Would You Do Me The Honour?
Rating:R for some adult situations.B/C mainly.
Author:suzyh
Disclaimer:Don't own them,blah blah.Annie is still mine.



Claire gazed at her glass of wine. Bobby was late. Again. This was the fifth time this week. Of course, the fact that the Official had found out about them hadn't helped the situation. Claire closed her eyes at the memory of that awful confrontation.

"This cannot continue, Hobbes, you know the rule about company pier and fishing."

"Screw that rule."

"Hobbes, one more word..."

"Excuse me, but don't I have some say?"

"No, doctor, you don't. May I remind you where you were caught?"

"I don't see how that makes any difference."

" Doctor, having sex on my desk in the middle of the night makes a difference."

The argument had raged for a good hour. Finally, after tears from Claire and Bobby threatening to walk out, the Official relented. Claire hadn't talked to Bobby for two days after that. Him and his silly dares. He was the one who had challenged her to find the most insane place. How was she to have known that Eberts was working late? To make matters worse, Darien and Annie had laughed their ass off when they heard. So much for their support.

Her wine was getting warm. She gave Pavlov a halfhearted pat and curled up on her couch. He had five more minutes then she was going to bed. She heard Golda's distinctive engine shut off. Bobby's key rattled in the door. The door opened and Bobby breezed in. 

"Hey, sweetheart."

"Don't hey me!"

"Oh, okay, I know I'm late but I can explain."

"Don't bother. I'm tired and quite frankly, I've heard all your excuses."

"But, Claire..."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Bobby. Goodnight." Claire swept up the stairs and Bobby heard the bedroom door slam. 

"Dammit!" Bobby debated going after her but decided against it. He walked sadly to the front door. He needed to talk to someone. Darien. Yes, Darien would listen.

Bobby stood at Darien's apartment door. He had knocked three times now. Deciding that this was an emergency, he picked the lock and went in. They were lying together, curled up as if they couldn't bear to not be in contact. Annie's head was on Darien's chest and her hair was splayed out like a fan. The sheet just about covered their modesty. Bobby gazed at them for a minute, even in sleep they looked happy. Ever since Annie had nearly been sold into slavery, she had practically moved in with his partner. Bobby cleared his throat. Cleared it again when he got no response. A single eye opened. Darien peeped at the man who stood before him.

"Bobby, what the hell are you doing?" Darien's voice was a whisper.

" I need to talk to you. Please?"

"Now?"

"'Fraid so."

Darien sighed. He wondered how he was going to move without disturbing Annie. Fortunately, this decision was made for him. Annie raised sleepy eyes to his face. He gestured with his head and she turned round. Her eyes widened when she saw who was standing there. Bobby looked uncomfortable under her gaze. 

"I thought you were seeing Claire?" Her soft voice broke the silence.

"Well, ummm we, umm.."

"Had a fight?" Once again, her perception impressed both men. Annie pulled the sheet up and prepared to listen. Bobby was soon sitting at the bottom of the bed relaying the earlier conversation.

"Bobby, for an smart man you really are dense aren't you." Annie snorted.

Bobby blinked. He'd not expected insults. Darien decided to take charge of the situation. 

"Do you remember what you said to me when Annie almost dumped me?"

"Of course. That was good advice." Bobby looked smug.

"So, stop whining at us and go tell my keeper that you love her."

"She knows that."

"Oh, for heavens sake." Annie rolled her eyes dramatically. "All Claire wants is to be your wife. She's been waiting for you to ask her for forever. Do yourself a favour and go and propose."

"Annie...This isin't helping." Darien tried to calm the situation.

"No, Darien. It needs to be said. Do you want Claire to dump you and go off and marry someone else?" Annie looked Bobby straight in the eye. Bobby's eyes darkened. If Annie hadn't been securely tucked up next to Darien she would have been in serious trouble. He was forced to agree with her though. Annie looked at him impatiently. "Well?"

"Of course I don't."

"Good. Neither do we." Annie crossed her arms and smiled.

Bobby dropped a kiss on her head and ruffled her hair. He saw Darien smile fondly at the woman next to him. Bobby sensed that maybe Annie would get a proposal of her own very soon.

"Annie, if we have kids the girl shall be named in your honour." Bobby announced.

"Are you still here?" Annie gestured towards the door. Bobby grinned, and made a swift exit. Annie turned back to Darien. "Those two need their heads banged together."


Pavlov barked, then licked the hand offered to him. Bobby silently moved up the stairs. Once in front of Claire's bedroom, he fingered the box in his pocket. Annie was right. Claire deserved a commitment. He watched her sleeping. His chest felt tight as he realized how much he loved her. Gently, he began to stroke her body. Soft fingers brushed her nipples, her navel and her thighs. Claire moaned softly in her sleep. Bobby increased the stroking until she was wide awake. Her eyes regarded him curiously. Bobby took a deep breath and started his speech.

"Claire. You know I love you. Sometimes I can't breathe when I look at you. I can't believe that you love me too. I have to shake myself sometimes to remind myself that this is real. Claire? Would you do me the honour of being my wife?"

Claire opened her mouth but no sound came out. She couldn't believe her ears. Bobby started to look concerned. Suddenly, she found all the words at once.

"Oh, God. Yes Bobby I'll marry you!! I love you so much." Bobby's arms were full of sobbing keeper as he dried her eyes. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.

"This was my grandma's ring. She said I should give it to someone I loved with all my heart. Will you wear it, Claire?"

Claire started crying for the second time that evening as she gazed at the beautiful diamond ring nestled against blue silk. She nodded and Bobby slipped it onto her finger and sighed. Claire shrugged off her nightgown and lay back on the bed. Bobby knew that he would never see anything more lovely than Claire at that moment. He quickly took off his clothes and covered the woman that he loved. All his fears and doubts flew away as Claire's arms held him tight. Bobby closed his eyes and submitted to her soft sweet kiss.



The end.