Molly breathed heavily as she took in the enormity of the words Sherlock had just uttered to her. He wanted her. He wanted her.

She deepened her kiss even more and pulled him closer. She felt his arms tighten around hers. Molly could hardly breathe. He really did want her. This was really happening.

Sherlock's hand slowly moved underneath her top, and onto Molly's left breast. He cupped it gently and looked Molly straight in the eyes, with a smile that was deep and true. Molly dared to move her own hand onto his bare stomach. She could feel the muscle definition there. Even after all that time in hospital, it was there. Who knew Sherlock Holmes had a 6 pack. That was certainly an unexpected bonus! They lay there for some time, kissing each other, exploring each other slowly, gently, lovingly, caressing each other like it were the most precious toy that either of them had ever owned.

Molly slowly moved her hand downwards towards the top of Sherlock's shorts, and Sherlock followed suit moving his hand lower, almost waiting for Molly to make the first move. As Molly moved her hand lower, she accidentally caught Sherlock's wound and she felt him shudder in pain. He pulled very slightly away from her. Molly sat up, instantly aware that he was sore.

"Molly, I want this so badly, but my body just isn't ready. I hurt too much and I'm just too weak. Can you wait for me?"

Molly carefully took Sherlock's face in her hands " Just hearing you say that you want me is more than I could ever have imagined. I have wanted to be with you for so long now. Of course I can wait for you. I'll wait for as long as it takes. I know how tired you are and how much you hurt. We will do this when the time is right for you and when you feel strong enough."

"Thank you Molly." Sherlock settled in and closed his eyes. Molly snuggled in next to him. Sherlock was asleep before Molly had even put her arm around him. She lay there and looked at him. Of course she could wait. She could wait for ever if that is what it took. He had invited her into his bed, asked her to stay with him and told her he wanted her. In her wildest dreams that was more than she had hoped for, and no matter how long it took, that was all that mattered to her.

When Molly woke up the next morning it took her a moment to remember where she was. Her back and neck were hurting from where she had been lying at an awkward angle to make sure she gave him the space he needed in the bed. And then she remembered. Remembered the night before. Remembered she was next to Sherlock, who was still sleeping. Remembered that he had said he wanted her, and how they had kissed and touched each other and then fallen asleep in each others arms.

She looked across at his sleeping form and watched him breathe. Slow and laboured. He was still in a deep sleep.

Molly gently prised herself out of his arm which was still wrapped around her, put on his second best dressing down, and quietly opened the door. John was already in the kitchen making a cup of tea.

He looked at Molly and smiled "I see you didn't sleep on the sofa then?"

"Erm, no. He woke in the night to go to the bathroom so I helped him, and he asked me to stay with him. It was nice actually."

John's grin widened "Oh yes"

"Not like that, John" Molly quickly responded. "Do you think he's in any fit state to even think about that?"

"Maybe not last night" John quipped back. He stopped himself from adding "but it won't be long".

"Mrs Hudson is bringing us all breakfast. She offered last night. She said she was going to wait until she heard us all moving around. If she brings it up before Sherlock's awake we'll just keep it warm for him. I'll go and grab a shower".

Molly headed into the bathroom and took a shower. John finished making his cup of tea then settled down at the kitchen table to read yesterday's paper which he'd not got round to even opening.

Sherlock meanwhile was starting to awaken. He was still feeling delicate and his side throbbed as he lifted himself into the sitting position. But he was definitely much fresher and stronger than he had felt the day before. He smiled to himself as he looked over and saw the dent in the pillow that Molly had left.

Slowly he swung his legs around to the side of the bed, and started to ease himself onto his feet. Without realising he must have let out a groan because John was by his side with his arm under him to help him up before he'd even reached standing position.

"I've made some tea" JOhn said. "Thought you might like a cup?"

"Thank you, John, that sounds perfect"

"Mrs Hudson is bringing breakfast up for us all"

"Sounds great. I'm actually really hungry"

"That's not like you at all"

"I know, I'm definitely feeling a little stronger than I was yesterday, despite not quite being able to stand up out of bed!"

"Perhaps it was the company you had during the night?"

Sherlock looked at John, who was grinning. Sherlock smiled back "Yes, perhaps it was. And very nice company it was too"

John lowered his voice almost to a whisper "About time too, if you ask me".