A Picture says it All (Benedict Cumberbatch FanFiction)

Chapter 29

A/N: I am sorry it took so long, I took a knock to my confidence after I got a couple of mean comments on Tumblr. But life goes on and I missed writing these two. Once again thank you for reading and HUGE thank you for all the Kudos. As I said before this story is coming to an end, and if everything goes according to plan, it will be in 2-3 chapters.Let me know what you thought

Spending the whole day with his mother was exhausting yet very refreshing to Benedict, she had every single detailed planned out. He was sure she had a list stuck up somewhere that she was ticking down as she barked orders across the flat they lived in. Benedict looked around the dining room; the table was laid to his mother’s high standards with a beautiful floral display in the centre. Two candles stood proud in their silver ornaments. He was getting nervous and absentmindedly started rubbing the back of his neck. Caught up in his thoughts, Benedict didn’t hear when Tim came into the room, standing behind his son, he smiled to himself, seeing Benedict lost in his thoughts, rubbing at his neck. He and Wanda had tried their best to help him get over that nervous tick, but after reading several comments on interviews where he did it, they had found out that his female audience fell in love with that little bad habit.

Clearing his throat he placed a hand gently on Benedict’s shoulder. “Can we have a word?” he asked in his soothing voice, Benedict looked at him concern beaming from his face. “Don’t worry; it’s nothing to be worried about.” Tim quickly interrupted, leading his son to their roof terrace, “I just had a couple of ideas, let me show you.” Benedict walked beside his father, watching the older man’s face, for the first time in years he realised his father is getting old. Stepping through the door that led to the terrace Benedict looked around the terrace. His father had put so much effort into it. All the flowers were neatly trimmed, with no dead heads to be seen. The small area was swept, the path was highlighted by a variety of candles, he could see tea lights, standard long candles stuffed into cleaned wine bottles, small round candles. The path led to a small garden table with a vase containing a single Gerbera daisy, Lisa’s favourite flower. Benedict was lost for words, his eyes shining with unshed tears. Turning to his father he saw fairy lights were hung along the short wall around the terrace. “It looks breathtaking dad. When did you do it?”

Timothy smiled at Benedict, “Well your mother and I saw the signs for a while now, so this has been my project. I was hoping you would use it to propose?” he asked. Benedict ran into the old man’s arms, hugging him tightly. “Thank you, it’s wonderful, exactly what I had in mind.” Tim held onto Benedict, savouring each minute, stepping away from Benedict he looked into his son’s eyes. “Now tell me, do you have a ring?” Benedict patted the pocket of his trousers, smiling to himself, “I’ve actually had it about two weeks after I met her. I knew she was the girl for me.” Benedict blushed turning away from his father, he looked out over the view of London his parents had, the busy city running past them, not realising that his life was about to change, in a good way of course. Timothy walked over to where Ben was standing, “Well I’m going to go see if your mother needs help, you should probably go get ready.”

***

Karen paced the corridor outside their shared bathroom. “Lisa how long do you need in there?” she yelled before continuing her pacing. “Give me five minutes; my hair doesn’t want to behave.” Lisa grumbled from inside the bathroom, huffing as she saw the stray curls falling across her forehead, giving up she turned to the door, opening it she nearly burst out in tears from frustration. Karen looked at her friend, quickly guiding Lisa to her room, she sat Lisa down on the small chair she had in a corner. “Now you sit and take a couple of deep breaths. I will be right back.” Running to the kitchen she poured Lisa a large mug of coffee, grimacing at the strong odour it gave. Reaching the room she placed the steaming mug in Lisa’s hands. “I don’t know how you can drink that vile stuff, give me tea or a good glass of wine any day.” She smiled down at Lisa, watching her savour every sip.  “Are you going to tell me what is getting you so worked up, you’ve met his parents a dozen times?” Lisa looked up at Karen, “I don’t know, he was acting strange this morning. Maybe it’s just in my mind, but what if he wants to break up with me.” The tears she was trying to hold back starting to run down her cheeks. Karen knelt in front of Lisa, pulling her close to her, letting her cry against her shoulder. “Hey, I’m sure Benedict will be man enough not to break up with you at his parents’ house. Now take a deep breath.” She said while holding Lisa at arm’s length. “Look at me,” she coaxed Lisa, “You are a wonderful woman, and Benedict can thank his lucky stars he broke your camera that day.” She watched Lisa give her a teary smile, “But what if I’m not good enough for him.”