A muffled thumping from above greeted Molly as she opened the door into 221 Baker Street. The text from Mary had sent her rushing over, concerned about Sherlock.

Can you check on Sherlock? We haven't heard from His Nibs in a few days and would go ourselves, but Charlotte's been colicky. Thanks! Xoxo Mary

Molly crept up the stairs and held out her scalpel in her right hand. She paused as more thumping and a muffled shout rang out.

Racing up the last few stairs, she barged into 221B, ready to give whomever had attacked Sherlock what-for.

Only to stumble to a stop at the sight before her.

Dressed in his pyjamas and dressing gown, and tied to a kitchen chair in the middle of the lounge by what looked like 30 feet of flickering fairy lights, Sherlock looked up startled at her entrance.

'Mmmyyy?'

'Sherlock?!' She gaped, taking in the sight. 'What happened?'

He rolled his eyes and tilted his head.

Oh, right. Taped mouth.

'Sorry,' she murmured and tucked her scalpel away before hurrying over to peel away the duct tape from his face.

He grimaced and stretched his jaw. 'Thank you. Now, please untie me from these infernal festive fairy lights!'

Molly ignored his bark and plucked a gift tag that had been tied to one of his curls with a glittery-red ribbon.

Dearest Molly,

Merry Christmas from your Secret Santas!

One gift-wrapped lovesick Detective. Put him out of his pouting misery (and us out of ours!) and kiss the man!

Love, The Watsons

P.S. Absolutely no returns!

'...think they can run my life, bloody interfering gits,' Sherlock was ranting. When he realised she was neither listening nor untying him, Sherlock stopped and glared up at her. 'Molly!'

Jumping, she looked at him over the top of the note.

He furrowed his brow. 'What's it say? Go on, tell me. What joke have the Watsons played on us now? Is this for the time I brought their spawn to the la-'

Molly dropped the tag and lunged, crashing her lips to his. The chair tilted back dangerously as Sherlock grunted in surprise and shock, but recovered quickly and immediately moaned into the kiss, deepening it to Molly's delight.

Breathless and flushed, she broke away and giggled at his dazed look.

'I assume this means that the Watsons have divulged my secret,' he said breathlessly. When Molly simply quirked an eyebrow, he pursed his lips. 'About my feelings for you.' She tilted her head knowingly. 'Okay, okay. I love you. I've loved you for a while now, but was afraid I'd missed my chance. Apparently not, though, which is a rather pleasant surprise.'

Grinning like the cat that got the cream, and trying to hide the fact that her heart was fit to burst, Molly grabbed his face and kissed him all over again. His arms struggled against the bonds, but he completely forgot about them when she nibbled on his lower lip and pulled a deep groan from him.

Reluctantly, they broke apart to breathe. Sherlock rested his head against her shoulder. 'Molly, please untie me. I'd very much like to hold you. Which I'm finding difficult at the moment.'

'Oh, I don't know. I rather like you helpless and sentimental.'

'Molly!'