flashback

It was December 2014, Joan and Sherlock had been a couple for approximately 8 months but Sherlock knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. They had previously spoken about marriage and it was an idea they both considered but they were enjoying their time in their bubble of happiness. Sherlock always wanted more, from the very first time they slept together and when he asked her to be his girlfriend, he displayed his feelings more openly than Joan which was different than usual but when it came to Joan he wanted to do everything to protect and love her for the rest of his life.

Sherlock knew how much Christmas meant to Joan and knew it would be the perfect opportunity to propose.

Joan knew Sherlock was not a Christmas person, from the bad experiences back in his childhood but this year was different, he helped her decorate the brownstone, their home, for the festive season and didn't complain once. Usually he would complain every other sentence and normally get annoyed at a case and rip them down but this year he helped her and was happy to see her happy. Decorating the tree was a task because she was little but she wanted to put the star on top, Sherlock knew exactly what to do; he pulled her towards him and put his hands around her waist,

"What are you doing?!" She laughed,

"Just hold onto the star and you'll find out" he replied. He hitched her up and she let out a small scream

"Sherlock!" She exclaimed,

"If you don't stop moving I am going to drop you" he replied in a more serious tone wanting her to be safe, he placed her carefully on his shoulders; one of her hands resting on his head.

"Now are you going to put the star on top or not?" He laughing holding her legs tight, she leant to the top of the tree and placed the star on top.

"Thank you" she whispered stroking his hair, he carefully managed to bring her down without harm and placed a small and delicate kiss on her forehead before placing her back on the floor.

The day had arrived, Christmas Eve. Sherlock had the entire day planned, he would make her breakfast in bed, then she would go on her morning jog which he knew lasted an hour and forty-five minutes just enough time to light as many candles as he could get his hands on and then sit and wait.

Joan kissed Sherlock before she left for her run, as the door shut behind her Sherlock began the task at hand. The entire study and library covered in lit candles, he turned off all the house lights and waited; Joan returned and Sherlock rose to his feet, the twinkle of candles and fairy lights amazed her.

"Sherlock?" She questioned.

"In here" he replied. She walked in and saw him stood amongst the flickering of the lights, "Come here" he said softly, she walked in front of him and he grabbed both of her hands with his. Sherlock took a deep breath and began speaking from his heart,

"Watson, our relationship is one of the purist, most beautiful things I have ever experienced. You have changed me in ways I have never thought I could change, you have made me a better man, you have allowed me to love." He paused as a tear rolled down her cheek, again he inhaled "I want to spend the rest of my life loving you, protecting you, caring for you through every battle we fight. So, Joan Watson" he released her hands, got down into one knee and reached into his pocket, he inhaled again "Will you marry me?" opening the box to reveal a beautiful diamond ring. Tears fell down Joan's face,

"Of course I will" she exclaimed and knelt in front of him, she kissed him more passionately than ever before. He slid the ring onto her finger and they wiped each other's tears away. Their foreheads resting on each other's

"I love you" said Joan,

"I love you more" replied Sherlock