The Final Problems of Johnlock

Proposition

(John)

My eyes opened slowly, seeming heavier than they actually were. I could feel the crustiness in my eyes as I attempted to blink the exhaustion away, managing to sink further into the bed I was in. As I wriggled around softly, I remembered what had happened and why I was so sore. Also, I realized that I wasn't snuggling into a bed, it was my wonderfully soft boyfriend.

"Hey Sherlock," I murmured into his soft, smooth skin. I winced slightly as I put pressure on a particularly sore bruise or cut, not being able to distinguish it in my morning haze. Sherlock must have heard me, because he wrapped his arms carefully around me, seemingly afraid to hurt me even more. I smiled against his skin, recognizing how gentle he was, and how much he cared about my well-being.

"Morning Love," Sherlock whispered softly to me, gently trailing his hands along my back and sides. His movements made me jerk up a bit, something that Sherlock and his amazing observational skills picked up on immediately.

"Wait, are you... ticklish?" Sherlock asked, a hint of mischief in his voice. I opened my eyes in a silent plea, but of course Sherlock decided to take advantage of my helpless position and began softly but very efficiently tickling my sided, causing me to practically jump out of the bed with tears of laughter in my eyes. After a second of collecting myself, I decided to be childish, and stuck my tongue out at my boyfriend.

"Hey! That's not very nice!" Sherlock joked at me, gaining a small smile before I left to get a shower.

In the bathroom, I started the long and tedious process of taking off all of the bandages, making sure not to put much pressure on any of the cuts. I tried my best to be quiet, but I must have been louder than I thought because Sherlock knocked on the door a few seconds later. I sighed, opening the door slightly. The concern in Sherlock's eyes made me open the door more, just to allow him to see that I was hurting myself. His long, slender arms wrapped gently around me, and I leaned into the embrace, needing the comfort it provided. Slowly and carefully, his arms moved up and down my back, barely even touching me.

"Would you please let me help you?" Sherlock asked me softly, still ghosting his hands along my back. I trust Sherlock with my life, so I nodded gently into his chest, noticing how his heart went slightly quicker when I began rubbing his back as well. I chuckled softly, backing away from Sherlock to allow him to help me with the bandages.

"Let me know if there is anything I can do to make you more comfortable," Sherlock muttered, tracing the bandages on my back, attempting to find the knot so he could untie it. The soft brush of his hand on my bare back made me heat up immediately, and I could feel the blush rising to my cheeks. Sherlock just smiled at me and continued to unwrap the bandages.

After he finished helping me unwrap the bandages, I took a quick shower and managed to get the bandages back on without help. Although it would have been nice for his help, I didn't want to seem helpless, especially for later on today...

I trudged out to the living room, throwing myself onto my chair to ensure that Sherlock noticed my "sour mood". I was attempting to make him focus on me in the present, not on the future so that he didn't spoil the surprise. My plan ended up working, because he came out and sat down next to me on the sofa. Curling up, I laid my head on Sherlock's chest, noticing how his hand instantly moved so that it was laying gently on my arm.

"I love you," I breathed, hoping he heard me. Based on his heart rate, I think he heard me, as it got much more sporadic.

"I... I love you as well," Sherlock responded. I sighed in contentment, holding Sherlock even tighter than before.

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I woke up with Sherlock's arms still around me. Surprisingly, he had fallen asleep as well, and I took a moment to admire the contours of his face without his knowledge. After a few minutes of memorization, even though I had a whole future with him and wouldn't need it memorized, I untangled myself from his arms and got my stuff ready to go. 

I heard a groan, and knew that Sherlock was waking up. I smirked to myself, throwing my coat over my shoulders and grabbing his coat before walking back to the sofa where Sherlock had sprawled out.

"Why did you leave?" Sherlock inquired, looking upset. I just smiled at him, and tossed him his coat.

"We're going out Sherlock, and one of us had to get ready," I said as I bent down to give his forehead a soft peck. 

"Mhmm," Sherlock exhaled and slowly sat up. I nervously shifted from one foot to the other as he got ready, watching as he seductively tied his deep blue scarf around his throat, winking when he noticed me staring. My face instantly warmed, seeming to make my whole body warm as well.

We caught a cab, and went to Angelo's, sitting in our regular seat, (the one by the window). We ordered our food, before I announced that I needed to use the restroom. I stood up, making my way slowly to the restrooms.

"Do you have it?" An eager voice greeted me as I slipped past the bathrooms, and into the kitchen. I nodded rapidly and pulled the small box out that would determine my future.

"Well come on then, let me see!" Angelo exclaimed, moving forward so that he could get a closer look at the silver-gold ring that sat innocently in the box. "It's gorgeous! I'm so happy for you guys!" he almost shouted.

"SHH, Angelo, he still doesn't know, but he is smart so you need to not act suspicious, ok?" I glared, making sure my point came across.

"Alright, alright. So, you want me to slip it in the napkin when he's not looking, right?" He checked, making sure he wouldn't mess it up, I nodded my assurance, before I realized how long I'd been gone.

"I've got to hurry, Sherlock might begin to wonder," I explained, handing him the small box and rushing out the door. I quickly ran some water over my hands so that it would look as though I'd been in the restroom before heading back out to our table.

"Hey, sorry about that Love," I gave an innocent smile while he waved his hand, saying that it was no problem. I sighed in relief, as he didn't seem to be aware of the plan. We immediately struck up a conversation about how our days had been (even though we had just cuddled all day) and what we couldn't wait to do in the future. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Angelo slip the ring onto a new napkin, and make his way over to the table. Quickly, I got out of my seat and pulled Sherlock into a passionate kiss, allowing Angelo to slip the napkin into position without Sherlock noticing.

"What was that for?" Sherlock questioned, looking happy bu confused.

"Am I not allowed to kiss my boyfriend every once in a while?" I chuckled, noticing his confusion slightly lessen. 

"Alright then," He said as he pulled me in for another kiss. Just then, a waiter arrived with our food, placing it on the table quickly and leaving us to finish our kiss. Unfortunately, I thought it would be best if I didn't eat while on Sherlock's lap, even though it was tempting. I hopped off of his lap and sat back in my chair, watching intently as Sherlock started eating his food. I made a show of putting my napkin on my lap, and watched as he moved to do the same. The world seemed to go in slow motion as he reached for the napkin, especially as the shock crossed his face, and the confusion turned into recognition.

"William Sherlock Scott Holmes, you have made me happier in my unfortunately few years of knowing you then I ever was before. I've realized, especially in these past few days, how much you mean to me, especially when you help me get through tough times and are willing to assist me when I need you. So, I must ask, would you do the honor of helping me be happy and healthy for the rest of my life, and become my husband?" I asked lovingly. It took a few seconds for him to process what I'd just said, but eventually, he recognized what I'd asked, and began violently nodding his head yes.

"Of course, I would love nothing more!" He shouted as he pulled me up to give me another kiss, while I slid the ring onto his smooth, pale finger.