The Introduction

Mycroft Surprises James

James combed his hair, adjusted his suit and went to answer the door. A lovely couple stood at the door. James invited them in. So Mycroft's friend had brought a date. The food was delicious and the Russian conversation went well especially as the evening wore on and everyone relaxed. James got restless and started played footsies with Mycroft under the table just to tease him. He shot James a stern look and he stopped playing. After dessert and their guests had left Mycroft said "That went well. A very enjoyable evening."
They sat on the couch and snuggled excitably talking about the upcoming trip. "I selected some suits and dropped them at the tailors for adjustments. They should be ready Saturday afternoon. Everything will be packed and ready for our flight Sunday Morning for the flight to Moscow. The reservations are all arranged. The weather is lovely this time of year." Mycroft was afraid to move because James had dozed off on his lap. He would later carefully carry James up to bed.
Sunday morning came early and they were whisked off to the airport. James brought a carryon bag of puzzles in case he got bored. Usually Mycroft falls asleep on flights as James looked out the window. The earth below and the people and buildings looked like ants. Both enjoyed flying as they had done it often but this is the first time flying together. When the flight arrived the staff was there to take them to their hotel. Mycroft and James both went to sleep to help relax. Neither was hungry.
Monday morning came early as Mycroft had meetings all day. James double checked the times and dates for the seminars. They would start Tuesday morning. James decided to take a walk near the hotel and discovered a beautiful park nearby with benches, flowers and a pond. He sat down a while watching people walking by and catching bits of their conversations. He was surprised to see magpies in the park chattering away.
He strolled back to the hotel past a newspaper stand with some foreign language newspapers. He thought I may stop there later. Back at the hotel he scanned the internet quickly. James glanced at the lobby clock and knew Mycroft would return soon. Dinner reservations had been made at a good local restaurant, not a tourist trap, and James was looking forward to dining with Mycroft. Things would be better tomorrow for him and James was anticipating some intelligent conversation. Some of it would be in various languages also.
James looked up and saw Mycroft approaching. "That was a good start but busy" said Mycroft. Jim knew better than to ask Mycroft anything about business. "Let's go upstairs and freshen up before dinner. After they entered their hotel suite Mycroft hugged James and said "I am so happy you're here with me." They freshened up quickly and took a cab to the restaurant. The meal was delicious and the wine pleasant. Afterward they took a cab back to the hotel. but instead of going inside right away James walked with Mycroft over to the park where the magpies were. They were still there but much quieter. They walked slowly back to the hotel but didn't hold hands because public displays of affection are frowned upon. Back in their room they changed for bed and snuggled and kissed until they fell asleep. Both men were so tired making love did not even cross their minds.
Tuesday morning was hectic for them both. Mycroft had more meetings and James had several seminars. James came close to getting in a heated discussion with a maths professor but they both calmed down. They ate lunch separately but dined together at dinner time at a different restaurant that they walked to near the hotel. They walked to the park to see the magpies before going back to the hotel. This time there was no one there but them so they kissed this time. The magpies seemed to be watching and all started chattering at once like they were excited. They both laughed as they strolled back to the hotel. Being tired they snuggled and kissed till they fell asleep in each others arms. Wednesday was crazy. Mycroft had meetings and the seminar for that day sounded like a bunch of college kids ranting conspiracy theories. James just chuckled and sat back to listen but didn't contribute to the flying opinions.
Everyday when Mycroft returned they took a walk to see the magpies in the park. Mycroft knew that James nickname was magpie and thought maybe that was part of the fascination with them. He thought it cute enough to keep coming to see them. No one was around so they were able to snuggle a little on the bench. It was almost a thrill as if anyone had walked by they would have been shocked.
The daily meetings dragged on for Mycroft but James stayed busy going to a local museum, the planetarium and other places of interest. He was careful to be back in time to meet Mycroft at dinner time. Afterward they walked to the park to see the magpies. Neither felt the urge to get drunk or wander around as Mycroft was here for business. James stopped at an art supply store and purchased a sketch pad and drawing pencils and spent time sketching the local buildings and animals. Mycroft hadn't realized that James was quite an artist. Multitalented and handsome thought Mycroft. Later when they walked in the park James was sketching the magpies and also did a quick drawing of Mycroft. Mycroft was quite pleased with it.
The days flew by and all of Mycroft's meeting were finally over. This was their last full day together before they had to fly home. Mycroft and James walked to the park to see the magpies one last time. Mycroft sat on the bench like he was struggling to put something into words. He was fumbling in his pocket for something. It was there. Mycroft stood up in front of James who was still sitting on the bench and smiled down at his handsome face. As he stood there his knees were wobbly and he was shaky. He knelt down on one knee and touched the left hand of James and said, "Moy milyy Dzheyms, ty vyydesh' za menya za zamuzh ?
James looked up at Mycroft and said, "da." Mycroft stood up put the ring on his finger and hugged James. "You have made me so happy James. Thank you." Just then a flock of magpies landed on the bench chattering like they were happy and excited. Mycroft and James laughed and smiled at each other and kissed.
James got proposed to by a Holmes. The smart one. Mycroft. The one who finally understood how special James is. I guess it's fate.
Mycroft had come all the way to Moscow to propose to James in Russian because he wanted this moment to be unforgettable. I guess Mycroft is a closet romantic.
"My lovely James, will you marry me ? And James said yes.