When Lestrade had burst into the office Sherlock dragged Molly into, he and John had walked in on them in an intimate embrace. They weren't snogging, but John could tell that perhaps if they had been a minute longer, it was likely they would have found them doing that instead.
Confused, Lestrade demanded an explanation from the two. When none seemed forthcoming, he grew furious. "Answer me, damn it!"
Sherlock's eyes narrowed, and looked about to speak, but Molly got there first. She moved herself away from the consulting detective but kept hold of his hand, receiving a squeeze from Sherlock.
"Greg, we're in a relationship. Sherlock and I…" she trailed off, looking up at Sherlock before continuing, "…Sherlock's my boyfriend." she said with a wide smile. The man in question tightened his grip on her and gave a curt nod in the detective inspector's direction in agreement.
To everyone's discomfiture, the Lestrade laughed. "You're joking right?" Seeing Molly's stricken expression, his grew dour, and he turned to John. "Did you know about this?"
The doctor shrugged, "Sherlock informed me he intended to court her." he answered truthfully. It was not as if Sherlock gave him a progress report about his and Molly's relationship.
The detective inspector glowered at his words. He turned to Molly, meeting her eyes with his. "No." He shook his head for emphasis. "Molly, just...this isn't a good idea."
Sherlock could no longer help himself. "What do you mean, 'no'? Excuse me, Lestrade, but I believe you're forgetting that neither Molly nor I require your consent. Whether we choose to be in a relationship or not is none of your business!"
Lestrade's eyes narrowed. He ignored Sherlock, and turned to Molly instead. "Molls, I know you've had a crush on him for a very long time. But you know I made a promise to your father- -" he said the last three words slowly, emphasizing each syllable, "- - that I would protect you…don't do this!"
Molly's face fell. She reached out a hand and touched the detective inspector's shoulder. She spoke to him gently. "I know, Greg. And I'm very thankful for that. You can't keep looking out for me. Besides, you know Sherlock. You know him. You know he's a good man." She gave him a gentle smile, asking him for his support. She knew Sherlock, thought he would be loath to admit it, would want it too.
"It doesn't mean he won't hurt you." Lestrade eyed Sherlock as he spoke quietly, crossing his arms and staring icily at him. Sherlock returned the sentiment, shooting him daggers with his gaze.
John rushed to stand in between them, arms spread, ready to push them both back. "Boys, please."
An exasperated Molly burst out. "I'm sorry. Lestrade, but this is my life, and no one, not even you, can tell me how to run it. Don't treat me like a bloody teenager!" Her outburst had left everyone in the room in a stunned silence.
Lestrade seemed to deflate at her words. "Fine, Molly. If that's what you want. You're right, of course. I'm sorry." Giving Sherlock one last venomous glare, he turned and walked from the room, not bothering to close the door behind him.
"Molly…" Sherlock began, but Molly shook her head.
"I just…let's… let's get the statement over with... it's been a really long day. And I still have to get to work." She walked out, dejected, her hand on her nape.
Sherlock followed her closely. "Stamford found out about what happened, said he'll cover your shift for you." Molly nodded tiredly, grateful for the chance to get her bearings.
"I'll accompany you home later. We can order takeaway for dinner..." Sherlock continued, putting his hand on the small of her back.
Molly shook her head, and gave him a tired smile. "I think I'd like to have some time alone, Sherlock." She took his other hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. "I need to think."
Sherlock looked about to protest, but John, who was standing behind Molly, waved his hands wildly to get his attention and then shook his head pointedly, silently telling his friend to let the matter rest.
"Of course." Was all he said in response.
The door to 221B burst open to reveal a furious Sherlock, who ran up the stairs and into the flat. John followed quickly behind, a hand on his forehead, and the other on his waist.
"Sherlock, you need to calm down." He muttered, watching as his flatmate stomped about the sitting room. Sherlock brusquely took his scarf off his neck and threw it to the sofa, before doing the same to his coat.
Sherlock glared at him, not stopping, ruffling his hair in aggravation. "Don't tell me- -" he pointed to himself, speaking through gritted teeth, "- -to calm down, John. And don't you DARE- -"at this he pointed at the doctor, who was still standing by the door, "- - say that Lestrade was right! This is STUPID! I finally give in, finally let myself feel, and I find out that someone I trusted thinks so low of me as to forbid my attempts at a proper relationship!" he yelled.
John reached an arm out, gesturing for his friend to listen. "He's just protective of her, that's all. You told me he was close to Molly's father, and it seems to me she's a sister to him."
Continuing to pace, Sherlock shook his head, grinning madly. "No, sister? Really, John?" He gave a small, derisive laugh. "I saw the way he looked at Molly that ill-fated Christmas party you held here. Nobody looks at his sister like that. No..." he raised a finger in the air, shaking it in front of John. "He hates that Molly wants me and not him."
The army doctor gaped, unable to believe what he was hearing. "Oh, come on, Sherlock! This is Lestrade we're talking about! He's our friend. And don't say he isn't because he was one of the reasons you- -" he jabbed a finger to Sherlock's chest, "- -bloody jumped off a roof! Don't make up these...these motives just because he thinks you might hurt a friend he cares about."
Sherlock stopped his agitated movements then, his eyes boring into John's. "You agree with him?" he whispered dangerously.
John shut his eyes for a moment and took a breath before answering. "Look, Sherlock, you KNOW I think it's brilliant you and Molly are finally together. I mean, it's about time! And I've seen how you've been treating her differently, how she's good for you."
His hand strayed to his nape, rubbing it in his frustration before continuing. "But Lestrade doesn't know that: all he knows is you treated her nicely only when you need something, and how Molly fancies you too much to really call you out on it. When you look at someone like they're part of your family you want them to be safe, to be happy. I mean, look at how you are with Mrs. Hudson!"
He pointed a finger in the direction of the windows for emphasis. "You threw a man out the window several times for hurting her! Don't you think Lestrade feels just as protective of Molly? It doesn't have to be for the reasons you suppose them to be. I concede; he shouldn't have said those things to you, but I can understand why he said them, and so should you."
When he saw that Sherlock had calmed down slightly, he added. "Sentiment, Sherlock. It's not something you can quantify so easily; which is why I think part of the reason you're angry is because you wanted him to approve of all of this."
Though still wearing a mutinous expression, Sherlock muttered, "Then how do I fix this?"
John walked over to the couch and slumped down. "I don't know. I don't think there's even anything to fix, really. I think this is just a misunderstanding. Talk to him, maybe. And try not to be a git while doing it. You know he's been looking out for you. He's been as much an older brother to you as Mycroft."
Sprawled out on his bed, Sherlock fumed. He had been in the middle of a very important pronouncement when Lestrade and John interrupted, and had hoped to spend some time with Molly after the day's events.
If I had known how tedious this would turn out to be… he began, but then cut off his own thoughts at once. He took his phone out of his pocket and pulled up the photo John had taken of him and Molly at the hospital. He stared at Molly's sleeping face, and realized Lestrade had a point. He may feel strongly for Molly, but it doesn't mean he won't hurt her.
Sherlock shut his eyes and remembered Molly's words to him that afternoon.
"We've only been together for a little while. I'd like to have you for longer."
He wondered whether he had been foolish in pursuing her, in electing to persuade her to believe he was capable of this. I should have backed down when she expressed scepticism. But his chest tightened at the thought, contradicting him. He knew that whatever happened next, he could only move forward. He may not be able to guarantee he'll never hurt Molly's feelings, but he swore that he'll never do so deliberately.
He hesitated, then sent Lestrade a text.
We need to talk.
Pub across from NSY.
SH
A moment later, he received a reply.
Bring John.
Can't promise I won't punch you.
You're buying BTW.
GL
Surprised but pleased nevertheless, Sherlock shouted so that John can hear from his upstairs bedroom. "John! Get up, we're going out!"
"Christ, Sherlock! What is it now?" The long-suffering doctor called back.
A few moments later, John met him at the door to their flat, aggravated. He had been looking forward to getting some much needed sleep.
"Don't look at me like that. We're meeting Lestrade. Hurry up." Sherlock grabbed his coat and scarf. "There's a free pint in it for you."
"Make it two, or I'm not going with you." John asked, shrugging his coat on. "Wait, does Lestrade know we're meeting him?"
Sherlock, who was already halfway down the staircase, turned an annoyed look up at him. "Of course."
"Your history would strongly suggest otherwise." The doctor closed the door behind him and followed his friend downstairs, eager for a drink. It was obvious to him that Sherlock's mood had lifted.
The consulting detective paused and eyed him curiously. "And you say this because...?"
"You are a man who's made it a habit of talking to someone long after they have left the room." John chuckled, and pushed past him out to the street. "It wouldn't be such a strain on the imagination."
Am about to speak w/ Lestrade.
S
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Are you sure you want to?
x M
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I've brought John along.
S
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Oh.
Good luck. :)
x M
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Promise me something.
S
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What is it?
x M
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You won't change your mind.
S
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Of course not.
I promise. Silly.
x M
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I'll hold you to that.
Also, I'm never silly.
S
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Yes, you are.
Sometimes. :)
x M
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No, I'm not.
S
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:)
Thank you for doing this.
Good night, Sherlock.
x M
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Good night.
x S
Author's Note: Because I am giddy with the news of the title for S3Ep1, here's a 2 for 1 upload for you! Onwards to chapter 12!
Ta,
~Liberi Ad Somnia