ;) I know that the chapter was not very meaningful, so I'm going to add a next chapter right away ;)
Enjoy reading it and thank you for your thoughts on this ;)