Touch Him = Death

Ch. 23

"Mycroft is here!" Mrs. Hudson said walking into Sherlock's flat, followed closely by Mycroft. Everyone rose to greet the new member to our party. 

"Merry Christmas everyone," Mycroft greeted briskly. His eyes quickly swept the room and stopped when he found me, I quickly felt eye contact, but I could still feel his eyes boring into my head. I fidgeted slightly, which was kind of difficult considering I was sitting on Sherlock's lap, with his hand resting on my thigh. I still hadn't told Sherlock the news, I wasn't sure exactly what to say, and after explaining to Mycroft, he promised he would take care of it and tell Sherlock for me. 

"Well you know John, Addy, and Mrs. Hudson. That's Mary, John's current and probably forever partner," Sherlock said motioning to her and ignoring John's red cheeks. "That is Gerry Lestrade-" 

"Greg." he cut in. 

"Mmmm yes Greg," Sherlock said nodding his head and continuing." And that is Molly hooper, his, date..." 

Mycroft gave a simple nod then sat next to Greg on the couch. 

"Well then, now that everyone is here it is time for presents!" Mrs. Hudson said clapping her hands with excitement. Forgetting Mycroft, and my current dilemma, I jumped out of Sherlo9ck's lap and ran to the tree grabbing my presents from under the tree. I loved Christmas and had worked hard on everyone's present. 

For molly I bought two very colorful sweaters, and though they were not as crazy as her usual style she seemed to like them quite a lot considering she clutched them to her chest and squeezed me tight. For Greg I bought him vapor cigarette, I knew he was trying to quite and I thought it might help. He nodded and gave me a simple thank you. For Mary I bought her a new set of her favorite hair styling products. For Mrs. Hudson I bought a new tea pot. For Mycroft I bought him a gold fish, as a sort of joke. But he laughed or I guess it was a grunt, but close enough. For John I bought him a set of his favorite records, and I gave him a framed picture of me, him, and Sherlock. We were all laughing and having a fun time at some pub down the way. Mary snapped the picture and I loved it. Lastly for Sherlock I gave him his new scarf and told him about the Chemistry set, explaining to him it would arrive soon. Even though he might have already known what I got him, he did a good job at faking his surprise and seemed to genuinely like his presents. 

After everyone else had gifts, it was time for Sherlock to give me his. He stood up and made me sit in his chair. 

"Alright Alright everyone please quiet down," he said hushing everyone. "For Addy I have two very important gifts, First-" He paused and his play on the radio next to him. The beautiful, yet familiar sounds of violin flowed to my ears. " A song I composed for her called My Love." 

I smiled and closed my eyes listening intently to the beautiful cords. I didn't realize I was crying until Sherlok's hand was caressing my face wiping my tears away. I opened my eyes and Found him on one knee in front of me. I knitted my eyebrows together denying the first and most obvious idea that came into my mind. However, those ides were brought back to life quickly when He pulled a little black box out of his jacket. 

"Adeline, This might just be the hardest thing I will ever have to say so please bear with me." He started out looking at me. I only could nod to tell him to continue. "I know we have not known each other long, but that doesn't matter, because I know I love you.  There are very few people in this world that can stand me, even less that I can stand. We have spent almost every second together since we met, and I know that I am not tired of you, and that I never will be. I every thing about you, and I know all there is to know about you, so if you would do me the great pleasure of marrying me. I would be the happiest man in the world. Will you marry me Adeline Williams?" He asked cocking an eyebrow and giving me the most adorable look. 

The first thing that came to my mind was yes! The second was I love you too! The third... I have to leave him soon... I stood up quickly, and Sherlock copied my actions a second after. Tears were rushing down my face as I choked on sobs. 

"Adeline," Sherlock said grabbing my face, "Adleline whats the matter do you not love me?" 

"No no, I love you." I said shaking my head violently in his hands. 

"Then what is it are you, are you scared? Because we will be okay I love you and we can get through this." He said desperately. 

"No no no I love you and I want to marry you.,." I said looking at Mycroft as he made his way over towards us. "I just, I.. I need a moment." I said then I rushed past Sherlock and Mycroft and out the door, down the stairs and outside.  I felt like I couldn't breath. Marriage? I needed to say yes, I wish i could quit my job and just live with Sherlock and have a family and be happy, but that's not how life works when you have lived the life I lived. I heard the door shut and foot steps crouching the snow. 

I turned and ran into Sherlock's arms as he engulfed me into a tight hug. I took some breaths to calm myself then pulled away to look up at him. He smiled down at me, but his eyes were sad. I went on my tiptoes and wrapped my arms around his neck kissing him softly, but with passion. 

"I love you and I want to marry you, but.." I said looking down.  His hand went under my chin and lifted my face up so I looked him in the eyes. 

"I know Mycroft told me. But Addy I don't understand. Why can't you work for the minister and still marry me?" He ask looking confused.

"My job is very high maintenance, and stressful, and I would have to move, and I would not be able to spend near as much time with you. Compared to our usual life style that doesn't seem like a good idea." I whispered trying to not cry again. 

"Oh Addy. I want to marry you, and no god forsaken job is going to stop me. So what if you move, I will still see you as much as you can see me, and when I don't see you I can solve cases and go to my mind palace so that our number of meetings do not seem much less than normal. You love me right?"  I nodded yes. "And I love you. So Adeline will you please just marry me?" 

"Yes!" I shouted hugging him tight. He pulled the box out of his pocket and pulled the ring out slipping it on my finger. He pulled me into a kiss then picked me up and spun me around. 

"I love you" I whispered. 

"I love you too." He whispered back.