A/N: As promised, an update! I bet some of you have been eager for their first dance, and maybe even wondering what song I'd choose. I have a huge list of songs with notes for this fic. There were several contenders, but I chose this one because it wasn't too cliché and fit perfectly with the theme of the story. If you've never heard it, please YouTube it and listen, I'd love to know your thoughts on my choice!
Oh, and one other thing: if you think something in this chapter is contradictory, it is but it isn't. Sherlock is in a bizarre situation and emotions are involved, and he is conflicted and vacillating. If you know what I'm talking about, share your thoughts on that, too, please. And thank you as always for the reviews.
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She nodded, returning his smile. He leaned back again, this time relaxed, content to watch her sip her drink and lose herself in the music.
Molly could tell he was watching her. There was no way not to. His eyes cut harder than diamonds when he was studying someone. Maybe it was the booze, or maybe she was just getting used to his stare, but she wasn't bothered. Let him study her. He probably already knew everything. He wanted her to be herself: she wouldn't disappoint him.
Sherlock knew Molly knew he was analyzing her. But she didn't seem bothered. Possibly the alcohol, or maybe she was used to being picked apart by him now. Either way, it was… odd, having her just be herself under his scrutiny. But pleasant. Almost as though she was surrendering to him: to how he was.
He growled inside. Surrendering to him. What bloody romantic rubbish was that?
He was about to curse Moriarty for the hundredth time when the current song ended and a new one started.
Molly changed when she heard it begin.
Her entire body crackled with excitement, memory and longing.
This was it, then.
"Molly, would you like to dance?"
She looked at him, and he couldn't decipher all the emotions he saw. But she simply said: "yes, please," in a slightly shaky voice.
So he rose and took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
The song had a slow beat, so he pulled her close, arms around her waist, hers resting on his shoulders with her hands linking loosely behind his neck.
It was then that Sherlock got his next surprise.
Molly Hooper could dance.
She swayed against him perfectly, with no self-consciousness, molding her body to his as though it had always been there. She closed her eyes, apparently to focus on the music and the feel of him against her. Curious as to whether it would make a difference, he followed suit.
And discovered to his satisfaction and dismay that it did.
He sighed and pressed her closer, feeling a strange calm settle over him. It wasn't his fault, any of it. He was being forced. It was beyond his control. It would be better for everyone if he just let it happen. So he did.
That did not, however, stop him from paying attention to the lyrics. Words were clues, weapons, shields. He needed to hear them. So he listened.
Captured effortlessly, that's the way it was.
Happened so naturally, I did not know it was love.
The next thing that I felt was you, holding me close.
What was I gonna do? I let myself go.
And now we're flying through the stars,
I hope this night will last forever.
I've been waiting for you,
It's been so long.
I knew just what I would do,
When I heard your song.
You filled my heart with your kiss,
You gave me freedom.
You knew I could not resist,
I needed someone,
And now we're flying through the stars,
I hope this night lasts forever.
Oh, oh, oh, OH:
Ain't nobody,
Loves me better.
Makes me happy,
Makes me feel this way.
Ain't nobody,
Loves me better than you…
Oh, you are the devil indeed, Sherlock thought towards Moriarty as he opened his eyes, even though the man couldn't hear his thoughts. It couldn't have been a more appropriate song if the fiend had written it himself. Had Moriarty known about this song? Had he arranged for it to play? Sherlock didn't know, but it was suspect. Well. In for a penny, out for a pound… he kept dancing and holding Molly close. Now it was a woman singing:
I wait for night time to come,
And bring you to me.
Can't believe I'm the one,
I was so lonely.
I feel like no one could feel,
I must be dreaming.
I want this dream to be real,
I need this feeling…
I make my wish upon a star,
And hope this night will last forever…
Oh, oh, oh, OH:
Ain't nobody,
Loves me better.
Makes me happy,
Makes me feel this way.
Ain't nobody,
Loves me better than you…
Molly opened her eyes and looked into his.
She smiled.
She seemed to be in another world. He could almost touch her happiness, taste her desire.
And first you put your arms around me,
Then you put your charms around me.
I can't resist this sweet surrender,
Oh, my nights are warm and tender.
We stare into each other's eyes,
And what we see is no surprise.
Got a feeling most would treasure,
And a love so deep we cannot MEASURE…
Ain't nobody,
Loves me better.
Makes me happy,
Makes me feel this way.
Ain't nobody,
Loves me better.
Makes me happy,
Makes me feel this way.
Ain't nobody,
Loves me better…
The music was still playing, but Sherlock was no longer listening to the words.
He knew everything he needed to for know.
Nothing mattered right now except for Molly moving and feeling and breathing in synch with him.
He would stop Moriarty. And his friendship with Molly would survive.
He couldn't explain how he knew it. But he did.
And for once… he was going to trust his instincts instead of his intellect.
"Ain't Nobody," by Rufus and Chaka Khan, 1983, Warner Bros Records