The first time Molly went over to watch Cosmos was a pleasant surprise. She expected Mrs. Hudson to let her in, but was pleasantly surprised when Sherlock greeted her. He bussed her cheek, causing her to inhale sharply and then indicated she should precede him up the stairs.
She thought he would occupy himself with his experiments but instead he'd ordered them takeaway (from her favorite Thai restaurant) and watched the program with her. It was lovely.
It became a habit for them. The show ran for four weeks. Molly would arrive to find delicious takeaway and they would settle on the couch and watch the show. Sherlock didn't make snarky remarks and Molly enjoyed herself thoroughly. He always greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and she took to reciprocating with a kiss to his cheek before she left after the show.
Sherlock took to meeting her for lunch at work at least once a week during this time. At first she found it odd but it quickly became the second highlight of her week - the first of course being the time they spend watching Cosmos together. They chatted about her work, his cases, the show. Occasionally they simply ate in comfortable silence. It was lovely. She didn't want it to end but the Cosmos finale was that Sunday. She felt there was something happening between them but she wasn't sure if she was merely projecting her long term hopes and dreams.
Molly was exhausted before she arrived at Baker Street. She'd had to cover a shift and ended up working a double. She knew Sherlock could record the episode for her but she'd been looking forward to this all week and was determined to watch it.
She was sitting next to Sherlock on the sofa. They ate their takeaway (Chinese this time) in front of the telly. Molly was ravenous and refused to be embarrassed by how quickly she inhaled her food. Sherlock as usual, merely picked at his food, his attention focused on the program. She loved how much he enjoyed this show.
She put her empty takeaway carton on the coffee table and stretched. 'That was delicious. Thank you Sherlock."
She turned and saw his gaze on the spot where her top rode up as she stretched, a sliver of pale skin exposed by her movement. She flushed as he jerked his eyes up to hers. "Of course, Molly, you're very welcome. I've very much enjoyed this program and spending time with you."
She flushed even harder and forced her attention back to the TV. While the attention from Sherlock was lovely, she was having a hard time keeping her eyes open. The combination of a long day at work with a full belly was making her want to sleep. She struggled to keep watching. She didn't want to miss the end of the show.
The next thing Molly knew, she was waking up with her head resting on Sherlock, his arm around her shoulders. She tensed and made to sit upright but Sherlock tightened his grip and kept her firmly snuggled up to his side.
She tilted her head to look up at him. "Sorry! I fell asleep! I worked a double and -"
"Molly, hush, it's fine. You were obviously tired when you arrived. I'm impressed you stayed awake as long as you did." Sherlock looked down at her, a gentle smile on his face.
"Oh no, I missed the end of the program! Damnit!" Molly cried.
"Don't worry, I recorded it. You can watch it after you get some more rest. My bed's far more comfortable. You can sleep there." Sherlock made to stand.
Molly stopped him with a hand to his chest. "You recorded it?" Sherlock nodded. "And you'd give up your bed for me?" Sherlock shook his head. She pulled back, confusion on her face.
"Molly, I want to be with you. I wasn't sure how to tell you so I'm just saying it. I care about you deeply and I want to make you happy. I've loved every moment we've spent together this past month and I want it to continue. Would you please go out on an official date with me? I'll pick you up, bring you flowers and take you someplace nice." The tips of Sherlock's ears were pink when he finished speaking.
Molly was flabbergasted.
Sherlock took her silence as rejection and went to stand up. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. It's fine. You've moved on. We… mmph!"
Molly launched herself at Sherlock and pressed her lips to his. He relaxed into her embrace and kissed her back fervently. Molly pulled back slightly and smiled up at him.
"You daft man. You don't have to take me out. I love you. I always have."
Sherlock smiled broadly. They would be alright.