One year later

December 25th. Holmes' family estate, Yorkshire.

John ran his hand through Sherlock's dark curls as they lounged in the sitting room after Christmas dinner. Sherlock looked content, his head resting in John's lap, eyes closed as if asleep.

"You're thinking loudly again," Sherlock's voice broke through John's thoughts. It wasn't unkind, just matter-of-fact. "What's on your mind?"

"Oh, just comparing this Christmas to last." John chuckled.

"I would say it went a lot better, wouldn't you?" Sherlock's eyes opened, and he grinned up at him.

"Oh yes. No police bursting through our door."

"Well, we already have an invader."

"Greg isn't an invader, you berk. He's Mycroft's guest." John laughed fondly.

"Just because Mycroft invited him, doesn't mean he isn't spying on us," Sherlock reasoned. "In fact, I would argue that it was more likely."

"You're ridiculous." John curled his fingers around one of Sherlock's many ringlets, enjoying the smoothness.

"Now, what were you really thinking about?" Sherlock asked, and John bit back a grin. He knew that it was impossible to keep secrets from Sherlock.

"I was thinking about your Christmas present."

"The chemistry set?" Sherlock asked, his eyes unfocused as he thought to earlier that afternoon. John had splurged on an expensive chemistry set that Sherlock had been eyeing for months. Sherlock had gifted John with the most handsome watch he had ever seen. On the back, Sherlock had paid for a special engraving.

You stole my heart

John smiled at the watch, now secured firmly on his wrist. "I got you another present."

"Another present?" Sherlock repeated slowly, frowning up at him. "What do you mean, you got me another present?"

John shifted, digging for the gift in his back pocket, his heart racing with nerves. God, but he wasn't sure how this gift would be received. Sherlock had failed to deduce it, something that John was initially proud of, but his subconscious nagged at him, making him think it was because maybe Sherlock didn't want to deduce it.

He found the box, pulling it out slowly as he mulled over his words, the velvet feeling soft in his tight grip.

"You mean the world to me," John said, fiddling with the box that he was keeping just out of Sherlock's sight. "You have, since the moment you kidnapped me from that bloody coffee shop."

"John."

"What I'm trying to say is…well…Sherlock, will you marry me?"

Sherlock's eyes widened, and he sat up so he could look at John better. John tried not to fidget under his scrutiny, the closed ring box still tight in his grip.

"You want to marry me." It was a statement of surprise, not a question.

"You're the most amazing man I have ever met, and I am head over heels in love with you," John smiled. "Of course I want to marry you."

"I play the violin when I'm thinking," Sherlock blurted out. "And sometimes I don't talk for days on end."

"I know all that," John laughed, "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because potential husbands ought to know the worst about each other," Sherlock snatched the box out of John's hands rather unceremoniously, opening it up with a smile. A simple platinum band shone from the black velvet lining.

"I figured I would buy the wedding band early in lieu of an engagement ring." John ran a hand through his hair. "If it's not enough, I can go buy a n-mph!"

John was cut off instantly by Sherlock's lips against his, letting him know just how perfect the ring was. They sat on the sofa together, enjoying each other's company. Later on, Violet Holmes would come in and shriek at the sight of the ring box. Later on, John would get pats on the back from Greg and Siger. Later on there would be wedding planning, and quite kisses by the fireplace, but for now, it was just the two of them against the rest of the world.

A/N: I am so happy to finally have this story finished. The idea started a few days before Christmas last year, and I've been busy this year writing and plotting at the works, trying to make sure that I could have it finished before this Christmas. I hope you enjoyed it half as much as I enjoyed writing it. You are all so wonderful, and I wish you the very merriest of Christmases. You can find me on tumblr under the same username, if you wish. I love making new friends!

Love from,

Robottko