Author's note:

Hi everyone! I am sorry for the wait, but I had warned you...Also, something in the third series has had me making major changes in my plot, so I had to take time to rethink things. I won't say anything else to avoid spoilers.

This is only an itsy bitsy chapter, a little "sorry for the wait" thing. More is to come during this week.

Thanks to: almightyswot, Rocking the Redhead, Renaissancebooklover108, NicoleJacobs, SammyKatz, Arcoiris, Justmandy0811,Crimson and Chrome 42 and mrspencil for the reviews!

Now, at long last, back to the story.

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It had been a lovely evening; Glamorous people, opulent location and luxurious food created a most decadent feel to it all.

It had truly been a night to remember...And she'd been kissed.

By someone nice!

And he saw it.

Molly fidgeted with the bracelet that still adorned her wrist.

She shouldn't be unsettled. There was no reason to be, she was over Sherlock by now .

Totally over him.

All right, she had said that before, but this time it was different! James was nothing like Sherlock! She had moved on.

For real, this time.

But that model deduction moment...

Well, that was to make her feel better because he had been so hurtful before.

Yes, it was sweet of him, but it didn't mean anything!

Of course it didn't.

She didn't even know why she had gone to him, as if to apologise. Why should she? Molly had absolutely nothing to apologise for! She nodded to herself. Sherlock had made it abundantly clear he wasn't interested, so what did he care? She owed him nothing. NOTHING!

"I'm free and single and I can kiss who I want!" She declared with finality.

"Pardon?" James' brow raised and Molly realised she'd spoken aloud.

"Oh, James! I'm sorry, I meant..."

"It's all right." He murmured, wrapping an arm around her waist as they passed through the doors and back into the embassy. He walked her to her bedroom door, gave her a -really rather sexy- goodnight kiss, then went to his own room, albeit begrudgingly.

The jewellery was carefully placed back in its posh little box, the dress came off and make-up was wearily removed.

After all layers of elegance were stripped away, there she stood, in front of the mirror, in pyjamas: same old Molly.

Her fingers went up to her lips and she smiled.

Well...Maybe not quite the same.

The smiled wavered as her finger traced her bottom lip.

No, she wasn't going to let him ruin this for her.

Not again.

She shook her head and got under the duvet, hugging a pillow.

I miss Toby.

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John finished brushing his teeth and cast a sidelong glance at his friend.

Sherlock was on the balcony, leaning against the wall, his back turned to him.

The case. When in doubt, just talk about the case.

"Do you think the killer was at the party?" John asked casually, purposefully ignoring what Sherlock held in his hand.

"I am sure of it. They would have attacked tonight, if I hadn't taken due precautions."

"What do you mean?"

"John, didn't you notice the killer seems very well informed about the ambassador's movements, and ours? They knew about the agenda, where it was and who had it. They knew we were at the hospital today and tried to get rid of us..."

"What?"

"Oh do try to keep up, John!" Sherlock snapped in exasperation. "You're clearly too tired to be of any use to me, so I won't bother trying to explain now.

I'll tell you everything tomorrow. For now just know this:there is an accomplice; actually there are a few. I just made sure that at least one of them was unable to help our friend tonight. Now go to bed. Seriously John, get some sleep! You look terrible."

The doctor sighed and shook his head. "Goodnight, Sherlock." He yawned and retired to his room.

The consulting detective leaned back, resting his head against the pale yellow bricks of the embassy wall.

Soon John's steady breathing could be heard as he slept soundly. Sherlock remained on the balcony, uncaring of the cold breeze, his eyes staring into the starless sky as ashes fell to the floor and smoke escaped from his lips.