Miss Hooper,

It is to my understanding that you and my brother write these frequently. Your last letter ended up with the wrong Holmes, but do not worry, I didn't read it past your use of my brother's first name. I must have accidentally swept it up with the files I took back from Sherlock. I just wanted to say that I have grown quite fond of you and wanted to point out that I believe you are good for him. Please do not reply, as this is a one-time occasion. Your letter is safely back in Sherlock's hands. Have a good day.

Signed,

Mycroft Holmes.

My darling Molly,

I apologize for the tardiness of my letter. It seems that your last letter was briefly in the hands of my brother. If he says it was by accident, I highly doubt it. If he says he did not read its entirety, that is also a lie. I know how he likes to snoop around, but I suppose it is because he…cares. I'm sure you can tell I cringed a bit at the acknowledgement. He means well, I'm sure.

Aside from that, I am quite pleased—no, that's not right. I am humbled? No. It makes me feel joyful to know that I am home for you too. You're right and wrong about my affinity for your fingers in my hair. Whilst I do enjoy it immensely, it truly does help me concentrate. I have a hard time believing you were ever like me in the manner of shutting people out. Not that I don't believe you, but I cannot truly imagine someone as bright and shining as you acting coldly towards others. I always wondered how you saw through me. Never once did it occur to me that we were much more alike than I thought.

I thoroughly enjoyed our time together in the lab. I am sorry that my experiment blew up on you, but I'm sure the shower made up for it. And why wouldn't I want you as my lockscreen? You look so beautiful and in the moment in that photo. As for your future pranking endeavors, I look forward to it, but it will have to wait until I come back. I'll be in Manchester for at least a week to find the person behind the string of murders up there. It is no secret that I will miss you a great deal. I will continue to write letters and send them out to you as often as possible.

You will probably find a new coffee mug in your cabinet at home. I took the liberty of putting it away with your others. I saw it and thought of you. I hope you like it. I find that a lot of different things have begun to remind me of you. Cinnamon, for example, is the same shade of brown as your hair. A simple piece of chocolate reminds me of your rich brown eyes. Whenever the scent of honeysuckle crosses my path, it is of your scent that I am reminded of.

I love you, my honeybee,

William xxx

Author's Note: Just to be clear...Mycroft did read the entire letter but not out of cruelty. It was his way of checking up on Sherlock's well being since the redbeard thing was no longer a way to go.