Title: Unexpected
author: Cindy Ryan
pairings: Greg/Molly
In the weeks following the kidnapping Molly's recovery flourished. Her physical wounds healed and with the help of Greg and her friends the emotional ones diminished as well. Now back to work and a normal routine Molly happily bustled about her lab. The shifts flew by and usually were capped by a late night/early morning coffee or meal with Greg. Today being a Monday they decided to have breakfast at a nearby cafe. Towards the end of her shift Molly's cell phone chimed signalling a text message. She peeled off her gloves tossing them in a trash bin and walked to her desk. She picked up the phone and activated the message center. Molly smiled seeing the message was from Greg.
'Running about twenty minutes behind; damn paperwork.'
'That's fine.'Molly typed back. 'I'll save us a table.'
'Looking forward to it; been a long day.'
'See you soon.'Molly replied and set the phone down.
Six months ago Molly had eyes only for Sherlock. Now Molly had Sherlock's disastrous Christmas party to thank for Greg being in her life. She couldn't have gotten through the last few weeks without Greg's steady support. He had been her lifeline...listening whenever she needed to talk. Or not listening when Molly wanted to forget; needed a distraction. They'd fallen into a comfortable routine of meals, coffee or a quiet night in.
Finishing the few remaining tasks Molly completed her shift. She gave a report to her dayshift replacement and left. On the way to the cafe Molly tried to come up with ideas for gifts for Greg. He'd done so much for her Molly wanted to find a way to thank him. They'd had such a good time at that bed and breakfast a few weeks ago; perhaps another trip to the country was in order.
When Greg finally spotted Molly sitting in the third booth back from the door he was never so happy for a work day to be done with. Not only for the cliche'd reason of seeing the woman he loved but also because it'd been a long boring shift. He'd spent most of it going through old video footage of interrogation interviews the Yard had done ten years back. His boss had requested help with cold cases and since there currently were no fresh murders who was Greg to refuse? Reaching the booth Greg leaned in and kissed Molly before sitting down across from her.
"Hi, sorry I'm late."Lestrade apologized. "Since it's been slow my boss decided to let me organize and detail cold case files and video footage. So I had that paperwork plus my normal backlog to catch up on."
Molly smiled in greeting and reached across the table to take Greg's right hand in hers. "I know it's tedious work but it could..."
"Help, I know."Greg finished returning her smile."If it helps bring one of those victims justice it'll be worth it. Did you order?"
"No, was waiting for you."Molly replied as she untangled their hands and picked up her menu.
Greg signaled the waitress and briefly scanned his menu before placing his order. Molly did the same and the waitress left.
As the waitress left Molly and Greg fell into light small talk. She sipped on her coffee and couldn't help being amazed at how comfortable and natural her relationship with Greg was. They enjoyed each other's company...they were friends and more. Finally honest with herself Molly realized the one thing she'd been denying the last few weeks. The one thing she'd been so afraid to say. Afraid that if she said it this wonderful thing with Greg would vanish.
Molly knew those insecurities would always be there. She also knew Greg loved her and Molly wanted to latch onto that love and never let go. No matter how scary it was. Worthwhile things weren't easy...you had to earn and fight for them. This thing she and Greg had Molly wanted to last forever...or for however long the equivalent of forever was in reality. Squaring her shoulders and taking a deep breath Molly said the words that she'd been so afraid would change everything.
"Greg...I love you."
The words came out quiet barely above a whisper, barely audible in the noisy cafe. The words were out of context in their small talk conversation. However, Greg still heard them. Molly watched apprehensively as Greg's face lit up and he leaned across the table. He kissed her soundly before pulling back resting his hands on the table surface staying halfway.
"I love you too, Molly-girl."Lestrade stated with a smile. "You're stuck with me."
Still breathless from the kiss Molly settled back in her seat smiling. Being stuck with Greg Lestrade was something Molly would treasure and never take for granted.