#minirose96

Still, Holmes was surprised to learn that Molly considered him a friend.  He damned himself for the little fluttering sensation he’d felt when she had said it.  He was convinced that it was better not to be attached, but he couldn’t help it, especially when Molly seemed to have such a warm attitude towards him.  He tried to tell himself that it was just another part of her inclination for holding rather forgiving and accepting philosophies, but he had also observed that she had a particular preference for his company when they were off duty.  After a while, others began to notice this as well and comment on it.

"I heard that Vulcan turned down Fletcher when he offered to take her to that medical museum last time we had shore leave and she just sat around and played chess with Commander Holmes instead," he overheard an ensign say one day while he was on his way to the bridge.

"They’re always together.  Whenever Holmes isn’t lurking around the captain or Dr. Watson, he’s doing some brainy thing with Molly.  I honestly think they’re shagging on the side," another added.

"Probably."

"Nah, Stan.  People like that don’t shag.  They get off by looking at slimy things in jars and going ‘ooh, isn’t it fascinating’ whilst giving each other significant glances."

"Where I come from, that’s called eye fucking."  It was at this point that Holmes chose to make his presence known by clearing his throat.  He was naturally met with wide eyes and red faces.

"What are your duties, ensign?" Holmes asked coldly before proceeding to calmly and methodically strike fear in the hearts of all of them.  Nobody whispered about him or Molly again for some time after that.  He didn’t much care what the crew thought of him, but he would not allow Molly’s good name to be played with in such a vulgar manner.  It was at this point that he realized that he wasn’t just attached to her; he cared about her…deeply.

- - -

Lieutenant Molly of Vulcan was a quiet, logical person with few personal attachments.  She was a competent expert in her field and she had the respect of nearly everyone in her division.  The person whose opinion she valued most, however, was that of her commanding officer, Sherlock Holmes.  Yes, he could be arrogant and impertinent at times, but she thought of him as a shining example of humanity.  Even beyond that, he was the most interesting person she had ever come across.  Unfortunately, her interest in him seemed to draw attention from others.

"My God.  I never thought I’d see the day," Dr. Watson commented when he saw Molly watching Holmes leave the pathology lab.  She frowned at the doctor in return.

"I don’t follow," she said.  As far as Vulcans went, her voice was rather soft and quiet, which had presented social difficulties among both humans and her own kind.  Holmes, though, had said that he liked her voice because it wasn’t conducive to shoutiness and imperial tones.  If she understood him correctly, that was a good thing.

"A Vulcan with a crush."  Watson grinned at Molly and she quirked an eyebrow at him.

"It’s not in my nature to have a ‘crush’.  I simply have a high regard for Officer Holmes," Molly told him and he chuckled.

"Call it whatever you like, Molly.  You’re in love with that man.  Everyone can see it.  If I know my best friend, and I think I do, he’s just as much in love with you."

"Officer Holmes is a logical man.  It’s unlikely that he would allow himself to succumb to such feelings," Molly replied, almost too quietly to hear.  It did nothing to dissuade the good doctor, who continued to smile.

"Why don’t you tell him about your ‘high regard’?  I’m sure he’d be more than happy to reciprocate," Watson suggested before allowing Molly to get back to work.

She spent a lot of time after that mulling over his words.  It was difficult to admit, being Vulcan as she was, but there could be no denying that she would very much enjoy having a closer relationship with Holmes.  She had to consider the possibility that he would not have the same desire, but she recognized that she would never know unless she asked.

- - -

When they were next granted shore leave on Earth, Holmes took Molly to London to see some of his favourite sights.  He knew that she would have a particular appreciation for the museums.

"London is the place you come from.  It means a great deal to you, doesn’t it?"  Molly spoke up as she stepped into a lift with him.  It was unexpected, but not unwelcome.

"It does."

"What else matters to you?"  Now that was an unusual question from Molly.  She had never dared to ask about his personal feelings before.  He looked at her and tried to deduce her intent, but he got nothing.

"Work."

"What else?"  Ah, there it was.  He understood now.  Was she being shy of all things?  He should have been disturbed by it, but instead he found it rather endearing.

"If you’re trying to ask me if you matter to me, the answer is yes.  You are very important to me."  Good lord, she almost smiled at that.  Either something was wrong or this was what being close to a Vulcan was like.

"May I?"  Molly gestured to his hand and he was instantly curious as to what she planned to do, so he held out his hand to her.  With two fingers, she began to gently stroke the back of his hand and a jolt went up his arm.  He could feel the emotions she concealed and they were quite intense.  It was almost enough to make his knees buckle.  Seeing him wince, she immediately withdrew her touch.  "I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t have-"

"No.  No, it was…pleasant," Holmes insisted.  He’d honestly never experienced anything quite so fascinating as that moment of complete intimacy when their minds had touched.  He’d gladly let her do it again.

"Officer-"

"Molly, we’ve just shared something intensely private.  It would be ridiculous for you not to call me Sherlock," he reminded before asking the lift to take them to the top floor.

"Very well, Sherlock," she replied, her almost-smile returning, and he smirked.