A/N: Just a little something inspired by the annual reminder about professional conduct etc. This one has no specific time frame, although it probably occurs before 'No' and 'Coffee': the first time Sherlock realises Molly's opinion matters (most). Hope you enjoy :)

Mattered

"Morning Freak."

Molly winced as she heard Sergeant Donovan greet Sherlock.

Sherlock always insisted that it meant nothing and didn't bother him, but Molly hadn't missed the slight tightening of his jaw every time the detective greeted him in this manner.

It wasn't fair and Molly had had enough.

"Detective," she greeted the other woman politely, holding the results of an autopsy close to her chest. "This is a place of work," she continued in a firm tone, ignoring the warning look Sherlock sent her from behind the detective, "and I would appreciate you treating it as such."

Donovan looked a little surprised, "Excuse me?"

"The way you greeted Sherlock just now," Molly explained, indicating where he sat with a nod of her head, "that's not professional and I don't appreciate that sort of behaviour in my morgue."

Donovan looked between Molly and Sherlock, "You're kidding," she said finally, "you're actually defending him?" Donovan took a step towards her, "You can't trust him," she added in a warning tone, lowering her voice.

Molly met her gaze steadily, "I'm not a child, Detective," she retorted, lifting her chin, "and neither are you. Name calling is beneath you."

Donovan regarded Molly for a long moment, before she gave a small, slow nod. Satisfied, Molly handed over the report, Donovan left without another word.

Molly turned back to the paperwork she had been working on before Donovan entered, pretending not to notice that Sherlock was watching her.

"She's not going to change her mind about me," Sherlock said finally.

Molly shrugged a shoulder, "At least she might keep her opinions to herself."

Sherlock frowned, "Her opinion doesn't bother me."

"It bothers me," Molly muttered, flushing a little as she realised what she said.

Sherlock's frown deepened, "Why?"

Molly ignored him and pretended to be engrossed in her work, Sherlock's expression changed from confusion to annoyance.

"Molly…."

"It's not important," Molly insisted, still not looking up.

Sherlock pursed his lips, "Molly," he tried again, in a firmer tone.

"You're not a freak," Molly said finally, glancing up briefly, "you're a person and…" she closed her eyes so that she didn't have to look at him, "you're special," she added, so softly that he almost missed it.

Sherlock's annoyed expression softened slightly, "Thank you," he said finally, unsure of how to respond.

Molly opened her eyes, looking a little relieved, "You're welcome," she said, flashing him a dazzling smile before turning back to her work.

Sherlock continued to watch her for a few more minutes and silently admitted to himself that, while Donovan's opinion didn't matter, Molly's did.

In fact, if he were to be truly honest with himself, her opinion was the one that mattered most.