Baker Street Whispers
- You cant be serious- John says unable to keep a straight face-, you are pulling my leg.
- I’m not, John – Molly doesn't know what to feel any more now that the initial excitement has subsided – he asked me out.
- On a date?
- Well, for dinner.
The irony of the word doesn't escape the doctor, as he recalls all those times Irene would text him (let's have “dinner”) exactly that so he snorts. He thinks it's best not to share that with her.
- I'm having trouble believing it too. I'm expecting he's gonna want some macabre favour.
- Ah, well, you've put up with your fair share of those...
- Said the pot to the kettle.
John laughed.
- What did he say exactly? - he's having trouble picturing Sherlock doing something as mundane as asking someone out.
- Well he called with his usual demanding tone asking for the lab and so I explained I was in Scotland and he sounded... I don't know off.
- And he demanded your return ASAP...
- Well yeah but I explained that I needed a break from it all, from him really...
- Burnnn... how did that go down?
- Don't know. You know what he's like. .. in any case I got him talking about the bloody phone call and I explain my no expectations approach to the whole thing.
- Was he confused?
- Maybe. He said he'd like to experiment.
- Experiment?
- With the idea, I guess – saying it out loud makes her feel weird, almost absurd.
- You agreed?
- Yeah. To be honest. I'm getting a bit...observer paradox style... white coat syndrome... he established rules and limits for this experiment
- Of course he did – John shakes his head on the small screen of the video call. – do I wanna know?
- He just wanted to make sure I didn't get carried away, I guess.
- That sounds like him, all right
- But he showed a vulnerability I haven't seen yet.
- I have
- I can imagine – Molly doesn't look as confident any more.
- Well, it's good, isn't it? Sherlock opening up to you, showing a shorter side. Honestly, I think this could be a good thing for both of you.
- If it works...
- And if it doesn't too. It would be good for him to... push his boundaries, to let someone a bit less chaotic inside... he can learn things with you... I see it, Molly
- You do? He said he was scared of losing me as a friend.
- He actually said that?
- In not so many words, but he did. To be honest I'm on the same boat. I don't have exactly a clean record of successful relationships.
- Who does these days?
- Yeah, maybe. I assured him I'd never leave. I mean, I'd need time and space but eventually I'd go back to my tribe, you guys.
- And he actually listened?
- I think it was a relief to know that this experiment would not alter the status quo if rendered null and void.
John chuckles at her legal jargon.
- Well what can I say? You are both good people, and you are sensible... this may just work out.
Her confidence isn't at all there.
- Molly?
- Yeah. I don't know. What if I'm boring?
- Oh. That. I can officially say he will get bored. I've seen Sherlock get bored in situations where my adrenaline was off the roof. But that doesn't mean you are boring. Because you aren't. You're intelligent and funny. You are the most brilliant pathologist in London and if that doesn't give you hours of conversation, you weirdos, I don't know what will.
She stares at the screen.
- Molly, what would Mary say? Something like... don't let anyone, least of all, Sherlock bloody Holmes make you think you are boring... because you are a force to be reckoned with.
- Mary also said I needed to up my game... you know. In the flirting game.
- She actually said that?
She half nods, half shakes her head.
- We talked about Irene Adler once.
- Ah... And you think you have to be more like her to capture his attention?
- Well...
- Don't compare yourself, Molls. That will just create a toxic cloud in your head and poison whatever chances he's got.
- He's got? More like I’ve got.
- No, Molly, you are a damn good catch. You have to trust that he wants to go out with you on a date. He wouldn't be asking otherwise.
- I don't know, John, part of my mind is trying to convince me that's he's doing this because he feels guilty after Eurus embarrassed me so royally in front of the three of ye. And as my friend, he feels he has to do this due to some sense of...
- Bullshit. That's absurd and you know it. I think he honestly wants to try. He knows he could have easily told you that he doesn't feel the same. And you would have accepted it. He didn't need to ask you out for dinner to keep your friendship intact. To me that's clear.
She's getting in her own head. She looks up at the ceiling
- Molly, don't overthink this. He said one date. You are not obliged to do anything else.
- And if it turns out to be a disaster?
- The both of you are reasonable adults. You are good friends first and foremost. If, after a date, you discover that perhaps your feelings are purely platonic, then that's that. Nothing will change, except that you’d know then, and you both can move on with your friendship.
She smiles softly.
- Thank goodness you exist, captain Watson.
- Not many people would think that way, Dr Hooper. Thank you. Mr Murphy who doesn't want his hearing aids certainly isn't.
- Sorry I forgot you are at work.
- I'm on break, relax.
- Rosie all good?
- Yes. Asking about you the other day when we went to feed Toby. She got it in her head that someone had kidnapped you and wanted to call Sherlock to find you.
- Ah bless. Tell her I said hi.
- Sure. And relax yes?
- Don't worry. I'll call you after it happens. I'm sure you'll get both sides of the experience in more detail that you may want.
- Bet I will – he laughs- you have a good day, Scottish lass. Aye.
Molly rolls her eyes playfully
- You too, Dr Watson.
She disconnects with a faint smile on her lips. Simon knocks and comes in, plopping on the bed beside her.
- Did I hear the word date?
Molly puts her pillow over her face and says muffled:
- You won't let it go if it refuse to tell you.
She peeks out.
- No. – Simon says.
She doesn't want a fight. She doesn't want to lie.
- It's just an old friend.
- Do I know him?
- Not really.
- Is he handsome and rich?
- His family is.
- Ohhhhh, I like the sound of him.
- What’s his name? Where does he work?
She's done fine so far with the true but misleading answers. This one is tougher but she finds the loophole.
- He's a consultant. He works with me sometimes. His name is William. – she hasn’t lied at all. His full name is William Sherlock Scott Holmes. She knows because she had to write his death certificate.
- Molly, Molly. And I was all worried because I thought you were falling on the falling pincers of that freak friend of yours again.
Molly just grins.
- Shall we go for a dip in the lake?
- Are you mad? It's like 12 degrees....
- Ah... London has finally kicked the Scottish out of you...
- Hey!
Simon does convince her to join in his daily swim. The cold and the peace in the area bring her feet down to the ground easing the stomach knots and the buckets of butterflies inside them.