AN: Giving you two one-shots today! I want to wrap this collection up on Christmas Day, and I'm not too good with maths, apparently, so I have a few extra. :) So, don't miss the chapter Christmas Cookies before this one!

Molly opened her door and frowned. 'Sherlock? What are you doing here?'

The Consulting Detective, her ex-boyfriend, stared down at her. Fresh snow covered his curls and shoulders and his cheeks were rosy from the cold.

'You declined the Watsons' invitation to Christmas dinner.'

Molly ducked her head and swallowed. 'I didn't want to make you uncomfortable. It's only been a few weeks since…'

She felt his hand under her chin, guiding her to look at him. His eyes were wide and he looked so vulnerable. 'I've missed you, Molly.'

'Sherlock,' she sighed heavily. He'd been the one to end things between them after four months together, so why was he here now?

He cut her off before she could say anything further and held out a beautifully wrapped red package with a shiny silver bow on top. 'I bought this for you before our relationship ended and had intended it as a Christmas present. It reminded me of you and I'd still like for you to have it.'

Hesitantly, Molly took it and peeled away the wrapping paper. She lifted the lid and smiled in delight at finding a beautiful knit jumper in yellows and blues dotted with little flowers inside. 'Oh, Sherlock,' she breathed. 'It's beautiful!'

Lifting the jumper out of the box, Sherlock held it out for her to slip into. Molly smiled at the big yellow buttons running down the front as Sherlock said, 'You've always been like sunshine to me, bright and warm, shining into all the dark places in my life.'

She looked up at him in surprise, tears filling her eyes.

'And no matter the circumstance, you've proven yourself resilient, like the Achillea flowers you see there, flourishing in whatever life has thrown your way. Beautiful and strong.'

'I don't understand,' she breathed in shakily, tears falling. 'Why are you saying these things now of all times?'

He reached out and brushed away her tears. 'Because I love you.'

Molly's eyes widened. A piece of the puzzle fell into place. 'Is that why you broke up with me? You were afraid?'

'I've never felt so strongly for someone in my life. The intensity frightened me and I panicked,' he admitted shamefully. 'It only took me a matter of hours to realise what a monumental mistake I made in terminating our relationship. But I was at a loss as to how to undo the damage.'

Her heart raced. 'Are you saying you want to get back together?'

He nodded and took her hand in his, lacing their fingers together. 'I won't make the same mistake again. I'm still afraid. But I am more afraid of not having you in my life.'

Her thoughts were all in a jumble. But in her heart, she knew there was only ever one answer when it came to Sherlock. 'Okay.'

Relief washed over his face. But before he could step any closer, Molly planted her free hand on his chest. 'But if you ever break up with me again, I know how to cover up a murder.'

Sherlock chuckled. 'I wouldn't expect anything less.'

Pacified, Molly gripped his shirt and pulled him down into a sweet kiss.

'Come to Christmas dinner with me,' he mumbled against her lips.

Molly dropped to her heels and pursed her lips. 'On one condition.'

'Anything.'

'If you ever feel overwhelmed, panicked, anything , please come to me.' She squeezed his hand. 'I love you . And I don't ever want you to feel like you have to hide from me.'

'I promise.'

Smiling, she leaned up on her toes and kissed him one more time.

Once she'd gotten her coat, they made their way downstairs and onto the snowy London street. Sherlock waited for Molly to lock the door, then offered her his hand to help her down the icy steps.

She smiled at him and they began the short walk to the Watson's, hand-in-hand.