this chapter focuses more on Sherlock and Molly's progress as a result of Anderson's meddling, though he is present to enjoy the show :p

Greg Lestrade had been minding his own business. It was a quiet day at the precinct—in fact, it had been quiet for the past few days. It was strange in all honesty. That's how Greg knew the peace and quiet wouldn't be lasting for much longer. His prediction proved to be correct when Philip Anderson rushed into his office.

"Three words," Anderson told him, upping the suspense. "Sherlock. And. Molly."

Whatever Greg was expecting, it wasn't that. He had to admit, he was intrigued. "I'm listening…"

Philip took the time to explain all that had happened thus far, making sure to not leave out one detail. He seemed as fanatical about Sherlock and Molly's love life as he was about his theories of Sherlock's faked death. It was a bit scary, but entertaining as hell.

"So, that's why I need you to find a case that would have them working together," Anderson explained. "It can't just be any case, though; it has to be a really good one. Maybe something that gives an air of nostalgia."

Greg sighed. "I hate to tell you this, mate, but it's been dead around here for days. Not a murder or kidnapping in sight." Of course, he wouldn't wish for these crimes to be happening, but at this point, he wished something would happen. Then the phone rang.

He listened to the voice on the other end intently. Whatever it was, it looked promising by the look on the detective inspector's face. "Bollocks!" Lestrade exclaimed, hanging up the phone. "There is absolutely no way a man just appears out of thin air! There's one missing person, one valuable book, and no suspect other than the man who seemingly walks through walls. It's nearly a dead end case."

Anderson's eyes went wide with curiosity. "But, it's the perfect case for Sherlock and Molly!" He was ecstatic.

"Bit of a mouthful, that," Greg laughed. "Mollock?"

Anderson shook his head vehemently. "Doesn't roll off the tongue."

It was then that Greg and Anderson gave each other knowing looks, speaking in unison. "Sherlolly."

At the Watson residence, Sherlock was keeping an eye on Rosie whilst John tossed a lunch together to bring with him to work at the surgery. Rosie would be brought by her godfather to Mrs. Hudson for the day, seeing as Greg had called moments ago with a case. Much to Sherlock's chagrin, he'd have to be going this one alone. His phone buzzed, alerting him that there was a text. The hint of a smile appeared on his face as he realised it was from Molly.

I hope you're not still upset with me.

Sherlock could never stay upset at her—it was a waste of time to dwell on the past.

Greg said he had a really good case for you…I'm on my way to the scene now, so I guess I'll see you there :)

"John, I'm going to go ahead and take Rosie to Mrs. Hudson," Sherlock told him.

John turned in confusion. "What's the rush?"

Only one word from Sherlock, and John understood. "Molly."

The chill in the air cut through the layers Molly wore, making her thankful that they need only to remain inside. She and Anderson were tagging along in case the missing person turned up dead. Whilst they waited for Greg's go-ahead, Molly sent off a couple of texts to Sherlock, giving him a fair warning that they'd be working together. She hadn't a clue why Greg needed both her and Anderson, but she supposed two forensics members were better than one. It wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't looked so eager every time he looked at her.

"He's gone barmy," she muttered to herself.

Apparently her remark had been picked up by someone else. "Anderson's always been barmy." Sherlock's smooth baritone caused a fluttery feeling in her stomach. He took in her appearance, wanting to note how lovely she looked today, but that wasn't what ended up coming out of his mouth. "You look well rested today." Sherlock was internally berating himself for such a mediocre remark. Well rested? Really?

Molly, being used to his strange remarks, took it in stride. "I, um—thank you?" She turned away from Sherlock for a moment, noticing Anderson's eyes on them. If he had his way, there would be a bucket of popcorn in his hands as he watched the not-so-fascinating mess of a love story unfold before him. The imagery made her laugh harder than it should have.

Sherlock's face was pinched in confusion. "What's so funny?" She was definitely laughing at him.

"N—nothing," Molly tried to assure him, unable to keep her giggling at bay. She was thankful for Greg's nod that let them know they were free to investigate the room.

Every wall except for where the door resided was covered with bookcases. They all appeared to be built-in. Whilst Sherlock was reviewing the security footage that she saw earlier, Molly noticed a feature of interest on the far side of the wall. The middle bookcase was the only one that wasn't built in to the wall. It was bolted, but not part of the wall itself.

"Sherlock? Come here." Molly was searching the shelves, her index finger skimming over the spines.

Noticing her focus on the shelf, he, too, realised the oddity of the bookcase. "Someone's been watching too much telly," he joked. "You can't seriously believe this is what it appears…"

Molly pulled on a thick volume of 'The Fall of the Roman Empire,' and the bookcase swung open.

"…to be," Sherlock finished. It was too obvious.

"You always want everything to be so clever," Moriarty's voice resounded in his mind palace.

Molly smiled smugly at him, but her eyes were playful. "Hand me a torch."

Sherlock complied, grabbing one for himself as well. Greg and Anderson followed behind through the secret passage. It appeared to be some sort of storage room, and the dust was so thick, Molly had sneezed several times. She had to admit, she was having loads of fun. This case almost reminded her of the first one she went out with Sherlock to solve—the man on the train who happened to be connected to the impending terror strike on London. There was no stopping the memory that was brought to the surface…

"Moriarty slipped up, he made a mistake." Though Sherlock's voice was soft, the intensity in his eyes burned through. Because the one person he thought didn't matter at all to me was the one person that mattered the most."

It was those words that struck a chord within her. Ever since that day, Molly had known Sherlock's heart completely. She knew that he loved her, that it was more than friendship, but she hadn't been ready to admit it. That wistful smile of his was one she would never forget. It broke her heart to know she was breaking his, and it broke her still. She realised she was hurting him all over again. Surely she could trust him with her heart…right? Hadn't he proven that already by letting her go with only a kiss on the cheek?

Molly was brought out of her memories by the stench of blood that soon hit their noses. Shining the torchlight upon the cold, cement floor, Sherlock used it to follow the trail of blood.

"Make sure not to slip," he told them. Rounding the corner, he found the victim. Someone was reported to be missing, but Sherlock hadn't a clue who exactly it was. Before him was a man that he had met only once when he was let off the hook for ridding the world of Magnussen. This was a government matter. "Mycroft won't be happy about this."

Author's Note: Sherlolly was coined by Greg and Anderson haha! I wanted to bring in some Empty Hearse nostalgia, cause how could I not? Molly's making progress the more she spends time with Sherlock! She's finally begun to realize that Sherlock had already once proven he could be trusted with her heart...