Much thanks to MapleLeafCameo for reading through this for me. It hasn't been Brit picked so please excuse any mistakes. Also, I realized this is the first thing I've written in just over three months.

Author's note: I like how Molly's character has grown in the series. I think the woman who slapped Sherlock in anger in His Last Vow is a stronger and more assertive woman than the one who tried to catch Sherlock's attention in Study in Pink. Since this piece takes place sometime after Vow, I've allowed her to mature even more and have the courage of speaking out when she feels it is necessary.

It surprised both men when it happened. Not just because they discovered the one they loved returned their feelings or that a mutilated body lay between them. This was Sherlock Holmes and John Watson after all. No, the thing that shocked them most was the fact a fed up Molly brought about the shift in their relationship.

Once again, they were in the morgue. Lestrade had called them in to look at a body found by the railroad tracks; Caucasian male, mid-thirties, his legs cut off when a train hit him. The thing Sherlock found most interesting was the hatchet embedded in the back of his skull. Apparently, the man had gone missing after attending a co-worker's birthday party three days before. Now, Lestrade hoped to learn where he had gone and who might want him dead.

Sherlock leaned towards his friend and whispered into his ear. When John giggled, Molly threw her hands in the air.

"All right, I can't take anymore!"

The matching confused expressions would have made Molly chuckle most any other day, but she had something far more important on her mind. Taking a deep breath, she organized her thoughts and squared her shoulders.

"I need to say something and while I do, I want the both of you to remain quiet. No speaking, at all."

As expected, Sherlock's mouth opened. Molly made a stop motion with her left hand and said, firmly, "Not a word until I'm finished."

Having witnessed her transformation from timid pathologist whose blind affections irritated him, to a woman who put him in his place not once but twice (the first time when he was on drugs and the second when he tore apart Lestrade's integrity while in a mood), Sherlock closed his mouth.

"We've all watched the both of you for six and a half years now. You would do anything for one another. I don't believe two people could love each other more."

"Of course we do," John said, "We're best friends."

Deciding to ignore the fact he'd broken her rule, Molly rolled her eyes. "No, that isn't the kind of love I'm talking about. I mean you are in love with one another. You feel the 'share a bed every night, grow old together and die at the same time' kind of love. Those of us close to you have seen it for years."

Stunned, John sat down on a nearby chair. Glancing at Sherlock, Molly could see the fear in his eyes as his left hand twitched.

"For a long time I thought I was wrong, but I've learned a lot. How to observe, not just see. You've risked your lives for one another multiple times. Sherlock, you even 'died' for two years to keep John safe. Before you left, there was such sadness in your eyes because you knew you had to leave him behind and when you came back, who did you rush to see first?"

She turned and focused on John.

"Don't think I didn't see how you mourned for him while he was gone. You stopped living those first few months. We all took turns checking in on you because we were afraid we might lose you too. I didn't know if Sherlock would have someone to come home to. All the life seeped out of your eyes, John and while I know you loved Mary, you didn't truly come back to us until he did. Since your divorce, you've pretty much stopped dating. We rarely see one of you without the other."

Molly cleared her throat before continuing.

"I think you're both terrified your feelings might not be returned, that you might lose the other if it's one-sided and you don't dare risk it."

Seeing the way both men looked at the floor, Molly knew she was right. She walked up to Sherlock, turned him towards her and looked up into his face.

"If you never listen to another word I say, listen to me now. That man loves you. He loves you for who you are and even if you never solved another case, he would still love you. He comes alive when you're around, and would give his life without a second thought if it meant you were safe."

She then walked around the table and stood in front of John, resting a hand on his shoulder.

"Before you, I never would have believed Sherlock Holmes would sacrifice himself for anyone but that's exactly what he did for you, John Watson. He left his home, family, friends and the job he needs so you would be safe. I know he says he used drugs again because it was for a case, but there were plenty of other options and we both know it. I think he took the route that would help him forget you were Mary's and not his. Haven't you noticed that when you enter a room, he can't help but look? He's allowed you inside his life in ways others aren't allowed and all because he's desperately in love with you."

After it was silent for a short while, Molly began to feel self-conscious and knew it would be best if she left them alone. She made her way towards the door, looking back to smile.

"You're both good men and I'm glad you're my friends. I know you'd both die happy if things stayed as they are now but don't miss the chance to have something even more wonderful together. I think your love is rare. Something few people experience. Don't let your fears hold you back when they aren't necessary. "

Just before the door closed, Molly called out, "Talk to each other!"

Once Molly's footsteps faded, John and Sherlock turned to face one another.

There will be a fourth and final chapter.