Merry Christmas everybody! And to those not celebrating Christmas have a very happy Sherlolly day!
Here's an extra present for you all to unwrap, Christmas Day with Sherlock...if only! Well, you can share it with him in my story.
And to those of you who enjoy Cabin Pressure can I just say, without spoilering, that Zurich was Brilliant! I love, love, loved it. John Finnemore who wrote it is a comedy genius. The lemon is in play.
But enough of my fangirling, lets get on with the story.
Chapter 7
By the time everyone had left it was past midnight and officially Christmas Day morning. As they cleared up the last of the plates and cups Molly asked Sherlock what his plans were for the day.
'Oh, did I not tell you? Mycroft is sending a car to pick us up about 10.00. We'll unfortunately have to stay at my parents until Boxing Day. I had hoped a case or something would come up which would prevent the need but it seems the killers of the world are also taking a break over Christmas.'
'Hang on, when you say we do you mean to say I'm going with you?'
Sherlock stopped what he was doing and looked round at her, 'yes, I would have thought that was obvious. My parents are expecting you, I believe my mother in particular is keen to meet you.'
'Oh my God Sherlock, that wasn't obvious at all, you should have told me. I haven't bought them a gift or anything, let alone packed.'
He scrunched up his face, 'a gift, why would you need to get them a gift you don't know them. Just be ready with an overnight bag by 10.00.' He saw the panicked expression on her face and threw his hands up, 'Fine, I'll text Mycroft to send one of his vintage wines with the car, we can give them that. Right, that'll do. Mrs Hudson will no doubt pop up and tidy the rest. Good night Molly.'
He turned to leave before turning back and walking towards her. He looked down at her and Molly felt suddenly nervous, 'Merry Christmas Molly Hooper.' He bent and kissed her lightly on the cheek and then made his way to his bedroom.
'Merry Christmas Sherlock.' Molly whispered more to herself than him as he walked away.
MHMHMHMHMHMHMHMH
The next day was one of those clear, crisp winter mornings. There was a thick frost on the ground making everything look a bit cleaner and nicer than normal. Even rubbish looked prettier with a sparkly frosty coating.
Molly squealed to herself as she got dressed throwing a few clothes and overnight things in her bag. She was very curious to meet Sherlock's parents as well as intimidated. What if they were like Mycroft and Sherlock or even worse than them?
She ran downstairs switching on the telly so she could watch some of the televised church services. She wasn't religious herself but had fond memories of going to church on Christmas mornings with her mum and dad so watching the services always made her festive as well as nostalgic.
There was an hour or so to go before the car arrived so she quickly made some breakfast for herself and Sherlock. She was just contemplating whether to wake him up or not when he exited his room dressed in his pyjamas and dressing gown.
Molly jumped up and down in the spot, 'Merry Christmas Sherlock, when do you want your present now or later at your mum and dads?'
Sherlock looked at her grumpily, 'do you have to be so cheerful? There is nothing cheerful about today. I hate going to my parents, it's always so dull. I suppose it'll be more manageable with you and John and Mary there. I'm taking a shower.'
Molly refused to let her good mood be deflated by Sherlock's bah humbug routine. She'd get him feeling Christmassy by the end of the day even if it killed her. She also knew she ought to ask him about the kiss yesterday but on the basis that the answer would probably depress her she decided to put ignore until another day. She was actually quite excited about attending a family Christmas even if it wasn't her family.
The car arrived promptly and then had to wait half an hour until Sherlock was ready. As they set off Molly asked the driver to put some Christmas music on in the back to keep them in the mood.
'Keep us in the mood for what exactly?' Said Sherlock cracking a smile, his previous grumpy mood starting to dissipate somewhat.
'For Christmas of course. Now shut up and don't complain, I don't want you ruining my mood. How long will the trip take? I don't even know where they live.'
Sherlock looked at her silently. 'Sherlock, how long will it take?'
'Oh I'm sorry I thought you told me to shut up. I was doing as you asked. About an hour, traffic should be clear today.'
Molly giggled at Sherlock's small joke and looked out of the window watching the world go by, imagining all the happy faces behind the doors and windows they were passing.
Sherlock watched Molly almost squirming with excitement in the seat next to him. He had never realised how much she enjoyed Christmas, maybe because she always seemed to be spending it alone. Sherlock decided then and there that if it were in his power she would never spend it alone again. He thought about the gift he had got her and felt a frisson on nerves all of a sudden. Maybe he should have built up to this a bit more, had a conversation with her. It's just feelings were never something he found easy to discuss.
They arrived at the house just before lunch. Mary, John and the baby had arrived about an hour earlier and were ensconced in the front room. Sherlock introduced Molly to his mum and dad and Molly was relieved to find they were both very friendly and welcoming.
'It's so good to meet you Molly,' said his mum. 'Sherlock's never brought anyone home before, you must be very special. Now I've put you both in your old room Sherlock. Do you want to take the bags up and show Molly around. We're having the meal in about an hour, I do hope Mycroft gets here soon, honestly he has no excuses for his tardiness. Now when you're ready come back down for a pre-meal drink.'
'I..err..thought Molly would have her own room?'
'Don't be ridiculous Sherlock, you're a grown man, I really don't mind you having a girl stay over. Anyway there isn't anywhere else, what with Mycroft and the Watson's.'
Molly followed Sherlock nervously up the stairs and into one of the bedrooms. She looked around, her curiosity getting the better of her nerves. It had obviously been converted into more of a spare bedroom since Sherlock had lived there. The room was dominated, or at least seemed to be to Molly, by a double bed. Tucked up in the corner near the window was a writing desk with a few awards on it. Molly made her way over picking them up to take a look, there were two awards for science, one for maths, another for Latin, all awarded to Sherlock by his school.
She turned around and faced Sherlock across the bed, 'so, what are we going to do?'
Sherlock scowled, 'we're both adults Molly, I'm sure we can manage to share a bed for one night. I'm led to believe I don't snore so I shouldn't be too much of a hindrance as a bed fellow.'
Molly blushed thinking that Sherlock snoring was the least of her worries.
It was at that moment that the noise downstairs alerted them both to the fact that Mycroft had arrived. Sherlock quickly pointed out where the nearest bathroom was and then left Molly alone to freshen up before she came back down.
As he left Molly sat down on the bed fingering the candlewick bedspread that covered it and tried not to think about the delicious temptation that awaited her later on.
She made her way down ten minutes later and greeted Mycroft who kissed her formally on the cheek and wished her a Happy Christmas. They all gathered in the front room with John and Mary sipping mulled wine and chatting about the gifts they had got and various other bits of trivia.
When they finally sat down to eat Molly was bowled over by the homeliness of Sherlock's family. It was almost picture postcard perfect with a roaring fire, a huge tree, turkey and all the trimmings. Mrs Holmes insisted on them all pulling crackers and wearing hats. Sherlock and Mycroft tried to complain but were silenced by a look from their mother. Mycroft threatened to lock up anyone who dared to take a photo of him and Molly wasn't quite sure that he was joking.
By the time they had finished It was starting to go dark and Molly was sure she wouldn't be able to eat another morsel. Someone suggested a walk before it was fully dark and they all happily agreed wrapping up in coats and scarves and gloves. Mary cried off as Elizabeth had just gone down for a nap but the rest set off making the most of the scenic countryside location. Molly decided it had been too long since she had been out of London, she had grown up not far from countryside and she missed this.
She was pleasantly surprised when Sherlock offered her his arm but gladly took it. They walked along in silence for a few minutes listening to John and Mycroft exchanging war stories and Sherlock's mum berating his dad for eating too much stuffing when he knew onions didn't agree with him.
'Thank you for inviting me Sherlock, I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed myself. Your parents are very welcoming...I never expected that.'
He smiled, 'you mean they're nothing like Mycroft and myself. You're not the first to mention that. We used to think maybe we were adopted but we have our mothers intelligence and our father's height and some of his looks so they definitely are our parents.'
Molly laughed, 'I..umm..I wanted to ask you something. I probably shouldn't but I need to know. Why did you kiss me... yesterday...at the party?'
Sherlock was silent for a moment before he replied, 'because I wanted to Molly. I still do.'
'Oh', Molly wasn't sure what answer she had been expecting but it hadn't been that one.
He stopped walking and turned to face her, 'I probably should have said something earlier but I'm not good at expressing my feelings. I..like you Molly...more than like you, I would like us to try to be in a relationship. I can't guarantee I'll be any good at it but I don't want to be without you anymore.'
He put his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small square package wrapped up in Christmas paper with a red bow. 'Merry Christmas Molly. I hope you like it.'
Molly took the parcel, her hands shaking slightly as she did. She unwrapped it putting the paper in her pocket before opening up the blue velvet box. Inside was a silver bracelet with three charms attached. The first was a band with the date written on it, the second was what looked like a diamond heart although Molly assumed it must be crystal as a diamond that size would cost a fortune, the third had a small silver scalpel hanging from it. 'Oh, Sherlock it's beautiful.'
He took off his gloves and put it around Molly's wrist doing up the small clasp surprisingly easy given his large hands. He held her hand in his. 'I know it's not anatomically correct, but it's my heart, Molly, if you'll have it.'
'Yes, of course I will, yes.' Molly smiled up at him tears pricking at her eyes still bewildered by this surprising turn of events. She felt as though she were in a dream and any second now she would wake up disappointed.
Sherlock leant down and kissed her and Molly melted into his arms. For the first time she felt she could really kiss him back. Her arms snaked around his neck and the kiss quickly became more than passionate, it felt as though she were in the middle of an inferno. Every nerve in her body was on fire and she wanted nothing more than to feel his body on top of hers. He groaned into her mouth and Molly felt the heat suddenly concentrate in her groin. She squirmed against him wishing they were somewhere more private.
When they finally broke apart they were both breathing heavily and feeling hot despite the cold weather and the flakes of snow that were starting to drift down around them. It was pretty much dark now and the rest of the group were out of sight. Sherlock grabbed her hand, 'come on, we'd better get back, they'll be wondering where we are, not that I care, but it is rather dark and we'll soon feel the cold again.' Molly laughed and together they ran until they caught back up with the others.
Enjoy the rest of the day and I'll catch up with you all tomorrow.
