Why does Sherlock show Molly affection?

 (Sherlock meta by fuckyeahsherlolly)

Q: Why does [Sherlock] show Molly affection in that way [in TEH]? Why did he care that he hurt her on Christmas [in ASiB] ? He's upset people in the past and not thought about it twice. John's teacher girlfriend, Hudders and the flour, Lestrade... Always. Why apologize at all, and furthermore, why was he actually upset (enough) that he'd hurt her? I understand the day they spent [in TEH] was a thank you. He was kind, cordial, accepted her help. That's a lot from him. So why say all of the things he said? Why chips? Why kiss? [...]

A: For me it has a lot to do with the fact that he truly and utterly cocked up. Sherlock wasn’t being ‘cruel’, he was 'teasing’, but he didn’t understand the weight of his words until he saw what everyone else already knew, that the gift was for him, that she cares for him. He doesn’t understand that, in the same way that he didn’t understand that John saw him as his best friend - he’s at a loss, because he doesn’t see himself as a person who is worthy.

I think a lot of what he does try do to in series 3 is to show that he’s much more receptive, not afraid, but it’s more the - “you can’t do this anymore” that gets me really. It’s not supposed to mean anything, is it?

Then why say it, why not go for chips?

The kiss is almost like a goodbye, like this was their first and last time doing anything like this, because she is engaged.

And then there’s the fact that she slaps him in the later episode, and tension is high, and I’m basically on the edge of my seat wondering what the hell is going to happen between the pair of them in series four.

Whatever it is, I’m ready (not really).