Chapter 10

Molly had a hard time focusing at work, due to all of her co-workers asking either what happened or if she was okay and her nerves about her meeting with Sherlock. Mike Stamford noticed how tired Molly was getting of answering everyone's inquires so he let her go on break early. Molly checked her phone, seeing that Sherlock wanted to meet in one of her favourite Chinese restaurants. It was also close to work and because she had the extra time, Molly walked over. She was surprised Sherlock had picked this place, because he preferred the Chinese restaurant where he and John went to after their first case.

She arrived at the restaurant a few minutes before Sherlock would be expecting her, but she decided to go inside. Sherlock was waiting in a booth near the back. He was facing away from the door, but his head of dark curls were unmistakable. Molly also had no doubts that Sherlock already knew she was there. She took a moment to try and control her breathing before making her way over to the table.

"Hello, Molly. You're early." Sherlock said matter-of-factly.

"Yeah, my coworkers were getting a little nosey so Mike let me off work early."

"If anyone gets too nosey, I can make sure they mind their business." Sherlock told the pathologist. Molly noted he looked truly troubled when she said some of her coworkers were bothering her.

"You said you wanted to talk with me?" Molly asked, trying to change the subject.

"Yes and it seems you were nervous for this meeting, because you walked her instead of taking a taxi. And you have been playing with the ends of your scarf the whole way." Sherlock spilled out.

"Well, if you're just wanting to deduce me, this conversation wasn't worth my time." Molly gathered up her things and quickly stood up to leave the restaurant. After living with Sherlock, she learned she could just leave when he was annoying her.

Sherlock sat stunned at the table for a moment. His Molly had just walked out on him. "Because you were deducing her, idiot." He berated himself, deductions came second nature and it was his own nervous habit, not that he would ever admit to having one. It took him a couple minutes to get up and chase after Molly, she hadn't made it far out of the restaurant. He caught up to her quickly.

"Molly!" he yelled after her, not wanting to just grab her, after what Kevin had done. She turned and he caught up to her.

"Sherlock, really I don't want to hear -"

"Please, Molly, I am an idiot sometimes. Mostly I feel like one now for letting you go. I want to continue to keep you safe and have you around and..." Molly interrupted him.

"Sherlock, did you know you ramble when you're nervous?"

"I am aware of this, and how much emotion it reveals," the detective said quietly. "I've always felt like emotions were for the losing side, but look at John and Mary."

"So, I can come back to Baker Street?"

"Believe me, it doesn't feel the same without you." Then Sherlock paused and glanced at the small woman standing before him before asking, "Molly, is it okay if I…" Sherlock was interrupted by Molly reaching up and kissing him.

"Does that answer your question, Sherlock?"

"I will assume this was a yes to coming back to Baker Street, then?"

"Of course, and can we actually go and eat some of that Chinese food? This is technically my lunch break after all." Molly said turning and walking back towards the restaurant with Sherlock following her.

"After we eat, I'll walk you back to work; then maybe when you get off, we can start to pack your things."

"Aren't you eager," Molly smiled as the consulting detective reached for her hand. "But I'm not complaining."

"I'm glad you're coming back, Molly" Sherlock said quietly.

"Of course." Molly said reaching up to kiss his cheek. "Who else will keep me safe?"