Sherlock has finally given in and now the hunt is on to try to find Molly. I'm sure I don't need to ask you to guess who might hold that piece of information ;).

Chapter 26

He tried ringing Molly as he hailed a cab but the answerphone immediately kicked in and he knew she must have turned her phone off. He also knew why she'd done that...so he couldn't trace where she was. He huffed and considered his options and he knew his best chance and how difficult that would be...it could be nigh on impossible in fact.

He quickly gave the address to the cabbie and strapped Matthew's car seat in. His son had woken up properly now and he was wide eyed as he looked at the outside world flitting by. Sherlock watched him and felt his love for his son expand to fill his chest. How had he ever thought himself unable to love? Of course he could love...he loved his son...he loved his friends so why would he not be able to love Molly...he'd been a fool. Matthew had her eyes, warm and chocolate brown, though they had his shape. He was such a perfect blend of the two of them and it just seemed to consolidate his feelings about how well suited he and Molly were. He should have seen it so much sooner instead of risking losing her to some worthless idiot.

As they reached their destination he paid and unstrapped Matthew's car seat and together they made their way down the steps to the familiar front door; one he'd stood at many a time. He knocked and waited, impatiently tapping his fingers against his thigh as he did...hearing footsteps making their way to the door.

It opened and he smile. 'Mary, you're just who I wanted to see. Can we come in?'

She raised an eyebrow. 'Sherlock. I'd say it was a surprise to see you but it really isn't.'

She stood to one side and then followed him down the corridor to the kitchen. John was sat at the table feeding Rosie and his face lit up as he saw his friend.

'Hey, Sherlock. Have we got a case?' His eyes moved to Mary and Sherlock could almost read the request for permission in his expression. Sherlock quickly put his hand up. 'No, nothing like that. I need to ask a favour. Two actually.'

Mary let out a slight chuckle as she leant against the wall and folded her arms over her chest. 'Don't tell me, you want us to look after Matthew whilst you go and try to highjack Molly's date.'

'Oh Mary, you are wasted on John.'

Her smile was wide as she nodded. 'I know but someone has to look after him.'

'Hey, I'm right here you know.'

'Well we're happy to look after Matthew but how ever will you find out where Molly's date is?'

Sherlock pulled off his gloves and put them in his pocket.

'You're going to tell me...and don't try telling me you don't know who it's with or where it's at because I know Molly will have told you.'

Mary shrugged. 'No point denying it then. Question then is, why should I tell you?'

This was it, Sherlock knew there was only one way he was getting this information out of Mary and it would entail him being almost more honest with her and John than he had been with himself for most of the last nine months...maybe even longer.

He took a deep breath, saying the words out loud would change his world forever...but even as he thought it he felt a lightness. When it came right down to it it suddenly didn't seem to be as frightening a prospect as he'd always thought it would be. Instead it felt freeing, it felt so utterly right and he found he couldn't wait to start this new phase of his life.

He lifted his head and he looked Mary square in the eye. 'Because I'm in love with her, and I think it's about time that I told her.'

He heard a clatter behind him as John dropped the spoon he'd been holding. He also heard his friend swearing and then apologising. Mary meanwhile just held his gaze before a slow smile spread across her face.

'About bloody time Sherlock Holmes.'

Ten minutes later and he was back in another cab. Mary and John had promised to look after Matthew for the night and now he'd fully made up his mind he was desperate to see her. He wasn't under any illusion that she'd be happy to see him. She could be incredibly obstinate when she wanted to be and he hoped beyond hope that this wouldn't be one of those times. Although who was he kidding, he deserved to have to fight for her whether that was physically or emotionally...and he would do. He'd do whatever it took to make her his.

They pulled up outside a painfully modern eatery, all glass windows and bright lights. As he made his way to the door his eyes were scanning the tables looking for Molly wondering whether she was still alone or whether her date had already turned up. He couldn't see her but that didn't mean much, there were faux walls set up throughout the restaurant and her table could easily be behind one of them.

He made his way in and waited impatiently as a couple in front of him were seated. Then the maitre d' gave him a insincere smile. 'Ah Mr Holmes, if you'll come this way.'

In that moment it all became clear and he shook his head in disbelief. How did she always manage to surprise him? He smiled and followed the man over to a secluded table in the corner. He gave up his coat when requested and then he slid into the proffered seat opposite a very relieved but nervous looking Molly.

'Sherlock, you came.'

'Molly...I take it that I am and always was your date for the night.'

She took a deep breath and nodded her head. 'Yes.'

He shook his head and chuckled. 'Well played Molly Hooper...well played.'

'So...so why did you come?' She was clasping her hands together and he could see how white her knuckles were and he was eager to put her mind at rest.

He reached over and took hold of them. 'I came because I've been a fool. I came...to tell you how I feel.'

Her voice was low and breathy as she looked at him with wide, fearful eyes. 'And how do you feel?'

He smiled. 'You know...you must know.'

She bit her lip. 'I need you to say it first...say it like you mean it.'

He suddenly felt nervous. He had never said these words in this way to any other person. 'I...I love you.' A warmth flooded over him as he saw her smile and he felt as if his heart would burst and he dropped his voice down, hearing the almost awed wonder as he said those words a second time. 'I love you.'

The relief he felt in finally saying those words to her was immense and he chuckled as he repeated the words over and over. 'I love you, I really, really love you.'

He saw her blushing and giggling and all he wanted to do was to kiss her.

'Come home with me.'

Still grinning she shook her head. 'Nope. I want dinner.'

He lowered his voice and raised an eyebrow. 'We can have "dinner" at home.'

Once again she shook her head. 'Later. For now I want you to wine and dine me. I want a proper date.'

He rolled his eyes and sat back in his chair before huffing. He raised his hand to catch the attention of a nearby waiter.

'Would you bring me the menu and a wine list, my girlfriend is happy to eat now.'

The young lad nodded his head and scurried off and when he turned back to Molly he found her biting her lip and blushing.

'What? Why are you looking at me like that?'

'You called me your girlfriend.'

He huffed again. 'Did you not want me too?'

She reached forward and took his hand and he felt a jolt of electricity from the connection. 'I did, I just never really thought I'd hear those words from you in connection to me.'

The conversation was making him think and after they'd placed their order for food he made his excuses to go to the loo and as he went he pulled out his phone. He had an idea and he needed some help.

When the food did arrive Sherlock found he was ravenous. He was only just starting to comprehend just how much he had suffered and neglected himself over the last few weeks. Just sitting here with Molly, hearing her talk and laugh, was like a balm to his soul. His only question now was why he had ever doubted his feelings...why he had ever thought himself incapable of loving her.

Finally the time came to settle the bill, which Sherlock refused to let her split with him, and to leave. He helped Molly on with her coat and as he settled it on her shoulders he gently moved her hair away from her neck and he pressed his lips to the patch on skin just under her ear. He felt her shiver slightly and he started to let himself feel the arousal which had been simmering between them all evening.

'I can't wait to get you back to Baker St and this time you won't be leaving my bed all night.'

As they waited in the lobby for a cab he sent off a quick text and Molly glanced at him.

'Case?'

He shook his head. 'No, I had one earlier but solved it...nothing too exciting. London has been quiet recently...for once I'll be glad for it to stay quiet.'

He pulled her to him and bent his head to kiss her but before their lips could meet the maitre d announced that their taxi was ready. Sherlock scowled in annoyance and Molly giggled as they were shown out of the restaurant.

MHMHMHMHMHMHMHMHMHMH

The journey back to Baker St seemed to be filled with unspoken sexual tension. Only their hands were touching where they lay on the seat in between them and even then barely. Sherlock's little finger was slowly sliding against her own and even just this small connection seemed to be causing physical reactions throughout her body. She tilted her head and caught his eye and he smiled slowly at her and it seemed to melt her insides. He was so handsome and she could still hardly believe that he had finally admitted to being in love with her.

The cab pulled up outside his flat and Sherlock leant forward to pay the driver as Molly exited the car and waited. She noticed someone shiftily waiting in the shadows by the cafe and she instinctively clutched her bag closer to her side but as he walked forwards he held his hand up to show he meant her no harm and she saw his attention turn to Sherlock as he got out of the cab. He seemed familiar and she suddenly realised he was the lad who'd brought her the pregnancy vitamins, the one who'd been with Sherlock when John had brought him into be drugs tested.

'Hey Shezza.'

Sherlock nodded his head in greeting. 'All done?'

'Yeah, just like you asked.' The younger lad dug in his pocket and passed something to Sherlock receiving some folded notes in return.

Molly frowned. It looked to all the world like a drugs transaction but she didn't believe Sherlock would be taking anything and he certainly wouldn't buy it so blatantly in front of her.

'Cheers. You an the missus have a good night then Shezza.'

He shambled off and by the time Molly turned her attention back to Sherlock he was holding the door open and waiting for her.

'What was all that about?'

Sherlock shrugged. 'He was just doing me a favour that's all. I'll tell you upstairs.'

Molly made her way up feeling a little disconcerted...wondering what it was all about...but it all became unbelievably apparent when she walked into Sherlock's flat.

I know, I know I never make Sherlock suffer enough...one of these days I will but I'm always too soft with him. And if you want to see it more from Molly's perspective you'll get that in t(e next chapter.

So, what has happened to Sherlock's flat?