The Casebook of Keyland Jones.

Chapter Twenty One - My Heart in Your Hands.

Sherlock grabbed his violin. I looked at him confusedly.

"If you must know it's your Christmas present." Sherlock said impatiently.

"Okay." I smiled as he took my hand and lead me out of the flat. We walked to the tube in near silence, the only sound being our boots crunching in the snow. It was unusual for Sherlock to be quiet like this. I was beginning to worry... We didn't talk on the tube. He was very fidgety as we got off...

As best I could tell we were heading to the Thames. We walked along Sherlock taking quick glances at me. Finally he stopped.

"Wow look at this! What a perfect spot to view Big Ben!" I smiled. Sherlock took a deep breath and sat his violin case on the ground. He knelt beside it and reached for the little drawer that held the rosin. He grabbed something quickly out of there and slipped it into his pocket. He stood to his feet, grabbing my hands.

"Keyland." He said nervously his ocean green eyes searching my face.

" I know I didn't exactly make a great first impression when I met you. I was rude and didn't like the idea of somebody watching out for me." Sherlock said and I giggled.

"Many things have changed in the almost nine years we have known each other, but I would say they are all for the best. Before I met you it seemed I was above human emotions. You have given me a softer outlook on life. We both have a desire to make the world a better place, and maybe that's something we could do together. You complete me, we are the perfect team. Arabella Keyland McLaughlin. Will you marry me?"

All air leaves my lungs. As I look at his hopeful face, All I can choke out is a small "I'm sorry."

"What why?" Sherlock says, confused.

"I can't." I say softly, tears springing into my eyes. I summon every strong thought I can think of.

"Keyland don't leave me." He begs eyes wide.

I summon every angry thought I can. Placing venom into the words.

"Is me leaving what that was about!?" I ask in disbelief.

"..." Sherlock's eyes shoot down to his feet.

"You didn't propose to me because you love me?" I say my heart breaking.

"Love?! Please Keyland, Sentiment is a chemical defect found on the losing side!" Sherlock scoffs. I pull my hands out of his.

"Then why the HELL did you propose?!" I spit.

"You have been irreplaceable to me as a colleague." Sherlock lies. His face flushing red. I pretend to believe him. This should make it easier...for him.

"A colleague? Sherlock you want a work partner not a wife!" I sputter.

"Keyland..." Sherlock says eyes growing warm.

"No Sherlock enough!" I say. Turning away from him.

"Keyland my heart..." he says. I turn back to him.

"YOU DON'T HAVE A HEART!" I scream in his face. Luckily for both of us there is nobody to witness our falling out.

Sherlock's face fell, a cold mask replacing it. Without a word he put the ring in the case again and slammed the case closed. He picked up his case and strode off. I watched helplessly as my only hope of a happy life hailed a cab and drove off.

Then I collapsed sobbing onto the ground.