A/N: Thank you to all you kind people that have read, reviewed and followed/favorited this series! I cannot tell how much it means to me! :)

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A Chemical Defect

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Sherlock: Molly.

Molly: ...

Sherlock: Molly *nudges her* Wake up.

Molly: *grumbly* Whaaaat?

Sherlock: It's a chemical defect.

Molly: *incoherent mumbling*

Sherlock: *shakes her lightly*

Sherlock: Emotions are produced by a combination of chemicals released in the brain to encourage a sense of bonding. Early humans required more protection from harsh elements and threats of predators. It made sense to foster instinctual familial bonds.

Molly: *mumbles into her pillow* Okay, whatever you say.

Sherlock: It impairs judgement, alters your perception, and can make you do things out of character.

Molly: *rolls over*

Molly: *sighs* What are you talking about?

Sherlock: I'm concerned for you.

Molly: Okay?

Sherlock: There's oxytocin, dopamine, testosterone and other bonding catalysts. It's highly addictive.

Molly: You're worried that I might be too attached...to you?

Sherlock: You might not be in full control of your higher reasoning capabilities.

Molly: Due to the... chemicals. And, you're concerned because...

Sherlock: Your brain is fooling you into believing that you are in love with me.

Molly: And, I'm really not?

Sherlock: You are incapable of seeing my flaws and shortcomings.

Molly: *smirks* Oh, I think I can see your flaws quite well actually.

Sherlock: And yet, you are engaging in a relationship with me. Your judgement has been impaired.

Molly: *brows furrow* You think it is impossible for me to genuinely love you?

Sherlock: I am not an easy person to love. You, on the other hand, are a person that is very easy to become emotionally attached to. I am concerned for your well being.

Molly: So, you love me then?

Sherlock: Of course. I have made no secret of my affections for you.

Molly: And, that's not a chemical defect?

Sherlock: I am well aware of my emotions and any chemical impairments that might affect them.

Molly: But, I am not? If you love me, isn't it mutually beneficial that I love you back?

Sherlock: That is ideal.

Molly: How long do these chemicals impair judgment?

Sherlock: It varies...

Molly: On average then.

Sherlock: Up to roughly eighteen months in some cases.

Molly: Okay, then I don't think you need to worry.

Sherlock: We've only been together for six.

Molly: I've been in love with you much longer than that *rests her head on his chest*

Sherlock: ... Oh.

Sherlock: *wraps his arms tightly around Molly*

Sherlock: You're sure?

Molly: Yes. *kisses him on the cheek* I'm sure.

Sherlock: Okay, then. *kisses the top of her head*

Molly: *smiles* Go back to sleep, Sherlock.

=sometime later=

Sherlock: *whispers* Molly?

Molly: *sleeping soundly*

Sherlock: *smiles* Thank you.