Chapter 6

Molly came back pretty shaken from her last encounter with Sherlock. She couldn't believe he had thought of taking his own life. She already knew that there was a more sensitive side to him. Not many people knew about it as it was so carefully hidden. But today, the mask had fallen completely. She had seen the human being, genuinely scared, behind the genius. The though kept her awake until late at night, but in the morning, she woke up with a plan.

She had always been an optimistic, she got that from her dad. He used to say "the only place to go when you hit rock bottom is up", and she had kept this motto as hers. She took a shower, dressed with her favorite cardigan, the one with the cherries, and went out to do some shopping.

First, she made a stop at WHSmith. She had no ideas why he was interested in bees, but Sherlock had mentioned it so she picked some books on the subject. She took "The Buzz about Bees: Biology of a Superorganism", "The Beekeeper's Bible: Bees, Honey, Recipes & Other Home Uses" and even "Beekeeping for dummies". She wasn't sure about the last one, but she though it was funny.

Then, she went to buy some dim sums in a little restaurant close to her place. She knew how picky Sherlock could be about food, and he certainly didn't enjoy hospital meals. If she wanted him to eat, she had to bring something he liked and she remembered John saying once that Chinese cuisine was his favorite.

When she arrived at the hospital in the beginning of the afternoon, she was pleased to see that he looked slightly better. As she promised, they didn't say a word about what had happened the night before. Of course he complained when she turned off the IV, and pretended not to be interested by the dim sums. But he changed his mind after she ate a few ones in front of him. He couldn't hold a fork, and even less chopsticks, so she had to feed him. He looked like a sulky little boy as she was bringing the food to his mouth, but in the end he finished everything.

They started by the book about the biology of bees, this time with no TV playing in the background. Sometimes he would close his eyes and she thought that he had fallen asleep. But he would reopen them as soon as she would stop reading. On a few occasions he asked her to repeat a sentence. She wondered why he had chosen this particular field of study, but it was good to see him finally showing interest for something.

By the end of the week, Molly could note a clear improvement in his behavior. Of course he still had frequent mood swings, but she was slowly taming the injured tiger she was dealing with. The doctors were also satisfied with his progresses. Even if his general state was still precarious, there were some encouraging signs and his blood pressure was getting better.

^/^

On Saturday morning, Molly was once again ready to leave to the hospital. She was supposed to go back to work on Monday, so it would be one of the last days she could spend entirely with Sherlock. Of course she would still visit him, but it would be different. Her main concern was how he would occupy his mind, so she had bought him an Ipod and filled it with classical music. There was also one playlist of pop songs, Molly's favourites. She knew that he would certainly hate it, but it would at least make him sneer.

The black car that would pick her up everyday parked in front of her flat. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see Mycroft Holmes himself on the backseat.

"Hello Miss Hooper", he greeted.

"Oh hello", replied Molly. She took place inside with a bit of apprehension. It was the first time the older Holmes joined her for the ride, usually he would simply send his driver. The car started and an awkward silence settled between them.

"What is it today?", finally inquired Mycroft, aiming at the bag which contained the meal Molly had cooked for Sherlock.

"Italian meatballs. He told me he liked the ones he used to eat at Angelo's."

"You take good care of my brother", he said with his usual forced smile.

"I care for him", she replied spontaneously.

"A bit of an understatement, from what I heard. I am sure you are aware though, that he cannot reciprocate your feelings."

He had pronounced this last word as if he was speaking of a disease. Molly could already feel herself blushing.

"I'm not asking for anything in return".

He studied her for a moment. She knew that, like Sherlock, he had the capacity to deduce everything about her. With time, she had also learnt to read Sherlock's emotions. Few people were capable of it and she had surprised him that day at the morgue when she saw that something was wrong with him. Buy Mycroft was still a complete mystery to her.

"I understand that you must go back to your work. But would you let me make you an offer?"

"An offer?", asked Molly.

"I'm asking you to consider quitting your position at Bart's and taking care of Sherlock on a full-time basis."

Her jaw dropped in surprise but Mycroft continued before she had the time to let out a sound.

"You would tell your colleagues that you found another position and decided to move out of London. They won't be surprised after what happened. I guaranty you a very comfortable remuneration and free accommodation close to the hospital. You would be able to go there on your own."

"I… I'm not a nurse!"

"No, you are a doctor. But most of all Sherlock trusts you, which is extremely rare. If he doesn't have you checking on him, I am afraid his state is going to regress. I am only asking you to continue what you are already doing. Spending time with him, making sure he is eating properly, giving him hope. That could also include a few medical procedures, but the hospital's staff will be there to assist you."

"I… I don't know if I…"

"You don't have to give me an answer today. It can wait until tomorrow. But please do not say anything to Sherlock before you reach a decision."

^/^

When she came back home at night, Molly tried to have diner but her appetite had deserted her. She knew that Mycroft was waiting for her answer, and the choice was a hard one to make.

She loved her job. She had worked hard to get it, even when her family had disapproved of her choice of profession. Was she ready to give it up? To take care of a disabled man? Was it what she had planned for her life?

But Sherlock wasn't just anybody, he was the man she loved. And despite what she had told Mycroft, she still hoped that one day he could feel the same about her. Maybe it would never be love, but at least it could be respect. His road toward recovery would be long and painful, but it would be considerably easier with someone at his side. Could she be that person?

As she searched for an answer in her heart, she realised there was no way she could say no. She remembered the disgusted look on his face when he had listened to ABBA's "Dancing Queen" that afternoon, and the laugh they had shared afterwards. She would give anything to hear his laugh again.

It wasn't like she was living a lot behind her anyway. She had no close family in London and her colleagues were mere acquaintances. Of course there was John, Mrs Hudson and Lestrade, but lying to them was getting more difficult every time. Mycroft was right. She would just have to say that she couldn't stand stepping into Bart's anymore, too many memories. Everybody would understand.

Molly turned off the light and Toby jumped on the bed to curl up next to her. Tomorrow morning she would write her resignation letter.

^/^

I'm so sorry for not updating sooner. Many things kept me very busy during the past weeks…

Also I've discovered another fic with a similar theme (except it's Johnlock instead of Sherlock/Molly). It's called "No More Heroes" by Alioseven. I really suggest you to read it because it is excellent. So good that I sometimes wonder if I should continue mine!

I've got the whole story in my mind but sometimes it's hard to put it into words especially since English isn't my first language. But many thanks for your kind reviews ;-)