Protect Her

Chapter 5

Sherlock climbed out of the cab nervous to pick up his date for the evening. Little did he know that the women's anxiety inside was even worse.

It was no secret that Molly liked Sherlock. She had alluded to it many times, even asked him out, but never got much of a response. She often felt so foolish and stupid having this childlike crush on him. But whatever she did she could not shake the feelings she got when he was around. Sometimes Molly would try and forget about the handsome genius. Though even when she was dating someone else, she found she was lying to herself saying she's moved on. She was happy with them, but no one seemed to compare to the great Sherlock Holmes.

It wasn't just his gorgeously striking looks that attracted Molly, but his inhuman like mind and pride for his work. Yes, Sherlock was rude and seemed completely arrogant to basic human emotions, however Molly believed there was something deeper in him. To her the sociopath was broken, needing someone, but to scared to give himself up to a relationship. Then came John. For him Sherlock was willing to give up everything. He cared for and loved his friend so much. This made Molly adore him even more. To her his devotion was so sweet. She watched Sherlock learn how to love from the doctor. Seeing how he hid his sadness from him, Molly wanted to be there for Sherlock. She wanted to support him in any way she could.

And now she learned that Sherlock had this same love for her; that she was just as important to him. Molly was taken aback by his words, "I would not be alive without you." She had always known that in one sense, helping him fake his suicide, but what about on an emotional level. Molly decided that she couldn't ponder over it anymore. All that mattered was what was happening now. Sherlock had been genuine enough. "This could really work out," she said to herself.

Molly couldn't stop thinking about what he had said after lunch. Once she got home she spent her time playing out how the night might go in her head. But Sherlock was so unpredictable. She hadn't the slightest idea what he had planned. For all she knew they could be headed to a murder scene. With butterflies in her stomach, she showered, straightened her hair parting it on the side, and finally decided upon wearing a navy blue knit dress and flats. She was never one to change her appearance for someone else.

When Molly opened the door Sherlock greeted her warmly and complimented her appearance. Molly could tell that his words were rehearsed, but still meaningful, so she thanked him just the same. The two got in the cab together, a bit awkwardly. Once they settled in their seats Sherlock told the driver where they were heading.

"Oh, that's were Greg gets the pastries from all the time, right?" Molly exclaimed.

"Who?"

Molly rolled her eyes. "Honestly, you've known the man for years, how do you still not know his first name?"

"Not my division." Sherlock quoted the inspector. Molly's body relaxed as the two shared a laugh. And there was the smile that made Sherlock adore Molly more and more. He smiled and admired her while she watched London's lights out the window.

The two had a lovely dinner together. Everything went well. Sherlock made deductions on their waiter and then told Molly after he left the table. Not because he wanted to show off, but because he could. They discussed work, but mostly talked about the baby coming. Molly told Sherlock about Mary's baby shower and how Mrs. Hudson had had a bit too much to drink.

The night was cool and clear when they walked out of the Bakery attached to the restaurant. The moon shone above the two as they took their first bites from the cupcakes they each ordered. Sherlock proposed they walk the couple blocks back to Molly's flat. The two strolled along side by side. Behind them Sherlock cast a shadow over Molly's silhouette.

"How's your cupcake?"

"What? Oh, it's good!" Molly replied awoken from her thoughts. "It's blueberry. A bit strange tasting. Want some?"

Sherlock shook his head, "No, I'm alright." He held out his chocolate one to offer her a taste. Molly took her figure and scooped up some of the icing from the top. She popped it in her mouth.

"Mmm. It's really rich," she smiled again. Sherlock took out a napkin from the stash he put in his pocket before leaving the bakery and gave it to Molly. She quickly wiped her mouth embarrassed of the chocolate that was left on it. "Thanks."

As the two continued walking Molly finally asked what had been pestering her all day, "Sherlock, this morning when you said 'you wouldn't be alive without me' what did you mean? I know I helped you with Moriarty but- I mean, did you-" she stuttered. "Actually forget it. I'm sorry."

"No," Sherlock stated in a low voice. "I know what you mean and you're right." They were just outside her flat now. He stopped and turned to face his date. "I've gotten myself into tough situations that you aided me with. But more importantly I had been in a bad state of mind. And the people that got me through it were John and you. You've been my support. The person I can always turn to."

Sherlock took his arm and put it around Molly's shoulders and pulled her into his body. She let her arms wrap around his back still saving her half eaten cupcake. She rested her cheek against Sherlock's chest below his chin and felt as his arm held her right side. Her head moved up and down with Sherlock's deep breath.

"Molly Hooper, you are my rock." He said softly kissing the top of her head.

They held each other like this for a few more seconds, knowing their first evening together was coming to a close. Both their nervousness was gone. Everything had got off tremendous. Each having no more questions for the other, Sherlock and Molly were ready to move forward and take on this new step in their relationship; whatever it would bring them to- good or bad.

Molly's arms unwrapped first and she took a step back. "Thank you for everything, Sherlock. I had a lovely time."

"I'm glad," he replied still smiling at her.

"Well, goodnight," she said beginning to retreat into the building.

"Good night." He watched the women making her way into the building. The whole time seeing her beauty; Mesmerized at how smart and independent she was. He was glad that everything had gone well, but at the same time apprehensive and excited as to what the future would hold.

"Molly," he called before she shut the door behind her. She turned back around to the detective. "I'll see you again for lunch tomorrow, won't I?"

"Of course!" she giggled and Sherlock felt his heart melt again.