Christmas Story time! Aka my favorite time of the year! Technically this is a little bit of a sequel to the "Bath" chapters (7&8) of my Sherlolly moments collection "The Consulting Detective and his Pathologist" , but you don't have to read those if you haven't ...but if you want to know more about Alfred, and how he met Molly then that's where you need to look ;)

"Come back to bed" Molly complained, pulling the thin white sheet up higher to protect herself from the cold December air that was coming through the open french-doors of the balcony.

"Sherlock?" When she didn't get a response she got up to find out where the man, who had been lying next to her just a few minutes ago, had vanished to. Only to find him on said balcony, facing the cold in nothing but his pyjama bottoms.

"You are going to catch your death," she said, stepping out on her tiptoes – the less contact with the icy floor the better.

"It stopped snowing," he turned around, his voice even raspier than usual.

"I noticed," Molly shivered, as she felt the cold on her bare legs, and well the rest of her body - the pyjama top she had borrowed from him wasn't doing much to keep her warm.

"Come here..." Sherlock wrapped his arms around her small frame and placed a kiss on the top of her head.

"Merry Christmas Molly Hooper."

"Merry Christmas," She looked up at him with a smile, and he took it as an opportunity to lean in for a real kiss, making her feel warmer than she would have been infront of the fireplace.

*December 24th, 7.30 p.m.*

"That is not normal..." John Watson shook his head, as he watched his best friend sitting with Molly Hooper at the piano, teaching her a simple Christmas Carol, singing and laughing with the young pathologist. It almost looked like...

"No..." John said to himself, before he turned around to get a refill for his empty wine glass. A case had led the three of them out of town, and not even the fact that it was Christmas Eve had stopped Sherlock from dragging Molly along. And now there they were, stuck at the Holmes family estate because a Christmas surprise in form of a snowstorm had blocked roads and railways. But John wasn't going to complain, Alfred, the old caretaker, had been delighted about the surprise guests, and the house with it's fireplaces, and the big Christmas tree looked like it belonged on a Christmas card. Yes, there were definitely worse places to be stuck at on Christmas Eve.

"John, do you need something?" Alfred asked as John entered the kitchen.

"Thank you, I've got it covered," John replied with a smile as he helped himself to another glass.

"I hope it's no trouble that we just showed up unannounced," he added.

"Nonsense, I'm glad the storm brought you here. Sir Barkley," he gestured towards the grey German Sheppard, that was curled up by the oven, "isn't the most chatty company, sometimes he doesn't speak for days. Isn't that right old boy?" As on cue the dog responded with a curious look, before closing his eyes again, earning a laugh from both men.

"Sounds like someone I know..." John replied. "Although, apparently not today," he commented on the cheerful tunes that were coming from the living room.

"He's in a good mood, it happens," Alfred said.

"I know, it's just that it usually involves murder," John joked before he put his glass down to help Alfred with the food.

*Now*

"As fun as this is, it would be so much better to continue it in your bed," Molly said her arms wrapped around Sherlock's waist, trying to keep warm in the snow...

"Molly..." he started, bringing his right hand up to tuck a stand of hair behind her ear. "You know that you have to get out before John wakes up..."

"I wouldn't if you'd just tell him about me, about us…"

"What we have is working, I do not intend to add new variables to it."

"Sherlock, he's your best friend, not a variable, and he will find out eventually..."

*December 24th, 5.18 p.m.*

"Oh, what a nice surprise," Alfred greeted the snow covered detective with a hug.

"We were in the area, and the storm..." John started to explain but Alfred cut him off.

"No need to explain, Dr. Watson. You' are always welcome. And Molly, how are you doing dear?"

"Good, thank you Alfred," She replied with a smile.

"Wait you have met?" John wondered, surprised that Molly seemed to know the older man.

"Alfred, let me help you with the rooms," Sherlock cut in, before anyone got a chance to answer John's question.

"John you can get new firewood from the shed, and Molly please come with us," he ordered as John raised an eyebrow in suspicion.

"I take it you haven't told John..." Alfred started as soon as he was alone with Sherlock and Molly.

"No, and it is in everyone's best interest to keep it that way."

"In everyone's?" Alfred gave Molly a questioning look.

"That's what I said," Sherlock answered for her.

"Listen, I won't tell him, but I will not lie for you young man. So you better don't do anything that gives John a reason to ask."

"That won't be a problem," Sherlock replied slightly irritated, that Alfred wasn't more cooperative.

"Well then, go help John before he freezes out there. Molly and I can take care of the rest."

"Good," Sherlock nodded in approval and turned around to find John.

"…but first, how about some hot chocolate?" Alfred suggested with a twinkle in his eyes, and Molly happily followed him to the kitchen.

*Now*

"Where is the coming from? You were perfectly content with this arrangement when you crawled into my bed last night."

"Maybe I don't want to crawl into your bed anymore..."

"That is not what you said two minutes ago."

"Forget it," with that Molly turned around but as she tried to open the door, that she had closed behind her on her way out, it was locked.

"What are you doing?" Sherlock rolled his eyes, as he watched her rattle the door handle.

"It won't open!" Molly replied, panic in her voice.

"Let me try," Sherlock sighed and gently pushed Molly to the side to try his luck at the door.

So bad news, I sprained my knee on a pirate ship (actually a stupid beach themed bar, with an even stupider slippery terrace), but the good news is that I now have lots of writing time. So yay? (don't worry, I'm not in pain...just stuck at the house).

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the first chapter (and the back and forth thing)! Reviews Please?

Oh and if you're looking for a very fun Advent Calendar (there might even be some Sherlock things in it) check out my Blog: Novachecknerd DOT blogspot DOT com ;)

XOXO