"Please, Molly, it looks fine," Sherlock struggled against her like a toddler. "Honestly, who would ever choose to wear a bow tie?"

"Bow ties are cool," said John from behind him, Sherlock rolling his eyes.

"Someone who is being honored by Scotland Yard for taking down one of the world's most dangerous criminals, that's who," Molly beamed at him, finishing straightening his tie and stepping back to look at him. "You look great. Except for the black eye of course," she said, glaring at John.

"He deserved it and you know it," said John, looking down to straighten his own tie. "How do I look?"

"You're both very handsome. I'm going to go get my seat! Good luck!"

XXX

"What can I say about Sherlock Holmes?" began Anderson, his brow furrowed angrily at the thought of saying anything other than 'he's a twat.' Lestrade gave him a threatening look before he continued.

"When I heard that Sherlock Holmes was going to be honored, I jumped at the opportunity to introduce him."

"This is golden," said John from the wings, watching Sherlock double over with laughter, trying to remain silent. Anderson continued from the script until it was time for Sherlock and John to come onstage and accept the plaque denoting them both heroes.

"Thank you so much, Donovan, it means a lot," Sherlock smiled as she handed him the plaque, frowning.

"Go to hell, Freak," she said under her breath. Sherlock smiled as he approached the microphone.

"This is truly an honor I don't deserve. But since I'm up here, I'll use the time to do something I don't usually do. I would like to thank Greg Lestrade and the rest of Scotland Yard for helping to take Moriarty off the streets for good. I would like to thank my brother, Mycroft, for his assistance, even if he is a complete pansy in the medical department,"

John cleared his throat loudly, indicating that Sherlock should continue.

"Right, sorry. I would like to thank my best friend, Doctor John Watson, for never losing faith in me. I was so alone, and I owe him so much,"

John smiled and looked to the ground, uncomfortable with all the stares and "awwws" he was receiving from the audience.

"And finally, I would like to thank Doctor Molly Hooper. Without her, none of this would have been possible. Molly, over the past few days I have grown closer to you than I ever thought I could, and I can't thank you enough. You do count. More than you could ever know."

XXX

The evening progressed with Sherlock and John meeting many distinguished guests, recounting their adventures thousands of times over, and taking hundreds of photographs with the press. It was several hours in before Sherlock found himself with a moment alone, straying into the hallway to get some air.

"That's quite some attention you're getting, Dear Brother," said Mycroft's voice from behind him.

Sherlock reached up to undo his bowtie, reveling in the freedom to breath normally again. "This is really your kind of scene more than mine. Kissing up was never really my style."

"You bought your A-level chemistry professor a diamond bracelet."

"Only because she was having an affair with the calculus professor, who hated me."

Mycroft sighed and rolled his eyes. "All of this is due to a mistake on my part. If it hadn't been for me, none of it would have ever happened."

Sherlock was about to respond with a witty quip, but recognized Mycroft's attempt at sincerity.

"I realize also that it is probably due to my actions that we haven't been as close as we used to be. I hope you can forgive me. I'm sorry."

Mycroft reached out his hand for Sherlock to shake. Sherlock stared at it for a moment, seeming to make a decision. He reached out to take Mycroft's hand, but instead of shaking it used it to pull him in for a bone-crunching hug. After the initial shock wore off, Mycroft relaxed and returned the first hug he had received from his brother in over twenty years.

XXX

Molly let out a huge yawn as she and Sherlock waited on John to head back to Baker Street. She had just introduced him to her friend Mary from the mortuary, and they seemed to be getting on well.

"They're going out for dinner and a movie tomorrow," Sherlock said, his hand absent-mindedly twisting through Molly's hair as she sat in front of him, leaning backwards against his chest.

"How do you know that?" she asked, her own hands tracing circles on Sherlock's knees.

"Please, look at how he's standing. How can you not see that?"

Molly turned her face so she was looking at him upside down. "Shut up."

Sherlock grinned and bent down to give her a quick kiss before John walked up to them, practically skipping.

"We're going to dinner and the cinema tomorrow," he said, grinning ear to ear.

Sherlock looked down at Molly with a sly smirk before she playfully pushed him away. "That's fabulous, John. I think you two will really get on."

"Shall we head out then?" asked Sherlock, lifting Molly up to a standing position and handing over her shoes she had removed hours previously.

"Yeah, if you two just wouldn't mind giving me a lift home?" she said, putting her uncomfortable heels back on her sore feet.

"Oh, well, yes…I-" Sherlock fumbled.

"Or, I mean, I could get my own cab," said Molly, visibly hurt by his response.

"No. I just thought-I thought you would be coming back with me to Baker Street. I could clean out some space for your enormous collection of ridiculous jumpers. I mean, if you wanted."

Molly stood to face him. "Sherlock, are you asking me to move in with you?"

Sherlock turned to John, "Am I?"

"Yes," John replied, nodding.

Sherlock turned back to Molly. "Yes. I am."

"Toby's really not going to like this," she said smiling. With that, she took Sherlock's hand and the three of them walked out together.