Sherlock soon settled back into being at home. As he regained slowly his strength more and more, firstly John returned to work, and then a few days later so did Molly.

Sherlock and Molly's relationship was very warm and affectionate but still not any further down the line. Molly now habitually stayed with Sherlock every night, and they cuddled up to each other as they fell asleep. More often than not they found themselves still tangled together as they awoke the next morning.

His routine was very simple. Wake up (with Molly next to him of course!), breakfast, pick up some of Lestrade's casework that he had been struggling with, lunch, sleep for a couple of hours, more case work, light dinner, chat with Molly and John and then bed.

It had taken Sherlock quite by surprise how slow his recovery actually was. He'd kidded himself that within a day or two at home, he would feel like his old self. It was now almost a week since he had come home, and while he was much stronger on his feet, and he was slowly regaining much of the weight he had lost during his stay in hospital, he was still quite lethargic.

"Thank goodness Lestrade came by and gave me something to do" he told Molly and John one night when they were sitting round the living room of the flat. "Quite simple of course, and I've almost run out of cases already, but refreshing all the same."

"Anything interesting to report?" John asked "I do need to update the blog. It's been a while since my last post which wasn't even a case. Sherlock's had an accident and will be out of action for a few weeks. Not even the truth."

"Nothing of significant interest. A couple of murders solved, a case of mistaken identity, and a parliamentary peer caught out for fraud. I could do with a really juicy case. One that I can get my teeth in to. One that will get me out of this flat."

"Are you sure that's wise?" Molly piped up

"Probably not but it would be nice to get started again" sighed Sherlock, looking at his glass of wine longingly. Game of Cluedo anyone"

Molly and John instantly replied at the same time "No" and laughed. Sherlock was not someone to play Cluedo against. He tended to guess the correct answer before the first person had even rolled the dice.

"I'm off for a shower" said Molly getting up "Got a really early start in the morning so I think I'll wash my hair now. See you in a bit". She headed off into Sherlock's bedroom to collect her towel and robe, before going into the bathroom. She turned on the taps and they could hear the water running

John and Sherlock were left alone in the living room

John looked at Sherlock and casually asked him "How's it going then?"

"Well, if you are referring to myself and Molly, its going fine. I'm enjoying her company and I believe she is enjoying mine."

"And is it serious between you both?"

Sherlock looked down at his feet. He actually couldn't answer that question. Since the first night he had come home, Molly had joined him in bed, and he'd told her how much he wanted her, he hadn't actually and truthfully given it much more thought. The next morning he had wanted to speak with her, but she was up earlier than him, and when he did get chance to see her, Lestrade was there. Then Lestrade had given him some case work, and he'd been so glad of the change and the chance to exercise his brain. He'd completely lost himself in his work again. Then in the evenings John had tended to come home earlier than Molly, so there was little time for the two of them to talk. They all had dinner together, then sat around and chatted for a couple of hours with a glass of wine. Molly usually retired a little earlier than John and Sherlock, who had taken to playing cards. Molly was then usually up earlier than he was so all in all he'd not had chance to speak to her. Yes, they had kissed in bed each night, rather passionately at times, but it had not gone any further than that.

John took a deep intake of breath. "You've not thought about it or spoken to her, have you?"

Sherlock silently shook his head.

"You do like her though, don't you? I mean, you do intend to take this further don't you?"

"Yes John, I like her very much. More than I had realised. I guess I'm just not great at all of this. It's all a bit new to me. And then Lestrade brought along some case work for me, and I was just so glad of the change and the chance to think about something completely different. It was refreshing. I'm not good at this am I? I'm pushing her away due to work again aren't I?

"Sherlock, I'm no relationship expert. I mean, look at me and Mary right now. Married but living apart. She's pregnant with our child and I've missed two anti-natal appointments to look after you. But what I can tell you is that loving someone isn't enough. You have to tell them, quite often, just how much you care about them. It doesn't always have to be through words. Sometimes the smallest of gestures can be enough. But don't let this go. Don't lose her. You and her are good together. I never thought I'd see they day when you fell in love, but I do believe you have, and with absolutely the right person. She's patient and kind, but even she won't wait forever and won't be strung along. You have to tell her, and more importantly show her how you feel about her."

"I did sort of tell her"

"When?"

"About a week ago"

"And what did you say to her?"

"I told her I wanted her"

"And what did she say back?"

"That she wanted me too."

"So you have then?"

"Have what?"

"Had sex of course"

"Erm, no. Not yet."

John shook his head and looked deep into Sherlock's eyes "And why not?"

Sherlock couldn't answer.

"Sherlock, it's not scary. It's lovely. When you love someone, or care for them very deeply as you do with Molly, it's the most natural thing in the world. I know you like to be in control, but just this once trust me and let go. I think you'll rather like it. Go on, go to her now, and show her how you feel. But give me 2 minutes to get upstairs, and get my TV on loud so I don't have to listen, will you."

Sherlock smiled and John and nodded. John smiled right back at him. John stood up and picked up his wine glass. He walked over to Sherlock and put his hand on his shoulder. "Remember, take your time, show her how you feel and most of all, let go."

And with that John took himself out of the room, and headed up stairs to his bedroom. Sherlock waited until he could hear John's television go on, quite loud. He eased himself up out of his chair and walked slowly towards the bathroom where he could hear Molly showering. He took a deep breath and slowly turned the bathroom door handle.