A/N March 8 is International Women's Day. In celebration of one hundred years plus of the international recognition of the rights of women I offer this small Sherlolly story.

This is my second attempt at writing a 221b story. Foiled again! I did however divide the story into three 221b sections. The section markers only show where the ending would be if I had managed to actually write a 221b. Think of them as training wheels. I'll get there eventually :D Enjoy the story and take the time to go to the following link For a really interesting timeline of the International Women's movement starting in 1910.

watch?v=FfwAhsozXl0

The Arrangement

Molly was working on some tests in the lab. It was a rather slow day, so she was pleased when the doors burst open and Sherlock swooped in. He was followed more sedately by John Watson and D.I. Lestrade.

"Molly, I need to see the body of Professor Max Thompson," Sherlock announced importantly.

"All right," Molly said absently as she prepared the solution for the test she was working on, "it will be a few minutes."

Sherlock scowled. "Molly, I need to see the body now."

"I'm busy, Sherlock. It won't be long. Take a seat and I'll help you in a minute," Molly answered as she placed the test tubes into the centrifuge and started the machine.

To the astonishment of D.I. Lestrade, Sherlock meekly sat down at a nearby stool and began to watch Molly work. The D.I. gave John a bemused look. John smiled and found a stool for himself.

"Molly, this is important," Sherlock whined, shuffling his feet a bit before he rose to stand staring over her shoulder.

"I'm almost done," Molly said, then looked up at him sharply. "And it's Doctor Hooper to you, mister."

Sherlock quirked his lip upward and said in a voice so low the D.I. could barely hear, "Yes, Doctor."

"What's going on?" Lestrade whispered, his voice reflecting his bewilderment.

ɸ

John smiled noncommittally at the Inspector and looked over at the two standing together. He wasn't sure, but he highly suspected that the 'doctor' comment had something to do with the fact the lovely pathologist had been carrying a medical bag as she and the consulting detective disappeared last night into his bedroom. Ah, well, their secrets were safe with him. What happens at Baker Street stays at Baker Street. John just hoped that Sherlock had scanned for bugs and cameras, or they would have to deal with Mycroft again.

"How long has he been acting like this?" Greg wanted to know. "Rather unnatural, don't you think?"

John shrugged. "Ever since he came back." He paused, then said, "He's not like this all the time. I think they worked out some kind of agreement and are taking turns. Hush and watch, just don't let them see you."

Lestrade pretended to talk with John as he peeked quick glances over at Sherlock and Molly. They looked normal. Sherlock handing her supplies and picking up a pen that fell on the floor was not remarkable until you realized who was doing the helping. It was a total role reversal and Lestrade was dumfounded. How had the tiny pathologist managed that?

"Coffee, black, two sugars," Sherlock said. It wasn't a question. Lestrade leaned forward a bit.

ɸ

What would happen now, the good inspector wondered.

"Humm," Molly said, "I think I would like cream in mine today." She continued with her work and didn't say anything else.

Sherlock straightened his shoulders, walked out of the lab and soon returned with four coffees. He set John's and Lestrade's coffee down with a plunk and eyed the two men, daring them to say anything. John smiled and said, "Thanks." Lestrade wisely pretended not to notice anything unusual and nodded his appreciation.

Sherlock carried the last two mugs over to where Molly was working. She accepted the steaming beverage but made no comment. The two continued to work together. Sherlock's body twitched occasionally. It was just a tiny twitch and he only did it when Molly was in her 'in charge mode'. John thought it was rather sweet. The fact that Sherlock trusted Molly enough to allow her to boss him around said a lot for their relationship.

'I don't believe I'm seeing this," Lestrade said in a low murmur.

"It doesn't last," John replied. "He is just as snarky as ever when it's his turn.

At last, a sigh of satisfaction came from Molly which signified that she had completed her task. She looked over to John and Lestrade, smiled brightly and said, "Now what is it you want with a body?"