My Angel Was Brave

Chapter One

Molly Hooper was a mortician. 

She was a single child in a respectable family. She owned a cat named Shere and the best boyfriend in the whole world named Jim, who worked in IT. She watched glee and secretly admired Doctor Watson for putting up with her associate, Sherlock.

Molly was good.

The first time the angel spoke to her, she had been at home after a long day at the morgue. AS she sat down to watch some television and enjoy a cup of tea, the screen scrambled and gave off a faint buzzing sound. It grew until she had to cover her ears and duck her head as her television shattered.

The second time, she was able to form a few words, though it hurt her to focus on them for too long.

The third time, she could finally have a conversation.

"Hello, Molly," the voice said.

"Who are you?" she asked, "How do you know who I am?"

"My name is Castiel," the voice answered, "I am an angel of the Lord."

The fourth time, Castiel asked her to prove her faith by sticking her hand in the fireplace while a flame burned there.

"Hey, Molly! I'm ho- Oh my! Molly!" Jim walked in, alarm showing on his features as he saw what was happening, "What are you doing?"

"It's okay! It's okay..." Molly insisted, putting up her spare hand before carefully removing the other to show its perfectly normal state, "The angel, Castiel, asked me to prove my faith."

The final time, Jim was supposed to be going out that night. He wore his nice Westwood suit and flattened it out as Molly did his tie.

"Jim?" Molly looked up at him with worried eyes.

"Mmhmm?" he smiled at his own reflection, admiring his image.

"You know I love you, right?" she whispered. His smile faltered and he met her eyes with equally concerned ones.

"Molly. What's wrong?" he demanded.

"Nothing. I promise," she forced a smile, "I just need you to know I do."

"I don't need to go, tonight," he stroked her cheek, "I'm sure my associate won't mind."

"No, you go," Molly insisted, placing a kiss on his lips, "You have fun."

"I will," he assured, smiling back. As soon as Jim was gone, Molly called out for Castiel.

"Have you considered my proposal?" Castiel asked.

"Yes," Molly answered, "But I have conditions. Firstly, I need them to think I'm still here. If I suddenly disappear, Sherlock will start snooping and nobody needs that."

"That can be arranged," Castiel assured.

"Secondly, I want you to protect my friends," Molly explained, "No premature deaths. At least until I return. Not for Jim or John or Lestrade or Sherlock or any of them. Okay?"

"Are you sure?" Castiel clarified.

"Yes," Molly insisted.

"Very well," Castiel agreed.

"Then, yes," Molly beamed, "I'll be your vessel."