This was a prompt fill for an Anon on Tumblr. I had hoped to have it finished by Christmas, but, alas, life does not always go the way you want it to. Either way, I hope you all enjoy this one. It starts out a little sad, but ends with a fluff overload. :)
Molly was bundled snugly in her bed, Toby curled up at her feet. Sleep had been evading her for hours. Yesterday had been a particularly gruelling day at the morgue, despite the fact that it was Christmas Eve.
Molly had been nearly brought to tears as she autopsied a young couple and their newborn infant. They were travelling to celebrate the holidays with the woman's family when their car had tragically overturned due to icy road conditions. Molly had attempted to comfort their grieving loved ones as best as she could but knew her efforts were futile. No amount of hollow euphemisms would bring the family back.
Instead, she had watched, unable to help, as two families embraced each other, seeking solace in their shared anguish.
It was just as well, really. Molly hadn't really celebrated the holiday since her father's death ten years prior. Christmas was always Richard Hooper's favourite holiday. Her brain conjured up memories of happier times spent opening presents in front of the fireplace.
Then, of course, there was the disaster that was the Christmas party at 221B Baker Street. She had so naively bared her heart to Sherlock only to have him rip it to shreds.
No, she was definitely not in the Christmas spirit this year.
A thud from her sitting room drew Molly's attention, and she sat up quickly, upending the sleepy tabby beside her. He hissed and scampered off to the corner. She left him there, grooming himself, as she went to investigate.
Creeping into her front room, she immediately recognized the mop of curly black hair. Sherlock was kneeling beside her Christmas tree.
It was a long-standing tradition in the Hooper household to decorate the tree the week before Christmas. It had always been her dad's favourite part of the holidays. This year, however, Molly had carried out the ritual more in obligation to her parents' memories than excessive holiday cheer.
Sherlock was hunched over what appeared to be a cardboard box, although it was partially obscured from her sight by his lean form.
She let out a breath in relief. Perhaps he needed her help with an experiment. Why he felt the desire to barge into her flat at six in the morning on Christmas day, however, remained to be seen. The sun hadn't even made its appearance, yet.
Sherlock's shoulders straightened at her drawn-out sigh, and he twisted his head around to look at her. Taking in her tired eyes and irritated expression, he stood up slowly, shifting slightly to ensure the mysterious box behind him stayed hidden.
"Ah, Molly! Merry Christmas!" he said, eyes lighting up as he clapped his hands together.
"Merry Christmas, Sher…." Her voice drifted off as she noticed his attire, and she stifled a laugh. He wore a bright red jumper, decorated with a cheery, ruddy-faced Santa. Her gaze travelled over the ridiculous item of clothing and stopped on his face. He wore a sheepish smile.
She had given him that jumper as a gift three years ago. It was meant as a gag, something silly to make him laugh. No one had been laughing later that night. Certainly not poor, humiliated Molly Hooper.
She had believed he hadn't opened it, too distracted by the mystery of the woman he had identified by… not her face.
Sometime in the interim between that Christmas and this one, however, he must have unearthed the present and finally found the time to unwrap it.
He squirmed under her scrutiny but did not break eye contact. "I will admit it's not my typical style, but I have grown rather fond of it." He spread his arms out and spun in a circle, showing off the garment. She rewarded him with a genuine smile, her irritation at his having surprised her so early momentarily forgotten.
"It looks good on you, Sherlock," she giggled, covering her mouth with her hand to curb her laughter. Judging by the glee in his eyes (more green than blue today, she noted), he was enjoying her amusement.
A faint yelp sounded from behind his back, drawing Molly's attention away from Sherlock. He grimaced as she scurried over, pushing him aside as she stooped beside the box.
Several holes were punched into the sides, and the box shook slightly as she pulled on the flaps to open it. She squealed in delight as light from the Christmas tree flooded into the cramped space. What she saw inside melted her heart.
A fluffy bundle of white and brown fur sat on its haunches, trembling as it stared up at Molly. Fur fell over its black eyes and tiny black button nose. It let out several high-pitched barks as they observed each other.
It was undoubtedly one of the most adorable creatures Molly had ever seen.
She reached her hand into the puppy's temporary home and began stroking its back gently, feeling its soft fur caress her fingertips. The barking ceased as her movements continued. Sensing that this stranger meant no harm, the puppy closed its eyes, arching into her touch and yawning in contentment. It stretched and twisted its head around to lap at her, its bright pink tongue tentatively licking her palm. Molly giggled happily at the feel of its rough tongue on her skin.
Molly picked the puppy up with one hand (it really was a tiny little thing) and pushed herself up with the other. Once she was standing again, she turned to Sherlock with the dog cuddled into her chest.
Sherlock's gaze was locked on her face, observing her reaction. His eyes flicked briefly to the puppy as another noise erupted from its mouth.
"He is a Shih Tzu. The name is derived from the Chinese word for –"
"Lion dog," Molly interrupted him. "I know. I had one when I was younger. He looked almost exactly like this one. How did you know?"
Sherlock chose not to answer. He merely lifted an eyebrow as if to say, "Honestly, Molly?" She chuckled at his haughty expression before gazing back down at the bundle of fluff cradled in her arms.
"I was out on a case with John when we stumbled upon him. I attempted to track down his owners but was unable to do so. Their flat was recently vacated, and they did not leave any contact information. I remembered you mentioned you had a brown and white Shih Tzu when you were younger. I immediately thought that, perhaps, he could act as an adequate gift for you. He has been taking up residence in 221B for the past week."
Sherlock had approached her as he spoke, so he was now within distance to pet the puppy. Sherlock rubbed him behind his ears, and the puppy stuck out his tongue in pure bliss.
"He will act as a much better guard than your insufferable feline. He has been trained to bark when unsavoury individuals approach. Can your cat do that? I highly doubt it."
"Toby does an excellent job of attacking when he senses I am in danger. Or have you forgotten the scratches you received when you visited the first time?"
"That proves my point exactly, Molly. I am not a threat. Toby cannot tell between friend and foe. He can," he finished, gesturing to the dog.
They silently lavished attention on the puppy, which clearly enjoyed it. Finally, Sherlock removed his hand from the puppy's face and looked at Molly.
"Do you like him?" Molly couldn't remember a time when she had seen Sherlock Holmesnervous, but she definitely heard apprehension in his voice now.
"I love him, Sherlock! Does he have a name?"
"I was thinking we could call him Richard. Richie, for a nickname." Molly's head flew up to look up at the detective, surprise evident in her expression. She could not hold back the tears welling up in her eyes.
Molly gently returned the puppy to his box before rushing to Sherlock and wrapping her arms around him. She squeezed him tightly, relishing the feel as his arms encircled her as well. They clung to each other for a long time, two lonely people finally discovering that they needed each other.
"It's perfect. Thank you, Sherlock," she whispered as she pulled back slightly, though still ensconced protectively in his embrace.
XXXXX
Two hours later, the sun was just peeking through the windows, shining on Molly Hooper and Sherlock Holmes, whose attentions were captured by the sight before them.
At some point, Toby had wandered from his hiding place in Molly's bedroom, presumably to investigate the noises coming from the front of the flat. Richie, who was turning out to be quite the curious puppy, had run over to the flummoxed feline, sniffing inquisitively for a moment before nuzzling the cat and licking his fur. Toby had jumped back at the contact, as expected, and was currently scampering around the flat in circles, trying to escape the dog. Richie, on the other hand, seemed perfectly content chasing an affronted Toby.
Molly and Sherlock watched with glee from their position on the sofa, Sherlock's arm still draped casually over Molly's shoulders. Her head in turn, lay in the crook between his neck and shoulder.
"Sherlock?"
"Yes, Molly?"
"Not that I'm not thrilled, or anything, but why do this? Taking care of a puppy and giving it as a Christmas gift, I mean. It's not exactly what one would expect from the world's only consulting detective."
"I haven't had the opportunity to thank you properly for everything you have done for me. Helping me in the lab, giving me spare body parts, assisting me in defeating Moriarty. And, I know that this is always a difficult time of year for you. I understand I am partially to blame for that, Molly, so I consider it my responsibility to ensure that this Christmas is a happy one."
"Well, you have certainly outdone yourself. This may be the best Christmas I've ever had, Sherlock."
"I believe this is my favourite Christmas, as well. Merry Christmas, Molly Hooper." He leaned over and placed a kiss on her cheek, his lips lingering near her skin longer than necessary. Her breath hitched as she turned slightly to look at him.
"Merry Christmas, Sherlock Holmes," she replied, before closing the gap and meeting his lips with hers.
What did you think? Please let me know!
P.S. If anyone wants to see a picture of the puppy referenced in this ficlet, you can find it on my Tumblr (URL: onceinabluemoon13) or PM me and I can send you a link to the original page where I found it.